1920-39 Record.doc
XXXXII, 1, 7 Jan. 1920
Page 1
Advertisements
S.M. Lane Saddler & Ironmonger
R. Urwin & Sons Eclipse Drapery Establishment
Glenister & Sams Burra Motor Garage
Eyes & Crowle Buick Agent, Commercial St
E.A. Mummery Dentist of The Parade Norwood, Every Friday at Pearce’s Building, Kooringa
R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer
F.H. Foote Agent for William Deane & Son, Stock & Station & Estate Agents etc.
W.E. Hodge Land, Estate & General Agent, Commercial St
Lord Bros. & Humphris Burra Hotel
Luke Day Grocer & Fruiterer
N.J. Tiddy Draper & Clothier, Aberdeen
P.E. Wilson Agent for F.A. Cleveland & Son, Monumental Masons, Adelaide
Page 2
Advertisements
Drew & Crewes Universal Providers
C.J. Pearce & Son Furniture & Wicker Emporium
W.C.F. Rule & P. Rule Aberdeen Smithy (Previously W. Rule)
G.C. Kuchenmeister Butcher, Kingston St. (Shop of the late Alex. Harris)
Boz Pearce Grocer & Fruiterer, Kooringa
Page 3
Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen
Pederson & Sons Shoe Store
Broderick’s Boot Shop next to R.D. Pascoe, Kooringa
SA Farmers’ Union Universal Providers
Edwin J. Harris The Corner Store, Market Square, General Storekeeper & Fruiterer
Page 4
Advertisements
G. Lawn & Co. Quality meat Store, Market Square
Charles Parks Agent for London & Lancashire Fire Insurance Co. Ltd.
Clark’s (Mrs Emilie Clark) Commercial Hotel
G.R. Robens Bon Accord Hotel
C.J. Pearce & Sons Agents for William Darby & Son, Memorials
William Toll & Sons Booborowie Butter Factory
Fred. M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen
R.H. Crump Boring contractor, Kooringa
Mrs T.A. Gregg Booborowie Hotel
Elder, Smith & Co. Stock Sales at Burra, Third Friday every month
Nurse M.A.L. Woollacott Maternity Home, Redruth
C. Laubman Of Laubman & Pank, Opticians, at Lord’s hotel
J. Laybourne-Smith Dentist at Lord’s Hotel, side entrance, Thursday, Friday & Saturday of first & third weeks each month
XXXXII, 1, 7 Jan. 1920, page 2
Advt. Boy Scout Concert Party from Adelaide at the Burra Institute 7 January, in aid of the local troop.
Advt. Burra Seaside Trip. Public Meeting called in the Council Chamber for 8 January.
Advt. AGM of the Burra Branch RSL.
Advt. AGM Burra Bowling Club & Ladies’ Croquet Club at Burra Institute.
Advt. G.C. Kuchenmeister Butcher, Kingston St in the shop late Alex Harris’s.
Advt. Burra Institute Monday 12 January Lester’s Perfect Pictures:
The Crisis written by Winston Churchill
Fatty’s Tin Type Tangle featuring Fatty Arbuckle.
2/- & 1/-
Christmas
Christmas Eve was wet in the morning and well into the afternoon and a heavy fall began at 6.30 p.m., but failed to deter the crowds in the streets. The fall totalled 86 points. Good business was done and the Burra Brass Band toured Kooringa & Aberdeen till dawn playing carols.
Christmas Day was fresh and spring-like and many young people left by the afternoon train for the city, leaving the town quiet for the week.
Friday & Saturday saw another 70 points fall and the Redruth Sunday School picnic was postponed to Monday. There were sports at Aberdeen on New Year’s Day.
The rains have been uneven, but widespread to the east varying from 66 points at Caroona through 180 at Baldina and 46 at Sturt Vale. But Old Koomooloo scored 4.63” and Koomooloo 3.50”.
Mr & Mrs R.T. Hitchcox and family were farewelled from the Kooringa Methodist Church on 28 December as they are leaving the town. Mr Hitchcox has been a local preacher and Sunday school teacher.
Aubrey Fuss, who has been at the Kooringa Post Office for the last five or six years, has been transferred to Darwin. He was a member of the Aberdeen Football Club.
Obituary. Henry Charles Hobbs, son of Mr & Mrs G.H. Hobbs of Booborowie, died in Burra Hospital on Monday of pneumonia aged 40. [Born at Rosewater 18 June 1878.]
Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes and family are on a trip around the world. They were in a boat that collided with another off the China coast, but all are well. [Actually after leaving Nagasaki: see paper of 24 March page 3.] [There is a 1⁄2-column letter on page 3.]
Mr & Mrs C.B. Warnes are in America.
XXXXII, 1, 7 Jan. 1920, page 3
Marriage. Miriam Stella (Nurse) Pearce, 4th daughter of Mr & Mrs Walter Pearce of Kooringa and
William Jenkin Davey elder son of Mrs E.L. Davey of Kooringa. His brother Harold Jenkin Davey was best man. [On 1 January 1920 at Kooringa Methodist Church.]
Obituary. Miss Ethel Hornhardt aged 27, sister of Mrs J. Herbert of Kooringa, and formerly of Burra, drowned in the sea on 26 December 1919 at Thirroul NSW. She had travelled in the company of Mr W. Pohlner of Hallett who was rescued by lifesavers at the same time. [Born at Wadnaminga 1 November 1891.]
Obituary. There was a memorial service at Hanson Church last Sunday for E.T. Humphrys aged 54.
[Elijah Thorn Humphrys born at Stony Gap 14 October 1865.]
I.J. Warnes’ letter describes his voyage along the coast of Queensland to Townsville and on to Thursday Island.
Burra Hospital. A Christmas treat for staff and patients is reported. It took the form of a Continental on Saturday 20 December. There was music, Chinese lanterns, a Christmas tree and the Burra Brass Band and Mr Nevin, a visitor, played the bagpipes. Mrs Winnall and Miss Sandland organised the event.
Cricket. At Booborowie on Saturday the match was drawn: Booborowie 222 & Kooringa 7 for 160.
Burra sporting & Athletic Club held its New Year’s Sports at the Showgrounds at Aberdeen (i.e. the race-course) and about 500 attended. The Burra Brass Band played. In the evening there was a good program of moving pictures. Results are printed. There were flat races and jumping events, but also tossing the caber, stepping the distance, boys jam tin race and sheaf-tossing.
Tennis. At Aberdeen on 20 December: Hallett 11-81 defeated Aberdeen 5-54.
A.J. McBride writes objecting to Council’s dispensing with Mr Wilks’ services, but giving Mr Davey £180. Was it fair for Mr Davey to seek £20 more p.a. for two days service a week and one evening a fortnight? He assumes that with the new position Mr Davey will give up his other agencies and secretaryships to concentrate on his new job.
Burra Town Council, Monday.
Council has refused to guarantee the sum requested for the visit of Captain Butler, as patriotic days have practically ceased to be held.
Cr Broderick moved that the Town Clerk write to Peterborough Council re the cost of tar-dressing roads and what tar is being used.
E.J. Davey has been appointed an Inspector under the Lights on Vehicles Act of 1919.
Burra Boy Scouts held their 5th Annual Camp at the Gorge from 26 to 28 December. It was a success despite the rain. I.J. Warnes provided a lorry and trailer for transport. [Details extend for c. 1⁄2 column.]
Bass Relief Fund stands at £59-7-1.
XXXXII, 1, 7 Jan. 1920, page 4
Rose Pearce writes to thank those who donated to Minda Home. (£11-8-3 + gifts in kind.)
XXXXII, 2, 14 Jan. 1920, page 2
Advt. Seaside Trip to Semaphore will be on Saturday 31 January. Adults 6/-, Children 2/9
Advt. Burra Institute 21 January. Miss Kate Howarcle Dramatic Co. featuring Fred McDonald & 18 players in Australia’s funniest comedy: Possum Paddock. 4/-, 3/- & 2/-.
Advt. A meeting is called of ladies interested in forming a croquet Club. M. Marston, convenor.
Advt. C.A. Lott, Carpenter & Builder etc. has now moved to opposite the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa.
Advt. Cab driver wanted. None but strict teetotaller need apply. Mrs Halls Sen. Kooringa.
Obituary. Jane Peak aged 80, relict of the late John Peak of Cross Roads died on 9 January at Commercial St, Burra. [See paper of 21 January 1920.]
Obituary. The wife and relatives of the late T.H. Prior thank all for their sympathy.
[Thomas Henry Prior born at Baldina 17 March 1880, died 13 December 1919.]
Heavy Rain has again fallen on the Eastern Country with 90 points at Woolgangi, 77 at Murkaby, 35 at Koomooloo and various figures down to 15 points at World’s End. None fell in Burra.
The Seaside Trip will be to Semaphore on 31 January. Mr R.L. Bromley, headmaster of Burra School, is the secretary. Trains leave Burra at 5 a.m. and 5.30 a.m. stopping at Hanson, Farrell’s Flat, Merilden & Manoora.
C. Rabbich was lucky to escape with a shaking and bruises when George Lawn & Co.’s butcher-cart capsized after the horse bolted on Wednesday pinning him beneath it.
The Bowling Green & the Croquet Lawn have made great progress and the green is now available for practice.
J.M. McBride celebrates his 89th birthday on 18 January. He is as busy as ever and makes almost weekly visits to Adelaide.
Burra Institute Annual Meeting was held on Monday. M. Pederson, the retiring President, took the chair. The Institute is about £4 overdrawn, which is a good result for a year in which the Delco system of electric lighting was installed for c. £270 and a new piano was bought for £134. J. Drew was elected President with E.J. Harris as Vice-President, C.D. Wilkinson as Treasurer and Mr Penrose as Honorary Secretary.
XXXXII, 2, 14 Jan. 1920, page 3
Burra Bowling Club. There is a 3⁄4-column report on progress in establishing the club. A meeting was held on Thursday and A.G. Gebhardt as the chairman of the working committee reported progress with the Secretary, Mr Chambers. Expenditure had been £724, including £153 for land. Of this £560 had been raised by debentures and a bank overdraft of £133. J.M. McBride was elected Patron with A.G. Gebhardt as President. W.H. Sandland and Dr Steele were elected Vice-Presidents. Hon. Secretary is R. Chambers and Mr Ruthven is Treasurer. The lawn is to be provided to the ladies for croquet, but if they cannot fully utilise it then it will become available for tennis. Mrs Marston is to convene a meeting for a croquet club.
Burra Rifle Club. 10 January saw a good day’s shooting. Herb L. Riggs won with 97 followed by Frank Riggs 95, but A.L. Kellock with 94 off scratch was clearly the best shot.
‘Hampton Court’. On 5 January Miss Bridgewood organised an evening entertainment for the girls at Redruth Reformatory and each girl received a gift. The girls have a new and becoming dress, which ‘in itself must have a reflexive influence’.
Tennis. At Aberdeen on 10 January: Aberdeen 63 games defeated Mt Bryan 36 games.
Obituary/Drowning. Last Friday evening Arnold Mensforth (21) a dentist for E.A. Mummery was drowned in the Mine Pool. He was swimming with W. March when he sank without giving any real cause for alarm until it was too late. The body was not recovered till 11.20 a.m. Saturday morning. He apparently suffered heart failure. He leaves a widow and one child.
[George Francis Arnold Mensforth born at Adelaide 21 August 1898.]
Bass Relief Fund stands at £73-11-1.
Edith R. Bubb (Matron of ‘Hampton Court’) writes a letter thanking all who generously donated Christmas cheer to the Reformatory as well as those who gave the appreciated entertainment on 5 January.
Cricket. At Terowie last Saturday: Kooringa District 112, North-Eastern Association 267.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mrs George Sampson Gladioli and agapanthus
Burra Cheer-up Soc. met Tpr W.H. Bell at the station on Thursday evening and E.W. Crewes greeted him on behalf of the local patriotic societies. He was driven to his home in Kooringa.
Just before the holidays Sgt A. Wahlert arrived on a midday train and so missed a similar reception.
Burra Institute report for 1919 revealed there were 5006 books in the library and a membership of 230, which is 30 down on the previous year, largely due to removals from the district. There were also choral classes. The commercial classes have been in recess for the year, but will resume if interest is shown.
The Burra Town Council Balance sheet for 1919 is printed.
The Boy Scout Concert Party is reviewed in 1⁄2 column.
XXXXII, 2, 14 Jan. 1920, page 4
Burra Institute AGM.
Books at 31 December numbered 5006.
Membership has fallen, mainly due to removals, from 260 to 230 – 24 double and 206 single.
31 December 1918 the Institute was in credit £14-6-2.
31 December 1919 it was in debit £8.
Considering the purchase of a new piano for £134-11-6 this is a good outcome.
The Choral Classes have done good work, though restricted by the demands of patriotic work, but a first class concert was given on 10 December by Institute Classes assisted by Adelaide artists.
The Delco lighting system installed in August 1918 has been a boon to all concerned. The cost of running at 7d a night or 3/6 a week plus 10/- a week for oversight is most economical. We hope to take up the question of alterations and enlargement of the hall in the coming year.
XXXXII, 3, 21 Jan. 1920, page 2
Advt. Charabanc Trip to Jamestown on Monday 26 January with Streicher Bros. to see Captain Butler & his aviation Stunts.
Advt. The Kia-ora Tennis Club will meet at the Cheer-up Room on Friday to wind up the club.
M. Marston, Hon. Sec.
Advt. For Sale. Six-roomed stone house, Millicent Hill, Redruth. All conveniences. Apply J. Allen, Kooringa. [Perhaps Millerton Hill?]
Notice. Glen G. Hawkes calls a meeting to re-form the Polo Club at the Burra Hotel 3 p.m. Friday.
Obituary. Elizabeth Bentley, relict of the late William Bentley, died at Redruth 18 January aged 74.
[Details next page.]
Carnival Day in Jamestown, 26 January.
‘For those who have not seen an aeroplane it is worth while travelling many miles to have a sight of Captain Butler in his wonderful stunts.’
Pte Lindsay Lafsky & Dvr Eric Vivian of Burra, who both enlisted at 18 in 1915, are due in Adelaide about 26 January on the Konigen Luise.
Sgt Colin Bruce’s Military Medal arrived last Monday.
Parents of Fallen Soldiers have recently received photographs of the graves of their sons as previously promised by the British Military Authorities.
XXXXII, 3, 21 Jan. 1920, page 3
London College of Music Exam Results for 1919.
Burra Bowling Club is now practising 6-7.30 p.m. weekdays and on Saturday. The ladies’ green is nearly ready for play.
Burra School has nearly a new staff, but for Miss Manser: Mr R.L. Bromley (Headmaster), Mrs Bromley, Miss Fridge, Messrs Adey & Ashton. Mr J. Biddle will continue as master of the High School.
L.R. Clarke delivered a load equal to 134 bags on Thursday on his new Shearer Table-top with a 10-horse team, to the Farmers’ Union Agent. He delivered 250 bags in two loads.
Richard Reed of Aberdeen celebrates his 83rd birthday and is the oldest resident of Burra. He was born in Cornwall in 1837 and migrated with his parents in 1847. His father worked at the Kapunda Mine for 12 months before coming to Burra.
E.C. Hammond has decided to begin tailoring in Burra, next to the Commercial Hotel from 28 January.
[Note that in the paper of 12 November E. Hilmer, late of AIF was said to be doing the same thing in the same place.]
Obituary. Jane Peak, aged 80 at death, was born at St Just in Cornwall on 20 October 1839 and came with her parents, Mr & Mrs Cocks, to Victoria aged c. 15. After about 12 months she visited Burra briefly and returned to Victoria to marry John Peak in 1856 at Fryer’s Creek. John Peak also came from St Just. After a few years residence in Bendigo where John Peak had a fairly successful gold mine, the couple came to Burra to visit relatives and John Peak bought land four miles west of Burra where he built a hotel. He carried on the hotel for 25 years, after which he farmed until failing health forced his retirement and he passed the property on to his two sons. Mr Peak died in December 1899. Eleven years ago Mrs Peak with two daughters and a son retired to Kooringa. Mrs Peak died exactly 21 years after her husband and was buried on the 21st anniversary of his funeral. There are four sons and one surviving daughter: John (Hanson), James & William (Cross Roads), Thomas (Kooringa) & Miss [Jane] Peak.
Miss [Elizabeth] Peak died suddenly on 19 November last. There are three grandchildren.
[Two other daughters died as infants and another, Mary Ann, married James Johns in 1908 and died in May 1909 shortly after giving birth to a son who also died.]
Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Bentley died suddenly on Sunday morning. She was born at Dunfirmline in Scotland [Dunfermline] in 1846. She arrived in SA with her parents Mr & Mrs James Bald in 1852. She married William Bentley in 1865. She was a staunch member of the Redruth Methodist Church and leaves four sons and seven daughters: T. Bentley (Gawler), Will. Bentley (Eudunda), Harry Bentley (Adelaide), James Bentley (Burra), Mrs Cruickshanks (Adelaide), Mrs H. Preece (Adelaide), Mrs A. Wallis (Aberdeen), Mrs J. Reed (Aberdeen), Mrs H. Tiver (Pt Wakefield), Miss T. Bentley (Aberdeen) & Miss A. Bentley (Aberdeen). There are several grandchildren.
Obituary. Mrs Richard Thomas of Quarry St died on Tuesday aged 81.
[Born Mary Jane Nankivell at Tavistock in England in 1838.]
Bass Relief Fund stands at £76-19-7.
A meeting on Thursday decided to hold a concert to aid the fund and the local band will be asked to give an open-air concert to support the fund.
Cricket. At Aberdeen Oval Kooringa 288 defeated the Squatters 158.
A. Robran top scored for Kooringa with 132.
The Cheer-up Soc. will soon be wound up. The fine collection of photographs of our soldiers will be donated to the Institute – apart from any photos the families wish to reclaim within the next seven days.
Burra Town Council: ordinary monthly meeting on Monday.
A letter from Peterborough Town Council re the cost of tar-dressing.
Cr Radford gave notice he would move for the tar-dressing of the road from the intersection of Young St and Morehead St to the Black Bridge in Aberdeen.
Burra Ladies’ Croquet Club has been formed. Miss Sandland has been elected Hon. Secretary & Treasurer and Mrs E. Bertram is Captain.
St Joseph’s School. Qualifying Certificates go to Dorothy M. Rowe, Rose A. Smyth, John B. Rowe and to Beryl T. Fegan.
XXXXII, 4, 28 Jan. 1920, page 2
Seaside Trip Special Trains to Semaphore
5.25 a.m. Burra passengers only: arriving at 9.15 a.m.
5.50 a.m. stopping at Hanson, Farrell’s Flat, Merilden & Manoora: arriving at 9.45 a.m.
Return. First train departs Semaphore 7.30 p.m.: arrives Burra 11.43 p.m.
Second train departs Semaphore 8.00 p.m.: arrives Burra 12.13 a.m.
At Semaphore Captain Butler will perform aviation stunts.
Obituary. Mary Jane Thomas, relict of the late Richard Thomas, died at Kooringa 20 January aged 81. Survived by two daughters: Mrs J. Snell of Broken Hill & Mrs Pressick of Kooringa. A colonist of 65 years. [Born Mary Jane Nankivell at Tavistock in England in 1838.]
Holiday entertainment, 26 January.
Aberdeen tennis tournament
Aberdeen cricket match
Kooringa Bowls Club
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School annual picnic at Sod Hut on the grounds of Mrs C. Sandland, for which I.J. Warnes provided lorries and trailers for transport.
Dr Steele’s collection of official war photographs has been on display in our window.
Polo Club. Half a dozen responded to the call to re-form the club: Messrs G.G. Hawkes, The Murray Brothers, A. Tennant, S. Bright & M.A. Radford. This being insufficient, re-establishment will be delayed while others are recruited, but some practice matches will be held (on the Show Grounds) in the hope of being ready for next season. (The first one on 14 February.)
XXXXII, 4, 28 Jan. 1920, page 3
Ladies Bowls and croquet began last Saturday and there was much activity from the men also.
Tennis. Last Friday the Kia-Ora Tennis Club met and voted to go into indefinite recess. Mrs Ashton presided. The properties belonging to the club will be lent to the Bowling Club. The secretary, Mrs Marston, took charge of the books and Mr Ashton of the net.
A tournament at the Aberdeen courts from the previous Monday is reported.
In the finals of the doubles P.J. Rule & L. Clode defeated M. Morton & M. Tiddy 6-5.
In the singles final F.M. Pearce defeated J.G. Tiddy 6-2.
Mr Richard Reed’s 83rd birthday was celebrated with a surprise party on 22 January.
Cricket. At Mt Bryan on Saturday: Kooringa 102 defeated Mt Bryan 57.
At Aberdeen on Monday Terowie 286 drew with Kooringa 5 for 126.
Bass Relief Fund now stands at £79-11-1.
Obituary. Mrs Richard Thomas died on Tuesday aged 81. She was born in Tavistock, England in 1838 and migrated with her parents, Mr & Mrs Philip Nankivell in the Nile in February 1855. They came to Burra where she married Richard Thomas in November 1856 and they had 12 children of whom two survive: Mrs Joseph Snell of Broken Hill and Mrs Pressick of Kooringa. There are 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Mr Thomas died eight years ago. She was for long a worker in the Bible Christian Church.
Pte C.W. Pens is returning on the transport ship Runic with his wife.
L-Cpl J. Halls MM & L-Cpl H.N. Tralaggan were welcomed at Mt Bryan on 23 January.
XXXXII, 4, 28 Jan. 1920, page 4
Poem. There is an interesting poem written almost entirely in WWI slang and headed ‘Wanted: an Interpreter’.
XXXXII, 5, 4 Feb. 1920, page 2
Advt. Bass Relief Fund Concert at Kooringa Rotunda 8 February. Burra Brass Band.
Advt. Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Festival on 8 February.
Advt. There is a list of 26 businesses agreeing to close their shops on Saturday 7 February for the Burra Cup.
Notice. Burra Town Council is selling New Military Blankets from the Defence Department.
All wool grey with blue stripe, 4 lb for 18/-
70% wool grey with red stripe for 13/-
See the Town Clerk
Obituary. Robson Urwin, father of J. Urwin of Kooringa died at Bowden on 27 January 1920 aged 60. The deceased had long business connections with Burra, first with his brother, Leonard, dating back over 30 years. They began in premises next to the Commercial Hotel and later occupied more commodious premises occupied for many years by Messrs J. & E. Hosking. He carried on business there under the supervision of a manager for some time. When his sons were able they took over the firm of R. Urwin & Sons and Mr J. Urwin has been in charge for many years. Messrs Robson Jun. and Harry Urwin run the Bowden branch. The deceased leaves a widow and three grandchildren.
XXXXII, 5, 4 Feb. 1920, page 3
Westbury Methodist Sunday School held a social evening for Miss Nieman prior to her marriage to Mr Roy Voumard.
Obituary. Mr R.M. Steele of North Adelaide died aged 75. He was the father of Dr D. McDonald Steele of Kooringa.
D. Trimmer of Messrs Elder, Smith & Co. has been transferred to Peterborough. He will be succeeded by Mr Rankine.
Soldiers’ Memorial. On Tuesday a meeting of the Executive of the Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Fund was held. A number of competitive designs were laid on the table. The number was reduced to four with a strong leaning towards one that was particularly striking and the most suitable architecturally for the site. Mr Crewes has been deputed to get fuller details from the designer. About £900 is in hand.
Seaside Trip to Semaphore. 1,300 persons availed themselves of the outing. The weather was perfect. Many availed themselves of a trip to the city while there. Bathing was popular and the stunts of Captain Butler in his aeroplane were much admired. The 7.30 train arrived on time, but the 8 p.m. train was overloaded and only reached Burra at 2 a.m.
Donors from Burra paid for Captain Butler’s display.
Burra Rifle Club. At the match on 24 January the best shots were F. Riggs 96 and J.A. Riggs 92.
Marriage. At St Mary’s Burra on 28 January.
Malcolm Stevenson, late Captain of the 3rd Light Horse and 2nd son of Mr & Mrs W.H. Stevenson of Fitzroy, Adelaide, married
Miss C. Mary (Mollie Sandland, 2nd daughter of the late John Chester & Mrs C. Sandland of Kooringa.
The reception was held in the parish hall.
Marriage. Mt Bryan East Methodist Church.
Miss Irene Ann Talbot, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs John Talbot of ‘Carola’ Hallett married
Walter Henry Garfield Price, 2nd son of Mr & Mrs Henry Price of Broken Hill.
Marriage. On 28 January at Hanson Methodist Church
Florence M.L. Przibilla of Farrell’s Flat married Samuel C. Broad of Bright.
Burra & District Horticulture
N.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ Peaches
J.L. Stewart of Aberdeen Tomatoes
Bass Relief Fund now stands at £82-0-7.
XXXXII, 5, 4 Feb. 1920, Supplement
The hard copy contains an extra page apparently as a literary supplement. This may have been usual, but has not generally been preserved in the hard copy and needs to be checked in the microfilm.
XXXXII, 6, 11 Feb. 1920, page 2
Claude Attrill sustained a broken leg and big toe and abrasions when his horse slipped at the Co-operative Store’s corner and fell on him on Thursday.
The Bass Relief Fund benefited from the Burra Brass Band concert in the rotunda on Sunday. They raised £8, which brings to £23 the sum they have raised for the fund in three concerts.
Mr Quin is now representing Mr Mummery as dentist throughout the north.
Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Festival services on Sunday.
Obituary. Will Phillips of Wodonga Victoria has died aged 51. He is a former Burra boy, the 3rd son of the late James and Ellen Phillips of Kooringa. He learnt his trade as a printer during the proprietorship of Sir F.W. Holder. His mother died on 13 November 1919. His sister Miss N. Phillips remains in Kooringa. [William Phillips born at Kooringa 14 December 1868.]
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School scholars and teachers presented Miss Nell Pearce with a travelling clock as a wedding present last Thursday.
Marriage. On 4 February at Westbury Methodist Church
Esther Gertrude Nieman married A.D. Roy Voumard.
Marriage. At George St Kooringa
Annie Herbert, youngest daughter of John & the late Louisa Herbert married
Gilbert Whitehorn of Brinkworth. (Mrs J. Goldworthy of Burra is a sister of the bridegroom.)
The Soldiers’ Aid Soc. met on 29 January and though little patriotic work is being done the group is loath to disband and intends to hold a fete for the Royal Institution for the Blind.
Clara Bartholomaeus is Secretary and A. Wallis is Treasurer.
Bass Relief Fund stands at £102-5-7.
XXXXII, 6, 11 Feb. 1920, page 3
Burra Town Council, ordinary fortnightly meeting
The motion of Cr Radford to tar dress the road to the bridge in Redruth was lost despite his pointing out there was only one piece of tar paving in Aberdeen and a large amount of it in Kooringa.
Local Board of Health
The inspector has condemned two houses as unfit for habitation.
Cr Kellaway said the creek at the rear of the Burra Hotel is unsanitary. Matter referred to the inspector.
Driver C. Simmons has been welcomed home to Mt Bryan East.
The Burra Cup was run on 7 February. The report extends for 21⁄3 columns. This year it was decided to increase the stakes from £150 in 1919 to £350. The course was improved with a rail all round it costing £80 (mostly paid for by donations). Everything was painted and the grass made to grow as never before. Nominations totalled 130 or an average of 26 per race plus 20 for the Welter and 30 for the Trials, or 184 in all. There were 144 acceptances. Thirty-five new stalls were erected. The prize money was increased to £375. The day’s weather was excellent and all was spick and span. At least 120 cars arrived. The Hon. J. Lewis had been attending Burra Races since 1858 and had never seen such a crowd, which was estimated at 4-5,000. The only unfortunate incident for the day was the fall of Third Degree in the Hurdles, resulting in a broken leg and he had to be shot. Over £4,000 was placed with the totalizator, but not nearly enough men were there to cope with the crowd and probably £1,000 was not placed as a consequence. The huge crowd created some shortages and inconveniences, but the meeting was a huge success. Excellent music was provided by the Burra Brass Band under Bandmaster Meadowcroft. Total gate money was £277-6-4. Entry fees and nominations made £165. The booth run by Mr C. Lee brought in £30, Race cards raised c. £20 and the Totalizator commission c. £300. A good profit should therefore result. The Burra Cup was run over 11⁄4 miles and was won by N. Krogdahl’s Dimitol ridden by Dally with W.A. Tennant’s Sheichen second and J. Cumming’s Malt Lass came third.
[Full results are printed.]
Burra Scouts met on 27 January to farewell Scout Harry Winnall who goes to Adelaide to continue his studies, as is P.L. Bartholomaeus.
XXXXII, 7, 18 Feb. 1920, page 2
Birth. On 7 February at ‘Fairview’ Emu Downs to Mr & Mrs H. Garrard a son: Glen Milton.
Marriage. Archibald S. Dearlove, 7th son of Mrs & the late William Dearlove of Ketchowla Station married Nell V. Pearce, 7th daughter of Mr & Mrs John Pearce of Leighton House, Kooringa.
Obituary. Fanny Cave, daughter of the late J.D. Cave of Burra and a long time Burra resident died at St Peters, Adelaide on Saturday 14 February. She was for many years the organist at St Mary’s Church.
[Born Frances Helen Cave at North Gumeracha 17 July 1856.]
Burra Bowling Club will be officially opened by S.J. Jacobs, President of the SA Bowling Association, next Saturday. No children will be admitted.
Weather. On Friday a rain storm dropped 34 points on Kooringa, but only 22 at the post office and 20 at Aberdeen. Princess Royal got over 2” and a big flood, while Sod Hut got only 65 points. Springbank, Leighton and places west of Burra got nothing. There was excessive heat from 10 to 17 February followed by the rain, after which the heat returned.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mr I.T. French (Aberdeen Police Station) Tomatoes
Frank Harris Duchess pears
Will Henderson, absent for almost five years on active service, is returning this month by the Friedrichsruhe.
Tpr Walter Lee, brother of Will Lee of Kooringa, is also returning this month. He and Will Henderson are believed to be the last two Burra Boys to return to Australia.
Redruth Methodist Church. A memorial window to the late H.H. Thomas of ‘The Pines’ was unveiled at the church last Sunday by Rev. D.B. Bridgwood. It features the risen Christ. The window is the work of Clarkson’s Ltd. At the Harvest Thanksgiving services Rev. D.B. Bridgwood and Rev. J.A.H. Andrews of Terowie officiated on 15 February.
Ironmine Methodist Church held Harvest Thanksgiving services on 8 February. In the afternoon the cantata Ruth the Gleaner was rendered.
Redruth Reformatory. The staff and girls of ‘Hampton Court’ were treated to a day at the Gorge on Saturday 14 February courtesy of I.J. Warnes who lent his motor lorry and trailer. After a drive of 13⁄4 hours they reached their destination.
Sam French had his left hand crushed at W. Thomas & Co.’s Roller Mill on Tuesday. One finger was broken.
Lieut. Harold Herbert RAN has been visiting his uncle, George Herbert of Kooringa. He is the son of Charles Herbert, late of Burra and Pt Pirie and now of Sydney.
H.A. Hunt writes seeking information about the extent to which the sound wave from the meteorite which hit Penshurst, Victoria on Christmas Day could be heard. It is known to be in excess of 270 miles.
XXXXII, 7, 18 Feb. 1920, page 3
J.G. Sara has just returned from Perth by rail. There are references in the article to R.S. Sampson, who began his journalistic life with the Burra Record in the 1890s and to A.E. Sampson, a cyclist of the 1890s in Burra.
Edith R. Bubb writes thanking those who made the picnic of the ‘Hampton Court’ girls at the Gorge possible.
A Member of the Burra Peace Committee writes to complain that the Executive Committee of the Burra Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial seems to have decided on a design without the promised reference to the Peace Committee.
Marriage. There is a further 1⁄2-page of detail on the Pearce-Dearlove wedding.
The Bass Relief Fund has reached £108-12-7.
Burra Town Council
The price of Post Office boxes in Kooringa has been reduced from £1 to 10/- p.a.
The Town Clerk is directed to draft a by-law prohibiting more than one person from riding on a motor-cycle within the boundaries of the Corporation.
Cr Broderick said there were 17-18 lights to be attended to and he thought too much time was allowed for it. A man was allowed 4 hours off every time he lit the lamps.
The inspector said it took a good bit of time to light them and it was unpleasant, especially in winter. It was hard to get someone to do the job at all and he did not think they would get a man to do it after his regular work.
Local Board of Health.
Mr Davey has resigned as Cattle Inspector. Accepted.
The Central Board is to be advised that the Corporation had no Cattle Inspector or any intention of appointing one.
The Burra Institute Committee Meeting 9 February
It was resolved that all gas fittings be removed.
Choral Classes will continue on the same terms as last year.
The librarian’s salary is to be increased to £12-10-0 a month.
The committee has asked Frank Harris to make a collection of patriotic buttons for display.
The Hall Committee will consider the matter of alterations to the hall.
Thomas A. Lafsky (13) of Kooringa has won the Record competition for an essay on the trip to Semaphore. The second prize went to Lindsay Thomas (11) and third to Mary Morrison (11).
The three winning essays are printed.
Tennis. At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday: Aberdeen 8-69 defeated Farrell’s Flat 6-57.
XXXXII, 7, 18 Feb. 1920, page 4
Burra Cheer-up Soc.
After a lapse of several weeks the usual trip was made to the station to greet Pte Lindsay Lafsky on 3 February. J. Drew made the speech and the Ladies Band played Home Sweet Home and the National Anthem.
On 6 February Pte Eric Vivian was greeted: the Ladies Band and E.W. Crewes doing the honours.
Pte C. Pens arrived on Wednesday last, but the society was not informed in time for a ceremony.
A presentation was made to Miss Nell Pearce, one of the band members, on the eve of her marriage.
XXXXII, 8, 25 Feb. 1920, page 2
Advt. The Cheer-up Soc. Final General Meeting and Social Evening in the Methodist Lecture Hall Wednesday 3 March. All returned soldiers are cordially invited.
Advt. Burra & District Soldiers’ Memorial Fund.
Advt. St Joseph’s Church. Confirmation by Rt Rev. J.H. Norton DD Bishop of Pt Augusta at St Joseph’s Church Kooringa, 29 February.
Advt. Leighton Hall Wednesday 3 March. Salvation Army Lantern Service and Supper.
Accident. On Tuesday evening a young bull attacked Mrs F. Duldig of World’s End and also Miss Duldig who tried to rescue her. Both were very badly bruised and shocked and Mrs Duldig has two broken ribs. The bull has since been shot.
Capt. & Mrs A.L. Killicoat arrived on the Megantic on Wednesday. Captain Killicoat has been absent from Australia for nine years. He is the 2nd son of the late P.L. Killicoat of Burra and Mrs Killicoat, now of St Peters. He undertook engineering at James Martin & Co. of Gawler and then at Broken Hill and finally at shipbuilding docks at Greenock in Scotland. He enlisted in Lovat’s Scouts and later served in the 1st Royal Scots and saw service in Mesopotamia and Egypt, rising from private to captain on the field. His friend Jock Hutchison whom he met at Broken Hill accompanied him to Scotland and was killed early in the war. Captain Killicoat recently married Hutchison’s sister and she returned to Australia with him. She is the daughter of a wealthy Scottish contractor.
Obituary. Mrs Willshire, wife of R.J. Willshire of the SAR died on Sunday 22 February at her residence in Aberdeen. [Possibly born Amelia Phillips 1865.]
Obituary. Clarence Humphrys of Messrs Lord Brothers & Humphrys of the Burra Hotel died as a result of pneumonia aged 39. He leaves a widow, nee Miss S. Lord, a daughter Gwen and a young son.
[Born Clarence Houston Humphris at Telowie 8 September 1878.]
Captain Loftes will fly his Sopwith-Dove on Saturday 6 March at the racecourse in an exhibition of spins, dives, loops etc. Passenger flights can be arranged. [But this did not eventuate because his plane was involved in a collision with a buggy! See the paper of 10 March 1920, page 2.]
Burra & District Horticultural Notes continue to concern themselves with who is growing the best tomatoes etc.
Mrs Harry Byles of Old Koomooloo Tomatoes
E.C. Sedgman of Aberdeen Tomatoes
R.D. Pascoe Tomatoes
A.G. Gebhardt of Mackerode Carrots
Jehu Lomman of Mt Bryan East Free stone peach
N.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ Pears
Mrs T.P. Halls Asters, roses and dahlias
E.J. Harris Dahlias
Mrs A.A. Jeffries of Mt Bryan Dahlias
Cricket. At Aberdeen: Robertstown 143 defeated Kooringa 112.
Bass Relief Fund reaches £113-6-1.
XXXXII, 8, 25 Feb. 1920, page 3
Burra Bowls Club. The green was opened last Saturday by S.J. Jacobs, President of the Sa Bowling Association. The Mayor, S.M. Lane, and acting Mayoress Mrs E.F. Marston and the President of the Club Mr A.G. Gebhardt attended along with other dignitaries. Bowls has taken on, especially with businessmen in the town. The game seems to have taken on quickly and is a major topic of local conversation. At 6 p.m. every evening people troop to the green. On the western side are two beautiful croquet lawns and the Burra Ladies’ Croquet Club is as established as the bowls club. Mr Gebhardt said he and Mr C.D. Wilkinson had contemplated a bowling club six years ago, but the war had broken out and the whole matter had been shelved, but as soon as it was over they set to work. A site was procured – then covered with ruins. 500 loads of stuff had to be taken away. He hoped soon that lights could be installed for night games. Mr Jacobs said there were now 22 city clubs and 13 in the country. Mrs E.F. Marston set up the first bowl with an excellent shot only a few inches from the kitty. Mrs E. Bertram hit the first ball for the croquet club. The results are printed in a report of just less than 1 column.
Burra Cheer-up Soc. has donated its piano to the RSL.
Burra Rifle Club 14 February. Best results were R.O. Robinson 87 from F. Riggs & J.E. Pearce on 81.
On 21 February R.O. Robinson on 99 was again best from V.A. Riggs 96 & F. Riggs 93.
Captain Butler Flying Fund. The flying exhibition at Semaphore on the picnic day cost £25. A list of subscribers is printed totalling £17-9-0 with promises bringing the total to £23-13-0.
Tennis on 21 February at Aberdeen: Aberdeen 9-72 defeated Kooringa 7-71.
J.E.H. Winnall writes, appalled at the decision of the Local Board of Health not to appoint an inspector of cattle, with the potential for the spread of TB, pleuro-pneumonia, etc. Surely, he says, this has not been thought through.
A.J. McBride writes on the same topic. At the start of the year Mr Wilks was discharged as inspector of cattle and the appointment of Mr Davey as combined Town Clerk and Inspector of Cattle has been refused by the Central Board, as he has not the qualifications. It is time the ratepayers petitioned the Central Board to enforce the appointment of an Inspector.
XXXXII, 8, 25 Feb. 1920, page 4
Prohibition. There is a report of an address by Rev. R.B.S. Hammond on the inevitability of the introduction of prohibition.
XXXXII, 9, 3 Mar. 1920, page 2
Advt. Patronise your local buyer of Hides, Skins and Tallow: R. Schuyler, late AIF, in Lane’s shop near the Railway Gate.
Advt. Bass Relief Fund Concert at Leighton Hall 10 March.
Advt. Presentation to E.W. Crewes on Wednesday 17 March at Burra Institute.
Burra & District Horticulture
E.J. Harris Dahlias
Miss M. McLaren Asters
Miss E. Geake Asters
Mrs W. West Almonds
Mr Edwin Harris has a magnificent display of dahlias in our window.
Accidents. Four horses fell on the asphalt surface in Market Square on Monday and though all drivers escaped unhurt the horses were not so fortunate.
XXXXII, 9, 3 Mar. 1920, page 3
‘Ratepayer’ complains of the lack of summer uniform for the letter carrier, resulting in his untidy appearance.
M.A. Radford responds to the letters re the cattle inspector. Meat is inspected by the Board’s inspector apart from the Inspector of Cattle. If a proper inspection of meat is required there will be the need for a proper abattoirs and a highly-paid inspector. In fact in the last 20 years 21⁄4 carcases, one head and one tongue have been condemned and it cost the Board £45 to defend the Inspector’s last carcase. But why do we suddenly have this situation when for years the Central Board has approved inspectors lacking officially recognised qualifications. Milk is periodically subjected to inspection and I cannot recall a case where the local inspector has condemned a cow.
‘Fairplay’ writes wondering why JEHW was content for the time he was a member of the Local Board of Health with an inspector lacking formal qualifications. The Central Board of Health inspects milking cows so he need have no fears there, backed up by an inspector under the Local Board of Health. AJM accuses the Local Board of making a mistake, but disease is not likely. Only one beast has been condemned for many years past – and that action must have cost the Board £50 in legal fees.
The two letters seem more a case of ‘the spleen in both cases being out of order’.
Cricket. At Aberdeen: Kooringa 227 defeated Mt Bryan 93. Mt Bryan was handicapped by having only 8 players.
Bass Relief Fund reaches £152-8-7.
Burra Town Council
Council next meeting is to adopt a by-law making it an offence to ride within the Corporation area behind the driver of a motor or push cycle.
On the motion of Cr Broderick it was decided to swing the electric lamp in Queen St in the centre of the road.
Cr Radford said the negotiations with Mr James Reed about supplying an electric light for the Exchange Corner and one for the telephone box were proceeding. The amount for the installation would be £25 and the Council would have to supply the poles. The cost seemed heavy, but in the long run electricity would be cheaper than carbide.
Cr Bartholomaeus said the Exchange Corner was dangerous and needed a good light and he would second the motion. [Presumably Cr Radford had moved one, but it is not reported.]
Cr Broderick said Victoria Park’s privies were bad. Resolved they be attended to.
Cr Broderick moved the Holder Garden be left in the hands of the Misses Pearce who had offered to attend to it. Carried.
Cr Kellaway moved that Council workers get half pay when sick and full pay only for accidents. Carried.
Local Board of Health
The Central Board of Health urges preparations for a recurrence of the influenza outbreak.
The central Board to be advised of the cancellation of the agreement re infectious cases by the Hospital Board.
St Joseph’s Catholic Church. On Saturday Rt Rev. J.H. Norton DD examined 42 candidates for confirmation. Mass was celebrated at 8 a.m. Sunday at which those to be confirmed received communion. Confirmation was conducted after the 10 a.m. mass.
Tennis. At Ironmine on 28 February: Ironmine 14-93 defeated Copperhouse 2-55.
XXXXII, 9, 3 Mar. 1920, page 4
Bass Relief Fund Concert of last Wednesday is reviewed. Ticket sales reached £20. J.M. McBride donated a model of a sailing ship to be auctioned. Chester Sandland bought it for £3-13-6, but handed it back to be re-sold and eventually it went to James Reed for £3: the total cost of bids being £10-15-6.
Slang. Half a column is devoted to WWI slang and vogue words.
XXXXII, 10, 10 Mar. 1920, page 2
Advt. Grand Concert by Moonta Male Voice Choir of 28 voices in Burra Institute 23 March.
Advt. Hallett Races Today. Concert and Dance in the evening.
Advt. Booborowie Races 13 March. Dance at Night. MOONLIGHT.
Advt. Hallett Sports on Easter Monday, 15 April. Concert & Ball at Night.
Lucy Chant of Redruth will be 84 on 13 March. She was born at Stokes in Somersetshire in 1836 and left for Australia in 1855, arriving in SA in July that year. She married the late Thomas Chant and they lived at Salisbury, Auburn and then Redruth. She has been a devoted member of Redruth Methodist Church since joining in 1861 and for 25 years has been a collector for Home Missions.
The Burra Mill. A large boiler destined for the mill passed through Kooringa yesterday drawn by ten horses. It was 27’ long.
E.M. Cox of Aberdeen lost a three-month-old black Pomeranian puppy last week. He offered a reward. On Thursday he found it at the bottom of a 115’ shaft on the property and managed to rescue it by lowering a cockatoo’s cage down. The dog was little the worse for its experience.
Obituary. Mr F. Bromley, well-known butcher, stock dealer and pastoralist died at Broken Hill last Wednesday. He had been a resident in Burra for some years before going to Broken Hill. He seldom missed the Burra Races and was down for those on the 7 February. He leaves a widow and son, Mr F.H. Bromley and several daughters – all but one married. [Born c. 1856]
[Probably the Frederick Edward Bromley born in Parklands Adelaide 25 July 1855.]
St Joseph’s School music results are printed.
Moonta Male Voice choir will perform at Burra on 23 March.
Mr Gilbert Harry, who has been at Drew & Crewes for the last two years, now goes to Adelaide to work. He has been secretary of the YMCA Red Triangle Fund and a member of the Kooringa Football Club.
Captain Loftes was unable to come to Burra on Saturday as advertised. At Marrabel on Thursday the crowd rushed the ground and a buggy collided with the aeroplane.
Burra & District Horticulture
E.J. Harris Dahlias
Mrs W.J.C. Ewins Russian sunflowers
Nurse Woollacott Black grapes
Weather. 64 points of rain fell here in the last week.
XXXXII, 10, 10 Mar. 1920, page 3
Edith R. Bubb thanks O. Walker for the gift of a croquet set for the ‘Hampton Court’ girls.
J.E.H. Winnall replies to M.A. Radford, but whereas the initial letter stuck to the issue the Radford response attributed spite and Mr Winnall’s reply now also descends to pettiness, despite denying any spite in his previous letter.
A.J. McBride also responds pointing out that the expensive court case in question could have been avoided and settled out of court.
Marriage. Kathleen Edith Oppermann, 2nd daughter of Mr W. and the late Mrs Oppermann of Redruth and Colin Robert Walker, 2nd son of Mr & Mrs A.J. Walker of Skipton, Ballarat.
Burra Cheer-up Soc. Final General Meeting. Methodist Lecture Hall on Wednesday last.
Vice-President John Drew took the chair. Also present were Mrs E.C. Bertram (President of the Soldiers’ Aid Soc.) and S.M. Lane (Vice-President of the Burra Branch of the RSL).
The AGM had been due in May 1919, but with soldiers arriving home continuously it had been postponed. The society’s work was now over after almost five years. After tonight the Executive Committee would continue on to control the money in hand in the Cheer-up Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. This would be devoted to any returned soldier needing assistance in the future. £285 had already been distributed to some of the badly wounded or disabled soldiers of Burra and District. The postponed meeting meant that two reports would be read. The last act of the society as a whole would be to help in a fair in aid of the Blind Institute later in the year. The society’s Union Jack was handed over to the RSL. Votes of thanks were accorded to all who took part and especially to E.W. Crewes (President), J. Drew (Vice-President), Miss B.E. (Trix) Pearce (Secretary), Ethel James (Assistant Secretary), Frank Harris (Treasurer), James Bentley (Bandmaster), John Pearce (for use of the Cheer-up room) and E.J. Harris (for use of crockery).
[The two reports are published later: the 4th Annual Report for the year ending 15 May 1919 appears on the 17 March and that for the period to 3 March 1920 appears on 7 April.]
Hedley McWater’s essay of the Children’s Trip to the Adelaide Industrial Exhibition of 1891 is printed. It was taken from a little paper published by Mr Wittber (Headmaster of Burra School) called Our Own.
Bass Relief Fund has reached £220-3-7.
XXXXII, 10, 10 Mar. 1920, page 4
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Committee: general meeting at the Burra Institute last Friday.
The mayor, S.M. Lane was in the chair. Mr Crewes read the report.
On 11 August 1919 Messrs Crewes and Winnall were appointed to meet delegates from the various District Councils to call for designs and prices and make the necessary arrangements and then to report to the General Committee, which they now do. The executive met on 28 August 1919 when the representatives were: E.W. Crewes (Presiding)
W.G. Hawkes (Apoinga DC)
J.H. Rogers (Hanson DC)
T. McWaters (Burra DC)
W.H. McWaters (World’s End)
G.E. Dane (Secretary)
It was resolved that the form of the memorial would be a monument in market Square. The base and pedestal were to be of marble or granite, surmounted by a bronze statue of an Australian Infantryman life-size. Space was to be allowed for the names of the fallen from the Burra Corporation, Burra DC, Hanson DC, Mt Bryan DC, Apoinga DC and Booborowie DC with each district to be kept distinct. A call would be made for competitive designs to cost not more than £2,000, with a prize of £10 to the selected designer. 12 designs were submitted. The Executive chose design number two by A.S. Tillett, subject to approval of the General Committee. The details of this design are:
Granite pedestal, column and cap
Figures of lions and soldier’s statue in bronze or marble
Basement of dressed granite with bronze tablets surmounted by a polished granite column to be capped by a carved capital and there to be four lions and a soldier’s statue. Height 38 feet.
Solid granite base 9 feet square
The height of the figure to be about 7 feet overall
Four steps of solid granite surrounding the base
The width of the memorial including the steps to be 17 feet
This will take about 12 months to complete at a cost not including inscribing the names of £2,695.
The inscriptions will add about £50
Substitution of marble for granite would save about £300
Omission of the bronze lions would save about £200
The Executive strongly favours granite and the inclusion of the lions. It is aware that the cost is about £700 over the estimate asked for, but it finds that the designs under £2,000 are not to be entertained.
The Executive believes that the sum can easily be raised. £938 has been raised with promises of an extra £501.
The Committee was committed to pay the £10-10-0 to Mr Tillett.
At the Executive meeting on 23 February they had resolved that this design be approved by the Executive and submitted to a general meeting.
Mr Broderick thought they should go ahead with an architect to draw plans and call tenders.
Dr Steele, as President of the RSL, said the ‘boys’ wanted the figure to be in the attitude known as ‘parry’ – the attitude in which so many had died. They did not want a stiff expressionless figure.
The Mayor thought they might save money by calling tenders and that their obligation to Mr Tillett extended only to £10-10-0.
(Tillett had at his own risk and cost brought along plans and specifications.)
Mr Hawkes wanted to lose the lions and save £250 and reduce the steps to three to save a further £75.
Dr Steele favoured a shorter column.
Mr Broderick thought all the designs should have been submitted to the General Committee.
Dr Steele felt that the memorial should not cost over £2,000 and that the next best design was from a returned soldier who had kept within the mark.
Mr Crewes said that the original Tillett design had been within the £2,000 limit and the Executive’s suggestions had pushed the cost up.
Finally Dr Steele moved the adoption of the design and Mr Broderick seconded.
Tillett said that if he did the work he would return the £10-10-0 prize. He strongly favoured granite as more durable and it did not need cleaning. He did not think the ‘parry’ position an improvement – his proposal was for a figure ‘at ease’.
Dr Steele said ‘the figure should show the striking characteristics of a digger . . . We do not want replicas of other statues’.
Tillett said tenders might get the work done £250 cheaper by ‘rough work on the granite’ – he would not reduce his estimate, which was a firm offer – a supervising architect would add £100. There would be no monument of the same class outside the city.
Dr Steele moved the figure be clean-shaven and an Australian infantryman dressed in fighting order.
It was resolved to lose the lions, reduce the steps to three and to make the column red granite on a grey base with the figure in bronze. The plans to be submitted to an architect for an opinion and cost estimate.
A deputation is to wait on the Town Council to discuss the site.
There was some discussion about lawns and fencing around the memorial.
The Mayor favoured an open area and Mr Davey said the cost of garden preparation would be high.
Mr Broderick asked if the Defence Department had promised the flanking field pieces in black and white.
Mr Crewes said he had two letters practically promising them.
[The report wanders somewhat between Mr Tillitt and Mr Tillett.]
XXXXII, 11, 17 Mar. 1920, page 2
Notice. Burra Cheer-up Society balance in hand at 31 May 1919: £293-17-1.
Advt. Burra Institute 22 March, Lecture by Lieut. Robertson on the Boy Scout Recruiting Scheme.
Advt. Easter Holiday Excursion by Streicher Bros. Three-day Tour to the Onkaparinga Races.
Advt. Burra Institute. The Pink and Black Ramblers Concert Party (of 11) including the After-the-War Sketch ‘The V.C.’. Dance to follow. 3/-, 2/- & 1/-
Advt. Burra Institute. First Aid Classes are offered. A.A. Davey, Librarian.
The All-Australian Peace Exhibition. This great exhibition will be held in the Exhibition Buildings, Adelaide from 26 March to 22 May. It is an exhibition of SA manufactures, arts and industries and includes a Carnival Park covering the whole of Jubilee Oval.
Burra & District Horticulture. At present there are fine dahlias from E.J. Harris, Mrs W.J.C. Ewins and Miss Rogers.
Joseph Harris is visiting Burra collecting money for the Barrier Distress Association, providing aid for distressed women and children in Broken Hill.
Obituary. Mrs Henry Collins died at ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan on 14 March aged 80.
[Born Jane Thomas in 1840.]
XXXXII, 11, 17 Mar. 1920, page 3
Hallett Race Picnic of 10 March is reported.
Bass Relief Fund benefited by £12 from a concert at Leighton Hall on Wednesday 10 March, which is reviewed.
Burra Cheer-up Soc. last Wednesday 10 March welcomed home Pte Will Henderson who enlisted in January 1915. The Ladies Band played Home Sweet Home and the welcoming speech was delivered by J. Drew standing in for E.W. Crewes who was too ill to attend. He was presented with a gold medal and was then driven home in James Reed’s motor. On Monday 15 March they assembled again to welcome home Sgt Walter R. Lee and Mrs Lee. He was one of the first twenty-three to enlist from Burra. We believe that Sgt Lee is the last Burra Boy to return to Australia, though Cpl Arthur Winders (MM with bars) is in Bedford Park Military Hospital and we hope one day to welcome him to Burra. He has been back for some time.
[He had been back in Australia since April 1919 and he did return on 27 August, but only to die on 1 September 1920. See the papers for 1 September and 8 September.]
Sgt Lee enlisted 21 August 1914 and was attached to the 3rd Light Horse. He was invalided to England in 1916 and has since been attached to the Motor Transport Coy. He was accompanied by his English wife and child. (‘Bobbie’)
Cricket. At Mt Bryan: Kooringa 86 defeated Mt Bryan 71.
Bass Relief Fund stands at £233-5-7.
Burra Racing Club met last Friday. The profit on the last meeting was £300 and the overdraft is now £158. The President anticipated prize money of £500 for 1921. Mr Hann as secretary was voted a £20 bonus in addition to his £20 salary and for next year the salary was fixed at £50.
Burra Bowling Club visited Kapunda and Kapunda 188 defeated Burra 68.
M.A. Radford replies to J.E.H. Winnall on the Local Board of Health issue and in it he gets as personal as Mr Winnall had in his letter.
Tennis. At Aberdeen on 13 March: Ironmine 6-49 defeated Aberdeen 5-48.
XXXXII, 11, 17 Mar. 1920, page 4
Burra Cheer-up Society, 4th Annual Report for the year ending 15 May 1919.
The presentation of this report was delayed by the continual arrival home or returning servicemen – sometimes four a week.
On 31 May we took charge of the afternoon tea on YMCA Day.
On 24 June we celebrated Violet Day in the presence of Brig.-Gen. J.K. Forsyth, supported by the Red Cross and Soldiers’ Aid Society. From money raised on Violet Day we sent £100 to the Adelaide Cheer-up Hut and via the League of Loyal Women we sent 100 Christmas boxes to the front.
In July we furnished a bedroom at the Soldiers’ Hostel in Adelaide and a large supply of books. We also sent £50 to the Salvation Army Trench Comforts Fund.
August 3 was Australia Day and we ran the Sweet & Cool Drinks stalls and raised a little over £67. In the same month we sent 50 Christmas boxes to nurses on active service and £27-10-0 to the men in the navy through the Men’s Tobacco Auxiliary Fund.
On 6 September we helped the Red Cross raise funds through a Paddy’s Market and again on 13 September with their general appeal in Adelaide when the band marched through the city. Here we bought a Union Jack on the Bugler system for £64, being the highest quota from the Burra Cheer-up Society and also took part in the War Tank Demonstration on Unley Oval.
On 10 October we aided the Burra Sporting and Athletic Club with luncheon and on 30 October at Navy Day in Burra we provided luncheon and afternoon tea and donated £25 to the day’s appeal and £20 to the Adelaide Cheer-up Hut as Anzacs were arriving home on furlough after four year’s service. The ladies Band combined with the Naval Band to provide music.
22 November at the RSA [i.e. RSL] Fete we ran the sweets stall and at America Day on 29 November we raised £8-11-6.
December 6th’s Gift Stall when we received gifts for the Adelaide Hut was not so very successful and only three cases of goods resulted.
In February we donated 12 good chairs for the RSL Club Rooms.
7 March was Preserve Gift Day and £50 worth of goods was sent to Aid the Adelaide Cheer-up Hut.
In the last 12 months 16 socials were held for soldiers and nurses and 76 soldiers and nurses received Cheer-up parcels, mostly at the socials.
Since May 1918 we have sent 121 pairs of socks, 7 scarves, 7 pairs of mittens, 2 balaclavas and 1 pair of knee pads to Lady Brown.
We have a wonderful gallery of photos of the nurses, soldiers and one sailor who enlisted from Burra and District.
The Burra Cheer-up Ladies Band under Bandmaster James Bentley has been busy and much sought after, assisting in all patriotic efforts in Burra and at many elsewhere. From 4 December 1918 to 15 May 1919 the band played on 36 evenings to greet soldiers at the railway station. (No accurate record exists for the period before 4 December 1918.) On 24 May 1918 the band played in Adelaide in aid of the YMCA. Pt Pirie was visited on 1-3 June1918 also to aid the YMCA and they played at Crystal Brook station on the way home. In July they played at Hallett. On 13 September 1918 they again played in Adelaide to aid the Red Cross in an impressive and unique procession where they marched immediately behind Lady Galway and the Committee. On 18 September 1918 they played at Clare for Australia Day. On 28 September they played at the opening of the Burra Boy Scouts Hall and also in September at the Burra Sporting and Athletic Club’s effort and they travelled to Mt Bryan in October.
They were present at about 9.30 p.m. when the Armistice was announced on 11 November 1918 and at the next morning’s thanksgiving service in Market Square before leaving that afternoon to play at the Women’s Demonstration of Welcome to the grand old French soldier General Pau* and his mission. Here they headed a big procession from the Hut to the Exhibition [Building]. They then travelled north on the same train as the General and farewelled him with The Marseillaise on the Burra platform. On 16 November they visited Leighton and on the 20th went to Mintaro. Invitations to a host of SA country towns had to be declined as well as some to Adelaide.
Thanks go to Walter Pearce for driving the girls to the station so often, to J. Pearce for use of the Cheer-up Room, to E.J. Harris for the loan of crockery and to all those who drove cars for the convenience of returning soldiers and to E.F. Marston for space in the Record to report the society’s activities.
[*General Paul Marie César Gérald Pau was born in 1848 and had lost one arm in action before WWI. He was a veteran of the Franco-Prussian War. Early in the war he commanded French forces at Montpellier and then in Upper Alsace along the Vosges and on the Meurthe.]
XXXXII, 12, 24 Mar. 1920, page 2
Obituary. Mary Tralaggan aged 78 and relict of the late Henry Tralaggan of Mt Bryan died at Redruth on Thursday. She was the eldest daughter of Mr Stephen Montgomery of Aberdeen and was born in June 1841. In August 1863 she married Henry Tralaggan of Mt Bryan. They retired to Redruth 11 years ago and Mr Tralaggan died 23 September 1919. She is survived by: Fred & Isaac Tralaggan of Mt Bryan, Mrs James Bass & Mrs E. Bell of Hallett and Mrs J. Causby of Gawler as well as several grandchildren.
[Born at Walkerville 1 June 1841.]
Marriage. On 20 March at the Methodist Parsonage, Aberdeen.
Miss Olga C.F. Black married Mr Victor H. Wood, both of Aberdeen.
Boy Scouts. A meeting on Monday at the Institute heard of a plan to endow the scouting movement in SA with £10,000.
Burra & District Horticulture: two more dahlia enthusiasts have appeared in Mr O.G. Walker and Mr J. Pascoe.
Soldiers’ Aid Soc. has decided to give £20 monthly for five months to the Red Cross Produce Depot to aid the needs of patients at Keswick and at Lady Galway Club House at Henley Beach. The society continues to meet fortnightly and at the last meeting on 11 March had 23 present.
Bass Relief Fund stands at £235-0-7.
XXXXII, 12, 24 Mar. 1920, page 3
Farrell’s Flat Sports are reported in c. 1⁄2 column.
Mt Bryan Sports are reported in c. 1⁄2 column.
I.J. Warnes writes a letter extending for just over 1⁄2 column on his world trip and dated 29 December from Kobe Japan. He reports how his ship was holed in a collision with another after leaving Nagasaki on 25 December. Early the next morning they were told to prepare to abandon ship, but eventually it was beached at Karatsu. After a day and a night they left by train for Kobe.
Tennis. At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 9-70 defeated Aberdeen 5-52.
Burra Town Council, 15 March.
Council decided it could not help in the Boy Scouts’ attempt to raise a £10,000 endowment fund.
A deputation waited on Council about the Soldiers’ Memorial. They reported the decision of the General Committee and asked for a position in Market Square. The centre of the base to be in a direct line from the southwest corner of Lord’s kerbstone in a direct line to the Record window and 48 feet northwest of the rotunda fence. They asked that 12’6” north of the northern line of the base and 6’ on the east and west sides be set aside for possible future beautification. The memorial would be protected by four granite posts connected by chains and the King Edward Memorial [Rotunda] would not be affected.
The Mayor said Council would have to consider the matter carefully.
Council will inspect the site on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Cr Radford moved that the fence between the Bowling Green and the Depot be protected from the horses.
Cr Broderick considered the Council needed a more efficient way of spreading tar. Particulars of a proposed machine will be obtained.
Local Board of Health
The mayor drew attention to the state of the hospital ambulance. The military authorities will be approached concerning the availability of a motor ambulance at a reasonable cost.
XXXXII, 12, 24 Mar. 1920, page 4
Presentation to Ex-Mayor E.W. Crewes at Burra Institute last Wednesday.
The Boy Scouts provided a Guard of Honour and Mayor, S.M. Lane took the chair.
The mayor said they were assembled to recognise the effort of Mr Crewes during the war years, which represented five years of hard work. Mr Crewes had been Mayor during the Boer War and through the Great War. The illuminated address by Mr Hann was a real work of art. It noted E.W. Crewes’ presidency of the Burra Cheer-up Society, Australia Day Committee, All-British League, Soldiers’ Aid Society, Wounded Soldiers’ Fund, The Ladies Band, War & Peace Loan Committees, Peace Day Celebrations and the Repatriation Fund. Under his fervour Burra & District contributed over £60,000 to the various War Funds and saw over 600 men enlist. The document listed the war effort for the district: 600 men enlisted along with 13 nurses, 4 clergy & 2 doctors. 78 were killed. £89,000 had been raised for War Loans and £60,000 places in Patriotic Funds. £1,900 had been raised for the War Memorial.
As well as the address Mr Lane presented Mr Crewes with a solid silver tray suitably engraved and weighing 111 oz.
W.G. Hawkes spoke in support expressing amazement at the energy displayed by the ex-Mayor, his ability and his unfailing enthusiasm. He also took the opportunity to commend Rev. D.B. Bridgwood who was leaving Burra.
Dr Steele spoke as President of the local RSL Sub-Branch and Rev. D.B. Bridgwood also spoke in support.
Cr Radford said Mr Crewes had done all his war work without neglecting the normal duties of the Mayoralty. Rev. G.K. Haslam, John Drew, Capt. Hammatt (Salvation Army), Mr Treloar & E.J. Davey all spoke in support.
Mr Crewes replied saying he had but done his duty. He had been accused of spending too much on flags, but it was an inspiration to all – standing for ‘freedom truth and righteousness’. Peace Day, when nearly £2,000 had been contributed to the memorial for the fallen was a proud day for him. He had been about 165 times to welcome boys home at the station, but the Ladies Band had done more. He had seen members trudging there in the rain with their instruments, but they kept their ‘heart and soul in the business and saw it through’.
The Cheer-up Band played in the evening.
XXXXII, 13, 31 Mar. 1920, page 2
Advt. Liberal Union Social & Dance at Burra Institute 7 April.
An address will be given by Hon. H.M. Barwell, Attorney General, supported by Messrs G.F. Jenkins MP (Member for the District), J.M. McDonald (General President of the Liberal Union) and W.B. Page (General secretary of the Liberal Union).
Obituary. Claude Healey, 6th son of J. & L. Healey, died 22 March in Adelaide Hospital aged 19. Last year he was employed with his brother in erecting the SA Farmers’ Union Building in Kooringa and while in Burra both of them played football for Kooringa. [Born 6 August 1900 at Norwood.]
Obituary. Dorothy Olive Parker, infant daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. Parker of Kooringa died 20 March at Broken Hill Hospital. [Born at Kooringa 4 April 1919.]
Obituary. Fanny Elizabeth Gray nee Tohl, wife of the late J.R. Gray died 26 March aged 45. She was the mother of Nellie Gray of Redruth, J.R. Gray (late AIF) & William Gray.
[Born in the Hanson District 26 August 1875.]
Burra & District Horticulture. N.H. Pearse has some Vicar of Wakefield pears and Mrs Os. Walker and E.J. Harris have dahlias.
E.R. Scott of Eyes & Crowle’s garage has decided to go on the land. ‘Rub’ has been the Hon. Secretary of the local RSL and is a member of the Institute Choral Class and the Methodist Choir.
E.W. Crewes who has lately been ill is leaving on a 10-week trip to include Darwin, Java, Singapore & Batavia. He is sailing in the Wandilla.
Wilfred Geake, son of William Geake of Kooringa, has been transferred from Mt Barker to Burra as telegraph operator.
XXXXII, 13, 31 Mar. 1920, page 3
Marriage. St Peter’s cathedral 9 March
Molly, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Waldemar G. Hawkes of Koonoona married
Charles Gordon Law Smith, youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs Richard Smith of Woodlands, Glenelg.
Burra Football Association met in J. Allen’s rooms on Thursday. The Secretary J. Allen read the balance sheet, which shows the association started with a credit of £8-2-5 and ended last season in credit £17-1-10. The secretary was voted a bonus of £5-5-0. Mr Broderick was elected President. Mr Allen was elected Secretary on the understanding that he could also be Secretary of the Kooringa Club. Mt Bryan wrote to continue in the Association, but Hallett having lost 4 or 5 of their best men, will withdraw. Farrell’s Flat wrote asking for admission. Hallett will not be allowed to re-enter the association until it pays an outstanding umpire’s fee of £1-1-0. The association will now comprise Mt Bryan, Aberdeen, Kooringa & Farrell’s Flat. J. McLaren was elected Treasurer.
Kooringa Football Club met at J. Allen’s rooms on Wednesday 24 March when 38 members were present. The balance sheet to September 1919 showed a debit of £3-13-0. P. Clark was elected Patron, Les Burt is Captain, Les Kellaway is Vice-Captain, Trainers are Messrs R.J. Hill, G. Lawn, L. & J. Kellaway. Colours are red stockings and blue jersey. [The name of the President was omitted and corrected in the paper of 7 April: W.R. Chambers.]
Cricket. On Saturday Kooringa 5 for 218 declared Booborowie 8 for 115.
The Moonta Male Voice choir is reviewed. There was a good attendance on Tuesday evening and they paid rapt attention. It was an excellent evening’s entertainment.
Bass Relief Fund stands at £237-12-7.
Lindsay Kemble. [An article reprinted from the magazine The Graphic of Australia (Melbourne)]
Lindsay Kemble was born in Burra and served over four years in the trenches. He is appearing as the ‘leading lady’ in Mademoiselle Mimi at the Playhouse. In 1914 he won a bet that he could not dress as a girl for six months on end. He eventually got himself arrested by a policeman and the publicity led to an engagement at the King’s Theatre in Adelaide. He enlisted in 1915 aged nearly 18 and served in France, being gassed a bit and buried once. He joined The Sentimental Blokes organised by Lieut. Douglas Walsh of the 10th Battalion and when the boys were out of the line they gave three shows a day. Performances were close enough to the line to be shelled and at Christmas the whole show was gassed and Lieut. Walsh was killed. The article goes on for 2⁄3 column giving anecdotes of performances etc.
XXXXII, 13, 31 Mar. 1920, page 4
Aberdeen Football Club. On Friday 19 March Mr J.H. Gallagher, President of the Aberdeen Football Club entertained fully 100 guests at the Royal exchange Hotel, catered for by R. Hales and staff. Mr C. A. Fuss took the chair. Such a dinner had been promised for some time, but it had been delayed. The invitation was extended to all the district’s footballers. Some expressed the feeling that Mt Bryan and Hallett would be best with a united team. Toasts and comments are reported in almost 11⁄2 columns.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union Annual Convention of the Central District was held at Brinkworth on 17 March and is reported.
XXXXII, 14, 7 Apr. 1920, page 2
Obituary. The Premier of SA, the Hon. A.H. Peake died on 6 April.
Notice. Burra Cheer-up Society Balance sheet to 1 March 1920 showing balance in bank £125-15-6.
Advt. Grand Scout Concert in Burra Institute Thursday 15 April.
Choruses, sketches, signalling, ambulance displays, songs, gymnastics, tumbling etc. ending with the side-splitting farce Granny Maggs.
Liberal Union (Burra) Social & Dance has been postponed owing to the death of the Premier.
[The Hon. A.W. Peake.]
Salvation Army. Friday 9 April will be a button and house badge day under Captain Hammatt. SA is raising money for social work generally, but two thirds of the £1,500 being sought is to go to a girls’ hostel in Adelaide to provide cheap board for those on small salaries.
Burra School. Only three parents attended the annual meeting to appoint a school committee.
Football. W.R. Chambers was last week appointed President of the Kooringa Football Club.
A Kitchen Evening was held at Leighton Hall on 20 March for Milly Scholz, 3rd daughter of Mr & Mrs F.G. Scholz of Braefoot who is to marry Mr G.D. Jenkins of Peterborough. Dancing and a splendid supper followed the formal part of the meeting.
Sgt W.R. Lee was accorded a reception at Mr & Mrs George Finch’s at ‘Fairview’ World’s End. Nearly 200 attended. He is thought to be the last local boy to return from service, having been away 51⁄2 years.
XXXXII, 14, 7 Apr. 1920, page 3
Advt. To let for a term of 61⁄2 years: the residence of the late W. West. 8 rooms, orchard and three paddocks with or without the right to purchase. E.A. West, Aberdeen.
Cricket. Easter Saturday on the Show Ground: Kooringa 163 defeated Mt Bryan 50.
At Robertstown on 2 April: Kooringa 323 drew with Robertstown 7 for 112.
For Kooringa A. Tennant made 146.
Rev. D.B. Bridgwood was farewelled last Thursday at Jubilee Hall. After four years in the Redruth circuit he is about to go to Gumeracha. J.G. Sara presided. Mr Dunhill as Superintendent of the Sunday school spoke in particular of Mr Bridgwood’s work. R. Fuss spoke on behalf of the choir, thanking Rev. Bridgwood for his support of the choir as a means of bringing people into the church. Cr Radford spoke on behalf of the citizens of Burra and with respect to the Bridgwoods’ patriotic work and their support for Mr Crewes during the war years. Rev. G.K. Haslam spoke for the Kooringa circuit and W. Woollacott for local preachers and Mr Tiddy for church officers. Mrs H.H. Thomas then presented a wallet containing 21 notes. Rev. Bridgwood said this was his 19th removal and the next would be his last. He thanked everyone for their good wishes and was glad to see the ‘Hampton Court’ girls were present. He was especially thankful for Mr James Reed’s presentation of £1,000 towards a new Sunday school and he wished he was in better health and so more equal to the occasion.
Miss Bubb expressed her deep gratitude for the Bridgwoods’ many acts of kindness and visits to Hampton Court School. Mr & Mrs George Hann represented St Mary’s.
Bass Relief Fund is unchanged at £237-12-7, but Mr W. Byles of Ironmine has donated 10 bags of chaff for Mrs Bass’s two cows.
XXXXII, 14, 7 Apr. 1920, page 4
Edith Bubb writes to thank Rev. Durnford, late of Burra and the AIF for five new books for the Hampton Court Library and also the Institute for old magazines etc. Miss O’Brien of Aberdeen is thanked for a case of black and white grapes. The Hampton Court School now has over 100 books.
Burra Cheer-up Society: Report from 5 May 1919 to 3 March 1920.
Though not 12 months, our work has practically ceased with the return of our boys.
There were few socials in this period, as our soldiers have been returning in large batches very frequently. We felt the welcome at the station more important than socials. Since May 1919 we have met at the station on 55 occasions to welcome returning heroes and we regret that a few were not met due to relatives or friends not informing us.
On 4 July 1919 a big effort was made on Violet Day to raise money for gold brooches for nurses and medals for soldiers who enlisted from Burra and District and the day was a great success. Special buttons were designed and sold and other attractions arranged. The memorial service was held at the Rotunda, which was decorated with wreathes by relatives and friends of our fallen heroes. E.W. Crewes and W.G. Hawkes spoke and the Ladies Band provided music – being able this time to parade with a large number of returned soldiers. A beautiful bunch of Violets was successfully auctioned. In July also a donation of £25 was made to the Local Memorial Fund.
On 29 August a button day was held with the Red Cross in aid of the State Boys’ Memorial Hall appeal.
On 3 October we assisted the Salvation Army with afternoon tea and supper and on 29 October we were instrumental in arranging what proved to be a most successful banquet at the Institute in honour of our returned nurses, soldiers and sailors and all visiting soldiers were invited. Over 100 of our men marched into the hall and took their places at the various tables arranged for them. It was estimated 400-500 were entertained that day. In the evening the very pretty Cheer-up medals designed and made by Messrs Stevenson Bros. of Adelaide were presented by the President, E.W. Crewes assisted by Vice-President J. Drew. Where possible medals for absent and deceased soldiers were presented to relatives.
Navy Day was celebrated on 14 November and afternoon tea was provided in the Cheer-up Room.
In the last few months we have presented cheques to the value of £20 each to 14 of our heroes who have been wounded or disabled through sickness and have quietly assisted others.
In December we asked the Institute to take charge of our collection of photographs to be hung in that building. We have presented the local RSL with the Cheer-up piano and also with a framed enlargement of the Cheer-up Ladies Band. The cheer-up Room is now abandoned and we thank J. Pearce for the free use of it for nearly five years.
The Band has found it impossible to accept the invitations to perform in many places this year. It did visit Adelaide on 20 June for Violet Day there. At the last minute they filled in for the Military & Naval Bands, which were to perform at the Memorial service, but were unable to attend. In the afternoon girls of the Ladies Band were invested with their service stripes by Brig.-Gen. C.B. Antill. G.E. Dane from the Committee of the Society responded on behalf of the girls. Hundreds of interstate soldiers were present to hear the Band, which the majority had read about. The girls with hard-working bandmaster J. Bentley have Mrs Seager to thank for the numerous kindnesses received at the Hut on every occasion they have visited Adelaide.
On 28 August the Band played at the wonderful reception accorded the Prime Minister the Hon. W. Hughes at the Burra Railway Station and Mr Crewes presented the PM with a framed photo of the Band. The PM expressed his appreciation of the Band; feelings echoed by Sir Joseph Cook.
The Band appeared at all the station welcomes and patriotic gatherings, not forgetting Peace Day celebrations on 19 July. Their work as the Burra Cheer-up Ladies Band is practically finished. As far as we can ascertain it was the only Ladies Band in Australasia until their example was copied in different towns. Now the boys are home it will no longer be known as a patriotic band, though a Ladies Band may continue. Mr Bentley is to be congratulated for his unflagging work with the band.
We thank James Reed for driving the large number of returning men to their homes.
Thanks also go to E.J. Harris for granting the free use of his crockery all these years.
Also special thanks are due to our President E.W. Crewes, Vice-President J. Drew, Treasurer F. Harris and to G.E. Dane who has kept the piano tuned free of charge and to my assistant Miss Ethel James.
Trix Pearce, Secretary.
Aberdeen Football Club met on 17 March and has £1-13-7 in hand. Elected: Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, J.H. Gallagher; Treasurer, Mr A. Fuss; Secretary, R.M. Cox; Captain Francis Bernhardt & Vice-Captain, J. Harvey.
Burra Town Council, 29 March
Permission to build was granted to Blight Bros. (est. £2,000)
Permission to build granted to Mr Kuchenmeister (est. £700)
Burra Football Assoc. granted use of Victoria Park for one third of the gate takings.
Council agreed to grant the site for the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial.
Some gravel is to be put on the tar paving in front of the Exchange Hotel – a number of horses have fallen there due to the inexperience of their drivers.
Cr Kellaway moved that the drinking fountain on the Aberdeen Road be put in order and painted red.
XXXXII, 15, 14 Apr. 1920, page 2
Advt. The postponed Liberal Union Social & Dance will be held on 21 April in the Burra Institute.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Sale of land in the estate of the late Mrs E.M. Sandland: Part lot 79 Kooringa of 10 perches with a frontage to Market Square of 31 feet. Stone shop, showroom and two small offices, verandah front and back. Shop occupied by W.J.C. Ewins.
Advt. Meeting of the General Committee of the Soldiers’ Memorial called for Wednesday 21 April.
J.M. McBride has agreed to give £1,000 to the Salvation Army Appeal.
E.W. Crewes was presented with a case of pipes from the staff at Drew & Crewes on 1 April as he began a well-earned holiday. On 7 April he wrote from Fremantle. After a week he heads for the northwest ports of WA and then Java and Singapore.
Obituary. Last Wednesday Mrs John Reed died of heart failure. She was the 2nd daughter of Mr & Mrs James Both of Caltowie and formerly of Burra. She was born in 1878 and educated at Burra School. She married John Reed, 2nd son of Richard Reed of Aberdeen, in 1898. She is survived by three daughters and four sons. [Born Susan Margaret Both at Aberdeen 8 February 1878.]
XXXXII, 15, 14 Apr. 1920, page 3
I.J. Warnes and party will depart England on 22 May on the Osterley and are due in Pt Adelaide 29 June.
Burra Show Soc. met last Friday. Mr T. McWaters as Vice-President was in the chair and the Sec. Mr Foote read the balance sheet. The year ended in credit £32. The Hon. J. Lewis was re-elected Patron. President I.J. Warnes was overseas on a holiday and was re-elected with M.A. Radford as a Vice-President as well as Mr McWaters. Discussion on the show date was in favour of reverting to the end of September. A general meeting was called for 30 April to resolve several outstanding issues.
Ironmine Church Anniversary was held on 3 & 4 April. Rev. D.B. Bridgwood preached assisted by lay-reader W. Woollacott. The tea meeting was crowded. Mr R. Fuss and Miss Rogers sang and Mr H. Turner gave the address. A presentation was made to Rev. Bridgwood, who is soon to move on.
Burra Bowling Club visited Toorak on 3 April and Toorak 133 defeated Burra 66.
Bass Relief Fund is £237-14-7. The committee has purchased a house in Bridge St for Mrs Bass for £150. The property is vested in five trustees: S.M. Lane, G. Lawn, E.J. Harris, A.L. Walker & J.E.H. Winnall. The family will have use of the property for Mrs Bass’s lifetime or until the youngest child is 21, after which the trustees will have the power to dispose of it and apply the proceeds to the relief of distress in the district. The committee is anxious to finalise the fund and calls for all promised subscriptions.
Cricket. At Aberdeen Oval on Saturday: Kooringa 6 for 252 declared drew with Squatters 5 for 159.
First Aeroplane to visit Burra arrived about 5.45 last Wednesday 7 April. Captain Moore RAF flew in from Farrell’s Flat. He cut across the western hills to the race course, which was disappointing, as the plane was low in the western sky. George Thorpe drove to Aberdeen and asked the Captain to fly over the town, which he immediately did, flying low and circling the three towns to the delight of young and old. He was to have given an exhibition and taken up passengers on Saturday, but the weather was too boisterous. He did take up passengers on Sunday, among them Miss B. Woollacott and Miss R. Ridgway.
Rev. I’Anson was farewelled from Mt Bryan East on 29 March.
XXXXII, 16, 21 Apr. 1920, page 2
Advt. RSL Billiard Tournament next week. Smoke Social 6 May.
Advt. Anzac Day Patriotic Service, 25 April, 3 p.m. at Kooringa Methodist Church.
Obituary. Edward Hogan of Booborowie died 16 April aged 59. He was the husband of Mary and 2nd son of the late Margaret and Michael Hogan.
Obituary. Joseph Welbourn King (Bernie), 4th son of the late J. King & Mrs King of Georgetown, died 16 April aged 18. [Born at George Town SA 19 March 1902.]
Burra & District Horticulture. Dahlias have again filled our window from Os. Walker, C.J. Pearce & Clem Pearce. Mrs C.D. Wilkinson has a beautiful pink double hibiscus.
Koster Rarle has opened a wood yard at Aberdeen and also has fish for sale every Friday.
XXXXII, 16, 21 Apr. 1920, page 3
Obituary. Mrs John Bailey, an old pioneer of Leighton, died at her residence in Redruth last Saturday. She is survived by Messrs George, Alfred, James, David, Harry & John Bailey and by daughters Sarah, Mabel and Mary. [Born Elizabeth Dinah Simmons in 1854.]
Obituary. Edward Hogan aged 59 died at Burra Hospital. He is survived by his father Michael Hogan, brother Frank, sister Mrs T.G. Tohl, a wife and three sons.
Redruth Court, last week.
5 motorists were fined for exceeding the speed limit.
Marriage. 7 April at Hanson Methodist Church
Ivy Olive Peak, only daughter of Mr & Mrs John Peak of Hanson married
Maurice Flower Humphrys, 2nd son of Mr & Mrs Flower Humphrys of Hanson
Burra Town Council, Monday
C. & A. Fuss complain of difficulty in getting information to the curator of the cemetery when a grave is required to be dug. Mr Fuss complained of being treated in an off-hand manner when he phoned the Town Clerk recently. The Town Clerk maintained it was not his duty, but Mr Fuss’s to find the curator.
Cr Kellaway thought that 6d spent on a telegram would solve Mr Fuss’s problem. The curator reported no problem with other undertakers who gave him all possible time to prepare a grave. The Messrs Fuss sometimes did not. Letter received.
Cr Broderick suggested placing a streetlamp on the corner opposite Snell’s Hotel. Left with Ward Councillors.
Burra Football Assoc. The program of matches for the year is printed.
Football. At Mt Bryan on 17 April Aberdeen 8.10 defeated Mt Bryan 4.7 in a practice match.
[Aberdeen players picked for 26 April included N. Fuss (Norman Clarence), V. Fuss (Vernon) & D. Fuss (Glen Donald).]
Bowls. Saturday last Kapunda 112 defeated Burra 108.
N. Hiles Pearse writes from ‘The Gums’ recommending strychnine in rabbit’s heads as a great way to destroy foxes. He has killed 80 in six weeks by this simple means.
Boy Scouts. The local troop held its annual concert last Thursday and drew a good audience. The performance is reviewed in over 1⁄2 column.
XXXXII, 16, 21 Apr. 1920, page 4
Donations to Minda Homes and Missions to seamen are acknowledged.
Cricket. At Booborowie on Saturday: Kooringa 167 drew with Booborowie 5 for 55.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union met in Jubilee Hall on 3 March. The organisation is buoyed by prohibition in the USA and is seeking a referendum on the subject here.
XXXXII, 17, 28 Apr. 1920, page 2
Advt. On 1 May Richard Henry Austin takes over the butchering business established by the late R. Austin over 50 years ago.
Adelaide Peace Exhibition. A children’s trip to the exhibition is being arranged for the 7-10 May. R.S. Bromley, head teacher, asks all those who can arrange accommodation for the 7, 8 & 9 May to communicate with him.
Obituary. Elizabeth Dinah Bailey died 17 April at Aberdeen aged 66. She was the relict of the late John Bailey of Gum Creek.
The Anzac Service produced £5-0-4 for the Soldiers’ Memorial Fund.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Committee met at the Institute on Wednesday.
Mr Hawkes reported his interview with the noted architect Guy Makin who said architectural supervision would cost £150 and be quite unnecessary. He reviewed Tillett’s plans and found the price to be fair. He recommended several improvements which would reduce the cost by c. £200, though he suggested the column be two feet higher and a little broader at an extra cost of £30 and that both the pedestal and column should be in grey rather than grey and red granite. Mr Makin’s recommendations were adopted.
Mr Tillett’s amended price of £2,184 was accepted – not including the bronze name tablets or the enlargement to the column. Mr Hawkes undertook to obtain prices for these extras.
Anzac Day Services at Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon and at St Mary’s in the evening are reported in c. 11⁄4 columns.
XXXXII, 17, 28 Apr. 1920, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. The match on Saturday saw G.L. Nutt 97 come first ahead of F. Riggs & H.L. Riggs 94 and J.A. Riggs 92.
Bowls. On Saturday an ‘Under 40’ team 95 defeated an ‘Over 40’ team 94.
On 26 April ‘North’ 112 defeated ‘South’ 81.
Cricket. In the last match of the season on Monday 26 April Kooringa 152 defeated Stockbreeders 142.
Boy Scouts. The Prince of Wales will visit Adelaide and inspect the state’s Scouts on 13 July. Country Scouts without other accommodation will be housed at the Jubilee Oval.
Leighton Agricultural Bureau meeting is reported. R.J. Fairchild advocated more mechanisation on road making; especially in stone cracking machinery and the rolling of roads.
Salvation Army. Captain J.C. Hammatt thanks the public for their support during the family’s stay in Burra and for the wallet of notes presented to Miss Lurline Hammatt on their departure.
XXXXII, 17, 28 Apr. 1920, page 4
Salvation Army. There is a report of the farewell to Captain and Mrs Hammatt after 17 months in Burra. They are moving to Victoria.
Rev. E.M. Ingamells was welcomed to the Redruth Methodist circuit at Jubilee Hall on 20 April. J.G. Sara presided and the main speakers were N.J. Tiddy for the circuit stewards, Mr Dunhill for the Sunday school, Mr Morton for the Endeavour Society, E.J. Davey for the Kooringa circuit and F.T. Sara and R. Fuss for the Choir. The report takes c. 3⁄4 column.
XXXXII, 18, 5 May 1920, page 2
Advt. Sale of household effect of S. French who is leaving the district.
Obituary. Robert Stewart died at Thames St 30 April. He was the 2nd son of the late N. Stewart of Monarto and was born at Gawler 31 March 1854 and at 17 went to work for W.F. Barker’s father at Glen Osmond and after his death then worked for the late W.F. Barker at Baldina for 31 years. He then went to Adelaide briefly before returning to work for Mr John Tennant at Princess Royal for 14 years. He married Miss C.H. Moore, 3rd daughter of the late E.A. & Mrs Moore Sen. of Kooringa, who survives him.
Marriage. On 14 April at Hallett Institute.
Mrs Hilda M.S. Longford nee Sinclair married
Mr Theodore H. Schultze, son of F.G. Schultze of Ulooloo.
Accident. On Monday morning in Commercial St Mr W. Woollacott and his two young children were thrown from their vehicle when the horse slipped on the asphalt in front of Elder, Smith & Co. The children and horse were not much hurt, but Mr Woollacott badly hurt his hand.
XXXXII, 18, 5 May 1920, page 3
Burra Show Society met on Friday with M. Radford presiding. Four questions were considered:
Should the show move from the end of October to the end of September? Originally September had been too early for horses, but they had now given way to cars etc. and October was too late for sheep. Mr Winnall said first you had to decide what sort of show you wanted. If it was to combine sheep and a general show it would have to be earlier. Mr McLaren thought the end of September was not too late for sheep and Thomas McWaters also was in favour of combining the two shows, but thought the first week in October was a possibility. James Flower thought a change back to September a mistake and F. Duldig thought the shows were held too late. A date of 6 October was eventually agreed on.
Should the sheep and general shows be combined and should the sheep section be made competitive? After discussion it was agreed to do both these.
A letter from Burra Sports Syndicate asked that the show ring and jumps be moved to their original position, as the present area would soon be needed for polo.
Also improvements for the Burra Racing Club and Sports Syndicate required the Show fowl coops be moved nearer the creek at the Syndicate’s cost – Agreed.
The publican’s booth is also to be moved.
Football. The season opened last Saturday when Kooringa 3.13 defeated Farrell’s Flat 2.0 and
Aberdeen 8.10 defeated Mt Bryan 1.1.
St Mary’s Annual Vestry Meeting.
Mr W.G. Hawkes has donated the whole window proposed as a war memorial last year, as a memorial to his son and his comrades who paid the supreme sacrifice. Mrs J. Sandland and family will erect a memorial window in memory of their son and brother who also died in the war. The Bailey family will erect a window in memory of their father and mother. All the windows will be by Jones and Willis of London.
The erection of the new rectory is now in hand with a contract to Messrs Woollacott Jun. and F. Pearce for an 8-roomed house in Bridge St.
The east end of the church is to be rough cast as the only effective cure for its deterioration.
Leighton Quadrille Class held a euchre party, supper and dance at Leighton Hall 21 April.
Mr & Mrs Flower Humphrys were farewelled from the Hanson Church. They are moving to Manoora.
XXXXII, 18, 5 May 1920, page 4
Burra Branch of the Liberal Union held its Annual Social on 21 April. It is reported in 11⁄3 columns.
XXXXII, 19, 12 May 1920, page 2
Advt. Sunday afternoon Burra Brass Band Concert in the Rotunda.
Advt. Burra Institute 24 May. The Cinema-oratorio The Man They Could Not Hang.
Frederick Haldane, celebrated lecturer, tells the story as the film is screened. 2/- & 1/-
The Burra Record in response to the rising price of newspaper and its scarcity we will cease publication of the supplements rather than increase the price of the paper.
Obituary. Dr W.A. Vernon Drew died last Saturday at Alberton from the effects of pneumonia. He was the brother of Mr J. Drew of Kooringa and fourth son of Mr & Mrs Thomas Drew of Woonona, Medindie and late of Burra. He was born 2 May 1884 and educated at Prince Alfred’s College and the University of Adelaide. He was a natural athlete like his brothers Tom and Charles. He leaves a widow nee (Nurse) L. Pike and a young son and daughter.
XXXXII, 19, 12 May 1920, page 3
Burra Town Council, 3 May
Approval for the construction of St Mary’s rectory was granted.
Bass Relief Fund stands at £238-2-7.
‘A little boy who enjoys a ride’ writes complaining of the proposal to ban two on a bicycle.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 9.18 defeated Mt Bryan 2.4.
At Farrell’s Flat Duncan Park on Saturday: Aberdeen 4.7 defeated Farrell’s Flat 4.1.
Cricket. Kooringa Club. Best batsman for the season was A. Tennant average 47 and highest score 146. Best bowler was L. Kellaway with 728 balls (91 overs), 10 maidens for 341 runs and 36 wickets for an average of 91⁄4. Of 20 matches in the season 10 were won, 3 lost and 7 drawn.
XXXXII, 19, 12 May 1920, page 4
Obituary. There is an article of c. 2 columns on the late SA Premier, Hon. A.H. Peake.
XXXXII, 20, 19 May 1920, page 3
The Burra Record. The masthead of the paper changed from a very plain font to a Gothic style.
Weather. Good rain has fallen in the last two weeks.
Burra Brass Band performance on Sunday was marred by bleak and cold conditions, but conductor E.C. Hammond and the band are to be admired for their effort.
RSL. The first of a series of smoke socials took place at the RSL rooms on Thursday evening.
Burra Institute. Tenders have been called for the alterations as designed by architects Bruce & Harvie.
The Mayor S.M. Lane has called a public meeting to consider buying a motor ambulance for the district. The Military Dept. has offered a Ford ambulance with two stretchers for £223. Cr Sampson has pledged £20.
Golf. A meeting is called for Monday to re-form the Golf Club.
Burra Show Soc. The Finance Committee met to consider ending the sheep dog trials in view of the losses sustained. The matter will be referred to the General Committee this week. The trials have not made money, but have resulted in an improvement in the breed of sheep dogs.
Salvation Army. Captain J. Hammatt, recently at Burra, has now been transferred to the Scotsdale Corps in Tasmania.
Obituary. Mrs George Gregor died at Paxton Terrace on Sunday 16 May. [Details in next paper.]
Football. At Aberdeen Oval a downpour at 2.30 made the ground very bad. Aberdeen 1.6 defeated Kooringa 1.5.
Burra Hospital Board. The meeting on Thursday was principally concerned with the cost over-runs due to high commodity prices. The Chief Secretary had advised that the hospital will have to become either a fully-funded Government Hospital, serving only those who could not pay or a subsidised hospital where it would be supported by a rate and subsidised 30/- for each £1 raised. Mr Bice urged the latter. Mr Winnall so moved and it was carried. He also moved the Inspector General be asked to bring the district under the Rating Act. Carried. Honorary surgeons would be sought with the right of private practice in the hospital. Matron (Sister Carter) tendered her resignation.
From eight applicants for her replacement Sister E.F. Lang, late of the AIF, has been appointed.
XXXXII, 21, 26 May 1920, page 2
Advt. Sale of furniture etc. on the premises near the Burra Mill of Mrs E.A. West who is leaving the district.
Burra & District Poultry & Kennel Club: meeting called in J. Allen’s rooms on 27 May.
Marriage. At Maughan Church Adelaide, 5 May
John Carpenter, third son of Mrs & the late W. Carpenter of Aberdeen married
Florence Eugene (Jean) Jordan, second daughter of Mrs & the late W.E. Jordan of Kooringa.
The Royal Train carrying the Prince of Wales will pass through Burra on Monday 12 July, but unfortunately will not stop. (‘much earlier than 10 a.m.’)
Burra Brass Band gave a concert in Best Place last Sunday in perfect weather and a good crowd attended.
Ironmine Sunday School Memorial Fund will benefit from a concert and social evening in Leighton Hall on Saturday.
Obituary. Mrs George Gregor [who died on 16 May] was born at Hahndorf SA on 24 December 1853. She was the 2nd daughter of Mr & Mrs Willsden. She married George Gregor at Kapunda and came to Burra in 1883. She was a member of the local Salvation Army corps. Of seven children one survives: Mr Thomas Gregor of Kapunda. There are two grandsons.
Mr Dunk the relieving manager of the National Bank for eight months leaves on Monday for Strathalbyn. Mr Spencer will return from his long illness on Tuesday.
Mr Ruthven, manager of the Bank of Australasia for three years, has been transferred to a NSW branch.
Salvation Army. Adjutant Mason has taken charge locally till the arrival of Captain & Mrs Leach.
XXXXII, 21, 26 May 1920, page 3
Burra Town Council, 17 May
Vandalism – boys have been removing connecting tubes from the street lamps in East Ward so they cannot be lit.
Cr Kellaway moved that locks be put on the boxes.
Cr Radford said locks would simply be broken off, as had been done twice already.
Cr Radford has inspected an ambulance in Adelaide available for £223 and found it satisfactory.
Golf. After being defunct for three years the move to re-form the Burra Golf Club got under way on Monday. Mr Marston, the retiring President was in the chair. There was £2 in the bank. Dr Steele was elected President with Messrs Marston and Wilkinson as Vice-Presidents. Mr Chambers is Hon. Sec. and Mr Neagle the Assistant Secretary. The President expressed himself in favour of establishing links on the racecourse and was sure it could be done without interfering with the football ground. The old links were in excellent condition. It was decided to stick to the old course for this year.
Thomas B. Ashton writes re the Burra Hospital from which he was excluded in July 1917 when 11 of the 12 patients there were his and when of the 91 operations done since July 1916 he had performed all but 17. On 27 June 1917 Mr Winnall reported the grant was £1,000 and they had got through with £861. £760 had been raised by subscription and patients. Now they are keen to embrace what I battled for against their opposition. I hope the new era will end one in which one doctor is expected to work in an honorary capacity for doing that for which another receives a salary.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 4.11 defeated Farrell’s Flat 2.5.
At Mt Bryan Aberdeen 17.8 defeated Mt Bryan 2.5.
The Bass Relief Fund stands at £238-5-7.
Burra Show Society met on Friday to consider the Finance Committee’s recommendation to end the sheep dog trials because they always ran at a loss, even if only by a few pounds. The Chairman said the loss was due to the free members’ tickets. It was decided to hold the trials this year on 30 & 31 July.
XXXXII, 22, 2 June 1920, page 2
Advt. For Sale: the Court House Hotel including the furniture and the adjoining store. The licence can be retained it the building is renovated.
Advt. Koster Rarle has opened a fish shop in Aberdeen. Meals at all hours.
Next door to Koster Rarle’s woodyard.
Weather. Good rains have fallen locally on Monday & Tuesday, registering 83 points. There were good falls to the east; mostly over 50 points. Leighton registered 1.39”.
Burra Homing Club had a race from Yarcowie on 22 May. Winner was R.L. Moore’s blue check hen.
Burra Racing Club is going for improvements with the Burra Sports Syndicate. They will increase the grandstand by 50%. The Show Society will move and rebuild the publican’s booth. The Racing Club will build 32 new horse stalls for a total of 80 stalls. The totalizator will be reconstructed. Grassing the track will be extended two furlongs.
XXXXII, 22, 2 June 1920, page 3
‘Employer’ writes complaining that grocers in Burra are selling goods after 1 p.m. on Saturday s against the law and at a disadvantage to those who comply.
Motor Ambulance Meeting was held last Tuesday. The present ambulance was a gift long ago of Mr J.M. McBride and is worn out and almost useless. A lorry is currently used and is unsuitable. An ambulance is available for £223 and possibly for £200. Dr Steele said a new ambulance would cost at least £400, so this was a good offer. Mr Dane moved that those present guarantee the amount required and this was passed unanimously. A collection will be organised.
SA Stockowners’ Association (Burra Branch) AGM is reported in 3⁄4 column.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 5.17 defeated Farrell’s Flat 2.5.
At Mt Bryan Kooringa 10.23 defeated Mt Bryan 0.2.
XXXXII, 23, 9 June 1920, page 2
Redruth Reformatory. The ‘Hampton Court’ girls gave a welcome home concert on 3 May for the Matron.
A Series of Disasters. On Monday 31 May a fire at George Sampson’s dam-sinking camp at Mingary began with a spark from the stove and spread to the brush roofing of the sheds. Within about 10 minutes the whole camp of five tents and cooking galley were consumed along with their contents including c. £60 worth of rations and personal belongings. Losses are put at c. £150. On Thursday evening Mr Sampson’s coat was stolen at an entertainment and on Friday some polony he had purchased gave him ptomaine poisoning and he had to return to Burra for medical advice.
[Worse was to come: see the paper of 14 July 1920.]
Mr R. Fegan has left Drew & Crewes after seven years service to work in Adelaide.
Basketball. On Saturday Burra High School 11 defeated Peterborough High School 5.
XXXXII, 23, 9 June 1920, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. In the final match for the year for £1-1-0 presented by G.E. Dane, A.L. Kellock was the winner with 95 off scratch.
Burra Town Council, 31 May
Cr Radford said two of the lamps in North Ward were not being lighted – the one near Thamm’s was very necessary in winter.
A considerable discussion on lamps followed from which it is clear that lamps always gave a great deal of trouble and were the focus of considerable vandalism.
Cr Radford moved that the lamp near Bailey’s in Aberdeen be moved to Fuss’s corner.
Rep. Foster writes he has got the ambulance cost reduced to £200.
The Town Clerk suggested the Council get prices for installing the sealed pan system to replace the pit system [for toilets].
Mr & Mrs Ruthven were given a farewell social at St Mary’s schoolroom on Monday evening. Mr Ruthven had been active in every department of the church and had been especially important in the choir.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa B Grade 5.7 defeated Aberdeen B Grade 0.2.
XXXXII, 24, 16 June 1920, page 2
Advt. To Hay Stealers
Take notice that LIVE WIRES have been erected in our Hay Yard. It will be at your own risk if you stop there when next visiting that yard.
SA Farmers’ Co-op. Union Ltd. Kooringa.
Advt. Foot racing – Bon Accord 100 yards open handicap to be run 19 June at 3 p.m. at the rear of the Bon Accord Hotel. Entry 1/-. Prizes £2 and 10/-.
Drew & Crewes. There is a reference to Drew & Crewes having installed an electric light plant in terms that appear to imply it was recent.
XXXXII, 24, 16 June 1920, page 3
Redruth Reformatory. A letter signed by:
S.J. Bloyd, late Rector of St Mary’s
D.B. Bridgwood, late Minister of the Redruth Methodist Circuit
A.J. Finch, late Minister of the Kooringa Methodist Circuit
G.K. Haslam, Minister of the Kooringa Methodist Circuit
Eric M. Ingamells, Minister of the Redruth Methodist Circuit
H.H. Hopton, Rector of St Mary’s
It expresses amazement that the Matron of the Burra Girls’ Reformatory has been asked to resign. They comment on the wonderful improvement in conditions and the general deportment of the girls and the highest moral influence brought to bear on their lives and feel that the move is a grave injustice.
Burra Branch of the Liberal Union strongly condemned the Federal politicians’ increasing their salary.
Football. At Victoria Park 7 June: Mid Northern Association 6.6 defeated Burra 4.13.
At Victoria Park on Saturday Kooringa 8.5 defeated Aberdeen 5.5.
XXXXII, 24, 16 June 1920, Supplement
[This was a single-sided page about A3 in size and carried further news and some literature.]
Marriage. At St Mary’s 9 June
Robert S. Schuyler, late AIF, son of Mr & Mrs H. Schuyler, Manager of Braemar Station, married
M.H. (Ella) Sedgman, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs E.C. Sedgman of Aberdeen.
XXXXII, 25, 23 June 1920, page 2
Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary 6 & 7 June.
For some months the trustees of the Methodist parsonage have had in mind the purchase of another property and have now acquired a well-known property previously owned by the Farmers’ Union, for use of the minister and his family.
XXXXII, 25, 23 June 1920, page 3
Weather. Recent rains have produced a lot of mushrooms out east. Mr Barker’s country at World’s End was very thick with them.
Cpl A.J. Rodda was entertained at ‘Fairview’ (George Finch’s) at World’s End on 5 June on his return after five year’s service. He is a nephew of the Finches. After the formal part of the evening there was a dance with supper at 11 p.m.
Burra Rifle Club. The good roll-up at the AGM ensures that the club will continue for another year. Elected: Captain, G.L. Nutt; Secretary, J.E. Pearce & Treasurer, R.D. Pascoe.
Redruth Reformatory.
Edith Bubb writes thanking all for their support and assuring her defenders that she has never physically abused any of the girls nor made them worse by the discipline administered. She admits she ‘did disobey, for the good of the girls themselves, an order given.’ Like Nelson, she says. And the request for her resignation has been withdrawn.
Marriage. At St Mary’s Church 16 June.
Keith Chester Sandland (late AIF), youngest son of Mr Thomas and the late Mrs Sandland married
Eileen Mary Ewins, only daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J.C. Ewins of Kooringa.
Marriage. 19 June at Kooringa Methodist Church
John Hanson Murison, elder son of Mr & Mrs W. Murison of Glasgow & late Warrant Officer AIF married Dorothy A. Harris, youngest daughter of Edwin J. & Mrs Harris of Kooringa.
Marriage. At Mt Bryan East Methodist Church 15 June
Victor Levi Thomas Hughes, 3rd son of John Hughes of Mallett married
Beatrice Le Croft, 2nd daughter of Mr Le Croft of Adelaide.
Burra Motor Ambulance. The new ambulance has arrived. A garage will be built at the rear of Drew & Crewes’. A donation list is printed.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 16.18 defeated Mt Bryan 2.1.
At Farrell’s Flat on a very wet ground Kooringa 4.8 defeated Farrell’s Flat 1.3.
XXXXII, 25, 23 June 1920, Supplement
Burra Institute calls a meeting of subscribers on 2 June to consider the committee’s recommendation that Jos. King & Son’s tender for £1,199 for alterations and additions to the hall be accepted.
XXXXII, 26, 30 June 1920, page 2
Advt. The partnership of Charles & Frank Streicher is dissolved from 30 June 1920. Charles Streicher will carry on alone.
Advt. Burra Institute 1 July: The Kennedy Entertainers, Melody, Song & Clever Presentations.
Advt. Burra Institute 30 June: Returned & Discharged Soldiers’ Band & Concert Party. Dance to follow.
Advt. Burra Institute 5 July: Rene Maxwell (soprano) with Vernon Sellars (baritone), Una Black (violin) & Nathalie Rosenwax (piano). [Press release page 3.]
Advt. Rotunda at Kooringa, Sunday 4 July 3 p.m. Burra Brass Band
Burra Cheer-up Ladies Band is to take part in the Prince of Wales’ visit to Adelaide.
Probably at:
Official Town Hall Welcome – to play the National Anthem & God Bless the Prince of Wales.
The Women War Workers’ Welcome at the Exhibition on 14th.
Violet Day Service at the Cheer-up Hut on the 11th.
Mr Ruthven will be succeeded by Mr Pickering at the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa. Mr Ruthven went to Glen Innes. The assistant manager Mr Hogg will go to Mr Pickering’s old position as manager at Wirrabara. Mr Jarrett from Adelaide becomes assistant manager at Burra.
XXXXII, 26, 30 June 1920, page 3
Burra Town Council
This summer the Bon Accord Bridge will be re-decked with reinforced concrete for £700.
Permission was granted to erect the ambulance garage on Council owned land at the rear of Messrs Drew & Crewes’.
The approaches to the Ludgvan St bridges to be repaired.
Bridge near Mr Wicklein’s to be repaired.
Football. Saturday: Aberdeen 8.14 defeated Terowie 6.3.
XXXXII, 27, 7 July 1920, page 2
Advt. Olympic Pictures presents Alla Nazimova in The Red Lantern 19 July.
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures presents Superstar Mary Regan 8 July.
The Rene Maxwell Concert was very well attended and almost every item was encored.
XXXXII, 27, 7 July 1920, page 3
Burra Institute. Only about 11 subscribers came to the meeting. The idea was to move the back wall of the hall 10 feet out taking in the present ticket office and a portion of what was once the library. This will increase seating by about 100 seats. Above that to erect a gallery to accommodate about 80. Seats are at present 338 and the alterations will bring that to 518.
Also to erect an awning along the front of the building to protect the woodwork. A side door will be made to give access to the lodge room and the hall will be entirely renovated. A new ceiling will be placed in the passage. The lowest tender for the changes is £1,199, plus the cost of new seating to bring total outlay to an estimated £1,500.
The meeting approved the changes, as did a subsequent meeting of the trustees.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held on 27 & 28 June and was the most successful for some years. Proceeds were over £44.
Football. At Victoria Park on 26 June: Kooringa 10.13 defeated Peterborough 3.4.
At Victoria Park on 3 July: Kooringa 7.14 defeated Mt Bryan 3.4.
XXXXII, 28, 14 July 1920, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute16 July only the Musical Comedy Mademoiselle Mimi by the Famous All Diggers Company with over 20 musical numbers.
Advt. 22 & 23 July at the Burra Institute: Professor Leon. [The screamingly funny hypnotist.]
Advt. Burra Show Society Sheep Dog Trials 23 July 1920.
Red Cross Society special meeting received a letter from the Central Committee approving the handing over of the funds in hand (£15) to the Burra Ambulance Fund for the upkeep of the ambulance. (Mrs M.A. Kellock added £1 to the sum.)
The Returned & Discharged Soldiers’ Band & Concert on 30 June played to a very poor house. The show is reviewed as ‘bright, clean and up-to-date’ and thoroughly enjoyable.
XXXXII, 28, 14 July 1920, page 3
Adelaide Criminal Court. Maurice George Dobson, bank clerk of Kooringa, gave evidence on the depositing of a forged cheque.
The Royal Train carrying the Prive of Wales passed through Burra at 7.45 a.m. on Monday. The blinds were drawn in the Prince’s apartments, but other compartments were open to view. The night had been spent stationary near Mt Bryan.
Obituary. Mr Thomas Pascoe, brother of R.D. Pascoe of Kooringa, has died in Broken Hill aged 47. He was the youngest son of Mrs and the late Joseph Pascoe of Broken Hill and had lived in Burra for many years with his parents. Death followed from lead poisoning and nephritis. He leaves a widow and five children. [Born in Victoria 1872.]
Burra Sporting & Athletic Club held a meeting at the RSL Club Rooms 3 July where 21 returned boys’ names were passed for the usual wallet of £5. Most will be posted on.
Ambulance Garage. A working bee was organised for the ambulance garage on Saturday by John Reed. Mr J.H. Gallagher donated the stone from the Bible Christian Chapel. Mr Reed provided drays and 16 loads were shifted by E. Moore, Joe Rosewall, Walter Edwards, Fred Williams, R.W. Bruce, T.J. Rosewall, W. Harris, T.A. Harrap, V. [Vernon] Fuss & J. Reed.
The Kennedy Concert Co. had a good audience and was very good.
Obituary. Mr George Sampson died on 6 July. He had been to a Council meeting on 5 July as the representative for East Ward and afterwards had gone to Mingary with his son Alan by the Broken Hill express. There he had a large tank-sinking plant. Whilst riding a horse the saddle slipped and the horse bolted. Mr Sampson was obliged to let go and slid along the ground in a sitting position until a foot struck a post, which threw his head forward with great force against the post. He died instantly. Sons George and Alan witnessed the accident. Clem was in charge of another plant at Thompson’s Siding out from Broken Hill. Mr Sampson was born in Bridge Street in 1867, the third son of the late Mr & Mrs William Sampson, who left for WA some time ago. He married Miss Leaver of Hampton in 1890. She and five children survive: Messrs Clement W., George & Alan and Misses Edith & Silby. He was generous and broadminded and a keen sportsman. He had recently put down an asphalt court for the Kooringa Tennis Club at his own expense. He was a popular employer.
[Born in Kooringa 21 December 1866.]
Leighton Glee Club gave a social evening last Wednesday 7 July to wind up the club. The club has done a great job arranging and providing for the many bright welcome home socials tendered the district boys on their return from active service.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 3.6 defeated Kooringa 3.5.
XXXXII, 29, 21 July 1920, page 2
Notice. Corporation of Burra calls for nominations for an extraordinary election of a representative for East Ward following the death of Councillor G. Sampson and for West Ward following the resignation of Councillor P.J. Broderick.
Asbestos. We have samples in our window of asbestos from Mr J. Baker [check Barker?] of SA Asbestos & Mining Co. from the mine c. 8 miles NE of Robertstown. Work began on 14 July and is going ahead nicely.
Mr J.M. McBride was presented to the Prince of Wales on his recent visit to Adelaide.
XXXXII, 29, 21 July 1920, page 3
The Prince of Wales’ visit to Adelaide and the Burra Cheer-up Ladies Band
On 12 July for the official welcome at the Adelaide Town Hall the band was provided with a decorated platform and they shared honours with the Glenelg Band. They managed very well, but unfortunately just as the Prince was getting out of his car the platform was rushed by the crowd and collapsed on the last note of God Bless the Prince of Wales. Fortunately, though it caused a sensation none of the girls was hurt.
On Monday afternoon they played from the balcony of the Criterion Hotel.
On Thursday morning they played at the War-Workers’ Welcome Demonstration held at the Exhibition with a rehearsal at 10 a.m. and the show at noon. At the end of the music at the end of the ceremony the Prince asked for Trix Pearce the secretary and organiser to be presented to him. In the afternoon they were shown over the Town Hall by the Lord Mayor to see the glorious decorations for the two balls given in honour of the Prince.
On Wednesday they had passes for the Prince’s ship, the Renown, and had an enjoyable day on the dreadnought.
On Sunday 11 July they took part in the Violet Day service at the Anzac Arch near the Cheer-up Hut. This was the final public appearance of the Band, which never thought it would be on such an occasion or that it would win such personal approbation from the Prince of Wales.
Football. At Farrell’s Flat last Saturday: Aberdeen 6.12 defeated Farrell’s Flat 1.4.
Burra Town Council, 19 July.
Condolences were expressed to the family of Cr Sampson who was killed on 6 July.
Cr Broderick resigned, as he was leaving the district.
Burra Hospital Board
The Inspector General of Hospitals wanted to know why the hospital asked to be declared under the Rating for Hospitals Act 1919. They replied:
It was desirable that the hospital be kept as a subsidised hospital and unless it comes under the Act the Board may be unable to maintain it as it is and it would become a Government Institution. [Treating only the poor.]
As rating for hospitals becomes general it will be futile to attempt to raise funds for the hospital voluntarily.
The Soldiers’ Aid Society continues to send money to the Red Cross Produce Depot – there still being some 300 soldiers in our Military Hospitals in Adelaide. Members agreed to sew for the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, as the Red Cross no longer needs sewing.
XXXXII, 30, 28 July 1920, page 2
The Mayor has convened a committee in connection with the forthcoming Peace Loan of £25,000,000.
Obituary. Mrs Thomas J. Casey of Broken Hill died at Burra Hospital last Saturday. Prior to her marriage she had always lived in the Burra District. She was the daughter of William Baynes of Booborowie and late of Baldina. She was 32 and died of consumption. A husband and two children survive. [Born Ada Baynes 4 December 1887]
W.J. Davey Jun. late of the Record office and then with the Horsham Times has been appointed editor of the Warracknabeal Herald, a leading provincial bi-weekly.
Edward Morgan of Kooringa has got the highest marks in the Civil Service Exam to qualify for the position of telegraph messenger. He is the oldest son of Charles Morgan, baker of Kooringa and he will be 16 in November.
Trix Pearce has received a letter of appreciation from the Secretary to the Premier for the work of the Ladies Band in connection with the Royal Visit.
XXXXII, 30, 28 July 1920, page 3
Salvation Army. Adjutant Mason, late of Java will give a lecture on Java at the Salvation Army Barracks tonight. 6d for supper and silver coin for the lecture.
Burra Bowling Club AGM last Wednesday.
The club had 45 bowlers this season and the committee felt that the heavy expenditure to establish the club had been justified. President A. G. Gebhardt was re-elected with S.M. Lane and W.H. Sandland as Vice-Presidents. Mr Chambers stood down as Hon. Sec. and Mr Hann was elected in his place with Mr Chambers as Assistant Secretary. To meet expenses the annual fee has been increased from £2-2-0 to £3-3-0. Mr Bit mead, a blind friend of Mr Reed and a keen rose enthusiast presented 100 rose trees and offered to assist in their pruning. The committee would like to acquire the Council Depot adjoining the green, but the Council would need another site to go to. The block below the Kooringa Hotel was a possibility and Mr C.B. Warnes, owner of it, was willing to sell. If the Council were prepared to take that block the Club would be able to acquire the other property. The purchase would be completed privately with the block let to the Bowling Club for 5% of the capital. There was a good stone building on the property, which could be used as a club house and there was room for a tennis court. The Chairman and Secretary will get definite information and report back.
[Presumably the ‘good stone building’ was the old Baptist Church.]
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 9.12 defeated Farrell’s Flat 3.2.
F.A. Bertram (of the Burra Railway Station) appeals for assistance for sick and wounded soldiers at Bedford Park; little luxuries being hard to obtain. Dressed poultry would be especially esteemed.
Boy Scouts. 24 Scouts visited Adelaide for the Royal Visit. The intended visit to the warships Renown and Australia on Sunday was abandoned due to the crowd at the Adelaide Station and time lost getting tickets. The troop on Monday marched to Hindley Street where the Scouts appear to have formed lines of honour to welcome the Prince. On Tuesday they assembled with about 2,300 other scouts at Jubilee Oval for the Prince’s arrival there. Many scouts managed to visit the Renown on Tuesday afternoon.
XXXXII, 31, 4 Aug. 1920, page 2
Advt. The local committee appeal to Burra to meet its quota of £30,000 in the Second Peace Loan for £25,000,000. The money is to be used for repatriation purposes.
XXXXII, 31, 4 Aug. 1920, page 3
Frank Treloar has been asked to fill Cr Broderick’s position as representative for West Ward and has agreed. He has been a Burra Resident for 20 years and has been longer in the district and for many years had audited the Council’s books. George Lawn has been elected unopposed to the East Ward vacancy caused by Cr Sampson’s death.
Obituary. Russell Pizzo aged 3 died on Monday 1 August from shock and meningitis following severe scalding from falling into a bath. He was the son of Mr & Mrs D. Pizzo of Kooringa.
Kenneth Russell Pizzo born in Kooringa 8 September 1916.]
John McLaren, who has been in charge of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis at Burra for 28 years, has been transferred to Adelaide. Mr McLaren was Mayor for 1910-13 and has been on most of the town’s committees at some time. He was most instrumental in the establishment of the High School. Mrs McLaren has been President and Vice-President of the Cheer-up Society and Vice-President of the Red Cross.
Mr & Mrs P.J. Redden were farewelled from Booborowie on their departure for Hilltown. The report extends for 1⁄2 column.
Violet Day was celebrated on 1 August in the Institute and the hall was packed despite the bad weather.
Violet Day was inaugurated five years ago in Burra by the Cheer-up Society to commemorate the fallen and to raise money for patriotic purposes. This year saw a united service with many returned men present. The offertory of £8-12-8 is to go to the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Fund.
The Sheep Dog Trials were held on 30 & 31 July, but rain kept the Saturday attendance low. Results are printed in 3⁄4 column.
‘Out of Work’ contributes a piece of very bad verse slating the rich squatters for endowing churches rather than the re-opening of the Burra Mine.
Football. At Mt Bryan on Saturday 24 July [wrongly stated to be 21st.]: Aberdeen 14.12 defeated Mt Bryan 5.6.
Last Saturday Kooringa forfeited to Mt Bryan on account of the weather.
XXXXII, 32, 11 Aug. 1920, page 2
Advt. For sale by tender: the property of the late Alex. Harris, being a storekeeping chaff and wood business on two allotments with 247 ft to Kingston St and 74 ft to East St 75 ft to Welsh Place.
Advt. Returned & Discharged Soldiers’ Band presents the Musical Review Behind the Lines.
Burra Institute 16 August.
XXXXII, 32, 11 Aug. 1920, page 3
Obituary. Elkanah Cock died 5 August at Ayers Forest Reserve aged 58. He was the husband of Flora Ann Cock.
E. Cock (Elkanah, known as Kenny.) was born at Porter’s Lagoon in 1862 and educated at Moonta Private School. For 37 years he was employed by the Woods & Forest Department; 22 years at Bundaleer Forest and 15 years at Ayer’s Forest. He was a keen sportsman and a member of the Caltowie Football Club and of the Jamestown & Belalie Cricket and Lacrosse Clubs and was starter for the Jamestown Racing Club for 30 years and for the Burra Racing Club since moving to the district. He was interested in the Burra Show. At Leighton his efforts are largely responsible for paying off £800 of the Leighton Hall debt. In 1888 he married Miss Flora Campbell, eldest daughter of the late Angus Campbell of Jamestown who survives with three children: Messrs R. & Will Cock and Mrs R. McNeil. There are two granddaughters. [Registered as Elkanah Cocks born at Karkulto 29 August 1862.]
Marriage. At St Joseph’s
Roy Henderson (late AIF), 2nd son of Mr & Mrs James Henderson of Kooringa married
Gertie Smyth, 3rd daughter of Mrs & the late Owen Smyth of Murray Bridge.
W. Ray Chambers has been appointed manager of the Burra Branch of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis.
John Riggs of Kooringa celebrates his 81st birthday.
He was born at Nowell, Dorsetshire in 1839 and migrated in 1855 with his parents in the Thomas Arbuthnot and went to Koonoona, then owned by Messrs Barnett & Duffield. The sheep were shorn at Princess Royal and the wool washed in the Burra Creek to save on cartage. In 1861 Mr Riggs took on management of Murkaby for the late Henry Riggs, his brother. In 1875 he married Miss Smith of Houghton and in 1880 took up Mullaby and in 1891 was granted a portion of Murkaby and turned entirely to sheep. He retired three years ago. A few years ago he disposed of Mullaby. Other properties of his now held by his sons are Lord’s Well and Bazentin, held by Arthur, Herbert & Vernon Riggs and Murkaby by A.B. Riggs, in which the late H.E. Riggs had an interest. Frank Riggs, the youngest son, has grazing land near Burra. Three sons enlisted in the Great War and Elliott was killed 25 April 1917. Herbert gained the Military Medal. There are four daughters: Mesdames F. Pearce of Hyde Park, J.E. Pearce of Kooringa, A.L. Kellock of Thistlebeds and Miss Lily Riggs of Kooringa.
Burra Boy Scouts’ fifth anniversary will be celebrated on 16 August.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Aberdeen 5.8 defeated Kooringa 2.10.
Burra Town Council
The Salvation Army was granted permission to hold Friday evening meetings close to the footpath opposite the ruins instead of in the middle of Market Square. [i.e. on the south side of the square.]
Permission was granted for R.L. Gordon to erect a five-roomed house in Commercial St.
A lamp is to be placed on Sharpe’s Corner near the Kooringa Hotel.
A.J. McBride has offered the Hampton Quarry to the town and the offer was accepted.
XXXXII, 32, 11 Aug. 1920, page 4
Burra Homing Club Season 1920 report is printed.
Mr Bryan-Hallett Coursing Club report of the AGM is printed.
XXXXII, 33, 18 Aug. 1920, page 2
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Farrell’s Flat 3.7 defeated Aberdeen 2.6.
XXXXII, 33, 18 Aug. 1920, page 4
Advt. For sale – 10-roomed residence plus a six-acre paddock, furniture etc. of John McLaren.
24 August.
Advt. Burra Show Society Annual Stallion Parade at Burra Show Grounds 25 August.
Advt. Salvation Army Hall. Lecture by Adjutant Harwood: A Digger’s Doings by a Digger’s Padre.
26 August: silver coin plus 6d for pasty supper.
Advt. Euchre Tournament and Dance at Leighton Hall Wednesday 25 August.
Euchre 6d, Dance 1/-, Supper 6d.
Advt. T.A. Harrap thanks those who assisted him to right his pie cart which was overturned by wind on 7 August and thanks to the Cheer-up Society for replacing the broken crockery.
P.J. Broderick left Burra this week. He had been in Burra only about 18 months. When he came he opened a boot shop. He has also been instrumental in re-organising the RSL and was elected a Councillor and became President of the Burra Football Assoc. and a member of the Burra Bowling Club.
Mr F. Richmond also left after a shorter stay. He will be missed in musical circles and was Hon. Sec. of the local branch of the RSL, a member of the Bowling Club and a delegate to the Burra Football Assoc. from the Kooringa Football Club. Both men have been bitten by the ‘land craze’ to take up properties.
Capt. McNamara VC made a somewhat botched visit to the town. He flew in to publicise the Peace Loan, but having induced businesses to close for a couple of hours to maximise his impact, the Captain failed to appear until 5.45 p.m., by which time only the Mayor and three or four others were there to see him.
St Mary’s Church. On Sunday a beautiful hymn board was dedicated to the memory of Lieut. Essen T.J. Rule, killed in action at Noreuil France 3 April 1917.
Burra Croquet Club AGM was held at Liberal Union Rooms last Friday.
Burra Cheer-up Soc.
The Cheer-up Ladies Band entertained friends and Cheer-up Society members at a social evening in St Mary’s Parish Hall to mark their disbandment. The President E.W. Crewes thanked the girls for their invitation and for their magnificent record of patriotic work. He also thanked the conductor, Mr James Bentley. Their reputation was high throughout SA and other states. He regretted their disbandment. His remarks were supported by Rev. G.K. Haslam.
XXXXII, 33, 18 Aug. 1920, page 5
Burra Institute Committee Meeting, 9 August.
Mr Crewes gave notice that he would move that the library not be opened in mornings from 11.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.
Mr Lester has offered to hire the hall when renovated for the sole right to screen pictures at the Institute for five years every Saturday night for 50/- a night and £50 p.a. for use of the hall on 25 other nights – to apply from the completion of the alterations. This offer was accepted.
Marriage. At St Mary’s on 11 August.
Cecil Clyde Lord (late AIF), youngest surviving son of Mr & Mrs George Lord of Dulwich married
Jessie Mary Hunt, 3rd daughter of Mrs R.M. Hunt and the late Mr A. Hunt of Kooringa.
Marriage. On 28 July.
Lillian M. Garrard, 4th daughter of Mr & Mrs T.H. Garrard of Emu Downs married
Frederick Payne of Bendigo, Victoria.
Marriage. [At the Baptist Church, Mile End on 29 July 1920.]
F. Clifford Humphris of Leighton (late AIF), youngest son of Mrs M. Humphris of Henley Beach, married Lily [Victoria] McWaters, (late Staff-Nurse AIF), granddaughter of the late Mr & Mrs S. McWaters of Leighton [and daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. McWaters].
Marriage. At St Mary’s on 16 August
Carlton W.H. Rabbich (late AIF), only son of Mr & Mrs Harry Rabbich of Aberdeen married
Amy Eleanor (Nellie) Ockenden, younger daughter of the late Mr & Mrs R. Ockenden of Kooringa.
XXXXII, 33, 18 Aug. 1920, page 6
Program for Burra Show 6 October 1920.
XXXXII, 34, 25 Aug. 1920, page 2
Advt. Bowling & Croquet Club Ball at Burra Institute 2 September.
Advt. Burra Brass Band Concert at Aberdeen 3.30 p.m. Sunday 29 August. (Weather permitting.)
Theft. Three weeks ago the collection box at the RSL Club was smashed and £1 was stolen.
It was replaced, but last Saturday the contents were again stolen.
Last December between £1-10-0 & £2 was taken from the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School, since when that box has also been emptied once more.
Obituary. Will Chynoweth died on 11 August in Kalgoorlie aged 47. He was born in Burra and was the brother of Mrs L.L. Wicklein of Burra and youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs James Chenoweth [sic] of Kooringa. He is survived by a widow and two children.
[Born William Chynoweth at Callington 17 December 1872.]
Weather. Good rains have fallen both locally and to the east with totals from 0.6” to 1.34”. Kooringa recorded 1.23” for the week.
XXXXII, 34, 25 Aug. 1920, page 3
RSL 2nd AGM with President Dr Steele in the chair. The general sense of the report was that members were taking benefits, but not giving much in return by attending meetings. The club was nicely in credit. Elected: President Dr Steele
Vice-Presidents S.M. Lane, V.B. Wheare & D.L. Van Senden
The dinner in the Cheer-up Hall is reported at length in 13⁄4 columns.
Football. First semi-final at Victoria Park on Saturday: Aberdeen 8.15 defeated Farrell’s Flat 7.8.
XXXXII, 34, 25 Aug. 1920, Supplement [Approx. A3 single-sided]
Burra Scout Troop’s 5th Anniversary Banquet is reported.
XXXXII, 35, 1 Sep. 1920, page 2
Advt. For Sale by tender: Douglas Methodist Church. A good quantity of iron, timber, building stone, forms, cupboard, tank, etc. Separate tender for organ. Apply for particulars to Rev. G.K. Haslam, Kooringa.
Advt. Vocal Recital at Burra Institute 6 September. Miss Milred Barrett [sic], Madam Callow (piano) and Russell Callow (boy baritone).
Foresters Lodges report 260 members for Court Unity and 60 members for the Juvenile Lodge.
Cpl A.T. Winders MM (with bar), the last Burra boy to return to the town, who has been in the Military Hospital at Bedford Park for two years has now been transferred at his request to the Burra Hospital.
[Since his obituary says he returned to Australia in April 1919 the ‘two years’ is something of an exaggeration.]
Miss Marjorie Field and her younger brother were thrown from their trap when it overturned in Market Square on Friday after horses attached to a wagon sprang forward and collided with it. Fortunately injuries were limited to severe abrasions.
XXXXII, 35, 1 Sep. 1920, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. First match for the year was won by Capt. Nutt 94 from R.O. Robinson 91.
Salvation Army. Adj. Harewood’s lecture was given to a large audience and the pasty supper was well patronised. Captain Leach offered a prayer and S.M. Lane (Mayor) introduced the speaker.
Football. 2nd Semi-Final Saturday: Kooringa 21.14 defeated Mt Bryan 1.1.
Farrell’s Flat has protested the match they lost to Aberdeen on 21 August because Byles and Williams of Aberdeen had played with another associated club contrary to rule 27. The Byles accusation was withdrawn (he being confused with his brother). The discussion went on for two hours without resolution. After the meeting it was found that a definition under clause 6 nullified the whole complaint and Farrell’s Flat’s appeal should therefore fail. (Williams was asked for an affidavit and has refused to give one.)
P.J. Sampson writes re the Farrell’s Flat football complaint.
Mr & Mrs John McLaren were given several farewells and they are reported in c. 11⁄2 columns.
At a social at the Kooringa Methodist Church on Monday 23 August the congregation presented them with a handsome Morris chair. At a public presentation on Wednesday in the Council Chamber the Mayor presided and presented them with a handsome silver tea and coffee service as a mark of the town’s esteem and remembrance.
XXXXII, 36, 8 Sep. 1920, page 2
Obituary. Cpl Arthur T. Winders MM (with bar), who returned to Burra on 27 August from the Military Hospital at Bedford Park, died peacefully on Thursday 1 September after two years’ suffering. He was born at Baldina 2 August 1894, the third son of Mr Charles and the late Mrs Winders and was educated at the Baldina School and then worked for F. Escott at Bunyung Station. He served 18 months in France without being wounded and won the MM at the Battle of the Somme where he was wounded. He was only back in France about a month when he received the wounds which ultimately proved fatal, in the Battle of Amiens, where he received a bar to his Military Medal. He returned to Australia in April 1919.
The Peace Loan. Burra has so far contributed £23,620 on its way to the £30,000 goal.
The Milred Barrett [sic] & Russell Callow recital attracted a very sparse audience to an entertainment of a very high order.
Obituary. John Pens died on Monday in his Aberdeen residence aged 65. He was the manager of Pine Creek Station. A widow and adult family survive. [John James Pens died 7 September 1920.]
Coursing. J. Allen chaired a meeting on 31 August to form a club to be called the Burra Coursing Club. J. Gallagher was elected Patron with Chester Sandland as President. H. Bosisto is Secretary and 14 members were enrolled.
Burra Rifle Club. Best result on Saturday: Capt. Nutt 88.
The Bowling & Croquet Club Ball at the Institute on 2 September is reported in over 3⁄4 column; mostly describing the dresses. Dancing extended from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
XXXXII, 36, 8 Sep. 1920, page 3
The Douglas Methodist Church.
[The following letter is of importance, as except for the advertisement that prompted it there seems to be no other references to the closure of this church. It is also a rare indication that the building was also used for the Thistlebeds School as the writer implies there was a school there in 1905, which strongly suggests the Thistlebeds School.]
The Douglas Church
To the Editor,
Sir, I see amongst the advertisements in the Burra Record that tenders are being called for the sale of iron etc. from Douglas Church, and I say it is a very unnatural procedure. Why not instead, call tenders for the improvement of the building? I would like to know by whose authority such a step is being taken? I also wish to inform those who are ignorant of the fact, also those who appear to be so, that our mothers and fathers, by voluntary subscription, had this church erected both for their own benefit and that of future generations. What would they think of the people of today (who are supposed to be wiser than they) if they were to see Douglas Church not as it should be (improved accordingly) and nothing but a heap of stone and refuse. Again about 15 years ago this building was used as a day school as well as a church and about 30 children received all the education they ever had or ever needed. I wonder if the person who authorised the present situation has ever benefited from the above? Does only one generation exist in the surroundings? Is the district deserted? Are there no inhabitants? Have they no children to be educated? Most decidedly so. At present there are about 12 children of school going age. Are they to grow up ignorant? No! Rather would some send their children to board so that they would get their education. Others have governesses in their homes, whilst others, rather than have their children absent from them, forfeit maybe a prosperous future in relinquishing their farms, as they consider it secondary to their children’s necessities. I think the trustee (as I believe there is only one at present) should have called a meeting of the people in the near vicinity before acting like this, as, although it is rather neglected, the property is valuable. Rather procure help to make the building double the advantage it proved to be in years gone by. As this district is badly in need of both a church and a school I strongly protest against this structure being ruined. Yours etc., Herbert Morgan.
Football. The Association met on Thursday to take up the Farrell’s Flat protest again. Farrell’s Flat contended it should have won as rule 27 says no player shall play for more than one club in the association. Aberdeen contended that clause 6 defined Associated Clubs as clubs for the time being that were members of the Association and Williams had played for the Yakilowie Association. Mr Sampson of Farrell’s Flat then countered with clause 4: that a Burra Association member could not play with an outside Association and then with his own club without a clearance. Then as Mr Sampson raised procedural matters, Mr Willshire for Aberdeen challenged the credentials of the Mt Bryan delegates and the meeting adjourned without a resolution. The meeting resumed on Friday. Mr Willshire produced legal opinion supporting Aberdeen, but the meeting awarded the match to Farrell’s Flat by 5 votes to 3. Mr Willshire threatened legal action.
The Premiership match was played on Saturday and Kooringa 14.5 defeated Farrell’s Flat 6.3.
XXXXII, 37, 15 Sep. 1920, page 2
Advt. Returned Soldiers’ Social Leighton Hall 29 September.
Advt. Plain & Fancy Dress Masquerade Ball Leighton Hall 13 October organised by Leighton Quadrille Class.
Advt. Farrell’s Flat Horse Show 3 November.
Obituary. Mr L. Ferguson aged 29 has died. He was at one time in charge of the Savings Bank in Burra. In January 1919 he married Doreen Herbert, daughter of Mr & Mrs George Herbert of Kooringa. He died at Kadina from the effects of the English climate. He was a former member of the AIF.
[Born Leslie Roy (Alf) Fergusson at Norwood 28 March 1892.]
Obituary. Mrs James Haslam, mother of Rev. G.K. Haslam of Kooringa, died last Friday.
Obituary. Robert Bevan died at his residence at Redruth on 8 September aged 87. He was born at Swansea, Wales, 23 February 1833 and married there in 1854 Miss Elizabeth Davies. They sailed in 1855 on the Lantana to work for the English & Australian Copper Co. in Burra as a copperman. They got to Burra by mule team on 10 December 1855 and he worked as a refiner here and at Pt Adelaide. He was later manager of the Prince Alfred Copper Co. at Sliding Rock for eight years before returning to Burra. He was a founding member of Court Unity AOF in 1857 and was the last surviving member of the original Order and also one of the oldest of the Loyal Aberdeen Lodge MUIOOF, having joined in 1861. Six sons survive. One daughter died 34 years ago. William, Thomas, Henry & Charles live at Broken Hill, George at Teetulpa and Alfred at Burra. There are 29 grandchildren and 33 living great grandchildren.
Obituary. William McDonald died at Burra Hospital on Tuesday. He was formerly a mail contractor for the Eastern Mail, but latterly a drover.
Burra Show Society
I.J. Warnes, who has been away from the district, wanted to catch up with preparations. The Governor has sent a letter hoping he can be present and arrangements were then made accordingly. As it was probably his last year as President Mr Warnes wanted to entertain all at the official lunch at his own expense. He was clearly opposed to the moving of the ring and of the date, both of which had been done in his absence.
Mr Bartholomaeus thought the President’s remarks were unfair and Mt Radford said the Polo Club would use the ground frequently necessitating the move agreed to.
Mr Warnes was annoyed with the Sporting Syndicate, which he saw as interfering with the improvements the Show Society had made and as for the Polo Club he had little faith in it – Burra was noted for starting things and never finishing them. The President thought without a 99-year lease it was not worth making improvements.
XXXXII, 37, 15 Sep. 1920, page 3
Football. A meeting of the Aberdeen Football Club was held in C. & A. Fuss’s shop on 13 September to discuss the Farrell’s Flat protest and its consequences. Charles Fuss took the chair. Mr Willshire reported on the legal opinion obtained and the Associations meeting attended. After rehearsing the whole matter (reported in 3⁄4 column) it was decided to move that the Association join the SA League and that that body then be asked to give their opinion on the dispute. Whether Aberdeen joins the Burra Association in future was left to the next meeting.
Burra Town Council, 4 October. [Check this date as it must be incorrect.]
Cr Treloar reported that the wings on the new bridge on the cemetery road were worse than expected and the SE one was in ruins and the others in a state of collapse. Repairs are in hand.
[The problem may have been the pressure of the filling and the Council was divided on the responsibility of Mr Woollacott, who had supervised the construction – though the overseer thought the problem was the small size of the stone chosen.]
XXXXII, 38, 22 Sep. 1920, page 2
Accident. Last Friday on the Sod Hut Road the coupling on Drew & Crewes’ van broke causing one of the horses to swerve around, capsizing the van and trapping the horse beneath. The driver escaped injury and remarkably not only did the horse do so as well, but of the 500 dozen eggs in the van only about 20 dozen were broken.
Burra Institute. James King & Son’s tender for the Institute alterations was approved.
The library in future will not be opened 11.00 a.m. to 12 noon.
Mr R.L. Bromley, who replaced Mr Hitchcox as headmaster of Burra School as little over 12 months ago, has been moved to Wallaroo. He will be missed at the Rifle Club.
XXXXII, 38, 22 Sep. 1920, page 3
Kooringa Cricket Club AGM elected J. Tennant as Patron, J.E.H. Winnall as President, W. Moyes as Captain and Dr D.M. Steele as Vice-Captain.
Mt Cone, the property of Mr R.O. Robinson, has been broken up into six lots and sold.
Obituary. Mr Richard Wardle of Mt Bryan died in Adelaide on Monday. He was the son of Mr & Mrs R. Wardle and was born at Hindmarsh Valley 14 July 1860. His mother was born in SA in 1839 and his father in England (the latter only died last year). At 18 he went to Hawker and came to the Mt Bryan district about 14 years ago. He married Miss Thurza Player of Saddleworth and there are 11 children: 4 sons and 7 daughters. [More details are printed.]
Mrs Charlotte Theeuff of Kooringa was 87 last Friday. She is one of the oldest colonists, having arrived in SA in 1838 in the Buffalo with her parents Mr & Mrs Press. She recalls Adelaide of those days quite clearly, when Government House was a weatherboard building. The family settled at Hindmarsh. In 1852 she married William Theeuff and went to Mt Lofty, living in a dugout and thence to Sheoak Log and afterwards to Gawler before settling at Government Well at North West Bend, where most of the children were born. In 1876 they came to Kooringa. She had 15 children, 11 of whom reached mature years. After her husband died she took to nursing. Two sons and six daughters are now alive: James Theeuff of Oulnina Station, Charles Theeuff of Belah Station, Mesdames T. Ford (Kooringa), George Hill, Elisha Ford & T. Drury (Adelaide), Shepherd (Broken Hill) and Miss B. Theeuff who resides with her mother. William, George and Emma Theeuff died some years ago.
The Governor, Sir A. Weigall & Lady Weigall and Miss Priscilla Weigall visited Hallett informally on 9 September on their return from Peterborough. They visited the school and Institute and on Friday evening the Governor showed some films in the Institute, that the family had taken to be sent to England. Also a film of the Prince of Wales’ visit & other films. In the afternoon they had visited Canowie Estate. Saturday morning was spent visiting the district and the Vice-Regal carriage was added to the East-West Express, which left for Adelaide about 4 p.m.
Burra Rifle Club. G.L. Nutt continues to lead the shooting scoring 93 off scratch last Saturday ahead of V.A. Riggs 92 (handicap 10) and A.B. Riggs (handicap 7).
Burra Town Council, 20 September.
T.H. Woollacott writes expressing amazement at the attempt to hold him responsible for the trouble with the cemetery road bridge. Council arranged all the specifications. Foundations were by the Council and all was supervised by the overseer, Mr Rosewall. All Mr Woollacott did was supply the men and plant. The problem is most likely caused by providing foundations and walls too weak for the pressure of material behind them. Mr Woollacott absolutely refused to take any of the responsibility and demanded the same publicity for his letter as the discussion in Council had obtained.
[The agreement with Mr Woollacott was then read and cited in the paper, but they do little to clarify the responsibility for a considerable mess.]
Ct Treloar moved that the owner of the old bridge be asked to lease it to Council as in the event that the new bridge couldn’t be used the road to the cemetery would be closed.
Cr Kellaway reported there were four big cracks in the main walls of the bridge.
Cr Radford called for an inspection and thought the lease unnecessary. Cr Treloar said Mr Grow was dismantling the old bridge. [Though it lacked any sides the arch of the old bridge was still there in 2006.]
The overseer is reported to believe the new bridge is quite sound and would last 100 years as far as the main walls are concerned.
Letter from George Hann, Hon. Sec. of the Bowling Club, asking if the Council would be prepared to allow the club to buy the present Council Depot next to the bowling green, as the club desired to enlarge the croquet green and put in a tennis court and club house. C.B. Warnes was prepared to sell a portion of land next to the Kooringa Hotel for Council use, or to let it for £15 p.a. The removal of the depot from Thames St would raise values and hence rates there.
Cr Radford favoured moving from Thames St, but felt the Council would need to own Mr Warnes’ block: neither a portion nor a lease would do.
Cr Kellaway thought another piece of land should be sought.
Council will consider their options – as long as it is not a cost to ratepayers.
District Trained Nurse.
There is a move to get a District Nurse for Burra. Such would cost approximately £160 p.a. plus any conveyance needed to carry out her duties. Such a sum should not be a problem in such a district. A committee would be needed first.
Marriage. At the bride’s father’s residence on 15 September.
Oliver Henry (Twist) Ockenden (late AIF), 3rd son of the late Mr & Mrs R. Ockenden married
Vera Pascoe, daughter of Mr R.D. & the late Mrs Pascoe of Kooringa.
Marriage. At St Augustine’s Unley on 8 September.
William Cock, younger son of the late Mr E. & Mrs Cock of Ayers Forest married
Daphne Grundy, eldest daughter of the late Mr Joseph and Mrs Grundy of Second Valley.
XXXXII, 39, 29 Sep. 1920, page 2
Advt. Foresters’ Picnic Wednesday 13 October at Johnson’s Creek, Princess Royal by kind permission of J. Tennant.
Burra School farewelled headmaster Mr Bromley and teacher Miss Fudge who has resigned from the Education Dept.
World’s End Methodist Church Anniversary last Sunday drew good congregations. The public meeting was on Monday.
Burra High School desires to establish a tennis court and calls for donations.
Gilbert Lewis, second son of Hon. J. Lewis, has bought Bundaleer Station.
Kooringa Tennis Club General Meeting on last Friday to see it re-formed. The generosity of the late George Sampson finds it in possession of two good courts. Captain Rev. G.K. Haslam and Vice-Captain Mr W. Jarrett. Secretary Colin R. McLaren.
Hallett Methodist Church War Memorial Porch was opened on Saturday by Rev. A.K. & Mrs I’Anson (the designers).
Burra Hospital. There was a musical afternoon on Saturday provided by the Burra Brass Band with gramophone selections. It was a glorious day and proceedings were on the lawn with patients and guests on the verandah. It was organised by Miss Rose Pearce.
XXXXII, 40, 6 Oct. 1920, page 2
Advt. Grand Concert at Burra Institute Show night Wednesday 6 October with dance to follow.
Advt. Wednesday 13 October, Eight Hours Day. Pictures in aid of Kooringa Tennis Club
Back in God’s Country.
Ironmine Methodist Church Anniversary 26 September saw large congregations.
Advt. A meeting of the Show Society subscribers is called for 15 September to consider the advisability of the Society securing a show ground of its own.
Obituary. James Pens died 29 September at Burra Hospital.
Obituary. V.H. Wood, who recently took over the Bon Accord Hotel, died on 30 September aged 42.
[Born Victor Henry Wood at Norwood 1 April 1877.]
The Governor had to attend an unexpected executive meeting of Cabinet and was unable to attend the Burra Show at the last minute after all preparations had been made.
Burra-Adelaide Road Race was staged last Saturday. 35 riders started from Market Square on the 108-mile race. W. Figg was starter. The race was promoted by Dunlop Tyre Co. and marks the revival of the race after the war years. It was won by H.G. Read in 5 hrs 26 minutes. The fastest time was 5 hours 16 minutes 45 seconds by T. Robinson.
Golden Wedding of Mr & Mrs John Pearce of Leighton House Kooringa has been celebrated. Mrs Pearce was born in Chapel St 2 January 1850, the third daughter of Mr & Mrs Francis Symons and she has lived here all her life except for a few months as a five-year-old spent on the Ballarat goldfield – during which time she gained her faint recollections of the Eureka Stockade, which occurred while she was there. Mr Pearce was born at Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire 22 June 1851 and arrived in SA in 1859 on the Marion with his parents and came to Burra in a spring dray. After school he worked with his father who owned a saw mill and carpentry and joinery business. On his father’s death he took over the business. He built the first house in Terowie and in Yarcowie and retired about two years ago. He married in 1870 and in 1873 went to live in Aberdeen, moving back to Kooringa in 1880. There were 14 children of whom 12 are living: Edgar & Clem (Burra), Alfred, Norman & Oswald (Adelaide), Mesdames P. Milner (Adelaide), A.S. Dearlove (Ketchowla) & the Misses A., C., G., L. & T. Pearce of Kooringa. All except Norman attended the celebrations. The wife and two children of the eldest son, the late Frank Pearce, also attended and all but one of the grandchildren. Mr Pearce was organist at Kooringa Wesleyan Church. He never at any time took part in public matters.
XXXXII, 40, 6 Oct. 1920, page 3
Kooringa Masonic Lodge installed W.G. Gregurke as Master on 28 September and the ball that followed at the Institute is reported at length.
The Annual Mt Bryan Sheep Dog Trials are reported.
Cricket. At Aberdeen oval on Saturday: Spalding 151 defeated Aberdeen 45.
Burra Town Council, 4 October.
The Dept. of Defence wrote enquiring the best landing place for aeroplanes. They will be advised that the best is the racecourse.
Mr Grow reports that the old bridge on the cemetery road is not to be demolished and if needed arrangements for its use could be made.
XXXXII, 41, 13 Oct. 1920, page 2
Weather. Good rains for the season continue and have extended to the Eastern Country.
XXXXII, 41, 13 Oct. 1920, page 3
Burra Show, 6 October.
There was some light morning rain and then a clear afternoon till 4 p.m. when light steady rain set in. Proceedings were thus not seriously affected. The ground was well grassed. The sideshows did a thriving business. Gate takings of £106 were up on last year. Despite the date being moved after consultation with sheep man, sheep were conspicuously absent. Agricultural implements were the highlight of the show. The display extended 100 yards x 25 yards: the largest display put of a showground in Australia by the International Harvester Co.
Cricket. At South Booborowie 9 October: Kooringa 157 defeated South Booborowie 83.
Burra Rifle Club. On 2 October the best scores were A.B. Riggs 96, H.L. Riggs 96 and J.E. Pearce 95.
XXXXII, 41, 13 Oct. 1920, page 4
Burra Show Prize List is printed.
[Personal interest:
In Vegetables Chin Young won prizes for 3 cabbages, 3 cauliflowers, 3 lettuces (2nd), 6 swedes, 6 carrots, red beet, 3 sticks of celery and a collection of vegetables. In Flowers he won prizes for 6 antirrhinums and 3 antirrhinums.
In Flowers:
R. Fuss C. Fuss A. Fuss
6 cut flowers 1st 3 antirrhinums 2nd 3 pelargoniums zonale 2nd
Pansies 1st 3 aquilegia 2nd 1 freesia 2nd
3 pansies 1st 3 delphiniums 2nd 3 pelargoniums 1st
3 pelargoniums zonale 1st 3 nasturtiums 1st & 2nd 1 fern 2nd
3 petunias 1st & 2nd poppies 2nd
3 ranunculi 2nd 3 10-week stocks 1st
1 azalea 1st & 2nd 3 verbenas 2nd
3 cyclamen 1st
1 cyclamen 1st
3 cineraria 1st
1 cineraria 1st
1 freesia 1st
3 pelargoniums 2nd
1 pelargonium 1st & 2nd
3 primula 1st
1 primula 1st & 2nd
3 asparagus 1st
1 begonia 1st
1 basket plant 1st & 2nd
3 adianthus 1st
1 adianthus 1st
3 ferns 1st
1 fern 1st
Best 3 plants for table 1st
Best 1 plant for table 1st]
XXXXII, 42, 20 Oct. 1920, page 2
Obituary. Ellen Montgomery, wife of James Wright Montgomery, died 19 October aged 68.
[See details in next paper.]
Redruth Reformatory. The President and Secretary of the State Children’s Council visited the Reformatory on Saturday and expressed themselves pleased. Various reports have been made for some time in respect to the Matron Miss Bubb and residents have been most indignant and welcome the chance to testify to her wise and humane efforts.
The Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. Work is proceeding with the mould for the bronze figure having been approved. It is hoped the foundation stone can be laid next February.
Mr V. de La Fontaine’s Transport Pictures are on show at the Burra Hotel. [Troop Transports of 1914.]
Burra Rifle Club. Best results last Saturday were from the non-members Mr Phillips 103 and J. Biddle 98.
St Joseph’s Grand Annual Fair was held last Friday in the Burra Institute and was a great success.
XXXXII, 42, 20 Oct. 1920, page 3
Burra Show Society Meeting, Friday 15 October.
I.J. Warnes chaired a meeting to consider getting a showground of its own for the Society.
W.H. McWaters said he thought it was time the Society had a ground of its own. At present they used the Sports Syndicate’s property. He had no problem with the Syndicate, but asked where the Society would be in 20 years time. It was like building a house on someone else’s property. He moved that the Society procure a Showground of its own.
C. Fuss thought they had a fine ground owned by gentlemen who would safeguard the Society’s interests and give it every consideration. They had made extensive improvements of no personal benefit and he felt it would be silly to throw their handsome generosity back in their teeth. As it was incorporated there was no fear of them treating the Society badly and they could be relied upon for fair play. (Applause and cries of hear, hear.)
M.A. Radford said the Syndicate had bought the ground for the betterment of society and for use as a sports ground and the public was indebted to them, but at present they [the Show Society] could be ordered off at five minute’s notice. (Cries of No!) And could be told to shift as they had been this year. They wanted a new ring and seating and a grandstand and a site nearer the town. The present ring was not right and the grandstand too far off.
Mr Hawkes asked if the Syndicate had ever asked the Society to shift – Mr Warnes said – yes – the second ring had to be moved.
After questioning Mr Radford ‘remembered’ (eventually) having written the letter from the Polo Club that caused this.
Mr Treloar said:
In 1908 the present grounds came onto the market. Mr Thomas Sandland thought of buying it for sports use. After it was bought it was necessary to make an exchange with Mr Austin and later to acquire more land for racing. Mr A.G. Gebhardt gave a piece of land and the other members of the Burra Sports Trust gave an equivalent in money to enable improvements. The seven gentlemen of the Trust had bought the land and also made two subsequent calls of £15 and £37. As soon as it was formed the Trust offered the Show Society the use of the grounds for five years free of charge and agreed to erect a grandstand for the first show there in 1909 and in fact this extended to eight years, after which they were given a 21-year right to hold the show at £3-3-0 p.a. He strongly opposed the motion.
J.R. Field agreed and Mr Radford’s remark that it was too far away was bunkum. He was sure any difficulties over the jumps being moved could be sorted out and an agreement reached securing the Society’s position.
W.G. Hawkes was in the dark about why they needed to move – he thought it suicidal to leave such a beautiful ground – close to the railway station and convenient in every way. The move would be a terrible mistake.
Mr Warnes then sought to explain the matter before them.
The present ground was one of the best in SA, but it was embodied in a sports syndicate. In England and all other states Show Societies had their own grounds. He would like to see this society have its own ground. They would never get on until they had their own ground. The syndicate was of respected and trusted men, but they had been asked to shift and one never knew what would follow next. Moving the jumps was not insignificant. It used to cost £40 p.a., though members now helped financially so the cost to the society was £20-£25. This sum over a few years amounted to a considerable amount which could be put to better use. At present they did not know who was boss, there was no privacy, no keys were kept on the place. They used to have four jumps, now there were three – where was the other – used to light someone’s fire he supposed. When the present syndicate men passed on who was to know what security there would be. He hoped that whatever decision was made would not impair previous good feeling. He would be out of office next year, but would be just as interested in the society. All he wanted was a prosperous society.
Mr McWater’s motion was then put and lost by a big majority amidst applause.
Mr Warnes then asked for any suggestions for improving the society.
A.B. Riggs wanted dead wood removed from committees.
Mr Warnes said that was entirely in the hands of the AGM on 31 March.
C. Fuss congratulated the President on the excellent arrangements this year, about which he had heard nothing but praise.
Cricket. At Kooringa on Wednesday: Kooringa 3 for 193 declared defeated Mt Bryan 7 for 63 [which appeared to be the whole of the team!]
On Saturday at North Booborowie there was a drawn game: Kooringa 7 for 157 declared and North Booborowie 4 for 75.
Burra Town Council, 17 October.
J. Allen granted permission to string electricity wires across the street to Messrs Wilkinson & Co.
Casual Council workers seek 12/6 a day. (To lie on the table till next meeting.)
The Foresters’ Picnic at Princess Royal is reported.
Redruth Court, 13 October.
T.F. Robinson stray cows 10/- + 15/-
H. Austin stray horse 10/- + 15/-
J. McDonald 2 offences (unstated) 10/- + 15/- each
L. Day stray horse 15/- + £1
J. Warner stray cow £1 + 15/-
W.W. Satchell stray cow 10/- + 15/-
W.T. Bourman stray cow 10/- + 14/-
14 October
John B. Rigney charged with indecently assaulting a male under the age of 16. Committed for trial.
Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary 16 & 17 October was a great success. The guest preacher was Rev. W.A. Potts, President of Conference.
Marriage. At Kooringa Methodist church 14 October.
Millie Lott, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs C.A. Lott of Kooringa married
D. Murdoch of Yorketown.
XXXXII, 43, 27 Oct. 1920, page 2
Obituary. Mrs James Montgomery died 19 October at Burra Hospital. She was born at Mintaro 21 October 1852, the youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Leonard Levett and she married Mr Montgomery, then of Mt Bryan. From there they went to Wilmington and thence to Burra. She was a long time member of the Redruth Methodist Church, Soldiers’ Aid Society and Red Cross. She leaves a husband and three sons: Alfred James (Burra), William Leonard (Pt Adelaide) & Walter Wright (Mongolata). And four daughters: Mrs James Watson (Mallala), Mrs R. Jury (WA), Mrs R. Corey & Mrs G. Hatch (Prospect). There are a number of grandchildren.
John McLaren writes expressing the opinion that the rental of £3-3-0 p.a. that the Show Society pays for the ground was not for a definite term, but indefinite.
XXXXII, 43, 27 Oct. 1920, page 3
Burra Bowling & Croquet Club season opens on 13 November.
Obituary. James Isaac, late of Burra, died 30 September at his residence at Brompton. He was born in Cornwall in 1853 and married Miss Kemp, a well-known gardener’s daughter of Mt Lofty and they went to Moonta and then Goodwood. He was an ironmonger and for many years was employed by Harris Scarfe & Co. and W. & T. Rhodes. Later he took up mining at Tarcoola and Leigh’s Creek and in WA. He came to Burra in 1903, where he left his family while going on to Broken Hill. They moved to Brompton about 12 months ago. He leaves a widow and nine children: Mesdames R.R. Lee (Sydney), J.R. Urwin (Burra), Robson Urwin (Bowden), Misses H. & M. Isaac (Brompton) & Miss Ada Isaac (Burra), James (Kingswood), Alfred (Bowden) & Edwin T. (Brompton) and 4 grandchildren.
Mrs James Pryor & Miss M. Isaac of Kooringa are sisters.
Salvation Army Concert of 25 October is reviewed favourably. It was in aid of the Self-Denial Appeal and proceeds were highly satisfactory.
Bulk Handling of Wheat. An article against this process, already in use in the USA and Canada, is printed.
XXXXII, 44, 3 Nov. 1920, page 2
Royal Institution for the Blind Bazaar today in Jubilee Hall.
Social in RSL Club Rooms last Wednesday.
Note: The Record Office Window was a display case for locally grown fruit, vegetables and flowers and the current display was often acknowledged in the paper.
The New Anglican Rectory in Brewery Avenue [Bridge Terrace] will be opened and blessed by Archdeacon Russell next Saturday.
XXXXII, 44, 3 Nov. 1920, page 3
Soldiers’ Aid Society, AGM in Jubilee Hall Redruth. M.A. Radford presiding.
The small band of workers was determined to continue to support the many returned men lying maimed and injured in hospitals. The President, Mrs E. Bertram, read the 5th Annual Report. Attendance at meetings has averaged 20-25. Three members died during the year: Mesdames Bentley, Bailey and Montgomery. In September 1919 the society provided lunch at the Sheep Dog Trials and the £20 so raised went to the RSL and lunch at the 1919 Burra Show raised £120-4-10, which allowed the society to send £103-12-0 to the Red Cross Produce Dept., which kept that enterprise afloat when it was on the point of closure. In April we decided to send £20 per month for five months to this cause. In all over 15 months £203-12-0 has been sent. Money has also been donated to Minda Home (£20), the Army Nurses Fund (£20) and to the Burra & District Soldiers’ Memorial Fund (£25). On August 14 we provided the Annual Dinner to returned soldiers. About 72 were present.
The Treasurer’s report is printed.
Elected: President Mrs E. Bertram
Vice-Presidents Mrs C. Bartholomaeus & Mrs C. Fuss
Secretary Miss Clara Bartholomaeus
Treasurer Mrs A.J. Wallis
Many such societies have given up, but Mr Crewes thanked Burra for continuing as the need was still there.
Cricket. At Aberdeen Oval on Saturday: Kooringa 74 defeated South Booborowie 68.
Burra Town Council, 1 November.
Council agreed to pay half the cost of a new cricket pitch at Victoria Park – the pitch not to cost over £25.
Council will inspect the site proposed for the Council Depot by the Bowling Club.
Request for higher wages to lie on the table till next meeting.
XXXXII, 45, 10 Nov. 1920, page 3
Weather. The season continues well with further rain.
Obituary. Mrs John Farrelly of Booborowie died 5 November aged 62. She is survived by a husband and 10 children: Messrs Michael, John, Peter, James, William, Edward, Joseph, Thomas Morris, Mrs J. O’Brien (Booborowie) & Miss Farrelly. There are three grandchildren. Another son Frederick died a few years ago. [Born Mary Bourke.]
Burra Rifle Club. G.L. Nutt got into the money four times in the recent contest in Sydney. Last Saturday best results were H.L. Riggs 83 and J.E. Pearce 77.
The Farrell’s Flat Horse Show is reported in 1 column.
The Royal Institution for the Blind Bazaar on 3 November was very successful and the committee expect to be able to hand on a little over £60.
Tennis. At Copperhouse Ironmine beat Copperhouse by 2 sets 10 games.
XXXXII, 46, 17 Nov. 1920, page 2
Advt. Strawberry Fete at Leighton Hall 20 November with proceeds to go to the Soldiers’ Memorial Room.
Advt. Leighton Hall Annual Strawberry Fete 27 November in aid of the hall piano fund.
Advt. Kooringa Methodist Strawberry Fete 19 November at Burra Institute, to be opened by the Mayor.
Advt. St Mary’s Strawberry Fete at Burra Institute 3 December.
Advt. E.M. Murray calls for another effort to start a Polo Club and calls a meeting at the Burra Hotel for 19 November at 3 p.m.
Advt. Invitation from the manager E.A. Bristow to inspect the Booborowie Experimental Farm at Hallett 20 November.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary 7 November with tea meeting on 8 November. There were 151 scholars and 8 teachers. Finances were healthy. Mr Dunhill (Superintendent) spoke of the need for a larger and more up-to-date building. Many years ago land was purchased and every month for five years collections have been made for the building fund. Recently one of the church members promised to donate £ for £ up to £1,000 for the erection of the building.
XXXXII, 46, 17 Nov. 1920, page 3
Burra Institute Committee, 8 November
Mr H. Moore is to do the necessary installation of lights and wiring in connection with the building alterations. The Theatregraph Co. will install a one sixth horsepower motor to screen pictures.
A traveller selling gas mantles and burners for cash down and the goods to be forwarded did a good trade in Burra before being arrested in Riverton for false pretences.
Armistice Day special memorial service in Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday 14 November.
Kooringa Methodist Church will hold a bazaar on 19 November to aid circuit funds – the first such for several years.
The Bowls & Croquet Season opening due on Saturday last was postponed due to the wet weather.
Weather. Last week saw heavy rain come in from the east, pleasing pastoralists, but badly tangling some wheat crops. ‘The Gums’ reports 2.45”; Black Springs almost 2”, but Leighton only 0.37”. Burra had 2.05” this month and has a total of over 20” for the year.
Obituary. T.P. Halls died on Tuesday at Burra Hospital aged 56. For many years he was a cab proprietor in Burra. [Thomas Philip Halls born at Kooringa 4 December 1864.]
Football. The League [presumably the SA Football League] has written to the secretary of the Burra Football Assoc. with their opinion that J. Williams according to the Burra Association rules had not, by playing with the South Booborowie Club, broken his qualification to play with the Aberdeen Football Club.
Supreme Court Adelaide.
David McDonald Steele sued Thomas Badge Ashton over a contract made 27 July 1915. The principal was £1,050. Paid £550. Due £500. Interest £113. Claim for £613.
The said contract was for the sale of goodwill of a medical practice to the defendant by the plaintiff and the appointments to the Burra Hospital as MO with the right to treat private patients.
Ashton knew the practice well, having sold it to Dr John Ikin Sangster Jnr on or about 8 December 1913. Ashton said the plaintiff handed over nothing whatsoever and through his attorney, J.E.H. Winnall, deprived him of the MO position at the Burra Hospital. The defendant paid £550 and the balance and interest has not become due as the contract has not been fulfilled by the plaintiff.
In counter suit the defendant claimed the £550 paid the plaintiff in August 1915 and £4,450 in damages including the loss of salary re hospital appointment and loss of salary as Officer of Health to the Local Board, loss of fees as Medical Examiner for Old Age Pensions, loss of fees from private patients as he was excluded from the hospital.
The Plaintiff denied that the practice had been defined as identical to the practice sold by the defendant in 1913 and denied all the other parts of the defence.
Denied handing over nothing.
Denied he, through his attorney, had deprived the defendant of appointment as MO at the hospital – or any of the other appointments mentioned.
Denied any inducement to enter into the 1915 agreement by any misrepresentation.
Denied any power to limit the defendant’s practice either in time or distance.
Admitted the payment of £550, but said it was under the agreement of 27 July 1915.
The plaintiff said that for a long time prior to June 1915 the plaintiff had been in partnership with John Ikin Sangster Jnr. John Ikin Sangster Jnr died 12 June 1915 and he then purchased the interest of John Ikin Sangster Jnr deceased. In July 1915 he negotiated with the defendant to sell the defendant the goodwill of the late Dr Sangster’s practice and the privilege of applying for Dr Sangster’s appointments, except the MO of the Local Board of Health and Medical Examiner of Invalid Pensions to which position the plaintiff had recently been appointed.
The plaintiff said the defendant had bought the medical practice of John Ikin Sangster Sen. about 8 September 1910 and had sold it on or about 8 December 1913 to John Ikin Sangster Jnr. The defendant took over the practice under the agreement of 27 July 1915 and was appointed MO of the hospital on or about 12 August 1915 and also for the various lodges. In or about June 1917 he was dismissed by the competent authorities as MO of the Burra Hospital. The plaintiff had carried out the agreement of 27 July 1915.
After argument his honour agreed with Mr Smith for the plaintiff that the onus of proof that the money should not be paid lay with the defendant.
Eventually on the second day of the case the judge said that if he had to give a verdict for one or the other they could hardly work together thereafter in the same town and a settlement out of court would save expenses and be better in the interests of all.
On Monday the parties reported it had been settled subject to one condition outside either party to control.
The case was adjourned indefinitely.
Tennis. At Ironmine on Saturday: Ironmine 9-74 defeated Copperhouse 5-53.
XXXXII, 46, 17 Nov. 1920, page 4
Cricket. At South Booborowie on 6 November: North Booborowie 143 defeated Burra 47.
Burra Sports Syndicate re the Position of Burra Shows
Frank Treloar, Burra Sports Trust Secretary writes to clarify the situation.
The grounds were purchased in June 1908 by the present members of the Trust with the intent of securing a ground for sports purposes.
Shortly after this exchanges and additions were made to make the grounds more suitable.
Fencing and planting was undertaken and a grandstand with enclosures was erected. Steps were taken to incorporate the Trust so it could go on forever.
Nothing has been paid back to the original donors. Small profits are spent in upkeep.
In April 1909 the Burra Show Soc. held a meeting to decide the site of shows. P.L. Killicoat was President and Mr McLaren was secretary. Mr Thomas Sandland attended in the interests of the Trust and promised five years use free of charge and to have the grandstand with enclosure ready for the 1909 show in September. The offer was accepted and confirmed the same day by the Trust.
Mr John Melrose met the cost of moving and erecting all the cattle and sheep yards.
The free use was extended by the Trust to 8 years.
June 1917 Mr Warnes as President of the Agricultural Soc. [Show Soc.] with Mr Winnall waited on the Trust to ask on what terms the Show Soc. could have a lease as they were placing improvements on the ground. The Trust explained it aimed to encourage all kinds of legitimate sport and hoped any improvements made by any body could be used by all.
The Trust carried a resolution granting the Show the right to hold their exhibitions on the ground for 21 years at a fee of £3-3-0 per year.
I believe a Show Soc. resolution accepted this offer.
14 April 1920 Mr M.A. Radford wrote to say a determined effort would be made in the following summer to restart polo and it would greatly strengthen the promoters’ position if the Trust could assure them they would be permitted to use the grounds previously played on. He regretted it was too early for a formal application, but was confident something definite would be done in summer.
The Trust then informed the Show Society that the present ring with jumps etc. was encroaching on the grounds originally allotted to the Polo Club and as they wish to re-start playing this season the Trust wish the Society to remove the ring and jumps to their original position.
Opening of the New Anglican Rectory by Ven. Archdeacon Bussell of Adelaide on 3 November.
It had long been a desire to have a rectory closer to the church. Under the old law it had been impossible to sell the old Rectory at Redruth, but under the new law it could be done. The present purchase was effected in 1919 and it was thought best to pause due to high prices, but they persisted and in April a contract was awarded to T.H. Woollacott & F.M. Pearce to do the work. Work started on 18 May and the first stone was laid 4 June and was practically completed on 6 November. [sic – a rather strange comment to make on 3 November!] The cost was a little over £2,000. They had in hand £800 from the sale of the old rectory and £100 from a legacy of the late Mr F.T. Jones of Mongolata. £200 would come from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel when final payment was made. The debt at present was then approximately £1,000. Mr Winnall said it was strange there had been such opposition from some quarters – first over the selling of the old rectory, then over the price received for it and then complaints over the new site. Now the time had come for everyone to pull together.
XXXXII, 47, 24 Nov. 1920, page 2
Advt. Burra Brass Band Rotunda Concert at Kooringa Sunday 28 November 8.15 p.m.
Advt. Tenders called for the erection of the Booborowie Memorial Institute Hall.
Advt. Bowling Club Meeting called to consider the purchase from Council of the adjoining block to the Green. [The then Council Depot.]
Polo Club. A meeting at the Burra Hotel on Saturday decided to re-form the Polo Club. Glen Hawkes was elected Hon. Sec.
XXXXII, 47, 24 Nov. 1920, page 3
Strawberry Fete at Leighton Hall, in aid of the Ironmine Memorial Room is reported.
The Mayoralty. With S.M. Lane’s decision not to stand again Mr Crewes has again been approached – particularly as the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial will be proceeding in the coming year and he has been much associated with it. Mr Radford decided not to stand given the numbers requesting Mr Crewes to see the memorial through.
Kooringa Methodist Strawberry Fete at the Institute last Friday.
Burra Hospital Board has, subject to the approval of the Chief Secretary, appointed Dr Ashton a visiting Medical Officer with the same rights to private practice as Dr Steele.
The Board expressed its approval of Dr Steele’s work as Medical Officer of the Hospital and his efforts to effect a reconciliation with Dr Ashton are appreciated.
Cricket. At Spalding on Saturday: Spalding 180 defeated Kooringa 129.
Kooringa was to travel to Spalding, but only 4 of the team turned up for departure. Three lads joined them (Laidlaw, Lord & Murphy) and J. Wilson was picked up as a substitute on the ground.
Burra Town Council, 15 November.
The tender of T.H. Woollacott for a cricket pitch in Victoria Park for £27-15-0 was accepted including 168 ft of timber and £25 without. Councillors thought the timber not required.
Council inspection has found the block offered for the depot by Mr Warnes was better than the existing depot. It was more valuable, had better stables and implements could be housed. The depot street (Thames St) was being improved and the depot marred it. Cr Lawn reckoned the town would be £50 p.a. better off. Cr Kellaway thought Warnes’ block too small and asked whether Mr Harris’s block would not be better (the woodyard block in Kingston St). Cr Radford said not to quibble – one block was on offer, the other was not.
Cr Radford’s motion to accept the Bowling Club’s offer was passed.
XXXXII, 48, 1 Dec. 1920, page 2
Advt. AGM of the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Soc. will be held in the Institute Tuesday 14 December 3.30 p.m.
Nurse Young’s Private Hospital will close on 6 December until further notice.
Advt. ‘The Gums’ Station is selling its Bauer Acetylene Gas Plant complete with 1⁄2” and 3⁄8” piping, brackets, fancy globes and all fittings.
Advt. Burra Brass Band Concert at Aberdeen 5 December, 8.15 p.m.
The Misses Pressick were given a farewell at St Mary’s Hall on 18 November. They have since gone to live in Adelaide. Miss Doreen was for many years organist at St Mary’s. Miss Pearl and Miss Hazel were valued choir members. Miss Doreen was presented with a roll of notes. Supper and a dance followed.
Weather. Rain continued throughout November. Burra had about 5” for the month and so far 21.25” for the year. Excellent conditions prevail to the east. Wheat farmers would have preferred dry conditions now, but little damage has been done to their crops so far. Rain is still falling.
Polo. Practice polo match on Saturday: the first for several years.
XXXXII, 48, 1 Dec. 1920, page 3
Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting, Monday with Mr Dane presiding. Attendance was 20-30.
The Mayor, Mr Lane, commented on the difficulty last year in getting Councillors for East & West Wards. He regretted the death in the year of the highly esteemed Cr Sampson. Cr Lawn had taken over, but his business prevented him from seeking re-election. The Mayor said the financial position was good despite rising costs.
Cr Radford said that cars were causing the road to the station to deteriorate and a special road for cars was needed, perhaps of concrete.
Cr Kellaway regretted the little work done in East Ward, but this was due to the legacy of the Cemetery Rd Bridge. The money had, however, been well spent.
Councillors commented briefly on their wards – mainly re the need for money for roads.
Mr Foote thought North Ward would appreciate another lamp or two.
The Mayor elect, Mr Crewes, thought the town’s bridges needed paint and he hoped Burra would soon have a comprehensive corporation scheme for electric lights.
The Cemetery Rd Bridge had cost £390.
Booborowie Experimental Farm annual visitation is reported in just less than 1 column.
Tennis. At Kooringa on 20 November: Kooringa 9-76 defeated Aberdeen 7-73.
Burra Rifle Club. 20 November best results A.L. Kellock 91 & V.A. Riggs 90.
RSL Social last Wednesday was a great success.
XXXXII, 48, 1 Dec. 1920, page 4
Mayor’s Report 1920. (S.M. Lane)
Six new residences have been erected in 1920 at a cost of £11,000 with two others under construction.
An ambulance has been acquired from the Dept. of Defence for £200.
During the year the town subscribed £26,000 to the second Peace Loan. Its target had been £30,000, but considering previous efforts the sum raised was very successful.
In late 1919 it had been decided to build a new bridge in Ayers St using the Commonwealth gift of £240. This had to be completed in 1920 and has cost the Council a considerable sum. The new bridge removed a very nasty turn and makes Ayers St practically straight from Welsh Place.
The Council intends Market Square to be tar dressed as soon as the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial is erected.
Over 100 trees have been planted in the park lands and a ticket office erected at Victoria Park and loam placed on the oval.
The cemetery is well kept.
At present there are seven electric street lights and the acetylene lamps are also operating more satisfactorily.
The grant for main roads (61⁄2 miles) is £310 p.a., which is quite inadequate. A fair proportion is tar dressed and this consumes £150-£170 p.a. The main road to the station is not kept as it should be due to inadequate funds.
This summer the Government will redeck the Bon Accord Bridge in reinforced concrete at a cost of £700. Mr J.A. McBride has given to the Council the Hampton Quarry, which supplies the town’s kerbstones
The town is in a good sanitary condition.
During the year the Council and town suffered a great loss in the death of Cr George Sampson.
Health Report
Dr Steele: Very little infectious disease this year. As usual in late summer and early autumn there were some cases of typhoid fever – this year not many – 10 in all. Though some were serious, no one died this year from typhoid. It is a pity that septic tanks are not cheap enough to be made compulsory. Attention to disinfection of pits is important and cans and pits should be fly proof.
XXXXII, 49, 8 Dec. 1920, page 2
Obituary. A.W. Lowe, brother of Charles Lowe of Burra, died at Broken Hill on 30 November aged 61.
[Possibly born Wilhelm August Lowe at Redruth 2 December 1858.]
Obituary. Frank W. Winders, eldest son of Charles Winders of Baldina died suddenly on Wednesday in his 31st year, having suffered a fit. (His brother, Cpl A.T. Winders MM died 1 September.)
[Registered as Francis Charles Winders born at Baldina 27 January 1890.]
St Joseph’s. Father M.V. Prendergast DD has been moved to Pt Pirie after four years here. He left last Saturday.
XXXXII, 49, 8 Dec. 1920, page 3
Advt. Burra Sporting & Athletic Club. Picnic Sports on New Year’s Day.
High Jump – the event of the year.
Marriage. St Mary’s on 24 November
Myrtle McBride Sandland, 3rd daughter of the Late John Chesters Sandland of Koonoowarra & Mrs Caroline Sandland of ‘Kya Lami’ Kooringa, married
Graham Harry Dow, elder son of Mr & Mrs Dow of Pt Pirie.
Marriage. At Torrensville Methodist Church 27 November
Herbert Reynolds (late AIF), son of Mr & Mrs Reynolds of Henley Beach married
Dorothy McBride, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Thomas H. McBride of Henley Beach & Redcliffe Station
Marriage. At Grote St Church of Christ, Adelaide on 21 November
Keith Raymond (Bob, late AIF), son of Mr & Mrs E.W. Crewes of Kooringa married
Lily Scott, second daughter of Mr & Mrs G.A. Scott of Wayville.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday, the last of the current series of matches. Best results were Les. Kellaway 99 and A.P. Harris 89, but for the series the winner was J. Edgar Pearce 272 from A.L. Kellock 261.
Cricket. At Terowie on Saturday: Terowie 5 for 236 defeated Burra 147.
Political Meeting at Willalo Hall on 20 November was addressed by Hon. G. Laffer and Mr Jenkin.
[The report extends for more than 11⁄3 columns.]
Tennis. On Mr Greenwood’s Court on Saturday 4 December:
Burra High School 7-56 defeated Paradise 4-46.
Soldiers’ Aid Society. A meeting on 2 December saw 41 present for the distribution of Workers’ Certificates for three or more year’s service. The President, Mrs Bertram took the chair. The society intends to keep going to serve returned men in hospital.
Bowls. The season has begun.
St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held last Friday in Burra Institute. (The produce stall was run by Mrs Bertram, Miss Bubb and 1 or 2 girls from Hampton Court.) About £140 was raised.
XXXXII, 50, 15 Dec. 1920, page 2
Advt. Burra Brass Band concert at Aberdeen 19 December 8 p.m. E.C. Hammond Conductor.
J. Pascoe, Hon. Sec.
Advt. Tenders called for a lamplighter – cleaning and lighting acetylene and other street lamps for the year ending 31 December 1921.
Advt. Public Meeting called at Booborowie DC Office 18 December to consider acceptance of tenders for building the Booborowie Memorial Hall.
Advt. E.W. Crewes, Mayor, calls a meeting to arrange matters for the proposed seaside trip.
XXXXII, 50, 15 Dec. 1920, page 3
Accident. Harry Seaford, son of Mr H. Seaford of Kooringa, was injured when lighting an acetylene street lamp on Saturday. The lamp did not immediately light and he shook the generator. A flame ran down the pipe and an explosion followed which scorched his face and burnt off his eyelashes and eyebrows. Considering the force of the explosion his escape without any permanent damage is fortunate and mysterious.
The Salvation Army held a successful concert at Mt Bryan on Saturday.
Polo. After a lapse of six years polo has been resumed in Burra with the amalgamation of the Burra & Mid-Northern Clubs. Play will alternate between Burra & Hallett. Play at Burra will be on the Sports Syndicate grounds at Aberdeen. Players are Messrs C.E. & W. Murray, G. Melrose and R. Angas.
Marriage. St Mary’s on Saturday.
Frederick A. Robertson, eldest son of Mr & Mrs T. Robertson married
Bertha E. Heinrich, daughter of Mrs E. Heinrich of Redruth.
Stan Timms, a prime mover in the reconstructing of the Burra Brass Band in 1918, and for a while the conductor, is moving to Pt Pirie. He was presented with a silver-plated shaving set on Monday.
Burra High School Social Evening was held in Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall to celebrate the end of year break-up. Old scholars were invited as were parents, though for reasons best known to the students the latter were conspicuously absent. Headmaster J. Biddle wished this first reunion well and hoped to establish an old scholars’ association. Exam results are printed.
Burra Rifle Club. A new series of matches begins next Saturday.
Bowls. On Saturday Kapunda defeated Burra about 3:1.
Cricket. At Aberdeen: South Booborowie 167 defeated Burra 78.
Tennis. At Aberdeen 4 December. Aberdeen 11-87 defeated Kooringa 7-77.
11December at Copperhouse: Copperhouse 9-75 defeated Kooringa 8-80.
Leighton Strawberry Fete on 27 November raised £130 towards a new piano for the hall.
Burra Town Council, 6 December.
The State War Trophy Committee has awarded Burra a trench mortar in place of a machine gun previously promised.
The Mayor has written that considering Burra’s record in the war effort it was worthy of more than ordinary recognition.
Dr Steele has resigned as Health Officer and Dr Ashton wrote applying for the position. Cr Radford objected on the grounds that the doctors were controlling who was to get the job and he thought that inappropriate. He moved that Dr Steele be re-appointed.
The Mayor thought it better to so settle a matter of dispute that had been in the town for years.
Dr Ashton was appointed.
XXXXII, 50, 15 Dec. 1920, page 4
Redruth Court, 7 December
Cecil Clyde Lord, one of the licensees of the Burra Hotel, was charged with conducting illegal gambling at the hotel on 30 October, contrary to the Lottery & Gaming Act 1917.
(The evidence of C. Lord cites 30 November.)
Fined £10 with £1 costs.
Burra Show Society, General Committee Meeting 10 December.
The show was a success and there was £198 at present in hand, but there was still a considerable amount to come in for advertising in the catalogue and for members’ tickets and c. £100 to pay on accounts due. Finance committee to report on what debentures could be paid off.
Letter from the Burra Racing Club protesting about the removal of rails and the loss of a lock from the totalizator building.
Mr Warnes said the Club had always used the Society’s things and vice versa and the Club’s letter should not have been written. Mr Radford said ‘the tone of the Club’s letter was certainly not nice and calculated to rub the wrong way’, but he also observed that ‘the reply would not be oil on troubled waters’.
The committee approved the President’s action
Leighton Agricultural Bureau offers a £5-5-0 trophy for the best three samples of wheat to be shown in glass jars – samples of 1-2 lbs. Offer accepted.
XXXXII, 51, 22 Dec. 1920, page 2
Advt. Six Christmas Geese to be given away. Charles Parks & Sons Bakers, Confectioners & Fruiterers
Spend a shilling in fruit and vegetables and receive a numbered ticket. A sealed envelope containing the winning numbers selected by the proprietor of the Record and remaining in his possession will be opened at 10 o’clock on Christmas Eve and the winning numbers will be posted in our shop window.
Advt. Burra Show Society. The Leighton Agricultural Bureau has offered a £5-5-0 trophy for the best (not less than three) three sample of wheat to be shown in glass jars at the next Burra Show.
XXXXII, 51, 22 Dec. 1920, page 3
Burra Town Council calls applications for the position of Lamp-Lighter and other duties at 12/6 per day.
Accidents
Mr A. Scott a returned soldier of Springbank had his arm broken when riding the shaft of a hay cart on Tuesday when a horse kicked out.
Master Sydney Brown had an arm broken when thrown from his horse while inspecting rabbit traps on Wednesday.
Burra Benevolent Society held its AGM on 14 December in the Institute. Secretary Miss G. Williams reported that fortunately there were few very needy cases of distress or poverty. 50 wood orders each for 5 cwt had been issued for old residents. £17 had been paid out for benevolent work and £10-2-6 for Christmas cheer. Elected were President, Rev. H.H. Hopton; Treasurer, Mr E.J. Davey; Secretary, Miss G. Williams. £16-5-0 will be distributed among a list of old folks.
Miss Jacobs who has lived with Mrs Walter Tiver as a governess was given a farewell at Mt Bryan East on 18 December.
Burra State School break-up was marked on Friday morning by a visit from the School Committee. Mr D.D. Murphy said the visit was arranged so the Grade VIII certificates could be given out along with those granting free use of the Institute library. Average attendance for the year was 237, which was up from 222 the previous year. Next year the Departmental rearrangements meant there would be only seven grades. Most students would therefore be promoted, but would retain the same grade number. Mr Winnall was ill and so his place was taken by Mr E.W. Crewes who gave an address to students. Qualifying Certificates were then distributed to:
Cyril Sedgman Bert Broad John Drew
Lyal Tiver Fred Wicklein Harry Rosewall
John Hill Edna Montgomery Elizabeth Morgan
Marjorie Ford Jean Cox Maude Riggs
Millicent Greenwood Coralie Tiver
Students recommended for High School were Frank Pearse, Frank Ewins, Ben Elliott & Hilda Harrison.
Rev. Hopton also addressed the students as did Cr Radford, Rev. Ingamells, Rev. Haslam, Rev. Goldrey & Cr Kellaway.
The children’s items were interspersed between the speeches.
Miss Clara Bartholomaeus has opened the ‘Mite Boxes’ for the Royal Institution for the Blind and acknowledges the receipt of £5-11-101⁄2.
Seaside Trip. A meeting on Thursday last decided to hold the annual trip on 19 March in 1921 and to go to Semaphore. Manoora people have advised that they will join in.
Kooringa Methodist Church Christmas carol Service on Sunday afternoon last is reported.
Burra Brass Band gave an open-air concert on Sunday evening at Aberdeen.
Obituary. The wife of Mr Thomas Wilks of Mt Bryan East died 15 December aged 72 after a long illness borne with calmness and patience. She was born Miss Kate Hosking and before her marriage lived with her parents Mr & Mrs T. Hosking in Queen St Kooringa. She was one of the oldest members of the Kooringa Methodist Church. Miss Eliza Hosking is a sister and Mr E.J. Hosking a brother.
[Catherine Hosking died 15 December 1920 at Mt Bryan East aged 70.]
Fallen Soldiers Memorial
E.W. Crewes presided at a meeting at the Institute on Tuesday. The contractor advises that he has everything ready for the foundation stone to be laid in February next. When all promises have been fulfilled the amount in hand will be c. £1,475. The contract for the monument without name plates is £2,184. To complete the memorial and a Roll of Honour for all the men who enlisted would probably cost another £1,500. He felt that once work had actually begun promises would be redeemed and more donations would come in.
Mr Hammond as a newcomer thought the Rotunda needed to be enlarged – it did not accommodate the band – and indeed the whole square should be beautified.
This was ruled to be a different matter for another day.
The inscription of the foundation stone was then discussed. The Mayor said he had assumed it would say something to the effect that the stone was laid by the Governor or whoever performed the ceremony. Mr Lane thought the RSL should have a say. Mr Lawn thought it had been agreed that the only names to appear on the memorial would be those of the fallen. Mr Hawkes agreed. The agreement finally was that the wording would be ‘To Our Glorious Dead.’ February 23 was fixed for the day, but since then the Governor has advised he cannot perform the ceremony until the end of March. A committee was appointed to choose the program for the day. Dr Steele said they had now to decide the names to go on the memorial. This was not entirely straightforward: some who died had never embarked, some died after returning home, some were Burra boys who had enlisted elsewhere. A sub-committee will be appointed at the next general meeting to deal with this issue.
Burra Town Council, 20 December
The usual grant for main roads has been forwarded plus £100 for tarring.
It was decided to seek a special grant to paint the town bridges.
It was agreed to pay the permanent employees 12/6 a day and the overseer 13/6.
Rates adopted for 1921 were: General 1/6, Health 9d, Lighting 4d & Parklands 2d.
It was resolved to remove cork elms and gums from the cemetery.
‘Fairplay’ writes objecting to a person winning a valuable silver cup at the Burra Show for the Hunter Class when they did not own the horse as required by the rules and merely had possession of it for a few days at show time – a fact well known to the committee.
Rose Pearce writes to thank donors for subscribing £22-7-9 for the Minda Christmas Tree.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mrs T.P. Halls Jnr cactus dahlia
Arthur Harris show dahlias
Miss Rika Motley California poppies
Mrs W.J.C. Ewins heliotrope gladiolus
Mrs E. Camp double fuchsia
Mrs A. Smith (Booborowie) a nice firm 12lb cabbage
Mrs George Simpson gladiolas and flowering gum
Burra Rifle Club. Best scores for the week were by L. Kellaway and A.P. Harris.
Tennis. Aberdeen 10-79 defeated Copperhouse 8-74
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 15 December.
Edith Lillian Carpenter, daughter of Mrs & the late William Carpenter of Aberdeen, married
Herbert Oswald James, (late 9th Light Horse, fifth son of Mr & Mrs W. Norrel James of Aberdeen.
Characteristics of the paper in 1920
Page 1
Large advertisements, mostly local.
Page 2
Mixture of large and smaller local advertisements; sales notices, public notices (especial about local activities) and local government notices. The news generally begins on page 2, but in varying amounts: generally less than two columns.
Page 3
Local news in considerable detail fills most of this page and usually begins on page 2. A few large local advertisements. There is often a ‘Sun-Raysed Column’ with items of interest from anywhere in the world.
Page 4.
News in fluctuating amounts and some advertisements both large and small and sometimes humorous and general interest articles from elsewhere that are largely padding. Advertisements include local businesses and patent medicines.
In general the paper contained a great deal of local news and was a good record of the life of the town for the period.
Literary Supplements to the 1920 paper.
These have not been preserved in either the hard copy or on microfilm with the exception on microfilm of that for 3 March. This reveals a similar format to that of the previous few years.
There was a short story: A Problem Picture by Elsie M. Cooper.
The serialised novel was Wheels Within Wheels by Frank Howell Evans, within which chapter XVIII was credited to Gladys Raymes.
The other topics were: For Women, From all Parts, Humour, Housekeeper and Farm & Field.
Numbering of Issues in 1920
The year began with Volume XXXXII Number 1 on 7 January 1920.
And continued to Volume XXXXII Number 51 on 22 December 1920.
XXXXIII, 1, 5 Jan. 1921
Page 1
Advertisements
Walker & Sons Boots & Shoes, Kooringa
S.M. Lane Saddler & Ironmonger, Kooringa
R. Urwin & Sons Drapers, Kooringa
F. Spencer Jeweller, Kooringa
C.J. Pearce & Sons Furniture, Commercial St Kooringa
N.J. Tiddy Draper, Aberdeen
Glenister & Sams Motor & General Engineers, next to the Commercial Hotel
Eyes & Crowle Ltd Motor Engineers & Tyre Re-treaders, Commercial St
Agents for Buick Cars
L.H. Foote Agent for The Adelaide Fire Office
G. Lawn & Co. Butchers, Market Square
[E.C.] Hammond Tailor, Kooringa
P.E. Wilson Agent for F.A. Cleveland & Son Monumental Masons, Vineyard Tce
E.A. Mummery Dentist: regular visits by Mr Quin
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & ironmonger, Aberdeen
Lord Bros. & Humphris Burra Hotel
Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer
Page 2
Advertisements
Bennett & Fisher Auctioneers
Carpenter’s Fruit, Vegetables, Dairy Produce & Smallgoods, Aberdeen
Wicklein’s Jeweller, Market Square
Drew & Crewes Universal Provider
Koster Rarle The Aberdeen Fish Shop
Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers
L.H. Foote Agent, Kooringa
G.C. Taylor Agent for Norman Machinery Ltd
J. Laybourne-Smith Dentist, Burra Hotel Friday & Saturday of 1st & 3rd week in the month
Page 3
Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Store, Aberdeen
Pederson’s Shoe Store
Edwin J. Harris General Store, Market Square
Page 4
Advertisements
C.J. Pearce Agent for Wm Darby & Sons Monumental Masons
Glenister & Sams Agents for Michelin Tyres
E.A. Mummery Dentist every Friday at Pearce’s Building
Clark’s Commercial Hotel
R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods, ‘The Emporium’
R.H. Crump Boring Contractor & Diviner
Elder Smith & Co. Ltd Stock & Station Agents & Auctioneers
Agents for Commercial Union Insurance Co.
XXXXIII, 1, 5 Jan. 1921, page 2
Advt. Wirth’s Circus & Zoo. Burra Friday 14 January at Aberdeen near the railway.
Notice. The Record removes to new premises. The Record has moved to premises in Commercial St recently occupied by P.J. Broderick and next door to R.D. Pascoe hairdresser. The moving of the machinery delayed the publishing of this paper till Wednesday afternoon, for which an apology is tendered.
Advt. AIF Official War Publications and Official War Photographs are available from the Australian War Museum.
Obituary. Catherine Wilks, wife of Thomas Wilks, died at her residence at Mt Bryan East on 15 December 1920 aged 70. [Born Catherine Hosking]
Obituary. William H. Field, husband of Annie S. Field, died 25 December 1920 at Kooringa aged 59.
Mr Field of Westbury Farm near Burra was taken seriously ill just before Christmas and died on Christmas Day at Burra Hospital. He was son of the late Mr & Mrs Richard Field of Monavea Farm and was aged 59. He married Miss [Annie Sophia Moore], niece of Mr & Mrs J. Kelly, in 1889 and leaves a family of three sons and two daughters: Stanley, Jack & Colin, Mrs O. Finch and Miss M. Field and grandchildren. [Born 11 August 1860.]
Obituary. The infant daughter of Mr & Mrs L. Penrose of Kooringa died 3 January 1921 aged about 4 months. [Beulah Lott Penrose born 15 August 1920 at Kooringa.]
The Holidays.
The days leading up to Christmas were very hot. Record business was done by cool drink businesses and Christmas trade generally was very good. A thunderstorm with heavy showers broke on Christmas Eve, but it soon passed and was followed by a cool change.
Heavy rain fell on the 26th when about 1.5” was recorded.
Burra Sporting & Athletics Club meeting on New Year’s Day on the Aberdeen Oval was the only sporting activity for the holidays. Rain set in again on 1 January and by 9 a.m. on 3 January a further 1.5” was registered.
The rainfall for 1920 was 23.31”.
Sheep Killed. A stud sheep worth c. £150 and the property of Maurice Collins of Abberton Park was killed over Sunday night in a paddock adjoining the racecourse. Only the skin was left behind.
Sylvia Kemble, daughter of Fred Kemble and late of Burra has won a scholarship in Katanning WA for five years education at a Young Ladies College in Perth, plus £33 p.a.
Burra Bowling Club visited Brighton on 28 December and Burra 69 defeated Brighton 44.
This is the first win in the history of the Burra Club.
Mr A.C. Spencer manager of the National Bank in Kooringa has resigned due to ill health and will be succeeded by Mr Murphy from Pt Adelaide.
XXXXIII, 1, 5 Jan. 1921, page 3
Burra Hospital Annual Christmas Tree was held on 26 December. It comprised a musical evening with supper.
Burra Sporting & Athletics Club meeting of 1 January at Aberdeen Oval. A polo game was also played. Results are printed.
Burra Rifle Club. 27 December: Married Men 397 defeated Single Men 303.
Marriage. At Kooringa Methodist Church 23 December 1920.
Harold Jenkin Davey, younger son of Mrs E.L. Davey married
Lilian A. Longmire of Kooringa, eldest daughter of Mrs W. Moyses and the late Hiram Longmire.
Salvation Army. Christmas Fete on 22 December in the Salvation Army Hall drew a fair crowd despite the heat. The Mayor, E.W. Crewes opened the fete.
XXXXIII, 1, 5 Jan. 1921, page 4
I.J. Warnes contributes an article of 13⁄4 columns on Handfeeding of Stock, as seen on his recent trip to America and Europe.
XXXXIII, 2, 12 Jan. 1921, page 2
Tom Fuller was given a kitchen evening on 29 December at Redruth Methodist Sunday School on the occasion of his approaching marriage.
J.M. McBride turns 90 tomorrow.
Advt. Polo. Mid-Northerns will play Clare at Auburn 15 January.
XXXXIII, 2, 12 Jan. 1921, page 3
Burra & District Horticulture
Elliott Wise of Copperhouse Soudan grass 4’6” high
W. Moxham at Wahroonga Onions
T.R.J. Reynolds of Booborowie Apricots
Mrs Ann Jones of Hampton turned 90 on 4 January. She was born at Swansea, Wales on 4 January 1831 and arrived in SA with her husband the late Evan Jones in the Glantana in 1855 and came to Burra where her husband worked for the E. & A. Copper Co. (the Smelting Works). She has lived at Hampton except for 24 years spent on Mt Bryan Station. Her husband died about 15 years ago. There are two sons and two daughters: Mr J. Jones (Mannahill, Homeward Bound Gold Mine), L. Jones (Broken Hill), Mrs Ullman (Armadale WA) & Mrs H. Simmons (Mt Bryan East). There are 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Burra Town Council, 5 January
R. Kellaway was appointed lamplighter at 12/6 a day.
Various minor works approved.
Burra Institute, Annual Meeting
December 31 1919 5006 books
December 31 1920 5287 books
December 31 1919 Double Members 24
Single Members 206
230
December 31 1920 Double Members 32
Single Members 211
243
Finance:
December 31 1919 Debit £3-8-1
December 31 1920 Credit £143-5-3
Improvements:
After some years of considering improvements tenders were called early in 1920 for the plans submitted by Messrs Bruce & Harral and on 30 June 1920 the tender of Jos. King & Son of Adelaide was accepted for the sum of £1,199, financed by a £1,500 mortgage on the property. Messrs James Marshall & Co. of Adelaide supplied the seating for the portion under the gallery and in the gallery itself with tip-up theatre chairs upholstered in leather in the gallery and folding blackwood chairs below. D. Jones & Son are doing the redecorating. The lighting plant has worked out at 7d per night running cost, which proves it was the right decision.
Mr Arthur Davey was commended as Librarian.
Election: President E.J. Harris
Vice-President C.D. Wilkinson
Treasurer E.J. Davey
Hon. Sec. L.S. Penrose
Burra Coursing Club met on Saturday night, but only the President Chester Sandland, Secretary H. Bosisto and J. Allen attended. They would like to establish a plumpton and run a smooth meeting.
Marriage. Wednesday 29 December at St Mary’s
Selina Ann Bernhardt, youngest daughter of Mrs and the late Mr F. Bernhardt of Burra married
William Henry Miels, second son of Mr & Mrs W.J. Miels of Woodville.
Marriage. Wednesday 5 January at Redruth Methodist Church
Melville Thomas Fuller (late AIF), eldest son of Mr & Mrs T. Fuller of Aberdeen married
Miss Gertrude Thelma Reynolds of Broken Hill.
XXXXIII, 2, 12 Jan. 1921, page 4
Mt Bryan East. There is a descriptive article about Mt Bryan East that includes the comment that the school is currently closed.
XXXXIII, 3, 19 Jan. 1921, page 2
Advt. Streicher Bros. offer two charabanc trips: Clare Races Wednesday 2 February for 7/6 return and Jamestown Races Wednesday 9 February.
Obituary. John Glynn Hogan (Jackie), eldest son of J.F. & D.W. Hogan died in Adelaide 15 January aged 7. Page 3 adds that he died from complications during an operation for tonsillitis.
[Born 30 August 1913.]
XXXXIII, 3, 19 Jan. 1921, page 3
Mr Thomas Bewley celebrated his 85th birthday on 14 January. He lives on the farm a mile west of Kooringa. [‘Cactus Farm’]
A Bolt. Lance Tiver was driving Edgar Pearce’s dray at Aberdeen on Friday when Wirth’s elephants caused the horse to bolt. In negotiating the Royal Exchange Corner the dray crashed and Mr Tiver was thrown right through the bar door. The dray’s shafts were smashed off and the horse with harness attached galloped through the town to Mr Pearce’s stables. The harness was badly damaged and the horse cut and bruised. Mr Tiver surprisingly escaped with a shaking and a few abrasions.
Obituary. Mr E.C. Sedgman, the Chief Engineer of the Burra Waterworks, died suddenly from heart failure on Monday. He was born at North Allendale near Kapunda on 17 November 1871. He was the second surviving son of the late Thomas William Sedgman of Quorn and Mrs E.J. Sedgman now of Rose Park. He worked for some time for the SAR and then at Bundaleer where he married Miss Frances Pawelski. On the completion of the Bundaleer Reservoir he transferred to Burra in 1903. He took a keen interest in sport and was a principal supporter of the Burra Boy Scout Troop. He leaves a widow and young family of three sons and five daughters, the eldest of whom recently married Mr R. Schuyler of Aberdeen. [Edward Charles Sedgman born 14 October 1871.]
Kooringa Police Court, 15 January
Wallace Sutton Titherage was sentenced to six months for obtaining money as the agent for a company where no such agency exited. Evidence was tendered by E.J. Harris, L.L. Wicklein, George Lawn, W.J.C. Ewins and Detective Irvine Dayman.
Tennis. 8 January: Copperhouse 7-63 defeated Kooringa 7-61
15 January: Copperhouse 12-77 defeated Aberdeen 3-53 & Kooringa 9-54 defeated Farrell’s Flat 3-52.
Burra & District Horticulture
Ern Rogers 11” diameter sunflower
Bert Radford A Ponderosa tomato of 23 oz
T.P. Goodridge Spanish onions
Maurice Collins Apricots from Mallett
Burra Town Council, 17 January.
The estimated cost of laying 2 x 6” pipes at the Pig & Whistle ford and then filling the ford up with metal to that height is £50-£60. At present it took very little rain to make the ford impassable.
Mallett. There is a report of a trip in Mr Maurice Collins’ 6-cylinder Buick to Mallett Station. The description goes from Burra to ‘Lucernedale’ at Mt Bryan, Mt Bryan East, Dare’s Hill, (where the wallabies, once plentiful, have been practically wiped out by foxes) then to Mallett past Pitty Mitty Appa [sic – for Piltimitiappa] and finally to Collinsville. At Mallett there was an orchard of apricots, nectarines, pears, figs, apples, grapes and mulberries.
XXXXIII, 4, 26 Jan. 1921, page 3
Birth. On 21 January in Adelaide to E.C. & O. Hammond of Kooringa a daughter.
[Registered as Olive May Hammond born 22 January in Adelaide.]
Obituary. Olive May Hammond, infant daughter of E.C. & O. Hammond, died in Adelaide 23 January.
[Aged 1 day.]
Grasshoppers are damaging lucerne crops at Koo-owie and are travelling from east to west on a front 21⁄2 miles wide. So far they are not in sufficient numbers locally to do much damage in Burra itself.
Burra & District Horticulture
H. Byles of Old Koomooloo A 231⁄2 oz tomato
Hartley Harris Dahlias
Charles Fuss Spanish onions – the largest 1 lb 9 oz
R. Siggens of Kooringa post office moves to Riverton and will be succeeded by Mr Lugg.
Weather. It has been very hot, hovering around 100°F for the last few days. On Monday it was 113°F on Wicklein’s verandah and 102°F inside Wilkinson’s shop and Tuesday was the same.
Vincent Cox, who has been at the Burra Railway Station for six years, has moved to Paskeville.
Kooringa Court, 24 January
Patrick Joseph Murphy and Patrick McCarthy were charged with the theft of a motor tube valued at £3, the property of Nathaniel Powell Campbell. McCarthy was cautioned and discharged while Murphy was sentenced to six months gaol.
Burra Races, Saturday 22 January
The day was very hot. Over the past year the grandstand has been increased by 50%. The tot has been modernised and 40’ added to it and a ladies’ tote provided. The saddling paddock has been doubled in size with 32 new horse stalls to make 80 covered stalls in all and various other lesser improvements have been made. The stakes totalled £455. There was a large attendance and the gate was £223. Special trains ran from Adelaide and Peterborough and were well patronised, though the Adelaide one was half an hour late. Total revenue for the club was £306. The Burra Cup (£100) was won by J.J. Billings’ Our Artillery ridden by Pearson.
Cricket. At Unley Oval on 13 January: Burra District Stockbreeders 260 defeated Adelaide Office of SA Farmers’ Union 218.
XXXXIII, 5, 2 Feb. 1921, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Mary Jane Clode died at the residence of her daughter Mrs John Walker of Railway Terrace on 25 January aged 80. She was a colonist of 72 years.
[Born Mary Jane Woollacott 21 October 1840.]
She was born at Swansea in Wales and migrated with her parents at the age of 8 in the Richardson. They came to Burra in a bullock dray. She was long a supporter of the Redruth Methodist Church. She is survived by one son and five daughters: A.W. Clode (Redruth), Mrs J. Walker (Aberdeen), Mrs J.H. Young (Melbourne), Mrs J.H. Bray (Two Wells), Mrs H. Cox (Redruth) & Mrs V.C. Ryan (East Adelaide). There are 24 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Seaside Trip. SAR advise they cannot provide a special train on a Saturday till 19 March. Another meeting will be held to decide whether to abandon the trip for 1921.
E.J. Davey & E.F. Marston, Town Clerk of Burra & proprietor of the Record respectively, have been appointed JPs.
Mr A.C. Spencer, late manager of the National Bank, left Burra for Adelaide yesterday. He resigned due to ill health. Mr Dunk, who for some months has been relieving manager, will be replaced by Mr Murphy who has arrived.
Major Cowper OBE of Aviation Co. Ltd will fly at Burra soon and give a demonstration of stunting and take up passengers. An aerodrome is being built at Hill River and three planes will be stabled there. Long distance flights can be arranged at 3/- a mile. Flights to the city terminate at Butler & Kamper’s aerodrome at Woodville. Major Cowper’s plane is a 90 h.p. Sopwith Dove.
Railway Fares & Freight Charges rose 162⁄3% yesterday. In all this means that since the war started costs have increased over 26%. Costs will now be 13/- for 2nd class and 19/- 1st class to travel 100 miles.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its annual picnic at Sod Hut last Monday on grounds lent by Mr B.C. Sandland. Mr I.J. Warnes again lent a lorry, trailer and driver free of charge. A varied program of sports was offered.
Marriage. At Redruth Methodist Church 26 January
George Ralph Thomas, eldest son of Mr & Mrs James Thomas married
Tryphosa M. Thamm, 2nd daughter of Mrs & the late Mr E.E. Thamm of ‘Ellamatta’ Aberdeen.
Cricket. At Aberdeen Oval on Saturday: (Start of a two-day game) SA Farmers’ Union 235, Stockbreeders 329
At Kooringa 31 January: Kooringa 224 defeated Terowie 168.
Burra & District Horticulture
Harry Byles A 301⁄2 oz tomato
XXXXIII, 5, 2 Feb. 1921, Supplement
Redruth Court
Francis Patrick Daly was fined £5 + 15/- costs or 1 month for having insufficient means of support, having previously a conviction for being an idle and disorderly person.
XXXXIII, 6, 9 Feb. 1921, page 2
Advt. Lloyd Sisters’ Circus, Burra 14 February.
XXXXIII, 6, 9 Feb. 1921, page 3
Obituary. Cyril Fegan died last month at sea aged 19. He was the son of Mr & Mrs R. Fegan, late of Redruth and now of Alberton. He joined the Navy two or three years ago and was attached first to HMAS Australia and then to HMAS Anzac as a wireless operator. Death was due to diabetes.
Robbery. About £8 worth of cigars, cigarettes, tobacco & razors was stolen from R.D. Pascoe’s Aberdeen premises on Tuesday morning. The thieves also tried unsuccessfully to enter Sara & Co.
Robbery. On Sunday evening goods were removed from Drew & Crewes’ van parked at the rear of their shop, but the items, four tins of preserved fruit and four of fish, were discovered hidden in the next yard. Boys who were afraid to take their plunder home are suspected.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. Contractors’ men are expected to arrive in Burra today to begin work.
Marriage. At the Priory Alberton on 25 January
Alfred John Nelson, late 27th Battalion AIF, only son of J.A. & the late Mrs Nelson of Pt Adelaide married Margaret Mary (Madge) Turner, second daughter of Mrs A.T. Turner of Kooringa.
Redruth Reformatory
There has been a disturbance at the reformatory. Trouble has been brewing for some weeks and after prayers on Friday morning some eight girls climbed onto the roof where they danced around like demons and screamed abuse. Some piled up stones from the parapet in anticipation of the arrival of the police. Other stones were dropped down various chimneys. Two confined in adjacent cells managed to dig a hole between them through a 20” wall and attempted to break down the doors by throwing blocks of stone at them. Another in a cell lined with corrugated iron twisted several sheets partly off the wall. In about one hour those on the roof broke about 50 windows by throwing stones at them. When the Mayor arrived the girls on the roof thought he was the Commissioner of Police and came down, though two of them did so on the outside of the walls and escaped. They have since been apprehended. The cause has been the actions of the well meaning, but inexperienced ladies of the State children’s Council who have undermined law and order at the institution. When Miss Bubb took over four years ago she was confronted with a determined revolt which she put down by judicious use of the slipper – though not more than many a mother would have. Also she used a Hessian dress on a refractory girl as a punishment and to prevent her running away. She then improved conditions at the place and gave better food and paid for outings for the girls. Two years ago we visited and the girls looked contented, well fed, well clothed and all was in order. The State Children’s Council tried to force Miss Bubb’s resignation over the use of the slipper and when foiled by the strong support for Miss Bubb from every visiting clergyman and magistrate in the town they published a list of regulations which removed most of the means of discipline available. The girls soon became aware of the regulations with the results we now see.
Burra Town Council, 7 February
A building application from S.M. Lane was approved.
Cr Kellaway queried why the fountain on the Aberdeen road had not been repaired. The overseer said Mr Greenwood had it in hand, but the bowl was cracked and it seemed impossible to mend it. The matter was left in the hands of the Mayor and Cr Treloar.
The Governor is to visit the district for two or three days from 23 March, 30 March or 6 April.
The Mayor proposed he be given a civic reception and then the Fallen Soldiers’ Committee would take over. It was resolved that a suitably worked piece of malachite be presented in place of an illuminated address.
The Mayor referred to the disturbance at the Reformatory. He had attended on Friday and found eight girls on the roof pulling down the parapet and stacking stones in preparation for the police. Their language was beyond description. Windows and sashes had been broken and bricks [were] everywhere. Two girls used a clothesline to escape over the wall. The Secretary of the State Children’s Department was sent up. He believed while in that state the girls were capable of taking life. The whole trouble was the destruction of the Matron’s authority by the removal of the power of punishment. This was the third mutiny. The Mayor had asked the Chief Secretary to prosecute the offenders.
Cr Radford moved that a protest be sent to the Chief Secretary. Carried.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: a drawn game, but decidedly in Robertstown’s favour with Robertstown 8 for 210 declared and Burra 6 for 40.
XXXXIII, 7, 16 Feb. 1921, page 2
Advt. Aviation Ltd. Flights at the Burra Race-course 18, 19 & 20 February, weather permitting. Short flights for £1 and long flights £2.
XXXXIII, 7, 16 Feb. 1921, page 3
Advt. Burra Seaside Trip to Semaphore, Tuesday 22 February. Adults 6/9, children 3/3
First train departs Burra 5 a.m. and the second at 5.30 a.m.
Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving services last Sunday.
Burra High School. Public Exam Results.
John Pederson gained the Junior Public Certificate.
Sila Thomas, Gilbert Gillett, Gordon Laidlaw and Dorothy Davey gained the Junior Commercial Certificate.
Redruth Local Court, 8 February
Catherine Frances Tiver separated from her husband and he was ordered to pay her 25/- a week and the child of the marriage to stay with the mother.
Claire Tiver then proceeded against his wife for the return of certain furniture he said she had removed to her mother’s.
Weather. Patchy rain has fallen to the east where Glenora got 163 points, but most other falls were about 30 points.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Committee met on 8 February and decided the foundation stone is to be laid on 6 April. The inscription is to be To Our Glorious Dead. Messrs Winnall, F. Harcus, Marston, Tiddy and the officers are to get the names for the monument and the Roll of Honour. Mr Spencer the jeweller donated a silver trowel for presentation to the Governor.
Redruth Reformatory
On 30 December Rev. E.M. Ingamells wrote to the President of the State Children’s Council requesting that the Council publicly clear the Matron of the Reformatory from the serious reflections cast upon her which were supported by statements from a former inmate, which she subsequently admitted were lies. Failing this a good many of the leading men in Burra will take the matter up, which may reflect seriously on the State Children’s Council. The State Children’s Council forwarded an apology to the Minister. On 17 January a letter was sent to the Chief Secretary asking that the apology be published. The Council seemed to be trying to shift all responsibility to the Minister. The matter was still being pursued when the revolution of 4 February took place. A serious aspect seems to be that some months ago the staff at the Reformatory wrote a letter to the President and requested it be forwarded to the Premier. It seems the Council decided to keep it from the Premier.
Aftermath of the riot.
Ursula Margaret Cruse & Ethel May Gregory were charged with damaging public property to the value of £40. Cruse is nearly 21 and Gregory is 19. Cruse was defiant and reckless. Both pleaded guilty. The prosecution said the pair were in no way mentally deficient and were responsible for their actions. Under the section the charge was laid the maximum penalty was 2 months. Charges could have been laid that carried a maximum penalty of 2 years. [The Bench was clearly doubtful that this was the best option.] The Bench also observed that incorrigibles should be placed in some other institution. The sentence was two months in Adelaide Gaol.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Billy Goat Terrace 61 & 77 (138) defeated Paradise Alley 19 & 53 (72).
At South Booborowie on Saturday: South Booborowie 58 defeated Kooringa 204.
Burra Hospital Board, 4 February
A letter from Dr Ashton of 6 January acknowledged receipt of the Board’s letter of 23 December, which he says gave no indication that the position referred to is not the one he had applied for, but a new one. He asks for details of the duties and privileges appertaining to the new position.
The Secretary read the following suggestions from Dr Steele in answer to the above:
Privileges:
The right to send to hospital and there treat his own patients.
The right to charge patient fees once the patient has discharged the hospital account.
The right to use the operating theatre with the use of hospital staff.
Duties:
To give such anaesthetics as required by the MO of the hospital.
To give anaesthetics to indigent patients in an honorary capacity.
To consult with the MO when required and in indigent cases to do so in an honorary capacity.
Dr Steele has the same privileges, but as there can be only one MO (following instructions from the Chief Secretary) he will be responsible for general medical management and for the treatment of the indigent patients and for instructions to nurses.
XXXXIII, 7, 16 Feb. 1921, page 4
The Independent Democratic Campaign Committee will run a candidate at the coming elections. Mr E.J. Craigie will stand for Burra.
XXXXIII, 7, 16 Feb. 1921, Supplement
The Progressive Country Party policy speech of Mr McDonald is reported.
XXXXIII, 8, 23 Feb. 1921, page 3
Obituary. William Moritz Richter was found dead from natural causes in his cottage at Redruth. He was aged 79.
Aviation Ltd could not conduct the advertised flight due to the pilot’s illness, but will do so next weekend.
Weather. Very patchy rain has fallen of late from thunderstorms. To the east erratic falls have varied from 7 points at Old Koomooloo to 51 at Glenora. To 9 a.m. Tuesday Burra had recorded 61 points.
Seaside Trip. The annual trip took place on Tuesday when 1,400 availed themselves of the opportunity to go to Semaphore.
Burra & District Horticulture
J.R. Barker Dahlias
St Joseph’s School. Thomas Lafsky has completed the Junior Certificate at the age of 14.
Ayers Forest. Following the death of Mr E. Cock, Mr J. Kirwan of Bundaleer has been appointed to the forest.
Burra Town Council
W. Pearce has offered Council a good piece of malachite.
Cr Kellaway reported on tar-dressing as done at Peterborough.
Crs Treloar & Kellaway have inspected the Pig & Whistle crossing. They suggest two rows of 21⁄2 ft concrete piping be placed in the ford bed and that the floor then be raised to cover the pipes at an estimated cost of £55.
The garage for the ambulance is finished.
Burra Show Society
I.J. Warnes has been asked in a petition of some 65 members to stand again as President of the Society. A general meeting is called for Friday.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 152 drew with Spalding 8 for 101.
XXXXIII, 8, 23 Feb. 1921, page 4
Liberal Union, Burra Branch meeting of 11 February is reported.
Burra Institute Committee, 14 February
Theatregraph proprietors have offered to provide a free picture night on the occasion of the re-opening of the hall. The date is left in the hands of the President, Secretary and Mr Dane.
The gas plant is to be dismantled and sold.
Mr I.J. Warnes has offered 7/6 per chair for 176 blackwood chairs in the main hall. To be delivered on the arrival of the new chairs. Offer accepted.
[It would seem likely that Mr Warnes would have acted for the Leighton Hall.]
Bowls. Four teams from Kapunda visited on Saturday when Kapunda 109 defeated Burra 75.
Burra & District Horticulture
William Carpenter Vegetable marrows, pumpkin, red beet & rhubarb
A.F.L. Harper Secretary of the AIF Cemetery Committee writes calling for £5,000 across the state to lay out and maintain the graves of friendless and other soldiers who died in Adelaide.
XXXXIII, 9, 2 Mar. 1921, page 3
Burra & District Ambulance Committee
When all accounts were paid about £18 would be left, practically all of which was owing to the committee for the hire of the ambulance. A meeting of subscribers is called for 8 March to consider handing over control of the ambulance to the Town Council, which is the preference of the committee. The garage is now complete. (The proposed meeting has since been postponed.)
Essington Lewis who has been associated with BHP for over 17 years and who has lately been assistant general manager, has been appointed general manager. He is the third son of Hon. John Lewis and was born in Burra c. 37 years ago and educated at St Peter’s College and the University of Adelaide. He has also been a state footballer, cricketer and polo player.
Leighton School. The teacher’s residence is to be enlarged by the addition of two rooms, a washroom and a bathroom. A verandah will be added and the roof raised. After two years delay the department has accepted I.J. Warnes’ offer of £100 towards the cost.
A Farewell Social was held at Leighton Hall on Saturday for R.W. Humphrys, A.E. McWaters & W.H. Edwards who have sold their farms. The Edwards family is going to Paskeville, and having already left was unable to attend.
Burra Institute. The enlargements have been almost completed and the reopening in scheduled for Tuesday 15 March. Theatregraph Pictures will present a free program of which the leading piece will be The Market of Souls.
W.H. Lloyd of Ironmine suffered a spinal injury which will keep him in bed for several weeks when he was thrown from his horse after the girth broke.
Obituary. Herbert Malcolm Hams, son of T.J. Hams of Braefoot, Leighton, was killed in a shooting accident on Monday evening aged 36. He seems to have tripped while carrying his gun and was shot in the chest, the charge travelling through the shoulder to the side of the head. [Born 27 September 1884.]
Weather. In the past week there has been heat with thunderstorms and rain. At Booborowie on Wednesday over 2” fell in 30 minutes doing much damage to fences, feed etc. Messrs Hawker, Tohl, Murray & Hawkes were worst hit. The same weather prevailed out east with some heavy falls. Since 22 February Glenora has registered 4.05” and 8.92” since 27 December. At Thistlebeds Alick Kellock recorded over 3” since 16 February and 1.35” least Thursday alone. Feed is abundant. Generally rain out east has varied from 2.7” at ‘The Gums’ to 5.7” at Glenora for the last week. [Note this would appear to contradict the 4.05” cited in the same report!]
Burra Show Society meeting last Friday
The annual meeting was postponed to 15 April.
Mr Foote, secretary, was voted a £45 bonus for last year’s work and his salary was increased from £30 to £75 p.a.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
The Governor will lay a utility stone. It will be inscribed to show it was laid by His Excellency, but will be subsequently buried out of sight so that no names except those of the fallen will appear on the memorial. The handle of the silver trowel to be used by the Governor will be of Burra malachite. Miss Trix Pearce has been added to the committee making up the list of names for the Memorial & the Honour Roll. Chairmen and Councillors of the surrounding DCs are to be invited to the laying of the foundation stone. A decoration committee was appointed.
Burra & District Horticulture
Koster Rarle 12” & 141⁄2” diameter sunflowers
Hartley Harris Dahlias
Arthur Harris Dahlias
J. Earle Jonathon Apples
F. Harris Duchess Pears
Lisle Pearce Dardanelle Pears
XXXXIII, 9, 2 Mar. 1921, page 4
Burra Town Council
Balance Sheet for the year ending 30 November 1920 is printed.
The assessment for 1920 was £9,628.
General rate raised £601-15-0 (15d in the £)
Special rate raised £601-15-0 (15d in the £)
The So-So’s Costume Comedy Coy will appear at Burra 9 March
Marriage. At Anglican Church Williamstown 22 February
Vernon [Albert Walter] Riggs, sixth son of Mr & Mrs J.A. Riggs of ‘Hughendon’ Kooringa married Laura Wilson, fourth daughter of Mr & Mrs George Wilson of Williamstown
XXXXIII, 10, 9 Mar. 1921, page 2
Advt. Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Foundation Stone to be laid Wednesday 6 April by
His Excellency the Governor, Sir Archibald Weigall.
XXXXIII, 10, 9 Mar. 1921, page 3
Obituary. William Cockrum aged 82 died on 3 March at the residence of his daughter Mrs George Beckwith. [More details in next paper.]
Obituary. Mrs John Nickles of Copperhouse died last Saturday aged 76. She was born in England and migrated as a small child. She was twice married, both husbands having predeceased her. She leaves three sons and one daughter: Mr R. Nourse (Copperhouse), Mr H. Nourse (Booborowie), Mr J. Nickles and Mrs W. Lomman (Copperhouse). [First husband was John Nourse who she married at Waterloo 27 February 1867 and the second was John Nickles who she married 21 August 1880 at Kooringa.]
Obituary. Frances Mary (Pearl) Lomman, daughter of Mr & Mrs F.J. Lomman of South Booborowie died on 7 March after a short illness aged 6. [Born 15 April 1915.]
Redruth Court.
The following were each fined for owning straying cattle:
Johanna Warner Two offences £1 + 10/- and £2 + 10/-
The following were each fined 5/- + 10/- costs:
Lord Bros & Humphris, W.L. James and Mrs N.H. Turner.
Burra Homing Club. A meeting at J. Allen’s rooms on 3 March decided to re-form the club. Elected:
W.H. Sandland as President and C. Hill as Hon. Sec.
Mrs E.B. Gare of Aberdeen turned 80 on 3 March. She only recently retired from teaching at the Methodist Sunday School. She had 12 children of whom 10 survive (7 sons and 3 daughters). There are 34 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She migrated from England with her parents, Rev. Charles & Mrs Hall c. 70 years ago. Her eldest daughter Mrs James Thomas resides with her. Mr Gare died c. 10 years ago.
Vernon Fuss who has been employed at the Kooringa post office for a number of years has been transferred to Adelaide. He was a most obliging and popular officer. He was presented with a set of military brushes in a case.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church on 2 March
Wilfred H. Spier, son of Mrs & the late H. Spier of Cummins married
Olive Iris Hopgood, daughter of the late Richard Hopgood of Echunga and Renmark and Mrs M. Pederson Sen. of Kooringa.
Polo. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Mid-North II 4 defeated Clare II 3
Mid-North 4 defeated Adelaide 2
Cricket: At Victoria Park on Saturday: Shop Assistants 86 defeated Burra High School 54 & 24 (78).
XXXXIII, 10, 9 Mar. 1921, page 4
Burra & District Horticulture
R. Hunt A 11⁄4 lb Duchess Pear
J. Kellaway Duchess Pear
H. Earle (Booborowie) Doradilla grapes
W. Carpenter Turk’s Head pumpkin
Harry Rabbich Gourd
O.G. Walker Dahlias
XXXXIII, 11, 16 Mar. 1921, page 2
Obituary. Herbert Malcolm Hams aged 36 died on 28 February. He was the eldest son of Thomas J. & the late Barbara Hams of ‘Kenlervan’ near Burra. [Born 27 September 1884.]
Obituary. William Cockrum died at his daughter’s residence at Mt Bryan on 3 March. He was born at Hemerdon Devonshire in 1839 and was the eldest son of Mr & Mrs Gabriel Cockrum, late of Cartapoo Hallett. He came to Australia in the old man-o-war The Nile reaching Pt Adelaide on 4 May 1865 after over 90 days at sea. He worked at the Burra Mine before East Will Mining and also at Ballarat. He then took up land at Cartapoo, then McCoy’s Well and once owned Nillinghoo Station and also owned property at Shafton and was for a time in partnership with his brother-in-law T.H. Pearse at ‘The Gums’. In 1897 he sold his stations and turned again to mining. His family went to Kensington and he went to Menzies WA and then made two trips to the NT for gold. On the first he was speared by blacks and on the second one of the Afghan camel drivers killed one of the party and then perished from thirst when he fled. He married the eldest daughter of the late George Hiles of Petherton, Hallett who died nine years ago. On the death of Miss Roda [Rhoda] Cockrum he went to live with his eldest daughter Mrs George Beckwith. Six children survive: W.G.H. Cockrum (Normanville), P.J. Cockrum (Pt Lincoln), Mrs George Beckwith (Mt Bryan), Mrs J.R. Simpson (Mt Bryan), Mrs F.I. Bath (Kensington Gardens) & Mrs A.W. Kinner (Rose Park). There are several grandchildren.
XXXXIII, 11, 16 Mar. 1921, page 2-3
Burra Town Council
A lad named Elliott, son of Mrs A. Elliott, was reprimanded when he appeared before Council for chopping down a sapling in the Aberdeen parklands.
[Probably Hubert Elliott, son of Albert Elliott, then aged 8.]
XXXXIII, 11, 16 Mar. 1921, page 3
Booborowie Memorial Hall contract has been let to Messrs Lampe Bros. of Spalding for £1,750 and the foundations have been laid. The foundation stone will be laid by I.J. Warnes on 29 March at 2 p.m.
Obituary. Alfred Woodman [sic] of Kooringa and late of Baldina died in Burra Hospital on 14 March. He is survived by a widow, four sons and two daughters: Wilfred, Rupert, Herbert, George, Mrs W.H. Wahlert & Mrs F. Blott. [Actually Albert Woodman who was born 21 April 1863.]
Obituary. Mrs P. Lally late of Kooringa has died in Adelaide. [See details in paper of 23 March.]
Obituary. Mr Thomas McWaters died 13 March aged 68. [Born Mintaro 30 January 1853]
He was born at Mintaro in 1853, youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs James McWaters and when young took up land at Leighton and when World’s End Station was cut up he made a home on a block there. He also acquired Sampson’s Well Station near Morgan. In June 1913 he moved into Kooringa where he bought the old Bible Christian manse. He took a keen interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the district. He was one of the oldest trustees and a steward of the World’s End Methodist Church. He was elected to the Burra District Council 13 July 1889 and has held a seat ever since, representing Baldina Ward from its inception. He became chairman on 14 July 1900 and was still in that position when he died. He was a long serving member of the Burra Show Society and Vice-President for a number of years. He was also a member of the Burra Racing Club and till quite recently was on the Burra Hospital Board for a number of years. He was for some time Councillor for East Ward in the Burra Town Council and was a long serving member of the Old Koomooloo Vermin Board and was a JP. During the war he took a practical interest in patriotic matters. In 1872 he married Miss Annie Luscombe Farrow of Burra who died in 1915. He leaves three sons and five daughters: Stewart (a grazier of Penola), W. Hedley (World’s End), Clement W. (Sampson’s Well Station), Mrs R.B. Irlam (Maylands WA), Mrs S.O. Hewlett of (Rydalmere Sydney), Mrs W.E. Inman (Railway Town Broken Hill), Mrs J. Kellock (Thistlebeds) & Mrs S. Watson (Kooringa). There are several grandchildren.
Burra & District Horticulture
Harry Parks on A.J. & P.A. McBride’s Yardea Station has grown a 4 lb bunch of huge grapes; many 3” in circumference.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. A general meeting of the committee decided on a civic reception for the Governor immediately before the foundation stone was laid. Lady Weigall had not been invited and this oversight had been remedied. She had expressed a wish to visit the Reformatory. She is to be presented with a piece of malachite mounted in gold. It was decided to hold a public lunch for the Governor.
[Bur the Governor later advised he would prefer this not happen and the program was revised accordingly.]
Pictures were suggested for the evening entertainment and it was suggested that the Governor might agree to show some of his biograph views. Application will be made for a half holiday for the school. The Burra Brass Band will be asked to assist. The stone at the foot of the pillar will be inscribed To Our Glorious Dead after much discussion.
Miss Trix Pearce was appointed to the Records Committee.
Professor G.S. Henderson of the University of Adelaide advised that the ‘To’ in the inscription is superfluous and brings the inscription a little nearer to the level of an after dinner toast.
The State Election. On Friday evening 20-30 people attended an election meeting at the Institute which was addressed by Messrs Jenkins, Dickson & T. Hawke (Of the Farmers & Settlers’ Association).
Mr T. Hawke said their movement wanted to secure direct representation for primary industries. Its members were liberal in thought and policy and anti-socialistic and had the same ticket as the Liberal Union. Of particular interest to the FSA were water conservation and freight charges.
Messrs S.W. Dickson & George F. Jenkins gave addresses outlining the achievements of the Government and its program for the future. These are reported in 11⁄2 columns.
XXXXIII, 11, 16 Mar. 1921, page 4
Football. The Aberdeen Football Club met at C. & A. Fuss’s shop on Tuesday with Mr Charles Fuss in the chair. Medals for 1920:
Most gentlemanly and consistent Jack Williams
Best all-round Norman Fuss
Nominated for Assoc. Gold Medal W.V. Ford J. Williams J. Harvey
Elected:
Patron: James Reed
President: J.H. Gallagher
Secretary: E.M. Cox
Ass. Sec.: B.G. Blunt
Chairman of the Committee: Charles Fuss
Kooringa Football Club AGM on Thursday with R. Chambers in the chair elected:
Patron: S.M. Lane JP
President: W.R. Chambers
Secretary: J. Allen
Honorarium of £6 was voted to the secretary.
Burra & District Horticulture
Arthur Harris 4 ft high celery
E.W. North An iron-bark pumpkin of 53 lb
Mrs George Sampson a 25 lb trombone & dahlias
John Collins (Collinsville) Sultana grapes
J. Earle Rome Beauty apples
Tennis. Saturday: Ironmine 9-70 defeated North Booborowie 6-64.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 7 for 133 drew with North Booborowie 8 for 32.
Burra Town Council, 7 March
The motion to repair the fountain was rescinded.
Various minor road works were approved.
The cemetery seats are to be painted.
The seats in the morgue are to be repaired. [i.e. the cemetery mortuary chapel]
The Mayor reported on the arrangements for the Governor’s visit and the laying of the Soldiers’ Memorial foundation stone.
XXXXIII, 12, 23 Mar. 1921, page 2
Notice. Nominations are called for the District Council of Burra, Baldina Ward. An extraordinary election due to the death of Cr Thomas McWaters.
Obituary. Ann Mary Lally died on 15 March at Glen Osmond aged 84 and a colonist of 44 years. Relict of the late Patrick Lally of Kooringa and mother of Mrs A. Turner of Kooringa and Mrs J. Miller of Clare.
She was born Clarenbridge Co. Galway, Ireland, in 1863 [sic: error for 1836] and at 21 married Patrick Lally and spent 20 years of married life in Clarenbridge before migrating to SA in the Airlie in 1877 with six children. They came straight to Burra where Mr Lally worked on the railway cutting north of the town and was subsequently employed by the railways for many years.
About nine years ago her left arm was amputated on account of cancer. Sir Samuel Way had just gone through a similar operation at the age of 79 years when he visited Burra in 1914 and he went to see the old lady who he was informed had prayed for him. He later sent a letter and a shawl. She was a devoted member of St Joseph’s Church.
Shooting at Riverton Station
Koorman Tomayhews, supposed to be an Austrian, ran amok at Riverton Station on Tuesday morning as passengers were rejoining the train from the refreshment room. He fired revolver shots from the end of the platform. He is supposed to have fired some 50 shots and had 40 cartridges on him when captured. Mr Brookfield MLA (Broken Hill) rushed to overpower him, received two shots in the belly and is said to be dying. W. Smith of Peterborough and W. Crowhurst of Oodlawirra and two others including a lady were also injured. The train was delayed for over one and a half hours.
Burra Institute.
The considerably enlarged Institute was finally re-opened on Tuesday evening when the Theatregraph Picture Co. presented a first class program. The audience was large and the takings of c. £32 were given to the Institute. The entire cost of the enlargement with extra lighting and seating etc. amounted to c. £2,000. The money was borrowed from the State Bank and is repayable over 30 years in six-monthly instalments. The hall now seats c. 600.
Football. A meeting at Hallett Institute on Saturday decided to re-form the Hallett Football Club.
XXXXIII, 12, 23 Mar. 1921, page 3
Building in Burra. There has been a revival of building with fully a dozen new houses erected or in course of erection and all are in West Ward and all will add to the appearance of the town, especially the residences of Messrs Blight Bros. (late of Hallett), of A.S. Martin (Manager for Elder, Smith & Co.) and of Mr Gordon (of Bennett & Fisher Ltd.). W.R. Chambers (of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd) has purchased a fine block in Queen St and building will soon start. S.M. Lane’s house is now roofed.
Burra Town Council, 21 March
The Chairmen & Councillors of the DCs of Burra, Hallett, Mt Bryan, Booborowie, Hanson & Apoinga have been invited to the laying of the foundation stone of the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial.
W. Pearce was thanked for the gift of a handsome piece of malachite for presentation to the Governor.
The Rotunda and railings are to be painted.
Marriage. At Hanson Methodist Church, 16 March
Thomas Victor Andrew, son of Mr & Mrs T. Andrew of Victor Harbor married
Ivy Maude Dixon, third daughter of Mr & Mrs G.T. Dixon of Hanson.
Burra & District Horticulture
L.S. Penrose Dahlias
O.G. Walker Dahlias
W. Carpenter Dahlias & African Marigolds
J. Bryce of Mt Bryan Dahlias
Mrs George Sampson A marvellous marrow
Joe Parks Potatoes
Arthur Harris Celery & red beet
E.M. Cox Butter beans
Maurice Collins Peaches
Mrs A. Williams (Paxton Square) Grapes
Burra Rifle Club
The last aggregate was won by A.P. Harris 273 from L. Kellaway 263.
The last shoot was won by A.P. Harris over 200 & 300 yards and for the shoot over 800, 900 & 1,000 yards the best results were A.B. Riggs 75 and G.L. Nutt 73.
State Election: extracts from a speech by Mr McDonald are printed.
XXXXIII, 12, 23 Mar. 1921, page 4
Burra Football Assoc. AGM
The Association started 1920 in credit £17-1-10 and ended in credit £28-9-11.
Hallett was admitted to the Association for this year and the Association will join the SA League, which will have jurisdiction over any disputes and will ease problems arising from such.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Committee. Though there will be no formal lunch for the Governor there will be alight luncheon and afternoon tea provided for the convenience of the public. A marquee will be obtained from the city. A further meeting is called on the wording of the inscription.
Burra Hospital Board
Dr Ashton’s response to the last letter sent to him is published. He notes that it is acknowledged that the position now offered is different from that previously held. He notes that the Chief Secretary has advised that the hospital is now a subsidised hospital. He thinks it odd that the Board has been reappointed according to processes for a Government Hospital not a subsidised hospital. He says he is still considering the offer, especially the stipulation he cannot charge professional fees until the hospital liability is discharged and that he must give anaesthetics and consultations free with respect to certain patients for who the other medical man receives an increased salary. He says figures prove the Board previously received much more money from patient fees that it lost from the patients he formerly was instrumental in admitting.
XXXXIII, 13, 30 Mar. 1921, page 2
Notice. Claude Attrill notifies the public that from 4 April he will ply a cab for hire.
Advt. Lloyd Sisters’ Circus Wednesday 6 April.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. A general meeting on Thursday evening resolved that the inscription on the memorial be: ‘Our Glorious Dead. The tribute of Burra and District to those brave sons who died for King and Country in the Great War, 1914-1918, expressing the people’s undying gratitude, admiration and respect.’
A general meeting to finalise arrangements will be held on Thursday night. It was decided to invite Major General Antill and Brigadier General Leane to the ceremony.
Cricket. At Robertstown on Good Friday: Burra 323 defeated Robertstown 113. Burra’s win was due in particular to Arthur L. Collins who scored 107 (retired) and took 8 wickets for 45.
The return match at Kooringa on the following day produced a draw in favour of Robertstown: Robertstown 155 to Burra 9 for 71.
Hallett Sports. The results of the annual meeting on Easter Monday are printed.
Bowls. Members visited Adelaide for Easter.
Sturt 78 defeated Burra 61
Prospect 83 defeated Burra 49
Toorak 108 defeated Burra 71
Redruth Police Court, 22 March
For failing to have a tail light on their cars A.G. Gebhardt, G.E. Dane and E. Finlay were each fined 5/- + 22/- costs while for the same offence T.P. Hall, who did not appear, was charged 5/- + 27/- costs.
D.L. van Senden was fined 5/- + 22/- costs for having no tail light on his motor cycle.
For having no light on a bicycle C.H.W. Rabbich and W. Carpenter were fined 5/- + 15/- costs and for the same offence N. Hann, who did not appear was fined 5/- + 20/- costs.
M. Tiddy was fined 5/- + 15/- for riding on a footpath.
Mrs Turner & Mrs Seal were each fined 5/- + 10/- for stray cows.
29 March
I.J. Warnes and S.M. Lane were each fined 5/- + 22/- for having no tail light on their cars.
Kooringa Court, 29 March
Michael O’Brien was sentenced to one month for being idle and disorderly.
XXXXIII, 13, 30 Mar. 1921, page 3
Advt. The program for the Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial.
Leighton Hall Entertainment on 23 March featured the Cantata Soot and the Fairies by Leighton School students, followed by supper and a dance.
State Election – The Liberal Campaign is covered in two columns.
XXXXIII, 13, 30 Mar. 1921, page 4
State Election – The Hon. J.G. Bice and Hon. J. Lewis visited Burra and gave addresses to a fairly large audience at the Institute on 22 March. The report extends for 2 columns.
XXXXIII, 14, 6 Apr. 1921, page 2
Notice. Nominations for DC Burra Baldina Ward.
William Evans Hodge
Gottlieb Wilhelm Heinrich
Election on 12 April
A Dust Storm on 30 March was the worst for many years. It struck at c. 4.30 p.m. Fortunately the blinding dust was soon settled by rain that fell almost at once. 47 points was registered overnight.
Obituary. Ralph W. Blott, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Joshua Blott of Perth and late of Kooringa, has died aged 25. He was born at Burra and educated at Christian Brothers H.S. in Fremantle. He then joined the Medical & Health Dept. He enlisted in 1916 and on returning rejoined the Dept. He was severely gassed while on active service. [Ralph William Blott born at Kooringa 21 July 1895.]
XXXXIII, 14, 6 Apr. 1921, page 3
Obituary. James McDonald proprietor of the Kooringa Hotel died yesterday afternoon.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
The foundation stone of the memorial is to be laid today. Sir Archibald & Lady Weigall and suite will visit and the Governor will lay the stone. They will arrive by train at 11.30 a.m. and will be met by the Mayor, Mr E.W. Crewes. They will then proceed to the Institute for a civic reception. The Burra Brass Band will attend and RSL members will form a guard of honour. The foundation stone will be laid at 3 p.m. The Governor and party will spend three days in the district and on Thursday they will visit Koonoona and Mackerode homesteads and on Friday will visit Booborowie.
Booborowie Memorial Hall. On 29 March at Booborowie I.J. Warnes JP Chairman of the Mt Bryan DC laid the foundation stone of the Booborowie Memorial Hall. It is in memory of those volunteers from that centre who laid down their lives in the Great War. The hall will be 80’ x 40’. He commented in passing that Dr Steele and the photographer Mr Dix ‘were the only ones present from Burra, though when there was anything in the Burra, Booborowie was always well represented.’ He made reference in his speech to the need for a hall in keeping people in the district and on his recent visit to the battlefields and cemeteries of the Western Front. There was a speech by Dr D.M. Steele and Mr Fuller the architect also spoke briefly.
Burra Town Council, 4 April
The Mayor has asked the Chairmen of the District Councils to sit on the platform at the civic reception for the Governor.
The Burra Football Assoc. was granted use of Victoria Park for one third of proceeds after tax.
Cr Radford moved the Council spend money from the ground on the ground. Carried.
Messrs Lord & Humphris to be asked to place a light in the centre of the street opposite the rotunda, leaving the one in the rotunda for special occasions.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Burra 133 drew with South Booborowie 7 for 48.
XXXXIII, 14, 6 Apr. 1921, page 4
State Election. There is a report of a speech at Jamestown on 10 March by Independent candidate E.J. Craigie in 11⁄3 columns and a one-column article on Labor Party Policy.
XXXXIII, 15, 13 Apr. 1921, page 2
Marriage. At St Giles Norwood on 30 March
Stanley M. Lane, second son of the late Phillip Lane of Kooringa & Mrs Lane of North Unley married
Helen C. Morrison, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs Peter Morrison of Toorak SA
Mr John Winnall, who is soon to leave for Wooltana Station, was given a farewell at St Mary’s Hall last Thursday evening.
Burra & District Horticulture
O.S. Walker Dahlias
Charles Parks A 35 lb pie melon
Mrs Sam Broad (of Bright) A 13 oz peach
Mrs J.R. Barker Dahlias
Miss Rogers Dahlias
Mrs Harold Davey A Tithonia
Mrs Richard Hill Geranium
Burra Mine. During the week the old chimney near the [Morphett’s] engine house was blown up. The stone etc. is to be reused.
Marriage. At Kooringa Methodist Church 7 April
Theodore Edwin Scott, third son of Mr & Mrs J.B. Scott of Hilltown married
Hilda Margaret Kellock, youngest daughter of the late William Kellock of Thistlebeds & Mrs Kellock of ‘Ellematta’ Kooringa.
XXXXIII, 15, 13 Apr. 1921, page 3
Marriage. At St Mary’s 5 April
Charles William Schultz, eldest son of Mr & Mrs W. Schultz of Tothill’s Belt married
Elsie Pearl Bailey, second daughter of Mr & Mrs George Bailey of Leighton
Burra Rifle Club. Saturday 2 April: 2nd match for R.O. Robinson’s Trophy at 800, 900 & 1000 yds.
Best results G.L. Nutt & J.E. Pearce.
Visit of the SA Governor
Wednesday
The town was gaily decorated with bunting and flags. People turned out in large numbers to greet the vice-regal visitors. Mr Crewes (Mayor) met the official party at the station after which there was a civic reception at the Institute. The entrance to the building was flanked by a guard of honour under Lieut. K.R. Crewes. The Governor talked with the bandsmen and Pte Ralph Thomas on leaving the hall. The Governor’s party had lunch in the vice-regal carriage at the station. A public luncheon was provided in market square and the Burra Brass Band provided music.
The Governor laid the foundation stone at 3 p.m. after which the official party mingled with the crowd. They then took afternoon tea in the marquee. They then viewed the display of dahlias in the Record office windows and in R.D. Pascoe’s shop. His Excellency then visited Mr R.D. Pascoe’s collection of stud sheep photographs. In the evening a first class cinema program was screened.
Thursday
After staying overnight in the carriage at the station the Governor’s party visited Leighton, Booborowie and the country towards Mt Bryan. His Excellency rode on horseback attended by Captain Boswell. The others motored. They paused at the Leighton School and having granted a half holiday proceeded to Melvin Collins’s Lamara Estate at Booborowie before returning to Burra for lunch. At 2.30 they left to visit Mackerode where they had afternoon tea.
Friday
Lady & Miss Priscilla Weigall were indisposed and arranged to return to Adelaide on the afternoon train. His Excellency and party however made a round of hurried visits to various institutions in the town. First stop was the Girls’ Reformatory and then the State Primary and High Schools. The Governor then visited the RSL sub-branch and was received by Dr Steele. The Burra Hospital was next on the list and the party then proceeded to ‘Murlippa’ Koonoona before going on to Koonoona Head Station where they had lunch and were entertained by Mrs Hawkes. His Excellency then returned to Burra in time for the afternoon train. Unfortunately this change of plan meant abandoning the ride to Princess Royal and afternoon tea there by Mrs J. Tennant. The Governor brought a cinema operator with him to record the event.
XXXXIII, 15, 13 Apr. 1921, page 4
The Civic Reception for the Governor is reported in just over 1 column.
The Laying of the Soldiers’ Memorial Foundation Stone is reported in 2 columns.
Returned soldiers formed a guard of honour. Susie Hill presented a bouquet to Lady Weigall. Miss Dorothy Brown presented a bouquet to Miss Priscilla Weigall. The Mayor welcomed the party and presented the Governor with a silver trowel mounted in gold and made in Burra by Mr F. Spencer, himself a returned soldier. He also made the malachite brooch presented to Lady Weigall.
The Governor then laid the stone and buried an earthenware jar containing a copy of the daily papers and the Burra Record for the day and also one of the Records that contained a list of names of Burra volunteers, the current coins of the realm up to a florin and a document about the war effort in the district. His Excellency then spoke followed by a few words from Lady Weigall, W.G. Hawkes and Dr Steele.
The Mayor read apologies for absence of Major General Antill, Brigadier General Leane, Hon. J. Lewis and Messrs I.J. Warnes, Thomas Drew and T.H. Pearse. One of the guns promised for the memorial had, he said, been shipped from Melbourne.
The Mayor then reviewed the wonderful days of the war effort in Burra and called for donations that were required for both the memorial and the roll of honour. Donations of £878-1-9 were acknowledged.
XXXXIII, 16, 20 Apr. 1921, page 2
Marriage. At Holy Trinity Church Adelaide 22 March
Jack Field, 2nd surviving son of the late W. Field of ‘Westbury’ and Mrs Field of Mt Pleasant Kooringa, married Dorothy C. Brown, third daughter of Mr & Mrs Brown of Forestville
Marriage. At Unley Methodist Church 16 April
George Sackville Kidman, eldest son of Mr & Mrs George Kidman of Kapunda married
Nellie McLaren, 3rd daughter of Mr & Mrs J. McLaren of ‘Glenrowan’ North Unley & late of Burra.
Grasshoppers are still doing great damage in the area to lucerne and young feed. They are too dense to drive through in some places to the east.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mrs G.W. Hobbs (Booborowie) Almonds
Mr W. Carpenter Eggfruit & celery
Obituary. W. John Langsford died 15 April. He was born in Devonshire 29 November 1838 and came to SA with his parents in the David Malcolm in 1847. They settled at Modbury and in 1860 there he married Miss M.A. Morris. Later he moved to Auburn to farm and in 1865 to Ironmine, retiring to Aberdeen in 1912. He was a member and trustee of the Redruth Methodist Church. He leaves a widow, one son and three daughters: George Langsford of Prospect, Mrs J.G. Oates, Mrs W.F. Muller & Mrs W.J. Thomas. There are a number of grandchildren. [William John Langsford]
XXXXIII, 16, 20 Apr. 1921, page 3
Burra Town Council
The Mayor said he had been overwhelmed by the response of the Governor to the recent visit. He had received a letter of thanks addressed to the inhabitants of Burra and to him personally. Then an autographed picture of the vice-regal family and now a handsome pearl scarf-pin.
The Victoria Park wall is in a bad way. Some 30 ft on the western side was toppling due to tree roots. In a number of places boys climbing over had removed the coping stones and in many places the poor quality stone had fretted into holes. There was no cheap solution and an inspection was planned for the 2 May.
Cr Radford moved the reduction of one days pay for the lamplighter not lighting lamps over Easter Sunday and Monday. After discussion at the last meeting there was not a lamp alight in the north end of town and the next evening only one between Aberdeen and Kooringa. Not 2nd.
After considerable discussion a caution was decided upon and a schedule outlining the lamplighter’s duties is to be drawn up.
The debate then turned to the difficulty of destroying onion weed and star thistles and Bathurst Burr.
A trench mortar captured in Egypt has been despatched to Burra.
Burra Institute. Mr Crewes proposed and Mr Davey 2nd that the hall committee confer about arranging an entrance through the Council Chamber to the rear of the hall.
Marriage. At St Mary’s 12 April
Charles George Phillips (late AIF), eldest son of Mr & Mrs Lance Phillips of New Hindmarsh & late of Warooka, married E. Isabel Bevan, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Alfred Bevan of Kooringa.
Marriage. At Unley Methodist Church 16 April
George Sackville Kidman, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Kidman of Kapunda, married
Nellie McLaren, third daughter of Mr & Mrs John McLaren of North Unley and late of Burra.
Marriage. On 16 April at the residence of the bride’s parents
Reuben J. Lloyd, eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Lloyd of Ironmine, married
Adelaide L. Scholz, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs F.G. Scholz of Braefoot.
Football. The Kooringa Football Club met in J. Allen’s rooms on 7 April and elected W. Cock as Captain and L. Kellaway as Vice-Captain. Gordon Fletcher was awarded the medal for most gentlemanly player of 1920.
XXXXIII, 16, 20 Apr. 1921, page 4
Burra Show Society, AGM last Friday. 30-40 attended. The President thanked all for his election. He reported the loss through death of two prominent members in Mr Thomas McWaters and Mr E. Cock. During the year Mr L.H. Foote took over from Mr F. Treloar as Secretary. It had been a good season; some said the best since 1870. The sheep dog trials had good entries, but were marred by rain. The financial position is sound with a credit of c. £40 after staring in debit c. £24.
The secretary said he had not handed over all prize money because of inadequacies in the stewards’ books that did not allow him to identify the winners.
Elected: Patron Hon. J. Lewis
President I.J. Warnes
Vice Presidents C. Bartholomaeus & Mr Radford
Elizabeth A. Ward contributes a poem The Morn of that Glorious Day April 25th 1915.
Tennis. At Aberdeen 9 April: Kooringa 10-84 defeated Aberdeen 8-82.
XXXXIII, 17, 27 Apr. 1921, page 2
Gordon Fletcher of the National Bank has been transferred to Orroroo. Mr Nielson from Adelaide replaces him.
The Governor has sent a thank you note and gold pencil to the relieving stationmaster at Burra, Mr Woodgate, and to Mr E.M. Cox, the ticket clerk.
The Trench Mortar has arrived. There is considerable dissatisfaction since the war souvenir sent to Peterborough took a whole truck to convey it. The trench mortar would easily fit into a fruit case. The Mayor keenly resents this glaring slight and is making representations and it is hoped to get some more fitting trophy to flank the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial.
Salvation Army. Captain Leach, who has been in charge of the local corps for the last 11 months, has been transferred to Magill. He was farewelled on Sunday evening. Captain Bland with an assistant is to take charge in Burra.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mr A. Blight (Hallett) A 1 lb 10 oz eggfruit
Miss P. Fairchild A 1 lb 3 oz quince
XXXXIII, 17, 27 Apr. 1921, page 3
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 21 April
Julian A. Helling (late AIF), son of the late Mr & Mrs A. Helling of Tintinara, married
Edith L. (Nurse) Bartholomaeus, fourth daughter of Mr & Mrs C. Bartholomaeus of Aberdeen.
Marriage. On 23 April at the residence of the bride’s parents
Timothy James, son of the late P. Bevis James & Mrs James of Hanson, married
Leah Donaldson Pearce, daughter of Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce of Kooringa.
Anzac Day Commemoration. A united service was held in the Institute on Sunday afternoon (24 April). The hall was will filled and a large number of returned soldiers attended. The Mayor, E.W. Crewes, presided. There was a combined choir under G.E. Dane. Mr Crewes gave an account of the early days of the war and how willingly the lads had volunteered before going on to France, Flanders and Gallipoli. Addresses were given by Rev. H. Hopton and Rev. G.K. Haslam. (12⁄3 columns)
Football. On Anzac Day (Monday) at Victoria Park £8-2-9 was taken for the Soldiers’ Memorial Fund.
Kooringa 1.2 3.4 5.4 6.8 (44)
Aberdeen 1.0 3.3 5.7 5.7 (37)
An Earthquake was felt in Burra at 4.40 a.m. last Sunday. It produced a few cracked walls and some falling plaster, but no serious damage. In all it lasted c. 80 seconds, though only 30 seconds with some force.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the 1st match for Major L.A. Lewis’s Trophy. A.L. Kellock 43 from G.L. Nutt 35.
Tennis. On 23 April Ironmine 8-72 defeated Kooringa 7-55.
Kooringa Cricket Club. For the past season:
Best bowlers were:
Les Kellaway 135 overs for an average of 11
Les Neagle 108 overs for an average of 161⁄2
Best batting average:
Les Neagle 13 innings for an average 25
Les Kellaway 16 innings for an average 24
A War Poem by Joseph Lee is reprinted from the Pan American Magazine: ‘The British Dead’.
XXXXIII, 17, 27 Apr. 1921, page 4
A War Poem: ‘The End”. (The Australian Imperial Force was officially terminated on Thursday.)
XXXXIII, 18, 4 May 1921, page 2
Advt. Burra & District Amateur Gardeners’ Assoc. Competition in Pearce’s Building,
Wednesday 11 May. J.P.H. Biddle, President; Wm Carpenter, Hon. Sec.
Advt. Special Grand Picture Entertainment in aid of the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial, Wednesday 11 May.
Program of films taken in Burra & District on 6 & 7 April by His Excellency’s private operator, kindly lent by the Governor for the occasion.
Burra & District Amateur Gardeners’ Assoc. Mr William Carpenter convened a meeting of amateur gardeners at Pearce’s Building on Wednesday to form an association. Elected were
Chairman: J. Biddle
Patron: J.R. Barker
Secretary: W. Carpenter
Treasurer: O. Walker
Next meeting on 11 May in the form of a competition.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mr Schuppan (Emu Downs) A 41lb pie melon
Mrs J. Barker (Baldina) Sweet peas
Mrs W.H. Lomman A 52lb pumpkin
W. Carpenter Torgan beans
Mr L.R. Gordon, for 14 months or since its inception, in charge of the local branch of Bennett & Fisher Ltd., has left them to enter into stud sheep breeding with Mr Melvin Collins. Mr Dullea of Orroroo replaces Mr Gordon. Mr D.L. van Senden on behalf of the staff presented Mr Gordon with a fine inscribed tobacco pouch.
Miss Nita Pearce has left the Education Dept. due to her approaching marriage. She has principally been in charge of the junior school at Burra.
XXXXIII, 18, 4 May 1921, page 3
Leighton Hall AGM 30 April was chaired by I.J. Warnes.
He regretted the deaths during the past year of two prominent workers, Mr E. Cock and Mr W.H. Field. Mr W. Cock has replaced his father as secretary. In the past year the hall had been painted and the supper room, where badly cracked, had been bolted together. 170 chairs were bought from the Burra Institute and a new baby grand piano purchased.
The annual strawberry fete was a success. The balance this year was £88 and £170 had been paid off the piano. Elected were
President: I.J. Warnes
Vice-President: J.Q. Hogan
Secretary: W. Cock
Treasurer: A.D. McDonald
Marriage. At Scots Church, Collins St Melbourne 12 April
Greta Laidlaw, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs T.H. Laidlaw of Hamilton Victoria, married
Lancelot Ashley Lewis, youngest son of the Hon. J. Lewis of Benacre, Glen Osmond.
Marriage. Tuesday afternoon at Christ Church North Adelaide
Dorothy Hawkers, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Waldemar G. Hawkes of Koonoona, married
Captain Peter Charles Aislabie Head MC, eldest son of Lieut. Col. & Mrs H.F. Head of Kent, England.
Burra Town Council, 2 May
A schedule of the lamplighter’s duties was laid before Council.
John Lewis of Hampton was given permission to quarry stone and remove same through the present bed of the municipal quarry.
Portions of the west and south walls at Victoria Park are to be taken down and repaired and part of the eastern wall underpinned and the top of the wall to be repaired as necessary.
A reward of £10 is offered for the conviction of culprits who have damaged Victoria Park.
The drainage near Paxton Square is to be reported on at next meeting.
The swing bridge is to be attended to.
C. Bartholomaeus moved that the Chief Secretary be asked to place two local JPs as representatives of the local area on the State Children’s Council. Carried.
The Mayor and Cr Radford were suggested as suitable candidates for the preceding position.
Poem: reprinted from the Mail. The Burra Squirt by ‘Seebee’.
[A reference to the trench mortar, which was some 2’6” long.]
XXXXIII, 18, 4 May 1921, page 4
Poem by J. Pascoe: The Flag.
XXXXIII, 19, 11 May 1921, page 2
14 horses on Booborowie Experimental Farm took ill from eating paddy-melons. Three have died and the rest are likely to. Recently the same cause killed 53 sheep out of 400 in one night at Uranquinty.
Golden Wedding. Mr & Mrs John Wise of Prospect and late of Burra celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on 2 May. Mr Wise is the 2nd son of the late W. Wise of Gumeracha and was born there 9 June 1846 and Mrs Wise is the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs J. White of Gumeracha and was born at Modbury in England 30 April 1848 and came to Australia in 1856. They were married at the Kooringa Wesleyan Church 2 May 1871. They lived first at Cartapo in a dugout until Mr Wise could build a two-roomed house. They came to Burra in 1893 and retired about nine years ago to Prospect. Mr Wise was at times a member of the Hallett and Booborowie District Councils, a Councillor for the Burra Town Council and Superintendent of the Hallett and Kooringa Sunday schools. They had 16 children, 8 sons and 8 daughters of whom 11 survive: W.J. & H.E. (WA), A. (Hallett), E. (Copperhouse), Mrs H. Richards & Mrs C.E. Faggotter (Broken Hill), Mrs J. Beeck (WA), Mrs W.B. Gillett & Mrs T.E. Goodridge (Gum Creek), Mrs A.M. Quinn (Prospect) and Miss E. Wise (Prospect). The late Mrs M. Pederson was a daughter and there are 59 grandchildren.
Accident. Mr Crewes was knocked down and rendered unconscious by a car at the corner of Chapel and Commercial Streets on Saturday night. The car swept around the corner on the wrong side of the road. Mr Crewes was carried to the Commercial Hotel where Dr Ashton attended him. He was stretchered home. He is able to get up, but still suffers from bruises and shock. It is time the speed limit was enforced – cyclists and motorists sweep through the streets at anything from 20 to 35 m.p.h.
Burra & District Horticulture
Joseph Thomas (Willalo) Phlox & pentstemons
A.S. Wardle (Mt Bryan) Quinces
Obituary. It is feared that Mr Don Kerin has drowned in a boating accident on a lagoon on Mutooroo Run (150 miles from Burra) where he is employed. His swag was on the bank and the empty boat was found drifting. The body has not yet been recovered. He is married to the eldest daughter of Mrs Hobby of Kooringa and there are four young children, the youngest only one month old. [Details next paper.]
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School. The 22nd Anniversary was held last Sunday & Monday. There were large congregations to hear Rev. E.T. Pryor of Riverton. On Monday there was the usual children’s and public tea followed by the public meeting. Removals etc. have considerably depleted numbers of both scholars and teachers. Proceeds were £27.
XXXXIII, 19, 11 May 1921, page 3
Football. Opening of the season at Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.0 5.6 8.8 10.11 (71)
Hallett 2.6 2.7 2.11 2.12 (24)
At Mt Bryan on 7 May Mt Bryan 5.11 (41) defeated Aberdeen 5.9 (39).
On Monday at Saddleworth:
Kooringa B 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.8 (20)
Saddleworth B 2.2 2.2 2.5 2.8 (20)
Burra DC
William Evans Hodge was elected on 12 April to the extraordinary vacancy in Baldina Ward.
Nominations called for the elections at the end of June. Retiring Councillors:
Kooringa Ward Cr McBride
Baldina Ward Cr Hodge
King Ward Cr Warnes
XXXXIII, 19, 11 May 1921, page 4
Burra Football Assoc. The program of matches for 1921 is printed.
XXXXIII, 20, 18 May 1921, page 2
Advt. Burra Brass Band concert in the Rotunda Kooringa on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Collection in aid of Band Funds
Notice. A public meeting is called to arrange a concert in aid of the Kerin Relief Fund.
Obituary. Mrs Theodore E. Scott nee Hilda Kellock died on 11 May. She was the youngest daughter of Mrs M.A. Kellock and the late William Kellock. She took ill on 6 May with meningitis. She was a prominent Cheer-up worker and member of the Cheer-up Ladies Band during the war years.
[Born Hilda Margaret Kellock 16 June 1891 at Baldina.]
Mt Bryan Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. A meeting is called for 21 May to resolve an important question concerning this memorial.
Burra & District Amateur Gardeners Assoc. The second meeting was held in Pearce’s Building last Thursday. Apart from the competition the Burra Show Prize List was the main item.
Burra & District Horticulture
M.A. Radford A 65lb pumpkin
Mrs R.E. Gill of Booborowie Double red geraniums
Films in aid of the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial on Wednesday drew a good audience, but the Governor’s films on his recent visit to Burra were ‘a trifle disappointing’, though others of his offering were very fine. The main feature was The Alien.
The War Trophies Committee has allotted a field gun to Burra. This will not be in addition to the trench mortar the local committee now hold and instructions about that will follow.
XXXXIII, 20, 18 May 1921, page 3
Girl Guides. On Friday afternoon the Mayor convened a meeting at the Institute to hear Lady Hackett, Mayoress of Adelaide, on behalf of the Adelaide Branch of the Girl Guides, to place the scheme before the women and girls of the district. After her speech a committee was formed to try and arouse local interest in forming a local company.
Obituary. As feared last week the death by drowning has been confirmed of Donald Kerin employed on Oakvale Station. On 8 May he went boating on the lagoon – a sheet of water quite a mile across and did not return. The next morning the paddles were found on the north side of the lagoon and the stern of the boat was sticking up some 200 yards out. Police were notified and dragging operations began. M-C North of Kooringa attended. The body was no recovered till Thursday. Mr Warnes attended on Friday and decided an inquest was unnecessary, recording a death by drowning.
[Donald John Kerin born Silverton NSW 1891]
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 1.5 3.7 6.8 8.8 (56)
Farrell’s Flat 1.1 3.1 3.1 3.2 (20)
Burra Town Council, 16 May
Senator Newland advised the allocation of a field gun to Burra.
The Town Clerk has put on F. Highett as lamplighter. His action was endorsed.
Drainage at Paxton Square as suggested by the Overseer was endorsed.
Burra Institute Committee
Disposal of the gas fittings was left to the Hall Committee.
The matter of the partition of the Council Chamber was held over.
Stockowners’ Assoc. of SA, Burra Branch AGM in the Liberal Union Rooms 13 May.
24 members attended. President I.J. Warnes reported on the year’s activity and he was re-elected as President with Maurice Radford as Vice-President.
E.W. Crewes writes setting up a relief fund for Mrs Kerin, recently widowed in the drowning accident and calling for a meeting to set up a concert in aid of the fund.
Rev. H.H. Hopton also calls for a relief fund for Mrs Kerin.
The Editor offers to acknowledge receipt of donations.
T.P. Ford writes accusing the Burra Town Council of greed in the charges to the Football Assoc. and the Kooringa Football Club for the use of Victoria Park.
Burra Rifle Club. The second match for the Major Lewis Trophy: A.L. Kellock 54 and J.A. Riggs 51 were best shots.
XXXXIII, 21, 25 May 1921, page 2
Notice. A meeting is called at the Council Office in Booborowie for Saturday 28 May to decide the form of the opening of the Booborowie Memorial Hall.
Notice. A meeting of subscribers of the Burra & District Ambulance is called to consider handing over the ambulance to the Burra Town Council in trust.
Advt. Leighton Quadrille Dances will be held 28 May, 11 June with a euchre tournament and dance on 15 June.
Obituary. John Wilks died at his residence Mt Bryan East 13 May aged 76. He was the husband of Christina Wilks.
Mr W.P. Wade, after 18 months illness and convalescence, has been able to resume his duties as manager of W.G. Hawkes’ Winnininnie Station.
The Burra Brass Band gave a concert in Market Square on Sunday, but it was marred by rain before it concluded.
Obituary. Mrs J. Bald, wife of the manager of Messrs Drew & Crewes Ltd, Hallett, died at her residence 24 May after a long illness aged 47. She was the daughter of the late Dr F. Williams of Hallett. She leaves a husband and family of two daughters and two sons: the Misses Dorothy and Rita and Messrs Hurtle and Ronald.
Burra & District Horticulture
Sweet peas and carnations from ‘Wahroonga’.
Weather. After a dry spell some 20 points fell on Thursday last and by Monday the total was 94 points. Heavy rain and hail fell on Monday and the creek through West Ward ran high and by Tuesday morning Burra had registered 1.52”. Falls extended to the east ranging from 95 points at Chalk Cliffs to 1.75” at Woolgangi. At ‘Wahroonga’ (Leighton) 2.40” fell.
Marriage. At Mt Bryan Methodist Church 18 May
Frank Thomas, second son of Mr & Mrs James Thomas of Mt Bryan East, married
Clarissa May Jefferies, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs A. Jefferies.
Mt Bryan Soldiers’ Memorial. A meeting on 21 May decided to proceed at once with the erection of two rooms and an entrance hall at the front of the present hall.
Obituary. D. Meers died 20 May aged 65. An old resident of Mt Bryan.
XXXXIII, 21, 25 May 1921, page 3
Burra History. Reprint of an extract from the Register of 19 May 1871 describing the operation of the new ‘fire whim’ with which in 1 day 22 men filled and emptied 430 trucks of dirt each of 1.5 tons and each having been hauled 6 chains and been raised 130 ft.
Women’s’ Christian Temperance Union continues to meet in Jubilee hall.
14 members attended on 4 May.
Burra Rifle Club. Saturday saw the last match for the L.A. Lewis Trophy. Best scores for the day were A.L. Kellock 67 and G.L. Nutt 59, but the best aggregate scores were A.L. Kellock 121 from J.A. Riggs 110.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa B (22 men) challenged Aberdeen A (18 men)
Aberdeen 3.4 3.7 5.12 6.14 (50)
Kooringa 2.2 5.5 6.8 6.8 (44)
At Mt Bryan Saturday 21 May:
Kooringa 10.18 (78) defeated Mt Bryan 7.9 (51)
XXXXIII, 22, 1 June 1921, page 2
Advt. Court House Hotel Friday 10 June. Bennett & Fisher Ltd will sell
Household Furniture & Effects for Mrs C. Gregg who is leaving the district.
XXXXIII, 22, 1 June 1921, page 3
Mrs George Cowan nee Eleanor (Nellie) Mary Lewis
There is an article of almost 1⁄2 column on her service during the war and that of her husband. He was Assistant Commissioner and later Commissioner of the Australian Trench Comforts Fund. His wife was in India when war broke out and travelled to England with her brother Major Gilbert Lewis early in 1915. She did voluntary work at Endsleigh Palace Hospital as a scullery maid, then at Eccleston Square Hospital as head cook. Later she was a canteen worker in France and then took work in regimental canteens in England, rising to be an area superintendent (of whom there were only 12) and controlled about 300 canteens in southern command. In France she had a Carnet Rouge which admitted her to the zone of the armies.
Obituary. Sarah Ann Harvey died recently at Mile End. She was born at Bristol England and arrived in SA on the Halaquest in March 1856 and was in Burra till 1876. The family moved to Ned’s Corner and the River Murray where her father, the late George Webster, and the late William T. Rodda of Burra built the barge Kooringa which traded on the river. She returned to Burra and married John Harvey in 1880. They went to Mildura three years ago. She leaves a husband, one son, two daughters and six grandchildren. Mrs D. Sandford of Mildura is a sister. [Died 18 April 1921 aged 66.]
Burra & District Horticulture
Mr P. Clarke A 79lb pumpkin
Football. The match at Hallett between Hallett and Aberdeen had to be abandoned when the bad weather and bad roads meant frequent boggings delayed the arrival of the team at Hallett till 5 p.m.
Mr W.G. Cossey, hairdresser of Kooringa, was burnt when a companion struck a match near his acetylene generator. He was off work for the rest of the week.
Accident. H. Webster of Shafton was injured when his horse suddenly swerved after becoming restless. It pinned him against the wall of the house breaking an ankle and a thumb. The horse then got away with the cart, but it struck an object and overturned, bringing it to a standstill. Mr Webster is recovering in Burra Hospital.
Floods. Last Saturday steady rain set in with an east wind and on Sunday the wind changed to southwest about noon and very heavy rain followed. The rain was particularly heavy to the west and the creek in West Ward rose rapidly. As in 1915 it broke out near Mrs Howell’s residence and rushed down Commercial St flooding shops and dwellings. C.J. Pearce’s was flooded from the back. In Commercial St the premises of A.J. McBride, Bagot, Shakes & Lewis, C. Parks, Glenister & Sams, George Lawn and Bennett & Fisher were flooded to varying degrees. Mr Lawn fared worse with a cellar full of water and damage estimated at £40. On the other side of the street only Eyes & Crowle were affected. The water then rushed down Chapel and Thames Streets. The flood in Thames St was particularly high. Spray rose feet into the air where the West Ward Creek meets the Burra Creek. The only bridge carried away was near Mr Bowen’s residence. Debris including large logs and a 100 gallon tank of Mr Howell’s was found when the water receded. Damage was also done at crossings on the road south. At Koonoona 4.40” was registered for the week with similar falls at Leighton. There were also good falls to the east. Varying from 75 points to 210 points. Henry Hopkins, youngest son of Mrs C. Rogers of Bewley’s [The Cactus Farm], was almost drowned when his horse was swept onto its side pinning him and kicking him in the head. He was rescued by his brother and stepfather
XXXXIII, 22, 1 June 1921, page 4
Burra & District Ambulance Meeting, 26 May
The committee appointed on 1 June 1920 solicited public subscriptions and raised £345-9-5 and had a garage built at a cost of £66. This was possible through Mr J.H. Gallagher donating stone from the old Bible Christian Chapel. John Reed and his helpers took down the stone and transported it. The Town Council also provided transport. T.H. Woollacott Jnr contracted for the building with F.M. Pearce doing the carpentry – this work being done at cost price. The committee is now in the position to hand over the ambulance as a going concern to the Town Council. £345-9-5 was raised by subscription and £25-3-0 by hire of the ambulance. Expenses totalled £360-9-4 leaving a credit of £10-3-1. The meeting approved handing the ambulance to the Town Council and appointed a deputation to attend to it.
SA Stockowners’ Assoc. Burra Branch AGM. I.J. Warnes reported the year’s work, particularly on the new log of claims from the AWU re shearing.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 0.3 0.3 2.4 2.5 (17)
Farrell’s Flat 0.0 0.2 0.5 1.5 (11)
XXXXIII, 23, 8 June 1921, page 2
Advt. Grand Concert, South Booborowie Methodist Church 16 June.
To aid Booborowie Methodist Manse Building Fund.
Advt. Grand Concert, Willalo Hall 21 June
To aid Circuit Funds of the Booborowie & Spalding Methodist Mission.
Advt. Dance in aid of the Kerin Fund Monday 27 June. Dancing 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Obituary. Lindsay Harrison [aged 7] son of Mr & Mrs J. Harrison of Redruth died from diphtheria at Burra Hospital. [Born Lindsay Roy Harrison 5 August 1813.]
Lost Children. On Sunday two little girls aged 7 and 5, daughters of Thomas Parks and a 5-year-old son of Mrs Claire Tiver went missing. When they had not been found by dark a large number of people joined in the search. Mrs Tiver found them huddled in a creek in Mr Tennant’s paddock. She then lost her bearings in the dark and other searchers finally heard her calls for help at 6.45, by which time all the party were drenched by rain and shivering with the cold. Had the children not been found by Mrs Tiver they must have been drowned, for the creek shortly after came down a banker.
Weather. Rain continued in the last week with falls on Sunday and Monday totalling 1.9” since the last paper. Falls to the east were also good and mushrooms have appeared in abundance.
Obituary. Mrs A.E. Dix, the wife of Mr Dix the photographer died at Burra Hospital last Thursday after a short illness. She was 37. Mr Dix is left with two infant children. [Born Isabel/ Isabella/Isabelle Grace O’Shaughnessy wife of Arthur Edgar Dix and mother of Marie Joyce born 20 February 1917 and Stuart Talbot born 5 May 1920.]
XXXXIII, 23, 8 June 1921, page 3
Obituary. John Wilks who died recently was born in Wales in 1845 and left for SA with his parents at an early age. They came directly to Burra. He worked as a boy and then as a man under Captain I. Killicoat at the Burra Smelting Works. When these closed he worked with his brother for twelve months at Wonna and then took up butchering with his brother-in-law the late W.A. Stewart at Saddleworth. In 1873 he married Miss Christina Stewart, third daughter of Alexander and Ann Stewart of the White Hart Hotel. After a few years he took land at Mt Bryan East and carried on farming and grazing until his death. For four years he was on the Hallett DC. He leaves a widow, five sons and one daughter. There are six grandchildren.
Obituary. Charles B. Warnes, pastoralist of Woolgangi and Parcoola, has died at Glenelg. He was born at Princess Royal on 6 May 1874, the fourth son of Mr & Mrs Thomas Warnes of Koomooloo. He was educated at Burra School and at Christ Church School Adelaide and Roseworthy Agricultural College. When his father died Charles B. Warnes acquired Woolgangi, Parcoola and Perrin Stations and lived at Woolgangi until a few years ago when he retired to Glenelg. He was for some years a member of the Murkaby Vermin Board and a member of the Burra DC. His health had been poor, but of late he had seemed to be improving. He died from a cerebral haemorrhage, leaving a wife, but no children.
[Born Charles Back Warnes 6 May 1873.]
The Kerin Relief Fund has reached £133.
Football. At Aberdeen Oval on Saturday:
Aberdeen 1.0 3.4 5.5 6.6 (42)
Kooringa 1.0 3.1 4.4 4.7 (31)
On Monday on a ground saturated from continuous rain:
Saddleworth Rovers 1.0 2.3 2.3 2.7 (19)
Kooringa B 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.1 (7)
Burra Association 1.1 2.4 3.4 7.7 (49)
Mid-North Association 2.1 2.1 3.4 3.4 (22)
XXXXIII, 23, 8 June 1921, page 4
Burra Racing Club AGM on 27 May
The club was in debt over £400. Although the last meeting made a profit of £19-4-1 expenses on improvements had been such that there was an overall loss of £317-18-0. The club has no realisable assets. There is a 21-year lease on the course with a right of renewal. The guaranteed overdraft had now reached its limit. Mr Warnes moved that not less than eight further guarantors be procured and the overdraft be increased to £600. Given the improvements made that were not recurrent expenses Mr Warnes felt they would get out of their present difficulties.
Burra Show Society. The general committee met on last Friday with President I.J. Warnes in the chair. The Ring Committee recommended that the Dog Trials be on 1, 2 & 3 September with a sheep show on the 2 September and the General Show in October.
The Produce Committee wanted the three shows together in the second week in September. Mr Warnes said last year the General show was on 6 October to suit sheep people, but that was too late. After discussion it was resolved to take the Ring Committee’s suggestion on Dog Trials with the Sheep show on the second day of the Dog Trials. Mr Radford moved that the General Show be the first week in October, but this was amended to the fourth Wednesday.
XXXXIII, 24, 15 June 1921, page 2
Notice. Burra Coursing Club. Meeting called for 27 June. H.F. Saunders has permitted the use of Gum Creek Station. H.R. Bosisto, Secretary.
Notice. Picnic Football Match, Burra v. Mid-North Association at Riverton 27 June. Special train to leave Burra at 1 p.m. and return 5.45 p.m. 7/6 return
Advt. Mrs F. C. [Frederick Charles] Allen has vacancies for three permanent boarders in the house next to the Church of England.
Obituary. William Baynes died on Friday 10 June at Booborowie. He was born at Castle Camps in Cambridgeshire in July 1851 and came to Australia in the Caroline in 1855. He farmed for many years at Baldina. He was an active worker for the old Baldina Church and Sunday school. They moved to Booborowie in 1910 where he carried on farming and dairying. He married Miss Isabel Cornegia , second daughter of the late Simon & Margaret Cornegia of Kooringa who survives with a family of four sons and four daughters: Messrs Oliver, Harry, Hurtle, & Arthur, and Mesdames C. Dewhirst (Broken Hill) & Hockley (Semaphore) and the Misses Hilda & Florrie Baynes (Booborowie). Two grown up daughters died recently, which seriously affected Mr Baynes’ health. [Bertha Baynes died 4 December 1918 and Ada (Mrs T.J. Casey) died 24 July 1920.]
J.J. Parker has been appointed Overseer of the Burra DC in place of Mr W.H. McWaters who recently resigned.
Mrs Howell of Kooringa, who is generally known as ‘Granny’, celebrated her 80th birthday last Thursday. She has lived in the district for over 40 years.
XXXXIII, 24, 15 June 1921, page 3
Redruth Methodist Church, Anniversary 5 June. Rev. W.H. Rofe, a former minister here, preached in the morning and evening. Heavy rain spoiled the evening attendance. The tea meeting was held on Monday in Jubilee Hall.
Burra Brass Band meeting last Monday. Mr E.C. Hammond resigned as conductor on account of the lack of interest shown by members from the musical point of view. They could put up the same class of program they had been giving at any time with one or two rehearsals, so it was a waste of time having one rehearsal a week. The Band will go into recess until another conductor becomes available. The Band is reported to be in funds and has donated £1-1-0 to the Kerin Relief Fund.
Burra Bowling & Croquet Club. AGM was held last Wednesday. A.G. Gebhardt, President, took the chair. In the last year income practically balanced expenditure. Elected were
Patron: James Reed
President: A.G. Gebhardt
Vice-Presidents: W.H. Sandland, S.M. Lane & M.A. Radford
Secretary: George Hann
Assistant Sec.: W.R. Chambers
Treasurer: P.J. Pickering
A committee was appointed to devise a scheme to erect a clubhouse.
The following members have cancelled their debentures:
A.C. Spencer (2) A.S. Martin (2) A.G. Gebhardt (10)
W.R. Chambers (10) W.H. Sandland (2) W.E. Hodge (2)
Dr Steele (1)
The value of these, plus interest is £148-15-0.
Football.
Kooringa B 0.1 1.5 1.6 2.7 (19)
Farrell’s Flat B 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.5 (11)
Kooringa 11.11 (77) defeated Hallett 3.4 (22)
Burra Rifle Club AGM 4 June. Captain G.L. Nutt presided.
The past year’s trophies:
S.M. Lane’s gold medal to G.L. Nutt.
R.O. Robinson’s 800, 900 & 1000 yds aggregate to G.L. Nutt.
Best aggregate over three matches (I) A.B. Riggs
Best aggregate over three matches (II) J.E. Pearce
Best aggregate over three matches (III) A.P. Harris
Major L.A. Lewis’s Trophy to A.L. Kellock.
Redruth Reformatory. Last week’s Observer reported Lady Hackett’s recent visit to the Redruth Reformatory and says she realised the importance of introducing music to the girls and so she has set about getting funds to buy a gramophone and accessories for the girls. The inference seems to be that the place was without music, but in fact they have had a piano since Mrs Holden’s time, a concert is held once a week and musical evenings given by local friends are not uncommon. The initial performance of the Cheer-up Ladies Band took place at the Reformatory and other visits followed. They have had a gramophone, but it was later broken by the girls. The Observer says Lady Hackett had a heart-to-heart talk with the girls. Her visit included a tour of the place and the daily round and in all lasted about 30 minutes. The heart-to-heart can hardly have exceeded 5 minutes. The girls have indoor games and also enjoy many outside pleasures – picnics, films, concerts and socials. We understand Lady Hackett’s bridge party raised £25.
Burra DC Nominations:
Kooringa Ward R.M. McBride
Baldina Ward W.E. Hodge
King Ward R. Warnes
Auditor Frank Treloar
XXXXIII, 24, 15 June 1921, page 4
Burra Town Council
The Chief Secretary wrote that there was no vacancy on the State Children’s Council at present, but if one occurred the Council’s suggestion would be considered.
Cr Kellaway moved the minute charging the Football Assoc. one third of the gate takings after tax be rescinded.
Cr Radford opposed this strongly and Cr Treloar agreed with him. The Mayor thought no reasonable person would object to a portion of the rates being spent on the Recreation Grounds. Cr Bartholomaeus said he opposed the motion, as a great deal of money had been spent there this year and last. Motion lost.
An inspection of flood damage and the creek in West Ward will be made.
The deputation from the Burra Ambulance Committee met the Council. Mr Lane said that 12 months ago Dr Steele had suggested the necessity for a motor ambulance. The idea was taken up and an ambulance was bought and a garage built for c. £360. There was £10 in hand and a few bills outstanding. The deputation asked the Council to take over the ambulance. Dr Steele thought that about half the annual cost would come from hire and the rest could be raised by an annual appeal.
The Mayor accepted it on behalf of the Council.
Cr Radford moved the acceptance and Cr Kellaway seconded. Carried.
Cr Radford said the % of trees that survived was not very high. More care of them was needed. It was decided to order 300 pines, 100 red gums, 100 carobs and 50 willows. A temporary crossing will be put over the creek near Bowens.
The Railway Commissioner’s attention will be drawn to the obstruction of water flow caused by the bridge carrying the railway line to the Ballast Quarry.
Local Board of Health
[It would appear that on 21 April the Board resolved it would only be responsible financially to the Burra Hospital for such infectious cases as were recommended for admission by their Health Officer.]
Dr Steele responded in a lengthy letter, essentially arguing that since economy was presumably the motive it would be just as effective to advise the local doctors to treat and isolate infectious cases at home whenever possible and to admit only those demanding expert nursing or where home isolation was not possible. The absolute insistence on the Health Board decision could lead to dangerous delays in treatment – Laryngeal Diphtheria cases are an example where even a brief delay could be fatal. He developed his point quite cogently. Consideration was deferred till the next meeting.
Burra Hospital Board
On 14 April 1921 the Board wrote to Dr Ashton asking what he wanted further than was stated in the joint letter with Dr Steele.
On 10 May 1921 Dr Ashton replied he wanted re-instatement to the post as well as the privileges he formerly held and of which he was deprived (despite the financial advantages the hospital was then gaining from private patients introduced by him). He asks definitely the status of the hospital. He says no fresh statute or proclamation has been made superseding the finding of the Board of Inquiry in 1917 that it was a proclaimed Government Hospital under the Hospital Acts and consequently a public charitable institution under the Public Charities Acts.
This finding, he says, should have precluded every doctor from attending his private patients in the hospital except in an honorary capacity. He says this was enforced only against him.
If this is the status of the hospital the regulations should be enforced allowing the nursing and medical professions to establish private hospitals in Burra as needed (as is done elsewhere) to treat non-charitable cases. If it is a subsidised hospital as Dr Ashton believed until the inquiry found otherwise, this status needs to be put on a legal footing. Every doctor should share in attending indigent and needy cases gratuitously and he would be prepared to do so if all medical men were doing so. But if one be paid it is only fair each should be and it cannot be expected that another be expected to give his services gratuitously.
On 14 May 1921 the Board replied that he had been appointed in accordance with the joint application of himself and Dr Steele and as he had now been informed of the conditions relating to the new appointment the Board desired to know if he was prepared to accept the appointment,
On 6 June 1921 Dr Ashton replied that the Board had not answered his queries in his letter of 10 May 1921 and he reiterated his question on the status of the hospital and went on to elaborate the difference the status made in the operations of the institution. He also denied that the position granted was in accordance with the joint application made with Dr Steele. It was, he said, quite a different position.
At the meeting of the Board on 9 June it was resolved that Dr Ashton be informed that the hospital was being conducted as a subsidised hospital and with this information they asked him to kindly give a reply to their letter of 14 April.
Marriage. At the residence of Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce Kooringa 6 June
Juanita M. Pearce, fourth daughter of Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce, married
Edward J. Haworth (late AIF), son of Mrs Platten of Wallaroo and the late Mr T. Haworth of Williamstown.
Marriage. At St Paul’s Pt Adelaide on 1 June
Edward Keith Blunt, third son of Mr & Mrs E.S. Blunt of Hanson, married
Amelia (Millie) E. Farrant, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Farrant of Rosewater.
Football.
Aberdeen 1.3 5.6 7.9 8.15 (63)
Mt Bryan 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 (7)
XXXXIII, 25, 22 June 1921, page 2
RSL Notice. Parents of the late Driver F.W. Parker of 55th Battalion seek any information of their late son who was wounded in May 1918 and died in England in August 1918.
Obituary. James Quinn aged 64 died in Adelaide hospital 20 June. He was the second son of the late Thomas Quinn of Mt Bryan East and brother to W.H. Quinn of Mt Bryan. [Born 15 November 1855] at Princess Royal and educated at Burra and Sevenhills College. He then travelled the States extensively until two years ago when he settled on one the Murray settlements. His brother, W.H. Quinn and a sister, Mrs D. Dann live at Mt Bryan.
Vandalism. Irresponsible vandals are shooting at and breaking insulators of the Eastern Telephone Syndicate. This action is not only inconveniencing business, but has the potential to cause death in cases of accident and illness. The Government line to ‘The Gums’ has been similarly affected. Penalties are severe and the Syndicate will prosecute where possible.
Obituary. Frank Ford died on 16 June at Diprose’s Creek. He was the youngest son of the Late Mr & Mrs Joseph Ford and was born at Basin Farm near Burra 11 November 1865. He leaves a widow, six sons and three daughters. Three sons enlisted in the Great War and saw active service: one was a POW for nearly two years.
Burra Institute Committee, 13 June
Mr Crewes moved the hall be registered to accommodate 550.
The Season. Both the inside and outside country have excellent prospects this year. In the last twelve months many stations to the east have received 20” of rain compared with averages of 7”-9”. Glenora for example recorded over 27” in the last 12 months and Ketchowla has had over 23” since October.
John Pearce who has lived in Burra for over 70 years is 80 today.
Accident. Last Sunday week Alf Lawn, while talking to his wife at Studholm, Baldina, suddenly dropped out of sight. Apparently he had been standing on an old well which had been filled with manure and capped with three feet of clay. The manure had rotted and subsided and the clay plug gave way dropping Mr Lawn some 21 feet. He survived with shock and strain as he landed in soft decomposed manure. He was with some considerable danger and difficulty extracted by Mr P. J. Scroop and his brother.
XXXXIII, 25, 22 June 1921, page 3
Burra Bowling & Croquet Club held a ball in the Burra Institute last Thursday. Details of the dresses etc. occupy 2⁄3 column.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa A 6.16 defeated Kooringa B 4.7
At Farrell’s Flat: Aberdeen 6.10 defeated Farrell’s Flat 3.2
The Kerin Relief Fund now exceeds £155.
Railway Accident. The East-West express struck a cow two miles south of Farrell’s Flat Station on Saturday. The locomotive’s leading wheels were derailed when the animal was caught under them. A break-down train left Adelaide, but by the time it had reached Hamley Bridge the engine driver and local gangers had re-railed the engine and the journey continued after a delay of 31⁄2 hours. Adelaide was reached 4 hours late.
XXXXIII, 26, 29 June 1921, page 2
Advt. Sunday 2 July Kooringa Methodist Church at 3 p.m. the Cantata The Rolling Season will be presented with an augmented choir under G.E. Dane.
Notice. Burra & District Ambulance. People requiring the ambulance please ring J. Allen, phone 28, Kooringa.
Burra Coursing Club held its first meeting on Monday. It was very successful and the stake was won by Mr H. Cox’s Miss Halejipina.
Welcome Dance Class held a dance in aid of the Kerin Fund on Monday. Proceeds were a little over £9.
Mr H. Lihou, residing with his son Stan Lihou, was crushed against a haystack by a horse that moved suddenly on Monday. He suffered internal bruising and severe shock.
Mr Murphy, head teacher of Burra School has been transferred to a city school. He will be succeeded by Mr Osborn, late of Streaky Bay. [Actually Mr Oborn.]
M-C E.W. North, who has been at Kooringa for four years has been transferred to Bute and leaves at the end of the month. M-C Lown from Spalding will replace him.
Stockowners’ Assoc. of SA, Burra Branch 24 June
Mr I.J. Warnes reported on the abortive meeting of the pastoralists with the AWU. The matter now goes to the Arbitration court.
Obituary. Edward Smith, carpenter, died on 26 June at Semaphore. He was first employed at Burra by I.J. Goss and later by Sara & Dunstan. After leaving Burra he travelled extensively in Australia and took a trip to America, settling for a time in his native Bermuda before returning to SA where he entered into employment with Mr C.A. Lott. He was a keen supporter of football. He had contracted pleurisy while visiting a friend.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 22 June.
Hazel May Schuyler, daughter of Mr & Mrs H.G. Schuyler, married
Percival J. Harrison, son of Mr & Mrs J. Harrison of Redruth. (Mr A. Drechsler was best man.)
The Kerin Relief Fund now stands at over £170.
XXXXIII, 26, 29 June 1921, page 3
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 3.1 5.5 9.7 11.12 (78)
Mt Bryan 1.5 1.5 2.5 4.6 (30)
Monday at Riverton: a special train with 100 on board left Burra for Riverton and there were c. 200 by the time they arrived.
Burra Assoc. 0.2 ? 2.9 5.12 (42)
Mid-North Assoc. 2.2 3.2 4.4 5.4 (34)
Liberal Union
A Grand Social Rally & Dance was held in Burra Institute on Wednesday evening to celebrate the recent electoral win, especially in the Burra District. The Premier Hon. H.N. Barwell and the Minister of Agriculture Hon. T. Pascoe attended. M.A. Radford President of the Burra Branch presided. Local Members G.F. Jenkins and S.W. Dickson were also on the platform with W.B. Page General Secretary of the Liberal Union. [The report of speeches continues on page 4 and in all the report runs to 33⁄4 columns.]
XXXXIII, 26, 29 June 1921, page 4
Burra Town Council, 20 June
C.C. Lord was granted permission for a house in Queen St to be built by T.H. Woollacott.
A piece of wall is to be made near Lewis’s Bridge to keep the flood waters in their proper channel.
The small bridge near Robertson’s is to be replaced.
The bridge near Wicklein’s is to be repaired.
A special grant of £200 for flood damage is to be applied for.
The Mayor raised the town lighting question.
The Town Clerk said lighting cost £102 for six months, for which the Mayor said they got the worst lighting of any town in the north. A satisfactory electric lighting system would cost upwards from £7,000 or £8,000 because the town was so scattered. Delco had just produced a system that would run 600 lights. They would need two plants; one for each end of the town. The Company would put in a plant on trial for six months and remove it free of cost id unsatisfactory. The two plants would cost £1,400.
All possible particulars are to be obtained.
There was considerable discussion whether the Council was getting value for money from its workers, who got 12/6 a day with six paid public holidays and one week holiday at full pay per annum and sick pay at half pay.
Local Board of Health
Dr Steele’s letter published on 8 June was discussed.
Cr Kellaway said the position was awkward.
Dr Steele had recently resigned and advised the appointment of Dr Ashton and now apparently wished it to be a duel appointment.
Cr Radford thought it difficult, and the board’s officer should be responsible, but admitted there were cases where delay could be fatal.
Cr Treloar was concerned with the problem of cost blow-out if any doctor could send patients in to hospital at the Local Board’s cost. Recently the diphtheria cases had shown the potential with bills of £70. The problem was where and how to draw the line in emergency cases.
They debated whether to adhere to only funding patients admitted by their officer or whether to judge emergency cases after the event. In the end they carried a motion to adhere strictly to their decision, but strangely understood that in urgent cases the Board would take responsibility without the Health Officer’s sanction [though this would not appear in any resolution of the Board!]
XXXXIII, 27, 6 July 1921, page 2
Advt. Foundation Stone Laying of the Mt Bryan Soldiers’ Memorial, Wednesday 13 July.
I.J. Warnes is to lay the stone with a 3 p.m. football match, a tea from 4-6 p.m. and in the evening a Grand Concert at 8 p.m. followed by supper and then a dance.
Advt. W.A.H. Peak has purchased the Kingston St Woodyard and Chaff Business at one time owned by Alex. Harris.
XXXXIII, 27, 6 July 1921, page 3
Burra Homing Club
The first race of the season from Peterborough was declared a no go when the birds were released an hour early. The race from Wilson on 23 June resulted in a tie between Messrs A. Phillips and C. Hill with a speed of 1084 yds/min.
The Cantata Rolling Seasons was well performed at Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday before a large congregation.
Redruth Methodist Band of Hope presented a 6d concert at Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on Tuesday and raised £4-16-0.
The Kerin Relief Fund is now over £197.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.0 5.8 9.10 11.15 (81)
Hallett 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 (12)
At Mt Bryan:
Mt Bryan 0.4 4.8 5.12 9.22 (76)
Kooringa B 1.2 1.2 4.3 4.3 (27)
At Farrell’s Flat:
Kooringa, playing with 14 men, 4.8 defeated Farrell’s Flat 1.7
‘Not one-eyed’ writes objecting to the flouting of rules of the Football Association re playing in proper guernseys or club colours and other matters.
Marriage. On 29 June at the residence of the bride’s parents
Mildred Calliss Parker, second daughter of Mr & Mrs George Parker of Leighton, married
William Herbert Collins, son of Mr & Mrs W.P. Collins of Farrell’s Flat.
G.L. Collins, the groom’s brother, was best man.
Burra Town Council
Council is to write to the member for the district to have telephone communication with the goods shed at the station.
Cr Treloar thought the various gardens were costing more than they were worth. Perhaps more of them might be taken charge of as Holder Garden was. They should be planted with something more permanent that required less attention.
XXXXIII, 27, 6 July 1921, page 4
Burra Coursing Club. Further details of the first meeting of the newly-formed club are given in a 3⁄4 column report.
East Burra Mine, some 15 miles from Burra, was visited on 27 June by Professor Sir Edgeworth David, Professor W. Howchin and H.K. Ward, Government Geologist. The limestone belt from Burra to the mine was of considerable interest. Towards the mine it has been infiltrated by silica in the form of black flint and white quartz. Flint appears both in thin layers ad as nodules. At Diprose’s Creek there is an interesting rock laid down under the action of ice at a very ancient period. Some of the included erratics still show scratches from when under the ice sheet.
XXXXIII, 28, 13 July 1921, page 2
Advt. Sale of the Kooringa Hotel in the estate of J. McDonald Deceased: Friday 5 August.
Allotment 301 in Kooringa with 106’6” frontage to Welsh Place and 210’ frontage to Kingston St.
Advt. Burra Institute Thursday 14 July 7.45 p.m. Grand Protestant Rally.
The object is to form a Branch of the Protestant Federation.
XXXXIII, 28, 13 July 1921, page 3
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
The list of names intended to be inscribed on the memorial is published for public comment and correction.
Charles Lowe was given a farewell from the Kooringa Masonic Lodge on Saturday. He is going to Broken Hill. He has been associated with the lodge for 37 years. Mr Lowe was for some years Councillor for North Ward. Mr & Mrs Lowe had been active in patriotic work and their two sons had seen active service. Mrs & Miss Lowe were active in the Soldiers’ Aid Society and The League of Loyal Women.
Burra Homing Club. The race from Copley on 10 July was won by C. Hill.
M-C Foster, for some time stationed at Redruth, has been transferred to Brighton, having been promoted to Sergeant. M-C French of Kingscote succeeds him.
The Kerin Relief Fund now exceeds £200.
XXXXIII, 28, 13 July 1921, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.2 5.4 6.7 7.10 (52)
Aberdeen 2.2 3.3 4.4 6.4 (40)
Electric Street Lights
On 4 July Mr Parsons for Delco Light put a scheme before Council. He could give an estimate of the cost for lighting Kooringa. The Aberdeen end of town would cost less. He assumed the plant would be on a Council block at the rear of Drew & Crewes and would supply one 400 candlepower, two 200 candlepower, two 100 candlepower and twenty-one 50 candlepower lights. The cost with everything found, but the building would be £1,582. He thought the latter would be about £120. The plant was to be automatic and would consume one gallon of kerosene in 11⁄2 hours on full load. He assumed an average of 31⁄2 hours a night. At Victor Harbor the attendant got £37-10-0 p.a. for filling and starting the machine and seeing that the timer was working. The battery would last three years and replacement plates currently cost £160. The engine should last at least 20 years. The scheme could be going in 7 weeks. About £3,000 would cover both ends of the town.
The Council will now consider the matter thoroughly.
Mr & Mrs Oborn were farewelled at Streaky Bay Institute on 1 July before leaving for Burra where Mr Oborn becomes the new headmaster of the school. [Report in 1⁄2 column.]
XXXXIII, 29, 20 July 1921, page 2
Advt. Sale of John R. Barker’s ‘Corralinga’, 3,406 acres in Hundred of Ayers.
Silver Wedding. 20 July 1896 at St Luke’s Adelaide W. Chin Young, son of A.H. Young married Annie Mutton, eldest daughter of Joseph Mutton of Kadina.
[The registration tells a somewhat different story: William Chung aged 38 whose father was Yee Wone married Annie Mutton aged 23.]
Rev. Joseph Thomas, son of James Thomas of Mt Bryan East, visited his father who is 84 and seriously ill in Burra Hospital this week. He comes from Orange NSW.
Dr W.G. Torr of Brighton, another old Burra Boy, was the deputation for Home Mission services at the Methodist Church last week.
Rev. W. Williams, another old Burra Boy, was President of the Methodist General Conference in Sydney recently.
Clifford Lott at the Kooringa post office has been transferred to the Adelaide office and leaves on Friday.
Obituary. Mrs William Dearlove of Ketchowla died on 14 July aged 69. She was the second wife of the late W. Dearlove and leaves a family of five sons and two daughters. There are three step-daughters, one step-son and five grandsons. Three sons saw active service and Private T.A. Dearlove was killed in action. [Born Harriet James in England 18 October 1851.]
Obituary. Mrs W. Beerworth died 15 July at her residence in Kooringa aged 77. She spent the greater part of her life in Carrieton. She leaves a grown up family of five daughters, with 51 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
[There is no mention of a son though it is said elsewhere the mother of J.H. Beerworth late AIF lived in Kooringa. The five daughters are not readily traced in birth registrations either.]
M-C Johns, late of Kooringa and now at Redruth is disgusted with the state of the Courthouse furniture and has requisitioned some replacements – we hope he is successful.
Marriage. At St Theodore’s Rose Park on 12 July
Percy Lionel Rosman, only son of Mrs Rosman of Adelaide, married
Hilda Hunt, second daughter of Mrs & the late A.J. Hunt of Kooringa.
XXXXIII, 29, 20 July 1921, page 3
Kerin Relief Fund now over £216.
Football. So far this season: won lost
Kooringa 7 1
Aberdeen 6 2
Farrell’s Flat 3 5
Mt Bryan 2 6
Hallett 2 6
Kooringa and Aberdeen will play the first minor premiership game on Saturday.
The postponed match between Hallett and Aberdeen was played last Saturday and Aberdeen 70 defeated Hallett 25.
Mt Bryan Soldiers’ Memorial
I.J. Warnes laid the foundation stone for the Mt Bryan Soldiers’ Memorial on 13 July. W.J. Quinn presided. Mr Warnes’ absence in Europe had delayed the ceremony. The hall was decorated with violets and wattle blossom. Mr Quinn explained there would be two rooms erected. The one to the right would be devoted to the boys who fell and it would contain the Roll of Honour. To the left would be the club room and library. Of the population of 340 in Mt Bryan 47 had enlisted and 12 had paid the supreme sacrifice. Mr Warnes said he hoped to see in the Memorial Room an enlarged photo of every boy who fell. He was anxious that the memorial gave something for the living as well as honouring the dead. He spoke of his recent visit to the devastated areas of France and Belgium. He spoke movingly too of the war cemeteries he had visited. He had visited Ray Flower’s grave. Mr Hawke MP then spoke followed by Mr Jenkins MP, Mr Dixon MP, Mr E.W. Crewes and Rev. Goldney. Money collected on the day amounted to £217.
Burra Town Council, 18 July
It was reported the new generators for the gas lamps had been working well.
Obituary. P. Byrne an old-age pensioner of Paxton Square died 13 July aged 80.
XXXXIII, 29, 20 July 1921, page 4
Burra Institute Committee Meeting. Police are to be asked to keep order at picture shows.
The Protestant Rally at the Institute on Thursday evening was addressed by Pastor J.G. Train, Grand Master of the Orange Lodge in SA. Attendance was comparatively small.
[The addresses were a typical attack on the temporal power of Roman Catholicism and on its perceived ambition to rule the world.] At the end some 48 names of those willing to join the Protestant Federation were handed in.
Burra Football Association meeting of 13 July
Umpires J. Birrell and Stan Kellaway tendered their resignations. Mr Kellaway’s letter of resignation is published – he was in dispute with the delegates for lack of support when he felt he had upheld the Association’s rules when some of the other umpires apparently had not. The resignations were accepted. Mr Waters tendered his resignation as field umpire, but later withdrew it. The withdrawal was accepted. Reg. Kellaway was offered a position as field umpire for £2-2-0 a match: he had sought £3-3-0. The Mt Bryan Club withdrew from the Association because the Association had failed to provide satisfactory umpires. The acceptance of this would render the entire meeting null as Mt Bryan delegates had taken part. A special meeting to thrash it all out was called for 20 July.
XXXXIII, 30, 27 July 1921, page 2
Notice. Violet Day will be honoured with a united service to remember the fallen in Burra Institute on Sunday 31 July.
Notice. The Soldiers’ Aid Society will provide the Annual Dinner for the Returned Soldiers on 13 August. Clara Bartholomaeus, Hon. Sec.
Burra Homing Club. Race from Marree 22 July was won by A.H. Broad in 1,343.6 yds/min.
XXXXIII, 30, 27 July 1921, page 3
Redruth Reformatory. The Premier said in Parliament on Thursday 21 July that the Government was considering closing the Redruth Reformatory and handing the inmates over to religious bodies. There were currently only 13 inmates. Until the fracas in February the average had been about 30.
The Kerin Relief Fund raised £227-18-3 and it has been decided to pay this out in weekly sums over a period of nearly five years. [This, excluding any interest accruing, would seem to give Mrs Kerin about 17/6 a week income. Ellen Gertrude Kerin nee Hobby married Edgar Thomas Kemble 11 May 1925.]
Football. At Hallett oval 23 July
Mt Bryan 2.1 3.5 3.8 4.12 (36)
Hallett 2.1 3.1 3.5 3.5 (23)
The Hallett correspondent says Hallett has decided to withdraw from the Association as its prominent players are going shearing and the team has become uncompetitive.
[It would seem this was not an Association match in view of Mt Bryan’s withdrawal from the Association and the report that Stan Kellaway was the umpire. See also the next football item.]
Miss G.J. Sullivan head teacher at Booborowie was tendered a social and kitchen-evening in the schoolroom on Thursday.
Hallett Soldiers’ Memorial Committee met on 23 July. The contractors have indicated they would arrive at an early date to erect the memorial. A meeting was called to make arrangements for an opening day. There is about £400 in the bank and the total cost is expected to be c. £600. Opening day was fixed for 7 September.
XXXXIII, 30, 27 July 1921, Supplement
Burra Football Assoc. Special Meeting 20 July.
Mr McDonald presided. The meeting was called to consider Mt Bryan’s decision to withdraw – a decision taken on 9 July and reconfirmed on 16 July at a second meeting of the club – on the grounds that the Association had failed to provide proper umpires. The Chairman was in favour of rejecting the resignation and referring it to the arbitrator, but after discussion the resignation was accepted. Each team opposed to Mt Bryan in the final round will be awarded two points.
Burra Hospital Board
Dr Ashton responded on 12 July asking specifically what had change in the hospital’s constitution since the Board of Inquiry which found it was a Statutory Government Charitable Institution. The Board, he says, exhibits no points of resemblance to a Board of a subsidised hospital and neither does the subsidy. He needs this information in order to deal with the Board’s proposition.
Football. Kooringa won the first minor premiership match at Victoria Park on Saturday.
Kooringa 1.1 4.5 5.8 8.9 (57)
Aberdeen 0.3 2.3 4.5 6.9 (45)
Miss Lily Butler CBE visited Burra in the week. She was the guest of Dr D. Macdonald Steele and visited under the auspices of the RSL. She gave a lecture at the Burra Institute on A Ramble Through Paris with the Diggers. In the war she had operated a Corner of Blighty in Paris for allied soldiers and became known as ‘The Mother of Blighty’ for which she was awarded the CBE.
XXXXIII, 31, 3 Aug. 1921, page 2
Notice. The Liberal Union Room may be used as a Club Room open on Fridays.
Obituary. George Edward Swann died at Redruth 28 July. He was born at Petoni Beach New Zealand 29 November 1840 and came to Adelaide with his parents as a lad, settling at Walkerville. He entered business as a young man at Angaston. At 18 he was a successful candidate for the Wesleyan ministry and attended Prince Alfred’s College and was later stationed at Pt Lincoln and Gumeracha. He then went to Victoria and served at Yackandandah and Heathcote, after which he left the ministry to return to business for a number of years. He later returned to the ministry and was stationed at Kingston, Pt Lincoln and Murray Bridge and was for two years pastor at the Minlaton Baptist Church. Lately he has lived in retirement at Angaston and Semaphore and came to Burra a year ago, where he has worked devotedly in the Redruth Church. He married Myra Kealley of Angaston nearly 50 years ago. She survives with one son and one daughter: Mr L.K. Swann of WA and Mrs E.W. Dunhill of Redruth.
Obituary. William Gallagher, brother of J.H. Gallagher, died at Burra Hospital 2 August aged 55. He was unmarried.
Obituary. Mr A.C. Spencer, late manager of the National Bank in Kooringa, died on Thursday at his residence in Norwood. [Probably Arthur Clement Spencer born 4 May 1872.]
Obituary. Ralph L. Giles of Pt Augusta died at Jamestown on Monday 1 August. He was for a number of years Clerk of the Local Court in Burra. He married Florence Batchelor, second daughter of the late W.H. Batchelor of Kooringa. [Ralph Lonsdale Giles born at Kooringa 16 January 1862.]
Obituary. Mrs I.J. Killicoat relict of the late Captain I.J Killicoat died at the residence of her brother Rev. J.H. Goss at Modbury on 1 August. She was Captain Killicoat’s second wife.
[She was actually his third wife. He had married 1. Ann (1810-65), 2. Jane Menadue nee Letcher (1819-71) and 3. Louisa Jane Goss (1841-1921)]
Obituary. John Meaney of Booborowie died at the Burra Hospital on 1 August.
Mr E. Bertram stationmaster at Burra for over three years has been promoted to Wolseley.
SAR. As from 2 August the 4.40 p.m. train from Adelaide will terminate at Burra on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Weather. Wintry conditions have been extreme of late with cold winds and temperatures close to freezing. On Saturday there were several falls of hail and snow.
XXXXIII, 31, 3 Aug. 1921, page 3
Burra Invitation Dance. On Friday evening in the Institute the revival of a pre-war tradition saw a successful Burra Dance hosted by Mesdames Tennant, Marston and Martin and Messrs S.M. Lane, W.H. Sandland & A.S. Martin. J. Fewster’s Jazz Band from Adelaide supplied the music for a very successful evening.
Burra Town Council, 1 August
There is a very long letter from Dr Steele explaining his position re the admission of infectious cases requiring isolation.
Violet Day Services.
Last Sunday a united memorial service was held in the Burra Institute. The day was very wet and cold, but a large number of residents attended. The Mayor presided with Rev. H.H. Hopton, Rev. G.K. Haslam and Captain Bland and Lieut. Thomas of the Salvation Army. Speeches by the Mayor, Rev. Hopton & Capt. Bland are reported. Rev. E.M. Ingamells and W.G. Hawkes sent apologies. There was a collection in aid of the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial.
Violet Day services were also held at the Kooringa Methodist Church, the Ironmine Methodist Church in the afternoon and the Redruth Methodist Church in the evening.
XXXXIII, 31, 3 Aug. 1921, page 4
Burra Football Assoc. met at Burra Institute 27 July
The meeting was called to consider advice by phone from the Hallett club that they wished to withdraw from the Association. After a little discussion with the Hallett delegate who said the resolution to withdraw had been passed because Hallett couldn’t get a team together, Mr Willshire moved acceptance of the withdrawal. The question arose whether an umpire had been engaged for their next match. Mr Willshire finally moved acceptance of their withdrawal on condition Hallett pay £1-1-0 if the umpire had been notified. Carried. The remaining clubs to be awarded 2 points if scheduled to play Hallett, just as they were for Mt Bryan.
XXXXIII, 32, 10 Aug. 1921, page 2
Advt. Kooringa Tennis Club Grand Ball, Burra Institute, 16 August.
Advt. Concert & Dance at Mt Bryan Hall 17 August.
Advt. Leighton Hall Dance 17 August.
Advt. Organ recital at St Mary’s 21 August by W. Jarrett.
Advt. Burra Institute Plain & Fancy Dress Masquerade 24 August.
Advt. Farrell’s Flat Sheep Dog Trials 24 & 25 August.
Obituary. William A. McEvoy died at Burra Hospital on 20 July. He was the discoverer of the Mannahill Goldfields in 1885. He was prospector on Dr Basedow’s Northwest Expedition of 1903.
T.H. Pearse & Sons are offering a £5 reward for conviction of the person or persons who destroyed insulators on the telephone line to ‘The Gums’.
Burra & District Horticulture
Harry Parks Vegetables grown on Yardea Station
Chin Young Cauliflowers grown on Mackerode
Miss F. Stockman Cyclamen
XXXXIII, 32, 10 Aug. 1921, page 3
Soldiers’ Aid Society
On Thursday 23 June the society farewelled the late President Mrs E. L. Bertram. She departs with her husband to Wolseley. Speeches were made by Mr Crewes, Rev. Hopton & Mrs R. Elliott. Miss Bubb presented a handsome handbag and booklet on behalf of the society. Rev. Ingamells arrived later to add his best wishes.
On 20 July Mrs C.H. Lowe & Miss Lowe were farewelled prior to their departure for Broken Hill. Mrs Lowe was presented with a handsome pair of silver vases and Miss Lowe with a large box of sweets.
Mr & Mrs Bertram were farewelled on Friday evening by a large group of gentlemen and ladies at Hampton Court.
Burra Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
The Mayor called a meeting on 4 August to consider the delay in erecting the memorial. Mr Tillett advised by mail that the bronze statue would be ready in about two months. He had not received information on the names and that could cause further delay. The memorial, he said, would be second to none in Australia. There was considerable dissatisfaction with the lengthy delay in getting the monument erected.
The meeting was presented with a list of 99 names to be included on the monument. The committee was still working on the Roll of Honour.
The cost of the memorial and plates was estimated at £2,210 and they had in money and promises £2,030. It was resolved that the secretary write to Pengilly & Co. Duncan & Fraser and others for designs and prices without names. The present Roll of Honour in the Institute Reading Room had 70 names on it and they were in duty bound to complete it. C.J. Pearce’s offer to add additional panels for £30 was accepted.
Mr Geake wanted volunteered but rejected names on the roll, but the meeting did not support this.
Football. At Farrell’s Flat last Saturday on a wet and slippery oval:
Aberdeen 2.4 2.7 6.8 8.11 (59)
Farrell’s Flat 0.3 2.3 2.4 2.7 (19)
Marriage. On 3 August at the residence of the bride’s mother
Leonard Mark Jeffery, son of Mr & Mrs Mark Jeffery of Farrell’s Flat married
Lilian Mabel Bishop, daughter of Mrs & the late Andrew Bishop of Hanson.
The Mt Bryan-Hallett Coursing Club’s Annual Cup Meeting is reported.
XXXXIII, 33, 17 Aug. 1921, page 2
Obituary. Koster Rarle was accidentally killed at the Duck Flat crossing near Gawler. His cart toppled over a steep incline and he was pinned under it. Death was from concussion, believed to be from the horse kicking him in its attempt to get up.
Aberdeen Oval. The new scoreboard, about a chain east of the south goal posts was used for the first time last Saturday.
XXXXIII, 33, 17 Aug. 1921, page 3
Mr John Melrose of Ulooloo has donated £25 to the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Fund.
Burra & District Horticulture
Harry Parks A 16lb cabbage
Mrs Archie Dearlove (Ketchowla) Iceland poppies
Burra School. The Health Officer has closed Grade A because of an outbreak of diphtheria which seems to have emanated from that class.
E.L. Bertram the stationmaster has gone to Wolseley and Mr Ashton is his temporary replacement.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 10.20 defeated Railway [Workers] 6.10 in a benefit match for Mrs Sedgman, which seems to have raised £10-14-0.
At Victoria Park Kooringa B 7.10 defeated Farrell’s Flat Rovers 4.7
Marriage. !3 August at Ironmine Methodist Church.
Edwin George Langsford, son of Mr & Mrs George Langsford married
Annie May Lloyd, daughter of Mrs & the late William Henry Lloyd of Braefoot Hanson.
Burra RSL AGM last Saturday.
Dr Steele was somewhat disappointed at the laxity of members in paying subscriptions and for billiards. 40% of the subscriptions and the billiards is the sole source of income. The branch will be in deficit in a year or two if things do not improve. The secretary has considerable work in obtaining tweeds etc. for which the branch gets no profit. Running costs require subscriptions from 165 members and last year there were 193 (plus 30 unfinancial). This year only 131 are financial and 98 unfinancial.
Trix Pearce is now solely in charge of the Furnishing Fund.
In the last year we have added Anzac Tweed, flannel singlets, drill (overall) working suits and men’s & women’s footwear to the Australian Tweed on offer.
The meeting endorsed the decision of the President to support only the names of men who embarked for overseas service to be put on the Honour Roll.
The annual dinner provided by the Soldiers’ Aid Society was held in Pearce’s Building.
Rejected Volunteers Association
Messrs Rosman & Jarrett at the Returned Soldiers’ Dinner said this organisation was defunct locally.
Burra Sporting & Athletic Club
Still one or two soldiers had not got their £5, but this should be remedied shortly said Mr J. Gallagher at the Returned Soldiers’ Dinner.
XXXXIII, 33, 17 Aug. 1921, Supplement
Burra Football Association meeting at Farrell’s Flat on Wednesday
There is a lengthy report on the discussion on the handling of the matter which led to Mr Kellaway’s resignation as an umpire.
There was a motion for the final to be played at Farrell’s Flat and dissent and an amendment for it to be at Burra. The motion was carried.
[Many of the difficulties of the Association seem to have resulted from the technicalities of procedures and rules.]
‘Goal Post’ writes placing the reason for the Burra Football Association’s problems in the hands of the delegates who strive for their own club’s interests alone. Mt Bryan withdrew because they didn’t like the umpires. Hallett because they can’t get a team together and now Farrell’s Flat and Aberdeen present threats of withdrawing. The writer marvels at the curious finals system. Also in the second round Kooringa play no home games, but make two trips to Farrell’s Flat and two to Aberdeen. Gate receipts alone will drop £40 as a result. He also explains the financial foolishness of a final at Farrell’s Flat where the gate won’t even pay for the umpire from Adelaide.
XXXXIII, 34, 24 Aug. 1921, page 2
Notice. Volunteers are wanted for the Burra Fire Brigade.
Advt. Opening of the Booborowie Memorial Institute Hall by Mrs I.J. Warnes Wednesday 21 September at 11 a.m.
Advt. Hallett & District Soldiers’ Memorial to be unveiled by His Excellency the Governor Sir Archibald Weigall on Wednesday 7 September at 1 p.m.
Football. Kooringa Football Club has objected to the final being played at Farrell’s Flat and has called for a meeting with the Aberdeen Club. Aberdeen is considering its position. There has been general indignation expressed.
Obituary. Mr Thomas Gregor, brother of Mr George Gregor, died recently at Esk, Broome, Queensland aged over 75. He was born in Plymouth England, went to school in New York and with his parents came to Burra in 1856. He travelled to Queensland to Lyndhurst with teams and stock from Maitland in NSW in 1862. He went mining in New Zealand in 1864. He went to Brisbane as a sheep overseer in 1865 and was stockman at Mt Esk for 16 years. Later he selected land at Moombra. He also spent time on the Gympie and Herberton goldfields and at Coolgardie in WA. He leaves two daughters, two sons and a sister at Broken Hill.
B.R. Lugg, who has been at the Kooringa post office for six months, has been transferred to Kilkenny and will be succeeded by Mr James from Gawler.
Mr W. Jarrett’s organ recital at St Mary’s on Sunday drew a large congregation.
Obituary. Mr Robert Spackman died on Thursday evening at ‘Studholme’ Baldina. The cause of the sudden death was heart failure. He was 63. He came to Australia from England when a lad and in 1881 entered employment with the Koonoona proprietors. He married Miss Eliza White, daughter of the late Mr John White of Black Springs. There is a grown up family of two sons and two daughters: Messrs Edward and Walter (both of Koonoona), Mrs Wooton (Hampton) and Mrs A. Lawn (‘Studholme’). The late Mrs John Flowers was a daughter.
Rev. H.H. Hopton has exchanged livings with the Rev. T.B. Hewitson of Maylands.
XXXXIII, 34, 24 Aug. 1921, page 3
Fire. On Wednesday 17 August fire broke out in Drew & Crewes’ bulk store at Aberdeen. Mr Crewes was away on a trip to Melbourne, but Messrs J. Drew and K.R. Crewes were amongst the first to arrive. The fire reel was attached to a car and was soon in attendance. Smoke issued from everywhere, which made it hard to find the seat of the fire, which was under the floor. Water pressure was negligible and even when the engineer had shut down supplies to Kooringa and Aberdeen it remained very weak. Buckets from a tank at the building were used and after taking up various parts of the floor the fire was extinguished after two hours. The smouldering fire must have shortly burst out and engulfed the whole building had the alarm not been raised when it was. The origin remains a mystery and damage is assessed at c. £300. The failure of the water pressure was due to repairs being carried out on the engine. An inquest was deemed unnecessary by G. Sara JP acting as coroner.
Football. At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday:
Kooringa 3.1 6.3 6.5 8.9 (57)
Farrell’s Flat 0.0 0.1 1.5 2.5 (17)
T.P. Ford & R.C. Willshire write as delegates from Aberdeen to the Burra Football Association in response to ‘Goal post’
They say the main thing wrong according to the writer is that the Association is not being run solely for the benefit of the Kooringa Club. They dispute the financial information he cites as being more than the delegates or anyone other than the secretary knows. They also dispute the claim to unfairness in the premiership arrangements. The places where the games are played were a result of the Kooringa Club’s amendment of the program! The rules of the Association are taken from the Yorke’s Peninsula Football Assoc. and are not the product of local minds.
‘Ex-Burra Sport’ writes decrying the playing of the football final at Farrell’s Flat and predicting the extinction of the Association if things continue as they have with the present delegates.
Football. There is another letter outlining problems in the Yakilowie Football Association as well.
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. On a recent trip to Melbourne Mr Crewes confirmed that the delay has been due to strikes and a shortage of men to work on the granite. Workmen are actually being brought from Scotland to meet the needs of Messrs Taylor Bros.
XXXXIII, 34, 24 Aug. 1921, page 4
Burra Hospital. [It would appear from the report that a recent state Government Act would require local Councils to raise a rate to help support the hospital.]
The Committee reported back that assuming a £ for £ subsidy the rate required in Burra would be 31⁄2d in the £, raising £1,300 if £400 was allowed for paying patients.
Burra Town Council
The new superstructure of the Bon Accord Bridge has been completed by the Local Government Department, which also reported it was unable to assist in constructing a ford at the Pig and Whistle at present.
Mr Cuenow, Chief [Railways] Engineer, reported he did not believe the bridge to the Ballast Quarry was either causing silting or holding back flood waters. The main problem was people dumping rubbish in the creek.
The SAR will not link the goods shed by telephone because there is already a telephone at the booking office.
Local Board of Health
The Director of Education has ordered that no school can be closed on account of an epidemic without the express sanction of the Minister.
The Ambulance committee recommends a charge of 5/- in town and 1/- a mile both ways for country service. W.R. Lee is appointed ambulance driver.
Privy accommodation at the school is a disgrace and a letter is to be sent to the Director of Education.
Kooringa Tennis Club Ball was held at the Institute on 16 August. It is reported in just over 1⁄2 column.
XXXXIII, 35, 31 Aug. 1921, page 2
Advt. Sheep Show and Dog Trials are announced for the Aberdeen Show Grounds 1, 2 & 3 September.
Advt. A.L. Bence (late AIF) Auctioneer & Commission Agent sets up the Burra Auction Mart opposite Eyes & Crowle’s in Commercial St. Furniture, Poultry and all classes of goods every Friday from 9 September.
XXXXIII, 35, 31 Aug. 1921, page 3
Notice calling for payment of all debts owed to C.H. Lowe, baker, late of Redruth and now of Broken Hill.
Obituary. Rev. E.W. Hardy, who was visiting the town for his health, died in the Burra Hospital 26 August aged 35. He is survived by a widow and two young children.
[There is no apparent Burra connection.]
Burra Light Horse. Captain Lapthorne, Adjutant to 23rd Light Horse, paid a visit on Saturday. He urged the boys to maintain the standard attained by the Burra troop before the war. Lieut. Walter Finch who has been in charge of the troop for the last five years has been promoted to the Lieutenancy of C Squadron which covers Burra, Clare and Hamley Bridge. D.R. Thyer takes over as Lieut. of the Burra troop. A Hotchkiss gun has recently been allocated to Burra and a Hotchkiss troop is to be formed to commemorate it.
Mrs G. Jordan turns 87 tomorrow. She was born in Enniskillen in Ireland 1 September 1834 and came to Australia in the Bucephalis in 1855, arriving on 13 October. J.M. McBride and his first wife were on the same ship. She married John Lavoun soon afterwards and came to live in the Burra District first at ‘Hillside’ and in 1880 her husband died leaving her with eight children. In 1885 she married George Jordan who died some years ago. She joined the Salvation Army on its inception in Burra. Only two of her children survive: Mrs Cryer (Adelaide) & Miss Louie Lavoun who lives with her mother.
Farrell’s Flat Sheep Dog Trials of 24 August are reported in 1⁄4 column.
E.W. Crewes solicits donations for the annual appeal for the Royal Institution of the Blind.
‘Left Wing’ writes condemning the actions of the Aberdeen secretary and chief delegate on Saturday when they tried to get the captain of the Aberdeen team to abandon the match. The writer says the umpire, Mr Waters, was ‘a man of so little knowledge and experience of the game’ that he should never have been chosen, but that choice was the responsibility of the delegates and the consequences are theirs to bear.
St Mary’s Rectory Fund Masquerade Ball was held on 24 August in the Institute and was a great success. The hall was very crowded and the gallery had to be thrown open to accommodate the crowd. Proceeds were £30.
XXXXIII, 35, 31 Aug. 1921, page 4
Burra Football Association. The arbitrator, Mr Winnall, was called on to decide whether Cossey had been playing without obtaining a proper permit – i.e. had no valid clearance from his previous association. The result of finding the allegation proved would be to automatically cause Kooringa to forfeit games played since they played Cossey. The arbitrator said he had a valid permit, but no clearance, but it seemed very late to be bringing the matter up and he refused to make a ruling that would strip Kooringa of its wins for the year. In a fairly technical decision Mr Winnall ruled that Cossey could continue to play.
E.J. Davey as Secretary of the Burra Football Association writes in reply to critics of the Association.
‘Goalpost’ defends the position he had taken up previously.
‘Fairplay’ continues to discuss the trouble in the Yakilowie Football Association which was also disintegrating from within.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Kooringa 1.4 2.5 6.8 6.10 (46)
Aberdeen 2.0 4.2 4.2 4.4 (28)
XXXXIII, 36, 7 Sep. 1921, page 2
James Reed of Aberdeen & W.H. Quinn of Mt Bryan have been made JPs.
XXXXIII, 36, 7 Sep. 1921, page 3
SA Protestant Assoc. A meeting was held in the Burra Institute on 15 September to form a branch of the association. The Mayor, E.W. Crewes, was elected President. Vice-Presidents were Rev. G.K. Haslam and Rev. E.M. Ingamells and the Rev. William Hewitson will be asked to make a third.
Mr H.J.K. Beebee, [Bebee] Kooringa postmaster, has been transferred to Thebarton. It is rumoured that Mr Ogilvie who left here some years ago will succeed him.
St Mary’s parishioners will farewell Rev. H.H. & Mrs Hopton at the Parish Hall on Saturday evening.
Football. The dispute over clearances in the Yakilowie Association is further discussed at some length by Leo Gill, Honorary Secretary of South Booborowie FC and J.H. Madigan replies ‘in justice to North Booborowie’ which had withdrawn from the association when South Booborowie and South Spalding voted together to force North Booborowie to forfeit matches and also awarded themselves a match each. The resulting Premiership match was played at Booborowie on 3 September when South Spalding 6.5 (41) defeated South Booborowie 4.10 (34).
‘Customer’ writes insinuating that a local dairyman ‘somewhere in the north’ is watering his milk.
Dr Ashton writes enclosing the Hospital Board’s last letter to him which assures him the position offered is still open for him. He includes his reply which is printed. He accuses the Board of appearing to be plausible while really using misrepresentation and concealment of the true status of the hospital. Having once had experience of the Board he does not wish to repeat it in a hospital he believes to be in reality a Government Charitable Hospital posing as a subsidised hospital. It would he says be unethical to accept fees for attending a patient at such a hospital. It is time the hospital was properly organised and as a subsidised hospital the ratepayers given a voice in the management as at Jamestown.
Burra Show Society, Sheep Dog Trials & Sheep Show 1, 2 & 3 September
Total entrance money taken was £22 about £17 of it on the Saturday. The no-competitive sheep show at the same time was not very successful as the important potential exhibitors stayed away, perhaps waiting to see what they would have to meet and waiting for next year. Mr Melvin Collins was the only exhibitor in the non-competitive class and Mr F.H. Collins the only one in the competitive class.
Dog Trials
Novice Stakes: won by T. Turner’s Ross.
Maiden Stakes: won by F. Whittington’s Storm.
Flock Dogs Competition (to work 25 sheep) (run for 1st time): won by A.T. McWater’s Hemp.
Puppy Stakes: won by F. Whittington’s Storm.
Open Class: won by A. Collins’s Garry.
Association Championship: won by F. Whittington’s Posey o’ Buchan
Final test for open class: won by A. Collins’s Garry.
Final test for Association Championship: won by F. Whittington’s Posey o’ Buchan.
XXXXIII, 36, 7 Sep. 1921, page 4
Football. Aberdeen FC met on 29 August and though not agreeing with the arbiter in the Cossey case they accepted the ruling. They reaffirmed their view that Farrell’s Flat was the best place for play-off for the premiership if needed and they cited at least four other associations that used neutral grounds for such events.
R.J. Waters writes in reply to ‘Left Wing’ saying that the trouble at the game at Aberdeen on 27 August was not the umpire, but the fact that a number of players had decided to play the man and not the ball.
T.P. Ford & R.C. Willshire (Aberdeen delegates) write asserting that having been answered in respect to the facts ‘Goalpost’ has now taken to personal attack and is not worth further response.
R.C. Willshire writes accusing ‘Left Wing’ of personal attack.
T.P. Ford writes accusing the Burra Football Association of being run on selfish grounds favouring Kooringa and complaining about the writers of complaints who are ashamed to use their names.
E.M. Cox, Secretary of the Aberdeen FC, writes promising to refute ‘Left Wing’s’ lies when he signs his name.
Rev. J.C. Jennison was on the ketch Aethmyst which sailed from Darwin on 21 June and on 1 July Rev. Jennison, Mr Fletcher (carrying his three-year-old son) and five natives left the boat at Port Bremer and walked 30 miles to Brown’s Camp in Bowen Strait expecting the boat to pick them up the next day. It failed to arrive and they had to walk a further 100 miles to Ross Point. Here it took them from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning before their signals were seen and a rescue party came to their aid. They were reduced to surviving on native roots, foul water and shellfish. In all it turned into an eleven day ordeal. The Aethmyst was found wrecked only five miles from where they had left her. Her anchor had dragged. Fortunately no lives were lost. [Detail takes 2⁄3 column.]
[Bowen Strait lies between the Cobourg Peninsula and Croker Island.]
[Rev. J.C. Jennison was the father of Horton J.B. Jennison of Burra.]
XXXXIII, 37, 14 Sep. 1921, page 2
Advt. Burra Football Assoc. Premiership Match. Special Train for Farrell’s Flat departs Burra 1.55 and returns from Farrell’s Flat 5.52 p.m. 2/9 return. Children under 14 half price.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. More of the material has now arrived and the contractor expects to complete the monument in about five weeks.
J.H. Gallagher has generously agreed to guarantee the special train to the football final at Farrell’s Flat.
Burra benevolent Society met on Friday to farewell the President, Rev. H.H. Hopton.
XXXXIII, 37, 14 Sep. 1921, page 3
Hallett & District Soldiers’ Memorial was unveiled by the Governor on Wednesday 7 September. As the Governor was departing by train a tremendous storm broke with thunder, lightning and heavy falls of large hail as the train left.
A football match was played in the afternoon in which Willalo 5.6 defeated Hallett 0.14.
A splendid tea was served from 4.30 to 6.30, though many would have appreciated a luncheon earlier in the day.
A first class concert was held in the evening, marred only by visiting larrikins who were spoken to and the second half passed without their disruption. A dance followed.
An unfortunate event occurred between the two. Having a grievance against a leading man several returned soldiers rushed after him into the hall throwing the place into a panic. M-C Lown assisted by some young men of Hallett quickly ejected the intruders. Some 20-30 men were bent on mischief throughout the evening and M-C Lown’s task was no easy one.
Kooringa Cricket Club met on Thursday at the Institute. In the last season the club played 17 matches, won six, lost five and drew six, of which four were going in Kooringa’s favour. L. Neagle was best batsman with a 25 average and L. Kellaway was best bowler with an average of 11. A fine pitch was put down at Victoria Park and R.M. McBride donated £12-10-0 to cover the club’s half of the cost. Members had reservations about an association that involved long travelling distances, preferring to arrange local matches. They would try to form a junior team and it was thought this would be possible. Elected were
Patron: John Tennant
President: J.E.H. Winnall
Captain: W. Moyses
Vice-Captain: L. Neagle
Secretary: D. van Senden & Jack Murphy
Membership 10/6 if over 17 years of age and 5/- if under.
Burra Hospital Board, 8 September
Dr Steele said he did not wish to enter into a controversy with Dr Ashton who seemed obsessed with the question and would not be happy even if it were settled. The recent letter in the paper he considered unworthy of Dr Ashton whom he said knew the situation perfectly well. It may be technically true that the hospital was a public hospital under the Act of 1867, but Dr Ashton knew that for many years before he came to Burra it had been conducted as a subsidised hospital as at present. Dr Steele took special exception to Dr Ashton’s statement that he would not accept the position offered as it offended the ethics of the BMA which would seem to imply that he (Dr Steele) would be offending those ethics by taking fees from a charitable institution. This statement was ‘absurd and childish’. Dr Ashton knew that if it were declared a charitable institution a medical officer would have to be appointed at three or four times the amount now paid and he knew the Burra Hospital could not be carried on in the way the large institutions at Port Augusta and Pt Lincoln were. Dr Ashton was hinting for his own purposes that he had been discharged for charging patients he had treated at the hospital. The Chief Secretary recognised the hospital as a subsidised hospital and it was his department that decided the question. Dr Ashton’s letter was allowed to lie on the table till the next meeting due to the small attendance.
Dr Steele’s letter to Dr Ashton is published in which Dr Steele refers to Dr Ashton’s assertion that he cannot accept a position at the hospital because it would offend his professional ethics. Dr Steele draws Dr Ashton’s attention to the fact that in November 1920 he had joined Dr Steele in a letter to the Board asking to be appointed to the very position Dr Ashton now says he cannot accept for ethical reasons! He asks Dr Ashton: ‘Do you mean you were then wrong in seeking that appointment?’
Rev. H.H. Hopton’s farewell at St Mary’s schoolroom last Saturday is reported in 1⁄2 column.
Leo Gill, Hon. Sec. of the South Booborowie FC writes continuing the Yakilowie Football Association controversy.
‘Digger’ writes concerning some bad behaviour by some returned men at the football following the unveiling of the [Hallett] Soldiers’ Memorial and blaming it principally on the failure of the organisers to make provision for lunch, which threw the men back to the hotel to drink until 3 p.m.
Frank Treloar writes calling for volunteers to help keep the cemetery in order.
XXXXIII, 37, 14 Sep. 1921, page 4
Football. Second Minor Premiership Match on Saturday at Aberdeen Oval:
Aberdeen 4.6 5.8 6.11 6.13 (49)
Kooringa 1.1 3.6 3.10 5.13 (43)
Local Board of Health
As no spread of diphtheria had occurred no further action re the closure of Burra School A Grade had been taken.
The Education Department said the school privies had been inspected in February and found to be satisfactory. Earth boxes had been provided.
Dr Steele wrote on 15 August saying he considered the advice of the Board that the doctors settle the matter [relating to procedures to be followed in infectious diseases cases] between them, to be unfortunate in that it might seem to outsiders that a dispute existed between the doctors, which was not the case. With respect to his question on swab examinations he had received no reply either to his letter of the 5 July or to that of 25 July.
[He was enquiring as to the standard the Board wished to use re declaring a sufferer free from infection: he suggested two successive negative results. The Act does not specify this and so provides no guidance.]
The Board resolved that Dr Steele refer all cases of urgency to the Health Officer.
Burra Council, 5 September
The Mayor considered the response of the Railway Commissioner about a phone at the goods shed was unacceptable.
Cr Kellaway and Cr Bartholomaeus thought the arrangements were OK.
Cr Harris had been refused information on ringing the passenger office.
The Mayor will interview the Commissioner.
A deputation of Messrs J. Allen, Bosisto & Murison asked the Council to have Burra gazetted under the Fire Brigades Act so an up-to-date fire extinguishing plant could be obtained. The petition had 62 signatures.
Mr Bosisto said at Balaklava the system had payments divided as follows:
Fire Brigade Board pays 3/9
Insurance Companies pay 4/9
Locals pay 2/9
The cost of insurance had fallen by 15%.
The plant at Balaklava had cost £600 and four permanent men cost £160 per annum.
If the Council erected a fire station including an office, bedroom and garage it would be allowed £12 p.a. for that reducing the annual upkeep to £22. The station to have a telephone and the men to take turns to sleep on the premises – to be there from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Initial expenses and upkeep in the first year c. £200.
Cr Radford said water supply was a problem.
The Mayor was strongly in favour.
In the recent fire the ‘alleged’ reel was taken to the fire, but with no way of fastening it to a car someone had to hold it and they had proceeded at the furious pace of 10 m.p.h.
On arrival they had trouble connecting the hose, only to find there was no water. The present reel might serve the City of Copperhouse!
The Town Clerk was ordered to gather all information.
Hallett Soldiers’ Memorial
The unveiling of the memorial was performed by the Governor attended by Lady & Miss Priscilla Weigall on 7 September. The Vice-Regal party arrived by the midday train and was greeted by T.E. Richards, Chairman of the DC and other Councillors. There was a civic reception at the Institute. A guard of Honour under Lieut. H.S. Blunt was formed and the Governor spoke to each man. Mr Richards spoke and the Clerk. Mr Collins read the illuminated address and His Excellency replied. The party then motored to the memorial on a quarter acre block in the main street donated by John Melrose of Ulooloo. Here Mr W.S. Murray as Chairman of the Memorial Committee addressed the gathering and asked the Governor to unveil the memorial. The Governor responded and performed the unveiling.
The memorial is about 16 ft high of three large blocks of granite on which is a pedestal with a column about 5 ft high. The cost was about £600. On each side is a fine cast bronze plate. On the front one is the inscription: ‘Erected by the residents in the district in memory of our boys who fought in the Great War 1914-1918’. Beneath is a picture of infantry in action. The names of the fallen are on the back plate and those who served are listed on the other two plates.
Lady Weigall than addressed the children and she received a bouquet of violets from Miss Ellie Billin and Miss Priscilla Weigall received a basket of violets and fern from Miss Louie Penglase. Addresses were then given by S.W. Dickson and Rev. V. Goldney. Lieut. Blund moved a vote of thanks to His Excellency and after mingling with the crowd and shaking hands with the guard of honour their Excellencies motored to the railway station for their departure by the afternoon train.
XXXXIII, 38, 21 Sep. 1921, page 2
Advt. Mt Bryan Sheep Dog Trials 29 & 30 September.
Advt. Burra Institute 30 September: 40 Musical Maoris, Pretty Girls & Stalwart Men in
A Night at a Maori Pah
Advt. Tommy Halls’ Cab & Bus: Reduced to 9d per passenger.
Obituary. Thomas Wilks, father of Edward Stewart Wilks, died at Mt Bryan East 19 September aged 81.
He was born in November 1839 in Swansea, Wales and came to SA with his parents when he was 10. The family lived first at Hampton. His father died when Thomas was a young man and he had to assume responsibility for the family. He was then engaged in butchering. About 1875 he took up land at Mt Bryan East as a farmer and grazier. For many years he was a member of the Hallett DC and was a staunch supporter of the Liberal Union and of the Mt Bryan East Methodist Church.
His first wife was Miss S. Stewart, daughter of the Late Alex Stewart of Aberdeen.
His second wife was Mrs Nicholls, late of Gumeracha.
His third wife was Miss C. Hosking, late of Kooringa.
His last wife died last January and he leaves an only son Mr Edward Stewart Wilks. Mr Elias Wilks of Kooringa is a brother.
World’s End Methodist Church Anniversary Services 11 & 12 September. Rev. G.K. Haslam officiated. On Monday E.W. Crewes gave a lecture on My Trip to Java.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mrs Lisle Pearce Stocks
Mr R. Fuss Pansies
Mrs E.N. Finch Double ranunculus and African violets
Fred Schmidt of Koo-owie Blocks lost two horses struck by lightning last Friday.
Weather. A Storm on Saturday night caused considerable damage with signs and trees blown down. By Monday morning 1.17” of rain had fallen and falls to the east ranged from 38 points to 75 points.
I.J. Warnes was elected President of the Stockowners’ Association in Adelaide last week.
Cricket. A B grade Kooringa team was formed on Tuesday 13 September when A.C. Fleetwood was elected Captain and C. Hill, Vice-Captain.
XXXXIII, 38, 21 Sep. 1921, page 3
Football. The premiership match was played at Farrell’s Flat Oval on Saturday. A good crowd made the journey and a well-filled special train ran from Burra and more joined at Hanson – estimated to be about 250 in all. The gate was £21-19-0. The ground was in fair condition, but the game was generally a poor exhibition of football.
Aberdeen 1.0 2.3 3.4 7.5 (47)
Kooringa 2.3 2.4 3.7 3.7 (25)
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 14 September
Nellie May Gibbs, daughter of Mr William L. Gibbs married
William Vivian Ford, son of Mr & Mrs T.P. Ford of Aberdeen.
Local Board of Health
A letter from Dr Steele notes the report of the last meeting. He says the resolution passed concerning his query on swabs misses the point. It was not a question of what to do in an emergency. What was needed was, as Mr Radford suggested, an advice from the Medical Officer which the Board then adopts as policy. Dr Steele then explains the swab process in some detail and why it is done. What Dr Steele wants to know is whether the Board is desirous of two successive negative swabs being the criterion for giving an isolation sufferer freedom.
Cr Kellaway and another considered the doctor’s letters both too long and too obscure.
The Mayor thought that Dr Steele should simply ask Dr Ashton what he recommended.
Cr Radford said the question was whether the Board should insist on swabs being taken and all they needed to do was to seek and accept the advice of their Medical Officer as he so moved. Carried.
Dr Ashton writes a convoluted letter which essentially restates his now familiar position and suggests that had Dr Steele received the same treatment he had Dr Steele might have similar feelings in the matter.
‘A Ratepayer and Lodge Member for over 30 years’ writes complaining that the ongoing dispute with Dr Ashton was forcing a person to go to Adelaide for an operation at considerable expense that was an unfair imposition.
A Member of the Hallett Soldiers’ Memorial Committee writes defending the arrangements made at the unveiling ceremony and pointing out why a luncheon was not possible given the Governor’s arrival and also pointing out that as soon as the ceremony was over an afternoon tea was provided free to all returned men, their wives and children, who also gained free admission to the concert, supper and dance.
James O.V. Marron [check this name], Captain of the South Spalding FC, writes continuing the saga of the dispute in the Yakilowie Football Association. [c. 1⁄2 column.]
XXXXIII, 38, 21 Sep. 1921, page 4
Kooringa Masonic Lodge. Brother A.J. Wallis was installed as Worshipful Master on 7 September. After the ceremony members adjourned to Burra Institute where a reception had been held by Mrs Wallis. Supper was then had and a series of toasts proposed.
XXXXIII, 39, 28 Sep. 1921, page 2
Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis have received instructions from C. & A. Fuss to sell their Building and Contracting Business situated on the main street of Aberdeen, Burra. Comprising:
Front Shop 26 ft x 21 ft stone walls roofed ceiling, two large show windows with fittings, two offices 12 ft x 12 ft with roofed ceiling and fireplace.
Carpenter’s Work Shop 38 ft x 22 ft stone walls roofed with iron.
Store Room 24 ft x 21 ft roofed with iron and a board floor.
Timber Shed 100 ft x 20 ft stone wall, skillion roof, open in front with timber racks.
A good enclosed commodious yard.
The whole building is substantially built and in excellent order.
A god opportunity for a Builder and Contractor wanting a good country business.
It can also be used as an ideal motor garage.
Advt. Booborowie Memorial Institute Hall opening ceremony has been postponed to
Wednesday 12 October. [This was due to very heavy rain on 21 September.]
Advt. Burra Institute 4 October: Pantomime Beauty and the Beast by Lilliputian Opera Co.
Advt. R.D. Pascoe wishes to inform the public he has again placed Mr O.H. (Twist) Ockenden in charge of his hairdressing establishment in Aberdeen.
Obituary. Alfred Preece, third son of the late B. Preece of Aberdeen, died 23 September at Camberwell Victoria aged 63. [Born 22 June 1858.]
Accident. Messrs F.G. Lewis and Connors of Hallett had an accident on Wednesday when the horse in the dray that was taking them home became frightened by a car. It capsized the cart throwing Mr Connors clear and trapping Mr Lewis, who had been driving, beneath it. Though shaken, he was fortunately not hurt.
XXXXIII, 39, 28 Sep. 1921, page 3
Football. At Victoria Park last Saturday Kooringa B 8.10 defeated Aberdeen B 5.9.
St Mary’s, 21 September. Rev. F.B. Hewitson was inducted into charge of the church by Rev. Archdeacon Bussell.
Welcome Dance Class held a successful dance on Monday to aid injured Kooringa Footballers.
The Booborowie Hall was to have been opened last Wednesday and Burra shops had closed and every conveyance was booked to take people to the event when a phone call announced the postponement to 12 October due to the very bad weather and the state of the roads. The Leighton Quadrille Class has as a consequence postponed their Grand Masquerade Ball due that night.
Burra Town Council, 19 September
Application to build the Bowling Clubhouse was granted as was one for additions to Sara & Co. Aberdeen.
About 500 trees had been planted this year, but many had died.
Cr Kellaway said Lane Garden was in a bad state.
F. Highett, lamplighter, had been hurt at football and couldn’t do his job.
Despite having no obligation the Council decided to pay him half his salary while injured.
Fire Brigade
The Superintendent and chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade Board waited on Council. They had looked at the town and thought the best solution was to apply the Fire Brigade Act of 1913 and form an auxiliary brigade. He thought at present people were taking tremendous risks. Four firemen would be appointed: the foreman to get £55 p.a. and three firemen £35 each. They would be reimbursed if they lost wages while fighting a fire. Two of the firemen always to be in town and one to sleep at the station each night. The station to have a phone. The town had sufficient fireplugs and lacked only men and equipment. [The division of costs would be as outlined previously.]
The cost of setting up in the first year: Ford Truck 400
Hose etc. 175
Uniforms 44
Rent 12
Salaries 160
£791
Of this £175 would have to be found locally.
Subsequently the annual cost would be c. £40.
Insurance premiums would drop 15%.
The Superintendent thought the water supply would be adequate, but the plant should be duplicated and he would support any deputation to that end.
‘Digger’ writes again re the trouble at Hallett, standing by the position that he took that a light luncheon at least was needed earlier in the day.
Dr Steele writes again on the examination of swabs from infectious cases, saying that his original question was contained in a concise eight lines. [Responding to Cr Kellaway’s charge of wordiness.] He says that on his return from the war he tried hard to effect a reconciliation with Dr Ashton, but to no avail and now ‘informal discussion between the Health Officer and myself was unfortunately out of the question’.
He goes on to wonder at the apparent panic and confusion at the mention of swabs, but ends by saying:
‘It was the duty of the Local Board to obtain for me the information sought, and because it is important I have persisted in my quest.’
Booborowie Hall Opening
The opening was only cancelled after Mr & Mrs Warnes had arrived and as it was too wet to go home and the ladies had the tables ready for dinner, it was decided to stay for a while. In the end the weather fined up and in fact the day’s planned activities apart from the opening mostly took place. The bazaar, concert, supper and dance were all held successfully.
XXXXIII, 39, 28 Sep. 1921, page 4
Burra & District Amateur Gardeners’ Association held its first monthly competition in the Lodge Room at the Institute last Saturday. Exhibitors were:
A. Harris W. Carpenter R. Fuss
L.S. Penrose Miss E. Hirschausen H. Harris
Hampton Court
There were four classes of flowers.
Hampton Court provided the only entry for a basket or vase and there were no entries in the vegetable class.
Total points were:
A. Harris 170 R. Fuss 98 W. Carpenter 88
L.S. Penrose 33 Miss E. Hirschausen 22 H. Harris 17
Hampton Court 4
Champion flower was R. Fuss’s pure white cyclamen.
Soldiers’ Aid Society, 6th AGM at Jubilee Hall 22 September was well attended with Mr M.A. Radford in the chair. The question to be answered was should the Society continue. Mr Radford thought it should, as there were many calls on the Society. The Secretary, Miss Clara Bartholomaeus read the report.
Meetings fortnightly had attracted 14-20 members. On 2 December 1920 41 present and past members were present to receive certificates from the Red Cross for three or more years’ service. There are still a number of cases in the Military Hospitals requiring help. On 13 August we provided the annual dinner for returned men and on 6 April provided lunch and afternoon tea at the laying of the foundation stone for the Soldiers’ Memorial. Members have also formed an Auxiliary Committee to aid the Blind Institution. At the end of June the funds in the bank were £29-16-6 and cash in hand was £3-10-9. Mr Crewes moved the adoption of the report and hoped the society would keep on. Rev. G.K. Haslam echoed Mr Crewes’ remarks and said this was one of the few wartime societies to continue its work now. Rev. E.M. Ingamells was sure they would continue. Miss Bubb was elected to fill the vacancy in the President’s position caused by the removal from the town of Mrs E. Bertram. Other officers were re-elected.
Football. J.F. Madigan writes continuing the controversy over clearances that had torn the Yakilowie Football Association apart.
XXXXIII, 40, 5 Oct. 1921, page 2
Advt. Foresters’ Picnic
Eight Hour Day 12 October, at Johnson’s Creek by permission of J. Tennant Esq.
Advt. Burra Show Wednesday 26 October.
Advt. L.H. Foote convenor of a meeting in the Boy Scout Hall on Thursday 6 October to form a Boys’ Gymnasium Club.
XXXXIII, 40, 5 Oct. 1921, page 3
Burra Croquet Club AGM 30 September. Elected:
President: Mrs A. Scott Martin
Hon. Sec.: Miss L.M. Wilkinson
Captain: Mrs Marston
Vice-Captain: Mrs Collins
SA Asbestos Mining Co. Ltd. We have the prospectus for this company, which is to be floated with £17,500 in £1 shares. The mine is eight miles from the Robertstown Railway Station in the Hundred of Bright. The place has been worked to a depth of c. 30 ft to which depth the quality obtained improves.
Mr E.J. Rigby, head teacher at Mt Bryan School for nearly five years was tendered a social on Tuesday evening and was presented with a travelling rug. His wife was given a salad bowl.
The Rotorua Maori Entertainers appeared at the Institute on Friday. The show is very favourably reviewed.
The 6th Burra-Adelaide Cycle Race sponsored by Dunlop was started from Market Square by the Mayor at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 36 riders began the race. Local rider P. Borowsky was among them and came in 5th in 6 hrs 59 mins for the 108 miles. Winner was Victorian J.R. O’Farrell in 6 hr 19 min 25 secs, beating T.J. Robinson by half a wheel.
Football. Norman Fuss was awarded the gold medal for fairest and most brilliant player in the Burra Association.
Obituary. Harry H. Lord died in Adelaide on 28 September. He was the eldest son of Mr & Mrs George Lord and he took over as one of the partners in the Burra Hotel when his father retired. His health obliged him to retire about a year ago to Wayville. [Harry Hilton Lord born 6 September 1876.]
Burra & District Horticulture
Hampton Court A 73⁄4 lb Swede
Mrs E.N. Finch Anemones
Mrs Walter Pearce Red ranunculi
Burra Town Council
The Town Clerk is to get details of the operation of the Balaklava Fire Brigade.
Cr Treloar was doubtful of the adequacy of the water supply and felt people in the back streets would be taxed to support the brigade with little chance it could save their properties.
Cr Radford pointed out the need for a sinking fund.
The Town Clerk said a 1d rate would be more than adequate.
The Overseer recommended a concrete spoon drain at the Kooringa Hotel.
Burra’s field gun has been despatched from Melbourne.
Local Board of Health
Dr Ashton advises the reply to Dr Steele’s question is in the regulations of the Health Act.
XXXXIII, 41, 12 Oct. 1921, page 2
Obituary. Edwin Nicholas Finch, husband of Fanny Finch, died at ‘Pencarrow’ 10 October aged 68.
Boys’ Gymnasium. 42 young men and lads were present at a meeting at the Scout Hall on Thursday called by Mr L.H. Foote to form a Gymnasium Class. Mr Foote has been an instructor at Hindmarsh Place Gymnasium & Angas College. He is a former member of Our Boys’ Institute Adelaide. Instruction will be given in dumbbells, Sandowism, horizontal and parallel bars, vaulting, pyramids, Roman Rings, tumbling and if requested in single sticks. [Eugen Sandow 1867-1925 was a Russo-German exponent of physical culture. Sandowism followed his principles of exercise and physical culture.]
XXXXIII, 41, 12 Oct. 1921, page 3
Ironmine Methodist Church Jubilee celebrations will be held next Sunday and Monday. Rev. R.J. Daddow, a former pastor whose connections with the church go back 47 years, will conduct services.
C. Wallace from Cockburn has been appointed Burra stationmaster.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mrs Mills (Kooringa) Ranunculi
Mr C. Hentschke Ranunculi & other flowers
E.W. Hopcraft, who has worked for the Record for over five years, has gone to the Banner in Dimboola Victoria.
Beauty & the Beast played to a full house and was greatly enjoyed with never a dull moment.
[Presented by the Lilliputian Opera Co.]
Cricket. At Mt Bryan on Saturday: Kooringa B 176, Mt Bryan B 62.
Welcome Dance Class held a successful plain and fancy dress ball at the Institute on Monday.
Locusts are massing in large numbers in the north and east. Spraying is a problem, but Mr Warnes has found much damage to the new masses can be done where they huddle in crawling masses overnight by driving a vehicle over them or turning a mob of sheep to trample them.
Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary last Sunday & Monday. Services were conducted by the President of the SA Conference Rev. J.H. Nield, a former Burra minister.
XXXXIII, 41, 12 Oct. 1921, page 4
Amateur Gardeners’ Assoc. at Burra Institute on Saturday. Entrants were:
A. Harris R. Fuss W. Carpenter
H. Harris H.J. Davey Miss E. Hirschausen
Miss G. Pearce E.J. Harris Miss Wilkinson
Total points:
A. Harris 135 from 13 entries
R. Fuss 1221⁄2 from 12 entries
H. Harris 731⁄2 from 12 entries
The champion flower was a petunia of R. Fuss.
In future the system of scoring will be on a % basis so that the number of entries will not determine the outcome as it has done.
The Salvation Army held a Southern Cross Fair in the Cheer-up Hall on Friday afternoon in aid of their Self-Denial Fund. Profit for the day was £30.
XXXXIII, 42, 19 Oct. 1921, page 2
Advt. The Kooringa Hotel, Emma McDonald Proprietress, has been renovated and brought thoroughly up to date.
Advt. The Bon Accord Hotel is under new management. P.W. Temby, Proprietor.
Advt. Terowie Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial will be unveiled by the Hon. T. Pascoe 21 October.
Advt. Farrell’s Flat Horse and Implement Show, 2 November.
XXXXIII, 42, 19 Oct. 1921, page 3
Burra Hotel is about to change hands. The new licensee is Mr Fred Knowles of the Stirling Hotel.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mr Carpenter Pansies
E. Gill Stocks
J.E.H. Winnall Stocks
The Boys’ Gymnasium Class was officially opened by the Mayor E.W. Crewes last Thursday.
Obituary. E.N. Finch died 10 October. He was born in Devonshire in 1853 and came to SA with his parents aged 2. The family settled at Springbank. In 1878 he married Fanny Pinch, youngest daughter of Henry Pinch and later he moves to ‘Pencarrow’ as a farmer and grazier. He was a member of the Burra DC 1892-94 and from 1910 till his death. He was a long-serving member of the Show Society and the AOF and a supporter of the Redruth Methodist Church. He leaves a widow, one daughter and six sons: Mrs A.T. McWaters, Richard H. (Blink Bonnie), Henry (Dora Ck NSW), Edwin (Wandillah), Osbertus (Horsley Dene), Glen R. (Pencarrow). There are 11 grandchildren. One brother survives: Mr George Finch of Medindie, late of Leighton.
Obituary. R.J.M. McBride died at his residence on 13 October after a very brief illness of three days: a cold turned to pneumonia. He was born at Newry, Northern Ireland, 13 January 1831 and went to sea at the age of 14. In seven years as a sailor he visited most parts of the world and doubled the Horn twice. He arrived in Australia in 1852 and tried his luck at the Victorian goldfields. Soon he returned to the sea and came to SA four years later with only 5/- in his pocket. He came to Burra and became a miner and afterwards a carrier between Adelaide and Burra, before becoming a fencing contractor for sheep stations. In 1859 he became a squatter, establishing ‘The Gums’. Over the years he has owned Pine Valley, Drayton, Teetulpa, Faraway Hill, Finger Post, Oakleigh, Redcliffe, Outalpa and Oulnina. He has also been keenly interested in mining. He invested in 100 £10 shares of Broken Hill Pty, some of which he later sold for £14,000 each. He first married Miss Bessie Dunn who came to SA on a ship in which he was a sailor. She died 18 June 1902 and he later married Mrs Robinson of Broken Hill. The surviving family are: William (Aberdeen, pastoralist), Robert Martin (Toorak, pastoralist), Albert James (Glen Osmond, pastoralist), Thomas (Torrensville, pastoralist), Norman Harold (Glenelg, pastoralist), Caroline Sandland (Kooringa), Mrs Isabella Hawkes (Koonoona), Mrs Mary Keynes (Leighton), Mrs Jane Boehme (Ucolta) and Mrs Alice Evans (St Peters). There are 56 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Since 1912 he has given away over £57,000 to charitable and patriotic war funds including:
Angas College 1210 Salvation Army, London 2355
Methodist Missions 945 Dr Barnardo’s Home 1150
Northern Territory Mission 2450 Muller’s Orphanage, Brisbane 1100
Salvation Army, SA 5875 Dr Kirk’s Children’s Home, London 450
Blind Institution 1925 Light House Literature Belfast 210
Home for Incurables 362 Various War Funds >£7000
Minda Home 300 Australian Bible Institute, Wayville 4000
Methodist Church, Kooringa 1886 Home & Foreign Mission & Bible Socs. 2350
His eldest daughter, Mrs Alkar was unable to attend the funeral. [Why is she not listed above?]
Funeral details run to 1⁄3 column.
Booborowie Memorial Institute Opening.
The hall is a spacious 80ft x 37ft x 24ft with a hoop pine floor and there are 16 high windows. There is also a 20ft x 40ft supper room and it is lit by petrol gas. The hall is of stone construction. The architect was Mr H.E. Fuller of Adelaide and it was built by Messrs Lampe Bros. of Spalding. The Chairman of the committee Mr W.J. Ashton introduced Mrs I.J. Warnes who opened the hall with a golden key made by Mr Spencer, jeweller of Burra. Mrs Warnes then made a speech. (Mr Warnes was in Melbourne.) Mr Ashton said a hall had been suggested at a meeting on 14 March 1914, but the war had intervened and the matter dropped. When peace came it was decided to build a main hall and then later two rooms at the front. P.J. Redden was secretary till he left the district and then Mr Cousins took over.
Dr Steele then spoke as President of the Burra Sub-Branch of the RSL. Mr Crewes, Mayor of Burra, also made a few remarks praising the spaciousness of the hall.
In the afternoon Booborowie defeated Burra in a football match. [Scores not given.]
A great crowd attended the evening concert, which was followed by a supper and dance.
The Incidental Fund Committee provided afternoon tea and supper. Over the two days of opening celebrations on 21 September and 12 October over £400 was raised.
Tennis. At Aberdeen on 15 October (interrupted by rain): Hallett 11-78 defeated Aberdeen 4-53.
XXXXIII, 42, 19 Oct. 1921, page 4
Burra Hospital Board
The Inspector General of Hospitals forwarded a complaint from Miss Rose Pearce that her sister had to go to Adelaide at great expense for an operation that could have been much more cheaply done if Dr Ashton had been on the staff at Burra Hospital.
Dr Steele said that Dr Ashton could have operated on his patient at Burra. Copies of the whole correspondence involving Dr Ashton, Dr Steele and the hospital will be forwarded to the Inspector General.
Dr Steele said the battery of the electric light plant would have to be replaced in a couple of years at a cost of c. £130 and if, as he hoped, an X-Ray plant was soon installed a new battery would be required. He suggested a committee be appointed to go into the matter. Deferred to next meeting.
The Foresters’ Picnic was held at Johnson’s Creek Princess Royal on Wednesday 13 October. Mr I.J. Warnes again lent his lorry, two trailers and a driver. The weather was ideal and a very good outing resulted. The results of the sports are printed.
Marriage. 11 October Ironmine Methodist Church
Jessie Hams, daughter of Mr T.J. Hams of Braefoot, married
William L. Webber, son of Mr & Mrs F. Webber of Nairne.
XXXXIII, 43, 26 Oct. 1921, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute Wednesday 2 November: The New Comic Opera Co. presents:
The Maid of the Mountains.
XXXXIII, 43, 26 Oct. 1921, page 3
Ironmine Methodist Church Jubilee Services were held on 16 October. Rev. R.J. Daddow, who preached there 47 years ago returned to conduct the services. The church opened as a Primitive Methodist Church in 1871 and continued as such till Methodist Union in 1900. Rev. Daddow also addressed the public meeting on Monday. Mr J. Goodridge spoke of his first attendance more than 49 years ago. Mesdames J. Goodridge and A. Smith took the collection and both had been present at the opening service. The collection will go towards the Memorial Hall shortly to be erected to the Fallen Soldiers of Ironmine.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mr T.J. Hams (Ironmine) Geraniums
Mr J. Lloyd A 13⁄4lb white turnip
Mr C. Hentschke Guilder roses
R.J.M. McBride’s Memorial Service was conducted in Kooringa Methodist Church by Rev. G.K. Haslam. Eulogies were read from Rev. Carrol Myers (Methodist Memorial Hospital), Rev. W.G. Clarke (Foreign Missions), Rev. W. Cann (Central Mission), F. Lade and Colonel Hay of the Salvation Army.
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. News at the end of last week was that the granite was leaving Melbourne this week.
Tennis. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Kooringa 13-97 defeated Aberdeen 5-71
Burra Town Council
There was a discussion re the Fire Brigade with the Mayor strongly in favour of action and Cr Radford and Cr Treloar concerned about the water supply.
Ct Harris moved the town be brought under the Fire Brigade Act. Cr Ewins seconded.
Cr Treloar moved the question of assured water supply be settled first. Not seconded.
Cr Harris’s motion was carried.
Retirement of Councillors in December: the Mayor and Councillors Radford, Treloar & Kellaway. The mayor said he would not stand again but for the Soldiers’ Memorial and he would give an indication of his intentions at the next meeting.
There was considerable discussion about a post and drain in Drew Lane and whose responsibility it was and who would be responsible for public liability and whether Drew Lane was a private or Council road.
The Town Clerk was directed to ascertain Council’s responsibilities and liabilities.
Cr Radford moved an electric light be placed in the new telephone box in Aberdeen. Carried.
A letter of condolence will be sent to Mrs McBride.
XXXXIII, 43, 26 Oct. 1921, page 4
Kooringa Football Club. The wind-up meeting for 1921 season last Monday with President W.R. Chambers in the chair. The club ended the year £19-12-10 in credit. Membership was 25 compared with 53 last year – due to the formation of the B Grade club. The club lost only three matches for the season and would have been premiers but for accidents befalling two players. They regarded the program arrangements as unsatisfactory. The medal for the most consistent went to Dave Killicoat. £15-8-0 had been collected towards helping injured players. Mr Allen, Hon. Sec. was voted an honorarium of £6.
Marriage. At Hallett Methodist Church 19 October
Stanley Reed of Semaphore married Gertrude Sophia Prior.
Marriage. At Hallett Methodist Church 19 October
Donald McInnes, third son of Mr & Mrs McInnes of Hawker married
Clara Scholz, third daughter of Mr & Mrs F.H. Scholz of Hallett.
XXXXIII, 44, 2 Nov. 1921, page 2
Advt. Last Dance for the Season at Leighton Hall, 7 November.
Advt. Meeting at the Liberal Union Room Kooringa next Friday 3 p.m. re the locusts.
Advt. General Meeting of Burra & District Soldiers’ Memorial to finalise certain matters connected with the memorial – specifically the wording of the bronze plates.
Council Chamber, Burra Institute, 3 November.
Marriage. Baptist Church North Adelaide 10 October
Roy G. Baynes, youngest son of Mrs Ivey & the late John Baynes of Leighton, married
Edith Taylor, third daughter of Mr & Mrs F. Taylor of North Adelaide.
Editorial on ‘The Seventh Plague’
Grasshoppers have massed in the north and east. Widespread destruction threatens and yet general apathy seems to prevail. Only Mr I.J. Warnes has taken up arms against the foe with determination. The editor makes a call to arms. The mass reached Ketchowla on Friday. The Mulga Hill property of John Collins has been stripped bare.
XXXXIII, 44, 2 Nov. 1921, page 3
Marriage. At Pinnaroo Methodist Church 4 October
Jessie Webster, eldest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr Webster of Pinnaroo, married
Charles Bennetts of Pinnaroo, late of Burra.
Obituary. James Nelson died at Broken Hill 31 October. He was the brother of Mrs T.P. Halls Sen. of Kooringa and Mr J. Nelson of Yardea, Pt Augusta. [Born at Anlaby SA 14 June 1857.]
Burra & District Horticulture
Mrs Clem Pearce Roses
Mrs J. Trevilyan (Mt Bryan) Pelargoniums
Tennis. At Copperhouse 22 October: Booborowie 8-70 defeated Copperhouse 8-68
At Copperhouse 29 October Kooringa 8-70 defeated Copperhouse 7-63
Burra Show, at Aberdeen Wednesday 26 October.
The weather was good and the ground was in excellent condition. The gate was £106, though it was widely asserted that many more evaded paying. The President entertained the Committee and other guests at luncheon. The good season produced a much improved agricultural produce display. Dairy produce was down due mainly to the absence of the Finch family due to a recent bereavement, but poultry was much improved. Horse numbers were up and the quality of entries was good. Ring events were rated the best ever. Cattle exhibits were unusually large in number and the dog section was also good. There were no agricultural implements on display, but vehicles were present and Drew & Crewes conducted a trial of the Titan tractor and ploughs on an adjacent ground. Vegetables, fruit, flowers and cookery were all of a high standard this year and the arts and industries and the school class entries were also good. The evening concert was first class.
XXXXIII, 44, 2 Nov. 1921, page 4
Burra Show Prize Winners
[Personal interest:
Vegetables
Chin Young won prizes as follows:
6 Swedes 2nd 6 Carrots 1st
3 Celery 1st Collection of not less than 6 types 2nd
Silver Beet 2nd
Flowers
6 Cut flowers A. Fuss 1st C. Fuss 2nd
3 Cut flowers A. Fuss 1st
6 Antirrhinums C. Fuss 1st Chin Young 2nd
3 Antirrhinums C. Fuss 1st Chin Young 2nd
3 Larkspurs C. Fuss 1st
3 Nasturtiums C. Fuss 1st A. Fuss 2nd
6 Poppies A. Fuss 1st
3 Poppies A. Fuss 1st
6 Pansies R. Fuss 2nd
3 Pansies R. Fuss 1st
Pelargonium Zonale A. Fuss 1st R. Fuss 2nd
Pelargonium R. Fuss 2nd
3 Petunias R. Fuss 1st & 2nd
6 Ranunculi R. Fuss 2nd
3 Rose buds C. Fuss 2nd
6 Stocks Chin Young 2nd
12 cut Sweet Peas R. Fuss 1st
3 Verbenas A. Fuss 2nd
Flowering Shrubs C. Fuss 2nd
1 Azalea R. Fuss 1st & 2nd
3 Cyclamen R. Fuss 1st
1 Cyclamen R. Fuss 2nd
1 Cineraria R. Fuss
Mimula R. Fuss
3 Pelagoniums R. Fuss 1st A. Fuss 2nd
Pelargonium R. Fuss 1st A. Fuss 2nd
1 Primula R. Fuss 1st
3 Asparagus R. Fuss 1st
1 Asparagus R. Fuss 1st
Basket Plant R. Fuss 1st
3 Maiden Hair Ferns R. Fuss 2nd
1 Maiden Hair Fern R. Fuss 1st
3 Ferns R. Fuss 1st
1 Fern R. Fuss 1st
3 Palms R. Fuss 2nd
Best3 pots for table R. Fuss 2nd
Best 1 pot for table R. Fuss 1st]
Burra Football Association
Final meeting for the year 31 October. The Association was in credit £34-1-9. Various accounts were paid, mainly associated with the final at Farrell’s Flat. The secretary’s honorarium of £10-10-0 was voted to E.J. Davey. £5 was voted to each of the 3 remaining clubs in the Association, as membership next year was quite uncertain. Remaining balance is now £2.
XXXXIII, 45, 9 Nov. 1921, page 3
Salvation Army. A concert and pasty supper at the Barracks in aid of the Self-Denial Fund was very well attended and it is expected that as a consequence the total target set of £350 for this year’s drive is very near.
Burra Amateur Gardeners’ Assoc. 3rd competition was held on 5 November. In the new scoring system A.P. Harris with 1 entry of roses averaged 17 points and W. Carpenter with entries in three classes averaged 14.
Obituary. Charles A. Fuss died at his residence in Aberdeen [5 November] after a long and severe illness and the funeral took place on Monday. [Details next paper.]
Marriage. At Hallett Methodist Church 26 October
Lucy Isabel Honan, second daughter of Mr & Mrs James Honan of Hallett married
Arthur Ashman, son of Mr & Mrs Ashman of Waterloo.
Marriage. At Hallett Methodist Church on 12 October
Stanley John Reed, second son of Mr & Mrs J. Reed of Semaphore, married
Gertrude Prior, third daughter of Mr & Mrs E. Prior of Hallett.
Marriage. 2 November
Myrtle Allen, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Allen of Kooringa married
Horace Hill, second surviving son of Mr & Mrs Richard Hill of Kooringa.
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
A general meeting at the Institute on Thursday was held to hear objections, if any, to the inscriptions or the arrangement of names. There was only a small attendance and none from the district. T.E. Richards, Chair of the Hallett DC sent apologies. James Taylor & Sons wrote from Footscray on 26 October explaining that the delay in preparing the granite was due to the shortage of workmen. Four stonecutters nominated to come from Scotland have not come and advertisements in Sydney and New Zealand have been to no avail. They had only five or six men to do work that required 16.
The gross in cash and redeemable promises was £2,371-11-7. The final wording was approved. Mr Hawkes thought the names should carry neither rank nor honours. Dr Steele thought they should. It was decided to write again to the Commandant seeking his advice – no reply having been received to an earlier letter.
The Locust Menace. Mr I.J. Warnes convened a meeting at the Liberal Union Rooms on Friday that was well attended. He cited other occasions when his efforts had first been derided as futile (rabbits and the telephone line), but he had ultimately been vindicated. He did not think they could kill them all, but they could make a difference. At present they stretched from Wilcannia to the West Coast. He outlined the life cycle of the hopper. The four to six weeks after hatching being their most vulnerable time when they remained in small very dense patches. He described an arsenic spray that was effective and also how to apply it. [Details in 11⁄2 columns.]
Cricket. At Mt Bryan on Saturday: Mt Bryan 110 defeated Kooringa 81.
XXXXIII, 45, 9 Nov. 1921, page 4
The Farrell’s Flat Horse Show on 2 November is reported in 13⁄4 columns.
Swimming Classes. On Saturday morning the Burra Gymnasium Club added to their exercises a swimming class at the Mine Pool. Mr A.J. McBride has given use of the pool and timber for rafts and dressing sheds to be erected there. Mr Foote addressed the boys and sought assurance of parental consent before proceeding. Messrs Adey, Jackson & Oborn would be the instructors. A busy bee will be held next Saturday for the erection of diving boards. The pool gives a swimming area 175yds x 50yds. There is a raft on the water capable of carrying six persons.
XXXXIII, 46, 16 Nov. 1921, page 3
Obituary. Charlotte [Lottie] Annie Bray, wife of James Henry Bray of Two Wells and third daughter of the late Mrs Clode of Redruth, died 3 November in Adelaide. Mrs Herbert Cox of Redruth is a sister.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mrs W.G. Woodman (Baldina) Red Cactus
H. Earle (Booborowie) Rose & Lettuces
Mrs George Sampson Oriental Poppies
Master John Drew French Poppies
Miss Wilson Tulip poppies
Mr & Mrs A.J. McBride of Fullarton & late of Burra have left for an extended trip to Europe, England and America.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary Sunday 6 November. Rev. W.J. Mortimer officiated. There are currently 141 scholars and 26 teachers and officers. £550 has been raised in cash and promises towards the proposed new Sunday school.
Burra Railway Yard has been equipped with an up-to-date electric signalling plant, which comes into operation this morning. Points will be able to be set from the office with a lever.
Grasshoppers. The advance guard reached Burra on Saturday and the insects were soon thick. They were also thick on Sunday. They settled on crops at Springbank and on Sunday night millions passed over the town in the moonlight.
Obituary. Mr Charles A. Fuss who died on 5 November was a well known and respected resident of Aberdeen. He was born at Redruth [18 February] in 1857: a son of the late Mr & Mrs [H.C.]W. Fuss Mr W. Fuss was one of the pioneers of Burra and first held a position in the Burra Smelting Works and after they closed he went into farming. After leaving school Charles worked for a time on his father’s Springbank farm and was then apprenticed to Mr John Pearce, builder and contractor. Later he went into business with his brother, August, as builders and contractors of Aberdeen, with which he was connected up to his death. He was also keenly interested in geology and mining, sitting on several Boards of Directors. He took a lively interest in local affairs and held office as a [Town] Councillor, President of the Institute Committee, of the Literary Society and of the Juvenile MUIOOF Lodge, Aberdeen. He was Chairman of the Aberdeen Football Club, a member of the Burra School Board of Advice, Burra Musical & Dramatic Club and was on the Executive of the Soldiers’ Aid Society. He was a Past Master of the Kooringa Masonic Lodge and a Past Grand of the [Aberdeen] Oddfellows Lodge. He was of a kind and genial disposition with a wide circle of friends. He married a daughter of the late John Rumball who was for many years stationmaster at Burra. He leaves [a widow and] a family of five sons and four daughters. Two of his sons served with the AIF in France.
Burra Bowling & Croquet Clubs opened their season on Saturday afternoon. During the recess a clubhouse of £400 was erected. There is a ladies’ room, a men’s room and a kitchen with verandahs on the east and north sides. The only unwelcome guests on the day were the locusts, which hardly made for good bowls. They hope soon to install electric lights. In the absence of Mrs Gebhardt though illness, Mr Gebhardt called on Mrs Marston to break a bottle on the threshold to open the clubhouse.
Tennis. At Booborowie on Saturday: Booborowie 8-63 defeated Copperhouse 7-68.
At Copperhouse on 5 November: Copperhouse 9-74 defeated Aberdeen 6-60.
XXXXIII, 46, 16 Nov. 1921, page 4
Marriage. At Payneham Methodist Church on 15 October
Richard Alan (Dick) Ockenden, seventh son of the late Mr & Mrs R. Ockenden of Kooringa, married
Lilian Honore White, daughter of Mrs & the late Mr R. White of Payneham.
Burra Hospital. The Red Cross Society, Adelaide, has offered £150 towards the cost of the proposed X-ray plant and the offer has been accepted with thanks. The Red Cross offer represents a response to war-time contributions from the district.
The Inspector-General of Hospitals writes he would be glad to take steps to bring Burra Hospital in line with other subsidised hospitals. He will be advised the Board is giving the matter consideration and an early reply will be sent.
Football. Kooringa Football Club held a social at Pearce’s Building on Wednesday. Dave Killicoat won the most consistent player medal. [The report extends for 3⁄4 column.]
The Maid of the Mountains at the Institute on 2 November was the best of its kind of production ever presented in Burra and thoroughly delighted the large audience. The very favourable review extends for 1⁄2 column.
The Mayoralty: Mr M.A. Radford has agreed to stand for Mayor for 1922.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Mt Bryan B 64, Kooringa B 29.
At Booborowie on 12 November: Booborowie 7 for 141 declared, drew with Kooringa 6 for 112.
Burra Town Council
The State Trophy Committee advised that the field-gun was now at the station.
Application has been made to proclaim the town under the Fire Brigade Act 1913, from 31 January 1922.
The Municipal Association advises that the Council is responsible for the safety of vehicles using Drew Lane. The mayor said orders have been given at Drew & Crewes to have the post moved back in line with the building.
Cr Radford said removing the post will create a danger from the drop of 15” into the drain, which would need protection. Slabs will be placed over the drain.
Council will inspect drainage from places in Market Square that runs into the watertables and then lies there due to the slight fall.
The Railway Commissioner advises that the gate and turnstile at the entrance to the station are to be removed.
The Assessment for 1922 was £10,454, up £607 on 1921.
I.J. Warnes has offered a 15” pipe for the Young St Ford. Offer accepted.
Burra has not been considered for a vacancy on the State Children’s Council as promised and a letter will be sent to the Chief Secretary on the matter.
The Mayor said they had to decide where to store the field-gun until its permanent placement was decided. It was resolved to put it in the Depot Yard.
The Mayor said his health was not good and he had decided not to offer for re-election.
It was resolved that a photo be taken of the Council.
Local Board of Health
Two cases of enteric fever have occurred since last meeting, but in general the town was in fair condition.
XXXXIII, 47, 23 Nov. 1921, page 2
Advt. Kooringa Tennis Club opening of new courts Saturday afternoon.
Advt. St Mary’s Conversazione at Burra Institute 2 December. Christmas Tree, Competitions, Strawberries & Cream, Ice Cream, Cool Drinks and Bran Dips.
Advt. American Evening, Methodist Lecture Hall 29 November. Bring a gift and buy a gift.
Mrs C.C. Williams & Miss Gertie Williams were given a farewell social at the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School last Wednesday. The two ladies and the late Mr Williams all had a long association with the church. Mrs Williams was presented with a jardinière and Miss Williams with a xylonite hair-brush, comb and mirror.
XXXXIII, 47, 23 Nov. 1921, page 3
Obituary. Keith Beckwith aged 11, eldest son of Mr & Mrs George Beckwith, died in the Burra Hospital on 19 November. It is alleged that he was tied up and beaten by other boys at Petherton School on 1 November and fell ill on arriving home. He was removed to hospital on 10 November. Complications set in on Friday and he died of kidney failure the next day. [Born 25 October 1910.]
[Note: this allegation was withdrawn: see XXXXIII, 48, 30 Nov. 1921, page 3.]
Mr & Mrs T.H. Woollacott have received a 53⁄4” bronze plaque sent by the King to the next of kin of soldiers who were connected with the Imperial Forces and fell in the war. It is inscribed with the name of Robert James Woollacott and: He died for freedom and honour.
Locusts are devastating Baldina and at Springbank one farmer estimated they have reduced yields by at least three bags per acre. They are invading houses in the town through any crack.
Fire. Last Friday a large stack of lucerne hay caught fire at Koonoona. 50 tons of hay was lost, but the fire was contained. Two of the lads who had just built the stack caused the fire when they relaxed with a cigarette. On the same day a train seems to have caused a fire near the ballast quarry, but it was extinguished and a similar fire a little further on was also soon put out.
Redruth Court, Saturday
Thomas Roger was fined £2 for knowingly driving a horse unfit for use.
[Eight of sixteen horses in use had sore shoulders – two of them very badly.]
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
A meeting on 17 November had a fair attendance. Another truck of granite has been sent by Mr Tillett. Mr Guy Makin consulting architect has suggested certain changes to the wording of the monument. The question of whether the wording should use ‘Town’ rather than ‘Corporation’ of Burra was referred to the Municipal Assoc. Other suggestions are to be submitted to Professor Henderson. The stone to complete the base has now arrived. The Commandant suggests the names on the memorial should include rank, distinction and unit. Dr Steele said Brigadier-General Leane favoured the omission of all rank and distinction. The meeting decided to omit all rank and distinction. The Minister of Defence is to be asked whether the concluding date for the war should be 1918 or 1919.
The Mayoralty. A requisition with 163 signatures has asked the Mayor to stand again – essentially to see the Soldiers’ Memorial to completion. He said he had decided to retire, but such a large request required him to think it over and he would answer at the ratepayers’ meeting.
Lawn Tennis at Aberdeen. Mr James Reed has had two lawn tennis courts put down on his property at his expense and the club has only to maintain them. The courts have a 9ft fence. The courts were opened by Mrs Reed last Saturday. The games were followed by an evening social in Jubilee Hall.
Leighton Hall Annual strawberry Fete was held on 12 November and was opened by Mrs Charles Bartholomaeus.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 6 for 149 defeated Hanson 48.
XXXXIII, 47, 23 Nov. 1921, page 4
A Strawberry Fete in aid of the Royal Institution for the Blind was held at Jubilee Hall on 16 November promoted by the Aberdeen Ladies Auxiliary Committee. Nett takings are expected to exceed £80.
Booborowie Bazaar & Strawberry Fete in aid of the Methodist Manse Building Fund was held in the Memorial Hall on 12 November.
XXXXIII, 48, 30 Nov. 1921, page 2
Municipal Elections – to be held 3 December. Nominations:
Mayor Ernest William Crewes
Maurice Arnold Radford
North Ward Maurice Collins
Lawrence Henry Foote
East Ward Stanley Kellaway
West Ward Arthur John Allen
Charles James Sams
Auditor Frank Treloar
Notice. Will all those with claims on soldiers’ photos recently hung in the Cheer-up Room kindly apply to the Burra Institute Librarian. L. Penrose, Secretary.
Locusts/Grasshoppers continue to infest the town. Some of Kooringa’s best gardens have been stripped bare. In ‘The Paddock’ the gardens of S. Penrose, Edgar Pearce, E.J. Davey, J.E. Greenwood and J.A. Riggs have been devastated. Crops have of course also been under attack.
Burra Benevolent Soc. met on 17 November and accepted the resignation of Miss G. Williams as secretary and Mrs C.C. Williams from the committee. Miss L. Coglin becomes secretary pro tem.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mrs W.J. Fitzgerald of Sod Hut Strawberries
Vincent Dower & Percy Hann received special mention in the Wattle Day essay competition for under 12years of age as reported in the Register.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School teachers and officers are to begin a drive to get funds for the proposed new Sunday school.
Petherton School Committee: George Beckwith, Jack Hooper, George Shattock & F. Miller write to say the person alleging boys assaulted Mr G. Beckwith’s boy has since denied the truth of it.
Black Springs. Cpl G. Powell unveiled a machine gun presented by the War Council at a strawberry fete at Black Springs Hall on 16 November.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 136 defeated Mt Bryan 39.
XXXXIII, 48, 30 Nov. 1921, page 3
Children’s court, 30 November
John Rowe (16) was charged with obtaining money by false pretences. Evidence was given that Rowe had tried to cash at E.C. Hammond’s a cheque stolen from David Jones’ cheque book. The accused had been working for Jones for about 5 weeks. Arthur Harold Harrison and George Lines gave evidence about the accused’s behaviour. John Allen had cashed the cheque which was returned from the bank marked ‘No accounts’. He described the defendant as half-witted. Mrs Rowe gave evidence that the boy had been subject to fits when young and had lost his speech from age 2 to 7 and now speaks indistinctly. John Rowe, father, said if the boy were discharged he would take him away from Burra as Mr Shattock would employ him. Messrs Crewes and Radford JPs sentenced him to Magill Reformatory till aged 18.
Mt Bryan Strawberry Fete, 18 November in aid of St Andrew’s Church.
Leighton Hall Strawberry Fete, 19 November in aid of Ironmine Church proposed Memorial Hall.
XXXXIII, 48, 30 Nov. 1921, page 4
Burra Town Council, Mayor’s Report 1921
This was delivered at the ratepayers’ meeting Tuesday last week. About 50 ratepayers including three ladies were present.
The Season
The year was good for rain and a good harvest was expected until the arrival of the grasshoppers. Now, at least for some the outcome is in doubt. Wool prices dropped in the year, but have recovered somewhat and are more in keeping with tis true value again.
This year the offices of Town Clerk and Inspector were combined under Mr E.J. Davey and the change has proved beneficial.
Mr I.J. Warnes has donated enough pipes to drain the crossing at Gully’s Wharf, which was a much appreciated gift.
The town assessment last year was £9,847 and rates therefrom were £1,353. This year the figures are £10,454 & £1,438 respectively.
Over 1,400 availed themselves of the usual seaside trip to Semaphore on 22 February.
The annual show on Wednesday 26 October was a great success in excellent weather.
An Anzac Day service was held in the Institute on Sunday April 24 and was crowded.
In September we applied to be brought under the Fire Brigades Act of 1913. The estimated cost of establishing and maintaining the Burra Fire Brigade is:
Motor Fire Appliance 400
Accessories 175
Rent 12
Uniforms for four men 44
Wages for 1 auxiliary foreman 55
Wages for 3 auxiliary firemen 105
£791
Council’s two ninths for 1st year 175
Succeeding years
Wages 160
Rent 12
Contingencies 12
£184
Council’s two ninths of £184 £40-17-9
We expect to be able to manage without increasing the rates.
(Burra comes under the Act from 31 January 1922)
One consequence of this has been the Government’s agreement of the inadequacy of the pumping machinery at the Waterworks and they are now installing a suction gas engine.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
This was first mooted on hearing of the first death at the front and a sum of about £36 was collected, but the movement started in earnest on Peace day when £1,800 gross was taken. Later a contract was let to Mr A.S. Tillett of Adelaide. Strikes and other delays have held up progress and the foundation stone could not be laid till 6 April this year when H.E. the Governor of SA Sir Archibald Weigall performed that duty. A further gross of £1,900 was taken on that day. Strikes and shortages of labour etc. have caused ongoing delays. The contractor now says that men are now engaged in completing the work and expect to complete the building in about six weeks.
The Financial Statement showed the rates collected were £732-17-1 with just over £11 outstanding and £8 of that was expected to be in by the end of the year.
Receipts by Ward show an emerging gap between North and the other Wards:
North Ward £217-12-1
East Ward £277-17-6
West Ward £237-7-6
Government subsidy was £119-6-5
[Ward accounts are printed.]
The Park Lands account ends c. £22 in debit.
The Cemetery account end c. £97 in credit.
The Lighting account ends c. £47 in debit – the largest items being Carbide £62 and lamp lighting £59.
The Local Board of Health is c. £64 in debit.
Main Roads is £95 in debit.
The Chairman of the Local Board of Health reported from Dr Ashton that there had been 15 cases of mild diphtheria in the year in one outbreak. There had been three cases of enteric fever, four of measles and one each of scarlatina and phthisis – the last from outside the area.
The ambulance with W.R. Lee in charge had proved to be of great benefit to the district’s sick and disabled.
Cr Radford said the Wards had credit balances this year, as it has not been possible to get all the approved work done. Lighting was expensive and had been better done this year. Some electric lights were installed, which had also cost a considerable amount.
Cr Kellaway thought the East Ward’s money had been well spent in the two years of his office.
Cr Treloar said the Council this year had turned down a £4,000 scheme to install electric lights because it covered only Kooringa and ran only as many lights as there were now. He had been the only one to oppose the Fire Brigade because of the inadequacies of the water supply, which often failed. He was sure the real cost of the brigade would be much higher than that cited.
The Mayor then explained that he had been asked to stand for the Mayoralty for 1921 to see the Soldiers’ Memorial through, but unfortunately delays had meant the memorial was still unfinished. He decided to ask his supporters to release him from his promise to see the project through as Mayor if he stayed on as Chairman of the Committee. When this proposal was made the reply was: ‘I might allow him to do that’. He considered this was ‘not a very nice position’. On 7 November he said he would not stand, but Mr Radford had come out as a candidate before that decision was made. He thought Mr Radford might have waited. He has since been largely asked to reconsider and after an appeal from 163 ratepayers he had decided to stand again and see the monument to its completion.
Mr Radford said he had been pressed to stand and had no apologies to make for doing so. He denied the remark attributed to him by Mr Crewes. He thought Mr Crewes had made a false step in hesitating when asked first and then when acceding to a requisition. The electric scheme mentioned by Cr Treloar was for £1,500 not £4,000 and he would support the first payable scheme that came along. He thought the sanitary arrangements were a disgrace and the pan system worse – perhaps deep drainage was the answer?
Cr Kellaway favoured remaking the Pig & Whistle crossing and removing the trees in the cemetery whose leaves were staining the tombstones.
Mr Foote was in favour of a playground at Aberdeen in one of the parks and in improving recreation facilities – he had established a gymnasium with 69 members and a swimming class. He was in favour of a volunteer fire brigade and fearful that the present arrangement’s cost would get out of hand.
J.G. Sara began to reflect on Mr Crewes’ undertaking in 1920 to stand down in favour of Mr Radford at the end of 1921, but was ruled out of order.
Burra Town Council, 21 November
Nursing staff asked for exclusive use of the tennis court in front of the hospital. They had renovated the courts at considerable trouble and were often debarred from it because others were in possession. [The confusion of ‘court’ and ‘courts’ follows the paper report.]
Cr Treloar said the court was half on a roadway and half on Mr McBride’s paddock. On one or two occasions the Council had tarred the courts. The matter to lie on the table.
The Chief Secretary wrote that it had been decided to appoint a medical man when a vacancy had occurred on the State Children’s Council.
The Municipal Assoc. Melbourne sent a log of wages and said unless Corporations agreed the matter would go to the Commonwealth Conciliation Court. The minimum wage for a Town Clerk was £451.
XXXXIII, 49, 7 Dec. 1921, page 2
Advt. St Mary’s Organ Recital by Mr W.S. Jarrett, Sunday 18 December.
XXXXIII, 49, 7 Dec. 1921, page 3
The American Evening of Kooringa Methodist Ladies Foreign Mission Auxiliary was most successful on Tuesday evening last. The total for the Foreign Mission Appeal is now over £128.
The Blind Institution Strawberry Fete netted £88-5-10.
Alf Walker of Kooringa has found a large bone at Baldina and it is believed to be from a prehistoric animal. A photo will be sent to the British Museum for identification.
Edith Bubb writes thanking all those who added to the enjoyment of the girls at the Royal Institution for the Blind Strawberry Fete at Aberdeen.
St Mary’s Conversazione on Friday attracted a large crowd despite the wet weather. This was in place of the usual strawberry fete. About £80 was raised.
Burra Gymnastic Club held a social on Thursday in the Scout Hall and there was a crowd to see the display of gymnastics and there were speeches by the Mayor, Cr Radford and Revs Ingamells and Haslam. Mrs Seal of the Exchange Hotel was thanked for lending forms etc. and Mr & Mrs R. Fuss for assistance.
Municipal Elections. Results:
Mayor: E.W. Crewes 207
M.A. Radford 129
North Ward M. Collins 51
L.H. Foote 42
West Ward C.J. Sams 57
A.J. Allen 40
Burra Town Council, Monday
Cr Collins & Cr Sams were welcomed as new Councillors and Cr Kellaway and the Mayor were congratulated on their re-election.
Two lifebuoys are to be purchased for the Mine Pool.
Rates were fixed at the same level as last year.
The nurses were granted full use of the tennis court opposite the hospital – Mr McBride having agreed to do so for his half of the property.
XXXXIII, 50, 14 Dec. 1921, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute Thursday 15 December, Grand Christmas Festival
Full Orchestra and Chorus, 135 performers conducted by G.E. Dane.
Followed by the Classic Picture An Old Country Lad, featuring Warren Kerrigan.
Advt. Barton’s Big New Circus, Friday 14 December, near the State School.
Notice. Burra Benevolent Society AGM 14 December.
XXXXIII, 50, 14 Dec. 1921, page 3
The Annual Hospital Christmas Tree will be held on 22 December.
Jack Oates, the two-year-old son of Mr & Mrs Percy Oates, is in a dangerous condition after drinking a solution of spirits of salts on Saturday.
Burra & Districts Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial, Committee Meeting
Professor Henderson replied suggesting the inscriptions be kept as simple as possible – the memorial is proof of the gratitude of the people and there is no need to say that men who gave their lives are brave. So:
‘This memorial was erected by the people of the Town and District of Burra in honour of their sons who died for King and Country in the Great War 1914 to 1919.’
‘To honour the memory of the Volunteers from Apoinga, Booborowie, Burra, Hallett, Hanson and Mt Bryan.’
This was accepted with the change to the north plate changing ‘the’ to ‘this’ before Town and omitting ‘of Burra’.
Cricket. At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday: Kooringa 102 defeated Farrell’s Flat 68.
Fire destroyed two haystacks on Mrs E. Hogan’s farm at Booborowie on Tuesday. About 80 tons was lost.
‘Parent’ writes urging better loading arrangements for the seaside trip to avoid young children being roughly buffeted by young men scrambling for seats.
XXXXIII, 50, 14 Dec. 1921, page 4
Burra High School Speech Night was held at the Institute on Thursday for the first time since the school was started in 1913. Previous break-up celebrations had taken place at the school. Mr E.W. Crewes presided in the absence of the chairman of the School Board Mr J.E.H. Winnall who was ill. The headmaster Mr Biddle addressed the meeting. He traced the history of the school, which opened 30 January 1913, headed by Mr J.W. Statton who 21⁄2 years later enlisted for active service. The average attendance for the nine years was 24 and it was the smallest High School in SA with but one teacher. The small size is partly due to the difficulty of getting into town from the district, but there were enough young people for 40-60 if people valued education. Many who do come leave before completing the course. He thought the blame rested with the parents. As for the students he did get ‘he neither hoped or [sic] expected to come into contact with a nicer lot of boys and girls’. The standard of work was very good. Last year’s results included:
Jack Pederson gained a Junior Public Certificate
Lila Thomas, Gilbert Gillett and Gordon Laidlaw gained Junior Commercial Certificates.
John Murphy passed Senior Public English & Latin.
Grace Lloyd passed Senior Public Commercial Arithmetic, Algebra, Commerce, History & Geography.
A laboratory and library had now been established. If the school does not receive better support it is the intention of the Director of Education to close it and add one grade to the Primary School. Past and present students presented a program of songs etc.
XXXXIII, 51, 21 Dec. 1921, page 2
Advt. Burra Sporting & Athletic Club: New Year’s Day Sports at Victoria Park.
Advt. Burra Cup Race Meeting, 28 January 1922, Stakes £460.
Obituary. Elva Olive Wise, eldest daughter of Elliott & Olive Wise, died at Burra Hospital 17 December aged 9. [Born 12 April 1912.]
Obituary. Mrs Stanley Warner died at Burra Hospital on Tuesday last from pneumonia aged 27. She was the third daughter of Mr & Mrs Glover of Adelaide and only married Mr Warner, son of Mr & Mrs T. Warner of Kooringa, in May. [Born Ada Glover 25 March 1894.]
XXXXIII, 51, 21 Dec. 1921, page 3
Mr W. Jarrett had a good congregation for his organ recital at St Mary’s on Sunday. There were also vocal solos and choral works.
Burra State School. The following have passed the Qualifying Certificate:
Glanville H. Tiver Jean M. Elliott
J.H. Bartholomaeus Annie m. Irlam
Richard C. Moore Jean M. Thomas
Stan. R. Pederson Patty Pledge
Robert E. Winnall Millicent I. Allen
Alan L.B. Dane Mary I. Morrison
L.H. Thomas Emily Carpenter
Harold L. Foote Ruby P. Voumard
Alan Kakoschke Lilian M. Gebhardt
Norman Villis Jessie I. McNeil
R.W.T. Oborn Nellie Hewitt
Lilian M. Morgan May E. Bowman
Tennis. At Kooringa Saturday 10 December: Kooringa 10-84 defeated Farrell’s Flat 6-66.
At Kooringa 17 December: Aberdeen B 21-123 defeated Kooringa B 1-54.
At Aberdeen last Saturday: Kooringa 12-91 defeated Aberdeen 8-84.
E.W. Crewes writes appealing for Christmas aid for the poor.
L. Coglin writes as Secretary pro tem of the Burra Benevolent Society also calling for donations to aid the town’s poor.
Fatal Accident at Booborowie. Miss Eileen Flynn, a visitor to the district, went riding on Saturday 17 December and was thrown from her horse. She was found on the road by Gerald Andrew Wade. Evidence at the inquest was that the horse was regarded as perfectly safe and had been in the family for about 17 years. Dr Steele said death was due to a fracture at the base of the skull. There were signs the horse had put its foot in a hole. The verdict was of accidental death.
Obituary. Eileen Flynn died on 17 December as the result of an accident. She was the daughter of Mr & Mrs M. Flynn of Broken Hill and had been staying with her cousins Mr & Mrs Kilderry of Booborowie. She was aged 17.
XXXXIII, 51, 21 Dec. 1921, page 4
Mrs J.M. McBride was given a farewell social in the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School on 13 December. She had been a regular attendant and consistent church member during her 18 years in the town. Reference was made to both her own work for the church and the generosity of her late husband. The Sunday school class presented her with a box of six daintily embroidered linen handkerchiefs. John Drew made a presentation on behalf of the congregation and handed over a cheque for an easy chair for her new home. Rev. Haslam also expressed his sense of loss at her departure.
The Christmas Carol Festival at the Institute on Thursday drew a large crowd. There was an orchestra of 20 and chorus of 135. It was a good performance, if a little less polished than usual for Mr Dane’s work, having been rehearsed for only three weeks. We cannot compliment the audience for their meagre applause, which was not in keeping with the complimentary remarks heard afterwards. Of the gross proceeds of £47-8-3 the Institute will benefit by £38-6-9.
XXXXIII, 51, 21 Dec. 1921, Christmas Supplement of 4 pages.
Story: The Square of Chance, Hair of the Field by Randolph Bedford
Poem: The Wallaby Track by Walter Mahony.
Poem: 1922 by J. Aitken Brown.
Humorous Notes: The Sanity of the Insane by E.L. Bacon
A column of Christmas Customs.
Story: When Twins Get Tangled by L.E. Adams.
Riddles.
Story: The Legend of Whispering Gully by Gordon Bennett.
Full page 1922 Calendar.
Characteristics of the 1921 paper.
Page 1
Large advertisements, mostly local.
Page 2
Smaller advertisements, sales notices, public notices (especial about local activities). The news generally begins on page 2, but sometimes not till page 3.
Page 3
Rarely any editorial, but a good deal of local news in considerable detail fills most of this page and usually begins on page 2. A few large local advertisements.
Page 4.
Some news is common and some advertisements both large and small and sometimes humorous and general interest articles from elsewhere that are largely padding.
In general the paper contained a great deal of local news and was a good record of the life of the town for the period.
Numbering of Issues in 1921
The year began with Volume XXXXIII Number 1 on 5 January 1921.
And continued to Volume XXXXIII Number 51 on 21 December 1921.
XXXXIII, 51 (2), 4 Jan. 1922 [This is a mistake for XXXXIV, 1]
Page 1
Advertisements
Walker & Sons Drapery, Clothing & Footwear, Kooringa
S.M. Lane Sadler & Ironmonger, Kooringa
C.J. Pearce & Son Furniture, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers & Undertakers, Commercial St
Glenister & Sams Burra Motor Garage, Dodge Agency, Commercial St
P.E. Wilson Agent for F.A. Cleveland & Sons Monumental Masons of Adelaide, Vineyard Tce, Kooringa
F. Knowles Proprietor, Burra Hotel
R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer, ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa
Eyes & Crowle Buick Agents, Commercial St
Hammond’s Tailoring, Kooringa
C.J. Pearce & Son Agent for William Darby & Son, Monumental Masons of Payneham, Broken Hill, Mt Gambier & Pt Pirie
G. Lawn & Co. Butchers & Smallgoods Dealers, Market Square
Elder Smith & Co. Ltd Stock & Station Agents, Auctioneers, Woolbrokers etc.
Agent for Commercial Union Insurance Co.
Emilie Clark Proprietor, Commercial Hotel
Fred Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen
Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer
N.J. Tiddy Draper etc., Aberdeen
Page 2
Advertisements
A.L. Bence Burra Auction Mart, opposite Eyes & Crowle’s
Auctioneer & Commission Agent
Wicklein’s Burra Jeweller’s Shop
W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Clothier & Outfitter, Commercial St
Drew & Crewes Universal Providers, Kooringa
Miss G. Turner Dressmaker, Aberdeen
E.A. Mummery Dentist, every Friday at Pearce’s Building
W.A. H. Peak Kingston St Wood & Chaff Mills
Carpenter’s ‘Dinkum’ Fruit Store & Dressed Poultry, Kooringa
Pederson & Sons Boot & Shoe Store
Emma McDonald Proprietor Kooringa Hotel
C.G. Attrill Cab Proprietor, c/o Kooringa Hotel
Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd Auctioneers
Bennett & Fisher Ltd Auctioneers
L.H. Foote Estate Agent
W. Thomas & Co. Ltd Burra Burra Roller Mills, Aberdeen
W.A.H. Peak Agent for Australasian Implement & House Furnishing Co.
Page 3
Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen
R. Urwin & Sons Kooringa
F. Spencer Jeweller, Kooringa
Edwin J. Harris The Corner Store, General Store-keeper & Fruiterer, Market Square
SA Farmers’ Union The Modern Store for Everything, Kooringa
Page 4
Advertisements
Bennett & Fisher Ltd Auctioneers
P.W. Temby Proprietor, Bon Accord Hotel, Aberdeen: Motor Car for hire.
XXXXIII, 51 (2), 4 Jan. 1922, page 2 [This is a mistake for XXXXIV, 1]
Obituary. James Thomas, father of James Thomas, of Aberdeen and late of Wallinga Mt Bryan East, died at Burra hospital 21 December 1921 aged 84.
He was born at Forestgate Cornwall in 1837 and baptised in the Anglican Church at Redruth, Cornwall. As a young boy he was sent to work in the Tresavane Mine and in 1848 the family sailed to Australia in the William Honey. They came to Burra where he was set to work driving two horses at a water whim and then with a horse and dray. Later he was a stockman looking after the mine horses. He then drove bullocks for his father carting timber to the Burra Mine. Still later he carted ironstone from Ironmine to the smelting works. Eventually he got a holding at Mt Bryan and when this proved too small he moved to Banbury and then Mt Bryan East, where he lived for 40 years. Many years ago he was a member of the Mutual Improvement Assoc. and he was fond of music and singing. He was a founding member of the Hallett DC and had been a Chairman. [Though not quite clear, the writer implies he had been a member of the Mt Bryan DC and perhaps the Burra DC as well.] He married Miss [Mary] Pengilley [8 January 1859] of Kooringa, the daughter of Mrs William Penrose, who died some nine years ago. He was a staunch supporter of the Mt Bryan East Methodist Church. He is survived by three sons: John Thomas, Rev. Joseph Thomas of NSW and James Thomas of Aberdeen. A fourth son, William, died two years ago. During his life he twice revisited Cornwall.
Burra Rifle Club. Scratch men competed with scratch men from Wasleys, Watervale, Spalding, Auburn & Clare at Clare on 2 January. A.P. Harris won the competition over 500 & 600yds with 64, defeating Herbert Riggs also on 64 by getting a bull at the last range. Mr Harris also recently won a billiards tournament at the Burra Hotel.
Hampton Court Girls Sports Day was held on 26 December and the town clergy and members of the Soldiers’ Aid Society attended with other friends. 30 prizes were competed for.
Mrs Ann Jones of Hampton, widow of the late Evan Jones, is 91 today and still lives alone.
[Her children are listed, but are rather illegible and are retrieved from birth registrations & M. Satchell’s database.]
The children are: Mr John Jones of Teetulpa (13 March 1859), Mr Lewis Jones of Broken Hill (18 September 1864), Sarah Ann, Mrs Ullmann of WA (28 February 1857) & Hesther, Mrs Simmons of Mt Bryan East (22 February 1862).
Burra Sporting & Athletic Club held its annual sports on Monday at Victoria Park. A good program drew a good attendance in fine weather. Results are printed.
Obituary & Railway Accident
James King, an employee of the SAR at Hallett, was injured on Thursday last when caught between the buffers of two trucks. He died on Friday. He was the son of Mrs R. Sharpe of Kooringa and leaves a widow, the daughter of James Osborne of Hallett, and a 15-year-old daughter. [Born 10 June 1883 at Mt Bryan: died 30 December 1921 at Hallett.]
XXXXIII, 51 (2), 4 Jan. 1922, page 3 [This is a mistake for XXXXIV, 1]
Mt Bryan Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is nearing completion and the cause was helped by a concert given by Miss Milligan’s pupils on 14 December.
Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes entertained the Leighton children at a Christmas tree at the hall on 21 December.
Burra Bowls members went to Adelaide for a tournament last week and entered the fours competition. W.R. Chambers, P. Rosman, A.S. Martin & W.H. Sandland met with three successive victories before business called Mr Rosman away and Mr Marston took his place and they were then beaten by Sturt.
The Annual Hospital Christmas Tree went off very well on 22 December organised by Miss Kathleen Sandland who came from Adelaide for the event. Mrs J. C. Sandland and Miss Nellie Sandland also worked to make it a success.
The Case of John Rowe (16), who was recently sent to Magill Reformatory by Messrs E.W. Crewes and M.A. Radford for obtaining money by false pretences, has been taken on appeal to the State children’s Council and the order was overturned. As the lad was half-witted and it was a first offence the Council deemed it called for clemency on the father undertaking to care for him and arranging employment.
XXXXIII, 51 (2), 4 Jan. 1922, page 4 [This is a mistake for XXXXIV, 1]
Burra Town Council, 17 December
The Mayor suggested tar dressing from Eyes & Crowle’s to the Commercial St Bridge.
There were complaints of cattle in the streets and of a calf being kept in the reserve near Railway Terrace.
Cr Collins drew a laugh when he said one of Drew & Crewes’ horses was one of the worst offenders.
The Inspector said he had been trying to catch it. The Mayor (Mr Crewes) said he would not know the firm’s horse if he saw it.
Cr Bartholomaeus suggested getting the use of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis’s yards for a pound, but the Mayor said he had heard they were to be pulled down and the site used for building and Cr Collins said he had enquired and the firm would not hear of it.
There was some discussion over unemployment in the town and whether the Council was doing its best in this regard.
Cr Collins thought tarring the footpath on one side of the road from Miss Bentley’s to the station was extravagant, as it got little use.
Local Board of Health
Dr Ashton is to be asked to comply with the request to state the nature of the disease and sign the order of admission when sending a patient to hospital. He had recently failed to do so for a diphtheria patient who had required isolation.
Burra Show. Essays on the show by school children are printed from Jack Pederson & Jessie McNeil both of Kooringa and by Clara Pohlner of Hallett.
XXXXIV, 2, 11 Jan. 1922, page 2
Advt. H. Cox & Son have opened a Harness, Saddlery, Bicycle Repairing, and Motor & Buggy Trimming Business next to Ridgway’s Store in Aberdeen.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School children have given up this year’s picnic on 26 January and instead have sent £10 to the Starving Children of Europe Fund.
Obituary. Mrs Collins, wife of Richard Collins of Mt Bryan, died in Adelaide on 6 January aged 64.
[More details next issue.]
Obituary. Mr George Hanlin of Tuilkilkey Station via Terowie died on Monday. He was a pioneer pastoralist since the mid 1850s, starting with bullock driving from Burra to Kapunda. He was born in Northern Ireland 10 March 1839. His second wife died 27 years ago. A family of four sons and six daughters survives. [Died 8 January 1822 aged 82.]
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
A meeting Tuesday of last week heard that work was nearing completion. The remaining parts have reached Adelaide and erection should be completed in about three weeks. The bronze statue has been on view in A.W. Dobbie & Co.’s window in Adelaide for some weeks. It is said to be the largest piece of statuary attempted in SA and weighs 101⁄2cwt.
W.J. Jarrett was farewelled last Wednesday from St Mary’s, where he has been organist. For 18 months he has been teller at the Bank of Australasia and now moves to Adelaide. He was also interested in cricket.
Salvation Army. Captain B. Bland & Lieut. E. Thomas, who have been in charge of the local corps, have been moved on and were farewelled on Thursday. Capt. Bland was given a handbag and Lieut. Thomas a suede letter and correspondence sachet. Their replacements are Captain H. Heathwood and J. Ridland (late AIF).
A Severe Dust Storm on Tuesday 3 January was followed by a cool change and 35 points of rain.
XXXXIV, 2, 11 Jan. 1922, page 3
Burra Institute AGM.
In 1921 the alterations and additions by Messrs James King & Sons costing £1,199 were completed. 9ft was added to the floor of the hall accommodating an extra 81 plus an additional 97 tip-up chairs in the new dress circle. Painting and re-decorating was done by D. Jones and the new seating was supplied by James Marshall & Co. The hall was reopened on 15 March and the donation of the film takings that night of £29-10-8 by Theatregraph Pictures was appreciated. So too was the donation from Mr Dane’s Christmas Concert on 15 December when Theatregraph Pictures joined him in raising £36-6-9 for the Institute.
By the end of 1921 there were 5,526 books in the library.
The card catalogue of the library has virtually been completed.
Subscribers: December 31 1920 Double 32
Single 211
243
December 31 1921 Double 36
Single 228
264
The year began in credit £143-5-3 and ended in debit £7-7-4, which is very good considering the expenditure: Bruce & Harrad Architects £102-4-6
James Marshall & Co. (Chairs) £251-12-6
And with renovations etc. total of £1,034-14-4
The lighting plant has served well and costs 1/8 per night to run.
Mr F.E. Meleng, Secretary of the Institutes Assoc. of Sa visited and said the Institute was one of the best outside Adelaide. Elected: President: C.D. Wilkinson
Vice-President L.S. Penrose
Treasurer E.J. Davey
Hon. Sec. J. Drew
Booborowie Methodist Manse. Last week Mr O. Nelson moved into the new four-roomed stone manse in the town, which was built by C. & T. Tiver (masons) and Edgar Pearce (carpenter).
Colleano’s All Star Circus will play on 11 January on Brewery Flat near the school. It will arrive by special train early that day.
Burra Cup Race Meeting will be held on 28 January. The main race will be the Burra Cup (a handicap event over 11⁄4 miles) with the winner to get £100 and a cup worth £25. There will be six other races.
XXXXIV, 2, 11 Jan. 1922, page 4
Miss Edith Bubb, matron of Hampton Court, writes to thank all who gave donations and Christmas gifts etc.
Rose Pearce acknowledges donations to Minda Home.
Burra Town Council, 3 January
A series of minor works were discussed and approved.
Local Board of Health
Dr Ashton wrote saying the disease referred to last meeting in a patient he sent to the hospital was acute pharyngitis and the swab results were negative.
Cr Kellaway said this did not alter the fact that the hospital was given no indication whether the child should be isolated or not.
The Town Clerk said Dr Ashton had been notified accordingly.
The Mine Pool water is to be tested for safety for swimming.
XXXXIV, 3, 18 Jan. 1922, page 2
Advt. Lester’s Perfect Pictures at the Institute, 24 January.
Mary Pickford in The Hoodlum
Lucille Lee Stewart in The Eleventh Commandment
Harold Lloyd in Before Breakfast
Advt. Burra & District Seaside Trip to Semaphore 11 February
First train departs Burra 5.25 a.m.
Train leaves Hallett 5.15 a.m. and leaves Burra 5.50 a.m.
Fares from Burra 7/6 and from Hallett or Mt Bryan 9/-. Children under 14 half price.
Obituary. Emily Mary Collins, wife of R. Collins of Mt Bryan, died 6 January in Adelaide aged 64.
[Born Emily Mary Hine 5 September 1857 at Allen Creek: death registered as Edith Mary Collins.]
Editorial on the Burra Hospital X-ray Machine
This has been considered by the Board for some time at a cost of £410. Red Cross gave £150 in consideration of the town’s patriotic efforts during the war. I.J. Warnes has now promised the balance of £260. The cost of setting up a room for the machine will be taken from the Henry Thomas Bequest. The late Mr H.H. Thomas bequeathed £200 to the hospital in five yearly instalments. Another person who had intended to leave a bequest has agreed to pay the sum intended at once if the Thomas bequest is used as a lump sum and this donation will be used for an isolation ward.
XXXXIV, 3, 18 Jan. 1922, page 3
Burra High School
Senior Public Exams: Jack Pederson, English & Geography
Tom Lafsky, Modern History, Algebra
Senior Commercial: Gilbert Gillett, Book-keeping, Geography, Economics
Burra & District Horticulture
H.A. Byles of Koomooloo Ponderosa Tomato of 33oz
Ida Allen Dahlia
The Salvation Army welcomed Captains H. Heathwood and J. Ridland (late AIF).
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. The work is nearing completion in Market Square and a derrick some 50ft high has been erected. All the material is now in Burra including the bronze figure. All subscribers who have not yet sent in their amounts are asked to do so.
Grasshoppers. In many cases farmers are putting their losses due to grasshoppers at two bags per acre.
Fire at Mt Bryan East on 11 January burnt grass on Mr Melrose’s, Mr Dunstan’s, Mr George Tiver’s and Dare Bros. properties. In the evening a break away consumed Mrs Webber’s paddocks and E. Wilks’ crop was only saved by rain. B.H.K. Dunstan lost most fencing, half his grass and over 100 sheep. Others lost grass and fencing. H. Tralaggan lost 12 bags of wheat, though about 170 bags were saved. Over 3,000 acres were burnt, but all homesteads were saved, though some were threatened.
Cricket. At Mt Bryan on Saturday: Mt Bryan 189 defeated Kooringa 129.
Burra Hospital Board, last Thursday
Mr Warnes on behalf of a committee said that both the Chief Secretary and the Inspector General of hospitals required a decision on whether the hospital was to be a Subsidised Hospital or a Government Charitable Hospital. If the former then the Corporation [Town Council] and the surrounding area [the District Councils] would need to raise 2⁄3 of the cost. If the latter the Government would find all the money, but the hospital would then treat only charity cases. The Inspector General thought it had to be a Subsidised Hospital. Mr Warnes agreed and he so moved. Seconded by Mr Wheare.
Mr Crewes favoured postponing a decision for a full board, but others said the matter had been around for a long time and other members had plenty of notice to attend. The motion passed unanimously.
XXXXIV, 4, 25 Jan. 1922, page 3
Editorial on Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
The memorial is now complete except for the finishing touches. The figure was put in place on Thursday evening [19 January]. The unveiling is due in February and in all probability the Prime Minister Mr Hughes will perform the ceremony. The PM has said he will do his utmost to accept the invitation in about six weeks. An appeal has been made for all to send in promised funds and for further donations to cover extra expenses.
Burra Athletic Club was formed last Monday week [17 January] to hold a sports day on Easter Saturday at Victoria Park. President, F. Knowles; Secretary, Mr Birnell. Prizes will be offered up to £20 for the Allcomers Sheffield.
University Junior Public Exams. There were three Burra candidates:
Elsie Tiver (daughter of Edgar Tiver of Hallett): English Literature, Geography, Algebra, Geometry & Physics.
Hugh Dunstan (son of B.H.K. Dunstan of Mt Bryan East): Arithmetic, History, Geography, Algebra, Geometry & Physics.
Dora Rosewall (daughter of John Rosewall of Kooringa): English Literature, History, Geography & Physics.
Obituary. T.P. Goodridge of Gum Creek died suddenly on 24 January of heart failure.
[More details next issue.]
Fire. Messrs John Collins & Sons also lost grass and fencing in the recent fire at Mt Bryan East.
Booborowie Anglican Church. A meeting proposed a dance at the Memorial Hall on 17 January to raise money for an Anglican Church at Booborowie. The dance was very successful.
Burra Show Society, Committee meeting 20 January
A minute recorded the appreciation of the society for the work of the late E.N. Finch.
Various matters pertaining to improving the show were raised.
There was discussion about the Dog Trials and the possibility of holding them early in April or May. This was approved in principal. The Dog Trials Association will arrange dates.
XXXXIV, 4, 25 Jan. 1922, page 4
Aberdeen Football Club held its annual wind-up meeting in Jubilee Hall on 18 January. Speeches were interspersed with items. This year the club was successful in winning the premiership, the Association Shield and the Gallagher Trophy. During the year the Association adopted the rules and method of deciding the premiership from the Yorke’s Peninsula Association. Norman Fuss won the medal for most brilliant and consistent player. Financially things are not so good: expenses exceeded income by £3-11-6 – due mainly to the payment of travelling expenses to players.
During the year the Chairman Mr Charles Fuss died and his sound advice to players will be sadly missed.
Also a scoreboard was erected at Aberdeen.
A benefit match raised £10-9-0 for the Sedgman family and £4-1-1 went to the Ambulance Fund.
The Temby medal was presented.
The President Mr Gallagher was presented with a photograph as a memento – single bust photos of members of the winning team 5” x 4” and off officials.
W.J. McDonald as Chairman of the Association then presented the Captain Francis Bernhardt with the Gallagher Trophy.
Mr P. Bice who has been in charge of the Telephone Dept. at Burra for six years was given a farewell last Wednesday on his transfer to Adelaide. He was presented with a smoker’s outfit.
A New Motor Vehicles Act came into effect on 21 December 1921 and some of its provisions are printed.
XXXXIV, 5, 1 Feb. 1922, page 2
Advt. Ironmine Tennis Club. Opening of the New Courts 4 February, to be performed by Mrs I.J. Warnes.
XXXXIV, 5, 1 Feb. 1922, page 3
Obituary. Thomas Palmer Goodridge aged 70 died at Gum Creek on 24 January. He was the husband of Elizabeth and the father of Mrs G. Gilbert, Mrs P. Honeychurch and Thomas Goodridge.
[Born 18 April 1851 in Dorset, England. More details next issue.]
Obituary. Edna Florence Turner, daughter of William and the late Julia Turner, died on 24 January aged 18 years 11 months. [Born 2 February 1903.]
Explosion. On Wednesday evening 25 January the gas lamp on Lewis’s Bridge in Commercial St exploded and a tremendous concussion was felt by all neighbours. The only damage to the lamp was blowing off the lid of the generator. No one was injured.
Assault. On Race Night, following an argument, Ernest Charles Roberts, labourer of Springbank, was knocked down and had to be taken to Burra Hospital with cuts and a slight concussion.
Fire Brigade. Superintendent Ducker and the Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade have visited and approved the site for the Burra Fire Station, adjacent to P. Dower’s house in Market Square. H.R. Bosisto has been appointed foreman and Messrs Walter Lee, F. Highett & E. French firemen.
Obituary. John Fradd died at Copperhouse on 26 January aged 82. He was born at Morgan, Cornwall and arrived in SA in 1857 and lived for about 50 years at Sod Hut, retiring to Copperhouse about 12 years ago. For some years he was Superintendent of Copperhouse Sunday School. His wife died some years ago. The family comprises three sons and four daughters: J.D. Fradd (Smithfield), W.P. Fradd (Beetaloo), F. Fradd (Broken Hill), Mrs T. Lomman (Copperhouse), Mrs H.D. Edwards (Prospect), Mrs T. Bosence (Broken Hill) & Miss E. Fradd (Copperhouse).
Accident/Obituary. On 24 January Mr Alfred Elliott was working at Canowie on a ploughing contract using a disc cultivator. While attending to the machinery the horses started and he was run over and terribly injured. He died before reaching the Jamestown Hospital. He was a single man aged about 39. [Death registered as Alf Elliott 24 January 1922 aged 40.]
The Burra Races. The Burra Cup was run last Saturday in cool, but windy conditions, which raised an almost unbearable dust. Acceptances were down and together with some scratchings the fields were rather small. The Burra Cup was won by Mr J. Richardson’s Money Spider ridden by F. Wright. Other results are printed. The gate of £214 was £9 down on last year.
Burra Rifle Club last Monday: Burra 712 defeated Eudunda 707.
Cricket. Last Monday Terowie 216 defeated Kooringa 52.
XXXXIV, 5, 1 Feb. 1922, page 4
Burra Boys’ Gymnasium Club continues to be successful. 13 boys have learned to swim the width of the Mine Pool. Average attendance there was c. 30. The Town Council has lent two lifebuoys. About 20 young men were active in the gymnasium class. An effort to form a football club is being made. Mr Bernhardt has resigned as secretary to be succeeded by W. Wade.
XXXXIV, 6, 8 Feb. 1922, page 2
Marriage. On 14 January at Maughan Church Adelaide
Ernest Walker Harding, third son of Mr & the late W. Harding of Tungkillo married
Isabel Jean Rosewall, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Joseph Rosewall of Kooringa.
[Reported at length on page 3.]
Obituary. Emma Hockley, third surviving daughter of Isabel & the late William Baynes, died 5 February at her mother’s residence at Booborowie aged 32. [More details on page 3.]
XXXXIV, 6, 8 Feb. 1922, page 2-3
Editorial on Noxious Weeds
XXXXIV, 6, 8 Feb. 1922, page 3
Electric Light. Another representative of a firm has visited and is preparing a plan to light the whole town for c. £5,000. The Mayor intends to form a public company to run a scheme. Burra at present is one of the worst lit towns in the state and one of the problems according to Cr Collins is ‘the jealousy between the two ends of the town’. The Mayor did not accept that and said it had been a matter of cost.
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. The PM Mr Hughes has promised to unveil the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. The Mayor said he hoped to get the PM to speak that night at the Institute and that the Council would give him a civic reception. The Council endorsed the Mayor’s plans and also agreed that the Chairmen of the various DCs and members of the RSL be asked to attend. The Ladies Band would be in attendance, assisted by some of the returned boys.
Oscar Oates of Mongolata had a narrow escape on Friday night last when his Ford car caught alight on his way home. The body was totally destroyed.
Obituary. Mrs I.A. Hockley aged 32, who died at her mother’s home at Booborowie on Sunday, resided at Semaphore and was the third surviving daughter of Mrs and the late William Baynes.
[Born Emma Baynes 11 June 1889 at Baldina.]
Obituary. Thomas Palmer Goodridge who died 24 January was born at Hinton Martle in Dorset, England in April 1852 and came to Australia with his parents when 12 in the Sir John Lawrence. He was apprenticed at 16 to W. Uhllmann as a butcher and later worked for the late G.A. Gebhardt. He then worked for farmers and at 24 married Miss Elizabeth Whellum of Black Springs and returned to butchering, working for W. Symons and M. Symonds. In 1891 he went to live at Gum Creek with his father. He took little part in public affairs, but had at one time been a Councillor on the Hanson DC. He was a keen gardener and supporter of the Ironmine Methodist Church. He leaves a widow, one son and two daughters: T.E. Goodridge (Gum Creek), Mrs H. Gilbert (Black Springs) & Mrs P. Honeychurch (Emu Downs).
Burra & District Horticulture
T. Fuller Sturt Peas
Bertram Scholz of Leighton, son of Frederick Scholz, passed the Junior Commercial Certificate with 8 subjects and gained two credits.
Kooringa Methodist Church held a well-attended service for young men last Sunday.
World’s End Methodist Church held its Harvest Thanksgiving very successfully last Sunday.
‘Interested’ of Farrell’s Flat writes condemning the apathy at that place which allows, indeed encourages, the local cows etc. to eat the young trees at the recreation ground and to roam the streets and also allows young lads to chop down the planted trees etc.
Burra Town Council, 6 February
The Salvation Army was granted the use of Victoria Park for a picnic.
Cr Kellaway moved that the Pig & Whistle Ford be repaired provided that West Ward contributes £50 of the estimated £100 cost for two 4ft pipes 15ft long. Carried.
Council will fill in at the base of the Soldiers’ Memorial and make it presentable.
Cr Collins said when Mr James had completed his purchase of the old Smelts property he would consider suggestions for a pound on the site. It was resolved that he be approached on the matter.
Messrs Walker & Sons will be asked to improve the appearance of their property in Market Square.
The cost of the Fire Station is estimated to be £300.
Ironmine Tennis Courts were opened last Saturday by Mrs I.J. Warnes. In the match that followed Ironmine 9-77 defeated Booborowie 8-78.
XXXXIV, 6, 8 Feb. 1922, page 4
Tennis. At Aberdeen last Saturday: Hallett 12-91 defeated Aberdeen 6-74.
XXXXIV, 7, 15 Feb. 1922, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 16 February. The Costume Comedy Company will appear in an attractive program headed by Lieut. Hamilton and his Doll McGinty, also Jack Clarke etc.
XXXXIV, 7, 15 Feb. 1922, page 3
The Seaside Trip to Semaphore was held on Saturday 11 February when about 1,500 residents from Burra, Hallett, Mt Bryan, Hanson, Farrell’s Flat, Merilden and Manoora took advantage of the two trains to the seaside. About 1,000 left on the first train from Burra. The day was very hot.
Burra Hospital should have its X-ray plant installed and operational in about two to three weeks. It has been decided that the H. Thomas bequest has to be kept intact and so Mr Warnes has offered to pay for the conversion of a room for the machine. This is in addition to his £260 donation towards the cost of the machine.
Burra Mine. There is a rumour that a £1 million company is to buy and restart the old mine.
Weather. The longest heat wave for 65 years broke on Monday morning.
Obituary. Arthur Hutson [Resident of Booborowie] died at Burra Hospital on 14 February aged 64. He was the son of the late T. Hutson, blacksmith of Kooringa. He spent his life working on local stations.
[Born Arthur William Hutson 3 March 1858 at Adelaide.]
Bowls. On Saturday Burra 118 defeated Jamestown 64.
A Liberal Union Meeting on Friday was not well attended. [Reported in 1 column.]
‘Also Interested’ writes endorsing the claim of apathy at Farrell’s Flat and the lack of support for working bees and other improvement ideas.
‘Spero’ contributes a letter of over 1⁄2 column strongly arguing for prohibition.
Marriage. At Booborowie Methodist Church 11 February.
Ethel may Willmott, third daughter of Mr & Mrs Willmott of Booborowie, married
Leslie Morrison of Adelaide.
XXXXIV, 7, 15 Feb. 1922, page 4
Redruth Court, 7 February
Annie Seal, licensee of the Royal Exchange Hotel, was fined £8-10-6 including costs for selling liquor during prohibited hours.
John Richard Field was fined £1 + £3-14-6 costs for driving a horse with a sore shoulder.
XXXXIV, 8, 22 Feb. 1922, page 2
Advt. For Sale: General Store and Private Residence. Store in Market Square and Residence in Chapel St, next to the Methodist Church. Six large rooms, enclosed back verandah and a fine corner block adjoining. C. Streicher, Kooringa.
Birth. On 23 January to Mr & Mrs Alf Nelson, late AIF, a son, Jack.
[Given that the mother was born in Kooringa, this may refer to the birth of John Alfred Lawrence Nilson to Alfred John Harold Nilson and Margaret Mary nee Turner at Largs Bay on the date specified.]
Obituary. Carl J.C. Gebhardt died at Kooringa 16 February aged 85. [See more next page.]
Kooringa Methodist Harvest Festival was held last Sunday.
XXXXIV, 8, 22 Feb. 1922, page 3
Obituary. Carl J.C. Gebhardt who died at the Burra Hospital was born in 1836 and came to Australia when about 15. He came to the Burra district where he and a brother carried on a butchering business before taking up farming near Aberdeen. He retired to Aberdeen. He was unmarried.
[Carl Joseph Christoph Gebhardt died 16 February 1922 at Kooringa, residence Aberdeen.]
Obituary. On 4 February Mr Horace Kemble found the body of a swagman on the southern boundary of Block 112 Mongolata. The body was near water in Newikie Ck and was shaded. It is thought sunstroke was the cause of death. The man has not so far been identified. He appears to have been about 60, 5’8” tall, bald with grey hair on the back of his head and with a grey moustache. [Not identified at registration.]
St Mary’s Harvest Festival services were held on 1 February.
Thunderstorms are now all around the area and some places have had heavy falls, but so far Burra remains dry.
The Salvation Army celebrated 38 years in Burra on 18 February. Its start here on 18 February 1884 was just three years after it reached Australia. Very large meetings celebrated the event in the Hall on Saturday & Sunday last. The Redruth [Methodist] Choir assisted on Saturday and a fine supper followed.
[Personal interest: the choir included R. Fuss.]
Cricket. On Saturday at Victoria Park: Kooringa 168 defeated South Booborowie 95.
[The South Booborowie team could muster only about 6 and had to be supplemented by locals.]
J.E. Pelsion writes condemning those who have complained of young people’s Sunday tennis at Booborowie.
‘A Cricketer’ writes wondering why the Mt Bryan Cricket Club gets so little mention in the paper.
The editor says he would welcome any reports.
Mrs Pens of Lord’s Well writes denying a rumour that young women there were poisoned by drinking bad wine. No intoxicating drinks were served.
D.C. Jacob writes saying that judging from recent comments in Farrell’s Flat the criticism has jerked the locals into action. He hopes that they will respond to his plan for a fund to improve Duncan Park aimed at:
Making it animal proof
Replanting some trees with more vigorous ones
Erecting a shelter shed.
Burra Town Council, 20 February
Plans for the Fire Station were received.
Tenders to be called for building only.
The Soldiers’ Memorial inscription plates will be in place in about four weeks.
Mr James says yards and troughs to convert the Smelts to a pound cost £20 and he would be willing to act as pound-keeper for £20 p.a. – it was not worth doing it for less.
Cr Collins said the pound fees were sufficient remuneration and the matter was left in abeyance.
Tennis. At Kooringa on Saturday: Hallett 10-95 defeated Kooringa 8-81.
At Copperhouse on 18 February: Aberdeen 9-86 defeated Copperhouse 8-75.
XXXXIV, 9, 1 Mar. 1922, page 3
Miss Florence M. Bell was farewelled from the local Salvation Army corps on Tuesday. She has gone to take up duties at the Salvation Army’s Hostel in Adelaide. She had been in Burra for five years.
Burra High School has a record enrolment of 45 and Mr Biddle has been granted an assistant: Miss Edna Grosvenor.
A.J. McBride writes from England, mainly concerning stock sale prices there.
Burra & District Horticulture
John Barker’s garden Dahlias
H. Earle (Booborowie) Almonds & Grapes
Burra Hospital
The Government Gazette announced this week that the hospital, which was declared a public hospital on 12 April 1877, will now become a subsidised hospital, supported by private subscription, a rate and a Government Subsidy.
The X-ray Room at the hospital will be opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes on 11 March. A large parliamentary party is expected to visit.
‘A Lover of Sport’ writes in response to J.E. Pelsion and against Sunday tennis.
Cricket. At Kooringa on Sunday: Mt Bryan 53 defeated Kooringa 42.
Tennis. On Saturday: Aberdeen 9-70 defeated Copperhouse 6-57.
Burra Railway Station
A case of pilfering by a junior porter is reported in 2⁄3 column. He was fined £10 and narrowly escaped jail, probably due to his previous good character and the support of Rev. Ingamells who paid the fine.
[An unusual case in not naming the accused.]
Croquet Club. On Saturday a match with Clare at Burra resulted in a draw.
Polo. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Mid-North 10 defeated Clare 3.
The Mid-North players were: Cyril & Eric Murray, Ron F. Angus & Ern Barritt.
XXXXIV, 9, 1 Mar. 1922, page 4
Football. On Thursday last an informal discussion took place between representatives of the Kooringa and Aberdeen Clubs and the Gymnasium members. The Gymnasium committee wanted to discuss the possibility of three clubs in the town. Their idea was to take six players from Kooringa, six from Aberdeen and six Gymnasium players to form the new team. Mr Jackson (Gymnasium) said he understood that such a move would involve rescinding some of the rules of the Association and that there would be problems over transfers and clearances.
Mr Moyses said Kooringa had not met this year, but there was some feeling about that if it was going to be Kooringa and Aberdeen this year, Kooringa would not reform and bringing in another team might be wise.
Mr Willshire for Aberdeen said they had no objection to a third team.
The grounds could be Victoria Park.
Discussion ended with general agreement that such a move was possible. The Gymnasium now has to consult its members and apply to the Association.
[It seems strange that there seems to have been little discussion of the six from Kooringa and six from Aberdeen idea.]
XXXXIV, 10, 8 Mar. 1922, page 2
Notice. Church of St Mary, RS & S Fathers’ Association and RSL
The memorial stained glass windows in St Mary’s will be unveiled 12 March.
Notice. Burra Hospital. The X-Ray plant will be opened Saturday 11 March at 2 p.m.
Notice. Redruth Sunday School Building Fund: Antarctic Fair at Burra Institute 17 March.
Advt. Burra Institute 9 March: Freda Cuthbert presents the Pantomime Extravaganza:
A Day in Dog Town.
XXXXIV, 10, 8 Mar. 1922, page 3
Burra Athletic Club is planning a big sports day on Easter Saturday 15 April.
Burra Coursing Club met on 2 March and has decided to ask the NCC for two dates: 5 & 6 June and 7 & 8 August to hold a 24 dog stake at each meeting. Elected were
Patron: H.F. Saunders of Gum Creek
President: F. Knowles
Treasurer: J. Allen
Hon. Sec.: H. Bosisto
Mrs M.A. Gare of Aberdeen was 81 on 3 March.
Accident. On Monday night Mr T. Harrap offered 7 or 8 boys from the Boys’ Club a lift to Kooringa and near the Anglican Church his vehicle collided with that of Mr J. Greenwood Jnr when the latter stopped to give a lift to two other lads. The cart overturned and all were thrown out. Mrs Harrap was badly shaken and lost a thumbnail. The boys were not much hurt except for Justin McCarthy who was unconscious with concussion, but he is recovering well in hospital.
Obituary. The infant son of Mr & Mrs James F.D. Degnan of Pt Augusta was drowned in a dam on the property of A.W. White near Hanson. The couple had been looking after the White’s home while the latter were on holiday. [Kevin Ray Degnan born 7 January 1920 at Pt Augusta: died 6 March 1922 near Hanson, residence Pt Augusta.]
Burra Town Council, 6 March
Council will attend the dedication of the memorial windows in St Mary’s Church on 12 March.
The Fire Brigades Board estimates Council costs for the fire brigade for 1922 at c. £205.
Tenders for the fire brigade building have come in at £450 or £150 over budget. Specifications will be revised to reduce cost.
The Mayor produced a report on the proposed electric light scheme. The cost was estimated at £8,712 and expenditure in the first year of £7,000 was suggested. ‘It estimated the net profits for the first and second year at 101⁄2% interest on £900’. [?] The Mayor said the consent of ratepayers to borrow the money would be needed. After discussion the correspondence was to lie on the table until next meeting.
The Great Eastern Picnic was held on 25 February at Quondong under the patronage of Mr J.H. Gallagher, President. Entertainment and a dance followed. Results of the athletic events are printed.
Bowls. On Saturday Kooringa 101 defeated Aberdeen 89. Martin & Pearse won the pairs tourney.
On Thursday a team of four visited from Mt Barker and beat the locals by 4 points.
Cricket. At Hanson on Saturday Kooringa 55 tied with Hanson 55.
Marriage. At Westbury Methodist Church 28 February
Blanche Lomman, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Tom Lomman of Copperhouse, married
William John Rogers (late AIF), eldest son of Mrs C. Rogers of Kooringa.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 4 March
John Pembroke Steele (late AIF), elder son of Mr & Mrs J. Steele of Croydon, married
Dorothy Hornabrook Crewes, third daughter of Mr & Mrs E.W. Crewes of Kooringa.
Tennis. At Kooringa on Saturday: Ironmine 12-87 defeated Kooringa 7-81.
Aberdeen Football Club AGM was held at Fuss’s shop last Tuesday and was very poorly attended. The club was in credit £3-2-5. It was decided to affiliate with the Burra Association for 1922. Chairman Willshire reported on the meeting with the Gymnasium committee, but it would mean eliminating boundaries for the three Burra teams. Aberdeen delegates are to have a free hand about the three team question at the Association.
Burra State School. A favourable report has been received from Inspector Warren, an extract from which is printed.
XXXXIV, 11, 15 Mar. 1922, page 2
Advt. E.A. Dixon the Dinky Die Saddler has opened a business in the premises recently vacated in Farrell’s Flat by Mr Masters.
Notice. Burra & District Soldiers’ Memorial will be unveiled by the Hon. William Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia, on Wednesday 29 March.
XXXXIV, 11, 15 Mar. 1922, page 3
Marriage. At St Barnabas Church Clare 15 February.
William Humphrey Sandland (Tod), second son of Thomas Sandland of Kooringa, married
Stella Marion Humphris, only daughter of George Lord of Dulwich.
[She had previously married Clarence Houston Humphris 14 December 1904.]
Willie Bass broke and badly crushed two fingers in a platen machine at the Burra Record on Thursday.
J. Rossini, mason of Kooringa, was found unconscious near the Anglican Church on Friday evening. He appears to have been thrown from his horse. The new X-ray machine at the hospital showed several spicules of bone in his brain which have now been removed. His condition remains serious.
Car Accident. On Saturday night in Market Square a car driven by T.H. Woollacott struck Mr Alfred Phillips and knocked him down. Fortunately no bones were broken.
Samuel Baker of Redruth is 82 on 17 March. He was born in Adelaide in 1840.
Mrs Lucy Chant of Redruth was 86 on 13 March. She was born at Stokes in Somerset and came to Australia in April 1855 and married Thomas Chant, living at Salisbury and Auburn before Redruth. She has been a member of Redruth Methodist Church for 61 years.
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. Confirmation has been received that the Prime Minister will unveil the memorial on 29 March.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa B 137 defeated Hanson 26.
Tennis. At Kooringa on Saturday 11 March: Aberdeen 8-63 defeated Kooringa 6-54.
At Ironmine on 11 March: Ironmine 8-87 defeated Hallett 7-81.
Also 11 March: Aberdeen II 11-79 defeated Kooringa II 4-53.
Bowls. A Parliamentary Team visited on Saturday: Burra 82 defeated Parliamentary Team 54.
Booborowie Races were held 11 March and were a great success. Results are printed.
Marriage. Mt Bryan East Methodist Church 22 February
Eva Madge Talbot, second daughter of Mr & Mrs John Talbot of Hallett, married
William Edward Mark Dansie, fifth son of Mr & Mrs E. Dansie of Wirrabara.
Booborowie Railway. A meeting was held in the Booborowie Hall on 6 March chaired by I.J. Warnes. After much discussion it was decided to again petition the Government to build the line from Hanson.
Redruth Court
Norman Pens was fined 10/- + 2/- for being drunk and disorderly.
Norman Pens was fined 10/- + 10/- for disturbing the peace.
James McInerney was fined £1 + 10/- for allowing an unlicensed person (his son) to drive his car.
Alfred Ernest McInerney (c. 18) was fined £1 + 10/- for driving a car without a licence.
Various residents of Manoora & Saddleworth faced charges of carrying firearms on a Sunday with intention of sport – and other related offences.
XXXXIV, 11, 15 Mar. 1922, page 4
St Mary’s Church: Dedication of Memorial Windows
On 12 March at 3 p.m. a special service was held to dedicate three stained glass windows.
The first part of the report details the previous stained glass in the church.
In the chancel the stained glass window by Jones & Willis of London from 1892. This is the McCulloch window representing the crucifixion.
A window to the memory of John Winnall in the chancel wall. This is the oldest window dating from 1871 and was transferred from old St Mary’s on Limestone Hill. [It honours John Winnall who died 16 July 1871. It was made by Edward Brooks and installed in early 1873.]
In the transept the St Luke window is a memorial to Dr Nesbitt who died in 1894. [It was made in 1895 by Montgomery & Grimbly of Adelaide.]
The St John window is in memory of John Sandland who died in 1909. [Made by H.L. Vosz of Adelaide.]
The Martha & Mary window is in memory of Martha Lewis who died in 1894. [Made by Montgomery & Grimbly in Adelaide in 1895. Martha Lewis was first wife of the Hon. John Lewis MLC.]
The ‘Light of the World’ window [based on the Holman Hunt picture] was erected by Dr Carr [sic] to commemorate his wife Kathleen who died in 1911. [Made by H.L. Vosz of Adelaide. Note that the name should be Dr Caw.]
The Loving Shepherd window commemorates Alfred & Priscilla Barker and their grandchildren Priscilla Maude Maclean [d. 1867], Ella McLean [d. 1871] & Hector William Barker [d. 1887]. [The maker is not known.]
Three memorial windows were added on Sunday:
The St George window in the transept which reads: ‘AMDS and in loving memory of Morton Reginald Sandland, born at Koonoona Station and killed in action at Beersheba, on October 31 1917 aged 27 years. Duty nobly done.’ [The maker’s name is not known.]
The great western window of over 150 square feet which is dedicated: ‘To the greater glory of God and in proud memory of Waldemar Robert Hawkes, and those brave and gallant heroes from this parish who gave their lives in the great war 1914-1919’
[This window has four main lights featuring St Edmund, St Alban, St Mark, St Andrew, St Michael, St George, St Faith and St Agnes. There are also three smaller superior lights showing Samuel, David and a heavenly orchestra. It was made by Jones & Willis of London in 1921.]
The St Peter window in the nave commemorates John Bailey who died 3 October 1913 and his wife Elizabeth Dinah Bailey who died 17 April 1920. [Made by Jones & Willis of London in 1921. John Bailey was a farmer at Gum Creek.]
The three windows are said to have cost together c. £1,300.
[Note the corrections and additions in this summary come from St Mary’s Church Burra – The First 150 Years by John Devenport.]
Burra Football Association, Annual Meeting at Burra Institute, Wednesday.
Mr J. Allen was elected Secretary pro tem after E.J. Davey declined to stand again. Other elections were held over. The Association is in credit £1-5-5.
Applications to join came from Mt Bryan, South Booborowie & Burra Gymnasium. South Booborowie was approved. Mt Bryan’s acceptance was moved and seconded, but the report does not say it was carried. Consideration of the Gymnasium application was held over because the Kooringa Club had not yet had a meeting. Meeting adjourned for a fortnight.
XXXXIV, 12, 22 Mar. 1922, page 2
Advt. Burra Show Soc. Sheep Dog Trials, 21 & 22 April.
XXXXIV, 12, 22 Mar. 1922, page 3
Advt. Program for unveiling the Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Wednesday 29 March by the Rt Hon. William Morris Hughes PC KC, Prime Minister of Australia.
Luncheon and Afternoon Tea in the Cheer-up Hall and the former Vivian Lewis Garage by the Salvation Army.
Combined Band of players from The Cheer-up Ladies Band and the Burra Returned Soldiers’ Band under J. Murison.
Addresses in the evening at Burra Institute by the Prime Minister and R.W. Foster, Minister for Works & Railways.
Advt. Revised Fire Brigade plans for tender.
Advt. McKenzie & Co. have bought the business of C. & F. Streicher in Kooringa and will carry on as Grocers, Fruiterers and Confectioners.
Advt. Burra Institute 27 March: Ka-Ma-Te, the Occult Wonder, A Hypnotist of undoubted powers,
Fun without vulgarity. To be followed by a dance.
Advt. Burra Institute 3 April, Grand Ball in aid of Catholic Church Funds.
Advt. Burra Institute 23 March, A Lady Author and Lecturer will give an illustrated lecture:
On the World Before and Since Creation: ‘proving the world to be a flat surface and not a round globe’.
Obituary. William Ricketts aged 83 and who lived between Black Springs and Manoora was found down a 75ft deep well on 18 March. A note on his dining table directed his son to his body. No reason for his suicide is known. In the early days he was a carter between Burra and Kapunda. [William Henry Ricketts]
The Antarctic Fair in aid of the Redruth Methodist Sunday School Building Fund on 17 March at the Institute was very well got up. Rev. E.M. Ingamells explained that the want of accommodation has been felt for many years. Two years ago James Reed said he would give £ for £ up to £1,000 towards the cost of a building and for months now collecting had been going on. Mrs Thomas opened the fair. The fair was a great success and it is anticipated the profit will amount to £270.
Obituary. Charles Goodwin Mayfield aged 17, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Henry Arnold Mayfield, was killed on Saturday morning 18 March from a fractured skull when thrown from his horse. The horse seems to have fallen head first and probably struck the lad with its hoof in recovering. [Born 14 March 1905 at Victor Harbor: died 18 March 1922 at Booborowie North.]
Bowling. On Saturday 18 March: Kooringa 108 defeated Aberdeen 104.
XXXXIV, 12, 22 Mar. 1922, page 4
Burra Hospital
The opening of the X-ray plant attracted a big crowd on the 11th. Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes generously donated £300 towards the cost and the indomitable energy of Dr Steele in promoting the scheme led to this success. Three MPs and the Inspector-General of Hospitals were also present. Mr Winnall said on Sir A. Weigall’s recent visit he had suggested an approach to the Red Cross in view of Burra’s war effort and this resulted in a donation of £150 from that organisation. Mr Winnall invited Mrs Warnes to open the room, which she did after making a very able speech. Dr Steele thanked Mr & Mrs Warnes on behalf of himself and the Hospital Board and also thanked the Red Cross. The MPs, T. Pascoe, T. Hawke & G.F. Jenkins also gave speeches. The Inspector-General of Hospitals, Dr B. H. Morris, also expressed his thanks to Mr & Mrs Warnes and Red Cross, as did Mr Winnall. Mr Warnes made an appropriate response.
Relays of visitors were then invited to witness a demonstration of the machine and were wonderfully thrilled with the results.
[The process described suggests that long exposures to the rays were made, as they talk of seeing the human heart throb and being able to see coins in a clenched fist.]
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Committee
At A meeting on 15 March Dobbie & Sons were denied permission to inscribe their names as makers of the plates – no names other than of the fallen soldiers will appear. The PM will speak at the Institute in the evening. Band arrangements are in hand. Dr Steele said the RSL was arranging a church parade at the unveiling and they hoped to have a padre from each denomination present. Rev. J.H. Nield and Rev. F.H. Durnfield were expected. Official invitations have gone to General Leane, the Military Commandant, the Honorary Architect Mr Makin, Professor Henderson, the contractors, Members for the District, Senator Newland, the Acting Premier & the Leader of the Opposition.
Business places are asked to close and school children to attend. Decorations are to be purple and white.
The Mayor said Mr Hughes will be presented with a gold mounted piece of malachite to the value of £5. The committee decided this was outside their scope and a matter for the civic authorities.
Tennis. Saturday: Aberdeen 14-97 defeated Booborowie 4-50.
Burra Athletic Club met 13 March to consider whether the holding of sports on Easter Saturday was wise in view of people leaving the district for the holiday, but eventually it was decided to go ahead.
Kooringa Football Club AGM was held at J. Allen’s rooms last Wednesday. The decision was made to carry on 1n 1922 and to join the Burra Association. Elected were Patron, S.M. Lane; President, W.R. Chambers; Hon. Sec. J. Allen pro tem till the next meeting. The Chairman, W. Moyses said he felt the proposed Gymnasium Club would make the other two town teams very weak. Mr Norman said that if Kooringa joined the Association the Gymnasium team would not: the proposal had only been made in the first place to keep the sport going [in the event that Kooringa decided not to continue.] Victoria Park will be the home ground.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 15 March.
John Oliver Earle, late AIF, son of Mr & Mrs G.H. Earle of Booborowie, married
Catherine (Cassie) Parker, 3rd daughter of Mr & Mrs George Parker of Leighton.
D.C. Jacob writes applauding the enthusiasm sparked in Farrell’s Flat following recent letters. The park is now fenced and looking wonderful. [The uncertain tone of the letter does, however, leave you wondering just how much enthusiasm there was, or how long-lasting it would be.]
XXXXIV, 13, 29 Mar. 1922, page 3
Advt. Burra Institute 30 March. Leon the Wonder Man [Hypnotist] supported by members of the Armless Artist Company.
Obituary. Harriet Sampson, wife of the late Thomas Sampson and eldest daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Rosewall of Burra, died in Boulder WA on 17 March aged 57. [Born Harriet Rosewall 31 May 1864 at Karkulto Mine.]
Obituary. Ann Jones, wife of the late Evan Jones, died at Hampton 22 March 1922 aged 91. She was the mother of Mrs Ullman of WA, Mrs John Jones of Mannahill, Mrs C. Simmons of Mt Bryan East and Mr Lewis Jones of Broken Hill. There are 18 grandchildren & 20 great-grandchildren. [See next issue.]
Ruby Morgan (c. 8), youngest daughter of Mr Herbert Morgan of Mongolata, met with a burning accident on Friday when her overalls caught fire. Both arms and one leg were badly burnt, but her sister promptly put out the fire with water.
Rev. Ingamells entertained the Hampton Court girls at a pleasant evening on 20 March with music, games and supper. This has become an annual event by the resident Methodist minister.
Percy Pederson attempted to lower the present record for travel to Broken Hill by car. He left Adelaide at 6 a.m. on Tuesday and swept through Burra at 8.11 a.m. He reached King’s Well at 8.50 and by 9.40 was at Braemar and at 10.20 he took petrol at Lilydale. He was driving a light Overland car. He is a Burra boy: the thirds son of Mr & Mrs M. Pederson of Kooringa and is employed by Auto Cars Ltd. There is no further news as we go to press.
Fire at Mr B.A. Clapper’s homestead on Monday destroyed a haystack, sheds, implements, car, etc. to the value of over £1,000. Only the car and haystack were insured. [Three places in the same article refer to him as Mr Clapp.]
Cricket. At Mt Bryan 25 March. Mt Bryan B 80 defeated Kooringa B 56.
Bowls. A team of 16 visited Jamestown on Saturday and Burra 108 defeated Jamestown 89.
Leighton Athletic Sports Club held its annual sports on 22 March and was very successful. Total receipts were c. £85 and they will aid Leighton Hall. Results are printed.
Tennis. At Booborowie Saturday 25 March: Ironmine 11-84 defeated Booborowie 6-74.
XXXXIV, 13, 29 Mar. 1922, page 4
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church 15 March.
Austil H. Richards, eldest son of Mr & Mrs T.E. Richards of Hallett married
Kathleen J. Seigert, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs D. Seigert of Hallett.
Burra Town Council 20 March.
Resolved not to act on the electricity offer to cover lighting of main streets only for £5,000 until such an offer is made officially. [Rather than in a letter to the Mayor.]
Mr Bosisto reported he had £50 in cash and £25 in promises towards the construction of a Fire Station.
Fresh tenders for a Fire Station to be called.
Arrangements made for a civic reception for the Prime Minister.
The trophy gun will be painted.
The tarred roads are proving slippery for horses and Mr Crewes said Adelaide had the same problem.
Parliamentary Party Visits Booborowie.
The Parliamentary Bowls Team visited Booborowie while they were here:
Hon. T. Pascoe, Minister for Agriculture
Hon. J.H. Cooke
Hon. H. Tassle
Hon. G.H. Prosser
Senator E.C. Vardon
Senator Col. Rowell CB, VD
E. Anthony MP
T. Hawke MP
G.F. Jenkins MP
J. Field, Secretary for Lands
V. Ryan of the Tourist Bureau
In the last year or two a number of large land owners have increased the size of their holdings at the expense of small landowners. Mr Warnes showed his fly trap – a poisoned sheep carcase enclosed in wire netting and a hay press. They inspected the Government Farm. Mr Warnes hosted lunch at the Booborowie Hotel. There were speeches during which Mr Warnes said that on his 134 acres he ran 1,000 sheep on the natural grasses in winter and fattened 4,000 in the lucerne season. The district needed the rail connection with Hanson. After lunch they inspected the Booborowie Memorial Hall.
Burra Football Assoc. Burra Institute, Wednesday.
North Booborowie made a late application to join, as their own association has failed this year. Their grounds were at the Experimental Farm – the old cricket grounds. There was then discussion about where to hold meetings – centrally or in rotation. North Booborowie was admitted. A move to adopt the rules of the [Adelaide] Hills’ Association was deferred till next meeting. Elected were
Patron: J.H. Gallagher
President: James Reed
Hon. Sec.: J. Allen pro tem
XXXXIV, 14, 5 Apr. 1922, page 3
Rev. G.K. Haslam of Kooringa has been transferred to Broken Hill. He and Mrs Haslam were given a farewell social at Hampton Court last Thursday with supper afterwards.
Obituary. Mrs Ann Jones aged 91 died at Hampton 22 March. She was born at Swansea, Wales 4 January 1831 and arrived with her husband Evan Jones in the Glantana in 1855. They came to Burra where her husband was employed by the English & Australian Copper Co. and they set up home at Hampton. The deceased remained active to the end and had a keen sense of humour. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Church. Her husband died some 17 years ago. She leaves a family of four: Mrs H. Ullman (WA), Mrs C. Simmons, Mr J. Jones (Mannahill) and Lewis Jones (Broken Hill). There are 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
The Prime Minister enjoyed riding in his spare time at Burra.
Burra & District Horticulture
T.E. Goodridge (Gum Ck) a 45lb pie melon
J. Biddle (Kooringa) carnations
Cricket. At Kooringa on Saturday: Kooringa B 80 defeated Mt Bryan A 63.
Tennis. At Copperhouse on Saturday: Copperhouse 9-71 defeated Booborowie 8-69.
Bowls. Saturday: Burra 98 defeated Kapunda 95.
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. Unveiling by the Prime Minister.
The Burra Memorial has not its equal in the country outside the large cities. It is unique in design. Some have argued that the sum of money between £2,000 and £3,000 should have been more usefully spent, but though there is some force in a utilitarian argument, there is much to be said in this matter for sentiment – that to honour the fallen we must have something that is solely theirs. The cost in proportion to either the wealth of the district or to the sacrifices made by the boys is insignificant. The crowd at the unveiling was estimated at 3,000 to 4,000 and there were over 100 cars in the square as well as traps.
The monument rises 40ft from the roadway like a miniature of the Nelson Monument. There is a graduating base of about 14ft of granite, then an 18ft circular pedestal of polished granite surmounted by an 8ft bronze figure of an Australian soldier with fixed bayonet at ‘The Parry’. The work is all Australian and was cast in Adelaide. There are five bronze plates. One bears simply the words: ‘Our Glorious Dead’. Another ‘This memorial is erected by the people of this town and district in honour of their sons who died for King and Country in the Great War 1914-1919. The plate on the opposite side lists the districts. [This has since been replaced by the names of those who died in WWII.] The remaining two plates carry the names of the 102 soldiers who fell in the war.
The figure was modelled by Mr Willmott of Messrs Pitt Ltd and was cast in five pieces by W. Dobbie & Co. It weighs 101⁄2cwt and is the largest piece of statuary attempted in SA. Mr Tillett designed the memorial and carried out the construction and Mr Guy Makin was the honorary supervising architect. The committee overseeing the effort had Mr E.W. Crewes as President and Mr G.E. Dane as Secretary. The Salvation Army under Captain Heathwood provided luncheon.
The Unveiling
At 2.30 the Prime Minister, Mr Hughes, the Parliamentary Party, the Mayor, Town Council and Councillors of the District Councils took their seats. Returned soldiers and nurses (80 & 3) assembled at the RSL Rooms under Surgeon Major Steele and Lieut. W. Carter and marched to the square where they formed up on three sides of a square around the monument. Relatives of the fallen were accommodated in front of the monument. The ministers of the town then conducted an impressive Church Parade assisted by Brigadier Hill of the Salvation Army. A band comprising eight members of the now defunct Cheer-up Ladies Band and four returned soldiers supplied the music.
The Prime Minister then presented the soldiers with their War Service Medals. The Mayor said the principal reason for asking the Prime Minister to unveil the monument was because he was known as the friend of the ‘digger’ both during the conflict and after the return from service.
XXXXIV, 14, 5 Apr. 1922, page 4
The Prime Minister’s Speech is reported in about 1 column. As the Union Jack fell to reveal the names of the fallen Pte E.C. Hammond played the Last Post. Relatives and friends then laid wreathes and floral tributes. Mr Crewes said it was a red letter day for Burra and this was the last act in a drama that had taken a long time to reach conclusion. Six years before £39-10-0 had been promised for a memorial. Nothing more was practically done till Peace Day on 19 July 1919 when £1,900 was subscribed and work was proceeded with. Another £1,000 was raised on 6 April 1921 when the foundation stone was laid. Additional expenses were incurred when five rather than one plate were found to be necessary – at a cost of over £40 each, for a total of £232. It had also been decided to have a roll of honour to contain the names of all the men who had gone to war from Burra & District, which would mean another £230 to £250. The present position was that to complete the memorial and roll they had cash and promises of £270 and needed £500. Subscriptions of nearly £200 were then received.
The Civic Reception for the Prime Minister, who had arrived on the Tuesday evening train, was held on Wednesday at noon. It is reported in over 11⁄2 columns. The Prime Minister was given a memento designed and manufactured by F. Spencer, jeweller of Burra. It was a paperweight with a polished jarrah base surmounted by a silver and gold pedestal capped by a piece of polished malachite.
The evening speech given by the Prime Minister at the Institute was not reported in the Burra Record, as it had been in all the daily papers, but the remarks of others at the event occupy a little over 1 column.
XXXXIV, 15, 12 Apr. 1922, page 2
Notice. Burra Athletic Club abandons the sports meeting planned for 15 April and will refund all money subscribed and entry fees, due to the indisposition of the secretary and the loss of the handicaps.
Notice. Burra Young Men’s Gymnasium Club. Gymnastic Demonstration at World’s End Creek
Saturday 15 April & at Burra Institute tonight, 12 April.
XXXXIV, 15, 12 Apr. 1922, page 3
A.E. Sampson has been visiting as a representative of Duncan and Fraser Ltd. (Ford and other cars.) The article says he was racing bicycles here twenty-two years earlier, when he was riding a ‘high bicycle’ along with Harry Gully. The races took place on 26 December and the pair later rode ‘their 50-odd inch racers’ to Adelaide in record time.
Burra Hospital was gazetted formally as a subsidised hospital about six weeks ago and shortly the various councils will have to strike a rate to pay a portion of its upkeep. Each council will then have a representative on the Board of Management. Ratepayers will elect the others: unless in the unlikely event subscribers contribute one-sixth of the cost.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 5 April.
Philip B. Byles, eldest son of Mr & Mrs William Byles of Ironmine, married
Freda Scholz, second daughter of Mr & Mrs Frederick S. Scholz of Braefoot.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 5 April.
John Villis, third son of Mrs & the late Isaac Villis of Baldina, married
Elizabeth J. Finch, second daughter of Mr & Mrs William Finch of Kooringa.
Tennis. At Hallett last Saturday: Hallett 10-83 defeated Ironmine 8-71.
Rev. G.K. Haslam was farewelled from the Bowls Club on Tuesday and at the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall also. On the same occasion Mr M. Pederson Sen. was farewelled on the occasion of his leaving to visit his native Denmark on 19 April. Capt. H. Heathwood of the Salvation Army was sorry that Mr Pederson was going away, as he was a consistent supporter of the Salvation Army. Mr Pederson said it was 45 years since he came to SA and it was time to return to his birthplace and to see his relations. Rev. Haslam presented him with a travelling rug and straps.
XXXXIV, 15, 12 Apr. 1922, page 4
Burra Show Soc. AGM 31 March.
During the past year the society lost one of its oldest committee members when E.N. Finch died.
The last harvest was poor due in the main to a hot spell in November and prices for wheat fell, though they have since risen and so currently things are looking better. Sheep lambing rates were good as were meat prices, though wool, while satisfactory, has been erratic. Cattle prices are very low.
Membership last year was 226, a fall of 24. The show on 26 October saw record entries and competition everywhere was keen except for the disappointment of there being no machinery. (Also the same at other shows.) The sheep show, despite a good catalogue and sparing neither trouble nor expense, was a failure. The sheep dog trials were a great success.
We paid over £25 off our debentures and ended in credit £29. This is satisfactory, but economy will still have to be employed. Elected were
Patron: Hon. J. Lewis MLC
President: I.J. Warnes JP
Vice-Presidents: C. Bartholomaeus & M.A. Radford
Burra Bowling Club AGM at Burra Institute last Friday. J.H. Gallagher re-elected President with T.H. Pearse as Patron.
Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. Donations totalling £178-3-10, taken at the unveiling, are acknowledged.
Tennis. At Hallett on Saturday: Hallett 11-84 defeated Aberdeen 5-62.
Burra Town Council, 3 April.
William McBride was granted permission to build a house in Aberdeen.
W. J. McDonald, Manager of the SAFU, wrote drawing attention to the dangerous traffic conditions at the corner of his store and urging a 10 m.p.h. limit from the corner of Thames St to Morgan’s bakery. Police attention is to be drawn to the danger.
Angas E. Marr wrote enclosing a detailed estimate of the cost of installing an electric light scheme in Burra. Information will be sought from other towns.
Two tenders to build a Fire Station were rejected as too dear.
H.R. Bosisto offered to build a pound within one mile of the post office and to act as pound-keeper for £35 p.a. with the Council to retain the poundage fees. He was asked to explain more fully to the Council at its next meeting.
XXXXIV, 16, 19 Apr. 1922, page 2
Advt. Sheep Dog Trials at Aberdeen 21 & 22 April.
Rev. Edmund Smith, late of Bowden, has taken up his duties at Kooringa.
Burra Boys’ Club held a four day camp at World’s End Gorge over Easter led by Mr L.H. Foote. It was most successful with an open-air gymnastic display on Saturday evening on the flat by Mr Schmidt’s residence. About 70 people attended. The grounds were lit with acetylene lamps and Mr Finch’s car lights. Rev. Ingamells held a church service on Sunday morning for the lads and 46 local residents near the foot of the waterfalls.
Obituary. Mrs W. Amos, employed at Koonoona, died suddenly of heart failure on Monday morning. Mr & Mrs Amos have been employed by Koonoona Proprietors for many years, first at Morden Station and lately at Koonoona. There is a husband, but no family. [Registered as Emily Amis died 17 April 1922 aged 43 at Koonoona.]
Fire at F.C. Humphris’ at Leighton destroyed his sheds, car etc. at a loss of c. £350.
Marriage. At the residence of the bride’s mother on 12 April.
William Villis, fourth son of Mrs & the late I. Villis of Baldina, married
Margaret Jean Duell, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late Charles Duell of World’s End.
XXXXIV, 16, 19 Apr. 1922, page 3
Hallett Sports on Easter Monday attracted a large crowd despite the blowing dust. Results are printed.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Moonta 105 defeated Burra 94.
Burra Young Men’s Club gave an impressive gymnastics display on Wednesday at the Burra Institute before a good audience, which included staff and girls from Hampton Court. There were also musical items and local views, courtesy of the Theatregraph Co. [Details take 3⁄4 column.]
Burra Football Assoc. Thursday last.
Farrell’s Flat withdrew, considering that North Booborowie was too far to go to play.
Games with the Mid-North Assoc. were agreed to for 5 June at Saddleworth and 26 June at Burra.
Umpiring positions were settled.
Adoption of the Hills’ Assoc. rules was debated and they were ultimately adopted in part.
Redruth Court.
John Sydney Greenwood aged 18 was charged with stealing a diamond and sapphire ring valued at £30 from Mrs Eleanora Spencer. He pleaded guilty and was remanded for sentencing at Adelaide Criminal Sessions – details extend for over 11⁄2 columns.
Advt. Burra Institute 26 April
Lynch Family Bellringers and Concert Co.
XXXXIV, 17, 26 Apr. 1922, page 2
Burra Athletic Club met on 24 April and in respect to the abandonment of the Easter Sports Day largely due to the neglect of the former secretary has decided to interview Mr Winnall for legal advice.
Obituary. Thomas Lomman died at Copperhouse on 22 April aged 64. He was born at Paradise near Adelaide in 1858. He leaves a widow and four sons: W., A. & H. Lomman of Copperhouse and J. Lomman of Adelaide, and four daughters: Mrs W. Kellaway, Mrs W. Symons & Mrs W. Hopkins of Copperhouse and Mrs N.H. Ford of Pulpara. There are 23 grandchildren.
Fire Accident. The younger daughter, aged 9, of David Hayes of Mt Bryan East was accidentally badly burnt on Saturday when her clothes caught fire. A sister was also burnt when she put out the flames.
[Doris Evelyn Hayes.]
B. Blunt, an enthusiastic member of the Gym. Club and employed at Burra Station has been promoted to Strathalbyn. He was farewelled at the club on Wednesday evening last and given an enlarged framed photograph of the club’s foundation members.
Rain totalling 67 points broke the dry spell in Burra on Monday, but had only a patchy extension to the east.
S.R. Oborn writes re schoolwork at the show. At the annual meeting of the Show Soc. it was implied that the teachers were to blame for the lack of exhibits and that some were left in a hep on a table. The rules state that the exhibits must be in the hands of the secretary a week before the show and the stewards are then responsible for placing the exhibits. Teachers were not appointed stewards this year and neither of the men appointed were present on the day. Mr Oborn also denied that ‘some of the work was an absolute disgrace’, as was alleged.
‘Far from not attempting to influence children to compete I set aside lessons, during which show work could be done.’
A teacher who tried to arrange entries found them disordered as fast as he did so by other people bringing in exhibits.
‘Humane’ writes complaining of the cruelty to fowls in the way they are tied up, sometimes all day, when brought in for sale.
XXXXIV, 17, 26 Apr. 1922, page 3
Burra Show Soc. Sheep Dog Trials
These took place last Friday & Saturday at Aberdeen and were an unqualified success. Conditions were much better at this time of the year. The report extends for 12⁄3 columns. Winners:
Novice Stakes T. Turner’s Ross
Maiden Stakes Frank Whittington’s Witness
Flock Dog Competition Mr A. Kemp’s Red Hope
Puppy Stakes Mr A. Kemp’s Battle
Open Class Mr A. Kemp’s Aussie
Final Open Class Mr A. Kemp’s Aussie
Rev. E. Smith was welcomed at the Lecture Hall in Kooringa on 18 April and the same gathering also farewelled Frank Riggs, who has been accepted as a candidate for the ministry.
Rev. E.M. Ingamells from Redruth Circuit and Capt. Heathwood of the Salvation Army joined the members of the Kooringa Circuit in welcoming the new minister.
Booborowie Sports were held on 19 April and a good crowd attended despite the cold conditions and threatening rain. Results are printed.
Tennis. At Clare on Saturday: Clare 16-133 defeated Burra 6-97
At Aberdeen on 22 April: Aberdeen 9-81 defeated Willalo 3-60
XXXXIV, 18, 2 May 1922, page 2
Accident. F.G. Scholz, farmer of Braefoot, lost his left arm just below the elbow when his glove got caught in the chaff-cutter on Wednesday.
Rain. A severe thunderstorm on Tuesday last week persisted for about 24 hours and deposited 116 points. Rain was lighter to the west, but there were some splendid falls out east where no serviceable rain has fallen since last June. Falls were quite variable, but ranged from about 60 points at Woolgangi to 162 at Redcliffe. Monday this week saw further falls, which continue as we go to press with falls of over 50 points being common.
Bicycle races have been popular of late and Reece Hunt has been the most successful in winning all five of the one-mile races from scratch. Other successes went to P. McLennan, T. Pizzo, J. Preiss and E. Scroop.
Hon. R.W. Fisher Comm. Minister for Works and Railways advises that Senator Senior anticipates no difficulty in finding another gun for the square. The PM was delighted with the excellent arrangements made for his recent visit. Hon. R.W. Foster will now co-operate with Senator Newland to secure the second gun to complete the memorial.
Sydney Greenwood was released on two bonds to be of good behaviour for two years: one of his own for £25 and one of his father’s for £50, in the Adelaide Supreme Court last Monday.
Redruth Court, 27 April.
John Thomas Hales was fined £2 + 15/- costs for unlawfully removing timber from Redbank Scrub.
Obituary. The wife of R.A. Read of Farrell’s Flat died at the Burra Hospital on Monday aged 48.
[Born Lily Ann Hams 21 August 1873 at Terowie: died 1 May 1922 at Kooringa, residence Farrell’s Flat.]
B.G. Blunt was farewelled from the Burra Goods Office on Wednesday afternoon. He has been a goods clerk for nearly four years. He was given a gold medal designed by Mr Wicklein.
XXXXIV, 18, 2 May 1922, page 3
Anzac Day. Due to inclement weather the service was held in the Institute. Revs F.B. Hewitson, E.M. Ingamells, E. Smith & Capt. Heathwood of the Salvation Army officiated. The Mayor, E.W. Crewes, presided. The report extends for 1 column.
Burra Town Council, Monday.
Council will go into the expenditure and receipts on Victoria Park. The oval is in a deplorable condition. It will be inspected and discussed at the next meeting.
The ford across the creek in George St has been completed. [The ‘Pig and Whistle’ crossing.]
Various minor works were approved.
Mr H. R. Bosisto attended and explained his proposal for a town pound in Ayers St next to Wood’s place. Cr Kellaway said it was too close to people’s homes. It was resolved not to proceed with a pound.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday in a practice match:
Kooringa 2.4 5.10 7.10 9.10
Aberdeen 1.1 1.2 2.4 2.4
The Association program for 1922 is printed.
Burra Gymnasium Club. There is a 11⁄2 column report on the Easter camp at The Gorge.
XXXXIV, 19, 10 May 1922, page 2
Burra Racing Club held a meeting at the Institute on Friday. Mr V. Gordon of Gordon’s Racing Agency in Adelaide was appointed secretary in the hopes of improving the financial position of the club, which is not good. A second meeting for the year will not be held.
Mrs F.B. Hewitson entertained the girls from Hampton Court at the Rectory, Kooringa, on Tuesday afternoon 2 May.
Petty thieving has been a problem of late. Mr Wicklein lost a large thermometer three months ago. It was found on Monday in the luggage of a young man named Clarence Roy (Mick) Telfer. The accused said in court he had bought it for 5/- from Bert Smith. He was fined £2 or in default 14 days.
Aberdeen Football Club passed for payment a bill for the score board for £6 to C. & A. Fuss.
Obituary. Mrs William Addicoat, once well known in Burra, passed away at Southwark 31 April aged 90, leaving two sons, two daughters, 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
[Registered as Jane Addicoat died 30 April 1922 aged 90.]
Further bicycle races have been held with the same competitors: Reece Hunt, Tom Pizzo, Joe Preiss, Percy McLennan and E. Scroop.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
North Booborowie 5.1 5.2 7.3 8.3 (51)
Kooringa 2.1 3.3 5.4 6.8 (44)
At Mt Bryan on Saturday: Aberdeen 5.5 defeated Mt Bryan 2.3.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary services were held last Sunday and Monday when Rev. Edmund Smith officiated. Services were well attended. The children’s and public teas were held on Monday. Proceeds were over £27.
Burra Coursing Club will hold a meeting on 5 & 6 June.
XXXXIV, 20, 17 May 1922, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute Friday 19 May: The King’s Comedy & Revue Company.
Ross Brothers Fistic Novelty Act etc.
Notice. Meeting called at Booborowie Memorial Hall 22 May re the Hanson-Booborowie Railway.
The Bowls & Croquet Season ended with a social at Pearce’s Hall on Wednesday evening. The Bowling Club had 50 members this year, a nett gain of 5.
Prize winners: Pairs A.S. Martin & N.H. Pearse
Consistency Maurice Collins
Croquet
Singles Mrs J.G. Sara
Doubles Mrs Collins & Mrs Sams
Golf. Attempts to get golf going for the last year or two had failed, but this year it was decided to resume and to play on the racecourse. President, Dr Steele; Vice-Presidents, Mr Marston & Mr Wilkinson; Secretary & Treasurer, Mr Taylor.
St Joseph’s Church Dance in the Institute on Monday evening was quite a success with a large attendance taking advantage of the floor, which was in excellent condition.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.1 3.2 6.3 6.3 (39)
South Booborowie 0.1 2.2 2.3 4.4 (28)
XXXXIV, 20, 17 May 1922, page 3
Burra Town Council, Monday
Military authorities have asked the council to look after military graves once the War Graves Commission has erected headstones etc. The curator said there were three such graves in Burra cemetery: those of Messrs Winders, Collins and Jones. [A.T. Winders, W.F. Jones & B.E. Collins.]
Winders’ and Collins’ graves had headstones and authorities were going to put one on Mr Jones’.
Council agreed to maintain the graves.
Council agreed to charge the Kooringa Football Club £2-2-0 for the season.
Council will hold a special meeting concerning the electric lighting scheme on 20 May.
Cr Kellaway moved that the bridge near Wicklein’s [in Queen St] be repaired. [Outcome not stated.]
It was resolved that the gun in Market Square be so placed to prevent traffic between it and the monument.
Cr Collins asked whether the George St crossing had cost £191, which he thought abnormal.
The Town Clerk will respond next meeting.
It was resolved that the mason work only on the Fire Station be done by day labour. Tenders will be called for the carpentry only.
There were complaints that streetlamps had not properly been attended to.
Mt Bryan District land prices are undergoing a boom, but it is not increasing the population: rather land is going back into larger holdings.
Burra Hospital Board Meeting, last Thursday.
A letter was received from Mr I.J. Warnes enclosing a cheque for £260 and one from Red Cross for £150 for the cost of installing an X-Ray plant.
Mr Winnall said they had received promises of two substantial donations such that with a £ for £ subsidy would allow the construction of a maternity wing. The donors wished for the time to remain anonymous. A committee was appointed to consider the next step. They felt this was more important than an Isolation Ward.
Dr Steele had prepared sketch plans for the proposed wing comprising two wards 22ft x 18ft each, an observation room 18ft x 12ft, a septic room 15ft x 14ft, a labour room 15ft x 14ft and four private rooms 14ft x 12ft with a 6ft passage and two bathrooms to be connected to other buildings by a covered way. A deputation will wait upon the Chief Secretary about the £ for £ subsidy.
As the new board will comprise 12 members and there will be 7 representatives of Councils, leaving five vacancies to be filled by election, there will be elections on the same day as the District Council elections and if no such election, then by post.
XXXXIV, 21, 24 May 1922, page 2
Notice. Tenders are called for the Property and Business of the late John Snell of Kooringa, containing two shops and a dwelling of 12 rooms in Market Square with a frontage of 35ft 10 ins and a depth of 68ft 4 ins and a block of land behind with a depth of 39ft 7 ins facing Mt Pleasant. Tenders to J. Snell, Kooringa.
Birth. On 10 May at Kooringa to Mr & Mrs L.R. Clarke of Stead Holme, Springbank, a son, Barry Stead.
Burra & District Horticulture
Josiah Thomas (Three Trees) a 1lb 15oz quince
Mrs S.H. Robinson (Booborowie) a ‘Los Angeles’ rose
‘Ratepayer’ writes calling for a public meeting before a new Hospital Board is appointed and expressing concern about the weighty moral and financial responsibilities of the Board and also indirectly of the ratepayers.
J.E.H. Winnall writes referring to Dr Ashton’s letter in the Register of 19 May, contradicting the doctor’s assertions that the deputation concerning a maternity wing for the hospital was offensive to local maternity homes and nurses, whose abilities he says were not belittled by that deputation.
Dr D. Macdonald Steele writes on the same lines saying that Dr Ashton has ‘wrongly construed’ the paragraph in the Register of 18 May.
Liberal Union. The Women’s Branch met on 19 May, chaired by Mrs J. Hatherly, President. Mrs Hatherly said she was soon to leave the district and thanked all for their support and was in turn thanked for her services over many years. She was presented with a suit case and a handbag.
XXXXIV, 21, 24 May 1922, page 3
Football. At Mt Bryan on Saturday:
Kooringa 7.14 (56) defeated Mt Bryan 2.6 (18).
Redruth Court, 15 May
There is a long 21⁄4 column report of a case in which Frederick Gebhardt was found guilty of being unlawfully on the premises of Louisa Jane Willmott on the night of 11 May. He was fined £2 plus £3-10-0 costs or in default 14 days.
On returning home at c. 10.30 p.m. Mrs Willmott started undressing when she heard a noise under her bed. A man emerged and she ran out the door screaming – first to Mrs Moore’s and then to Mr T. Harrop’s. On investigating they found that a back window had been broken and opened. The following day Mr Gebhardt offered her £5 to withdraw her complaint. Mrs Willmott said she was married, but had not lived with her husband for over seven years. She had lived with other men and currently with James Voumard. She had eight children, of whom five were with the State Children’s Dept.
Sydney Clarence Willmott aged 7 said that the man had said to him when they got outside that ‘It is only Fred Gebhardt’. [He also said that he knew another Fred Gebhardt who worked at the baker’s.]
Frederick Gebhardt, station overseer, gave evidence which said he was just passing the Willmott house when he encountered the young boy. Mrs Willmott had approached him with regard to a settlement as she feared losing her boy to the State Children’s Dept. He denied offering money to quash the case.
Burra Town Council, Monday.
The Immigration Dept. desired the Council to institute a welcome committee for the British lads coming to Australia for rural work and to report from time to time on their progress. The committee is to include a minister from each denomination. The Mayor thought it was more of a matter for District Councils and perhaps a meeting could be scheduled for a Friday when pastoralists and farmers would be in town. The Mayor was for action. Cr Collins was for letting the matter lie on the table. Cr Kellaway saw it as a political ploy for lowering wages. Cr Collins’ motion to let the matter lie on the table was carried.
XXXXIV, 21, 24 May 1922, page 4
Burra Football Assoc. At a meeting last Wednesday James Reed was unable to accept the Presidency and I.J. Warnes was elected in his stead. John Reed was unable to accept the Vice-Presidency.
Football. At Booborowie on Saturday: South Booborowie 6.4 (40) defeated North Booborowie 2.8 (20).
Burra Hospital Maternity Wing. From the Register: Burra’s Babies
A deputation from the Burra Burra Hospital Board waited on the Chief Secretary, Hon. J.G. Bice on Tuesday seeking a £ for £ subsidy for a maternity wing. John Melrose of Ulooloo has offered £1,000 and Mrs W.P. Barker of Adelaide and late of Baldina £750. Mr Winnall said the wing would serve an area from Farrell’s Flat to Hallett and from Booborowie in the west to 100 miles or more to the east. The gifts were conditional on the £ for £ subsidy. The Chief Secretary undertook to bring the matter before Cabinet and to let them know if the amount would be in the next estimates.
In Thursday’s Register Dr Thomas B. Ashton wrote saying he found the paragraph headed ‘Burra’s Babies’ offensive to the nurses of the district. One nurse at one home has attended over 390 cases and the other 400. During 10 years he says he has not known of a single septic maternity case and he complains of State Socialistic ideas invading medical matters.
The following day John Melrose said in the Register that the deputation had cast no reflection on either nursing homes or nurses and indeed both were given credit for their work. The object of the donors was to provide a service for those too poor to pay for a private home or nurse.
Redruth Court, 19 May
Frank John Evans a fishmonger, who recently began a business in Aberdeen, was charged with stealing a buggy cushion from J.T. Hobert of Gawler on 22 April. He claimed to have bought the cushion. Hobart said that Evans had approached him on 15 May and offered him £3 to withdraw the prosecution. Hobart agreed and gave a receipt for 10/0 for the cushion and another document withdrawing the accusation. Hobart did not know that his actions were illegal. Evans in evidence said he had bought the cushion. He had gone to Hobart and said he had not stolen the cushion, but offered the money as a prosecution would damage his business in Burra. [Offering 10/- for the cushion and the rest as compensation.]
Found guilty and fined £3 or 1 month.
XXXXIV, 22, 31 May 1922, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 5 June: Ada Cook’s Pantomime, Dick Whittington and His Cat.
Twenty-five Clever Juvenile Artists.
A.J. McBride writes from London 19 April on the quality of English livestock and also about their visit to the battlefields of the Somme etc. and then on to the South of France and to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Holland and Belgium.
Obituary. Sister M. Flora, late of St Joseph’s Convent died in Adelaide 13 May aged 76. She came to Burra over 40 years ago when the Convent School was in what is now known as Lewis’s schoolroom. She left for a time, but returned about 27 years ago and stayed until recently when she left on medical advice. She was born in County Clare, Ireland. [Registration of death shows she was born Jane Doherty and died 13 May 1922 at Kensington aged 75.]
Obituary. Charles T. Winders collapsed and died on his way home from Kooringa on Thursday afternoon. He had been born at Unley 25 May 1857 (and died 25 May). He was the third son of the late William Winders farmer of Black Springs. He took to farming first around Black Springs, but for over 30 years has farmed at Baldina. He was twice married and his second wife, Miss Fisher of Black Springs, died about three years ago. He had five sons and a daughter. The eldest son, Frank, died suddenly in 1920 and another, Arthur T. Winders MM, died in the same year as a result of war injuries. Roy W. Winders & Wilfred T. Winders (Baldina), Robert S. Winders (Farrell’s Flat and Mrs A.W. Baynes (Saddleworth) survive, with 2 grandchildren. Harry and John of Broken hill and George of King’s Well are brothers and Mrs E. Lines of Kooringa is a sister. [Charles Thomas Winders died Hd Baldina.]
XXXXIV, 22, 31 May 1922, page 3
Golf. The Burra Club has laid down new links on and about the racecourse, which is said to be a great improvement and reduces the chance of lost balls.
Burra & District Horticulture
Chin Young, gardener at Mackerode, has a 17lb cabbage and excellent potatoes.
A.C. Fleetwood, for two years working for R. Hunt saddler of Kooringa, has left to follow the trade in Melbourne. He has been captain of Kooringa B grade cricket and a member of the A grade side.
Redruth Court.
John McDonald was fined £5 + £7-1-0 costs for causing a disturbance at a funeral at Farrell’s Flat and £2 + 15/- for obscene language on the same occasion.
The Hanson-Booborowie Railway
A meeting at the Booborowie Memorial Hall 22 May was attended by Messrs Morrow MLC, W. Hawke & G.F. Jenkins MPs and a large gathering of residents. I J. Warnes took the chair. Mr Morrow said he appreciated the need for a railway and that the 1910 report had said one was justified and the standing committee had recommended a guaranteed line be built. In 1915 the Bill was introduced and read a second time and in 1916 it was re-introduced, but failed to get through the Legislative Council. In 1917 the Bill was again on the Notice Paper for £163,000, but estimated costs rose to £181,000 and it was sent back to the standing committee. Mr Hawke saw the need for the line to encourage the dairy industry. Mr Jenkins said the standing committee needed assurance that the line would pay. Steel costs had fallen lately and the residents should make a strong case based on that and on the increase in lucerne production and the potential for dairying. A deputation to wait on the Government was formed.
Football. At North Booborowie on Saturday: North Booborowie 8.10 defeated Aberdeen 7.10.
Burra Town Council: Special Electric Light Meeting, Monday.
The Mayor had talked to Mr Weedon, manager of the Adelaide Electric Supply Co., who said they aimed to build a line to Broken Hill – but that would be many years before it was done due to the pressure of work in Adelaide. They would certainly take over a local scheme at that time if it was properly constructed.
Two schemes are before the Council: Mr A.E. Marr offers to light every street for £8,700 while the other offer is to light the more closely settled parts from the Railway Station to the Hospital for £5,816 (or perhaps for £5,000, as material costs were falling). This latter scheme could be extended later.
Cr Collins thought a scheme properly managed could be payable.
Cr Kellaway warned that Moonta’s estimate was £4,000 and it ended up costing £6,000.
Cr Bartholomaeus said that the ratepayers would oppose it.
Cr Kellaway said the estimate for wages was too low.
The Mayor said the present cost of lighting would buy interest on a £5,000 proposal.
It was resolved to submit plans to the Adelaide Electric Supply Co. before anything else was done.
XXXXIV, 22, 31 May 1922, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday.
Kooringa 2.2 4.8 4.8 7.10 (52)
South Booborowie 4.6 7.6 7.8 7.8 (50)
Empire Day was celebrated with a half holiday last Friday at Burra High and State Schools.
XXXXIV, 23, 7 June 1922, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute, 12 June: Ka-Ma-Te and his great wonder show including Angas Murray, Trance Medium and Clairvoyant. Angas will be placed in a special trance for five hours from 3.30 in the Burra Record Window. Demonstrations of Mental Telepathy by Ka-Ma-Te and Angas.
Leslie Lester presented Ada Cook’s pantomime Dick Whittington and His Cat on Monday evening. It was a clever burlesque well done. They will return soon with Sinbad the Sailor.
Mr M. Pederson has arrived in England after a splendid trip.
St Mary’s. The trowel used by Bishop Short to lay the foundation stone of St Mary’s in 1879 has been given to Rev. F.B. Hewitson by a member of the late Bishop’s family and is now on view in our window.
XXXXIV, 23, 7 June 1922, page 3
Football. At Saddleworth on Monday. A special train which took the team and supporters down was poorly patronised, probably due to the recent heavy rains. The field was very greasy.
Burra Assoc. 1.2 4.6 5.7 8.11 (59)
Mid-North Assoc. 4.0 4.0 6.2 6.2 (6.2)
[Mid-North might have ended with 6.3, as the commentary gives then a point in the final quarter, or perhaps they had 6.1 at the end of the third quarter.]
Robert C. Willshire, secretary of Aberdeen Football Club, writes to indicate that the club will appeal the decision to allow G. Dew to play for Kooringa.
Burra Rifle Club. 15th consecutive AGM on 2 June 1922 was well attended.
The last year has not been particularly active. An inability to buy rifles and new barrels was partly to blame. Some members visited Clare, and Eudunda visited us and were defeated by a narrow 3 points. The telephone between the butts and the hut is to be put in order. Mr Maurice Collins has offered half the cost of jarrah posts needed and J.E. Pearce and Jack Kellock offered the rest. A.B. Riggs donated the wire and insulators. Targets and pits are in good working order. Elected:
Captain A.B. Riggs
Secretary J.E. Pearce
Treasurer W.R. Lee
At the match on Saturday best results were by V.A. Riggs, J. Kellock & H.L. Riggs.
XXXXIV, 24, 14 June 1922, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 16 June. The Original Scarlet Dandies in Gems from Opera and Musical Comedy.
Advt. Burra Burra Hospital Board Annual Elections 1 July 1922. Nominations:
C. Bartholomaeus Maurice Collins E.J. Davey
Herbert Morgan P.J. Pickering W.H. Sandland
W.R. Chambers E.W. Crewes S.M. Lane
A.S. Martin M.A. Radford P.J. Sampson
Sir Douglas Mawson visited the district about two weeks ago accompanied by some students and Mr Madigan. They stayed at ‘The Gums’ with Mr & Mrs Hiles Pearse. They were seeking signs of ancient glaciations and visited Burra Creek sites and the old Burra Mine.
XXXXIV, 24, 14 June 1922, page 3
Lambing rates are down due to the high number of foxes present.
Obituary. Edward Henry Jefferies aged 65 died at the Exchange Hotel on Sunday, having recently spent some weeks in hospital. He was for many years a rabbiter on Canowie Station. He had a bank book with £600 in credit. [Death registered as Edward Henry Jeffery died 10 June 1922 at Aberdeen, residence near Hallett.]
Leighton School Children gave a concert on 8 June which netted £10-18-6 for school requisites.
Burra & District Horticulture.
Mrs M. Pederson has an 111⁄2lb cauliflower.
Bicycle Race. Next Saturday there will be a 10-mile race to Sod Hut and back.
Mr Norris (Ka-Ma-Te) gave an exhibition of the powers of hypnotism at the Boys Gymnasium Club on Wednesday evening – the boys performing many feats they would normally be incapable of.
Hon. John Lewis MLC visited Burra on Tuesday.
Burra District Council Elections. Nominations:
King Ward N. Hiles Pearce
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch & F. Dew (2 required)
Baldina Ward J. Kellock
Auditor E.J. Davey
Burra Football Assoc. Friday last.
Aberdeen Football Club alleged that G. Dew lives nearer their ground than Kooringa’s and therefore cannot play for the latter. Minutes of 17 May showed that Dew considered he lived nearer Kooringa and consequently it was ruled 7 to 2 that he could play for Kooringa. The meeting confirmed the original decision and it was left to the Aberdeen club to appeal to the League if they wished.
Liberal Union, Burra Branch, Friday.
A meeting with a small attendance was held last Friday and was addressed by Mr Davidson, the financial organiser of the Union. He spoke of the proposal to erect a front portion of the Liberal Club Building on North Terrace in Adelaide at a cost of £10,000 – the building to comprise offices to let.
Burra Hospital.
The Chief Secretary advised that the Government was prepared to subsidise the Maternity Wing to the extent of £1,500 if £2,000 could be raised locally. John Melrose was prepared to offer £1,000 and Mrs W.P. Barker has offered to increase her donation from £750 to £1,000. The Superintendent of Public Buildings will be approached about plans and specifications.
There was debate about which wards of which Councils should have been included in the hospital’s area for rating purposes.
J.H. Gallagher has donated £300 towards the erection of an isolation ward.
Football . At Aberdeen on Saturday.
Aberdeen 2.3 4.4 5.7 5.9 (39)
Kooringa 1.2 2.7 4.7 5.8 (38)
XXXXIV, 24, 14 June 1922, page 4
Bowling & Croquet Club’s Grand Ball at the Institute 7 June was very successful and is reported in 2⁄3 column.
Burra Town Council, 8 June
The Automobile Assoc. asked that entrances to the town be marked to assist travellers. Granted.
SA War Trophy Committee advised that another field gun had been allocated and will be forwarded when Council advised its acceptance.
Adelaide electric Supply Co. advised they were unlikely to extend power to Burra in less than 7-10 years and that the proposed scheme seemed quite acceptable, but probably at a cost nearer to £12,000 than the £8,000 cited.
Cr Kellaway was appointed to represent the Council on the Burra Hospital Board.
Council decided to form a committee to welcome boy immigrants and town minister are invited to assist.
Cr Collins complained that the George St crossing (the ‘Pig & Whistle’) had been estimated at £100 and had cost £190.
Cr Kellaway said there had been no estimate, but West Ward had promised £50 understanding that to be one third of the likely cost.
Cr Collins insisted an estimate of £100 had been stated and he was not complaining of the quality, but of the error in estimate.
Cr Ewins could recall no estimate and Cr Harris thought £125 or £130 had been mentioned.
Burra Coursing Club, which had first met in 1891 and had ceased to operate for some time, is now lively again and had a meeting at Gum Creek on 5 June. Secretary is H.R. Bosisto; Patron, Mr Gallagher; Vice Patrons, R. Pasco & C. Parks; President, F. Knowles and Treasurer, J. Allen.
Marriage. St Mary’s Burra 7 June
Florence E. Waterhouse, widow of the late Lieut. Leslie Waterhouse AIF married
Bertram Cameron Sandland, fourth son of the late John Chesters Sandland and Mrs Sandland of Kooringa. Norman Jeynes was best man.
Marriage. Norwood Wesley Church, 3 June
Sadie Nankervis, only daughter of Mr & Mrs R. Nankervis of Norwood married
Wilfred V. Geake, only son of Mr & Mrs William Geake of Burra.
XXXXIV, 25, 21 June 1922, page 2
Advt. Tuesday & Wednesday 27 & 28 June near the Burra School: Worley Bros’ Mammoth Circus.
Colin McLaren, teller at the National Bank for three years has been transferred to Renmark. He has been active in tennis in Kooringa. He is succeeded by Mr Panton from Redhill.
Sir Ross Smith was resected with flags at half mast in Kooringa and Aberdeen on 15 June, the day of his funeral.
Rain fell to the east, but it was very erratic from 5 points at Woolgangi to 114 at Oak Vale.
The Scarlet Dandies played to a fair house on Friday at the Institute. There was an excellent program of songs and comedy.
XXXXIV, 25, 21 June 1922, page 3
Salvation Army. Monthly Young People’s Socials are being held in the Barracks and last Thursday’s was a great success.
Bicycle Race. The 10-mile race scheduled for Saturday was postponed.
‘Ratepayer’ writes suggesting the proposed Maternity Wing at Burra Hospital is a disadvantage. Will the donors be paying for the equipping of the ward and its staffing? Users of the ward will have to pay and also be taxed for it. The ratepayers have not been consulted. It will remove the living from the maternity nurses in Burra. The Isolation Ward is much needed and does not interfere with the good private maternity homes.
Burra Football Assoc. Details of the meeting of 14 June occupy 2⁄3 column.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday best shots were W.R. Lee 103 and G. Herbert 102.
Burra Town Council, 19 June.
The meeting was called to formulate a scheme to welcome immigrant boys.
XXXXIV, 25, 21 June 1922, page 4
Stock-Owners Assoc. of SA, Burra Branch AGM. About 2 columns of details.
I.J. Warnes was re-elected President with M.A. Radford as Vice-President. The argument was principally about holding firm on the Arbitration Court’s ruling about shearing that was being rejected by the shearers.
Burra Coursing Club. Further details of the 5 June meeting at gum Creek extend for just over 1 column.
XXXXIV, 26, 28 June 1922, page 3
Henry Collins & Co. sold a ram to George Brooks of ‘Boconnoc Park’, Clare, last week for a world record price of 4,100 guineas and also 25 ewes at 65 guineas each.
Stud Sheep. A train with a remarkable consignment of sheep for the Sydney Show left Burra on 22 June. Consignees were: Maurice Collins (Abberton Park), E. & W. Hawker (East Bungaree & Belcunda), Canowie Pastoral Co., H. Collins & Co. (Lucerndale), John Collins & Co. (Collinsville) and Melvin Collins (Lamara).
Sister Snell was farewelled by the Rechabite Tent in the Lodge Room on Wednesday last. She was presented with a purse of sovereigns.
John Melrose writes saying that the donors [of the Maternity Wing] will not be furnishing or maintaining it, but a movement to do the former is already afoot. The wing will serve those too poor for private nursing homes and as for those too mean to pay the rates to assist the poor ‘they are not worthy of decent people’s thought’.
I.J. Warnes writes re the Burra Hospital elections. He is concerned that on 21 June certain of the candidates for election to the board would be in favour of the two doctors in the town having equal rights to treat patients at the hospital. [i.e. M. Collins, E.J. Davey, H. Morgan, W.H. Sandland & P.J. Sampson as in an advertisement that was repeated on 28 June.]
He points out that the Board has been working to bring this about for some time. In November 1920 Dr Steele & Dr Ashton wrote asking for Dr Ashton to be appointed a visiting Medical officer with the same privileges as Dr Steele. This request was granted giving Dr Ashton the same right to private practice and to charge fees as Dr Steele – subject to the consent of the Chief Secretary. On 23 December 1920 Dr Ashton was so advised and gave an intimation that the Chief Secretary had approved. Only in July 1921 did Dr Ashton refuse the appointment. On 27 July 1921 the Board advised that the offer was still open in the terms of the joint application of 15 November 1920. He was advised that Model By-laws passed by the Board and Government and signed by the Governor specifically allow for this. At the very least since December 1920 Dr Ashton could admit patients if he so wished. I am not a candidate for election and have no axe to grind – merely wishing to put the facts before the public.
[I.J. Warnes was of course on the Board as representative of the Mt Bryan DC.]
Stockowners Assoc. of SA, Burra Branch
On 16 June the President of the SA Branch, Mr I.J. Warnes, entertained about 70 members of the Association to dinner at the Burra Hotel. W.G. Hawkes spoke about an impending depression. The Minister of Agriculture Hon. T. Pascoe spoke of the boy immigrants. G.F. Jenkins MP expanded on the pastoral industry and the shearing dispute. The article concluded in 13⁄4 columns on page 4.
W.G. Duncan proposed a toast to the President. I.J. Warnes in reply ranged over carious activities of the Association before turning to the shearing question.
[Shearers had not achieved the rates they sought at arbitration and were threatening now not to abide by the Arbitration Court ruling.]
He was also concerned that boy immigration be matched by girl immigration and was concerned at the drift of country girls to the city.
‘Perhaps it was quite time the girls came out of the shops and offices and went into homes.’
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 10.14 (74) defeated Mount Bryan 5.6 (36).
At North Booborowie on Saturday:
North Booborowie 1.3 2.10 5.15 7.18 (60)
Kooringa 1.4 2.5 2.5 2.7 (19)
Saddleworth Rovers 5.2 (32) defeated Kooringa B 2.5 (17)
At Burra on Monday:
Burra Assoc. 0.1 6.4 7.5 9.9 (63)
Mid-North Assoc. 1.3 2.3 5.8 6.8 (44)
Burra Rifle Club, Saturday: best shots were W.R. Lee 103 and F. Lown 99.
XXXXIV, 27, 5 July 1922, page 2
Advt. The Scarlet Dandies return 10 July at the Burra Institute.
Advt. Rechabite Demonstration at the Burra Institute 20 July: to be addressed by High Chief Ruler Bro. A. Tomlinson and PHCR Bro. J.H. Lear Caton, Deputation from England.
Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary 25 June when Rev. W.J. Mortimer, President of Conference, officiated. The tea meeting on Monday was also well attended.
Sir Keith Smith arrived in Burra on Wednesday en route to Mutooroo Station via Braemar, staying overnight at the Commercial Hotel.
Annual Sydney Sheep Shown was held last week and Maurice Collins scored 6 firsts out of 18 entries with 9 seconds and 1 third, including 2 champions and 1 reserve champion as well as the Grand Champion ewe.
Henry Collins & Co. won Grand Champion Ram. [Other results are printed.]
The weather has been very cold with keen winds and hail. Snow fell on Thursday 29 June quite heavily and snowballing was common. There were also heavy falls at Hallett, which persisted into Friday in gullies and on Razorback Range.
XXXXIV, 27, 5 July 1922, page 3
Redruth Reformatory. Tuesday’s Advertiser and Register both reported the closing of the girls’ reformatory at Redruth, but as yet Miss Bubb has received no such notification. The Salvation Army is said to be going to take charge of the girls.
Burra Hospital Board. The elections of 1 July were declared on 3 July. In Burra 650 ratepayers voted and the 12 nominations resulted in:
Maurice Collins 538
W.H. Sandland 526
H. Morgan 501
E.J. Davey 493
P.J. Sampson 475
C. Bartholomaeus 167
W.R. Chambers 144
S.M. Lane 119
M.A. Radford 115
E.W. Crewes 91
A.S. Martin 85
P.J. Pickering 72
The first five were declared elected.
Dr T.B. Ashton writes in reply to I.J. Warnes’ letter. [He accuses Warnes of timing his letter so no reply was possible before the election. He says Warnes was a member of the Board in 1917 which complained that both doctors were using the Burra Government Hospital for their private patients without legal right.]
I knew that this had been the practice for many years. The Government appointed a Board of Inquiry which found the practice was illegal under the Hospital Act of 1877 and the Public Charities Act. The Government accepted the finding and as a law-abiding citizen I ceased to use the hospital in this way. The other doctor became Government Medical Officer on an increased salary, but continued to treat private patients and to charge his fee and has done so ever since. My request in November 1920 for re-instatement was on the assumption that the old conditions were now legal. After six months of evasive replies I found it was still illegal and I was to be exploited – expected to do gratuitously work that the other doctor was paid for. I refused to accept this false position. Only in February 1922 did the hospital become a subsidised hospital. Granted that the Act of 1877 failed to meet modern needs or present day conditions: this does not explain why the Act was not altered when attention was drawn to it five years ago – or enforced impartially to all.
‘Ratepayer’ writes in reply to Mr Melrose denying that he is too mean to pay rates to aid the poor. He suggests the donors should build a nice little [maternity] home rather than erect one in the back yard of the Burra Hospital at great expense to be supported by the ratepayers. The writer goes on again to complain of the lack of consultation with ratepayers before such expense was incurred.
[The editor points out that the intended wing would be on the town side of the hospital facing the main road, rather than in the back yard and that the hospital and that the hospital tax for ‘Ratepayer’ would not exceed 15/- p.a.]
Hanson DC has asked SAR to remove the old house at Nevin’s Crossing north of Farrell’s Flat as it is a dangerous crossing and the building obscures the view of persons using the crossing.
Burra Town Council, 3 July
The War Trophies Committee asked for the trench mortar [the squirt] to be sent to Kadina – they are to be told it has been sent to Adelaide.
The Burra Hotel Proprietor says he will be unable to provide electric lights at the National Bank Corner and the Rotunda after 30 June.
The Town Clerk will endeavour to arrange supply from Mr J. Allen.
Commissioner Richards of the Salvation Army will be given a Civic Reception when he visits on 3 August.
Marriage. St Mary’s Kooringa 1 July
Wilfred Henry Nankivell late AIF, youngest son of Mrs and the late W. Nankivell of Kooringa, married
Elinor Mary (Nell) Wade, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs A.W. Wade of Koonenberry Forest Reserve near Burra.
XXXXIV, 27, 5 July 1922, page 4
Bicycle Race, 24 June. During the race E. Scroop got a puncture and P. McLennan & J. Priess collided smashing McLannan’s front wheel. R. Rogers ran out of wind. Priess’s wheel failed three miles from home, so R.G. Hunt was the sole survivor and had an easy win, getting the medal for first and the one for fastest time. [It had been a handicap event.] Priess got 2nd and 7/6 and E. Scroop 5/- for 3rd. This closed the season for this year and it is hoped now to form a cycle club in Burra.
Football. At South Booborowie 1 July:
South Booborowie 2.4 4.5 6.10 8.10 (58)
Aberdeen 0.1 1.2 2.2 2.2 (14)
A School of Method took place at Burra and Copperhouse over two days. It involved 17 teachers and Inspector S.H. Warren and provided model lessons and other developmental opportunities for staff involved. [Report extends 2⁄3 column.]
Hanson-Booborowie Railway. The local MPs Messrs Jenkins, Hawke & Dickson waited on the Minister of Railways, the Hon. W. Hague on 16 June urging the construction of a railway from Hanson rather than a spur from the Clare line. The work was recommended in 1915 and again in 1918, since when the area has progressed and would do so to an even greater extant with a railway. The Minister said costs had prevented work in 1915 and 1918, since when material costs had fallen, but labour costs had not. He would get new estimates and then review the matter and submit it to cabinet.
XXXXIV, 28, 12 July 1922, page 2
Advt. W. H. Spier, late of Glenister & Sams Motor Engineers of Market Square, has started in business.
Advt. R.M. McBride offers for sale in Graham Allotments 8 & 9.
Notice incorporating the Lewis Trust set up to manage Paxton Square as affordable housing for deserving persons. The property containing 4 acres 2 roods and 17 perches or thereabouts in Certificate of Title Register Book Volume 985 Folio 115
Advt. Reg Kellaway (Late J.E. Greenwood) General Tinsmith & Ironworker of Chapel St Kooringa
Advt. Comrie Quadrille Class. Dance at Burra Institute 12 July 8 p.m. to 12 midnight
Advt. Burra Tennis Club Grand Ball at Burra Institute 19 July.
Advt. Col. Henry Sharp SA’s Greatest Evangelist. Come and enjoy an old-time Blood & Fire Meeting.
Salvation Army Barracks, Tonight 8 p.m.
XXXXIV, 28, 12 July 1922, page 3
Mr & Mrs J.E. Greenwood left Kooringa for Aldgate on Wednesday last. Mrs Greenwood was born here and Mr Greenwood had been in Burra over 20 years and had been an East Ward Councillor and member of the Institute Committee. Both had been active in patriotic affairs and in the Burra Bowling & Croquet Clubs. Mr Greenwood was farewelled at the Burra Masonic Lodge. Miss Millie Greenwood goes with her parents.
Anne Snell has also left Burra to live at Glenelg.
Obituary. John Arthur Riggs died at his residence ‘Hughendon’ Kooringa on 4 July aged 83. He was born at Nowell, Dorset, in 1839 and migrated to Australia in 1855 by the ship Arbuthnot. Mr Riggs Sen. was employed at Koonoona Station then owned by Barrett & Duffield, who also had Princess Royal. In 1858 Mr Riggs was sent out East to look after the proprietors’ interests there and in 1861 took over management of Murkaby for his brother the late Henry Riggs of Gawler. In 1975 he married Miss Smith of Houghton near Adelaide and in 1850 took up land at Mullaby where he lived for a number of years. In 1891 he was granted a portion of Murkaby Run and turned entirely to sheep raising. Some years ago he disposed of Murkaby and five years ago handed over his interests which then included Lord’s Well and Bazentine Stations to his sons. He leaves a widow and five surviving sons: Arthur, Herbert and Vernon of Lord’s Well and Bazentine stations, Alfred B. on Murkaby Station, Frank in Kooringa, and four daughters: Mesdames J.F. Pearce (Hyde Park), J.E. Pearce, A.L. Kellock & Miss Lily Riggs of Kooringa. There are 12 grandchildren. Another son Eddie died over 2 years ago. Three sons saw service in the Great War: Elliot was killed in action 1917, Herbert won the MM, but lost a leg and Vernon won a commission in the field.
Liberal Union, Burra Women’s Branch
Mrs Warnes, the new President, presided. Mrs C.R. Morris, President of Hyde Park Branch, spoke on What shall we do with Australia? Her themes were the need for white migration and for a railway to Darwin.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday the Mt Bryan team was reduced to five players because of the untraffickable roads. They played for ten minutes in which time Kooringa kicked five goals. This avoided Mt Bryan having to forfeit and pay forfeit fees and for the umpires.
E.J. Davey writes correcting Mr Radford’s statement that the new Hospital Board Members could not carry out their announced plans. Rule 18 in fact allows the Board to alter and repeal the rules of the old Board.
XXXXIV, 28, 12 July 1922, page 4
Maurice Collins writes on sheep breeding – specifically on his recent activities. It is a 2⁄3 column article from Sydney’s Sun, following his recent success at the Sheep Show there.
XXXXIV, 29, 19 July 1922, page 2
Pilfering. In the last two weeks 30/- worth of cigarettes etc. have been stolen in two robberies from W.G. Cossey tobacconist of Market Square. Also on two other occasions money has been taken from the till.
XXXXIV, 29, 19 July 1922, page 3
The AWU has agreed to abide by the Arbitration ruling on shearers.
The Second Gun arrived in Burra on Wednesday and has been placed in Market Square. It is a 77 mm German Gun originally captured by the French.
Obituary. Mrs Philip Lane Sen. died in the Memorial Hospital on 16 July aged 79 after a stroke. She was born at St Ives Cornwall in 1843 and arrived in SA with her parents, the late Mr & Mrs W. Jones when she was 5. In 1862 she married Mr Philip Lane, who became Burra’s first Mayor. They lived in Kangaroo St in the house now occupied by their daughter Mrs E.F. Marston. Mr Lane died in Dec. 1912. She continued in the old home till 1917, a total of 60 years. [This does not add up: 55 years if they went there on marriage.] She then removed to Unley. She leaves five daughters and two sons: Mrs H. Roach (Toorak), Mrs A.J. McBride (Fullarton), Mrs E.F. Marston (Kooringa), Mrs G. Waldeck (Dongara WA), Mrs C.W. Hooper (Toorak), Mr Philip Lane (Gawler) and Mrs S.M. Lane (Kooringa).
[Born Louisa Jones. Her place of residence was North Unley.]
Rain this week was heavy with a good flow of water in both the Burra creek and the West Ward creek. The new ford at the Pig & Whistle crossing was damaged on the eastern side, but not seriously.
M.A. Radford writes pointing out that while the new Burra Hospital Board may propose changes to the rules of the institution, the Governor’s approval is needed for any such changes and changes just to suit the local hospital are not likely to be approved by Executive Council.
Redruth Girls Reformatory is to be closed. Official advice was given to the Matron on Friday. The Salvation Army will take over the work at Enfield. We believe there should be an investigation into the affairs of the State Children’s Council. Its President, Mr Huntley, has spoken of the difficulties of appointing staff and a Matron and said that a Matron frequently had to be appointed without experience – there have been only three Matrons in 20 odd years and Miss Bubb was previously Matron of Parramatta Industrial School.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.4 2.5 3.10 3.11 (29)
North Booborowie 0.0 3.2 3.3 3.5 (23)
At South Booborowie on Saturday:
South Booborowie 2.4 2.7 4.9 5.12 (42)
Kooringa 0.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 (6)
XXXXIV, 30, 26 July 1922, page 2
Notice. Rule Bros. Blacksmiths & Wheelwrights of Aberdeen intend to give up business from 1 August 1922.
Charles Nicholls, herbalist, may be consulted at Pearce’s Building from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. 28 July.
Mr P. Squires has been appointed as postmaster at Kooringa. He comes here from Peterborough and replaces the relieving postmaster George Beer.
Mr J. Morrison, local shearer, gave a demonstration at Bence’s Auction Mart of a three stand Burgon Shearing Plant with angle gears and Burgon Wolsely hand pieces, driven by a 4 h.p. Premier Super Diesel Engine. A.B. Riggs of Murkaby supplied a dozen well-wooled rams for the test.
Burra Hospital. Four of the five DCs involved: Burra, Hallett, Apoinga, Mt Bryan & Hanson, together with the Town Council met at the Institute on Friday to discuss the present rate of assessment for the hospital. [Booborowie DC was not represented.] The Hanson Council thought the assessment and hence the rate was too high, especially for young returned men just starting out as farmers. It was felt the assessment was on area and not on population, which was unfair. A motion was carried to take the matter up with the Inspector General of Hospitals.
Mr M. Pederson advises he has arrived safely in Denmark after a good voyage. He had an enjoyable time in London.
Obituary. Mary Christina Hogan aged 12 years 9 months, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Frank Hogan, died on 23 July from diabetes. [Born 13 October 1909 at Kooringa: died at Leighton.]
Rain has continued with 57 points locally and falls to the east as good or better.
XXXXIV, 30, 26 July 1922, page 3
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Aberdeen 1.3 2.6 5.7 5.10 (40)
Kooringa 1.2 1.6 3.9 4.14 (38)
Grand Rechabite Demonstration at the Institute last Thursday welcomed a high official from England: the High Chief Ruler Cr. Bro. A. Tomlinson. The Mayor, Mr E.W. Crewes, welcomed the visitor. Revs Smith & Ingamells spoke of the inevitability now of prohibition. The visitor was given a gold-mounted malachite pendant made by L.L. Wicklein, jeweller of Burra. The address of Mr Tomlinson gives an outline of the history of the order. His visit was occasioned by the order’s jubilee in New Zealand and Queensland. Details occupy almost 11⁄2 columns.
Burra Rifle Club on Saturday. Best results were F.W. Lown 101 and S. Williams 100.
XXXXIV, 30, 26 July 1922, page 4
Burra Town Council, 17 July
A.E. Marr advised that an electric scheme similar to that proposed for Burra had been installed at Crystal Brook for £4,500 with four miles of mains. On this basis the Burra Scheme as first proposed would cost £7,500 and main streets only £5,800. He advised calling tenders. When Crystal Brook’s scheme was operational Burra and Mt Gambier would be the only large towns in SA without a scheme.
A move by Cr Collins to have tenders called failed through want of a seconder.
Cr Kellaway moved that the Council not entertain any scheme as a Council proposition. Carried.
Mr Marr is to be notified that Council will not entertain the scheme.
The Immigration Dept. advises that three boys will be coming to the Burra District.
The Burra Corporation will pay £143-10-0 towards the [running] costs of the Burra Hospital.
Advice received from DC Hanson re a meeting at the Burra Institute concerning Burra Burra Hospital rates.
Council resolved to borrow £300 needed to build the Fire Station.
Cr Harris moved that the war trophy guns be placed differently. They were at present dangerous and traffic was cutting up the material at the base of the memorial. The Mayor said that a Memorial Committee meeting on Monday would deal with the matter.
A letter of sympathy will be sent to the family of the late Mrs Philip Lane Sen.
Kooringa Tennis Club Annual Ball was held 19 July at Burra Institute and was financially very satisfactory.
XXXXIV, 31, 2 Aug. 1922, page 2
Advt. Sale of Canowie Estate of 12,000 acres to be subdivided into 21 farms. Sale on a date to be decided in September or October. Bennett & Fisher Ltd. Auctioneers. Adjoins North Booborowie.
Hd Anne Sections 16-25 & 140-149
Hd Reynolds Sections 3-6, 9, 14, 16, 18-21, 23-25, 28 & 38
Hd Belalie Sections 258, 264, 269, 592, 593 & 598
Advt. Burra Agricultural [Show] Society. Stallion Parade Wednesday 16 August at the Showgrounds.
Advt. Grand Concert in Jubilee Hall 3 August in aid of Aberdeen Football Club
XXXXIV, 31, 2 Aug. 1922, page 3
Obituary. George Albert Beckwith of Mt Bryan died 28 July aged 51. He was the husband of Florence and third son of Mrs John Beckwith. [Born 29 May 1871 at McCoys Well.]
Stan Woollacott’s horse dropped dead in front of Ridgway’s shop on Saturday afternoon as he was riding home from drill. He escaped with a shaking.
Don Fuss, employed by Elder, Smith & Co. was thrown from his motor cycle opposite F. Allen’s on Friday night while trying to avoid a collision with a horse. He suffered slight concussion and severe facial abrasions.
Violet Day was marked in Burra last Sunday by services at the Kooringa Methodist Church with Rev. E. Smith, but no public services were arranged.
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Kellaway died at Mitchell Flat Kooringa on 26 July. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Reynolds of Kooringa and was born at Callington 29 Oct. 1859 and came to Burra about 50 years ago. She married Mr Thomas Kellaway, second son of the late Mr & Mrs W. Kellaway of Kooringa who has long been an invalid. He and six sons survive: Tom (Broken Hill), William (Copperhouse), John (Riverton), Councillor Stanley Kellaway, Leslie (Kooringa), Reginald (Kooringa). (Pte J. Kellaway and Sgt L. Kellaway saw active service.) [Born as Eleanor Reynolds and died as Ellenor Kellaway according to the registrations.]
Mr & Mrs F. Duldig Sen. have retired to Eudunda after 46 years at World’s End where they were among the first pioneers. They were farewelled with a silver tea service and silver mounted oak tray.
Burra & District Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Committee met 24 July. Promises amounting to £45-10-0 were unpaid. There was discussion about the two guns, which were the property of the Town Council and some of the committee were clearly of the opinion they were being imposed upon. E.J. Harris said ‘The Committee did not contemplate the expense of painting the guns’. Mr Crewes (President) said traffic was cutting up the road around the memorial and it could not be left unfinished. Mr Radford said this could be resolved by placing the guns nearer the memorial.
The last estimate for a Roll of Honour was £210.
Dr Steele thought they would have to combine with the Council concerning the garden or other surrounds for the memorial. The feeling was that the Roll of Honour required first priority. A fresh estimate was called for. Funds will be called for. Mr P.A. McBride had promised a cheque and Miss Sandland will organise a concert.
Council will be asked to place a gun on the north side facing north and one on the south side facing the Rotunda as near as convenient to the memorial.
F. Harris will sell postcards of the contents laid under the memorial for 3d.
Mr Dane was thanked for his extensive work as secretary.
‘One Who Likes a Fair Deal All Round’ writes re the use of Booborowie Park Lands.
XXXXIV, 31, 2 Aug. 1922, page 4
Burra Show Wednesday 25 October: Prize List.
XXXXIV, 31, 2 Aug. 1922, Supplement
Burra Matron’s Dance held Thursday last at Burra Institute is reported in 3⁄4 column.
Soldiers’ Aid Soc. 7th AGM was held in Jubilee Hall on Wednesday with Miss Bubb (President) in the chair.
The Society gave the annual dinner for Returned Men last August and has aided sick soldiers through the Red Cross depot, the Renmark Hospital, The Stricken European Appeal, the Burra & District Soldiers’ Memorial Committee and the Royal Institution for the Blind. Meetings have been well attended – 14 to 20 at the fortnightly meetings. Elected were President, Miss Bubb; Vice Presidents, Mrs C. Bartholomaeus, Mrs C. Fuss & Mrs R. Elliott; Secretary, Miss C. Bartholomaeus; Treasurer, Mrs A.J. Wallis. (In three years over £200 has been raised for the Royal Institution for the Blind.)
Burra Young Men’s Club: Gymnasium Gala Day was held last Saturday. Gate takings were £17. There was a fancy dress procession from the gym. At 2 p.m. through Aberdeen and to Kooringa and to Victoria Park. A fancy dress football scramble followed with J. Allen as umpire and then a sports program was followed for which results are printed. Total takings were about £40.
Burra Football Assoc. held its usual meeting on Wednesday last and details take c. 3⁄4 column. Arrangements were made for the finals series.
XXXXIV, 32, 9 Aug. 1922, page 2
Advt. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Auctioneers: Rule Bros. are selling their Blacksmith’s Plant and Miss Preece is selling the stone house and blacksmith’s shop. August 16.
XXXXIV, 32, 9 Aug. 1922, page 3
St Joseph’s Church Dance on 31 July was a success with about 60 couples attending plus a crowd of onlookers.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mr Aleck Ford (Basin Farm) Sturt Peas
Herbert Morgan (Baldina) Tomatoes
Redruth Girls Reformatory
The girls departed on Friday last 4 August for Enfield where they will be under the care of the Salvation Army. They were seen off at the station by Miss Bubb and Miss Tyrie & M-C Johns of Redruth. Two women police and three constables escorted them. Nothing has been heard of what is to become of the building.
Burra Town Council
J.R. Barker of Baldina was granted permission to erect a telephone line.
The Mayor said when shearing ceased there would be considerable local unemployment.
Mr Marr is to be informed that the Council is prepared to allow a private company to bring electric lighting to the town.
Condolences were sent to Cr Kellaway’s family on the death of Mrs T. Kellaway.
Burra Rifle Club on Saturday had a double 300 yard shoot with a good turnout of 16 men and best scores were by L. Gare and F. Riggs.
Football. The planned combined match between the two Burra teams and the two Booborowie teams on Saturday did not take place: apparently Kooringa failed to finalise its transport arrangements. The Booborowie teams write in considerable disgust as no notification was given and the roads were in excellent condition for travel.
Coursing. The Mt Bryan-Hallett Coursing Club held its annual meeting on Wednesday & Thursday 2 & 3 August. A scandal erupted on 3 August when it was revealed that the two leading dogs had been dosed and one has since died. The owner lives in Victoria and the dead slut was valued at £200. Terowie police are investigating.
A Bank of Adelaide branch with a manager’s residence has recently been erected at Booborowie and John Bacon & Sons of Spalding have a general store nearing completion.
XXXXIV, 33, 16 Aug. 1922, page 2
Notice. Salvation Army, Kooringa. Farewell meeting for Ensign Ridland on Thursday at 8 p.m.
Death of Racing Mare. A mare worth £200 was shot in the vicinity of the Duffer Dam some 30 miles east of Burra last week. To destroy traces of the shot the head was then badly mutilated. The horse was owned by A.J. McBride. This was probably a ‘sporting’ pot shot like the destruction of insulators on the telephone line not long ago, which cut communications with Burra from several stations.
XXXXIV, 33, 16 Aug. 1922, page 3
Ensign Ridland of the Salvation Army who has been stationed in Burra with Captain Heathwood has been transferred to the Immigration Dept. Perth.
Obituary. Miss Gregory, aunt of Mrs George Hann, and who has lived some time with her niece died at Aberdeen aged 79. She was born at Fellowship, Jamaica, in 1843 and came to Australia in 1853 with her parents Mr & Mrs John Gregory. Before coming to Burra she lived at Warracknabeal Victoria where she ran a private school. [Amelia Thelwell Gregory died 12 August at Aberdeen aged 79.]
Burra Hospital. Mr W.G. Hawkes has been appointed Chairman of the Board at a meeting on 10 August 1922. The Board has no suggestion to the Inspector General of Hospitals re the letter from Hanson DC.
Burra Coursing Club met on 8 August on the property of Hon. W.G. Duncan. The day’s sport is described in c. 3⁄4 column.
Obituary. George Kellock of Thistlebeds Station died on Sunday 13 August. He was born at Mr Barker in June 1845, the youngest son of Mr & Mrs Kellock who had migrated from Scotland. They later went to the Barossa Valley where the deceased spent his childhood. Almost 50 years ago with his late brothers, John and William, he took up land at Thistlebeds becoming a pioneer grazier. He was taken suddenly ill at Thistlebeds on 7 August and died at home in Kooringa. He was a strong supporter of the Methodist Church. He married Miss Motherall and they had one son, Alex. And there are three grandchildren.
Burra Gymnasium Class under Capt. L.H. Foote put on an entertainment at Leighton Hall on Tuesday last week. There were also musical and recitation items.
XXXXIV, 33, 16 Aug. 1922, page 4
Redruth Police Court, 7 August
Cecil Clarence Munday, cleaner, was charged with playing Coon Can for money in a public place at Kooringa on 6 August. (Actually on sections 3039 & 3040: Nelson) The case was adjourned and resumed on 8 August. Twelve men were involved. The defence said there was no proof they were playing an unlawful game. The defendant denied they were playing for money. He was fined £2 + 15/- costs and notice of appeal was given.
The cases against the other 11 were adjourned to 5 September. They were:
Edward Hall Robert G. Bernhardt Clifford A. Kingsley
W. Henry Miels William H. Willshire Rudolph F.B. Motley
Leslie Wall and others?
Charged with being present without lawful excuse were:
Thomas J. Seal Frank G. Cox
Football. First Semi-final at South Booborowie Oval
South Booborowie 4.0 7.5 8.6 10.8 (68)
North Booborowie 3.5 4.6 6.11 6.11 (47)
XXXXIV, 34, 16 Aug. 1922, Supplement
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday: the Second Semi-Final.
Aberdeen 0.2 2.7 6.10 6.12 (48)
Kooringa 4.5 4.7 4.7 6.10 (46)
Kooringa Football Club met on Thursday night and Mr Lawn asked why the club had failed to visit South Booborowie as arranged. The Secretary Mr Wade said that the Aberdeen Secretary Mr Willshire had advised that the match was cancelled. Nine Kooringa men were ready to go. Mr Allen said Mr Willshire rang him on Friday and asked if anything had been done about the match and Mr Allen said he didn’t know.
[Mr Willshire then seems to have cancelled the match without contacting the Kooringa Secretary, or at least this is the implication of the report.]
XXXXIV, 34, 23 Aug. 1922, page 2
Advt. Tenders called for a new manse at Hallett.
XXXXIV, 34, 23 Aug. 1922, page 3
Obituary. Annie Quigley sister of Kate Quigley died at the home of ‘The Little Sisters of the Poor’, Glen Osmond 7 August. [Aged 80. Her residence was at Mintaro.]
Obituary. Archibald Cousins aged 7, son of Mr & Mrs P. Cousins (nee Baynes) of Ascot Park and late of Burra & Booborowie, has died in Adelaide from diphtheria. [Archibald Ernest Cousins born 19 October 1914 at Kooringa: died 15 August 1922 at North Adelaide, residence Ascot Park.]
T.A. Woollacott will add a room to the Institute caretaker’s cottage.
Burra Roll of Honour. The balance from the Memorial Fund is £74-2-6 and donations are sought. A further £11-16-6 is acknowledged. £210 is required.
Fire Brigade. The premises were completed last week and a new picket fence erected alongside the building, which adds to the appearance. On Thursday the Ford motor-reel arrived in charge of the local superintendent, H.R. Bosisto. A trial run was held on Friday. There are five firemen.
Ensign Ridland and his mother were farewelled on Thursday last. The former goes to Perth and the latter to Adelaide. Captain Melksham, a former resident of Burra, came for the meeting and Ensign H.R. Heathwood presided at a large gathering. Ensign Ridland was given a travelling rug and his mother a silver-mounted biscuit barrel.
Burra Town Council
Elder, Smith & Co. complain of the almost impassable state of Hardy St. ‘They thought lack of damage was the cause.’ [For damage presumably read drainage!]
The road will be repaired.
Local Board of Health.
The Inspector reports Burra Hospital is unsatisfactory, especially the Isolation Ward which ‘has evidently been in use as a home for cats, turkeys and other poultry, the rooms were in a filthy state with the droppings from the poultry and the beds, as in evidence, had been occupied by cats and were in a disgusting state.’ An order to get the ward into a fit state has been complied with. The Inspector believed this ward was not a fit place to send patients and urged the Board to take action for a more suitable building.
Albert Gebhardt writes objecting to the Hospital Board’s decision to exclude the press from its meetings – just when the residents have had a 3d rate in the £ imposed upon them for the hospital’s upkeep.
Wirth’s Circus visited Jamestown and some of its employees evidently behaved like a gang of thugs, beating up people and breaking shop windows etc. There is 3⁄4 column of detail.
Essay Competition for the best description of funnily-dressed horses on Gymnasium Gala Day. The junior winner was Mavis McDonald and the senior winner was Corris Walker. Both agreed that the Farmers’ Union horse was the funniest. [The essays are printed.]
XXXXIV, 34, 23 Aug. 1922, page 4
Advt. There is a full-page advertisement for the visiting herbalist Mr Kugelman.
XXXXIV, 35, 30 Aug. 1922, page 2
Advt. Tenders called for the erection of the Memorial Hall at Ironmine.
Advt. Mt Bryan Soldiers Memorial Hall Opening Ceremony will be performed by Mrs I.J. Warnes 9 September 1922.
T.W. Wilkinson turned 80 last Wednesday. He was born at Frederickstown, New Brunswick, Canada 23 August 1842 and came to Australia with his parents when 13. They lived in Burra till the exodus of miners to Yorke Peninsula when they went to Kadina. After some years T.W. went to Gawler where he had a dispensary. In 1872 he bought P. Dyer’s chemist’s business which his son C.D. Wilkinson still operates. He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding some years ago, but she is now in delicate health. They have five sons and six daughters.
Les Clarke of Springbank Estate had a lucky escape from death on Friday when his horse fell in Commercial St and then got up and bolted with the rider’s left foot caught in the stirrup. He collided with a car parked at Pederson’s and the strap broke, freeing him. He suffered a broken leg, shock, bruising and was unconscious for a time.
XXXXIV, 35, 30 Aug. 1922, page 3
RSL Dinner. The 4th annual dinner was held at Pearce’s Building last Saturday. Dr Steele as President presided. Dinner was provided for the third time by the Soldiers’ Aid Soc. in the charge of Miss Bubb. Floral decorations came from Hampton Court gardens. S.M. Lane Vice-President said it was a shame that the branch was declining. Mr Andrew Bartholomaeus also expressed disappointment that more had not attended. Some 40-50 were present. D. Van Senden proposed the toast for the Rejected Volunteers and the Fathers’ Assoc. W.G. Hawkes proposed that for the War-working Societies, mentioning Red Cross, The Cheer-up Soc., The League of Loyal Women, The Burra Sporting and Athletic Club and The Cheer-up Ladies Band, which he believed had attended the station about 180 times, ‘and everywhere the girls were there was our worthy Mayor.’ Mr Crewes responded for the Red Cross and Cheer-up Soc. He said that although the Cheer-up Society was not active it still existed and had £138 in the bank ready for any emergency if one of the boys struck trouble. He said the band had actually visited the station 166 times. Mr Foote responded for the Soldiers’ Aid Soc. He recalled their war effort and said that since then they had principally aided the Royal Institution for the Blind and raised £200 for it. As for the Sporting and Athletic Club – it no longer met, but any returned man who had not received his £5 had only to mention it and it would be attended to. Dr Steele proposed the toast to the RSL. Also present was Staff-Nurse Lang and Mrs C.F. Humphris (formerly Staff-Nurse McWaters).
D. McDonald Steele writes re the Isolation Ward at the Hospital. He criticises Mr E.J. Davey, Inspector, for failing to mention that the state of the ward was the result of an accident. The ward is rarely used, but is scrubbed and cleaned every fortnight and then left open to air, but on this occasion it was forgotten to close the doors and during a storm turkeys took refuge in ti with the consequences reported. Since Mr Davey is also a member of the Board it might have been expected he would be more understanding, or at least have mentioned the true cause.
Burra Hospital Board met 24 August
It was resolved to alter Rule 8 so that two Medical Officers could be appointed on equal footing. (Dr Steele was excluded from this portion of the meeting.)
Notice was received from the Local Board of Health giving 24 hours to clean up the Isolation Ward.
Mr Melrose explained what had led up to the offer of himself and Mrs Barker for a Maternity Ward and outline how far matters had progressed. The Chief Secretary is to be advised the Board has no objection to the Maternity Ward’s going ahead.
XXXXIV, 35, 30 Aug. 1922, page 4
L.H. Foote writes outlining the need for a public telephone at the railway station.
Robert Willshire writes as Hon. Sec. of the Aberdeen Football Club saying that instead of the half-truths uttered at the recent meeting of the Kooringa Football Club a full disclosure of the facts were made it would be seen that the blame lay with the Kooringa Club.
[He does not himself reveal what those ‘truths’ were.]
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday, the Premiership saw a record crowd and gate-takings of £29, the highest for some time.
South Booborowie 2.4 3.7 3.9 5.12 (42)
Aberdeen 2.2 2.3 2.6 3.8 (26)
Burra Rifle Club. Fired on Saturday over 600 yards: best were R.L. Jones and F.W. Lown.
XXXXIV, 36, 6 Sep. 1922, page 2
Burra & District Horticulture
Mr I.J. Warnes hyacinths
Advt. & Article: Salvation Army: visit of a party of boys from Eden Park Home, Mt Barker, to the Institute 13 September. Display of physical culture etc.
The home is under Major John Ward, a former Burra Boy and his wife, formerly Capt. Messenger who was stationed at Burra in the early days. The visit will aid the Army’s Self-Denial Appeal.
A Handicap Bicycle Race was held to the five-mile post on the Sod Hut road and back on Saturday. Colin Field won from Ken. Gebhardt and P. McLennan. (The record time to date is held by Reece Hunt with 311⁄2 minutes.)
Burra High School old scholars met at the Cheer-up Room on Monday to form an Old Scholars Assoc. A Reunion Social is planned for 25 September. President, Mr J. Biddle; Vice-President, Miss E. Grosvenor BA; Secretaries, Me J. Murphy and Miss D. Davey; Treasurer, Don. Fuss.
XXXXIV, 36, 6 Sep. 1922, page 3
E.J. Davey, Inspector of the Local Board of Health, writes in response to Dr Steele. He gives another side to the story and says that while Dr Steele’s account of the ward may be true the surroundings were another matter with a derelict garden and an obstructed path to the ward and precincts used to house fowls, turkeys and geese as well as about 30 cats. It was evident that the state of affairs was the product of some time and having found the hospital insanitary it was his duty to serve a notice. ‘I am entirely at a loss to understand Dr Steele’s attempt to excuse or palliate the disgraceful conditions.’
[Apparently E.J. Davey’s letter appeared in the Register on 1 September, as Dr Steele’s response cites that publication.]
Dr Steele writes that when Mr Davey was approached by members of the house-committee it was as a member of the Board and they wished to handle the matter quietly and tactfully, rather than have him act in his strictly official capacity.
Dr Steele reiterates his view that the condition was the result of an accident. The rooms had been recently cleaned and indeed one was faultless. No beds were made up and none was fouled by a cat – though clearly one had been slept on by a cat with muddy paws. Clothes on the verandah had been cleaned and spread there to dry when the rain started. Precincts were untidy, but not insanitary.
Local Board of Health, Monday
The Inspector upheld his view on the condition of the Isolation Ward. Cr Collins said Dr Steele’s letter was uncalled for. The Board thoroughly endorsed the report and actions of the Inspector.
Burra Town Council
Angus E. Marr wrote saying it is proposed to form a public company with capital of £8,500 in £1 shares to supply a lighting scheme for Burra – to cover Kooringa, Aberdeen and Redruth and power would be available 24 hours a day for lighting, heating and motor services at 1/3 per unit for light and 6d for power. The cost for street lamps would be £5 p.a. for 50 candlepower, £7-7-6 for 100 candlepower, £8-15-0 for 200 candlepower and £14-16-0 for 400 candlepower – for a minimum of 25 lamps including erection and maintenance. The company was seeking a twenty year agreement and Council to have the right after that time to take over at valuation or to renew.
The Mayor said they would have to estimate the number and power of lamps required. Three powerful lights had been suggested for the Farmers’ Union Corner, Market Square and Commercial Street. They would also have to consider the length of the lease.
The last motion passed said Council was prepared to consider the advisability of granting a company such a monopoly.
Cr Sams thought Council had already passed a motion that it would not do so.
Cr Collins moved that the Council grant a lease to the Burra Electric Supply Co. Seconded by Cr Harris and carried.
Hallett Institute has installed a Delco electric light system.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday a match was fired over 200, 500 and 600 yards. Best results were by L. Gare and L. Kellaway.
Burra Ladies Croquet Club. The AGM elected President, Mrs Martin & Captain, Mrs Saunders.
XXXXIV, 36, 6 Sep. 1922, page 4
Burra Batchelors’ Ball was held at Burra Institute 1 September and is reported.
Comrie Grand Ball held on 30 August is also reported.
XXXXIV, 37, 13 Sep. 1922, page 2
Advt. Grand Military Sports 27 September at the Showgrounds, Aberdeen. Followed by a Grand Masquerade Ball.
Advt. Mt Bryan Sheep Dog Trials, 28 & 29 September.
Advt. G.C. Kuchenmeister & Son announce they have opened a shop in Market Square as Wholesale, Retail and Smallgoods Butchers.
XXXXIV, 37, 13 Sep. 1922, page 3
S.M. Lane has taken over the Saddlery business of Messrs H. Cox & Son at Aberdeen. Mr Herbert Cox will continue to manage the business.
Mt Bryan Memorial Hall
The opening ceremony of this hall to the memory of the men who volunteered for the Great War from Mt Bryan and District was held on Saturday 9 September. The supper room and main hall have been erected for some years. After much debate it was decided to erect two rooms in front of the hall (a library and Council Chamber), and a billiard room and kitchen at the rear. This has now been done. Mr I.J. Warnes was a hard and enthusiastic worker for the project as Chairman of the DC and a generous contributor. Mrs Warnes was asked to open the building. The official party were Mr & Mrs Warnes, Messrs T. Hawke, G.F. Jenkins & S.J. Dickson MPs, E.W. Crewes (Mayor of Burra), Rev. Father Nesdale, Rev. V. Goldney (Hallett), Ensign H.R. Heathwood (Salvation Army), Cr W.H. Quinn & Dr D.M. Steele (President of Burra sub-branch RSL).
Mr Warnes spoke first and talked of the history of the hall scheme. Burra folk had thought he had a lot of nerve when he urged Booborowie and Mt Bryan people to have their own Soldiers’ Memorial. Locals were convinced he had advised them rightly. The erection of the two rooms in front and the billiard room and kitchen justified his pushing for the scheme. The cost had been great and there was yet a deficiency of £400, which he hoped to see eliminated that night. It had been hard to get the pioneers of the district to centralise their interests in the town, but it was now reaping the benefits of that.
Mrs J. Trevilyan whose only son had been killed in action handed Mrs Warnes a silver key. Mrs Warnes made a speech referring to the sacrifices made by the soldiers, her visit to huge areas of war graves in Europe and the need to perpetuate the memory of the victory so dearly bought. She then opened the building.
Mr G.F. Jenkins MP moved the vote of thanks and Mr T. Hawkes MP seconded it, supported by Mr Dickson MP.
Mr W.H. Quinn moved a vote of thanks to Mr Warnes and supporting speeches followed from the other official guests. The total cost of the rooms built was £1,600, of which £1,200 had been paid.
In the front room to be used as a library there is good quality furniture and the roll of honour and on another wall a set of framed photos of the lads who enlisted from Mr Bryan. The other room across the passage is also well furnished as the Council Chamber and committee room. The hall was decorated with melanoxylon and wattle and bunting. Beyond lay the supper room and then the billiard room, which was declared open by Cr W.H. Quinn, who played the first game with Mr J. Beaglehole. Last comes the kitchen, which is well equipped and has two coppers, a table and a dresser. A football match was played in the afternoon in which Hallett 8.12 defeated Mt Bryan 4.7. A grand concert followed in the evening. The day raised £210.
Burra Bowling & Croquet Clubs held their second dance for the season in the Institute on Thursday last.
E.J. Davey writes re the Isolation Ward saying that Dr Steele’s letter of 6 September only goes to justify the steps he took in the matter. He denies that the state of the rooms was merely the consequence of an accident or that the substance left by the cat was mud.
XXXXIV, 37, 13 Sep. 1922, page 4
Masquerade Ball at Booborowie in aid of the Church of England Building Fund is reported in just less than 1 column.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Burra Assoc. 5.5 9.10 12.12 16.19 (115)
Proprietary Football Club (Pt Pirie) 2.0 6.0 6.8 7.8 (50)
XXXXIV, 38, 20 Sep. 1922, page 3
Advt. ‘Bon March’ Burra’s new shop will be opened by A.L. Bence in that portion of the Auction Mart previously occupied by Mr Woollacott on 21 September.
Notice. Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd
Intending electricity consumers are requested to intimate their intention to Mr E.W. Crewes with an approximate indication of their requirements.
Burra Institute Choral & Instrumental Classes will hold an entertainment at the Institute on 5 October. There will be a vocal and instrumental concert. The 40-piece orchestra will play extracts from Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Peep Show, currently running in Sydney. There will then be vocal items followed by the farce Packing Up. The third part will be moving pictures including the wedding of Princess Mary and the comedies Fresh from the Farm and Law and Order and then the main feature The Matrimonial Web. Proceeds will aid the Institute.
Burra & District Horticulture
J. Biddle carnations
Don Fuss lily
Burra Rifle Club. Saturday shoot over 300 yards. Best were W.R. Lee, R.L. Jones & F. Riggs each with 74. F.W. Lown & E.A. Kakoschke were next with 71 each.
Burra Liberal Union AGM was held 8 September
M.A. Radford somewhat reluctantly agreed to remain as President with Messrs Bartholomaeus and Winnall as Vice-Presidents.
Masonic Lodge. On 18 September Bro W. Wade was installed as Master of Kooringa Lodge No. 6 SAC.
XXXXIV, 38, 20 Sep. 1922, page 4
Prospectus of the Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd is printed:
Provisional directors are:
James H. Gallagher James Reid JP Maurice Collins
E.W. Crewes JP W.H. Sandland
Secretary pro tem: G.E. Dane
Assistant Secretary pro tem: A.E. Marr of Barnard St North Adelaide (who is also consulting engineer)
Shares 8,000 £1 and 500 fully paid £1 shares allotted to the vendors who bear all the underwriting expenses.
Object of the company is to provide electricity for Aberdeen, Kooringa and Redruth for 15 years. The minimum contract with the Council being for 20 lamps of 50 candlepower and 5 lamps of 100 candlepower.
Proposed rates 1/3 per unit for light and 6d for heating and small motors with a minimum charge of 5/- a month plus meter rent. Installation work in the consumer’s premises to be at consumer’s expense.
Capital expenditure is listed and totals £6,770
First year’s revenue is estimated at £1,948*
First year’s working expenses estimated at £1,130
*Based on the minimum number of street lights.
This shows a return of 10% on capital.
XXXXIV, 38, 20 Sep. 1922, Supplement
Football. At Saturday at Victoria Park
Quorn Albion 13.12 defeated Kooringa 6.9. A social and dance followed at Pearce’s Building.
Mt Bryan Coursing Club meeting of 6 & 7 September is reported.
Mt Barker Boys’ Visit passed off very successfully. They were billeted out and performed at the Institute before a large audience. They also visited the Burra Hospital, the Burra State School and High School and had afternoon tea at the Reformatory with Miss Bubb. They were in the charge of Major John Ward, an old Burra boy. They were a selection from 87 in the house at Mt Barker. The boys earned a profit of £30, which goes towards running the home.
Farrell’s Flat Sheep Dog Trials were held on 30 & 31 August and are reported.
Marriage. At St Dymphna’s [paper says Dympan’s] Church Booborowie
Miss Maud Robinson, fourth daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Robinson of Balaklava, married
Richard Prior, son of Mr & Mrs E.T. Prior.
XXXXIV, 39, 27 Sep. 1922, page 2
Marriage. Methodist Church Halifax St Adelaide 28 December 1921
S-M Ambrose H. Baynes of 50th Battalion, fourth surviving son of Mrs Ivey & late John Baynes of Leighton married Hazel Leonie Steele, widow of the late Roy Steele AIF, second daughter of Edward and Mrs Roberts of Adelaide
Advt. Wirth Bros. Circus will appear at Burra on Friday 6 October. Coming by three special trains.
Notice. Public Meeting at Hanson 7 October. To consider the advisability of building a Soldiers’ Memorial Hall at Hanson.
A Bolt. A dray of Mr McKenzie, storekeeper of Kooringa was being driven by a lad, Percy McLennan in Bridge St when the winkers came loose and the horse bolted along Mitchell & Cemetery flats and then via the Pig & Whistle and Thames St, through Market Square and up Mt Pleasant, down the side of St Joseph’s and back through Market Square and Commercial St where George Lines managed to get onto the back of the dray and thence onto the horse’s back and pulled it up. In leaping out of the way on the turn into Mt Pleasant Lawrence Henderson knocked himself unconscious.
[This route doesn’t make sense. Perhaps it started in Bridge Terrace rather than Bridge St and it suggests that in 1922 Bridge Terrace ran into Mitchell Flat. It does on maps, but now does so only as a footpath. The rest of the route is clear.]
Obituary. Mr Griff Thomas aged 83 died in his Paxton Square cottage, probably on 20 September, though the body was not found till Saturday [23rd]. Mr Thomas had worked out east for Hon. John Lewis for over 30 years. He also worked for the late R.J.M. McBride. Mrs A. Brandt was a cousin.
[Registered as Griffith Thomas died 21 September 1922 aged 83 at Kooringa.]
XXXXIV, 39, 27 Sep. 1922, page 3
Mr Cyril Martin of the Bank of Australasia for three years has been moved to Mt Barker to be replaced by Mr W.H. Newman from Adelaide.
Obituary. Mr Thomas Drew died at ‘Wooncona’ Medindie on 22 September. He came to Burra in 1862 as the youngest member of S. Drew & Co., which in 1890 became Drew & Crewes. He was for 25 years superintendent of the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School and conductor of the choir. In 1868 he married Miss Catherine Symons of Kooringa. His wife and eight children survive: John (Kooringa), Hedley & Charles (Adelaide), Dr Thomas (Victoria), Mrs S. Vanes, Mrs R.G. Bowen, Miss Bessie and Miss Ethel. The late Dr W.A.V. Drew of Bordertown was a son. [Aged 81]
Weather. Monday was a sultry and dusty day followed by a thunderstorm at 6 p.m. with ‘a violent wind which blue [sic] with almost hurricane force’ and by 8 a.m. Tuesday 99 points had fallen at Kooringa and 135 at Aberdeen. Rain continued on Tuesday and extended well to the east with falls from 43 to 100 points.
The Burra-Adelaide Bicycle Race took place last Saturday. Tacks were scattered on the road about 10 miles south. Mr G.G. Hawkes found no less that 42 tacks and picked them up, but no less than 10 riders nevertheless got punctures. The winner was O. Hoffman of Renmark in 5 hours 10 min. 4 secs (handicap 36 minutes). Fastest was T. Reynolds of Brinkworth in 4 hours 52 minutes 18 secs (handicap 6 minutes).
Mt Bryan Sheep Dog Trials scheduled for 28 & 29 September have been cancelled due to lack of entries.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mrs A.D. McDonald (Leighton) anemones
Mrs E.N. Finch ranunculi
Miss Elsie Sandland kangaroo paw & Geraldton wax
Mrs William Morgan cactus
Burra High School. Last Saturday sports were payed at Farrell’s Flat against Clare High School.
Girls’ Basketball: Burra 11 defeated Clare 8
Football: Clare 7.11 defeated Burra 3.3
Miss Kesterton, school teacher at Leighton for two years, was farewelled on 18 September, as she is getting married.
Hanson Memorial Hall. The meeting was not well attended and nothing definite was decided, but those present feel a hall is needed. The Council Chamber and school are too small for socials.
Burra Hospital Board met last Thursday.
The motion to exclude the press was rescinded.
There was considerable discussion about the payment of accounts.
The back premises (Isolation Ward) are reported to be now in good order.
Cats remain a problem despite the shooting of some of them.
Matron will be allowed to keep a maximum of two cats.
There was a debate about varnish or lino for the nurses and lino was chosen, which annoyed Mr Collins.
The Chief Secretary is considering the requested change to the rules. [Re a second Medical Officer.]
The Board considered this hiatus unsatisfactory.
W.G. Hawkes (Chairman) said that one problem was that the two doctors declined to work together.
[This discussion took place in the absence of Dr Steele.]
If the Government could not see the rules relaxed he for one could not see his way clear to assist in the management of the hospital.
Mr Davey said the impression he had from the Inspector General was that the change was not likely to be approved.
The rules were not state wide and at present Jamestown and Peterborough were drafting rules. A conference between the two medical men and the Board was out of the question. They had been to court and the sores would never heal. He moved advertisements be placed for two medical med to act as Medical Officers for the hospital, without remuneration. Mr Sampson seconded.
The Chairman said this would not answer the problem: people wanted their own doctor.
Mr Melrose said they had to wait for a Government reply. The motion was carried with Melrose opposed.
Mr Sampson said if this did not settle matters he would consider resigning and testing the ratepayers to see if they would accept say a 11⁄2d rate to appoint a resident surgeon from outside the town.
XXXXIV, 39, 27 Sep. 1922, page 4
Hanson Memorial Hall. A school entertainment and dance so highlighted the need for a hall on 15 September that it was immediately decided to canvass the district for funds. The move was inaugurated by Mr E. Blunt and Mr Dew.
Kooringa Tennis Club annual meeting 20 September elected: Secretary, Mr Taylor; Captain, Mr Norman; Vice-Captain, Mr W. Wade.
XXXXIV, 40, 4 Oct. 1922, page 2
Notice. A meeting is called 7 October at Hanson to consider the question of a Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.
Advt. Foresters’ Picnic on 8-Hour Day, 11 October, at Johnson’s Creek, Princess Royal.
Advt. Salvation Army. Meetings by SA’s greatest evangelist, Col. Henry Sharp assisted by Envoy Paulson on Friday, Saturday & Sunday next.
A Bicycle Race on Saturday over half a mile was won by Jack Hill with Fred March second. One over one mile was won by Reece Hunt with F. March second. Another over half a mile was won by Tom Lafsky with Colin field second.
XXXXIV, 40, 4 Oct. 1922, page 3
Burra Town Council
The Bowling Club claims it owns the picket fence at the Fire Station: it had been stored at the Council Depot.
Thomas Woollacott applied for permission to make alterations at Snell’s building – some time after actually commencing work.
F.M. Pearce was granted permission to add to his shop.
Hanson DC. Thomas McNamara asked Council to grant a piece of parklands for a Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, but was told that Council did not have the power to do so.
Miss Bubb, late Matron of Redruth Reformatory, is not being dismissed, but the position is being abolished. Questions in Parliament seek clarification and suggest a great injustice would be done to a loyal servant if she were being dismissed from State Service.
E.S. Blunt denies that the term Soldiers’ Memorial was used in connection with the proposed Hanson Hall.
Burra & District Horticulture
Chin Young cabbages at Mackerode
R.E. Gill (Booborowie) parsley & stocks
Mrs W. Stockman violets & cyclamen
Mrs Klaffus ranunculi
Aberdeen Football Club
Best all-round player 1922 to Norman Fuss
Best placed player 1922 to E. (Scobie) Jones
Burra Rifle Club. Match on Saturday over 700 yards: best were R.L. Jones and L. Kellaway.
Kooringa Cricket Club, Tuesday.
A decision was taken to reform for 1922-23 and Elected were Patron, J.E.H. Winnall; President, F. Knowles; Secretary/Treasurer, E. Jackson; Captain, Les Neagle; Vice-Captain, Les Kellaway.
Last season:
Best batsmen in A Grade were Les Kellaway (av. 30.13) and W. Moyses (av. 26.8).
Best batsmen in B Grade were J. Fleetwood (av. 22.0) and S. Kellaway (av. 16.8).
Best bowling in A Grade was by L. Kellaway (av. 6) and E. Hammond (av. 6.8).
Best bowling in B Grade was by A. Broad (av. 2.54) and S. Kellaway (av. 4.63).
XXXXIV, 40, 4 Oct. 1922, page 4
Military Sports on 27 September at Burra Racecourse were held in drizzly rain. Attendance was 300-400 and the results are printed. The ball in the evening was widely said to be the best of the season.
Burra High School Old Scholars held their first reunion in St Mary’s Schoolroom on 25 September and were very successful with about 60 attending.
XXXXIV, 41, 11 Oct. 1922, page 3
Notice. Redruth Reformatory is offered on lease.
Obituary. George Carter, late of Booborowie, died 6 October at Mitcham aged 80.
[Registration gives place of death Magill, residence Booborowie.]
The Grand Entertainment in aid of the Institute was held last Thursday and was very well presented and the takings of £41-18-6 will nearly all go to aid Institute funds.
Burra Town Council has agreed to let the Burra Electric Supply Co. to light the town for 15 years. The company will supply 25 street lamps and more if needed at a fixed price. The total cost will be less than is now taken trying to light the streets. The plant is to be installed within six months. All shares have been underwritten (a prominent townsman being prepared to take the lot), but are being offered to the public.
Bicycle Race on Saturday. T. Lafsky won the one-mile handicap with H. Seaford second. E. Scroop won the 7-mile with A. Gebhardt second. A second one-mile event was won by R.J. Hunt with Gebhardt second.
The Pederson Family: Stanley, Phoebe, May, Muriel, Edna and their father leave Kooringa today to live in Millswood. They were farewelled from the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School.
Redruth Court, 4 October
Robert Oliver Robinson v. Francis Clifford Humphris for assault on 17 April 1922 in which the plaintiff’s jaw was broken in two places and he lost a quantity of blood resulting in a stay of one month in Burra Hospital and being unable to take solid food he lost weight and suffered other medical complications. The injuries have resulted in permanent muscular damage and disfigurement. He sought damages of £490. The plea was not guilty on the grounds of self defence.
Dr Steele gave medical evidence of the nature of the injuries.
Robinson had an agreement with Humphris to work the former’s property in half shares (from 1 March 1922). At Easter Robinson sold his property to G. Hawkes. The defendant said Mrs Robinson told him he would get £250 compensation.
Robinson said Humphris had appeared to be well satisfied when Hawkes gave him a cheque for £250.
On 17 April after an exchange of comments about where the cows were grazing Humphris punched Robinson in the jaw twice and followed with several blows to the chest. Robinson claimed not to have struck the defendant.
Under cross-examination Robinson clarified the position of who owned which cows, but maintained he had not struck Humphris; neither did he expect the defendant to buy back the 17 cows purchased from him at the same price of £15 per head.
D.J. Dullea, manager for Bennett & Fisher confirmed the evidence of the £250 compensation.
Christina E.E. Robinson, wife of the plaintiff gave corroborative evidence.
Humphris said he had accepted £250 compensation and a stack of hay and was quite satisfied. He said the plaintiff had come and the first thing he had said was ‘Are you going to buy these cows?’ When the defendant said he would not at the same price he had received the plaintiff got angry and asked who left the gate open in the paddock. He said the plaintiff rushed at him and hit him with a right hand that just grazed his eye. He then struck back in self defence. Plaintiff got up and rushed at the defendant again and the latter struck him again. Defendant’s wife then ran between them and Mrs Robinson said, ‘Stop hitting my husband.’ Defendant’s wife said, ‘He hit mine first.’
Humphris denied threatening Dullea if he gave evidence and denied swearing.
Lily Victoria Humphris, wife of the defendant gave evidence in corroboration of her husband’s account.
Frederick H. Greenfield, farm assistant, gave evidence supporting Humphris.
The bench awarded £50 damages.
Mr Winnall for the defendant said there would be an appeal.
The SM said there could be no appeal as regardless of who struck the first blow the defendant’s own testimony showed he was unnecessarily violent.
Obituary/Accident. On Wednesday 4 November a car carrying five passengers struck a bad bar in the road near Diprose’s Bridge and the front wheel collapsed resulting in the vehicle’s turning over. Passengers and luggage were scattered in all directions. Mrs Frank Ford, who lives opposite the site, rendered assistance while the driver, W. Goward, went into Kooringa for help. J. Allen & Stan Kellaway motored out and went for Dr Ashton. Mr Walter Lee went out with the ambulance. George Wallace (67) and Thomas King (57) were sent to the hospital in the ambulance. Dr Ashton examined William Taylor, Stanley D. Gurr and Pierce Wilkinson who were taken in by ambulance when it returned. Taylor had head injuries and so did Gurr, who also had a broken bone in his leg. Wilkinson had less serious abrasions. Wallace had spinal injuries and a frightful gash on the head. King had a gash on the head, and severe chest injuries as well as facial abrasions. The driver’s injuries were minor and the car not badly damaged. Mr Wallace died on Tuesday morning. Mr King remains in a serious condition, but slightly improved. [His death 20 August 1923 at Mt Cone Station reveals his name to have been Andrew Thomas King McLaughlin of St Kilda Victoria, then aged 59.] [George Wallace died at Kooringa 10 October 1922 aged 67.]
XXXXIV, 41, 11 Oct. 1922, page 4
Redruth Court, 3 October
Clement Arnold Humphrys was charged with ill-treating a slut by inserting a wire in the labia [to prevent the slut from getting pregnant]. Eventually the case was dismissed because the information was laid too late.
C.A. Humphrys was charged with working a mare with sore shoulders. Fined 10/- + £3-3-0 costs.
James Brereton sued C. Humphrys for trespass of sheep, claiming £20. Humphrys had a counter-claim of £10 for trespass of horses. There followed considerable argument about the state of fences etc and finally the plaintiff was awarded £10 and the counterclaimant £5.
Salvation Army. The Self Denial Fund Poppy Fair is reported in almost 1 column.
It was held last Friday in the Cheer-up Room and proceeds were c. £60.
XXXXIV, 42, 18 Oct. 1922, page 3
Martin Pederson Sen. who went to Denmark on a visit in April returned to SA on 9 October and arrived home last Wednesday, 11 October. He spent most of his time with his brother Dr. S. Pederson of Skjold, Horsens, Denmark and with his two sisters. He went via Durban, spent some time in England and then returned via Suez.
Bicycle Races on Saturday were a 10-mile handicap won by E. Kakoschke from R. Hunt and a 1-mile handicap won by Reece Hunt from K. Kakoschke.
Burra & District Horticulture
Mrs Klaffus ranunculi
Mrs E. Rogers ranunculi
Mr J.A. Smith (Booborowie) lettuce
Master Ray Gillett (Gum Creek) lettuce
Obituary. Mr G.H. Schoenberg died at Mt Bryan 7 October. He was born at Tanunda 23 April 1863. Later he went to Balaklava and then to Walloway as a farmer. In 1891 he married Miss Zanker and moved to Wonna near Terowie where he lived till 1907 when he moved to a farm near Mt Bryan. He leaves a widow and six children: Messrs K.A., A.B. & H.H. & Misses A.H., M.M. & Agnes.
[Born Gustav Hermann Schönberg 21 April 1863 near Tanunda: died Gustav Hermann Schoenberg 6 October 1922 at Mt Bryan.]
Marriage. On Wednesday 4 October at Redruth Methodist Church.
Elsie L. Tiver, second daughter of Mr & Mrs Thomas Tiver of Redruth married
Alfred W. Shearer, son of Mr & Mrs A.W. Shearer of Unley.
Marriage. On 9 October at St Mary’s, Burra
John Hubert (Hugh) Beale of the Far North, second son of the late John Beale lat of Burra and Mrs Beale of Marion Bay, married
Ivy Beryl Laidlaw, only daughter of Mr Robert Laidlaw if Witchelina Station via Farina & late of Mt Bryan.
Starving Armenian Children’s Fund: donations are acknowledged.
C.C. Mundy’s appeal against his conviction for an illegal game of Coon Can heard at Redruth on 8 August was heard on 4 October. The Crown Solicitor accepted that he could not support the conviction and accepted an order quashing the conviction with costs.
Tennis. At Willalo 7 October: Willalo 13-91 defeated Kooringa 4-59.
Leighton State School held its picnic at Ayers Forest 30 September.
XXXXIV, 42, 18 Oct. 1922, page 4
John Bacon & Co. have opened their new store at Booborowie.
Ironmine Methodist Sunday School held its 50th Anniversary 1 & 2 October. Attendance was excellent. Services were conducted by Rev. E. Smith.
Cricket. A meeting was held at the Burra Hotel on Thursday to re-form the Burra Association. Teams were Kooringa, Mt Bryan, Hallett & Booborowie. The rules of the 1913 Burra Association were adopted, except for two. E. Jackson was elected Secretary & Treasurer. It was decided Farrell’s Flat was too inconvenient to include because of the travel arrangements. I.J. Warnes will be asked to become President.
Burra Rifle Club. A shoot was held on Saturday over 600 yards and best results were from J.E. Pearce and W.R. Lee.
XXXXIV, 43, 25 Oct. 1922, page 2
Advt. Fullarton Girls at Burra Institute 3 November: Gymnastics, Recitations, Songs etc.
XXXXIV, 43, 25 Oct. 1922, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Rogers, wife of Cr James H. Rogers, Chairman of the Hanson DC, died suddenly on 20 October at her residence at Gum Creek. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs August Bartholomaeus and was born in Redruth in 1857. She married Mr Rogers about 32 years ago. Miss Minnie [Wilhelmina] Rogers is the only child. [Born Johanne Caroline Henrietta Bartholomaeus 9 October 1857 at Hampton.]
Mrs J. Urwin was farewelled by ladies connected with the Kooringa Methodist Church on Thursday afternoon. She is leaving Burra to live at Bowden after 19 years.
Koonoona Proprietors averaged 268 guineas for 7 stud rams at the Claremont Royal Show (WA) recently. The top price was 510 guineas.
Kooringa Methodist Church celebrated its anniversary last Sunday & Monday when Rev. Edmund Smith conducted the services.
Elder, Smith & Co. held one of the largest sheep sales for many years at Burra on Friday last when 26,433 were yarded and 24,045 were sold. Fat woolly wethers reached 30/6 and the whole sale averaged out at 19/6.
St Josephs’ Bazaar was held in the Institute last Friday and was a great success. Dancing followed till 10 p.m. Nett proceeds are expected to reach £170.
Tennis. Aberdeen, 21 October: Hallett 11-80 defeated Aberdeen 4-47.
Cricket. Saturday, 1st innings of a match: Booborowie 66, Kooringa 6 for 94.
Starving Armenian Children’s Fund acknowledgements reach £19-17-0.
Redruth Court, 16 October
W.G. Cossey was fined £5 + 15/- costs for illegally gambling.
Ernest August Wohling was fined £5 + £1 costs for illegal gambling.
[Evidence in the latter case extended for 3⁄4 column.
17 October
G.C. Attrill was similarly charged, but the case was dismissed as the evidence of police could not be corroborated.
P.A. Fuss was fined 5/- + 15/- costs for using insulting words to Constable Williams.
XXXXIV, 43, 25 Oct. 1922, page 4
Burra Town Council, 16 October
Authorities are to be asked to place a public phone at the station.
The Deputy Postmaster General will be written to complaining of the single telephone line between Adelaide and Burra, which is insufficient for the traffic, entailing long waits and limiting calls to three minutes. This is insufficient for business. Councillors retiring on 1 Saturday in September: [sic: for December.] Crewes, Bartholomaeus, F. Harris, Ewins and Auditor Greenwood.
Burra Football Assoc. held its wind-up meeting at Burra Institute 11 October. It ended the year in credit £36. The report here finally explains the sequence of events leading up to the cancelled joint match between Kooringa-Aberdeen and North Booborowie-South Booborowie – at least from Mr Willshire’s point of view. The matter then dissolved into an argument over which club or clubs should pay the umpire’s 50/- fee. In the end Kooringa and Aberdeen each paid 25/-. The secretary was voted an honorarium of £10-10-0 + £2-2-0 for the use of his rooms for meetings. [J. Allen.]
The medal for the most unselfish player went to O. Brogan of South Booborowie and the Shield was presented to South Booborowie.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 17 October
Mary E. Morgan, third daughter of Mr & Mrs Walter Morgan of Ironmine married
Reuben T.F. Rogers, only son of Mr & Mrs Thomas Rogers of Hanson.
XXXXIV, 44, 1 Nov. 1922, page 2
Advt. Burra Burra Hospital has for sale and acetylene gas plant.
Obituary. Johanne the wife of James H. Rogers died at Alverton Farm near Hanson 20 October.
XXXXIV, 44, 1 Nov. 1922, page 3
Obituary. Mrs M.A. [Maria Anne] Gare died 20 October at the residence of her daughter Mrs W.J. Hunkin of Parkside. She was born in Kensington London in March 1841. Her father, Rev. Charles Hall, came to Australia when she was a girl. She married the late Edward Gare in 1862 and they lived on several northern sheep stations before coming to the Mt Bryan District in the early 1880s. She also spent brief periods in Broken Hill and WA and moved to Malvern, Adelaide in 1896, returning to Redruth in 1909. Mr Gare died in 1911. In the past 15 years she has been an active worker at Redruth Church. There are seven surviving sons and three daughters: Messrs E. (Pt Pirie), F.M. (Katanning WA), L.W. (Hyde Park), S.P. (Adelaide) and Mesdames J. Thomas (Redruth), A.E. Thomas (Aberdeen) & W.J. Hunkin (Parkside).
[This adds up to seven surviving children rather than seven sons and three daughters. Records are incomplete, but available data suggests ‘seven sons and three daughters’ was actually correct:
Charles Alfred 1862-1918 William Hall 1873-1957
Albert Edward 1864-1956 Alice Eveline 1875-1950 m. H.H. Thomas
Frank Marshal 1866- [presumably died in WA] Samuel Ernest Rudge 1877-1949
Ada Maria 1868-1952(?) m. James Thomas Florence Ethel 1880-1960 m. W.J. Hunkin
Cornelius Wesley 1870-1952 Lewis Whitfield 1882-1958
George Larter 1872-? Philip Stanley 1885-1972]
Bicycle Races on Saturday: 5-mile race won by F. Allen from J. Allen and 1-mile race won by F. Allen from S. Kuchenmeister.
Burra Show was held on 25 October in splendid weather and drew a record attendance. The gate takings were £115. A special train ran from Terowie. An estimated 400 cars encircled the ring.
The Salvation Army provided the luncheon and afternoon tea. The Hon. J. Lewis again attended.
Agricultural produce was down in numbers, but of good quality.
Dairy produce drew fewer entries, but splendid entries from Edwin Finch made up for this.
Poultry was good, but horses were fewer in draft, blood and roadster stock.
Horses in action were a very nice lot.
Cattle were of high quality, but both pig and dog numbers were low.
Agricultural implement returned.
Vegetables and fruit were well represented, though adverse weather cut the flower entries this year, despite which roses were good.
Cookery entries were down, Arts and Industries were well represented and the School Class was better displayed this year and well represented.
Cricket. Continuation of the match gave Kooringa a win on the first innings.
Kooringa first innings ended at 9 for 143 and Booborowie’s second innings was 118, but with no time for Kooringa’s second innings they won on the first innings by 77.
Tennis. At Copperhouse on Saturday: Kooringa 9-65 defeated Copperhouse 4-49.
XXXXIV, 44, 1 Nov. 1922, page 4
Burra Rifle Club: best results Saturday were J.A. Riggs 99 & H.L. Riggs 98, but the overall result in the series for the gold medal presented by G.L. Nutt was L. Gare 200 from L. Kellaway 199.
(Awarded on the best two out of three shoots.)
Burra Show Luncheon
The President entertained about 100 guests.
The Hon. John Lewis MLC proposed a toast to the Burra Agricultural Soc. [The Show Soc.] and to its President. He reminisced about early shows, recalling the first, which he thought was in 1881 in the Smelts Yards*. He felt the one thing that was unfortunately lacking was Merino sheep. The President had been grumbling about the accommodation at the grounds, but he thought they were lucky to have such facilities.
The President said they had built the luncheon shed, but had no title.
Mr Jenkins MP also spoke as did the President of the Belalie Agricultural Soc. (Jamestown), Mr Napper and of course Mr I.J. Warnes.
He said they had tried to include Merinos by moving the date of the show forwards and back. They had tried having separate sheep shows with initial success, but last year had attracted the entry of only two sheep. Though the grounds looked good on the day, if you were present during the preparations you heard the complaints and the show needed its own grounds.
[*The first show was actually in 1877.]
XXXXIV, 44, 1 Nov. 1922, Supplement
Burra Hospital Board Meeting, 19 October
The cat nuisance is less, but continues.
Nurses have linoleum on their floors.
Inspector General of hospitals recommends transferring the southern part of the Apoinga District to the Eudunda Hospital for rating purposes. The Board will write objecting to this suggested change.
Dr Steele said Burra should include North Booborowie, as he frequently is called there and said once Clare Hospital opens it is likely they will lose Farrell’s Flat to Clare.
There was discussion over whether to appoint a new Maternity Wing Committee or continue with the old one. Finally the old committee remained with the new Chairman (Mr Hawkes) added to it.
Dr Steele commented on the paper report that the town doctors declined to work together. He said he had never declined to work with Dr Ashton and Mr Davey was wrong to say that because they had a court case they could not consult professionally. Dr Steele withdrew while the Chief Secretary’s reply about appointing two medical officers was discussed. The change was not approved.
Applications have been received from both doctors to be appointed medical officers with the right of private practice, but without other remuneration. Mr Davey moved they appoint both. Mr Melrose said it seemed to be against the rules, but the motion was carried. The Chief Secretary is to be advised of the appointment of two medical officers by the Board, which considers there is sufficient reason to alter Rule 8. [Whether this was according to rules was a matter of divided opinions.]
Burra Show Prize Winners
[Of personal interest:
Fruit & Vegetables
Chin Young 3 cauliflowers 1st
6 parsnips 1st
6 sticks of rhubarb 1st
6 carrots 2nd
Bunch of green onions 2nd
14lb potatoes 1st
collection of vegetables 2nd
bunch of spinach 1st
6 lemons 2nd
Flowers
R. Fuss 3 cut flowers 1st
3 poppies 1st
3 pelagoniums zonale 1st
6 pelargoniums regal 1st
3 pelargoniums regal 1st
Azaleas 1st & 2nd
3 cyclamen 1st
1 cyclamen 2nd
3 pelargoniums 1st
1 pelargonium 1st
3 primulas 1st
1 primula 1st
3 asparagus 1st
1 asparagus 2nd
Basket plant 1st & 2nd
3 adiatums 1st
1 adiatum 1st
3 ferns 2nd
1 fern 2nd
Collection of 6 plants 1st
1 palm 2nd
Pot plant for table 1st]
XXXXIV, 45, 8 Nov. 1922, page 2
Advt. Grand Concert in aid of the Blind Institution, Thursday 16 November, Burra Institute.
Advt. Strawberry Fete at Jubilee Hall 15 November, in aid of the Royal Institution for the Blind.
Advt. St Mary’s Annual Fete, Burra Institute 17 November.
Notice. Burra Young Men’s Club. Financial Members only shall be allowed to swim in the Mine Pool.
The Club has exclusive permission from Mr McBride. Swimming Classes will be held Saturday afternoons. Membership is 2/- a quarter (aged over 14) and 1/- a quarter (aged under 14).
Notice. Mt Bryan Memorial Scheme. Public Notice to finalise the scheme. Meeting in Mt Bryan Hall 18 November.
Advt. William Carpenter offers his Kooringa business for a quick sale.
Notice. I.J. Warnes offers three gold medals for an essay on the Burra Show by the pupils of
Burra High school
Burra State School [Primary]
Other Schools in the District
XXXXIV, 45, 8 Nov. 1922, page 3
I.J. Warnes has donated a shield for the Burra Cricket Assoc.
Redruth Police Court, 2 November
John Sullivan, seaman, who had been staying at the Kooringa Hotel was fined £5 + £2-12-6 costs for having in his possession one £10 note which was reasonably expected to have been stolen.
South Booborowie Football Club supporters gave the players a social at the [Booborowie] Institute on Monday to celebrate their winning the premiership in their first year in the Burra Association after leaving the Yakilowie Assoc.
Burra Bowling & Croquet Club season opened last Saturday.
Salvation Army. 14 girls from Fullarton Children’s Home visited at the weekend. They were billeted in the Army Hall and gave concerts at Burra, Mt Bryan and Hallett. In all, their visit raised £115 of which £63-15-0 came from Burra.
Tennis. At Kooringa on Saturday: Kooringa 10-72 defeated Aberdeen 5-61.
Cricket. First inning of a match last Saturday: Hallett 29 and Kooringa 108.
XXXXIV, 45, 8 Nov. 1922, page 4
Liberal Union. The Annual Social of the Burra Branch was held at the Institute 29 October. Supper and a dance followed the speeches. Details reported in 11⁄2 columns.
Farrell’s Flat Show on 1 November is reported.
Tennis. At Aberdeen 4 November: Kooringa 12-87 defeated Aberdeen 4-63.
XXXXIV, 46, 15 Nov. 1922, page 2
Advt. Terowie Athletic Club, 10th Annual Sports will be held 1 January 1923, followed by a concert and ball.
XXXXIV, 46, 15 Nov. 1922, page 3
Advt. Salvation Army. Public Meeting at the Burra Institute 8 p.m. after a Civic Reception at 3 p.m. Wednesday 22 November, for Commissioner and Mrs Richards accompanied by Colonel Gist and Colonel Sharp.
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Timothy James on 8 November, a still-born son.
Obituary. Leah Donaldson James, wife of Timothy James of Hanson and twin daughter of Charles J. and Agnes Pearce of Kooringa, died at Nurse Young’s Private Hospital Kooringa 9 November aged 36. She was born 14 February 1886 and married in April 1921.
Obituary. Ada Isaac of Kooringa died 9 November. She was the fourth daughter of Mrs & the late Mr James Isaac of Brompton and late of Burra. She came to Burra with her parents about 20 years ago and was employed by Pearce Bros. as Milliner and when they ceased business, by Messrs R. Urwin & Sons where she remained till last August when they too ceased business. She was living with her sister Mrs J. Urwin. She went to her mother’s at Brompton on 28 October to spend her last days. She suffered from tuberculosis. [Born 27 July 1882 at Goodwood.]
Obituary. Mrs McDonald died on Saturday at the residence of her son Mr A.D. McDonald at Leighton aged 81. [Born Catherine McNeil in Scotland in 1841: died 11 November 1922.]
Bicycle Races. On Saturday 4 November a 10-mile race was won by Ken Gebhardt with Fred Allen second and Reece hunt third. On 11 November a 20-mile race to Mt Bryan and back ended the season and was won by Jack Allen from Reece Hunt with Charles Hill third. A 1-mile race was won by Fred Allen from E. Kakoschke and A. Bevan.
Tennis. At Ironmine on Saturday: Ironmine 12-93 defeated Aberdeen 6-71.
At Willalo on Saturday: Kooringa 11-88 defeated Willalo 7-80.
Starving Armenian Children’s Fund has reached £24-7-0.
Cricket. Resumption of match on Saturday: Hallett 2nd innings 49 giving a win to Kooringa by an innings and 21 runs.
XXXXIV, 46, 15 Nov. 1922, page 4
Redruth Court, 7 November
Each fined 5/- + 35/- costs for allowing their cows to stray:
G.C. Kuchenmeister, W.T. Bourmen, W. Hales & R.H. Austin (twice)
F. Kakoschke fined £1-15-0 costs [sic] for 8 stray cows [Presumably there was a fine in addition to these costs.] Also a fine of £3 + 30/- costs for 4 stray cows.
Other fines for straying animals were:
Patrick O’Brien 1 horse 5/- + 15/-
Luke Day 1 horse 5/- + 15/-
Thomas Halls 2 horses 10/- + 15/-
M.E. Nankivell 2 horses 10/- + 15/-
H.J. Taylor 3 cows 15/- + 15/-
C.J. March 3 cows 15/- + 15/-
Donald J. Duggan 3 horses 15/- + 15/-
Alexander Duncan stray horses 15/- + 15/-
A.L. Bence letting a car for hire without a licence 10/- + 10/-
William Goward driving a car without a licence 10/- + 10/-
C. Rabbich was charged with playing two-up behind the Royal Exchange Hotel 11 October. After evidence the plea of not guilty was changed to guilty with a plea for leniency as the game was only recently made illegal. Fined £5 + costs.
William Seal, H.O. Ockenden & L.G. Tiver were fined £2 + costs for being present at a two-up game.
Mrs Annie Seal, licensee, was fined £2 + costs for allowing the game.
William Griffin, licensee of the Hanson Hotel at Farrell’s Flat was fined £5 without costs for supplying liquor after hours. For being present on the occasion A. Davis, Roy Beams, John Przibilla & John Blood were each fined £5.
Burra Rifle Club, Saturday 4 November
The final match over 300 yards for Mr Radford’s £1-1-0 and Mr Kellock’s 10/6.
The best aggregate score was F. Riggs 153 from L. Gare 148.
Burra Hospital Board, 9 November
A decision to make hospitals with fewer than 20 occupied beds only part-time training hospitals will be appealed with a request the limit be changed to allow hospitals with 15-20 beds to train over 5 years. (Before the war 20-bed hospitals trained over 4 years.)
The Chief Secretary advises he sees no reason to allow an alteration to Rule 8 (Which provided for only one medical officer at the hospital.)
In the meantime both Dr Ashton & Dr Steele have taken up duties as medical officers from 1 November. The chairman said he supposed one of them would have to take charge. The decision was deferred in the hope that by then some modus vivendi would be arrived at.
XXXXIV, 46, 15 Nov. 1922, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 6 November
Two new telephone trunk lines to Burra have been approved and one is in the course of construction. A public phone at the station was being considered.
T.W. Dixon was given approval to erect a weatherboard and iron house in Thames St.
Methodist Floral Fair was held at the Institute on Friday last. Proceeds were about £135. Details occupy 11⁄3 columns.
Burra Show Soc. AGM was held last Friday.
Profit from the last show was expected to be between £75 & £100.
There was discussion over some of the details of the day’s events – particularly over the controversial disqualification of Mr McBride’s pony after it had won, on the ground it exceeded the height limit. There was also discussion over competitors removing exhibits early.
Booborowie Experimental Farm visiting day ‘was held on Tuesday November 28th’. [Which, given the date of the paper must be incorrect.] About 100 farmers attended. First plantations of wattle and gums were visited and then the dairying section. After lunch they inspected cement posts, the wheat plots and rotation crops before afternoon tea.
XXXXIV, 47, 22 Nov. 1922, page 2
Advt. Cinema Lecture at Burra on 30 November by Dr Armstrong Smith, celebrated relief worker in famine-stricken Europe.
XXXXIV, 47, 22 Nov. 1922, page 3
Royal Institution for the Blind. On Wednesday at Aberdeen the Strawberry Fete raised £117, but on Thursday the very well presented concert at the Institute raised only c. £11.
Municipal Elections. Mr Maurice Collins has been petitioned to stand for Mayor and as a result has resigned as a Councillor creating an extraordinary vacancy in North Ward where Cr Bartholomaeus is not standing for re-election. Mr A.B. Riggs is believed to be a candidate. For East Ward Frank Harris is seeking re-election and will be opposed by John P. Smith. Mr John Allen will contest West Ward and the retiring Cr Ewins has not indicated his intentions yet.
F.L. Taylor, late manager of the Savings Bank, was given a farewell social in the parish hall at Kooringa on Saturday.
Burra Picnic Race club was recently formed with J.H. Gallagher as patron and Mr Drewitt as President. A meeting is planned for Boxing Day.
Cricket. At Mt Bryan on 17 November the first innings resulted in Mt Bryan 93 and Kooringa 107.
Bowls. Burra visited Kapunda on Saturday and Kapunda 131 defeated Burra 96.
Burra Town Council, 15 November
Cr Collins resigned to contest the Mayoralty.
It was decided the agreement with the Electric Co. would be to extinguish all street lights at 12 midnight except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when two in Market Square and one in Aberdeen will burn till dawn.
Various minor works were approved.
The mayor thanked Councillors in a valedictory statement.
Cr Bartholomaeus said he would not stand for re-election.
XXXXIV, 47, 22 Nov. 1922, page 4
Strawberry Fete at Jubilee Hall Redruth 15 November is reported in 3⁄4 column. It was run by the Aberdeen Ladies Auxiliary Committee of the Royal Institution for the Blind with Miss Bubb as President. Total proceeds were £117.
St Mary’s Annual Fete on 17 November was also a success at the Burra Institute. It is reported in 1⁄2 column and raised £125.
Federal Election. In the Institute 15 November Senator Newland & Mr Chesson addressed the electors, only 14 of whom attended, plus a few late arrivals. The report by E.F. Marston runs to 11⁄3 columns.
Obituary. Dr W. Blair Aitken, widely known in the district and long serving doctor at Jamestown, has died in Glasgow last Monday following a series of severe operations.
A.P. Harris writes disputing the statements by I.J. Warnes regarding his early removal of a poultry exhibit from the recent show.
Burra Rifle Club on Saturday: match fired over 300, 600 & 700 yards with best results from L.R. Gare and A.L. Kellock.
Mt Bryan Memorial Hall meeting 15 October.
This was called to discuss the Memorial Hall Fund. I.J. Warnes took the chair. He said the committee had met recently and found that having had several different secretaries and no proper audit there was discovered on checking that in place of a credit balance a clerical error had resulted in their discovery of a debt of c. £102. The building had cost £1,317 on which there was a debt of c. £122 and there were outstanding promises (believed to be good) of £20. Mr Beaglehole explained that the error had been the overlooking of an account. Matters were left in the hands of the committee to organise ways of working off the debt.
XXXXIV, 48, 29 Nov. 1922, page 2
Notice: Municipal Elections
Mayor Maurice Collins elected unopposed
North Ward Alfred Benjamin Riggs elected unopposed
East Ward Francis Harris
John Henry Smith
West Ward William John Charles Ewins
Arthur John Allen
North Ward
Extraordinary Vacancy Thomas Henry Woollacott Jun. elected unopposed
Advt. Institute 6 December Grand Christmas Festival
Institute Orchestra & Chorus of 130 performers conducted by G.E. Dane.
Christmas Carols and Choice Excerpts from Messiah.
XXXXIV, 48, 29 Nov. 1922, page 3
Miss Bubb was given a kitchen afternoon on Wednesday to wish her well in her new venture in Kooringa. On Thursday afternoon she was honoured at Jubilee Hall by members of the Soldiers’ Aid Society (of which she is President) at a ‘linen afternoon’. Both meetings resulted in a large number of valuable gifts to help Miss Bubb launch her Guest House.
Burra show Essay Competition
The medals awarded by I.J. Warnes went to:
Burra High School Hartley Smith (15)
Burra Primary School Ruth McNeil (13)
Copperhouse School Murray Stockman
A.J. McBride visited Burra on Tuesday for the first time since his trip to Europe and America.
Tennis. At Copperhouse on Saturday: Aberdeen 9-71 defeated Copperhouse 7-65.
Cricket. The match concluded on Saturday with the second innings.
Mt Bryan 142 and Kooringa 56 giving a win to Mt Bryan by 74 runs.
Starving Armenian Children’s Fund stands at £25-7-0.
Aberdeen Football Club held its final meeting for 1922 in Jubilee Hall last Thursday.
Best all-round man was Norman Fuss.
Best placed man was Ernie Jones.
The balance sheet was satisfactory, ending £7-12-4 in credit.
The club donated £4-19-6 to the Burra Ambulance Fund.
XXXXIV, 48, 29 Nov. 1922, page 4
Salvation Army – visit of Commissioner Richards
This took place last Wednesday. He was accompanied by Col. W. Gist and Col. H. Sharp. He was the guest of W.G. Hawkes of Koonoona and on Wednesday afternoon was tendered a civic reception by the Mayor as his last civic duty in that office. He presented the Commissioner with a paperweight of polished Australian Oak on which was mounted a solid gold cup inlaid with a piece of polished malachite. In the evening there was a good attendance at the Institute for an address by the Commissioner touching on the workings of the Salvation Army. [The report of the visit extends for 21⁄2 columns.]
Federal Elections. The two Labor candidates Hon. J.V. O’Loglin for the Senate and Mr E.J.L. Stokes for the District of Wakefield addressed an open-air meeting at Burra on Wednesday evening. About 20 people attended. [Reported in just less than 1 column.]
XXXXIV, 49, 6 Dec. 1922, page 3
Marriage. At the Methodist Manse Kooringa 30 October.
Frederick Honeychurch, third son of Mrs & the late Philip Honeychurch of Baldina, married
Sarah Bown, third daughter of John Brown of World’s End
[Note the paper has the discrepancy in surnames Bown/Brown: it should be Bown.]
Obituary. Alice Preece, youngest daughter of the late B. & H. Preece of Young St Aberdeen died 2 December aged 55. [Born Alice Mary Hannah Preece 30 September 1867 at Malvern Vale District of Burra.]
Obituary. Mrs William Owers died at her daughter’s residence in Hampton 29 November. She was born in Kent on 8 August 1838 and came to Australia with her parents Mr & Mrs George Newman in 1848 in the California. They came to Burra where Mr Newman worked for the Burra Burra Mining Co., but died six weeks later.. At age 18 Miss Newman married Mr W. Owers, a well-sinker. After ten years Mr Owers lost both arms and almost his sight in a blasting accident. Mrs Owers then supported the family by becoming a wood-carter. Mr Owers died many years ago. [1900] Mrs Owers lived with her youngest daughter when the latter married Mr J.B. Rowe in 1902. She had been unwell for the last 16 years. Three sons and four daughters survive: W. George & James of Wallaroo, Benjamin of Adelaide, Mrs W. Mayo of Pt Augusta, Mrs A. McKeen of Peterborough, Mrs W. March of Kooringa and Mrs J.B. Rowe of Hampton. There are 44 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.
[Born Mary Ann Jane Newman.]
Polo. The season opened on Saturday at the new ground at Leighton near Alan Drew’s residence. I.J. Warnes was elected President and Walter Murray is Captain.
Municipal Elections
West Ward Mr Ewins 53
Mr Allen 27
East Ward Mr Harris 48
Mr J.H. Smith 35
Dr Armstrong Smith delivered a lecture on famine-stricken Europe in the Institute on Thursday to only a fair audience.
Marriage. At St Mary’s Burra 29 November
Lydia Flora Anderson, daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Anderson of Hallett and late of Croydon, married
Albert Eton King, son of Mrs Sharpe of Kooringa & the late Mr S. King of Hallett
Cricket. At Booborowie on Saturday: Kooringa 108 & Booborowie 0 for 85.
Tennis. Hallett 16-105 defeated Kooringa 2-48
Kooringa 10-79 defeated Copperhouse 6-63
Burra Town Council, Monday
The Mayor (Maurice Collins) commented on and regretted the rivalry between Aberdeen and Kooringa.
Metropolitan Fire Brigade desires the Fire Station be putty-plastered and a manhole be put in the ceiling, also a water tank and privy be erected. They would then allow £20 p.a. rent instead of £18.
Cr Kellaway said there was an overdraft of £327 on the building and of the promised donations of £170 only £50 had been handed over. Council agreed to the improvements suggested.
XXXXIV, 49, 6 Dec. 1922, page 4
Burra Show. The prize-winning essays are printed.
XXXXIV, 50, 13 Dec. 1922, page 3
Burra Mine. Rumours have been afoot about the re-opening of the mine. While these are considerably exaggerated, A.J & P.A. McBride have retained the services of Mr de Faur who some six years ago had a fair measure of success in treating the dump heap for copper. Experiments will decide whether it would be economic to treat the dump. If a means can be found to do this then low grade ore at the mine would be economic. There are an estimated 250,000 tons of tailings.
Obituary. William Philip Fradd died at Burra Hospital on Thursday aged 85. He came from Cornwall c. 50 years ago. He had been a sailor, but in SA took up land. Later he travelled extensively before making his home with his late brother John Fradd of Copperhouse and then with his sister Mrs T. Lomman. His wife and only daughter died some years ago. [1875 & 1895 respectively.] [Died 6 December 1922.]
Weather. The dry spell of several weeks has ended with 109 points since last Friday. The falls were also welcomed by pastoralists to the eats, but not by the grain farmers who were badly affected, especially in a strip from Porter’s Lagoon to Black Springs, where falls were very heavy. At Koo-owie 3 inches fell in a little over 20 minutes and turkeys and chickens were killed by marble-sized hail. No a drop of this fell at Koonoona, but at G.G. Hawkes’ hail up to 11⁄2 inches in diameter fell. The crops of W.G. Liebech, A. Mickel, E. White, J. Coon, J. Howard, J. Powell, J. Fisher and C. Escott were completely destroyed. Falls to the east varied from 25 points at Oakbank to 186 points at Ketchowla.
The Carol Festival & Messiah Excerpts played to a crowded Institute on Wednesday last. The choir and orchestra acquitted themselves very well.
Starving Armenian Children’s Fund now at £32-10-0.
XXXXIV, 50, 13 Dec. 1922, page 4
Cricket. Conclusion of the match at Booborowie.
Kooringa 108 & 57
Booborowie 227. A win to Booborowie by an innings and 66 runs.
Charles Coppers aged 26 was struck by lightning on Friday afternoon while on a stripper at Cappeedee. At first he was believed to be dead: his shirt was on fire and his face and body blackened, but after 10 minutes he stirred and others then applied artificial respiration for about half an hour. They could not get him to hospital before c. 9.30 p.m.
Tennis. Only one court was available due to the weather. Kooringa 6-43 defeated Aberdeen 2-36.
XXXXIV, 50, 13 Dec. 1922, Supplement
Federal Election Address by Hon. R.W. Foster, Minister of Public Works at Burra Institute last Thursday. Reported in c. 11⁄2 columns of the smaller sized supplement.
Redruth Court, 5 December
George Lawn sought £52 damages from G.C. Kuchenmeister for assault.
Lawn testified that the defendant had struck him a blow under the eye outside his shop on 7 November. The attack was unprovoked and the injury required stitches. His glasses were damaged and his pipe broken. They had been on fairly good terms until Kuchenmeister went into butchering about two years ago. Lawn said he did not resent Kuchenmeister going into business, though he did not like the opposition – he did not know if Kuchenmeister was underselling him – did not call him a dirty German or swear at him.
Fred Gebhardt Jun. (who was standing by the Burra Hotel at the time) said he saw Kuchenmeister strike Lawn several times and saw Ralph hill come out and stop him. He did not hear Lawn speak and thought Kuchenmeister was doing the talking.
Ralph Hill’s evidence (he was employed by Lawn) matched Lawn’s. He said he did not hear Lawn say anything to Kuchenmeister.
Gustav C. Kuchenmeister gave evidence that Lawn had sworn at him and called him a ‘_______ German bastard’.
Alan Gebhardt, grocer’s assistant, gave evidence that he had heard Mr Lawn call Kuchenmeister a ‘German bastard’.
The bench decided they believed the plaintiff’s evidence and witnesses and not the defendant’s and gave judgement for £30.
Thomas Canavan was fined £1 for driving a vehicle without a light.
Scobie Jones was fined £2 for being on the premises of the Royal Exchange Hotel for the purposes of playing an illegal game.
Arthur Lord was fined £2 for hawking without a licence.
The Methodist Strawberry Fete at Mt Bryan on 2 December is reported. It was in aid of the new manse at Hallett. Takings were £112.
XXXXIV, 51, 20 Dec. 1922, page 2
Advt. Young Australia League at Burra Institute 2 January 1923
40 West Australian Boys in the 1,000 laugh revue: The Sleeping Camp.
Advt. Father Christmas at the Farmers’ Union on Saturday.
Advt. Burra Picnic Race Club. Races at Aberdeen Racecourse Boxing Day 26 December.
Burra School. Miss E. Manser moves to Rose Park after four years in Burra.
Miss Miriam Olah Pearce will succeed her.
Mr W. Wade goes to Pt Adelaide after two years here to be succeeded by Mr B. Pearce from Pt Adelaide.
Mr & Miss Pearce are children of Mr F.M. Pearce Sen. of Aberdeen.
Salvation Army. Commandant Pearson will give a lecture on her 14 years in Japan in the Army Hall on 22 December.
Kooringa Methodist Church held special Christmas Services last Sunday.
XXXXIV, 51, 20 Dec. 1922, page 3
Bowls. A team from Kapunda visited Burra on Saturday and Burra 99 defeated Kapunda 88.
Cricket. At Clare on Sunday Clare 106 defeated Kooringa 101.
Burra Hospital Board, 18 December
The septic tank was ordered to be put in order.
Dr Ashton had initially refused to assist Dr Steele with an anaesthetic recently (though he later relented) on the grounds his status at the hospital was still unclear. Dr Ashton wrote that in the past when the Hospital had been strictly a Government Charitable Hospital the nursing staff had sometimes assisted the medical officer in private work contrary to custom and Government regulation. What was now the situation?
Dr Steele said this had occurred in rare cases of life threatening emergency.
Dr Ashton thought the hospital now being practically private should hire out nurses.
The Chairman said they had trouble keeping sufficient for their own needs. It was resolved that nurses be available only in cases of dire emergency.
Dr Ashton also wrote questioning the policy concerning administering anaesthetics, as he felt he had been called on to do so unnecessarily of late and clearly this had not been the case for the previous five years. He had also written a letter going over the old grounds for not taking a position at the hospital while it was a charitable institution. Dr Ashton then entered into a rather heated exchange with the Chairman W.G. Hawkes and Mr Melrose on the question of anaesthetics. The Board clearly wanted this to be a matter of professional courtesy between the two doctors. Dr Ashton wanted the boundaries of his privileges and responsibilities spelled out. Others on the Board continued to wish to leave it to the courtesy of the doctors. Mr Warnes pointed out that that had just recently failed to work!
Dr Steele said he was quite willing to consult with or administer an anaesthetic for Dr Ashton at any time. Eventually it was resolved that either doctor shall administer an anaesthetic if called upon by the other at any time.
Seniority or responsibility of the medical officers had then to be resolved. One suggestion was they take it month about. Ashton kept harking back to the past. Steele said the effect of the responsibility was only for the indigent patients, not any others. The chair read out the other responsibilities, such as lecturing to the nurses and seeing to the state of cleanliness of the hospital etc. Eventually both doctors agreed. Dr Steele will continue with the nurses’ lectures until the exams.
[The position concerning monthly rotation is not clear from the report, but it seems to imply that the doctors would rotate monthly starting with Ashton, except for the lectures as stated.]
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday there was a shoot over 300, 500 & 600 yards and V.A. Riggs led from J.A. Riggs.
Tennis. Aberdeen 10-88 defeated Copperhouse 6-65.
Hallett 11-84 defeated Kooringa 7-79.
Characteristics of the 1922 paper.
Page 1
This was large advertisements, most of which were local.
Page 2
There were a mixture of advertisements dominated by stock and property sales and current activities in the district. There were Government notices. These generally filled at least 5 columns and sometimes the whole page.
Page 3
A few advertisements (sometimes including an overflow from page 2), but this was the heaviest news page. The paper continued to be a fairly good record of the town and surrounding district events, though the correspondents’ reports from surrounding districts were somewhat erratic. On some issues or events reports are very detailed – for some sports and court cases for example, but this does not always seem to be much of an indication of their relative importance.
Page 4
This page is a rather unpredictable mixture of advertising, news and non-news type articles.
Supplements were a little more common than for some time, often single sided and of varying sizes.
Numbering of Issues in 1922
The year begins with the anomalous XXXXIII, 51 (2), 4 January 1922.
Then runs from Volume XXXXIV Number 2 on 11 January 1922.
To Volume XXXXIV Number 51 on 20 December 1921.
XXXXV, 1, 3 Jan. 1923
Page 1
Advertisements
Walker & Sons Shoe Shop, Kooringa
Glenister & Sams Burra Motor Garage
Jones and Turner Burra Hotel
Emelie Clark Commercial Hotel
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen
P.E. Wilson Agent for F.A. Cleveland & Sons
Monumental Works, Vineyard Terrace Kooringa
Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer and General Dealer, Kooringa
R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer, ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa
S.M. Lane Sadler & Ironmonger, Kooringa
H. Jennison Tyre Workshop
Charles H. Nicholls Naturopath & Herbalist, Pearce’s Building, monthly visits
Eyes & Crowle Ltd Buick Cars, Commercial St, Kooringa
C.J. Pearce & Son Agent for William Darby & Son, Monumental Masons
G. Lawn & Co. Butchers & Smallgoods Dealers, Market Square
E.C. Hammond Tailor, Kooringa
SA Farmers’ Co-op Union General Store
N.J. Tiddy Draper & Clothier, Aberdeen
Page 2
Advertisements
C.J. Pearce & Son Home Furnishers, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, Undertakers
Spier’s Garage – Overland dealer
[Bence] Auction Mart
W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Milliner, Outfitter, Kooringa
L.L. Wicklein Jeweller, Kooringa
Drew & Crewes General Store, Kooringa
Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd Auctioneers etc.
Pederson & Son Shoe shop
L.H. Foote Commission Agent
SA Farmers’ Union Auctioneers etc.
F. Spencer Jeweller
W. Thomas & Co. Roller Mills Aberdeen (Seeking Mallee Wood in 6ft lengths)
Page 3
Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen
W.R. Lee Dealer for Ford & Studebaker Cars
SA Farmers’ Union General Store, Kooringa
Edwin J. Harris General Store, Produce and Fruiterer, Market Square
Page 4
Advertisements
E.F. Marston Commercial Printing Burra Record Office
W.A.H. Peake Kingston St Wood & Chaff Mills
Carpenter’s The ‘Dinkum’ Fruit Store, Kooringa
E.A. Mummery Dentist, represented by K.W.R. Quin, the whole of the second week each month
Mrs E. Drewett Kooringa Hotel
Reg. Kellaway (Late J.E. Greenwood) General Tinsmith & Ironworker, Chapel St
Elder, Smith & Co. Stock & Station Agents, Wool brokers etc.
Bennett & Fisher Ltd Auctioneers, Stock & Station Agents, Wool & Skin Buyers
G.C. Kuchenmeister & Son Wholesale & Retail Butchers, Market Square
XXXXV, 1, 3 Jan. 1923, page 2
The Golden Wedding. The marriage of Thomas Parks and H. Martha nee Newman was celebrated at Kooringa 25 December 1872.
Mr & Mrs Parks celebrated this event on Christmas Day. Mr Parks is the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Parks, baker of Hindmarsh. He was born 6 September 1849 and came to Burra as an infant. The family lived first in a dugout in the Burra Creek opposite the Church of England and more than once had to be rescued from floods. He was educated at W. Young’s school in Adelaide. For many years he worked for Bath & Pearce (Later Pearce Bros.) and after they ceased trading he worked for Drew & Crewes until he retired. Mrs Parks was born 5 October 1848 and came to SA with her parents in the Bonyan in 1850. They settled in Adelaide, but soon went to the Victorian goldfields where her father, Mr Newman, soon died. Her mother remarried Mr W. Herbert two years later and they came to Burra. In 1872 she married Thomas Parks. They had four daughters and one son: Mrs W. Seymour (Pt Pirie), Mrs A.H. Sugars (Kooringa), Mrs J. Brown (Pt Pirie West), Mrs E. Holwell (Pt Pirie West) & Will Parks (Kooringa). There are 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. All the children were present for the celebration.
Obituary. Thomas Joyce died at Burra Hospital 31 December 1922. He came from County Mayo in Ireland about 40 years ago and was an old retainer of the late A. Gebhardt of Mackerode and then of that gentleman’s sons. Of late he has lived in Paxton Square. [Aged 84.]
Salvation Army Christmas Festival was held in the Army Hall on 22 December. Father Christmas distributed gifts. Ensign Heathwood, who remains in charge for 1923, was presented with a watch by the local corps on Christmas Sunday. The splendid sum of £1,280 has been raised by the corps since February 1922.
Mr J.P. Biddle, headmaster of Burra High school, has been appointed senior master at Woodville High School after seven years at Burra. He will also be missed as President of the Burra Boys’ Club.
XXXXV, 1, 3 Jan. 1923, page 3
Burra High School Speech Night was held on 21 December in the Institute. Mr Biddle was pleased to report a record enrolment of 47 in 1922 following threatened closure for lack of students. (The previous record had been 42 students in 1918.) Consequently Miss E. Grosvenor had been appointed to assist.
10 sat for the Junior Commercial Certificate and 1 for the Junior Public Certificate. 4 sat for the Senior Public Certificate and 1 for the Senior Commercial certificate.
The school dux was Allen Dane with Patty Pledge second.
Stanley Pederson demonstrated the high standard at Burra High School when he transferred to Unley High School and came 3rd in a class of 50 boys with an average in all subjects of 90.2%.
At the 1921 University Examination the following students passed in a number of subjects:
G. Gillett J. Pederson T. Lafsky
Elsie Turner Hugh Dunstan Dora Rosewall
Bert Scholz
Sports have continued to be a valued part of the school and a school museum has been set up. The school magazine, established three years before, was being maintained and was issued quarterly.
An Old Scholars Association has been initiated, but a very wet evening prevented a planned reunion from being as successful as had been anticipated.
Mr J.E.H. Winnall was in the chair as Chairman of the School Board Committee and he paid tribute to Mr Biddle on his approaching departure.
A musical and elocution program followed.
Burra Rifle Club. Boxing Day was unexpectedly cold and windy. The club championship was shot over 200, 300, 500 and 600 yards. A.L. Kellock with 128 won from J.E. Pearce 126. A team match was shot on 27 December.
Burra Burra Picnic Race Club held its first meeting on 26 December, but the poor weather kept attendance down to about 400. The result was a small profit, so there was little for the hospital which was to have received half. The day went well and results are printed.
Fire. On 23 December a fire similar to the great fire of 1919 broke out. The day was a typical ‘brickfielder’ with a strong west wind. By the time the news reached Burra the fire had already swept from Canowie to Willalo. Almost none of the homesteads seem to have taken precautions. James Phillips’ ‘Yarra Glen’ was one of the few with a fire break around it and though not much, it sufficed to save the house. Motorists and others had to cut fences to escape into the fallow or lucerne in the gusty wind. Many settlers had to flee their homes and spent hours in fallow fields swept with ashes, smoke and dust. Andrew Bartholomaeus, an aged gentleman Burra resident only escaped by jumping into a water trough. [This was amended next issue to read ‘Andrew Bartholomaeus and an aged gentleman’.] A son of T. Jeffery of Willalo is recovering from burns in the Burra Hospital after returning through flames to rescue an aunt he mistakenly thought was still in the house.
It Started about one mile south of Canowie, ran through some of W.E. Hannaford’s ‘The Bluff’ destroying 1,150 acres of grass and 75 acres of lucerne, 150 tons of lucerne hay, shearing sheds, motor sheds, stables and equipment, but his livestock, all vehicles and 75 acres of lucerne were saved. The fire burnt a corner of Cappeedee Run before going on to Willalo where the heavy losses were sustained by T. Jeffery, K.P. Sawers, E. Glover, J. Madigan, J.P. Cousins, S. Brooks, B. Mannion, B.H. Henriks, J.N. & J.S. McInerney, F.C. Catt, James Murphy, F. Phillips, Mr Millard, Mr Guthrie & Mrs K. Phillips. Homesteads were saved. All feed on the stock road was burnt – the only commonage for dairy cattle. From Booborowie to Copperhouse equipment was dragged into fallow or lucerne paddocks along with vehicles. Fortunately rain fell a little after 5 p.m. and though it was not much it, with a wind change to a southerly, extinguished the fire. [The report does not mention the loss of any houses.]
The correspondent from Hallett says the fire started from sparks from a chimney fire at the Canowie Post Office. [Though the date given in that report is Christmas Eve] This report says it reached an area between South Booborowie and Spalding when the rain fell.
XXXXV, 1, 3 Jan. 1923, page 4
Leighton Annual Strawberry Fete was held 25 November by the Ladies Guild and raised £102. It was opened by Miss Bubb. In the afternoon there was a cricket game in which Kooringa defeated Leighton.
Booborowie people held a public meeting on 16 December and discussed the removal of the post office to the town. The present location over a mile from the town was most inconvenient. The only drawback to the move could be that now the telephone was available at any time in an emergency, and this might not be so if it moved. It was thought that this could be resolved somehow.
Hanson-Booborowie Railway. I.J. Warnes chaired a recent meeting at Booborowie Hall to report on the deputation to the Minister who has said that the railway could not be built until the cost of construction returned to somewhere near the initial estimate.
Burra Town Council, 18 December
The local fire brigade asked for two poles to be erected for the drying of hoses. No action was taken.
The assessment for 1923 was £10,711; about £300 more than for 1922.
A decision on the rates for 1923 was deferred.
Cr Kellaway said the deputation that had waited on the Council concerning establishing a Fire Brigade had said they could raise £200 from subscription, but only about £50 had been raised and the gap would be reflected in rates. It was resolved to ask the deputation back for further discussion.
Burra State School Break-up
A function on 21 December marked the end of the school year.
Mr Oborn commented on the negligence of parents sending children to school. Recent attendance had been 210 of an enrolment of 270.
Miss Manser and Mr Wade were leaving to Rose Park & Pt Adelaide respectively.
Mr Winnall endorsed the headmaster’s remarks and presented Qualifying Certificates to:
Corris Walker L. Thobiasson Lyla Opperman
Vida Thamm Ruth McNeil Doreen Kellock
Alma Morgan Ruby Irlam N. Rabbich
Olive Ford Gilbert Walker Noel Woollacott
Maurice Taylor Thomas S. Richards Ross Reed
Ted Reed Alick Reed Fred March
Reg. Lee Charlie Jordan Henry Hopkins
Syd. Kuchenmeister Allan Bevan Ron Oborn
Norrell Baynes
14 free subscriptions to the Institute were awarded.
Miss Manser was presented with a Xylonite mirror, brush and comb set.
Mr Wade received a pipe, tobacco & pouch and a silver-mounted oak tray from the Boys’ Club, of which he had been secretary.
The Burra Hospital Christmas Tree & Concert was organised by Miss Sandland for the staff and patients on 19 December. As usual it was held out of doors and was a great success.
XXXXV, 2, 10 Jan. 1923, page 2
Advt. Burra Seaside Trip to Semaphore
Train departs Hallett 5.15 a.m.
Trains depart Burra 5.28 a.m. 5.50 a.m.
Arrive Riverton 6.34 a.m. 6.55 a.m.
Depart Riverton 6.54 a.m. 7.20 a.m.
Arrive Semaphore 9.17 a.m. 9.47 a.m.
Depart Semaphore 7.30 p.m. 8.00 p.m.
Fares Hallett 9/- adult return children under 14 4/6
Burra 7/6 adult return children under 14 3/9
Notice. Nominations are called for Councillor for West Ward by 20 January 1923, following the resignation of Cr C.J. Sams.
Notice. Bagot, Shakes & Lewis will hold a clearing sale of Undertaking, Carpenter’s & Building Material and Household Furniture at Aberdeen Friday 26 January for J.H.A. Fuss who has given up business. Also the shop and fittings, work and paint shop, office and timber yard.
[Note: the last funeral that seems to have been arranged by J.H.A. Fuss was that of Mrs Leah James, nee Pearce, wife of Timothy James of Hanson, on 10 November 1922.]
XXXXV, 2, 10 Jan. 1923, page 3
Fire. An incendiarist is believed to have lit two fires on the property of Thompson Bros. ‘Bernowie’ Farrell’s Flat on 2 January. Both were quickly extinguished.
Fire. A fire on Oates Bros. property at Mongolata on 23 December destroyed a small area of mallee and sone posts.
Henry Lihou suffered broken ribs when his horse fell as he was driving back from Mannanarie in a sulky on Friday last.
The Savings Bank, which for some years has occupied unsuitable premises that were formerly a store-room for Bath & Pearce, has now purchased the store recently occupied by R. Urwin & Sons and it has been renovated as banking chambers.
Lady Holder has sent us a volume of twelve sermons preached by her late husband.
William Jeffery, farmer of Booborowie, suffered a severe gash to his cheek requiring eight stitches. The injury, which could very easily have proved fatal as it passed very close to his jugular vein, was caused when a horse started a bag-lifter and the hook caught him on 29 December.
Kooringa Methodist Hall was the site on Saturday evening for farewells to Mr & Mrs William Geake, Miss D. Geake, Miss E. Jenkin, Mrs E.L. Davey, Mr & Mrs H.J. Davey and daughter, Mr & Mrs William Morgan and Misses Lilly, Joyce, Stella and Norma Morgan, Mr & Mrs G. Grossman and two children and Miss Gertie Bullen, all of whom are leaving the district. Mr & Mrs J.P.H. Biddle were also to have attended, but did not get back from Adelaide in time. [Details occupy 2⁄3 column.]
Mr M.L. Norman, here for two years with the National Bank, has been transferred to Naracoorte as teller. He has been Captain of the Kooringa Football Club and the Kooringa Tennis Club. He is succeeded by Mr N.H. Martin of Adelaide.
Mr J.P.H. Biddle was farewelled by past and present High school scholars at the Liberal Union Rooms on Friday.
Burra Rifle Club. A match at Clare on 1 January saw the Burra team defeat both Clare and Wasleys.
Last Saturday at Burra a shoot over 200, 500 & 600 yards saw best results from L. Kellaway & A.B. Riggs.
Tennis. At Hallett on Saturday: Hallett 12-87 defeated Aberdeen 6-67.
Burra Town Council, 3 January
Cr Sams wrote submitting his resignation as he was leaving the district. This was accepted and the fine waived. Minor works were approved.
R. Layton-Butler writes from Adelaide about the recent defeat in Parliament of moves for the introduction of bulk handling of wheat.
West Australian Boys’ Visit. The 40 boys performed at the Institute on 2 January. They arrived by train in the afternoon and paraded to Kooringa where they received a civic reception. They represented the Young Australia League of WA. They were raising money to build a Memorial Hall to former members who died in the Great War. It was estimated the Hall would cost £25,000. £10,000 had been raised in WA and they were pledged to raise £1,000 p.a. by travelling. The League had been founded by J.J. Symons, a native of Clare SA. They played to a good audience.
XXXXV, 3, 17 Jan. 1923, page 2
Advt. Further details about the sale of the business and household effects of J.H.A. Fuss.
Advt. Bennett & Fisher. Clearing Sale of Furniture and Household Effects for Dr T.B. Ashton who is leaving the district.
Advt. Tenders called for the sale of Land and Slaughterhouse, Kooringa, known as O’Leary’s, comprising Blocks 21 & 23 in Hundred of Kooringa 173 acres 1 rood. Also Block 16 of 135 acres 2 roods. On account of A.J. & P.A. McBride.
XXXXV, 3, 17 Jan. 1923, page 3
Marriage. 28 February 1922 at Westbury Methodist Church
William John Hopkins late AIF, eldest son of Mrs C. Rogers and the late W.J. Hopkins of Kooringa, married Blanche Lomman, 3rd daughter of Mr & Mrs Thomas Lomman of Copperhouse.
[This announcement does not appear to have been in the 1922 paper and its late appearance here is explained by the juxtaposition of the following notice.]
Birth. To Mr & Mrs W.J. Hopkins on 10 January a son, John. [At Copperhouse.]
Salvation Army. Lieut. Wagland has been appointed to assist Ensign Heathwood and will be welcomed next Thursday at the Army Hall.
Miss Milligan’s students:
Marjorie Riggs has obtained the Diploma of Licentiate of the London College of Music.
Jean Herbert has obtained the Diploma of Associate of the London College of Music.
Bicycle Race. A 3-mile race on 1 January was won by Ken Gebhardt.
A 5-mile event on 1 January was won by Bert Broad and a 1-mile sprint was won by C. Hill.
Burra High School Results
Senior Commercial Certificate:
Gilbert Gillett passed 5 subjects to add to last year’s 3, completing the certificate + 3 subjects.
Senior Public Certificate:
Thomas Lafsky passed 4 subjects to add to last year’s 3, completing the certificate + 1 subject.
John Pederson passed 3 subjects to add to last year’s 2, completing the certificate.
Dora Rosewall passed 1 subject.
Junior Commercial Certificate:
Howard Mudge passed 7 subjects, gaining a certificate + 2 subjects.
Maude Riggs passed 7 subjects, gaining a certificate + 2 subjects.
Marjorie Ford passed 7 subjects, gaining a certificate + 2 subjects.
Lyall Tiver passed 6 subjects, gaining a certificate + 1 subject.
Hartley Smith passed 5 subjects, gaining a certificate.
Sheila Kellock passed 4 subjects.
Ben Elliott passed three subjects.
Allan Lomman passed 3 subjects.
Fred Wicklein passed 2 subjects.
Ironmine Memorial Schoolroom
On Saturday 13 January the foundation stones for the memorial schoolroom at Ironmine Methodist Church were laid by James Flower and D.E. Williams. During the War it was decided that the room would be a memorial to the memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice and to those who returned. The Sunday school has been held in the church for 50 years, which is not satisfactory for up-to-date methods of teaching. The money for the white freestone building with red brick facings has mostly been raised. The function was set for 5 p.m. to suit local residents. Present on the platform were Rev. E.M. Ingamells (Redruth Circuit), Rev. E. Smith (Kooringa Circuit), the Trustees and the President and Secretary of the Ladies Committee. To date £410 had been raised and the cost would be £550 plus furnishing. The Mayor of Burra (Mr M. Collins) apologised for his absence at a council meeting at Hallett. £69-4-0 was then placed on the stones and the crowd went on to tea at Leighton Hall where Mr Collins later joined them and a concert followed. [Including songs from R. Fuss.] By the end of the night a further £31-9-0 brought the total for the day to £100-13-0.
Tennis. At Kooringa on 13 January: Aberdeen 6-42 defeated Kooringa 3-35.
Aberdeen B 10-73 defeated Kooringa B 5-56.
XXXXV, 3, 17 Jan. 1923, page 4
Burra Institute AGM 8 January. 10 subscribers were present and Elected were
President L.S. Penrose
Vice-President G.E. Dane
Treasurer E.J. Davey
Hon. Sec. J. Drew
Improvements in facilities have seen the revenue from the hall make records this year. Seating has been improved. Library books by the end of 1922 were 5,869.
Membership had increased: December 31 1921 Double 36
Single 228
264
December 31 1922 Double 31
Single 248
279
Financially the year ended with £33-17-10 in the bank, up £26-10-6.
There is a mortgage of £1,500 on the building with half-yearly interest of £54-6-2.
The lighting plant has been both very satisfactory and cost effective. The running cost of £31-7-3 being much cheaper than previous lighting.
£110 was spent on new chairs for the front of the hall with the old ones sold to Leighton Hall.
We thank G.E. Dane for the splendid concerts he organised which brought in £71-10-4.
Marriage. At Redhill on 5 October [Actually 6 December 1922]
Charlotte Myrtle Smith, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Alfred Smith of Booborowie, married
Bertie Thompson Denson, fourth son of Mrs J. Martin and the late Joseph Denson of Narridy
Frank Treloar writes pointing out the 25% increase in town rates from 2/9 in the £ to 3/6 in the £ and calling for rigid economy by the Council.
Cricket. At Robertstown 13 December: Kooringa 140 defeated Robertstown 115.
XXXXV, 4, 24 Jan. 1923, page 2
Notice. An extraordinary election for West Ward for the Town Council will be held 27 January.
Advt. Candidates for the West Ward election are A.J. Allen and E.C. Hammond.
XXXXV, 4, 24 Jan. 1923, page 3
Salvation Army. Lieut. Wagland was welcomed at the Army Hall last Thursday. The Mayor Mr Collins took the chair. Lieut. Wagland comes direct from the training college at Prahran, Victoria.
Mr J. Barker of Baldina has found good water on his station 24 miles east of Burra at a depth of 75 ft after the spot was located by the water diviner George Evans of Paxton Square.
Mr Harold J. Davey, who has been on the Record staff for c. 13 years, has recently left Burra for a position with the Mail in Adelaide.
A.L. Bence will be moving into the premises formerly occupied by Miss Snell and will open the shop as a general cash drapery store with occasional auction sales.
Burra Town Council
Mr Walker was granted permission to build a residence.
Mr Bosisto said that a number of promises for the Fire Brigade had not been redeemed. Originally it was considered the proposed initial cost of c. £173 would be met because it would save business people and others in fire insurance premiums. It was thought such people would be prepared to pay one year’s premiums towards the cost, but in fact the largest donation had been £5-5-0, even though some savings were as much as £50 p.a. Attempts to organise concerts etc. had also failed and in the end only £51-8-6 had been handed in. People had been waited on a number of times.
Cr Kellaway said the Council was now in a difficult position: the fund was £121 in arrears and the Council would have to find the money. Had he known this would be the outcome he would not have voted for the brigade.
Mr Allen said Cr Kellaway was out of order in placing the whole blame on the deputation.
Mr Bosisto said if everyone had given one year’s savings the sum would have easily been raised. The Underwriters’ Assoc. will be approached.
Burra Rifle Club. The Saturday match was fired over 300, 500 & 600 yards. R. Kellaway & H.L. Riggs each scored 98, ahead of L. Kellaway on 96.
Tennis. Copperhouse 9-84 defeated Aberdeen 7-79.
Bowls. A team visited Kapunda on Saturday and Kapunda 128 defeated Burra 100.
Richard Reed turned 86 on Monday. He was born in Lostwithel [sic] Cornwall in 1837 and came to Australia aged 10 with his parents and they went to Kapunda for 12 months before coming to Burra where their first home was in the bank of the Burra Creek. He was employed ore picking and then became a whim-driver. Later, with the late Joseph Sleep, he was a tributer. He had a brief and unsuccessful visit to the Victorian goldfields and on his return got a bullock team and carted wood for the mine. In 1863 he bought Wandillah Estate now held by his youngest son, James. He survived a 3-year drought. He retired c. 20 years ago. In 1858 he married Miss Henwood who died in 1914. Three sons and three daughters survive. The sons, Richard, John & James are pastoralists. The daughters are Mrs C. Bartholomaeus, Mrs George Sara and Mrs W.H. Gare, with whom he lives.
Burra Hospital Board, 15 January
The septic tank continues to give trouble.
The Government payment was overdue £396 and the present overdraft was £183.
Housebreaking in Burra. Mrs Greenfield’s house in Thames St was entered about 6.45 p.m. on Friday. £6-5-0, some keys and some powder were stolen. A suspicious stranger was apprehended, but nothing was found and his movements were explained, so he was released.
XXXXV, 4, 24 Jan. 1923, page 4
Burra Burra Picnic Race Club met on 16 January at the Burra Hotel. £7, being 50% of the nett proceeds of the race meeting was voted to the hospital. Another race meeting is to be arranged in April, but not to clash with the Burra Race Club. £1-1-0 was given to the Sports Syndicate for use of the racecourse.
XXXXV, 5, 31 Jan. 1923, page 2
Birth. To Mr & Mrs J.R. White of Farrell’s Flat a son, Donald Allan on 20 January. [At Farrell’s Flat]
Burra High School began the year on Tuesday with a completely new staff. Mr Carthew came on Friday as head and Miss Grosvenor, the recent assistant teacher, has been moved and replaced by Miss O. Mawly of Adelaide. An additional teacher, Miss R. Davis of Adelaide, has also been appointed.
XXXXV, 5, 31 Jan. 1923, page 3
Bowls. Last Monday a team from Jamestown played two games.
In the morning Burra 146 defeated Jamestown 75.
In the afternoon Burra 179 defeated Jamestown 113.
A croquet team from Jamestown also visited and the Burra ladies won that game too.
Lawn Tennis. At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 13-96 defeated Clare 7-88.
Cricket. At Victoria Park, Saturday & Monday:
Booborowie-Kooringa United 178 defeated Hallett-Mt Bryan United 144.
Donald Voumard of Drew & Crewes Ltd was presented with a dinner service on the occasion of his approaching marriage, by E.W. Crewes on Friday.
Fire spread through grass on W.H. Sandland’s Koo-owie 10 miles south of Burra on Monday morning destroying fencing and 1,200 acres of grass. The fire was virtually confined to Koo-owie. Mr Sandland had just brought in 2,100 sheep from his Balah Station due to drought. They were on the road near the station and during the fire Mrs Sandland took charge of them for five or six hours.
Night Reaping. H.E. Bradtke, a farmer near Albury NSW, has been making successful trials of the use of electric lighting on his header to enable night reaping. He has done in 51⁄2 days the work of 8.
Jack Finch, the youngest son of William Finch, got his foot caught in the harvester, smashing his big toe etc. on Saturday.
Will Hardy of Drew & Crewes had his leg broken on Sunday when knocked down and trodden on by one of their horses.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic was held on Mr B.C. Sandland’s property at Sod Hut. Mr I.J. Warnes again lent his lorries and driver, Mr Laver. Sports were organised. Although the men went to fight the fire on Koo-owie, the women stayed on.
Bicycle Races on Monday. 7-mile sprint was won by Syd Kuchenmeister with B. Broad second. The route was to Heinrich’s Hut on the Adelaide Road.
A 1-mile sprint was won by Jack Broad with F. Allen second.
Obituary. William Henry Vivian died on Saturday at his residence ‘Oakland’ Cheltenham St Rosefield. He was a resident of Burra for 57 years. Beneath a rugged exterior he was known to have a kindly and sympathetic heart and had boundless generosity. He was born in Penzance Cornwall in 1846 and arrived in SA with his parents in the Hoogly in 1855. They soon came to Burra in a bullock wagon. His father was a collector employed by the Burra Copper Mining Co. Harry was a teamster for 19 years carrying supplies to The Barrier and to stations. In 1880 he took the lease of Opie’s Hotel and in 1885 moved to the Commercial Hotel where he stayed for 26 years, retiring to Adelaide in 1912. In 1869 he married Miss Elizabeth Watkins of Hampton who died in 1885. He later married Miss B. Yeo. There are seven children from the first marriage and three from the second. His widow and 8 children survive:
Mrs W. Ewins (Kooringa), Mr T. Vivian (Knightsbridge), Walter Vivian (Broken Hill), William Vivian (Medindie), Mrs H. Tame (Unley), Herbert Vivian (Glenelg), Miss Nellie Vivian (Kooringa) and Miss Rite Vivian (Adelaide). [Died 27 January 1923 aged 76.]
XXXXV, 6, 7 Feb. 1923, page 2
Advt. The Drapers from Melbourne – For Three Days Only in the Old Savings Bank,
Next Door to Mr J. Allen’s Shop.
Mr W.H. Lucas of Springbank ran into a fence on his way home on Friday evening and was thrown out when his cart overturned. Though no bones were broken, he has spent a few days in hospital.
West Ward Election, 27 January
E.C. Hammond 47
A.J. Allen 42
St Mary’s Harvest Thanksgiving was celebrated on 4 February.
XXXXV, 6, 7 Feb. 1923, page 3
The Seaside Trip. Many were up at 3.30 a.m. on Saturday for the annual seaside trip. The weather was perfect. The first train reached Semaphore at 9.30 a.m. in exactly four hours. Two rooms at the Town Hall were placed at the disposal of the visitors. The sideshows were popular and many went to Adelaide, some to the Victoria Park races and others to the gardens and other places of interest or ‘did’ the city. The two trains carried some 1,800 people. Many former Burraites joined the visitors. Locals got home at 1 a.m. on Sunday morning. [Given that the second train was scheduled to leave Semaphore at 8 p.m. it must have been a very slow trip back!]
Burra Rifle Club. The Eudunda Club visited on 26 January 1922 and it had proved difficult to arrange a return visit. Finally it was managed on 29 January 1923. Eudunda 695 defeated Burra 679.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, 31 January
Myrtle Nellie Allen, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Alfred Allen of Redruth married
Donald Hartley Voumard (late AIF)
XXXXV, 7, 14 Feb. 1923, page 3
Obituary. Iris Nell Rowe died 8 February at Hampton aged 1 year. She was the infant daughter of John B. & Helen Rowe. [Born 10 February 1922 at Hampton.]
Robert Finch suffered a fall from his horse in Ayers St on Thursday and bottles in his pocket badly cut his thigh.
Burra Town Council, 5 February
Provision has been made for the public to use the telephone at the station.
The Railway Commissioner has agreed to a cab stand parallel to the station verandah, but not at the south end of the building.
Dr Ashton has applied for kerbing to be removed at the rear of his premises to allow him to build an entrance for a motor.
The Mayor reported the failure of a picture show for the Save the Children Fund on 1 February. There had been no publicity and when only two or three people turned up the evening had to be abandoned.
Cr Kellaway resigned as Council representative on the Hospital Board as he was unable to attend meetings. Cr Riggs was appointed in his place.
Councillors for each ward are to report next meeting on where they require street lights to be placed.
Cr Hammond was welcomed.
Local Board of Health
Dr Ashton resigned as Health Officer.
Dr W.E. Steven was appointed Health Officer.
Bowls. At Clare on Saturday: Clare 89 defeated Burra 88.
Tennis. At Aberdeen Saturday 10 February: Aberdeen 15-95 defeated Kooringa 1-40.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Hallett 129 defeated Kooringa 63
[Results amended in the following issue because it was a two day match.]
XXXXV, 8, 21 Feb. 1923, page 2
Advt. Booborowie Athletic Sports, 4 April, in aid of the Memorial Hall.
Advt. Leighton Athletic Sports 21 March, with Grand Ball at Night.
Advt. Hallett Races 8 March, with Grand Ball in the evening.
XXXXV, 8, 21 Feb. 1923, page 3
Advt. Booborowie St Patrick’s Day Sports & Horse Races 13 March in aid of the Catholic Church, with a Concert & Dance.
Advt. Booborowie Races, 3 March
George Earle was almost killed in a collision with a train at the Willalo Road crossing on Saturday when he failed to see an approaching train until the last moment. The impact cut the flesh from the rump of the offside horse, which had to be destroyed.
Cricket. Completion of the game. [1st innings Kooringa 63, Hallett 129.]
2nd innings Kooringa 151 & Hallett 83 gave a win to Kooringa 214 over Hallett 212.
Tennis. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 13-94 defeated Hallett 5-72.
Ironmine 9-76 defeated Copperhouse 7-74.
Booborowie Anglican Bazaar on 14 February raised £110 towards the cost of building a Church of England there.
XXXXV, 8, 21 Feb. 1923, page 4
SA Stockowners’ Assoc. There was a meeting last Friday in Liberal Union Rooms at Kooringa and the President I.J. Warnes explained the Association’s policy and activities. The report extends for 2 columns.
XXXXV, 9, 28 Feb. 1923, page 3
Advt. Burra Show Society. Sheep Dog Trials and Horse Sports 27 & 28 April.
Salvation Army birthday celebrations were held 18 & 19 February conducted by Lieut. Wagland. Monday 19th the celebration was in the form of a grand concert which included the Redruth Methodist Choir with songs by Misses R. Thomas and B. Woollacott & Mr R. Fuss. There were elocutionary pieces by Messrs H. Jennison & Stan Woollacott. The Corps began in Burra on 8 February 1894. [sic: but actually the year should be 1884.] A recent officer, Captain Redland, visited for the occasion. [Redland should be Ridland.]
Bob Cox, caretaker and greens-man of the Bowling Club, fell down the well on Wednesday. He fell from a faulty ladder 30 ft into 4 ft of water. He was soon rescued without suffering serious injury.
Burra Show Society, meeting of 23 February
It was resolved that the Dog Trials be on 27 & 28 April.
Mr I.J. Warnes said that due to the pressure of work associated with the Stockowners’ Assoc. of SA, of which he was President, he wished to stand down from the presidency of the Show Society for 1923. There was considerable discussion during which Mr Radford made it clear he could not accept the position and Mr Bartholomaeus said he would need to think it over. [Both these gentlemen were Vice-Presidents.]
XXXXV, 9, 28 Feb. 1923, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. A shoot on 18 February over 800 & 900 yards was fired with much trouble from mirages. Best results were by R.L. Jones & L. Gare.
On Saturday the club went to Auburn where Burra 870 defeated Auburn 850.
Burra Town Council, 19 February
J.G. Tiddy & A.W. Bevan have agreed to hand over the private road 20 ft wide from the parklands boundary to the Smelting Works to make an outlet from the present road as the property is to be cut up into building blocks. Accepted.
The inspection of the town revealed much work was required, especially in North Ward where roads were in an appalling state.
Morehead St was the worst in Burra with not a chain of kerbing. Much of the trouble in the ward came from not kerbing the channels.
A special meeting to discuss this was called for 26February.
XXXXV, 10, 7 Mar. 1923, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. announce a clearing sale on 20 March for Hartley Harris, who is leaving the district to take up a property in Victoria. Also a 6-roomed house etc. in Chapel St with a frontage of c. 225 ft.
XXXXV, 10, 7 Mar. 1923, page 3
Birth. On 5 March to Mr & Mrs L.J. Borowsky of Farrell’s Flat a daughter, Eunice Ashby. [At Kooringa]
John Crowley, a notorious criminal, was arrested at the Burra Hotel on Saturday evening by M-Cs Johns & Fox.
Fire. On Sunday morning at about 9 a.m. the bakery of J.H. Hall at Redruth burnt down. With the help of Messrs Francis Bernhardt and Laurence Hewitt the adjoining residence was saved. The fire brigade attended. Mr Hall’s loss, which was uninsured, is estimated at over £60. The building itself is owned by Mr H. Goodwin of Henley Beach and it is not known if it was insured.
Booborowie Picnic Race Meeting on Saturday last attracted over 300 people to Mr R. Morriss’s paddock. It was very successful and results are printed.
XXXXV, 10, 7 Mar. 1923, page 4
Burra Rifle Club on Saturday had a shoot over 800 & 900 yards under difficult conditions and the best results were by R.L. Jones and R. Kellaway.
Burra Hospital Board Meeting, 26 February
The septic tank is to be moved to Government owned land across the road.
Patient numbers are averaging 15.
Dr Ashton tendered his resignation as a Medical Officer to the hospital. Dr Steven applied for the vacancy and was accepted.
Burra Burra Sports Association
Ludwig Wilhelm Gebhardt as one of the trustees of the association gives notice that the association is being incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1890. The notice states the area to be a portion of Section 4 plus a closed road, containing 34 acres 3 roods 5 perches.
The notice lists the trustees as:
William Pitt Barker of Kooringa, Sheepfarmer
James Henry Gallagher of Aberdeen, Sheepfarmer
Ludwig Wilhelm Gebhardt of Mokota, Mt Bryan, Sheepfarmer
John Tennant of Princess Royal nr Burra, Sheepfarmer
John Lewis MLC of Adelaide
Thomas Sandland of Wandena Moora WA, Sheepfarmer
Polo. At Leighton on 24 February
Clare ‘A’ 5 defeated Mid-North ‘A’ 4
Clare ‘B’ 3 defeated Mid-North ‘B’ 2
John Winnall writes a letter home describing two awful dust storms at Wooltana, which turned day to pitch black. [Near Lake Frome.] [Presumably this is John Jun. born 1902?]
XXXXV, 11, 14 Mar. 1923, page 3
Notice. Foundation stone of the Hallett Methodist Manse to be laid by Rev. E. Smith 24 March 3.30 p.m.
Advt. Salvation Army Hall Tonight: Col. H. Sharp & Envoy Paulson will conduct a farewell for Candidate W. Farrelly. [Note: Farley in another place.]
Samuel Baker of Redruth turns 83 next Saturday. He was born in Adelaide in 1840.
Accident. Albert Norman Conquest (181⁄2) suffered severe concussion when he fell from the top of a load of hay on Saturday at Black Springs. He is a recent immigrant from the UK. Drs Steele and Steven operated on him at the Burra Hospital, but his condition is critical.
[He subsequently died: see XXXXV, 12, 21 March 1923, page 4.]
Burra & District Horticulture
R.D. Pascoe roses
Save the Children Fund. Captain White will give a lecture tomorrow at the Institute on his Trip Across Australia, in aid of the fund.
Kooringa Methodist Church held annual Thanksgiving Services on Sunday 4 March and they were well attended.
Redruth Court, 28 February & 1 March.
William G. Cossey hairdresser was charged with betting in a public place – the Burra Hotel verandah. The evidence extends for almost 11⁄4 columns and the case relied upon what the police said they could see from a shed at the police station and from a fig tree. Inspection by the bench showed their evidence was confused and had apparently mixed up what had been seen from each site and the case had therefore to be dismissed.
Burra Coursing Club met at Kooringa Hotel on Thursday. H.R. Bosisto was re-elected Hon. Sec. and Charles Parks was elected President. R.D. Pascoe was elected Patron. The first meeting for the year will be held on 25 June.
Tennis. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Ketchowla 7 rubbers 9 sets 85 games defeated Aberdeen 5 rubbers 6 sets 69 games.
Salvation Army Thanksgiving Services on 4 & 5 March were a great success. Brigadier & Mrs Rowley officiated. They conduct the Army’s Prison Gate Home in Whitmore Square Adelaide.
Hallett Races last Saturday were held in George Melrose’s paddock. Entries were somewhat low due to a clash with Black Rock Races. About 200 attended and the meeting was quite a success. Results are printed.
XXXXV, 11, 14 Mar. 1923, page 4
Burra Town Council, 5 March
Most of the time was spent debating the role and authority of the overseer whose position had just been advertised and also the working conditions of other employees.
Cr Woollacott said he had been investigating the cost of concrete kerbing and found it would not cost half as much as stone kerbing.
Cr Kellaway said that at the recent fire at Aberdeen the brigade had arrived after some time with one man and a second came later, which was unsatisfactory.
Cr Woollacott said the time from receiving the alarm to arrival was less than five minutes.
The matter will be reported to the Fire Board for information.
Cr Woollacott said it took 12 minutes to get water as they had to go to three plugs before they could make a connection. This problem will also be referred to the Board.
M.A. Radford wrote about the Council’s inspection of the town. He refers to the findings concerning North Ward. They reflected at the time on the actions of past Councillors, but as he points out, North Ward has almost as much area and roads as the other two wards put together and at the same time less revenue than either of them. East Ward is responsible for Smelts Rd – the worst kept road in the Municipality. Mr Radford also says that 75% of rates is due to the ward, but in some years this does not happen. A considerable proportion for some years went to Deadman’s Bridge, which strictly speaking was East Ward work. Also there is no obligation for Parklands rates or the Board of Health rates to be spent in any particular ward and so Kooringa gets the lion’s share. Victoria Park takes much of the former and cleaning water tables chiefly in Kooringa takes much of the latter.
‘the new Councillors will soon learn that it is easier to find fault than to rectify faults and that when they have done their best there will be plenty to come and criticise their work.’
XXXXV, 12, 21 Mar. 1923, page 3
Obituary. Alice Pearce, eldest daughter of John & E.J. Pearce, died at Leighton House Kooringa 17 March. For some 16 years she had suffered from chronic rheumatism and was virtually confined to a wheelchair, but her death was sudden and unexpected as a result of an attack of diabetes. She was born in Kooringa 28 July 1871 and was educated at Burra School and later employed at Samuel Drew & Co. (later Drew & Crewes). She was greatly interested in the activities of the Methodist Church and was for a long time a worker at the Sunday school, which she represented when she laid a foundation stone for the new church. She had also been organist for many years and had a good soprano voice.
Obituary. John Quinn Hogan died at Burra Hospital on 14 March aged 81.
Mrs Hartley Harris was given a farewell at the home of Mrs E.C. Hammond on Thursday. She and her husband leave shortly for Victoria where they have purchased a property.
Thunderstorms dropped falls to the east last weekend with falls from 21 points at Canegrass to 96 at Sturt Vale.
Wilbur Farley was farewelled at the Salvation Army Hall on Sunday & Monday. He goes to the Training College in Melbourne.
Cricket. Conclusion of the match: second innings Kooringa 136 and Mt Bryan 0 for 68. This resulted in a win for Kooringa on the first innings by 63.
This concludes the premiership matches and the Old Koomooloo Shield goes to Mt Bryan with 15 points from Kooringa with 11, Hallett 6 and Booborowie 4.
Kooringa Football Club met on Tuesday at the Burra Hotel. H.R. Bosisto was elected Hon. Sec; John Barker, Patron; S.M. Lane, President; Fred Highett, Captain & J.R. Allen, Vice-Captain.
Marriage. At Ironmine Methodist Church 14 March
Rachel Lillian Parker, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs George Parker of Booborowie, married
Herbert Cornelius (late AIF) of Barmera.
XXXXV, 12, 21 Mar. 1923, page 4
‘Ratepayer’ writes concerned that local businesses were not given the chance to tender for hospital supplies recently.
F.B. Hewitson, rector of St Mary’s, writes to publicise an appeal by English immigrant boys to raise funds from among their number to erect a tombstone on the grave of the late Albert Norman Conquest.
Obituary. Albert Norman Conquest who met with a serious accident at Black Springs on Saturday died at the Burra Hospital on Wednesday 14 March. The local committee of the Immigration Dept. decided to give him a public funeral which took place at the Kooringa Cemetery on Thursday, led by the Mayor (Mr M. Collins), Councillors T.H. Woollacott, F. Harris, A.B. Riggs, E.C. Hammond, W.J.C. Ewins & the Town Clerk, Mr E.J. Davey. Six of ‘Barwell’s Boys’ followed in a mourning coach and W.G. Liebich, the lad’s late employer. The deceased only arrived in SA three weeks ago. [Registered as dying 13 March, aged 18.]
Aberdeen Football Club met at Jubilee Hall on 8 March. Elected were Patron, James Reed; President, J.H. Gallagher; Chairman, M. Collins; Secretary & Treasurer, R.C. Willshire, Assistant Secretary, J. Harvey. The club will seek to do away with club boundaries and replace them with an Association boundary of 25 miles radius from the Kooringa Post Office: within that players to be free to choose any club to play with, but to be restricted to one club for any season.
Marriage. St Mary’s Burra 15 March
Dorothy Irene Robertson, eighth daughter of Mr & Mrs T.F. Robertson of Aberdeen, married
Charles Henry Ward, only son of Mr & Mrs Henry Ward of Kent Town.
Polo. At Clare on Saturday: Clare B 7 defeated Mid-North B 2
Mid-North A 4 defeated Clare A 2.
Burra Football Assoc. met last Wednesday. Association applications came from North Booborowie, South Booborowie, Mt Bryan, Aberdeen & Kooringa. Association’s teams are to be the same as last year. Elected were Secretary, E. Jackson; Patron, I.J. Warnes; President W.A. Radford [perhaps M.A.?]; Treasurer, J. Allen.
A move to allow players to select any one team to play in for the season was deferred for consideration: the boundary of the Association to be a 30 mile radius from Kooringa Post Office.
XXXXV, 13, 28 Mar. 1923, page 2
Advt. Norwood Silver Band will play on Good Friday at the Salvation Army Hall 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.
On Easter Saturday at Hallett 3 p.m. & Mt Bryan Memorial Hall 8 p.m.
Easter Sunday at Kooringa 11 a.m. & 7 p.m., Aberdeen 3 p.m. & Market Square 8.30 p.m.
Obituary. Nurse Young of Kooringa died of a stroke on Sunday 25 March aged 46. She had conducted a private nursing home for many years and was greatly respected. She is survived by a husband and son.
[Born Annie Mutton c. 1876: registered as dying 26 March aged 47.]
XXXXV, 13, 28 Mar. 1923, page 3
Obituary. John Quinn Hogan who died 14 March was born at Smithstown in County Clare Ireland in 1842. He arrived in Australia c. 1870 and went to work for his cousin the late John Hogan of Tarlee for eight years. In 1878 he married Elizabeth Kain, only daughter of Martin Kain of Hamley Bridge. He then farmed at Hamley Bridge and Lindley with little success before taking Government contracts, including large ones at Wadnaminga and Cockburn. About 1890 he took a selection at Leighton. In 1894 he became clerk and overseer of Booborowie DC and held the office for 22 years. He had also been the Chairman and Councillor of the DC of Stockport and took a great interest in shows at Tarlee, Kapunda & Burra. He was active in the Catholic Churches at Tarlee and Booborowie and also in Leighton Hall. He is survived by a widow and ten children: Messrs J.F. (Booborowie), Martin, Tim, Frank & Patrick (Leighton), Thomas (New Zealand), Michael (Adelaide), John (Hanson), Mrs W.F. McIvoy (Booborowie) & Miss Leah Hogan (Leighton).
Mr & Mrs Hartley Harris left for Victoria on Thursday. Hartley Harris was farewelled from Drew & Crewes by James Bentley of the grocery department who gave him a handsome memento from the employees.
Bob Motherall has gone to Adelaide for treatment following the discovery of a pea-sized piece of shrapnel behind the cornea of his right eye.
Leighton Athletic Sports was successfully held on 21 March. Results are printed.
Ironmine Memorial Bazaar was held last Saturday at Leighton Hall to raise money for the Memorial Hall now under construction.
Burra Rifle Club. Visit of the Auburn Club. There was a team match over 300, 500 & 600 yards.
Burra 1072 defeated Auburn 993.
In a handicap match over the same distances K.C. Stephens of Auburn scored highest off the rifle with 98, but on handicap W. Adey of Burra was best with 105 from L. Kellaway of Burra 103.
Bowls. A Parliamentary Team led by the Premier, Sir Henry Barwell, came to Burra on Saturday. In aggregate Burra 85 defeated the visitors 46. A Clare team also visited and Burra 85 defeated Clare 63.
Tennis. Ironmine 13-81 defeated Kooringa 2-49.
XXXXV, 13, 28 Mar. 1923, page 4
Marriage. St Anacletus Church, Peterborough 1 February
Daniel Vincent Fitzgerald, fourth son of Mrs & the late Mr Gerald Fitzgerald of Spalding, married
Mary Margaret Kilderry, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs T.J. Kilderry of Peterborough.
Booborowie Catholic Sports were held on 13 March. The sports were well patronised and the concert afterwards drew the largest crowd seen in the Booborowie Hall. Results are printed.
Mt Bryan Roman Catholic Church Bazaar on St Patrick’s Day was a great success and realized a nett profit of £71.
Burra Town Council, 19 March
Rent on the Council Chamber increased by £5 to £25 p.a.
The Fire Brigade Board notified the Council that its share of upkeep for three months was £18-13-4.
This was a lot in excess of the estimated £42 p.a. and the Council will express dissatisfaction and query the inclusion of £40 for new uniforms when new uniforms were supplied last year. The Fire Brigade thought the tank at the station should be 1,000 gallons, not 400 gallons.
There was considerable discussion of impure water entering gutters from premises. Some of the problem was also due to rubbish and some due to insufficient fall in the gutter. Inspections will be carried out. The existing overseer was appointed to the advertised position at 14/6 per day.
H. Wilson was appointed curator and lamplighter at 13/3 per day.
Work on c. 15 chains of Morehead St was approved.
Local Board of Health
J. Herbert was re-appointed as scavenger.
XXXXV, 14, 4 Apr. 1923, page 3
Silver Wedding. Henry Byles married Elizabeth E. Morgan at the residence of the Bride’s father John Morgan of Thistlebeds on 31 March 1898.
Obituary. Annie Young, wife of Chin Young and mother of William Young, died suddenly 26 March aged 48. [Born Annie Mutton c. 1876: registered as dying 26 March aged 47.]
Obituary. The infant son of Mr & Mrs Edgar Schultze of Kooringa. [In Bereavement Notice.]
[Actually he was Alfred Schutz, born 9 February 1922 at Kooringa: died 1 April 1923 aged 1 year 1 month, son of Edgar Schutz.]
Marriage. Mt Bryan Methodist Church, 28 March
Violet Wardle, daughter of Mrs & the late Mr R. Wardle of Mt Bryan, married
Len Faggoter of Myponga.
Hallett Sports on Easter Monday were an unqualified success. Results are printed.
Bowls. On Saturday St Peters visited and in the morning St Peters 99 defeated Burra 87, but in the afternoon Burra 119 defeated St Peters 68.
Burra Football Assoc. 26 March
The debate on the proposed boundaries raised the issue that Kooringa could draw on an area of radius 30 miles while Booborowie had only 8 miles on one side. Mr Kellaway moved that the radius of thirty miles be taken from the Government Forest and players play for the nearest club to the place where they live and any player beyond the thirty mile radius play for any club he chooses. Mr Madigan moved each club have its own boundary. Other amendments followed. All the amendments were lost and then the motion was put and lost. Then Mr Willshire moved that last year’s rule apply and that was eventually passed.
Mr Simpson was elected Chairman & Mr Jackson Secretary. The program of matches was approved and is printed.
XXXXV, 14, 4 Apr. 1923, page 4
Hallett Methodist Manse. Saturday 24 March was chosen for the foundation stone laying. Details are reported in 11⁄2 columns. The building will be erected free of debt.
XXXXV, 15, 11 Apr. 1923, page 2
Advt. Burra Racing Club Cup, Wednesday 18 April.
XXXXV, 15, 11 Apr. 1923, page 3
Advt. Dance & Supper at Burra Institute 11 April in aid of St Joseph’s Church Funds.
Advt. Mrs W. Young (Nurse Amy) will not be continuing the Nursing Home run by the late Nurse [Annie] Young, after 30 April.
William Bates alias Bevan was sentenced to one month’s jail on 9 April for unlawful possession of several lots of tobacco, the property of William Knill.
Booborowie Sports on Wednesday last were very successful and the results are printed.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 2 April
Charles Robins Wright, second son of Mr & Mrs C.J.H. Wright of Rose Park, married
Vera Christabel Dunn, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs H.J. Dunn of Black Springs.
XXXXV, 15, 11 Apr. 1923, page 4
Aberdeen Football Club met on Thursday in Jubilee Hall and decided to carry on. They decided not to allow E. Jones to play for North Booborowie. J. Harvey was voted Captain. R. Bernhardt is Vice-Captain. It was resolved to join the Burra Association.
Burra Town Council, 4 April
The Fire Brigade Board is enquiring into the recent Aberdeen fire.
A series of minor road and path works was approved.
Cr Harris moved the fire bell be moved from the Police Station to the Fire Station.
Cr Kellaway thought that placing it in a conspicuous location like that was courting misuse.
The Mayor thought the Fire station was its natural location.
Cr Kellaway’s amendment that it not be moved was carried.
Local Board of Health
After inspection it was thought a little work could improve the fall in gutters in the town centre. There was considerable dissension over people who ran waste water into the street. It was not allowed under the act, but if it was not impure water that created a health hazard several Councillors saw no harm and a considerable unnecessary expense would be imposed on businessmen etc. to make alternative arrangements. The main cause of the contention was water from washing cars at Glenister & Sams Garage.
Cr Kellaway moved that the provisions of the Health Act be carried out in all cases. Carried after much debate.
Norwood Salvation Army Silver Band paid a visit and it is reported in 3⁄4 column. The band with Commander Walker and Bandmaster Henstridge came by the midday train on Good Friday. Performances were:
Friday Salvation Army Hall meeting 3 p.m.
Concert at Soldiers’ Memorial after the hall meeting
Salvation Army Hall Concert in the evening
Saturday Afternoon concert at Hallett
Evening concert at Mt Bryan
Sunday Private spiritual meeting for the band at 9 a.m.
Open-air meeting at 10 a.m. followed by selections at various places in the town
Indoor meeting 11 a.m.
Meeting at Aberdeen 3 p.m.
Evening open-air meeting
Evening meeting in Salvation Army Hall during which the Dead March in Saul was played in tribute to the late Nurse Annie Young
Concert program in Market Square followed the meeting.
The Band also played at the Burra hospital.
Kooringa Football Club met on Tuesday evening 3 April. J.R. Barker wrote accepting the position of Patron. Delegates to the Association were appointed. Other arrangements to start the season’s training etc. were approved.
Burra Hospital Board
Among other aspects of usual business it was resolved that salaries be:
Matron £150 p.a.
Certificated charge-nurses £110 p.a.
Probationer nurses in 1st year of training £30 increasing according to the Association thereafter.
Medical Officers were advised that their attendance at meetings was not necessary.
XXXXV, 16, 18 Apr. 1923, page 2
Advt. Coming to Burra Institute 23 April only: The Return of The Scarlet Dandies.
New Songs and Novelties from Spangles and Peep Show.
XXXXV, 16, 18 Apr. 1923, page 3
Notice. A combined church service will be held at the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial on Anzac Sunday 22 April. In the afternoon a team of Returned Soldiers will play the Rest of the Association in a football game at Aberdeen Oval.
Birth. To Mr & Mrs A.H. Richards of Hallett on 16 April, a stillborn daughter.
Birth. To Mr & Mrs T.H. Jeffery on 10 April a son, Morris. [At Kooringa]
Birth. To Mr & Mrs E. Bevan on 5 April a daughter, Nancy Beatrice. [At Kooringa]
Birth. To Mr & Mrs F. Humphrys on 14 April a daughter, Coralie Janey. [At Kooringa]
Birth. To Mr & Mrs W.H. Nankivell a son, Ronald William. [At Kooringa]
Obituary. Maud Lynch, wife of John Lynch died at Burra Hospital on 14 April aged 40.
[An advertisement on 25 April, page 2 gives her name as Ethel Beatrice Florence Maud Lynch.]
Mrs J.J. Lynch of Copperhouse who died on Sunday was the daughter of Mrs J. Beckwith of Mt Bryan and was twice married. Her first husband was Mr Will McDonald. She married Mr J.J. Lynch in 1922. She is survived by a husband, a son and two daughters. [Born Ethel Beatrice Florence Maud Beckwith 26 September 1882 at Kooringa.]
Obituary. Wilfred Winders, youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs Charles T. Winders of Baldina died at Dulwich 12 April aged 27. He is survived by his wife, nee Louie Broad and two small sons and by a sister and two brothers: Mrs R.W. Baynes of Saddleworth and Roy & Stanley Winders. [Born Wilfred Thomas Winders 11 October 1895, Baldina.]
Bull Trouble. On Wednesday Ben Hill brought in three bulls from Gum Creek and placed them in G.C. Kuchenmeister’s paddock at the south end of Kooringa. On Thursday one became frenzied, knocked down a fence and headed for town. It got into Lower Thames St and thence into Warner’s paddock in the Burra Creek behind the Bowling Green where Mr Kuchenmeister had a few shots at it. The bull settled in safely for the night and when approached at dawn it again made off towards Aberdeen. A driver of a dray on the road tried to head it off, but was tossed. Eventually Ben Hill managed to paddock the beast and it was despatched.
Football. A practice match on Saturday 14 April at Victoria Park resulted in Kooringa 11.10 defeating Aberdeen 2.6.
Mr L.L. Wicklein has placed a town clock over the door of his business to the convenience of townspeople.
Theft. Lockers of four members of the Bowling Club were broken into on Tuesday evening and ‘stimulants etc.’ stolen. The empty bottles were found on the green.
St Joseph’s Church benefited from a successful Social & Dance at the Institute last Wednesday.
Burra Football Assoc. met on 11 April. Mr P.R. Simpson, the Chairman, presided. A request for a match against the RSL on 25 April was approved and two thirds of the proceeds will go to the local RSL. Umpires for the season’s games were allotted.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday a match was fired over 200, 500 & 600 yards. Best were A.L. Kellock & J.A. Riggs. On 14 April a double 700 yards match saw F.W. Lown & W.R. Lee with best results.
Notice. The business of Bennett, Campbell & Ligertwood, Barristers & Solicitors of Adelaide, will from 31 March 1923 be amalgamated with that of J.E.H. Winnall and will be carried on under the style of Bennett, Campbell & Ligertwood.
XXXXV, 16, 18 Apr. 1923, page 4
Marriage. At St Mary’s Burra 5 April
Reuben Martin McBride, late 3rd Light Horse, eldest surviving son of Mr & Mrs Thomas McBride of Mile End married Marjorie Field, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late W.H. Field of Mt Pleasant Kooringa.
Marriage. At Gartrell Memorial Church Rose Park 14 April
E. Hazel M. Longmire, second daughter of Mrs W. Moyses of Brompton & the late Hiram Longmire of Kybunga married James Guy Tiddy, late AIF, elder son of Mr & Mrs N.J. Tiddy of Aberdeen.
Marriage. On 7 April at the residence of the bride’s father, Swayne Ave. Toorak.
Elsie M. Bennett, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Alfred Bennett and granddaughter of the late Thomas Parks married Claude White, only son of Mrs Emily White of Adelaide and grandson of the late John Snell of Kooringa.
Mrs J.E.H. Winnall was farewelled at St Mary’s Parish Hall on Friday afternoon: she is leaving Burra to reside in Adelaide.
XXXXV, 16 (2), 25 Apr. 1923, page 2 [Second use of No. 16 in this volume.]
Advt. Tenders called for the erection of a Power House for the Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd.
XXXXV, 16 (2), 25 Apr. 1923, page 3 [Second use of No. 16 in this volume.]
Mrs C. Bartholomaeus was farewelled at the Liberal Union rooms on Friday afternoon. She was one of the Liberal Union’s Women’s Branch Vice-Presidents and is moving to Adelaide with her husband. She had previously been a member of the National Defence League. Mr I.J. Warnes gave a eulogistic speech. At Leighton she was a Guild member. She was presented with an inscribed silver entrée dish.
Tom Villis was cycling to Kooringa on Friday afternoon when he was run down by a car travelling the other way. The bicycle was destroyed and Mr Villis is recovering at home after treatment by Dr Steele.
Mr E.W. Crewes, who met with an accident in the goods shed at the station about a fortnight ago, requiring hospital treatment, was able to go home on Monday last.
Percy Pederson, son of Martin Pederson, who some months ago broke the record for travelling between Adelaide and Broken Hill, has now beaten Murray Aunger’s record for the Adelaide-Melbourne trip by just three minutes. The 588 miles was covered in 14 hours 51 minutes.
Obituary. Mrs Claire J. Goodridge of Booborowie died on 29 March aged 31 [33]. She was the only daughter of the late Mrs Jehu Lomman of Mt Bryan East and was born in Kooringa. She married C. Goodridge about four years ago. [Born Frances Ann Lomman 6 January 1890 at Kooringa.]
Bob Taylor lost the top of a thumb to the joint in a chaff-cutter on Monday.
The dry spell is continuing and growing serious for farmers, pastoralists and householders. So far only 59 points have fallen for the year and that in dribbles.
Anzac Day Sunday was observed with a service at the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial at 3 p.m. Attendance was good with good weather. Present were the Protestant clergy: Rev. F.B. Hewitson (Anglican), Rev. E.M. Ingamells & Rev. E. Smith (Methodist) & Ensign Heathwood (Salvation Army). Also there were the RSL President, Dr D.D. Steele; Vice-President, D.L. van Senden and Secretary, G.H. Dow. The address was given by Rev. Ingamells. The Mayor and Councillors were present, but took no active part in the ceremony.
Burra Rifle Club. A match was fired on Saturday over 200, 500 & 600 yards. 99 was scored by A.L. Kellock, A.P. Harris, L.W. Gare, H.L. Riggs, R. Kellaway & A. Ford, though only A.L. Kellock did so from scratch.
Bowls. A team visited Clare on Saturday and Burra 117 defeated Clare 76.
Tennis. At Hallett on Saturday: Hallett 10-82 defeated Ironmine 5-60.
Burra Town Council, 16 April
A.S. Walker of Redruth was allowed to sub-let No. 1 Reserve Redruth, as he is leaving the town.
The overseer is recovering kerbing stone and building stone from the creek near the bowling green bridge. It was originally the wall of what was known as Carey’s Bridge.
Local Board of Health
Nurse Goward and Mrs Fuller were granted licences for maternity homes.
Cr Hammond wanted the Council to improve drainage in Commercial St to the corner of Chapel St.
The Mayor said even if this was done the notice preventing the garages from discharging water into the street would stand.
The Town Clerk said he understood that two of the garages could make arrangements to run water into the Bank of Australasia’s underground drain. After further discussion the matter dropped.
Burra Show Society AGM
Mr Warnes said the show would be better if it could offer more in prize money. About 11⁄4 columns of suggested changes to details of how the show should be run are printed. There were no nominations for President and I.J. Warnes was re-elected unanimously.
XXXXV, 16 (2), 25 Apr. 1923, page 4 [Second use of No. 16 in this volume.]
Burra Races. The annual meeting was on Wednesday last. The weather was fine and the track in good condition. There were 66 acceptances, giving good fields. The main race was the Burra Cup of 175 sovereigns and a cup, run over 11⁄4 miles and won by four lengths by Mr “J. Alloy’s” bay gelding Coal King ridden by Williams. Results of the meeting are printed.
Burra Show Society. Annual Report
During the year the society lost a great supporter with the death of J.Q. Hogan.
The season was good both for farmers and pastoralists. Prices for sheep and lambs were good. Wool prices are high and demand is good. Cattle are not an important product in the district and cattle prices are very low.
The Dog Trials were a great success. Other sports on the last day helped to draw people and the trials are now paying their way.
The Annual Show on 25 October was a great success with record entries in most classes. Exhibits were better displayed. Finances are sound. The year began £30 in credit and ends about £13 in credit with some £20 spent on improvements, but nothing was paid off debentures or interest. Wages of £40 is an excessive amount caused by the amount of material that has to be shifted each show. We need more money to improve the show. The Salvation Army took charge of luncheon.
XXXXV, 17, 2 May 1923, page 2 [Incorrectly dated 5 May on page 1.]
Advt. Burra Bowling Club Grand Final Day. End of Season 1923, Saturday 5 May.
XXXXV, 17, 2 May 1923, page 3
Offences. F. Liebeknecht, F.A. Kielow & F. Degenhardt were each fined £1 + 10/- costs for shooting on a Sunday.
C. Bartholomaeus was given a valedictory social and presentation at the Liberal Union rooms on Friday last. M.A. Radford took the chair. There were speeches by The Mayor (Maurice Collins) on behalf of the town, Mr Winnall on behalf of the old Hospital Board, Mr Warnes for the Show Society, Mr Foote as secretary of the Liberal Union, Mr Johns for the Bowling Club and also by Rev. Ingamells, Cr A.B. Riggs & A.D. McDonald. Mr Bartholomaeus was presented with a gold watch suitably inscribed.
Mrs & Miss Clara Bartholomaeus were farewelled by the Soldiers’ Aid Society at Jubilee Hall on Thursday afternoon. Mrs Bartholomaeus had been Vice-President of the society since its inception in 1915. Miss Bartholomaeus had been secretary for seven years, following on from her sister. Miss Bubb presented Mrs Bartholomaeus with a glass casserole on a silver stand and Miss Bartholomaeus was given a beaded bag in oriental colours and a set of xylonite toilet requisites.
Horse events at the Dog Trials are reported.
Football. At Aberdeen Oval on Anzac Day:
Returned Soldiers 1.3 2.4 2.11 8.15 (63)
Burra Association 2.2 4.4 5.7 5.9 (39)
Hanson-Booborowie Railway
A meeting at the Booborowie Hall on 23 April discussed the Minister of Railway’s reply on the cost of the railway. The meeting was unanimously of the opinion the railway should be built at the increased cost, given that the cost of money was now less. Members for the district will be asked to arrange a visit by the Chief Railway Commissioner & the Chairman of the Railways Standing Committee and for them to address a public meeting. The lack of a railway is seeing the land reverting to larger holdings and was a factor in the closure of the Booborowie Butter Factory.
The Scarlet Dandies played to an excellent house at the Institute on 23 April and will return on 7 May.
XXXXV, 17, 2 May 1923, page 4
Burra Football Assoc. met on 23 April and details occupy c. 11⁄4 columns. Various matters were discussed, but much of the discussion concerned who could play for which club and what was meant by ‘residence’. [Some players worked away from home during the week and so spent more nights elsewhere, so what constituted their ‘residence’?]
Burra Hospital Board met on 23 April.
There was considerable discussion about the case of the recent hospital porter who seems to have been posing as a returned soldier under the name of Kennedy. He had served well till he had a breakdown. A new porter called Watson, from Adelaide, has been appointed.
[Evidently at the previous meeting or the one before the matron had been asked to resign. The report on 11 April of the meeting of 26 March mentions advertising for a matron qualified in medical and obstetrics nursing, but says nothing about resignation, neither is there a mention in the 7 March report of the meeting of 26 February.]
The matron has not handed in a resignation and is asking for a Board of Inquiry. Chairman (W.G. Hawkes) then said her resignation would be required at once, that having been decided.
Two applications had been received from Sister Crawford and Sister Muriel Johnson and the latter was appointed. About two weeks later Sister Lang’s resignation had not been received and the House Committee advised her that her agreement with the Hospital Board would expire on the date arranged for Sister Johnson to take up her duties.
Immediately after the meeting. [Presumably that of the 26 March.] W.G. Hawkes told matron her resignation must take effect from a month from that day. He waited a week, heard nothing and spoke to her and said it must be sent in at once and take effect a month from that day. [2 April, so resignation 2 May.] Another two weeks passed and hearing nothing the House Committee then wrote as above [a few days before the April meeting].
Mr Warnes said that in such a case the Board discharged her.
Mr Warnes asked if the reason was the excessive running costs of the hospital in the last three years.
Mr Hawkes said that and the inharmonious relations with the Board.
Mr Warnes suggested that the Board’s actions seemed precipitate – advertising the position three days after asking her to resign, given they had taken three years to find fault with her. He also suggested she should have been accorded more restrained treatment as a returned nurse. [Mr Warnes had been in Sydney on 26 March.]
This caused general dissent.
Dr Steele [who had also been absent on 26 March.] then said that he thought it had all been done on the spur of the moment. He felt she should have been allowed to put her case at a Board meeting. He questioned the propriety of the action taken: ‘no notice was given to the doctors or anyone else that such a move was contemplated’.
Mr Collins then objected to Dr Steele being allowed to speak. Dr Steele asked the Chair to note that a member objects to the responsible Medical Officer speaking at a Board meeting.
Mr Warnes wondered why the matter had not been reported fully before.
It was pointed out that the Matron’s uniform allowance was due in May and that the Matron had not taken all her holidays – in fact only once in the three years. The Board then voted to give her the uniform allowance and one year’s holiday allowance.
The Government was supposed to be subsidising the income 30/- in the £, but the Council had contributed £647 and the Government had so far paid only £250.
The Matron sent an undated letter asking to appear before the Board.
Dr Steele wrote saying in such a vital matter as the position of Matron the Medical Officer should have been present. The Board received the letters.
As the Board would not consider his letter Dr Steele said he would forward a copy to the Inspector General of Hospitals.
Sheep Dog Trials were held 27 & 28 April under ideal conditions and were most successful.
Results:
Novice stakes won by G. Bishop’s Posey Girl
Maiden Stakes won by J. Smith’s Barry
Flock Dog: Mr A.B. Kemp of Victoria won all places with Red Hope, Battle & Tidy Hope
Puppy Stakes won by G. Bishop’s Posey Girl
Open Class First Round won by W.F. Lathy’s Young Garry and the Final went to A.B. Kemp’s Red Hope
XXXXV, 18, 9 May 1923, page 2
Advt. Visit of Rev. G.E. Rowe DD, Superintendent of Brisbane Central Mission and formerly of Burra
Sunday 13 May at Redruth at 11 a.m. and Kooringa at 6.45 p.m. Monday evening at 8 p.m. Kooringa Methodist Church he will present his popular Cornish Lecture: The Old Folks at Home.
Public Notice. Miss Villis, Double Certificated Nurse, Obstetrics and General, has taken over the Maternity Home lately occupied by the late Nurse Young.
Notice. Nurse Goward has moved to Darton Cottage in Commercial St immediately opposite her old premises.
XXXXV, 18, 9 May 1923, page 3
Obituary. William Thomas of Cooper St died at his home on 4 May aged 83. He was born at Cheddar in England in 1839 and came to Australia in 1864. The family lived at Mt Barker and then Freeling before moving to Mintaro where he began business as a Bootmaker. He later married Miss Mary Nicholls of Kapunda. After five years he went on the land at Ironmine where he lived for 40 years, retiring to Aberdeen when 70. He is survived by a widow and three surviving children: Charles Thomas (Belmont WA), Mrs A. Finlay (WA) and Mrs J.S. Williams (Broken Hill). Another daughter was the late Mrs Herbert Morgan of Mongolata. There are 18 grandchildren.
Burra Bowling and Croquet Club. Prizes were given out at the wind-up for the season:
Bowls
Champion Bowler A.S. Martin
Consistency Shield Mr Davey
Singles Handicap Cup Mr Rosman
Best Pair Messrs Rosman & Ken Drew
Handicap Tourney Trophy L.M. Gordon
Croquet
Champion Lady Mrs H.F. Saunders
Champion Doubles Mesdames A.C. Spencer & W.J.C. Ewins
“B” Handiacp Mrs F.B. Hewitson
Burra Electric Supply Co.
The contract for the erection of the Power Station has been let to local builders. The building will comprise offices and the company’s plant with space for two large generating sets in addition to the two currently on order. Street poles will be ironbark from NSW. Erection is expected to start shortly. Work has already begun wiring consumers’ premises. Costs for various numbers of lights etc. are printed.
XXXXV, 18, 9 May 1923, page 4
Stockowners’ Assoc. of SA, Burra Branch AGM. The report extends for 31⁄3 columns.
Football. At Kooringa on Saturday:
North Booborowie 0.4 4.10 6.13 10.15 (75)
Kooringa 3.4 4.5 6.11 7.14 (56)
XXXXV, 19, 16 May 1923, page 2
Notice. Mt Bryan Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Scheme Balance Sheet is printed.
XXXXV, 19, 16 May 1923, page 3
Birth. To Mr & Mrs W.J. Bown at Mrs Fuller’s Nursing Home on 8 May a son, Percy Tod. [At Redruth]
Burra Cricket Assoc. Plain & Fancy Dress Ball on 9 May at Burra Institute.
Weather. The awaited rain finally came last week and from the 6th to the 12th 2.37 inches fell.
Wilfred V. Geake, telegraphist, has been transferred from Burra to Murray Bridge after three years’ service here. He was given a farewell on Wednesday evening.
Golf. A meeting was held in the Council Chamber on Tuesday and Elected were President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-Presidents, C.D. Wilkinson & J.P. Murphy; Secretary H.C. Hodby. The course will open next Saturday.
Sister Mosey left Adelaide on 10 May on her way back to Rabaul where she has been the matron of the military hospital for several years and she will stay another 12 months. She is the daughter of the late Mr John Mosey, a pioneer of Robertstown.
Accident/Obituary. On Monday M-C John of Redruth received news of a fatal motor accident at Koomooloo 32 miles east of Burra. A car driven by Edwin Trescowthick crashed on hitting a drain while chasing kangaroos. Edward Robert Hyne was thrown out and died from a fracture at the base of his skull. Mr Edgar Truscott was also thrown out, but landed on his buttocks and sustained relatively minor injuries. [Edward Robert Hyne born 22 December 1861 near Angaston: died 14 May 1923 near Koomooloo, residence Angaston.]
Burra Town Council, 7 May
Burra Electric Supply Company asks for the Mine Bridge light to be moved 15 ft in either direction and for a temporary road to the proposed power house. The present position was right in the middle of the proposed road. To be moved to the north side of the Bridge at the company’s expense.
The company also asks for an extension of time of six months for the installation of lighting.
There was then a discussion on the charges for electricity, which Cr Hammond thought were excessive.
G.J. Tiddy applied for permission to build a house.
Football. At Aberdeen Oval on Saturday:
South Booborowie 2.4 2.4 7.7 9.11 (65)
Aberdeen 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.5 (5)
Burra Rifle Club. Last match for the year was fired over 300, 500 & 600 yards. Best scores were by A.P. Harris, W.R. Lee & L.W. Gare.
XXXXV, 19, 16 May 1923, page 4
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary 6 May. Rev. A.E. Stanley officiated. Details of this most successful celebration extend for just over 1⁄2 column.
Football. At Mt Bryan on 5 May: Mt Bryan 7.9 defeated Aberdeen 5.6.
XXXXV, 20, 23 May 1923, page 2
District Council of Burra: retiring Councillors
Kooringa Ward Robert Martin McBride
Baldina Ward William Evans Hodge
King Ward Reginald Warnes
Mt Bryan Memorial Hall: Present overdraft is £77.
XXXXV, 20, 23 May 1923, page 2-3
A Bolt. A horse attached to an old prospector’s buggy bolted on leaving the rear of the Royal Exchange hotel on Thursday. The driver was swept off by the clothesline causing the horse to take fright. It went up Morehead St, around Rabbich’s house and then down between C. Lawson’s & H. Austin’s butcher shop and along the main street into Young St where the buggy was smashed on a tree. The horses were caught some distance along the Mt Bryan Road.
XXXXV, 20, 23 May 1923, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Martha Taylor [identified next issue as Martha Brown Taylor], relict of W. Taylor late of Booborowie, died in her East St home on Monday. She was born at Mr Walsh’s station on the River Murray in 1863 [sic] and married Mr Taylor at Ironmine in 1871 and in 1915 they retired to Aberdeen. Her husband died in 1918. Of her five children only Mr Robert Taylor of Kooringa survives with four grandchildren. [Born Martha Brown 18 July 1854 near Mt Charles SA: died 20 May 1923 at Kooringa.]
Football. At Mt Bryan on Saturday:
Kooringa 5.3 7.4 12.13 14.17 (101)
Mt Bryan 2.1 3.4 3.4 7.9 (51)
Marriage. World’s End Methodist Church 16 May
Albert James Bruce, second son of Mr & Mrs R.H. Bruce of World’s End married
Pauline Dorothea (Dora) Rooke, second daughter of Mr & Mrs J.G. Rooke of Baldina.
Kooringa Methodist Church. Rev. E. Rowe visited Burra at the weekend as guest of Mr & Mrs John Drew. He was minister here 36 years ago. He preached at Redruth in the morning and Kooringa in the afternoon to large congregations and delivered his popular Cornish lecture The Old Folks at Home on Monday evening.
Burra Rifle Club Annual meeting was held on Friday.
The year saw a fair increase in the number of members. The year began with a credit of £3-19-10 and 1970 rounds of ammunition. It ends in credit £14-16-11 and with 894 rounds of ammunition. Little maintenance work was required this year. The telephone has been erected. The year’s activities are then dealt with in about 1 column of details before the prize-winners are listed.
Handicap Championship Medal Arthur L. Kellock
Championship off the rifle Medal J. Edgar Pearce
Highest points in all matches Lew W. Gare
Best 2 of 3 at 200, 500 & 600 yds Lew W. Gare
Best 2 of 3 double shoots at 600 yds J. Edgar Pearce
Best 2 of 3 double shoots Frank Riggs
A.B. Riggs was re-elected Captain & J. Edgar Pearce re-elected Secretary.
A.L. Kellock is Treasurer and A.P. Harris is Armourer.
Salvation Army. The intended visit of a group of Indian and Singhalese officers is reported in 2⁄3 column. The visit is due on 1 June.
Burra Coursing Club held a meeting at Burra Hotel on 16 May and arranged a meet for 25 & 26 June.
Burra Institute. The tender of R. Fuss was accepted to replace the ceiling in the Lodge Room with a fibrous plaster ceiling for £20-10-0.
XXXXV, 23, 30 May 1923, page 2 [Note that the numbers 21 & 22 were not used in this volume.]
Advt. James Smiths of Hindley St, Drapers and Importers, will occupy J. Allen’s Premises Commercial Road from 6 June to 15 June. [Actually in Market St next to National Bank.]
Advt. Butler, Holthouse & Co. Auctioneers, Valuators & Estate Agents will open their Burra Branch this week.
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Gordon Turner on 5 May a son, Mervyn Alfred Gordon. [At Kooringa]
Weather. Further useful rain has fallen here and to the east. Burra had 96 points for the last week and falls to the east were from 35 to 82 points.
Tom Kallio, farmer of Springbank, had his foot severely crushed in the seeding machine a few days ago and but for the heel of his light-weight boot breaking off he would have had a terribly injured leg.
Burra Hospital Board, meeting 28 May
Nurse Wallace refused to take over the Matron’s duties when the latter’s time expired on 19 May – ‘under the circumstances’. [There is no mention of Sister Johnson who was earlier reported to have been appointed to the position.]
Matron’s solicitors have returned the cheque for £27 handed to her on 19 May.
Various financial matters are reported, but further discussion was held in committee.
XXXXV, 23, 30 May 1923, page 3
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
South Booborowie 1.5 3.12 6.15 7.16 (58)
Kooringa 1.4 2.6 3.7 4.8 (32)
Burra Rifle Club. Practice match 19 May. Best scores were from R.L. Jones & T. Rosewall.
T.J. Rule writes from Moonta explaining that contrary to statements made by the secretary of the Burra Coursing Club, he had not been written to twice to be a judge. He got one letter on 23 May, dated 16th, but postmarked at Kooringa on 22nd. ‘I was very disappointed and disgusted at the way your Secretary had treated me.’
Empire Day was observed at state schools on Friday. There were speeches by Mr Winnall, Dr Steele, Rev. Ingamells, Rev. Hewitson & Rev. Smith. Mr Winnall was then thanked by Mr Olsen for his service to the school over many years, as he was about to leave the town.
Burra Town Council, 21 May
Various minor works were approved.
There was a discussion relating to whether the Mayor and Councillors should be attending Anzac Day services in their official capacity. Burra appeared to be the only place where they did not. Cr Hammond said it seemed to have been a regrettable oversight where everyone involved thought someone else was attending to it. Cr Kellaway said previous Anzac Days had been organised by the Mayor and so no official invitations had been sent to Councillors.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 23 May
Rita [Reta] Marion Thomas, eldest daughter of Mrs and the late Henry H. Thomas married
Horton J. Jennison, eldest son of Rev. J.C. Jennison and the late Mrs Jennison.
Rev. E.M. Ingamells was assisted by Rev. J.C. Jennison.
Burra Football Assoc. met on 23 May and a variety of ordinary business was transacted. The main contention was still over the definition of ‘residence’. The opinion of the SA League was that residence was where a man lived at weekends – even if he slept somewhere else for four nights a week.
XXXXV, 23, 30 May 1923, page 4
Church of England Concert in Burra Institute on Wednesday.
A vocal and instrumental concert is a rare event nowadays, but is much enjoyed and the concert held in aid of St Mary’s Sunday School was well attended despite the rain. The four gifted Hann children were a highlight.
XXXXV, 24, 6 June 1923, page 3
Birth. At Cottage Nursing Home Kooringa on 3 May to Mr & Mrs L.M. Jeffery of Farrell’s Flat a daughter, Lillian Marjorie.
Mr & Mrs George Drewitt were farewelled at the Kooringa Hotel last Wednesday. Mrs Drewitt has been the proprietor of the hotel, but is giving up the job. They will be succeeded by Mrs Hall. After a holiday in Tasmania and Sydney the Drewitts intend to settle at Glenelg.
Weather. Good falls have been records to the east, but they have been most variable. Oak Vale had over 2” and Oakbank 1.55”. Sturtvale recorded 81points, but Quondong only 39 points. Some other places got only a few points.
The Starving Armenian Children’s Fund has reached £33-10-0.
Liberal Union, Burra Women’s Branch annual meeting was held last Friday. Mrs Warnes was re-elected President. Vice –Presidents are Mrs F.R. Wigley (re-elected) and Mrs C.D. Wilkinson (replacing Mrs C. Bartholomaeus). Mrs Maurice Collins was re-elected Secretary.
‘An Old Burra Resident’ writes complaining that visitors still have to turn the village pump to get water for horses. It is time town water was laid on for the public.
Court.
William Joseph Rzeszkowoski was arrested at Farrell’s Flat on Thursday and given six months in jail for being a rogue and a vagabond. This is his 9th conviction on various charges and only last week we reported a suspended sentence of one month if he left Burra within five hours.
A companion A.T.S. Beaglehole was sentenced to one month jail for be idle and disorderly.
A Writer from Farrell’s Flat objects to the practice of giving undesirables so many hours to leave the town. Country people don’t like it when Adelaide Magistrates do it; Farrell’s Flat doesn’t like it when Burra Magistrates do so. The undesirables then move to a less supervised place.
[This complaint was triggered specifically by the case of William Joseph Rzeszkwska, who is also reported as Rzeszkowoski.]
Football. Saturday:
Kooringa 0.6 5.10 5.13 5.14 (44)
Aberdeen 0.5 0.7 2.9 3.11 (29)
Burra Rifle Club. In the first shoot for the new season over 200, 500 & 600 yards 99 was scored by A.L. Kellock, F.W. Lown, R. Jones, A.B. Riggs, C.W. Pearce, W. Adey, J. Kellock & H.L. Riggs.
[Maximum score after adding handicap.]
XXXXV, 25, 13 June 1923, page 3
Sister Lang, for three years Matron of Burra Hospital, was given a presentation on Tuesday afternoon 5 June, the eve of her departure. Mrs Tohl and Miss Coglin gave her a handsome cake basket on behalf of patients, former patients and others. On Wednesday prior to her departure the nursing staff presented her with a handsome rose-bowl. Sister M. Johnson has taken over as Matron.
Obituary. John Farley, a former resident of Burra and of Robertstown, died at his residence in Medindie on 7 June [Registered as aged 81]. He was born at Hamerton, Devonshire, 5 March 1841 and came to SA 50 years ago in the Monach. He worked at the Burra Mines before entering the pastoral industry in the far north with his brother James Farley. Drought ended this venture and they settled at Robertstown. Mr & Mrs John Farley visited England in 1880 and Japan in 1896. They retired to Adelaide 16 years ago. The deceased leaves a widow, six daughters and three sons: Mrs Furleigh (WA), Mrs A. Knowling (Rupanyup Victoria), Mrs W.H. Neal (Ngapala), Mrs F. H. Collins (Kooringa), Miss Farley (Medindie), A.J. Farley, A.W. Farley & F.H. Farley (all of Robertstown). There are 33 grandchildren.
District Council of Burra, Elections
Kooringa Ward R.M. McBride
Maurice Collins
Baldina Ward W.E. Hodge elected unopposed
King Ward R. Warnes elected unopposed
Auditor Frank Treloar elected unopposed
Obituary. Frederick C. Custance died 3 or 4 June near Olary. He was the manager for Vrai Ltd of Torrensville and was returning from demonstrating a tractor on Teleeche Station when his car broke down six or seven miles from Olary. Trevor Hawker stayed with the car and Mr Custance went for help. He seems to have been taken suddenly ill about 11⁄2 miles from Olary and Mr Hawker found his body on the roadside the next morning. He had served with the air force abroad in the Great War and was one of the first to fly in SA about 15 years ago. He had been manager of Vrai Ltd for several years and before that had been the Burra Branch manager for Vivian Lewis Ltd. He is survived by a widow and one child.
[Frederic Cyril Custance died 3 June 1923 aged 33.]
Rain. Floods around Adelaide on Monday cut rail links with Yorke Peninsula and the north. 9 miles from Adelaide the rails were under 4-6 ft of water for about 3⁄4 mile. The last train from Henley Beach reached the city at 8.30 a.m. and trams could run only to Torrensville. [Henley Beach Rd line.] The Hindmarsh brickyards were inundated and £3,000 damage was done. Falls in the Adelaide Hills were over 3 inches and at Tea Tree Gully 4.2 inches fell.
Burra Town Council, 6 June
Figures from the Fire Brigade Board showed the Council’s share of costs for the past 12 months would by £195.
The Hydraulic Engineer has inspected the town’s fire plugs and found them in good order with excellent pressure.
Various road works and other minor works were approved.
Cr Riggs said residents the other side of Gully’s Wharf were practically isolated with neither a light nor a bridge. He gave notice of a motion to erect there a swing bridge at a cost not to exceed £75.
Local Board of Health.
Discussion was mainly concerned with the work needed at the school, but also someone had taken down the streetlamp at St Mary’s and laid it across the road. Police attention is to be called to this.
Mrs Annie Howell, well known as ‘Granny’ turned 84 last Friday. She was born in North Wales, the daughter of John Lewis once a well-known Welsh temperance orator. She came to Australia first with Lady Bathurst and later made a second visit with her. This time she stayed in charge of Dr Wheeler. Receiving a remittance she went to America to marry a cousin to whom she was engaged, but changed her mind, returned and married John Howell. In the early years of her marriage she visited England seven or eight times, staying for three years the last time. Mr Howell suffering from malaria, they returned to Australia. Mr John Howell Sen. settled his son in The Acacias later owned by Sir E.T. Smith. When his father died her husband took land at Pt Lincoln and later tried sheep farming in the north, but this venture failed. They spent a couple of years in Adelaide before taking land at Thistlebeds where they lived till 1909 when Mr Howell died. Mrs Howell lived at Mt Bryan till 1912 when poor health drove her to Kooringa. She had ten children of whom five survive: G.L. Howell (Manunda Station via Yunta), Harold Howell (WA), Mrs Lethbridge (Jamestown), Mrs O’Connor & Mrs J. Rowe (both of Burra). ‘Joskin’ (John Lewis Howell) a well-known jockey who died about ten years ago was a son.
XXXXV, 25, 13 June 1923, page 4
Football. At North Booborowie on Saturday:
North Booborowie 0.1 0.2 1.3 1.5 (11)
Kooringa 0.0 0.1 0.1 1.1 (7)
Kooringa Football Club has elected W.L. Carthew as captain in place of F.C. Highett who resigned.
Salvation Army. The visit of the party of Indian Salvation Army Officers & Lieut.-Col. & Mrs Suttor, Chief Secretary of the Southern Indian Territory is reported in 12⁄3 columns. About £50 was raised.
Mr & Mrs George Drewitt were farewelled by members of St Joseph’s Church at a social held at the convent school last Thursday. Details occupy about 3⁄4 column.
XXXXV, 26, 20 June 1923, page 3
Obituary. George Burt died 23 May at Boulder WA aged 63. He was the husband of Rachel and the father of Lily (Boulder), Reg. (Perth), Leslie (Adelaide) & Stella (Boulder). He was the only son of Mrs C. Launder and worked for many years in conjunction with his step-father the late James Launder. Les Burt, the youngest son, was a well-known Kooringa footballer.
Obituary. Michael Hogan died at Burra Hospital 16 June aged 84. He was late of Leighton and the father of Mrs T.G. Tohl.
He was born in County Limerick Ireland in 1836 and came to SA aged 17 in the Europa. He spent a few years at Willunga and in 1859 married Margaret Roach and they went to northern pastoral stations for some years. Leaving Konetta Station he travelled to Clare and joined the party surveying the town. He was then employed by Dr Brown on Booborowie Run for 41 years until it was cut up, when he purchased his home and some land. Mrs Hogan died 37 years ago. Of five sons and two daughters only two sons and one daughter survive: John Hogan (Quorn), E. Hogan (Leighton) & Mrs T.G. Tohl. Mr E. Hogan of Leighton who died three years ago was a son.
Obituary. J.F. Wedding died at his residence North Parade Jamestown 13 June aged 71. He had been a farmer of Canowie Belt before retiring to Jamestown. He is survived by a widow, four sons and five daughters: Mrs E. Hentschke (Lameroo), T.J. Wedding (Mt Bryan), H.F. Wedding (Canowie Belt), A.H. Wedding (Hilltown), J.W. Wedding (Canowie Belt), Mrs F.A. Simon (Jamestown), Mrs N. Preece (Forest Range) and the Misses H. & S. Wedding of Jamestown. Two sons, A.H. & the late C.J. served in the AIF in the Great War.
Obituary. Frederick Heinrich has died at Gum Well Station, Nackara. More details next week.
John Pearce of Kooringa will be 82 on Friday and has lived in Burra for over 74 years.
Marriage. At the Presbyterian Church Dulwich 9 June
Courtney T. Pearce, third surviving son of Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce of Kooringa, married
Florence Palmer, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs George Palmer of Eastwood.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 20.22 (142) defeated Farrell’s Flat 3.2 (20).
For the second time Mt Bryan has had to miss a match due to the outbreak of mumps.
At South Booborowie on Saturday:
South Booborowie 1.4 6.6 11.13 19.24 (138)
Aberdeen 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 (6)
Burra Rifle Club shoot on Saturday over double 300 yards resulted in best scores from G.L. Nutt & R. Nutt.
XXXXV, 26 (2), 27 June 1923, page 2 [Second use of No. 26]
Obituary. From bereavement notice and return thanks the death of Mrs George Lines is noted.
[Born Norah Ellen Ford 17 July 1884, Aberdeen: died 21 June 1923, Kooringa.]
Burra Coursing Club held its annual meet in drizzling rain and hares were all too plentiful. Results printed.
XXXXV, 26 (2), 27 June 1923, page 3
Football. On Saturday South Booborowie 3.10 (28) defeated North Booborowie 4.3 (27).
Kooringa 23.22 (160) defeated Mt Bryan 1.1 (7).
Kooringa Tennis Club Dance at Burra Institute on Thursday was a great success.
M. Ekins an English farm apprentice writes a two-column article on his voyage from England to Australia.
XXXXV, 26 (2), 27 June 1923, page 4
Burra Town Council, 18 June
It was resolved to place a small swing bridge across the creek at the end of Young St. The cost is not to exceed £75.
Various minor works were approved.
The Mayor said he favoured a new assessment. Costs had risen 100%, so the old rates and assessment had to be changed. Cr Kellaway said a new assessment would be fairer. The last assessment was seven years ago. Discussion was postponed.
Local Board of Health
W.R. Lee said he could no longer provide a driver for the ambulance due to pressure of work. Other garages are to be interviewed.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union. The monthly meetings at Jubilee Hall continue. On 20 June Mrs Coleman of Saddleworth reported on the district convention at Balaklava where Mr Bowey reported on prohibition in America. ‘There was no doubt prohibition had come to stay.’ [It lasted 1920-1933.]
XXXXV, 27, 4 July 1923, page 2
Advt. Pigeon [Shooting] Match at Farrell’s Flat, Wednesday 18 July.
Obituary. Mrs Harry James died 2 July after a long illness. She was the fourth daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Reynolds of Thames St. She was born at Callington in 1866 and married Mr James in August 1916. She is survived by her husband and two sisters: Misses Lizzie & Eva Reynolds and one brother.
[Born Mary Maria Reynolds 20 October 1866 at Callington: died 2 July 1923.]
Burra District at Sydney Sheep Sales has done very well.
Collinsville (John Collins & Sons) has won:
1st Champion, strong wool under 3 years
1st Champion strong wool under 2 years
2nd medium under 2 years
Grand Champion unhoused ewe*
Reserve Champion unhoused*
Reserve Grand Champion of Show*
5 other Champions*
Ten 1st, nine 2nd & eight 3rd*
Maurice Collins
Five 1st, two 2nd & two 3rd
[* Those so marked were all corrected in the paper of 11 July as belonging to Messrs H. Collins & Co. Lucernedale Mt Bryan.]
Football. Saturday:
South Booborowie 0.0 5.7 6.7 7.11 (53)
Kooringa 4.7 4.7 4.13 5.14 (44)
At Aberdeen North Booborowie 5.14 (44) defeated Aberdeen 3.3 (21).
Liberal Union Annual Meeting 29 June
Mr M.A. Radford was re-elected President. Vice Presidents were G.G. Hawkes & I.J. Warnes replacing J.E.H. Winnall & C. Bartholomaeus, who had both left the district.
The President’s address on party matters is reported in just less than 1 column.
XXXXV, 27, 4 July 1923, page 3
The Burra Coursing Club meeting of 25 & 26 June was a pronounced success on Gum Creek Estate, lent by Hon. W.G. Duncan. Complete results are printed.
Mr J.E.H. Winnall was farewelled on Friday 29 June in the Liberal Union room prior to his departure for life in the city. M.A. Radford presided. Speeches are reported by Rev. F.B. Hewitson, Mr Treloar, Mr Chambers, Mr I.J. Warnes, Mr Pickering (Bank of Australasia), Dr Steele, Mr Fred Collins, Mr Collins (Police), Mr Fred Pearce, Mr Hann, Mr Oborn, Mr C.D. Wilkinson (Institute) & Cr Woollacott.
Rev. Hewitson presented an illuminated address. Mr Winnall replied.
Mr Will Adey was farewelled from Burra School on Friday. After 31⁄2 years he moves to Penong as head teacher. He had been involved with the Boys’ Gymnasium and the Swimming Club. Appreciative speeches were made by Mr Oborn, Mr J.E.H. Winnall, Mr Radford (for the Boys’ Club & Swimming Club) and Cr T.H. Woollacott.
XXXXV, 27, 4 July 1923, page 4
Obituuary & Inquiry. On Tuesday afternoon last two people were killed in a train accident at a railway crossing five miles north of Burra: Mrs Joroslafsky [Lafsky & variously Joraflalsky & Jaraflafsky in the report.] and Thomas F. Couper.
Mrs Lafsky worked one day a week at Mackerode and was being driven home by Mr Couper, an employee of Mr A.G. Gebhardt, when the accident occurred.
The driver of No. 130 up goods train, William Bell McDonald, gave evidence. About 4.30 they were approaching the crossing at the 1053⁄4 mile post. A buggy with two occupants was on the road travelling towards the crossing on the western side. The whistle was sounded, but the buggy turned towards the crossing and failed to stop. The whistle sounded again. The driver tried to stop the vehicle, but the horse reared and plunged and disappeared in front of the engine. There was a terrific crash and the train was immediately stopped. A woman’s body was found on the footplate below the engine’s chimney. The man’s body was beside the track 15 yards from the crossing. The bodies were removed to the brake van and after clearing the debris from the engine, the train proceeded to Burra.
George Herbertt [sic], engine driver, gave corroborative evidence: he added that the horse escaped, recrossed the crossing and headed for Mt Bryan.
Ezra John Cosh, guard, confirmed their evidence.
John Quinn, Station Manager at Wandillah Station heard one whistle and the bump. There was a south wind and his house is south of the crossing.
Florence E. Hunt, nurse of Mackerode, gave evidence that Mr Couper and Mrs Lafsky had left in good health and spirits. Couper was a total abstainer. The pony turned up at Mackerode unhurt.
Dr Steele gave evidence that both victims had died instantly of fractured skulls and he described various other injuries.
M-C John gave evidence of the scene of the accident.
M.A. Radford JP as coroner reviewed the statements and decided that an inquest was unnecessary.
Mr Couper was aged 45 and born in Edinburgh Scotland and had lived in SA for 12 years. His father, aged 83, lives at Scott’s Creek near Mt Lofty.
Mrs Lafsky lived with her two youngest sons at Kooringa. She first married Mr Garrard Barrow who died in 1894 leaving her with two young daughters. She later married Otto Jaraflafsky who survives. They had five sons and one daughter: Mesdames Will Lee (Kooringa), C. Fahey & W. Farrelly (Adelaide), Jack (Yardea Station), Tom & Reginald (Burra), Lindsay & Frank (Adelaide).
A Country Party meeting at Leighton on Wednesday was held under the auspices of the Farmers & Settlers’ Association. The report runs for just over 11⁄2 columns.
XXXXV, 28, 11 July 1923, page 2
Notice. Department of Lands & Survey
Former Travelling Stock Roads are open for application for Perpetual Lease or Agreement to Purchase in Hundreds of Anne, Ayers, Hallett, Hanson, Kingston, Terowie & Whyte.
Burra District Council, Election.
Kooringa Ward R.M. McBride 21
Maurice Collins 9
XXXXV, 28, 11 July 1923, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. Shoot over double 600 yards. Best were J. Kellock, F. Finlay, R. Nutt & H.L. Riggs.
Obituary. A.F. Heinrich died 18 June in his tent at Boolcoomatta. His coffin was sent from Mingary to Burra for the funeral. He was born at Emu Downs 48 years ago, the son of Mr & Mrs John Heinrich. He became a cowboy at Koonoona, then an ostler at a Broken Hill Hotel before going to Queensland as a shearers’ cook, drover and horse breaker. He enlisted when the Boer War came along. On returning from South Africa he became manager of Winnininnie Run until the Great War when he again enlisted in the 3rd Light Horse [as Fred Hanley]. He saw service with the Camel Corps in Palestine till the war ended. He then returned to Winnininnie. Two years ago he purchased one of the Boolcoomatta Blocks and at the time of his death was on the way to success. [Adolph Frederick Heinrich born 29 September 1874 at Emu Downs: died 18 June 1923 at Gum Well.]
Mr L.H. Foote of Burra received the laying on of hands at the Cathedral in Mr Hickson’s Mission on Friday last. He has been completely blind in the left eye for 26 years. His sight has returned and that in his right eye, which was also deteriorating, has improved.
Burra Town Council
Messrs T. Woollacott and J.E. Pearce were granted permission to erect the power house for the Burra Electric Supply Co. Water will be laid on from the town supply to the water trough in Market Square, as the pump is hard to work.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 1.3 5.7 8.12 9.17 (71)
Aberdeen 1.1 2.3 3.3 4.4 (28)
Redruth Court, 6 July
Charles Martin Naylon was sentenced to 14 days for being in unlawful possession of a rug.
XXXXV, 29, 18 July 1923, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 25 July. The Westminster Glee Singers from London directed by Edward Branscombe. (Six adults and four boy sopranos.)
Advt. The Soldiers’ Memorial Room at Ironmine Methodist Church will be opened on Saturday 28 July at 3 p.m. followed by a knife and fork tea and concert in Leighton Hall.
XXXXV, 29, 18 July 1923, page 3
Advt. Burra Show Soc. The Annual Stallion Parade in Market Square Kooringa 3 August.
Notice. Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd. Tenders are called for the preparation of light poles for erection.
Obituary. James Honan, husband of the late Elizabeth Honan and father of John, Robert, James and Edward and of Mrs R. Sharpe of Kooringa, died 9 July at the Salvation Army Old Men’s Retreat, Burnside, aged 87.
Obituary. Patrick Leo aged 80 died 9 July at the residence of his son-in-law, A.G. Dowd at Andrews, husband of the late Susan Leo. He is survived by six sons and four daughters.
Explosion. On Tuesday a lad, Fred Voumard [16], was attending to the street lamps in Thames St when an explosion at the generator badly burned his face. Fortunately it seems his eyes have not been damaged. A younger brother who was on the ladder lighting the lamp was hurled to the ground, but was unhurt. The lamp was also intact.
Andrew Bartholomaeus & Don Fuss, both of whom work for Elder, Smith & Co., have been transferred from Burra. The former to Broken Hill and the latter to Bordertown. Mr Fuss was a prominent Aberdeen footballer who transferred to Kooringa this season. They are replaced by Mr Hooper from Broken Hill and Gordon Laidlaw from Farina.
Jack Hogan, son of Mr & Mrs Hogan of Leighton, sustained a broken leg when a horse bolted capsizing a dray loaded with hay.
Football. Saturday:
North Booborowie 3.5 9.6 13.8 17.12 (114)
Kooringa 1.2 2.2 2.2 3.4 (22)
At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 7.8 (50) defeated Mt Bryan 3.6 (24).
Burra Hospital Board, 25 June.
Arrangements were made for a returned soldier as porter following Watson’s resignation.
Drs Steele & Steven sent a joint letter over questions surrounding the departure of the late Matron and her replacement.
The Chairman replied in detail with specific reference to the role of the responsible medical officer.
Dr Steele offered to carry on with lectures to nurses till the question of the responsible officer is settled.
XXXXV, 30, 25 July 1923, page 3
Birth. To Mr & Mrs D. O’Brien on 14 July a son, Dudley Bruce. [At Kooringa]
Burra Town Council, 16 July 1923.
Advice was received from the Local Government Department that the Baldina to Burra Road and Shafton Road would cease to be main roads. The Council will object to their removal from the schedule of main roads.
The overseer said he had employed the lad Voumard to light lamps to give the lamplighter H. Wilson time to care for two horses, no one else being available. The lad had been warned of the danger and had no occasion to light a match near the generator.
Local Board of Health
The ambulance had recently been out without stretchers and a wire stretcher had to be used. It was also not running too well. One problem was they could not get anyone to take the responsibility for the ambulance.
Burra Matron’s Dance was held very successfully and is reported in just over one column.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday a shoot was held over 200, 500 & 600 yards. Best shots were F.W. Lown and S. Cordon.
Burra Show Society. Mr Winnall resigned from the committee on leaving the town. Various preparations for the next show were made. It was decided to increased admission charges for adults from 1/- to 1/6 and to run special trains from Adelaide and Terowie.
XXXXV, 31, 1 Aug. 1923, page 2
Obituary. Claude Carter died 23 July after a severe illness. Last October he married Miss Laura Kesterton who had been in charge of Leighton School. [Aged33.]
XXXXV, 31, 1 Aug. 1923, page 3
Violet Day services were held in all the churches in the Redruth Circuit last Sunday.
Obituary. Percival Evan Hann, son of Mr & Mrs George Hann of Aberdeen, died 25 July aged 14 after a long illness. [Registered as Percy Evans Hann aged 13.]
Burra Hospital Board, 23 July
Mr Hawkes was re-elected Chairman.
There was some discussion on the status of Council representatives who had not formally been re-appointed, but eventually it was decided to proceed.
The Councils had paid during the year £845 and the Government which was supposed to subsidise this 30/- in the £ had paid £472.
Dr Steele wanted the position of responsible medical officer settled and considered the person so designated be paid £50 p.a. It had been suggested the two doctors sort this out between them, but they had not responded. The Chairman thought that the hospital was so beneficial to the doctors that no remuneration should be paid. There was a difference of opinion between the Chairman and Mr Warnes and Mr Melrose. Mr Melrose said if there were no payment to difficulty might arise that neither doctor would want the appointment. Discussion was then deferred to the next meeting.
Ironmine Methodist Memorial Schoolroom was opened on 28 July, the eve of Violet Day.
A large crowd gathered in splendid weather. The idea was born four years ago as a suggestion from Mr W.H. Lloyd. The appeal met with immediate success. The hall stands to the memory not only of the two lads who fell, but their many comrades. The late Pte James Flower and Pte George Williams were both members of the church and Sunday school. Rev. D.B. Bridgwood who performed the ceremony was pastor during the period of the war. He was assisted by the present pastor Rev. E.M. Ingamells and by Ensign H.R. Heathwood of the Salvation Army and Rev. Edmund Smith of Kooringa. The committee was headed by Mrs E. Jettner, President and Miss Annie Morgan as Secretary. The building could be opened debt free and with £40 in hand towards furnishings. The contractors were F.M. Pearce and T.H. Woollacott. Rev. Ingamells and Rev. Smith spoke and the former handed the key to Rev. Bridgwood who also spoke before opening the room.
Inside there were ceremonies to unveil three memorial windows.
Mrs James Flower unveiled a memorial window to her son Ray J.C. Flower who died of wounds in France 6 July 1918.
Mrs D. Williams unveiled a similar window to her son George A. Williams who died of wounds in France 21 November 1917.
Mrs George Williams, widow of the above, then unveiled the window to all those who served in the war. This window is a gift of the scholars of the Sunday school.
The crowd then moved to Leighton Hall for a knife and fork tea followed by a semi-sacred concert. The hall was decorated with violets. United choirs of the Kooringa and Redruth Churches trained by G.E. Dane and conducted by J. Murison with Miss Trix Pearce at the piano provided the music with solo items by Miss N. Herbert, Miss B. Woollacott, Miss E. James, Miss A. Wicklein, Mrs H. Jennison, Mr J. Murison, Mr H. Jennison, Mr R. Fuss and Mr W.H. Spier. Supper followed.
Marriage. Mt Bryan Hall, 18 July
Frank Richards (late AIF), son of Mr F.F. Richards & the late Mrs Richards of Mt Bryan, married
Ellen Veronica Quinn, third daughter of Mr & Mrs W.H. Quinn of Mt Bryan.
Mr & Mrs R.H. Bruce were farewelled from World’s End on Thursday after 40 years’ residence, as they are returning to Burra.
XXXXV, 31, 1 Aug. 1923, page 4
Soldiers’ Aid Society, AGM last Thursday in Jubilee Hall.
There was a large attendance. This year the society had a serious loss when the Bartholomaeus family moved to Adelaide. Mrs W.H. Gare took over from Miss C. Bartholomaeus as Honorary Secretary.
Support for the Royal Institution for the Blind continued and preparations were in hand for the annual dinner for returned soldiers – whether members of the RSL or not.
Money raised goes to support military hospitals through the Red Cross Produce Dept.
Last August 26th dinner was provided for the RSL.
Attendance continues to be good with 13-22 at meetings. No special efforts have been made for several years, but subscriptions and donations at meetings are the sole income. As far as acting as a committee for the Royal Institution for the Blind however, we have laboured for four years. The 1922 effort raised £104-3-0 and over the four years the sum is £310-11-10.
Elected for 1923-24 were: President, Miss Bubb; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames M.A. Radford, R. Elliott & C. Fuss; Treasurer, Mrs A.J. Wallis; Secretary, Mrs W.H. Gare and Auditor, Mr N.J. Tiddy.
XXXXV, 32, 8 Aug. 1923, page 3
Advt. Burra Electric Supply Co. Tenders are called to erect light poles and mains and street lighting.
St Joseph’s Church social and dance at Burra Institute 1 August was a great success despite steady rain.
Mrs Mary Read, widow of Thomas Read of Paxton Terrace, turned 80 on 4 August. She was born at Liskard in Cornwall in 1841 and arrived in the Addment in 1863. She came to Burra to the home of her uncle the late Captain Killicoat at the Smelting Works when she says there were about 800 employed there.
Mr Murray Jones of the Stock Dept. gave an address for the Burra Show Soc. in the Liberal Union Room on Friday. He spoke on farm animals and symptoms and diseases. Attendance was very small in bad weather.
Obituary. Benjamin H. Beaven of Booborowie died in Burra Hospital 31 July. He was born in Calne in Wiltshire and came to Australia in the Darra in 1875. He immediately went t W.L. Marchant’s Edeowie Station, north of Pt Augusta. After three years he went to Strathalbyn for W.L. Marchant. He later went to Booborowie Run in charge of rabbit destruction. After about two years he was made manager of Wallellberdina Station, north of Pt Augusta and later became its owner. After some years he sold it and came to Booborowie Station as manager for A.S. Browne (some 18 years ago). When the station was divided for closer settlement he bought the homestead and considerable acreage around it, but in recent years he sold all but 70 acres and the homestead. This last holding was sold to Mr I.J. Warnes only a few weeks ago.
He married Miss Laura Wigley, daughter of the late James Francis Wigley, who survives her husband with two sons: C. Beaven (Mannanarie) & Noel Beaven (WA). Chris Beaven of Walkerville is a brother and the Bishop of Mashonaland in South Africa is another.
[Benjamin Henry Beavan aged 67.]
Marriage. On 1 October at the residence of the bride’s parents
Jack Hales (late AIF), eldest son of Mr & Mrs J. Hales of Coonawarra, married
Miss Muriel Moore, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs R.L. Moore of Kooringa.
Football. At Booborowie on Saturday:
South Booborowie 0.0 3.6 4.7 7.13 (55)
Kooringa 0.6 0.6 2.12 2.13 (25)
Burra Rifle Club. A match was fired on Saturday in very cold conditions over 300, 500 & 600 yards. Best scores came from H.L. Riggs & J. E. Pearce.
XXXXV, 33, 15 Aug. 1923, page 2
Obituary. William Ernest Foster, late 8th Field Engineers and late of Burra [residence Glossop], died 8 August at Myrtlebank Sanatorium aged 40. He was the youngest son of Mrs E. Foster of Knightsbridge and brother of Mrs T. Vivian.
XXXXV, 33, 15 Aug. 1923, page 3
St Mary’s. The Girls’ Friendly Soc. held a Euchre Drive & Dance in the Parish Hall on Wednesday 8 August.
Obituary. Steve Hill died at Semaphore on 9 August. He was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Hill of Kooringa and was born here in 1864. He married Miss Kathleen (Kate) Schutze of Kooringa and they went to Broken Hill, moving to Adelaide after 20 years or so. Mrs Hill died in 1922. A family of six survives: Lottie, Ethel, Hazel, Gladys, Tom & Steve. [Born Steven Hill 6 February 1864 at Kooringa: died Stephen Hill 10 August 1923 at Adelaide, residence Exeter.]
Football. Saturday:
Kooringa 2.6 5.15 9.17 11.21 (87)
Aberdeen 1.1 1.1 4.3 5.3 (33)
Burra Football Assoc. meeting of 7 August
Mt Bryan resigned from the Association, being unable to muster a team.
Burra Golf Club. A stroke play competition on Saturday saw J.P. Murphy 56 & 48 (104) off scratch win from Dr Steele 55 & 52 (2) (106).
Burra Town Council, 6 August
The Cricket Club asked to be allowed to level the oval with a buckscraper. Granted.
Requests to lop trees and have a practice net area at the rear of the bowling green were held over for inspection.
Council resolved to pay the balance of the cost of a 52/- marble cross towards which 35/- had been donated and which the Rev. Hewitson had erected on the grave of the immigrant lad Albert Conquest. A photo will be sent to the family in England.
Hallett Coursing Club held its annual meeting on 1 & 2 August in wet and cold conditions. The results are printed.
XXXXV, 33, 15 Aug. 1923, page 3-4
Redruth Court, 8 August
There is a 31⁄4 column report of a case in which John Charles O’Dea is charged with stealing a bullock near Canowie on about 25 July, it being the property of W.F. McEvoy. He was committed for trial in Adelaide.
XXXXV, 34, 22 Aug. 1923, page 3
Birth. To the wife (nee Kesterton) of the late C.I. Carter at Jamestown on 19 August a daughter.
[Claudia Mary Dorothy]
Birth. To Mr & Mrs W.G. Cossey a son on 17 August. [Raymond Holt]
Obituary. Thomas King, a shearer of St Kilda, Victoria, dropped dead while shearing at Mt Cone. He was aged 60. Last October he was one of the group of shearers involved in a fatal car accident. One man was killed and four others injured. Mr King was critically ill for some time, but fully recovered. Death was due to heart failure. He leaves a young wife and family. [Registration reveals him to have been Andrew Thomas King McLaughlin who died 20 August 1923 aged 59: residence St Kilda Victoria.]
Burra Town Council, 20 August
W. Voumard wrote seeking medical expenses for his son hurt recently in the gas light explosion. Full time had been paid while he was ill and the father was referred to the Workman’s Compensation Act.
A.J. & P.A. McBride advise that they do not wish to sell the ‘Hospital’ Quarry.
Redruth Methodist Trust offers metal from the foundation work of the new Sunday school room and they will cart it. Accepted.
Burra Bachelors’ Ball at The Institute last Friday was a success and is reported in just over 1 column.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 18 August
Percy Claude Pryor, youngest son on Mr & Mrs J.S. Pryor of Henley Beach and late of Kooringa, married
Millicent Ivy (Dolly) Hopkins, only daughter of Mrs C. Rogers of Kooringa.
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church 8 August
William Phin, eldest son of the late W. Phin and Mrs McLeod of Gladstone, married
Dorothy Bald, eldest daughter of Mr W.J. & the late Mrs Bald of Hallett.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
South Booborowie 1.0 6.2 6.2 9.6 (60)
Kooringa 2.2 3.4 7.5 7.6 (48)
Burra Rifle Club. A shoot was fired on Saturday over 800 & 900 yards in which the best scorers were C.L. Nutt, T. Rosewall & H.E. Finlay.
XXXXV, 34, 22 Aug. 1923, page 4
RSL Annual Dinner was held in the Scout Hall last Saturday. The Soldiers’ Aid Society again provided the dinner. The Hall was beautifully decorated with almond and wattle blossom. Dr. Steele, President, said that two years ago they had 200 financial members. Last year there were 90 and this year 50. Though the executive and committee could accept some blame, the difficulty was shown in the unveiling of the memorial when they sent out 260 circulars requesting merely a yes or no answer. They received 60 replies. Monthly socials failed. The boys would not respond. The Federal Government is overlooking the returned man and if they will, so will employers etc. In unity is strength and if the League loses its members it will lose its influence. He felt Germany was in danger of disintegration and that could mean another war. In September he would not be standing again for President.
Mr Maggs also spoke (State Organiser of the League). He was more hopeful for the League. New branches were still being formed. The League was doing a lot for many of the returned men with disabilities and in getting back-pay and pensions and in assisting soldier-settlers etc.
The Mayor proposed the ‘War-working Societies’ and Mr Radford replied.
Mr Maggs proposed the Burra Branch and Mr Hammond responded.
Dr Steele thanked the Soldiers’ Aid Soc. and Miss Bubb responded.
XXXXV, 35, 29 Aug. 1923, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute Wednesday 19 September. Grand Concert by the Institute Orchestral Classes and Elocutionary Recital by Mrs James Anderson of Adelaide.
Redruth Reformatory. Dr Morris, Inspector General of Hospitals visited Burra last Wednesday to see the Reformatory. It is understood the Government is thinking of using it as an ‘Inebriate House’ or something.
T.W. Wilkinson turned 81 on 23 August.
Obituary. G.A. Winders, for long employed on Kings Well Station 22 miles east of Burra, was found dead in his bed on Tuesday morning. [George Alfred Winders born18 September 1861 at Pigeon Box in the District of Burra: died 27 August 1923 near Burra.]
Obituary. The Hon. John Lewis CMG MLC died at his residence ‘Benacre’ Glen Osmond on Saturday 25 August. He was born at Brighton [SA] 81 years ago. [12 February 1842.] His primary interests were always agricultural and pastoral. He spent years on outback stations after leaving school. He was interested in Aboriginal welfare and in the preservation of the state’s flora and fauna. He was a member of the Aborigines’ Friends’ Association and Advisory Council and on the Flora and Fauna Board. He had interests in pastoral properties in Queensland, NSW, NT & SA. He was for long a resident of Burra and whilst here was active in many aspects of public life. He was a Town Councillor for three years in the 1880s. [In fact he served one term for South Ward from December 1879 to November 1881.]
In business he was for 47 years identified with the firm of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd. He believed strongly in hard work and brought his family up on those lines. There are four sons and two daughters. The eldest, Dr J. Brook Lewis, has attained a high rank in the medical profession. Major Gilbert Lewis has retired to Bundaleer after a brilliant career as a soldier in India and on active service. [Served in the Boer War & WWI.] Essington Lewis is General Manager of BHP, one of the most important positions in Australia. Lance Lewis was well known as an athlete and fine soldier and is Managing Director of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd. Mrs D. Cowan, nee Nellie Lewis, had a most creditable war record in France and Jeanie is Mrs Alex Melrose of Kadlunga, Mintaro.
He was buried at Kooringa on Monday. The body arrived by special train and there was a lengthy cortege. Businesses closed in Kooringa from 2 to 3 p.m. His four sons attended with sons-in-law and grandsons.
XXXXV, 35, 29 Aug. 1923, page 3
Burra Bowling Club AGM last Wednesday. While assets exceed liabilities, the club need about twenty more members, having lost a few due to removals. At present there are about 47. In competition with other clubs 6 matches were won and 5 lost. Mr Radford expressed concern over the debts of £450 in the form of debentures. Elected were President, Dr Steele; Vice-Presidents, M.A. Radford, W.R. Chambers, M. Collins; Secretary, Mr Rosman & Treasurer, Mr Pickering.
A proposal to light the green heard that 3 lamps would cost £30-15-0 of 5 would cost £48-5-0 and running costs would be 1/3 an hour. The proposal will be considered by the committee.
Football. Semi-Final
North Booborowie 1.2 4.4 10.4 11.5 (71)
Aberdeen 1.0 3.2 5.2 6.4 (28)
SA Supreme Court
Drew & Crewes Pty Ltd v. Bennett & Fisher Ltd.
There is a fairly complex judgement of the Supreme Court on an appeal the dismissal of a case in the Local Court at Redruth.
The plaintiff claimed £199 damages alleging the defendant sold sheep which were the property of the plaintiff. The appeal was dismissed and the decision of the Local Court was upheld with the plaintiff to pay costs.
This was quite a technical case in which Drew & Crewes believed they had ownership rights over sheep that a Mr P.E. Jenkins had subsequently sold through Bennett & Fisher and the proceeds of which had been credited to his account with that firm. Drew & Crewes failed to establish an immediate right of possession and also failed in how they set about the case.
XXXXV, 35, 31 Aug. 1923, Supplement
Burra Show October 24 1923. Prize List
XXXXV, 36, 5 Sep. 1923, page 2
Notice. Kooringa Methodist Church Trustees call tenders for painting the outside woodwork of McBride’s cottages.
Notice. J.H. Laity, Architect, calls for tenders for the erection of the New Methodist Sunday School Hall and Classrooms at Redruth.
Obituary. George Alfred Winders died suddenly 27 August at Kings Well Station aged 62. He was the brother of Eliza J. Lines, John & Harry Lines of Broken Hill & Edward Lines of Mt Bryan. [George Alfred Winders born18 September 1861 at Pigeon Box in the District of Burra: died 27 August 1923 near Burra.]
Mrs George Jordan of Chapel St Kooringa turned 90 last Monday. Two daughters of a family of 8 survive: Mrs [illegible] of Adelaide and Miss Louie Lavoun who resides with her mother.
[Note Ann Trotter married John Lavoun 17 Apr. 1856 and he died 10 Apr. 1880. She then married George Jordan 7 Dec. 1885 and he died 7 July 1900. Only six children seem to be registered in SA and of them only one marriage and one death is registered, though the spelling of the surname complicated searches as it appears variously as Lavine, Lavoun, Lavourn, Lavowrn, Lavann and Levan (at least). No Louie is registered as being born in SA, but in 1962 a Louise Lavoun (single) died at Felixstow aged 88. The married daughter alive in 1923 would seem to be Bessie, born 1 Aug. 1867, who married George Samuel Cryer at Pt Pirie in 1897 and died 15 Dec. 1938 at Adelaide.]
Undesirable Visitors. Lancelot Maxwell Tumes (21) was fined £2 for indecent language and £5 for resisting police. He has previous convictions for larceny.
Harold Black (20) was charged with being a rogue and vagabond and being unlawfully on the premises of R.W. Motherall. He was sentenced to 3 months. [Details in 1⁄2 column.]
Mr & Mrs Wicklein of Queen St celebrated their Silver Wedding of 1 September 1898 last Saturday with an ‘at home’. Mrs Wicklein was the youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs James Chynoweth of Kooringa.
Obituary. William Irlam, late of World’s End, died at Burra Hospital on 2 September aged 81.
[Registered as dying 1 September 1923 aged 81 at Burra, residence Robertstown.]
Burra Rifle Club entered three teams of four men at the Gawler matches on 31 August and 1 September. The first team won its match against Eudunda 176 to 174.
Percy Treloar was reported missing in action on 11 April 1917. Authorities have just informed his parents, Mr & Mrs Frank Treloar, that his remains have been found and interred at Arras. Two much worn identification discs have been returned. He enlisted in WA.
Football. At Aberdeen Oval on Saturday: the Semi-Final
North Booborowie 2.1 1.3 5.4 6.6 (42)
South Booborowie 1.3 2.4 4.5 5.5 (35)
XXXXV, 36, 5 Sep. 1923, page 3
Cricket. Kooringa Cricket Club AGM
Last season the club did well, coming second behind Mt Bryan for the Old Koomooloo Shield. The best batsman was Les Kellaway and best bowler was Les Neagle. Les Kellaway also won the medal for best fielding. Mr E.E. Jordan was resigning as Secretary on leaving the district. J.A. McRae was appointed Secretary-Treasurer. Others Elected were Patron, John R. Barker; President, M.A. Radford; Captain, L. Kellaway; Vice-Captain, F.H. Collins.
The club was said to be in debt, but the figures are not printed.
Burra Hospital Board
Concerning the responsible medical officer position: Dr Steven has declined the position. W.G. Hawkes, Chairman was totally opposed to any payment for the position. Mr Kellock said it involved 24 nights a year in lectures and it ought to be paid. Mr Davey did not want any appointment. [Though the Government rules require it.] Messrs Melrose & Kellock proposed Dr Steele. Dr Morris had recently said it was necessary and that the medical officer should be consulted on appointments or dismissals of higher members of staff. [A clear reference to the recent dismissal of the matron.]
Mr Davey moved Dr Steven be appointed for six months and Dr Steele for the rest of the year. Seconded by Mr Morgan. An amendment altered this to appointment to 30 June 1924 and this was carried.
Mr Davey was opposed to any payment. Mr Melrose moved for a payment of £50 which was seconded by Mr Kellock, opposed by the chairman and lost.
There was debate over responsibility for payment of an infectious case – over whether or not the Local Board of Health was liable. Referred back to the Local Board of Health.
XXXXV, 37, 12 Sep. 1923, page 3
Obituary. William M. Irlam died 2 September at the age of 81. He was born in Lancashire and at the age of 15 ran away from home and stowed way on a boat bound for Australia. He was discovered and forced to act as a sailor. At Port Adelaide he absconded. He arrived in Burra in 1858 and worked for Mr Bosence at Aberdeen before going north to Bimbowrie Station dam-sinking. He later became a boundary-rider at Wooltana. After a few years he took land at Baldina and after a few years there moved to World’s End where he was for some years the Council Ranger. He retired to Burra. Mrs Irlam, nee E. Bosence, died 11 years ago. Seven of nine children survive: R. Irlam (Perth), W.M. Irlam (Aberdeen), E. Irlam (Robertstown), Mrs J.J. Parker (Baldina), Mrs A.A. Nankivell (Kooringa), Mrs H. Broad (Adelaide) & Mrs S. Schmidt (Bright). There are 27 grandchildren.
Redruth Court, Monday
Arthur Harold Harrison pleaded guilty to having illegally in his possession a ladies gold watch – the property of Mr L.S. Grauhl of near Clare. He had taken the watch some 21⁄2 years previously when under 18 and working for Mr Grauhl. Taking his age into account the bench imposed a fine of £5.
Masonic Installation. Bro. S.H. Robinson was installed as Worshipful Master of Kooringa Lodge No. 6 on Monday evening. A social and dance followed at the Institute.
Burra Rifle Club. The shoot on Saturday was over 800 & 900 yards and best results were by A.J. Riggs and A.L. Kellock.
Marriage. At Robertstown Lutheran Church 29 August.
Laura Heinrich, third daughter of Mr & Mrs G.W. Heinrich of World’s End, married
C.E. Kotz of Emu Downs. [Carl Ernst]
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, 5 September
Elsie May Carpenter, third daughter of Mrs & the late Mr W. Carpenter, married
Clifford Arthur Kingsley, son of Mr & Mrs E.A. Kingsley of Adelaide.
Football. Final
South Booborowie 2.2 2.2 8.4 8.4 (52)
North Booborowie 1.0 2.4 3.4 5.5 (35)
Burra Town Council
Council agrees to lop five trees at the oval for the Cricket Club and to allow a practice area behind the Bowling Club.
Boz Pearce and Guy Tiddy from the Aberdeen Tennis Club ask for a block near Mr Tiddy’s house for 2 or three tennis courts on a lease with right of renewal. A lease was granted for 99 years at £1 p.a.
Local Board of Health.
Having now found that the Board’s Medical Officer had endorsed the infectious case in dispute, the Board agreed to pay the account.
Redruth Court, 4 September
Mrs Hall of the Kooringa Hotel was charged with supplying liquor after hours. The evidence showed that the liquor in question was supplied by the barman without her knowledge and against her instructions and came not from the bar, but from the barman’s private supply in his bedroom, because he believed the buyer’s brother was ill and required some brandy. The case was adjourned for the SM to get a ruling as to the legal position.
5 September
G.K. Burnett of the Booborowie Hotel was charged with supplying liquor after hours. He was fined £5. Five persons found on the premises were each fined £5.
XXXXV, 38, 19 Sep. 1923, page 3
Obituary. Mrs P.W. Dyer died in Adelaide 15 September aged 75. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Parks, baker of Kooringa. She was born at Burra and married P.W. Dyer, a chemist who held the business now owned by Mr T.W. Wilkinson & Co. Mr Dyer died some years ago. She is survived by a grown up family and three brothers: Tom & Charles Parks of Kooringa and George Parks of Pt Pirie. There are two sisters: Mrs Goldsworthy and Mrs A. Bennetts of Adelaide.
[Born Alice Parks 27 June 1848 at Bowden: died 15 September 1923 at Kingswood.]
Burra Croquet Club. AGM was held 5 September
Elected were President, Mrs J.G. Sara; Captain, Mrs Maurice Collins; Vice-Captain, Mrs W.J.C. Ewins.
Burra Cricket Assoc. AGM was scheduled for 7 September, but was adjourned to 21 September.
Liberal Union, Burra Women’s Branch held a social and dance at Leighton Hall on Monday. There was a large attendance.
XXXXV, 39, 26 Sep. 1923, page 2
Advt. The Salvation Army presents the Mount Barker Boys at Burra Institute 1 October:
Drill, pyramids, dialogues, songs etc. also at the Salvation Army Barracks next Sunday & the Public Hall at Leighton 29 September.
Advt. Mahomet the Seer, Miss Vera Murray vocalist, Sid Hayles baritone, Miss Gladys Coles the Misleading Lady, Levante the Necromancer Man. Burra Institute 2 & 3 October.
Notice. The partnership of H.L. Hancock, E. Cock & L. Lanson, boarding house keepers of Aberdeen is dissolved from 24 September 1923.
Obituary. Arthur Pledge, late of Burra & Mt Bryan, died at Mt Barker 23 September aged 53. He is survived by a widow, three sons and a daughter. [Born Arthur John Pledge 11 March 1870 at Magill.]
E.E. Jackson leaves for Melbourne this week after two years’ residence in Burra.
St Joseph’s Convent & School held a well-attended social in the Burra Institute last Friday.
Rain which fell this last week was much needed and reached 11⁄2 inches at Burra, but failed to the east where falls averaged about 22 points.
Accident. On Saturday afternoon Mr Pickering, an insurance agent, was driving west on Kingston St and had crossed the bridge and was alongside Luke Day’s shop when a car was driven at speed around the Farmers’ Union corner onto his side of the road. It slammed into his car doing £10 damage and extensive damage to the other vehicle as well. Had the cars not collided it is likely the turning vehicle would have crashed into the shop inflicting damage and endangering life. Speeding around this corner is all too frequent and unless something is done a fatal accident is inevitable.
Burra Football Assoc. 19 September
The premiership table at the end of the year was:
Team Won Lost Forfeited Points
South Booborowie 11 0 0 22
North Booborowie 7 3 1 14
Kooringa 5 6 0 10
Aberdeen 2 8 0 4
Mt Bryan 1 8 3 2
Financial results are £22 in credit less about £4 in outstanding accounts.
Gate takings were poor except for the finals rounds.
First round total was £82-13-4
The four finals were £101-17-6
E.E. Jackson, Secretary, reported and then resigned on leaving the district.
The shield was handed to South Booborowie.
Burra Institute Orchestral Society Concert was held at the Institute 19 September. About 30 performers plus vocalists and elocution by Mrs James Anderson. The review is somewhat mixed, but generally favourable.
XXXXV, 40, 3 Oct. 1923, page 3
Obituary. A.J. Cousins of Booborowie died at his residence 28 September leaving a wife and grown up family. The funeral on Sunday had to contend with driving wind and snow etc. The cortege comprised 22 buggies and 11 motor cars. [Born Andrew Cousins 23 April 1872 at Kooringa: died as Andrew Joseph Cousins 28 September 1923 at Booborowie.]
A.J. Cousins’ Funeral was a most unenviable experience due to the appalling weather. On Sunday when the hearse arrived at Booborowie snow was falling heavily. The cortege left for Burra, twenty miles away, at 9.30 a.m. and had to endure snow and then fiercely driving hail and rain. 22 buggies and 11 motor cars took part. Twice the horses stopped and refused to face the elements. In all, the journey took five hours. Amazingly to the east of Burra the country is still enveloped in dust with no rain of significance having fallen. The undertakers with this difficult job were C.J. Pearce & Son.
Salvation Army. The boys from Mt Barker arrived on Saturday. There was a most successful demonstration at the Leighton Hall on Saturday evening and three services in the Salvation Army Hall on Sunday, though the weather kept audiences small. Their show at the Institute on Monday drew a larger crowd. Financial results are satisfactory.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the match at Eudunda was fired in high gusty wind:
Burra 732 defeated Eudunda 730.
A Bicycle Race was run on Saturday from Burra to the Windmill Hotel Enfield over a distance of 108 miles. First to arrive was G. Curtis in 6 hrs 4 mins. (Gordon Allen Curtis (29)
The Championship was won by Dan who did the distance in 5 hours 55 mins 50 secs.
Burra Town Council, 1 October.
L.H. Foote asked that the reserve near Mr Lowe’s late residence be reserved for a children’s playground. A public meeting will be called to form a committee. The request was granted.
Cr Kellaway has been moved to Pt Augusta and was granted two months leave.
A public meeting has been called about the Japanese Relief Fund. [An earthquake hit Tokyo on 1 September. In the quake and subsequent fire 180,000 died and more than half a million homes were destroyed.]
A telephone is to be put on to the Town Clerk’s residence.
Wandering stock continue to be a nuisance.
Burra Hospital Board, 24 September
T.H. Woollacott’s tender of £37-10-0 for the new septic tank across the road was accepted.
Dr Steven thanked them for the offer, but declined to be the responsible medical officer with nurses in the middle of their course. Dr Steele was appointed.
XXXXV, 40, 3 Oct. 1923, page 4
Masonic Installation. Bro. E.S. Statton was installed as Worshipful Master at Hallett 20 September.
Marriage. At St Mary’s Burra 26 September
Jane McLennan, eldest daughter of Mrs C. McLennan of Kooringa and the late A. McLennan of Oodla Wirra married Albert Hamilton Collins, eldest son of Mrs & the late A. Collins of World’s End.
XXXXV, 41, 10 Oct. 1923, page 3
The Hector Lightfoot Family of Entertainers will perform at the Institute 16 & 17 October with a program of vocal and instrumental music, novelty numbers and comedy.
‘Admired’ writes complaining of a foul drain at Farrell’s Flat.
XXXXV, 41, 10 Oct. 1923, page 4
Burra Rifle Club on Saturday fired a match over 200, 500 & 600 yards. Best shots were G.L. Nutt, H.A. Storr & T. Rosewall.
XXXXV, 41, 10 Oct. 1923, Supplement
Redruth Court, Thursday & Friday last
C. Parks v. Autocars Ltd for £312 for non-delivery of a motor car and damages.
On about 22 June the plaintiff was offered a new Overland car with extras for £312 in exchange for cash and his old car valued at £150. The offer was in writing. On 5 July the defendants took £162 and the old car and subsequently refused to deliver the new car. The company denied that Spier & Palmer were their agents and therefore they had no liability and that the Sale of Goods Act Section 4 had not been complied with. After the old car arrived in Adelaide Autocars called in a valuer who said it was only worth scrap and they were prepared to let the balance of the price stand at 8%. Mr Parks replied that an agreement had been reached and asked for it to be carried out. Much time was then spent disputing whether W. Spier of Kooringa was an agent for Autocars or not. Correspondence between Autocars and Spier and the plaintiff was introduced. Parks said of the agreement that the words ‘Subject to approval’ were not on it when he signed it. It was made out by Palmer who was introduced by Spier as the travelling agent for Autocars. The point of the defence was that though Spier and Palmer might be agents to sell cars they were not agents for the purchase of second hand cars.
There was then a deal of legal argument on when and if a legal contract had or had not been made.
The judge decided there was no case to put to the jury and the defendants’ case for a non-suit was granted. The document signed was merely an offer to buy, but that offer had not been accepted by the defendants: it had been refused promptly and the plaintiff and Spier had been so advised.
Martin Buckley, farmer of Gum Creek, was sued by Thomas H. Villis drover for £197-18-6. The defendant was driving a car on 20 April which collided with the plaintiff who was riding a bicycle. The plaintiff alleged the driver of the car had not kept a proper lookout, had lack of control and was on the wrong side of the road. There was a counter claim of £10 for damage to the car.
Dr W.E. Steven gave evidence of the injuries which resulted in the plaintiff being taken to hospital four days after the event and staying there till 27 May. By 1 October he was still not fit enough to resume his job as a drover.
The plaintiff gave evidence he was riding from Aberdeen to Kooringa on the left hand side of the road when two cars approached him. Roy Sellars drove one which was on the left side and Martin Buckley’s car was on the right hand side of the road. About a chain away from collision he tried to move to the crown of the road. He did not believe he could have avoided the collision had he stayed on the left. The plaintiff knew no more until he picked himself up off the road. The bike was produced.
He had been earning £14 a week, out of which he had to pay a boy, his board and feed two horses. The contract with Bennett & Fisher would have lasted to the present.
Ethel May Eddy corroborated the plaintiff and Ella Emily Nickles also gave evidence.
Roy Sellars said the defendant’s car was passing him and the plaintiff was riding along the fence. The defendant’s car swerved or skidded towards the fence and the defendant then swung towards the middle of the road. He had thought the defendant’s car would go through the fence when it swerved.
Buckley’s version of events had him travelling at 14 m.p.h. in the centre of the road with the plaintiff 7 or 8 ft from the fence and then suddenly veering in front of the car, apparently out of control. He applied the brakes hard and a wheel broke.
Amanda Buckley, daughter of the defendant who was in the car, substantiated her father’s evidence.
In summing up his honour said on his own evidence the defendant was travelling about 40 m.p.h. and on visiting the site his honour believed the plaintiff and evidence from Mr Sellars and the two young ladies. Judgement was for the plaintiff for £150 and in counter claim was also for Mr Villis.
RSL AGM was held on 5 October with ten members present.
Dr Steele reported on a year he said had seen retrogression. The branch needed re-organisation and energy if it were to survive. Some efforts had been made. A smoke social for 24 April was arranged with a musical program and supper and four members turned up. At the annual dinner only about 40 members attended which was a poor acknowledgement of the efforts of the Soldiers’ Aid Society. With 205 members on the roll only 40 are financial. Last September (1922) there was a sports day which was spoiled by rain, but was followed by a very successful ball to which we owe our fairly satisfactory financial position. The club room had been used for gambling and notices banning it had been torn down. Non-members were utilising the room.
The year ended with a credit balance of £25 and liabilities of £19-18-4. Elected were
President, Dr Steele; Vice-Presidents, S.M. Lane, D. Van Senden, V.B. Wheare. G. Dow refused to carry on as Secretary and Mr Carthew will be approached. A plain and fancy dress ball is planned for 19 October.
XXXXV, 42, 17 Oct. 1923, page 3
Advt. Burra Show 24 October in the presence of Their Excellencies the Governor of Sa Sir Tom Bridges and Lady Bridges. Special train from Terowie. Pictures at Night.
Advt. Salvation Army. Fullarton Girls will give a two-hour program of Rhythmic Brass Rod, Skipping and Club Drills, Marches, Recitation, Songs, Instrumentals, Character Sketches etc.
Burra Institute 19 October 8 p.m. and Mt Bryan Hall 20 October 3 p.m.
Eight Hours Day activities were marred by wet and boisterous weather. The AOF picnic went ahead at Johnson’s Creek, but at 10 a.m. steady rain set in making luncheon difficult and an early return had to be made. The Rifle Club’s Championship was abandoned at midday. Both events will be rescheduled.
Obituary. The late A.J. Cousins was born at Kooringa in 1872, the son of Mr & Mrs Patrick Cousins. He was educated at Hacklin’s Corner and later worked for Dr. Browne on North Booborowie Run. At 21 he took up land at Spalding and eight years later moved to Booborowie. He was active in getting the Memorial Hall built and was a supporter of local sports. In 1897 he married Miss Mary Fahey of Spalding and they had six sons: Patrick, John, Andrew, Thomas, Steven and Walter, all of Booborowie.
[Born Andrew Cousins 23 April 1872 at Kooringa: died as Andrew Joseph Cousins 28 September 1923 at Booborowie.]
Leighton Annual School Picnic was held on Saturday at Ayers Forest, courtesy of Mr Kirwan. It was a great success in all ways. The collection of £7-10-6 in the morning provided prize money for the afternoon sports. I.J. Warnes provided his lorry and trailers.
Liberal Union met on Friday last to hear news of those nominated for the plebiscite for the selection of candidates for the Union at the next election. Attendance was very small. The speech by Mr Dickson MP is reported in a little over 1 column.
XXXXV, 42, 17 Oct. 1923, Supplement
Children’s Playground. A public meeting at Jubilee Hall on 11 October saw about 18 people gather to consider establishing a playground. The meeting was convened by L.H. Foote. He had called them to consider a playground on the land known as Lowe’s Park. He wanted it to be for the whole town and it might help break down the feeling of enmity between Aberdeen and Kooringa. He had approached Council which had granted the use, but expected him to tell them next meeting about the proposal. So far he had received the following:
Donor Item
J.H. Gallagher large swing
Max Morton revolving seesaw
Mr Kitchenmaster [sic] seesaw
Mr Van Senden small child’s swing
T.H. Woollacott water pond
Tiver Bros. sand pond
A.T. McWaters parallel bars
W.H. Stockman horizontal bar
Allen Drew giant stride top
Mr Marr post for stride
Bright Bros. seat
Standard Insurance seat
F.M. Pearce promise
F. Sara promise
Boz Pearce promise
A.B. Riggs seat
E.F. Marston 10/-
C. Bevan concrete work
He had practically made arrangements for the Wireless Broadcasting Co. in Jamestown to give a concert on the night of the opening.
Rev. Ingamells spoke strongly in support – though he was doubtful of the wisdom of a water pond which would be dangerous for very young children.
Mr C. Bevan moved that Mr Foote’s actions be endorsed. Carried.
A general committee was then elected with an executive of five: A.B. Riggs, J.R. Johns, D. Van Senden, M. Collins & R.P. Simpson.
Burra Cricket Association met on 7 September and was adjourned to 24 September and again to 2 October and then to 7 October. The problem was essentially financial, with an attempt to get Mt Bryan to hand over £7-19-4, being half the proceeds of an Association concert held at Mt Bryan on 25 April 1923. Mt Bryan resolved to keep the balance they held. The Association had £3-16-0 and outstanding accounts for £11-10-0. The balance sheet was adopted with a debt of £7-19-4 standing against Mt Bryan.
The President, I.J. Warnes, resigned saying he could not carry on another year.
C.B. Tiver was appointed Secretary. Booborowie North was admitted to the Association. Matches in the coming season are to be one-day matches. Matches between Kooringa and North Booborowie are to be played at South Booborowie.
Cricket. Last Saturday at North Booborowie [?] Kooringa 103 defeated North Booborowie 47.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 10 October
Cyril Temperley, youngest son of Mr & the late Mrs James Temperley of Payneham, married
Irene Keyes, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Tom Keyes of Aberdeen. [Actually Keys]
XXXXV, 43, 24 Oct. 1923, page 2
Advt. Special Sheep Sale by Elder, Smith & Co. 15,000 sheep 26 October.
Advt. Farrell’s Flat Show 31 October. Grand Concert at Night.
XXXXV, 43, 24 Oct. 1923, page 3
T. James had an accident while cultivating near Hanson on 13 October. He turned his team abruptly breaking swings etc. and causing the seven-horse team to panic. They bolted straight over a 15 ft sheer drop into a creek. Amazingly they all survived with only one slightly hurt. It was however, difficult to get them out of the narrow creek.
Mrs Mounsell was farewelled at the Bank of Australasia on Monday.
St Mary’s. The Bishop of Adelaide conducted a confirmation service on 15 October.
Salvation Army. The visit of the girls from Fullarton Home was very successful and the program of music, singing, elocution and drills was vastly entertaining.
Burra Rifle Club. The shoot on Saturday saw best scores from A.L. Kellock, T. Rosewall, P.W. Hogan, R. Nutt, S. Williams, H. Woodman & A.P. Harris.
Burra Cricket Assoc. 18 October
C.B. Tiver declined the position of Secretary and W. Panton was appointed instead.
Matches between Kooringa and North Booborowie will now be played on their own grounds.
A team will not be sent to the Adelaide Carnival this season.
Elected were Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, M.A. Radford.
The program for the season was approved.
Cricket. At Kooringa 20 October: Kooringa 6 for 133 defeated Hallett 4 for 103.
Burra Town Council, 18 October
The Children’s Playground Committee sent in their names and a list of facilities to be provided.
Various minor works were approved.
Burra Electric Supply Co.
The half-yearly meeting of shareholders was held in Pearce’s Building on Thursday. Matters were progressing well. Some trouble had been had in selecting the plant, but it would comprise two engines of 60 and 30 horsepower. A delay in erecting the powerhouse was caused because of a hitch in respect to the land and they had to move to another site involving an extra £150 in cost. So far 60 houses had been wired and 30-40 orders were on hand. About £1,000 worth of work had been done wiring houses. If the contractors kept to contract the engines would be in place in the last week of November and electricity should be switched on early in December. Provisional directors are: James Gallagher, M. Collins, W.H. Sandland & E.W. Crewes and they were re-elected for 12 months. A cable recently received advises that the power plants should reach Port Adelaide on 24 November.
Cattle Grids. A Melbourne writer reports that recently while travelling east of Burra he encountered cattle grids. He speaks as if they were then a new invention, though cattle pits at railway crossings had apparently long been in use. The local editor says the cattle grids referred to were on ‘The Gums’ station.
XXXXV, 43, 24 Oct. 1923, page 4
Liberal Union. Plebiscite candidates’ speeches continue from the last issue with reports of those from W.J. Martin of Willowie and Mr Johns of Redruth.
XXXXV, 44, 31 Oct. 1923, page 2
Burra & District Horticulture
Roses of note are being grown by R.D. Pascoe, Mrs C. Parks, Mr L.L. Penrose & Mr C. Hill.
W. Panton of the National Bank was farewelled on Thursday. He has been transferred to WA.
He had just become the secretary of the Burra Cricket Assoc. when the news arrived.
XXXXV, 44, 31 Oct. 1923, page 3
Vice-Regal Visit. On the arrival of General Sir Tom & Lady Bridges at the Burra Show on 24 October they were welcomed by the Mayor at the station and motored to the Show Grounds. After inspecting the show the Governor and Lady Bridges were shown the town. They visited the old Burra Mine, the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial, and Burra Hospital and were shown some of the district before reaching the station between 5 & 6 p.m.
Football. Celebrations of South Booborowie’s victory are reported in c. 1⁄2 column.
Obituary. Thomas Marney of Copperhouse was found dead in a field of barley on Friday. He was 75 and had been living with Mrs R. Nourse for the last three years. He was found by Mrs Nourse. He had seemed well at 4.30 p.m. when he collected the mail from Mrs Robins. He was born in London in 1857 and was a stone mason.
Marriage. At Hanson Methodist Church 23 October
Lance Cullen, third son of Mrs D. Cullen of Redruth, married
Myrtle M. Motherall, second daughter of Mr & Mrs H.R. Motherall of Kooringa and late of Hanson
Tennis. Saturday 27 November [sic, for October]: Hallett 11-77 defeated Aberdeen 4-59.
Burra Rifle Club. Championship resumed 27 October. Mirage proved a problem. G.L. Nutt was best off rifle with 129 and F.W. Lown best with handicap (3) with 130.
St Joseph’s Church Bazaar on Friday last in the Institute was opened by the Mayoress, Mrs Maurice Collins. The proceeds were c. £100.
Sheep Sale. A record sale of sheep on Friday saw 23,000 sold in 1 hour 25 minutes.
Bennett & Fisher sold 3,000 in 45 minutes in small lots.
Elder, Smith & Co. sold 15,000 in 25 minutes.
Bagot, Shakes & Lewis sold 5,000 in 15 minutes.
Other sales may have been large, but none were more rapid.
XXXXV, 44, 31 Oct. 1923, Supplement
The Burra Show
The day began fine and a large number of cars and horse drawn vehicles were at the ground by the 11 a.m. opening. Sheep put in an appearance after an absence of six years and the district stud sheep were there en masse – over 120 of them. Rain was heavy in the afternoon from 3 p.m., just when the highlight of the show for many, the horses in action, was scheduled. This was very disappointing. Much of the overall success of the show was due to the untiring work of the President I.J. Warnes and the Secretary L.H. Foote. The gate was almost double that of 1922 and attendance was estimated at 5,000. Membership was up 33%. Agriculture and dairying displays were excellent. The flowers were less extensive that in some years. The Saddleworth Brass Band played through the day. Sideshows were as popular as ever.
The Governor and Lady Bridges spent an hour inspecting exhibits. School children formed a guard of honour. At 1 p.m. the Vice-Regal party was entertained at lunch. Mr Warnes’ speech is reported in almost 1⁄2 column and the Governor’s reply at similar length.
Agricultural produce was very good this year.
Dairy produce was much better than last year and one of the finest displays ever in Burra.
Home made sweets were very good.
Poultry was much improved this year though there were few pigeons.
Draught stock was well represented.
Ring events were delayed by the luncheon until 2 p.m. and marred by the rain after 3 p.m.
Cattle were poorly represented and pigs also very limited.
Dog exhibits were up and of good quality, especially the greyhounds.
Sheep, as mentioned, were excellent, the competition was keen and the judging difficult.
Agricultural implements were well represented.
Vegetables were very good, but fruit was limited.
Flowers were superb, though less numerous than in some years.
Cooking excelled itself this year.
Arts and Industries needed more space.
School work reflected well on the teachers and students.
Note that the report includes a photograph of the show grounds, one of a horse in action and also of I.J. Warnes and L.H. Foote.
[Personal interest:
Flowers
Results for R. Fuss:
6 cut flowers 2nd 3 cut flowers 2nd 3 nasturtiums 1st & 2nd
6 poppies 1st 3 poppies 1st pelargoniums zonale 1st
3 pelargoniums regal 2nd 3 double petunias 1st 6 stocks (10 weeks) 1st
3 verbenas 1st 3 azaleas 1st 1 azalea 1st & 2nd
3 cyclamen 2nd 3 cinerarias 1st 1 cineraria 1st 3 pelargoniums 1st 1 pelargonium 1st & 2nd 3 primula 1st & 2nd 1 primula 1st & 2nd 1 hydrangea 1st 3 asparagus 1st 1 asparagus 1st 3 begonias 1st 1 begonia 1st & 2nd basket plant 1st 3 maidenhair ferns 2nd 1 maidenhair fern 1st
3 ferns in 9” pots 1st 1 fern 1st & 2nd collection not <6 ferns 1st
3 palms 1st 3 pot plants for table 1st 1 pot plant for table 1st]
[Note: no Chinese in vegetable entries this year.]
XXXXV, 45, 7 Nov. 1923, page 3
H.C. Hodby, Secretary of the Burra Local Centre of the University of Adelaide, is calling a meeting of parents on 9 November to arrange supervision of the public exams. Mr C.R. Hodge, Registrar of the University, said recently on a visit that the local centre at Burra would have to close unless more interest in University matters was shown. This would mean students travelling to Riverton or Adelaide to sit for exams.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday at Auburn: Burra 1006 defeated Auburn 940.
The Postponed AOF Sports were completed last Saturday at Victoria Park. Results are printed.
Tennis. Saturday: Copperhouse 13-85 defeated South Booborowie 4-55.
Farrell’s Flat Horse Show was held last Wednesday and is reported in 3⁄4 column.
Marriage. 20 October at Hallett Methodist Church
Robert Kimberley Tiver, second son of Mr & Mrs Edgar Tiver of Cartapoo Station, married
Rita Bald, youngest daughter of W.J. & the late Mrs Bald of Hallett
Children’s Playground. The committee met at the site on Saturday afternoon. It was resolved it would be called ‘The Burra Children’s Playground’. Also it was decided that a rotunda or bandstand would be erected for bands, Continentals and Fetes. The ground is being laid out now and a busy bee is called for next Saturday with the aim of opening in the third week in December.
XXXXV, 46, 14 Nov. 1923, page 2
Strawberry Fete Season had arrived with advertisements for fetes at:
Leighton Hall, 24 November
Hallett – combined with the opening of the new manse, 24 November
Burra Institute, Kooringa Methodist Church Rainbow Fair, 16 November
Soldiers’ Aid Society, Scout Hall, 14 November
Mt Bryan East, 17 November (on page 3)
Notice. A Parliamentary Party will visit Booborowie next Friday to inspect the Booborowie Valley with respect to the Hanson-Booborowie Railway proposal.
Notice. Burra Town Council Municipal Elections: Retiring 1st Saturday in December:
Mayor Maurice Collins
North Ward T.H. Woollacott
West Ward E.C. Hammond
East Ward S. Kellaway
Auditor F. Treloar
Nominations are called for 24 November.
XXXXV, 46, 14 Nov. 1923, page 3
Armistice Day was observed on Sunday. Church services throughout the state began 15 minutes earlier and a two minute silence was observed at 11 a.m.
Burra & District Horticulture
Fine roses are being grown by: R.D. Pascoe, L.S. Penrose, Charles Hill, Mrs L. Grow, Miss Phillips (World’s End) & Mrs H. Earle (Booborowie).
Obituary. Stanley Winders aged 25 died at a private hospital in Adelaide on 19 November. He was born at Baldina in 1898, the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs C. Winders. This is the sixth death in the family in four years. (The parents and four adult sons.) This leaves only Mr Roy Winders at Baldina and Mrs Archie Baynes of Saddleworth. [Born Robert Stanley Winders 14 September 1898 at Baldina.]
Burra Bowling & Croquet Club season opened last Saturday.
Cricket. At Victoria Park last Saturday: Kooringa 137 defeated Mt Bryan 97.
Redruth Sunday School celebrated its anniversary Sunday & Monday 4 & 6 November [sic]. The event drew splendid congregations and the singing was exceptional. The preacher was Rev. H.W. Jew of Clare. £2,441 has been received in cash and promises towards the new Sunday school. One of the Sunday school teachers had offered £100 when the like sum had been raised. Two subscribers’ cheques for the sum of £1,400 were presented.
Children’s Playground. The busy bee found a surprise in encountering solid bluestone just 6 to 9 inches down. Hammers, drills and gelignite were needed. There will be another busy bee next Saturday. M. Collins has given £25 towards the ground and the proposed rotunda is now a certainty.
Tennis. On Saturday: Copperhouse 10-74 defeated Ironmine 7-74.
Marriage. Booborowie Memorial Hall 7 November
E.M. (Lila) Pryde, daughter of Mr & Mrs G. Pryde married
Edward John Affolter, son of Mrs & the late John Affolter of Booborowie
XXXXV, 46, 14 Nov. 1923, page 4
Mr Kugelman, herbalist, had a full-page advertisement. He could be consulted at the Kooringa Hotel 19 November.
XXXXV, 46, 14 Nov. 1923, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 5 November
The Governor sent a letter expressing a wish to meet the Mayor and Council on 24 October.
Bagot, Shakes & Lewis seek a document re a tender for grazing rights given to W.N. James for three years over Burra Creek lands. They are to be advised that this lease is for grazing only and in no way interferes with Bagot, Shakes & Lewis’s right of way over the same.
C.R. Bevan’s application to build a house was granted.
XXXXV, 47, 21 Nov. 1923, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute J.C. Williamson’s present the Comic Opera The Lilac Domino on 28 November only.
Advt. Burra Institute 13 December. Christmas Festival in aid of Institute Funds by the Institute Orchestral and Choral Classes with 120 performers.
Christmas Carols & Christmas Program of Dickens’ Immortal Works.
Advt. St Edmund’s Church Booborowie. Mrs A. Affolter will lay the foundation stone 5 December at 3.30 p.m. Then there will be afternoon tea with a Grand Concert, Supper and Dance in the evening.
XXXXV, 47, 21 Nov. 1923, page 3
Notice. Requirements for the Incorporation of the Burra Burra Sports Association were completed on 8 November 1923.
Obituary. The death of Miss Mary O’Brien is noted from the bereavement notice only.
[She died 25 October 1923 at Aberdeen aged 54.]
The Liberal Union Plebiscite has chosen Messrs Jenkins, Dickson & Jettner as candidates for the next election.
Mrs James Tiver 86, who has been staying with her daughter Mrs Stock of Campbelltown, was motored home by her son Mr George Tiver on Friday.
George Ridgway, mail contractor, was thrown from his mail cart when it was overturned in a collision with a car at the corner of Morehead St and Best Place on 13 November. He was knocked unconscious and suffered severe shock.
Mr W. Newman on the staff of the Bank of Australasia here for 12 months has been moved to Pt Pirie and he was farewelled by Mrs P. Pickering at the Bank House on Saturday. He will be missed in cricket and tennis circles.
The Mayoralty: Mr Maurice Collins has agreed to stand for Mayor again.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 15 November
Ethel Minnie Morgan, second daughter of Mr & Mrs Walter Morgan of Ironmine, married
Edwin Neil Day, son of Mr & Mrs S. Day of Mt Gambier.
Soldiers’ Aid Society. The Auxiliary Committee for the Industrial School for the Blind Strawberry Fete was held in the Scout Hall on 14 November. There was a clear profit of £142, which exceeded the target of £100.
Burra Rifle Club fired a shoot over double 600 yards on Saturday 10 November. R. Fairchild, J. E. Pearce, F.W. Lown and J. Kellock were the best scorers.
On 17 November a double 700 yards shoot was held in gale conditions and W.R. Lee led the results from R. Kellaway.
Cricket. Kooringa 90 and North Booborowie 9 for 146.
XXXXV, 47, 21 Nov. 1923, page 4
Ethel Campbell, known among members of the AIF as the Angel of Durban, arrived on the midday train on Monday. She was met by Dr Steele as President of the RSL branch and by the Mayor, M. Collins. She was accompanied by Mr Stanhope of the RSL Adelaide. There was a civic welcome at the Institute where she met the Council and S.M. Lane, Rev. Hewitson, Rev. Smith, Rev. Ingamells, Ensign H.R. Heathwood (Salvation Army), Messrs E.W. Crewes, W.G. Hawkes, J.H. Gallagher, Mrs I.J. Warnes, Miss Bubb and Miss Trix Pearce. She was the guest of Dr Steele for her visit, was entertained at Koonoona by Mr & Mrs W.G. Hawkes and left Burra by the Broken Hill express at 9 p.m.
Miss Campbell became famous in the war years for greeting troop ships arriving at Durban and providing comforts etc. for soldiers going on or returning from the front.
XXXXV, 48, 28 Nov. 1923, page 2
Advt. Sole Bros. Circus and Menagerie will appear in Burra 1 December only.
XXXXV, 48, 28 Nov. 1923, page 3
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. are selling for John Reed who is retiring:
3,501 acres of land 15 miles east of Burra in Hd Mongolata comprising:
Freehold of Sections 41NE, 54, 35N, 55, 42, 35, 36E, 23N & 24 and perpetual lease 3127 being Section 36W, including a stone house of 5 rooms with woolshed, underground tank etc.
Also 898 acres known as ‘The Farm’ 3 miles east of Burra in Hd Kooringa comprising Sections 215, 218, Pt Section 1, Pt Section 224, Sections 68, 69, 70, 71, 214, and old road in Certificate of Title Vol 1011 Folio 74 with 5-roomed stone house & outbuildings.
Notice. Burra Municipal Elections:
Mayor Maurice Collins elected unopposed
North Ward Thomas Henry Woollacott elected unopposed
West Ward Edward Charles Hammond elected unopposed
East Ward Ernest William Crewes
Stanley Kellaway
The election for East Ward will be held 1 December.
Obituary. The wife of Thomas Wesley Wilkinson died at Burra 23 November aged 80.
[Eliza Goldie, nee Merritt born 1843.]
She died at her residence Mt Pleasant. She came to Burra with her parents, Mr & Mrs James Merritt, from Tasmania when an infant. She took a warm interest in the Wesleyan and later Methodist Church. She is survived by a husband and 11 children: Mrs T.H. Bell (Adelaide), Mrs J. Griffith (Northcote Victoria), Mrs G.G. Hawkes (Koonoona), the Misses Annie, Helen & Vera (Burra), Frank (Perth), Charles D. (Kooringa), Roland (River Murray), Robert (Mt Morgan Queensland) & Douglas (Mt Barker).
Mr & Mrs Andrew Wade (nee Butler) of Koonenberry Station near Burra celebrated their silver wedding 17 November.
Cricket. On Saturday Kooringa 9 for 184 defeated Hallett 126.
Obituary. Mrs Theeuff died 25 November aged 90. She arrived in SA on the Buffalo in 1838 with her parents Mr & Mrs Press. She recalled Adelaide when there were gum trees everywhere and Government House was a wooden structure and Aborigines were numerous and not always friendly. Her parents settled first at Hindmarsh. In 1852 she married William Theeuff and settled at Mt Lofty in a dugout. They later lived at Sheoak Log, Gawler and North-West Bend where most of the children were born. In 1856 her husband died. [Obviously incorrect.] She then came to Burra and took up nursing. She has lived many years in retirement. Of 15 children 11 reached maturity and 8 survive: Mr James Theeuff (Broken Hill), Mr Charles Theeuff (Southwark), Mrs T. Ford (Kooringa), Mrs George Hill, Mrs Elisha Ford, Mrs T. Drury (Southwark) [actually Drewery], Mrs. J. Shepherd (Broken Hill) & Miss L. Theeuff (Kooringa). There are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Tennis. Copperhouse 8-72 defeated Aberdeen 6-64.
Bowls. Clare visited on Wednesday last and Burra 114 defeated Clare 82.
On 24 November Burra 119 defeated Jamestown 70.
XXXXV, 48, 28 Nov. 1923, Supplement
Mayor’s Report 1923
The year has been relatively quiet. There were three civic receptions for:
The Commissioner of the Salvation Army
The Governor and Lady Bridges
Miss Ethel Campbell
After meeting the Governor and Lady Bridges at the station the Mayor handed the Vice-Regal party over to the care of the President of the Show Society for a tour of the show and luncheon, after which the Mayor and Mayoress took them to points of interest. The show was widely regarded as the best on record.
Finance
We began the year in credit £26-7-3 and end in credit £300, though substantial bills are outstanding. Some thousands of yards of metal are needed to put the streets in good order and tar dressing of footpaths is needed in many places.
A new footbridge has been erected in Queen St and one is under construction at Gully’s Wharf.
A new assessment this year has increased the value by £6,000 to £16,300.
The income for 1923:
General Rate (1/6) 803
Health Rate (9d) 401
Park Lands Rate (2d) 89
Lighting Rate (4d) 178
Hospital Rate (3d) 133
Main Roads Rate (4d) 178
Fire Brigade Rate (2d) 89
£1,871
Of which £1,853 has been collected.
Rates by Ward:
North Ward £227-17-0
East Ward £305-5-0
West Ward £235-17-0
Park Lands
1,100 trees were planted during the year. The depot paddock has been reserved for Council horses and if planted with lucerne would provide year-round feed.
Lowe’s Park has been leased to the Aberdeen Tennis Club and the Children’s Playground Committee for 99 years.
Cemetery
This has been cleaned up and is in a sound position financially, being £101-12-7 in credit.
Lighting
The Council has contracted for 32 streetlights: 5 of 100 candlepower and 27 of 50 candlepower. It may be necessary to increase the power of these and to add further lights. The present carbide lights are poor and almost worn out.
Fire Brigade
This account is a problem the new Council will have to address. The bank debt is £300 with income of £89 from rates and £20 from rent.
Ambulance
There have been many calls, but some delays have occurred due to the worn condition of the engine. It will have to be put in order or a new appliance purchased.
Health Account
There have been few calls this year, as there were no epidemics and only one case of an infectious disease drawing on it. The main costs were for scavenging (£224-18-0) and payment to the Hospital of £143-10-0.
Main Roads
Tar dressing will probably have to be extended, as the maintenance of macadamised roads is almost impossible with heavy motor car usage.
Booborowie: Visit of the Parliamentary Party
The party was met by Mr I.J. Warnes as President of the Booborowie Railway Vigilance Committee. Lunch was taken at the Booborowie Hotel. They then visited the Booborowie Flats, the proposed site for the railway terminus, the Booborowie Experimental Farm and the Booborowie Township.
Booborowie Experimental Farm held a visiting day on 14 November, which is reported in 11⁄2 columns.
Burra Town Council, 19 November
The mayor reported buying a good horse for Council for £30.
Cr Kellaway was welcomed back after his absence.
The Mayor said despite the Commissioner’s directive the public were not being allowed to use the station telephone.
Mr Lott was building a house on Paxton Terrace on a lot with a corner cut off by a small piece of land belonging to Council. He enquired whether he could buy it from them. Council will enquire into it.
The wire is reported broken on Carey’s Bridge.
The question of parking space for cars on Fridays was raised. A Council block behind Drew & Crewes was suggested.
The Mayor complained that the man getting most money from the Fire Brigade was frequently out of town. The Mayor said the money was being spent (£160) and the men were not there. The Fire Brigade Board will be asked that there be one permanent man and the rest be volunteers.
The electric light at the Black Bridge is to be replaced by one on the corner of Paxton Terrace and Welsh Place. An extra light was voted for Miss Geake’s corner in Queen St.
St Mary’s Strawberry Fete at the Institute on Friday was a wonderful success and raised £200.
The Scriptural Instruction in State Schools League held a meeting in the Kooringa Methodist Schoolroom with Rev. Edmund Smith presiding. He strongly supported the League’s aims. Rev. R. Taylor, general secretary of the League spoke. The league was in favour of:
Selected non-sectarian scripture lessons by state school teachers.
Ministers or accredited substitutes to teach children of their own denomination during school hours.
A conscience clause to provide neither of the above against the parents’ wishes.
Burra Show Society Meeting, 19 November
President I.J. Warnes said they knew for a long time that the Society was seeking a ground of its own. A meeting two years ago considered it, but decided on no change. Messrs Bartholomaeus, Robinson and Warnes had inspected the paddock under consideration adjacent to Mr Montgomery’s house and close to the railway line. Mr Bartholomaeus said he would sell 30 acres for the purpose for £6 an acre. Mr Warnes said that was not playing the game. He would give him £12 per acre for 15 acres and present it to the Society. If Mr Bartholomaeus would give the other 15 acres. The committee then visited the site and was in favour. The land was easily worth £180.
This was not motivated by any feelings against the Sports Syndicate or the Race Club. A problem was that it cost about £40 per annum to ready the ground for the show. This could be better spent on improvements. It would also allow permanent plans for uses like the sideshows. The present site was perfect for a jumping ground, but they could not put seats around it. The slope of the new ground would enable a natural amphitheatre for car parking with views from behind unhindered. Every year some equipment went missing. The new ground needed some levelling, but that could soon be done. A railway line to the new ground was also a possibility. Their assets at the existing ground were worth c. £700. Mr J. Melrose had offered to pay for moving the assets. Mr Warnes said he would give £300 extra if members contributed a similar amount. The new ground would allow local horses to train there. Fencing should be done by letting it out to advertising. Mr Radford moved that the offers of Messrs Warnes, Bartholomaeus and Melrose be accepted and he spoke in support thereof. W.H. McWaters seconded it.
Mr George Parker supported the move, as did Mr Lott and Mr A.D. McDonald. It was passed 38 to 3.
The President said that though they had no legal right to move their assets he knew the members of the syndicate were gentlemen and he anticipated no difficulty. Mr Gallagher, who was a member of the syndicate agreed.
New Hallett Methodist Manse was opened on Saturday afternoon last by the President of the Conference, Rev. W.T. Shapley. The manse was entirely free of debt. It is a 7-roomed house in bluff stone with a verandah on three sides and set on a half acre block. Details of the house and event extend for c. 21⁄3 columns.
Obituary. Charles Kruger, an old-age pensioner, was found dead in his hut by E.S. Statton of Hallett on Friday morning. [23 November 1923.] He had hanged himself from a ceiling beam. Mr Statton had arranged to take him to Burra Hospital that morning. He was aged 71 and a native of Germany. He was a veteran of the Franco-Prussian War and had been wounded. He married about 40 years ago, but his wife left after a week.
[Married Fanny Crouch 26 November 1883 at Bible Christian Church Hallett.]
Kooringa Methodist Church’s Rainbow Fete which was held last Friday netted almost £300.
XXXXV, 49, 5 Dec. 1923, page 3
Advt. T.A. Harrap at the Corner House of Paxton Square is ready to serve light refreshments, tea, coffee, cocoa and cool drinks.
Burra Electric Supply Co. The plant arrived in Port Adelaide on 3 December.
Fire broke out near Koo-owie homestead on Thursday. A stack of about 100 tons of pressed lucerne hay was alight and efforts had to concentrate on limiting the spread of the fire. This was done and only three acres were burnt. The fire seems to have started from the blacksmith’s shop.
Red Cross members met at J. Allen’s tea rooms on Thursday to consider re-organising the branch. Mrs J.C. Sandland was in the chair. There are two Burra boys currently in Bedford Park Military Hospital and perhaps re-organising the virtually defunct branch would assist them. Mrs Wigley spoke in support. Mrs C.J. Pearce, mother of one of the boys, gave an account of how well the boys are treated. It was decided to re-form the branch. Elected were President, Mrs C.J. Pearce; Secretary, Mrs F.R. Wigley; Assistant Secretary, Mrs E.F. Marston; Treasurer, Miss Coglin. The branch will meet quarterly.
The Post Office has decided that the evening mail will not be available in private boxes till the next morning at 9 a.m. and soon mail for the south will close at 6.30 p.m. instead of 8.30 p.m.
Polo. The season opened on Saturday at Leighton for the Mid-North Club. Many visitors drove out and a triangular match was played.
Tennis. Aberdeen 14-90 defeated Farrell’s Flat 2-37.
XXXXV, 49, 5 Dec. 1923, page 4
Ratepayers’ Meeting, Burra Institute 26 November. About 40 people attended.
The Mayor read his report which was adopted.
The Town Clerk they would end the year in credit about £100.
There were questions about charges improperly made on stock impounded in unregistered pounds.
The Mayor said if a mistake had been made money should be refunded.
Cr Hammond thanked ratepayers for his uncontested re-election.
Cr Woollacott said he had opposed the new assessment, but was now in favour with the rate at 3/- instead of 3/6. It would bring in an extra £500. He thanked ratepayers for his re-election.
The Mayor said that everyone knew that land worth £5 five years ago was now worth £10.
Cr Kellaway said he was standing for re-election. He favoured the foundation of a progress committee.
Mr Crewes said he was standing for East Ward. He approved of the playground, but not a 99 year lease to a private tennis club which violated the privileges of the ratepayers. He thought the road to the cemetery should be a main road.
Cr Hammond said he did not like to hear a candidate saying ‘I am the great I am’. The men in the Council could carry on without Mr Crewes. (The rest of the remarks were lost in a roar of laughter.)
The Mayor said the Council had been promised a public telephone at the station last Thursday and a cabstand.
Cr Kellaway said there was no chance of increasing the main roads – it was a struggle to keep the present ones on the schedule.
Municipal Election last Saturday:
East Ward S. Kellaway 107
E.W.Crewes 66
XXXXV, 49, 5 Dec. 1923, Supplement
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 28 November
Colin Bruce, third son of Mr & Mrs R.H. Bruce of Kooringa and late of World’s End, married
Violet Botheras, second daughter of Mr & Mrs T. Botheras of Broken Hill.
Burra Hospital Board, Monday 26 November
Miss Kathleen Sandland invited the Board to the Hospital Christmas Tree on 20 December.
Mr T.H. Woollacott advised that the new septic tank had been completed.
XXXXV, 50, 12 Dec. 1923, page 3
Advt. Burra Institute 19 December: A company of Comedians and Dancers presents The O’Brien Girl.
Advt. Burra Children’s Playground Lowe’s Park: Grand Opening Day,
Wednesday 16 (Boxing Day) [sic]
Advt. Salvation Army Christmas Tree, Christmas Night 8 p.m.
Miss R. Davis on the staff at Burra High School has completed her Diploma in Commerce.
The Post Office denies any intention of closing mails at 6.30 p.m.
Emus and kangaroos are coming close to town due to the drought to the east.
Whooping Cough has broken out in the town.
Redruth Court, Monday
Ernest Albert Wohling, billiard marker at the Burra Hotel, pleaded guilty to illegal betting and was fined £20 + 10/- costs (or 2 months).
Red Cross. The Vice-Presidents elected were Mrs J.C. Sandland and Mrs S.M. Lane. Donations so far in hand are c. £8 and further are solicited.
Leighton Strawberry Fete in aid of Leighton Hall Improvement Fund raised £134-11-41⁄2.
Bowling . At Clare on Saturday: Burra 115 defeated Clare 79.
XXXXV, 50, 12 Dec. 1923, page 4
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 5 December
Percy Herbert, eldest son of Mr & Mrs George Herbert of Kooringa, married
Gladys I. Lawn, only child of Mr & Mrs George Lawn of Kooringa.
Black Springs Hall. A memorial wing honouring the soldiers from the district who enlisted in the Great War was opened on 21 November by the Hon. George Ritchie.
St Edmund’s Booborowie
On Wednesday 5 December Mrs A. Affolter laid the foundation stone. Rev. F.B. Hewitson officiated and Rev. A. Webb gave an address. £127 was laid on the stone.
The walls, to be of stone, are up. The interior measures 36 ft x 22 ft and will seat 80. A porch will be built and the total cost is estimated at £1,150. Provision is made to add a chancel and vestry. The collection of money began in 1914, but was delayed for five years by the war. A.S. Browne, one of the original owners of Booborowie, generously donated £150 and at present only about £150 is required. A concert and dance followed in the evening. Total proceeds for the day were over £160.
Burra Rifle Club. At a shoot over 200, 500 and 600 yards the best scores were by T. Rosewall, R. Nutt, R. Kellaway and C.W. Pearce.
XXXXV, 50, 12 Dec. 1923, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 2 December
There were self congratulations all round on an unchanged Council for 1924.
The Fire Brigade replied to a query saying that one man in charge plus volunteers would be more costly.
Cr Woollacott wanted an inquiry, as he felt that some men were continually away without trouble.
It was resolved to move the bell to the Fire Brigade from the Police Station.
A decision on the rates was deferred to the next meeting.
A letter of protest will be sent to the Deputy Postmaster General on the loss of the evening mail service to private boxes.
Advt. Father Christmas will appear at SA Farmers’ Co-op Union Ltd Kooringa on Christmas Eve.
[A full page advertisement, even if it is a small page.]
XXXXV, 51, 19 Dec. 1923, page 2
Obituary. Myrrial Reynolds died on 9 December at Adelaide aged 36. She was the eldest daughter of Edward and Alice Leighton of Booborowie. [Born Mirrial Hilda Blanch Leighton 6 May 1887 at Leighton: died Muriel Hilda Blanch Reynolds 9 December 1923 at Eastwood, residence Burra.]
Obituary. Charles Barber Griffiths died at Adelaide Hospital 9 December aged 80. [79 as registered.]
XXXXV, 51, 19 Dec. 1923, page 3
Obituary. Charles Barber Griffiths was born at Swansea Wales in 1843 and came to Australia with his parents as a lad. They came to Burra where he worked as a mason with his father at the Smelting Works. Later he was a furnace mason at the Blinman Smelter. He returned to Burra and after some years took land at Mt Bryan East, retiring to Burra in 1908. His wife died 151⁄2 years ago. He is survived by seven children: Frank Griffiths (Redruth), John Griffiths (Alberton), Charles Griffiths (Norwood), Mrs B.H.K. Dunstan (Mt Bryan East), Mrs W. Higgins (Angle Vale), Mrs D. Eig (Kooringa) & Miss Florrie Griffiths (Angle Vale). There are 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Rain fell locally over Thursday night and 92 points were registered, but the fall did not generally extend to the east. Quondong however, received 11⁄2 inches. At 2 a.m. Sunday morning we had a very violent thunderstorm and about 30 points of rain fell.
Monday saw 75 points in 20 minutes at Faraway Hill and it is still raining there.
Late Monday morning Burra got 82 points in 20 minutes with falls to the east varying from 25 points at Canegrass to 210 points at Quondong, but many places had falls of over 1 inch.
The Christmas Festival at the Institute on Thursday night was well attended despite the rain. The evening was very well done and much enjoyed, though perhaps the pathos of three or four of Dickens’ more harrowing death scenes was a bit much for Christmas cheer!
Electric Light. A plan to bring electric light to Clare, Blyth, Saddleworth, Riverton, Auburn etc. is reported in 1⁄3 column.
‘Fairplay’ writes condemning the people who insulted E.W. Crewes recently and hoping he was not the victim of people who petitioned him to stand with no intention of supporting him. As for being a great ‘I am’, even were it true he would be only one of many in Burra.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Kooringa 117 defeated South Booborowie 75
Tennis. Aberdeen 11-86 defeated Copperhouse 5-61.
XXXXV, 52, 26 Dec. 1923, page 2
Community Singing at the Institute last Sunday attracted 400 to 500 for carols and traditional hymns. The singing was conducted by Mr G.E. Dane.
Mrs Ambrose Harris turned 90 on Christmas Day. She was born at Camborne in Cornwall in 1833 and married in 1821. [sic! Actually 1851.] She left England a month later for Australia in the Sultana. They settled in Adelaide and then Bowden. In 1826 [sic] her husband went to Burra on a bullock dray and she followed a month later and remained there till moving recently to live with her daughter Mrs J.E. Greenwood at Aldgate. Her husband was a stone dresser and builder. He died in 1901 just after their golden wedding. She had 12 children of whom five survive: Mrs J.A. Watt (Adelaide), Mrs R.M. Steele (Rose Park), Mrs Charles Parks (Kooringa), Mrs J.E. Greenwood (Aldgate) and Mrs J.B. Harris (WA).
[Check the last name: it should be Mr Benjamin George Harris.]
Burra Red Cross has sent £9-6-6 towards Christmas Cheer for soldiers at Bedford Park Hospital.
Burra Rifle Club fired a match over 300, 500 & 600 yards and J.E. Pearce and W.R. Lee were the best shots.
Tennis. Aberdeen 11-92 defeated Hallett 5-65.
‘Resident’ writes accusing ‘Fairplay’ of a venomous attack on others and denying that anyone had tried to hold Mr Crewes up to ridicule. And ‘Fairplay’ might as well have signed her name as her identity is well known.
Redruth Court, 18 December
Michael Boylan was charged on the complaint of Terence R. O’Brien with assault and was fined £2 + £3 costs (or 2 months).
XXXXV, 52, 26 Dec. 1923, page 2-3
Redruth Court
Charles Arthur Cocks, licensee of the Burra Hotel was charged with supplying liquor after hours on 10 November. The evidence runs for some 21⁄3 columns and the case was eventually dismissed.
XXXXV, 52, 26 Dec. 1923, page 3
Burra Town Council, 17 December
The Deputy Postmaster General advises that no mail is sorted anywhere when it arrives after 9.25 p.m. and very few private boxes were cleared in the evenings.
There was a letter saying that a public phone at the station was being considered.
The rates declared for 1924 were:
General 1/6, Health 10d, Lighting 4d, Park Lands 2d, Fire Brigade 2d.
Entertainment. The O’Brien Girl was staged on 19 December to a big audience and was declared to be A1.
XXXXV, 52, 26 Dec. 1923, page 4
Boxing, Monday night
The RSL held an amateur boxing contest at the Institute in the centre of the hall with seating all round. Two well-known boxers from Adelaide appeared and gave an exhibition match. Dr Steele opened proceedings before a large audience. Over £50 including tax was collected at the door. The fights are reported in over 1⁄2 column.
G. Cossey v. C. Attrill was won by Cossey
Marr v. Burns or Burrows [report uses both names] was won by Marr
Goward v. R. Cock was won by Goward
T. Howard v. T. Seal was won by Seal
Byles v. Elliott was drawn
McLennan v. W. Cock was won by Cock
The exhibition match was between J.A. Maggs and J. McGregor.
Characteristics of the 1923 paper.
Page 1
Large advertisements, mostly local
Page 2
Smaller advertisements and public notices. Particularly auction sales and local events and Local Government matters. Just occasionally some news begins on this page.
Page 3
Page 2 material sometimes spills over onto this page. Mainly advertisements and local news.
Page 4
A mixture of advertisements sometimes with news, but also often with non-news articles of interest.
In the last quarter of the year especially the amount of advertising led to a considerable number of supplements of varying size.
The paper still generally provided quite a comprehensive record of events, but there is little editorial comment and an uneven attention to detail. Often great detail is provided for sports and for some other events too, but there is little suggestion of real journalism.
Numbering of Issues in 1923
The year began with Volume XXXXV Number 1 on 3 January 1923.
And continued to Volume XXXXV Number 52 on 26 December 1923.
But within this sequence the Numbers 16 & 26 are used twice and the numbers 21 & 22 are not used.
XXXXVI, 1, 9 January 1924
Advertisements 1924
Page 1
Walker & Sons Shoe shop, Kooringa
S.M. Lane Sadler & Ironmonger, Kooringa
Burra Motor Co. Kooringa
G.C. Kuchenmeister & Son Butchers, Market Square
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen
Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer, Kooringa
R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods, Kooringa
Lee’s Garage Ford & Studebaker Dealer, Commercial St
H. Jennison Tyre Surgeon, Kooringa
Charles H. Nicholls Herbal & Nature Cure Practitioner, visits Burra monthly, at
Pearce’s Buildings
G. Lawn & Co. Butchers, Market Square
Eyes & Crowle Ltd Cars, Buick Dealer, Commercial St
S.A. Farmers’ Union Market Square
E.C. Hammond Tailor, Kooringa
N.J. Tiddy Draper & Clothier, Aberdeen
Advertisements 1924
Page 2
W.H. Spier Agent for Cletrac Farm Tractors, Kooringa
Bence’s Burra Cash Drapery Stores & Agent for Alston’s Windmills
C.J. Pearce & Son Furnishers, Cabinetmakers Upholsterers & Undertakers, Commercial St, Kooringa
Drew & Crewes Pty Ltd Kooringa
Elder Smith & Co. Auctioneers and Stock Agents
Pederson & Son Shoe Store, Kooringa
Sara & Co. General Merchants
Edwin J. Harris The Corner Store, Market Square, Kooringa
P. Dower China, Glassware, Crockery. Earthenware, Tinware, Hardware,
Market Square, Kooringa
William Young The Garage, Successors to Eyes & Crowle Ltd, Commercial St.
Advertisements 1924
Page 3
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen
Le Petite Millinare Hats & Toilet Accessories, Market Square
Edwin J. Harris General Storekeeper, Produce Merchant & Fruiterer
Advertisements 1924
Page 4
Spencer’s The Jewellers of the North, Next to the Savings Bank, Kooringa
Carpenter’s Burra Fruit Store
Bennett & Fisher Ltd Auctioneers, Stock & Station Agents
Reg. Kellaway (Late J.E. Greenwood) General Tinsmith & Ironworker,
Chapel St, Kooringa
F.A. Cleveland & Sons Monumental Masons of Adelaide, Agent in Burra:
P.E. Wilson, Vineyard Terrace, Kooringa
W.R. Lee Studebaker Dealer, Kooringa
D. Jones Painting, Paperhanging, etc. Signwriting - workshop at the Mine Bridge [The Mine Store]
XXXXVI, 1, 9 January 1924, Page 2
Obituary. Mrs Alice Broad of Bright, at her mother’s residence in Kooringa, on 28 December, due to heart failure. Deceased was 2nd daughter of Mrs & late Mr Henry Lawn of Baldina & was born in Burra 1863. In 1882 married Samuel Broad at Robertstown. Mr Broad died about 5 years ago. Of 11 children ten survive: Sam Broad (Bright), Percy (Farrell’s Flat), Stan, Oswald & Cyril (Bright), Mesdames George & Jude Mosey (Bright), Wilfred Winders (Kooringa), Misses Irene & Dorothy Broad (Bright) & 9 grandchildren. [Born Alice Jane Lawn 27 May 1862 at Kooringa.]
XXXXVI, 1, 9 January 1924, Page 3
Cricket. 29 December, friendly game
Kooringa 145 defeated Burra Rifle Club 8 & 33
Rifle Match. The annual rifle match held by the Clare Club is reported in
1⁄2 column
Tennis. The Aberdeen tournament saw M. Tiver beat R. Jones 10-8 in the singles finals.
W. Kellaway & H. Lomman beat P. Rule & J. Pearce 9-7 in the doubles.
Burra Children’s Playground. When Mr T.W. Wilkinson was Mayor many trees were planted due to his interest and as a result what is now known as Lowe’s Park in Aberdeen was planted with pines. Mr L.H. Foote conceived the idea that the site would make a good place for a playground. After much work it was opened on Boxing Day. Many turned up to celebrate and the place looked festive with flags and booths. It was opened by the Mayor, Maurice Collins. Mr Collins would have liked it better had it been nearer Kooringa, but there should be no feeling it belonged only to one end of the town. Mr Crewes also spoke. He also regretted that it was inconvenient for the southern end of town, but said that Kooringa would get one as well. There were swings, seesaws, shelter sheds, parallel bars, horizontal bars, a rocker, giant stride. Sand ponds are to come, as are some seats. Various sports were run at the opening and afternoon tea was served. The day raised c. £30 and the committee has c. £70 towards building a rotunda.
A successful continental was held in the grounds in the evening.
XXXXVI, 1, 9 January 1924, Page 4
On the Thursday before Christmas the annual hospital treat was successfully staged. Presents were arranged for all and the garden and verandah duly decorated and Japanese lanterns strung up. Mr Treloar reported a little on the hospital history. It had serviced some 13,000 patients since 1876. A concert was staged and supper provided.
Polo was played at Leighton on the 22 December when Clare, 8 defeated Mid-North, 1.
XXXXVI, 2, 16 January 1924, Page 2
Advt. Burra Branch of the Liberal Union will hold a Rally Social and Dance at the Institute on 29 Jan. There will be an address by Sir Henry Barwell KCMG.
Advt. Tenders are called for lots 13 & 14, Town of Copperhouse, comprising 2 acres, on which is a four roomed stone and brick house etc. (nearly new) in the estate of Ethel Beatrice Florence Maud Lynch, deceased.
Exhibition. The SA Chamber of Manufactures will hold an Industrial Exhibition from 27 Mar. to 23 May 1925 - their last was the Peace Exhibition in 1920.
Obituary. George Ford, aged 68, died in Burra Hospital on Thursday last - he had previously been living alone in a hut at Ulooloo. [Died 9 January 1924.]
Radio. Millswood Auto and Radio Co. has joined with J.C. Williamson, C.H. & J. &. N. Tait to form the SA Broadcasting Co. to broadcast to SA.
Trip. Mr & Mrs Philip McBride are on a year’s trip to England and the Continent.
Tennis. At Hallett 12 Jan. Hallett, 11 sets, 105 games defeated Aberdeen, 5 sets 75 games.
Rifle Match on 5 Jan. L.W. Gare, 76, H.L. Riggs, 76, & J.A. Riggs, 76, from A.P. Harris, 75.
Letter. Elizabeth Ward writes complaining of a recent suggestion that ratepayers be compelled to clean the footpaths near their properties.
XXXXVI, 2, 16 January 1924, Page 4
Burra Town Council 7 Jan.
The Local Govt. Dept. draws attention to the new Width of Tyres Act, which limits loads to 7 cwt per inch of tyre on a 30” wheel of 8 cwt on bigger wheels.
The grant for main roads will be £280 and the council is to contribute £140. Of this £150 has already been spent, leaving only £130 for the year.
An application for transfer of the new showground under the Town Planning Bill was granted.
Cr Riggs congratulated the overseer and staff on the work done at Gully’s Wharf, but he felt that it should not all be borne by the North Ward as the bridge would be used by the whole town, especially in view of the new showgrounds. The cost, including approaches was c. £85. Consideration of his point was deferred.
Tennis. At Booborowie 5 Jan. Copperhouse, 14 sets, 95 games, defeated Booborowie, 4 sets, 55 games.
Salvation Army. Ensign H.R. Heathwood has been transferred from Kooringa to West Adelaide. He was given a farewell social on 7 Jan. Ensign Heathwood said he had spent two happy years in Burra and thanked everyone for himself and his comrade, Ensign Ridland. His successor, Captain & Mrs Keast arrived on Thursday and were accorded a welcome social that evening.
Fire. Mr W.B. James’s haystack at the rear of his home [Bleak House] caught fire on Thursday, but was put out by the fire brigade. It was believed to have started spontaneously through having been slightly damp when stacked.
XXXXVI, 3, 23 January 1924, Page 2
Birth. On 6 Jan. to Mr & Mrs Walter Gillett, a son, stillborn, at Mrs T. Fuller’s Nursing Home.
Birthday. Congratulations to Mr Richard Reed on his 86th birthday.
Accident. G.E. Dane suffered a badly broken leg on Thursday when a car backed into him in the street.
Holiday. Misses Ethel and Lily James & Lil Riggs are to leave shortly on a trip to England and the Continent and were given a farewell at the Kooringa Methodist Hall on Monday evening. Miss Vera Phillips, who is leaving Kooringa, was also farewelled.
Tennis. Saturday at Aberdeen. Aberdeen 12 sets 81 games defeated Farrell’s Flat 3 sets 52 games.
XXXXVI, 3, 23 January 1924, Page 3
Bowls. Last Saturday at Kapunda. Kapunda 106 defeated Burra 77.
Rifle Club. Sat. 19 Jan. J. Kellock 67 from S. Gordon, 65
Cricket. Sat. at Kooringa. Kooringa 168 defeated Clare 130
Burra Town Council 21 Jan.
The bridge in Young St had cost £97-15-5. [i.e. the swing bridge at the White Hart Ford.] Cr Hammond was concerned that on Show Day it might be subjected to 30 or 40 people at once and some of the strands of the wire rope were broken. Cr Woollacott said the rope was better than that in the Kooringa bridge and would likely support 10 tons. Cr Riggs and the overseer agreed all was well. Cr Kellaway said it was adequate, though it had been lying about the mine for 40 years and must have deteriorated.
There was a discussion on the cost of tar dressing roads v. metalled roads. The cost of tar dressing being now far cheaper than it had been even 4 years before.
Burra Institute. Annual Meeting saw 18 of the 300 members attend. The present debt is £1,400. There were 5,869 books in the library at the end of 1922 which had risen to 6,123 at end of 1923, allowing for the withdrawal of 219. Membership stood at 282. The lighting plant has carried us over 5 years since it was installed, but in the last 12 months the batteries have been getting weaker. Two have been repaired and one replaced. The running cost for the 5 years has been £156-12-7 or £2-12-2 a month. We hope soon to be connected to the town supply.
Improvements in the year included a new ceiling in the lodge room at £20-10-0, a new 1,000 gallon tank at £7-15-0, new shelving in the members’ room at £4-13-6 and doors on the stairs to the gallery at £13-15-6.
XXXXVI, 4, 30 January 1924, Page 2
Advt. The Annual Burra Seaside Trip to Semaphore will be held Sat. 16 Feb.
1st train leaves Hallett 5.15 a.m. arrives Semaphore 9.47 a.m.
2nd train leaves Burra 5.28 a.m. arrives Semaphore 9.17 a.m.
1st return train departs 7.30 p.m.
2nd return train departs 8.00 p.m.
Advt. Le Mode, De Demam [?] [The next issue said La Choix de Demain] will open 8 Feb. selling frocks and gowns - Corner of Commercial and Queen Streets, late E.C. Hammond’s.
Music. St Joseph’s School music exam results are printed.
Picnic. Last Monday the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School annual picnic at Sod Hut, on the grounds of B.C. Sandland was successfully held. Transport was provided by I.J. Warnes.
Obituary. Mrs Henry Lawn of Kooringa, last Thursday, aged 84. Born London, August 1839. Her mother died when she was 5, but her father, Richard Bidmead Morgan, married again and they moved to SA about 1846 and settled in Adelaide where Mr Morgan was for a time Town Clerk. Miss Morgan later came to Burra and was married at 17 to Mr Henry Lawn and went to live at Baldina, coming into Burra to live after his death 9 years ago. 8 of 10 children survive: - Messrs H. Lawn (Peterborough), A. Lawn (Leighton), George Lawn (Kooringa), & Mesdames James Phillips (Booborowie), W. Rogers (Broken Hill), James Gemmel, (Adelaide), R.P. James (Booborowie), W.B. James (Kooringa) & 40 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. [Louisa Ann Lawn died 24 January aged 84.]
Rifle Club. Practice on Sat. A.L. Kellock 96, from F.W. Lawn 95.
Tennis on Sat at Copperhouse. Copperhouse 8 sets 79 games defeated Aberdeen 4 sets 63 games.
Bowls. Sat. at Jamestown. Jamestown defeated Burra by 9 points and at Blyth Burra 91 defeated Blyth 49.
Baldina School. A deputation has waited on S Dickson MP calling for a school at Baldina. A house known as Honeychurch’s was said to be quite suitable and has been offered by its owner, Mr H. Mann.
Apoinga School. This was opened on 21 Jan. 1924 by W.G. Hawkes and c.100 people attended.
XXXXVI, 5, 6 February 1924, Page 3
Obituary. Johanne Dorothea Hämmerling of Baldina on Wed. last, of heart failure, aged 69, survived by a husband, one son and three daughters. [Born Johanne Dorothea Rau: died 30 January 1924 aged 68 at Baldina.]
Obituary. Jesse Waddington, 77 at Darwen, England, in December 1923. Born in England, he migrated to Australia where he was for some years owner of Grassville Station, now owned by T.H. Pearce & Sons.
Rifle Club. Match at Pt Adelaide 2 Feb. to decide the champion country club saw Burra come in first. Burra 1,800, Wasleys 1,763, Murray Bridge 1,714, Gawler 1,708, Strathalbyn (playing with 1 man short) 1,664.
Liberal Union Rally, Social & Dance was held in the Institute on Tuesday last. The speaker was the Premier, Sir Henry Barwell. The report runs for 23⁄4 columns.
Tennis on 2 Feb. at Aberdeen. Aberdeen 10 sets 76 games defeated Hallett 6 sets 69 games.
Redruth Court 29 Jan.
There is a report of over 1 column on the case in which Claude Attrill was charged with being on the premises of the Burra Hotel for the purposes of betting. The hearing took two days and resulted in a fine of £5 + £1 costs. He will appeal.
XXXXVI, 6, 13 February 1924
Page 3
Advt. The Salvation Army Back to Burra 40th Anniversary Service will be held by Brigadier Rowley of Adelaide. Services at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. T.W. Keast, Captain. [Advt. presumably refers to Sunday 17 Feb.]
Birth. To Mr & Mrs S. Carter nee Florence Louise Cucksey, on 1 Feb. at Kooringa, a son, Thomas.
John & William Pearce celebrate the 75th anniversary of their arrival in Burra with their parents the late Mr & Mrs James Pearce, having arrived in Adelaide in Feb. 1849 by the ‘Marion’. John was then 61⁄2 and William 2 years 1 month.
G.C. Kuchenmeister, who has been seriously ill with blood poisoning for several weeks after a badly cut finger is now making progress. On Friday his son, Henry, lost the 1st finger of his left hand in the sausage machine.
Burra Troop of the Light Horse Regiment will attend the annual camp at Cheltenham Race Course 25 Feb. to 1 Mar. There are currently a number of vacancies in the troop.
Savings Bank of SA, manager Frank Maundrell has been transferred to Head Office to be replaced by Mr J.H. Bryant from there.
Harvest Festival at the Kooringa Methodist Church was held last Sunday.
Obituary. William Harris on Sat. at Kooringa. He was born in Paxton Square 29 May 1852, 3rd son of the late Mr & Mrs James Harris, educated at Mr Stephen’s school and worked for the English Copper Mining Co. [The English & Australian Copper Co.] at the Burra smelting works. Later he was a tributer at the mine. Married on 22 March 1884 Miss A. Walker, eldest daughter of H.J. Walker of Kooringa. Survived by his wife and 3 sons and 4 daughters. Messrs Orville Harris (Broken Hill), Leslie & Richard Harris of Kooringa, Miss Gwen Harris of Jamestown, & the Misses Ida, Rene & Ella of Kooringa, also 3 grandchildren. [Died 8 February 1924 aged 71. Birth not traced in registrations.]
Burra Hospital. The new maternity wing is to be called the William Pitt Barker & John Melrose Maternity Wing. The cost is expected to be c. £5,000.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School has been approved by Council at an expected cost of c. £4,000. The Council has also approved another £3,000 of private residences.
Rifle Club. Match on 9 Feb. H.L. Riggs 104 from S. Williams 103.
Burra Town Council. On 4 Feb. approval was given for the new hospital maternity wing, the Redruth Methodist Sunday School, and a residence for G.W. Gallagher. Additions were approved for E.F. Marston, F.T. Sara & Sara & Co.’s shop.
Cricket. 2 Feb. & 9 Feb. at Victoria Park, Kooringa 244 for 9 defeated North Booborowie 108
XXXXVI, 7, 20 February 1924, Page 3
Advt. Tenders called for the purchase of the Douglas Methodist Church, with a block of land at Douglas. Apply Rev. E. Smith, Kooringa.
Seaside Trip. The Semaphore outing day was cool with some showers amid sunny periods. Fully half the people made for Adelaide after arriving at Semaphore. Many men went to the Adelaide Oval for the interstate cricket match. Not many went bathing at Semaphore on account of the very choppy sea, but the weather was warm enough for the jetty and many went fishing, while the sideshows did good business. There was a heavy shower about teatime and parents welcomed the departure for home which was reached at midnight, with the second train not long after.
Bowls. On Saturday at Burra. Burra 114 defeated Clare 50. [Though the first sentence of the report says the visitors came from Blyth.]
Obituary. Timothy Kelly of Booborowie died last Wednesday. Born in 1866 at Manoora, he had been a miner and farmer and resided with his brother, William Kelly, and was the eldest of 11 children. Cause of death was a horse falling on him. [Died 14 February 1924 aged 58 at Kooringa, residence Booborowie: birth not traced in registrations.]
Obituary. William Albert Henry Peak, husband of Rose Blanche Peak, aged 40. 13 February.
[Born 29 March 1883 at Cross Roads near Kooringa.]
William A.H. Peak at Kooringa, aged 41 [but 40 above] Born at Kooringa, he was the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs J. Peak of Crossroads. Farmed the estate there with his brother, James, retired about 3 years ago. Survived by his wife, nee Rose Brown, and 3 young sons.
Obituary. William J. Williams, an old resident of Ironmine died in Adelaide last Wednesday. Born at Best Place, Aberdeen in 1866, eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Williams who arrived in Burra in 1842. [!] 1st lived where Ridgway’s cottages now stand, next to Broad’s Hotel [i.e. the Aberdeen Hotel]. Became a farmer. Married Miss P.J. Richards of Redruth who survives with 3 sons and 3 daughters. Godfrey, Joseph & James of Ironmine & Mesdames H. Williams (near Adelaide), H.J. Tabe (Bowden), Miss Harriet Williams (Ironmine) and 8 grandchildren. The late Rev. J.S. Williams was a brother and Mrs J. Lockett of Broken Hill a sister. [William John Williams born 14 September 1866 at Kooringa: died 14 February 1924 at Brompton, residence Burra.]
Obituary. Miss Ann Pearce, formerly of Kooringa died in Adelaide last Thursday, aged 77. She was a daughter of John Pearce, farmer of Gum Creek. [Died 13 February 1824 at North Adelaide aged 77.]
Rifle Club. Saturday last R. Nutt 98, from F.W. Lawn 96.
XXXXVI, 8, 27 February 1924, Page 2
Obituary. William Harris, on 9 February, in Bridge St, aged in his 72nd year. Husband of Mary A. Harris.
[Details see previous issue.]
The Season. Recent rains have brought up many mushrooms in the district.
Entertainment. Burra Institute, Monday night - a variety show - Trained dogs, Freda Cuthbert as Salome, Dulcie Wynne the dancing juggler, etc.
Burra Town Council 18 February
There was disagreement re the council obligation to move the debris from the Redruth Sunday-school excavation. Cr Kellaway said there was no metal in it and therefore they were under no obligation to move it. The letter was then produced which showed the Council had agreed to take the stuff without specifying its quality and they were therefore obliged, under protest, to do so. Cr Riggs said they had bought a pig in a bag and would have to take the consequences.
There were complaints that street lights, both gas and electric were not being lit.
Some boys have been pulling up trees about 2 years old on the parklands. The boys and parents have been summoned to the next meeting of Council.
Letter from R.J. Fairchild condemning the new Width of Tyres Act which reduces the carrying capacity of vehicles from 9 cwt to 8 cwt, but since the same loads have to be transported will do nothing to help the state of the roads. It is merely an extra burden on the taxpayers - farmers and teamsters. The car tax should go to the local government to aid road construction and maintenance.
Salvation Army. The weather and the after effects of the Semaphore excursion made the effort on Monday as part of the 40th anniversary, less than satisfactory.
XXXXVI, 9, 5 March 1924, Page 3
Obituary. Mrs Robinson of Kooringa died on Sunday, aged 73. She was a daughter of the late Mrs R. Simpson. [Born Maria Ann Simpson: died 3 March 1924 aged 77.]
St Mary’s Harvest Thanksgiving was celebrated last Sunday.
Police. M-C Fox, for the last 18 months at Aberdeen, has been appointed to Bute and will be replaced by M-C Cadd from Edithburgh.
Obituary. T.W. Wilkinson died at his home, ‘Rockville’, Kooringa, on Thursday, aged 81. He was born at Kriederichtown, New Brunswick, [perhaps Fredericton?]on 23 Aug. 1842 and came to SA with his parents when aged 13. When the exodus to The Yorke Peninsula took place the family went to Kadina where they carried on a business as chemists. Mr Wilkinson then spent 4 years in Gawler, before returning to Burra in 1872 and buying C. Dyer’s dispensary in Kooringa. He carried on the business till 1911, when he retired and handed it over to his son, C.D. Wilkinson. For over 40 years he was treasurer of the Burra Institute and was Mayor in 1890.
He was a long time member of the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society and held many offices in the Wesleyan and then the Methodist Churches. He married Miss E. Merritt of Kooringa, who died last November 23rd. 11 children survive: -
Mesdames T.H. Bell (Adelaide), J. Griffith (Northcote, Victoria), G.G. Hawkes (Koonoona), Misses Annie & Helen (Kooringa) & Miss Vera, (Unley) and Messrs Frank (Perth WA), Charles D. (Kooringa), Roland (River Murray), Robert (Qld), Douglas (Mt Barker). And a number of grandchildren.
[Thomas Wesley Wilkinson died 28 February 1924 aged 82 at Kooringa.]
Marriage. 20 Feb. at Hallett. May, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs E. Statton & Mr H.C. Cornish of Lameroo.
Polo. At Leighton on Sat. Mid-north A, 5 defeated Clare A, 4
Clare B, 7 defeated Mid-north B, 5
Clare C, 8 defeated Mid-north C, 2
Letter. ‘A Guardian’ writes complaining of the lack of a schoolhouse at Booborowie and of an inadequate school with 64 children in a space for 60.
Salvation Army Thanksgiving Services last Sunday and Monday.
Cricket. Saturday 23 Feb. & 1 Mar. at Hallett.
Kooringa 270 defeated Hallett 156 & 95 for 2. (A win on the first innings)
Tennis. 23 Feb. Copperhouse 7 sets 64 games defeated Aberdeen 5 sets 60 games.
1 Mar. Clare 2 rubbers 10 sets 90 games defeated Aberdeen 2 rubbers 7 sets 89 games
Copperhouse 10 sets 81 games defeated Farrell’s Flat 6 sets 66 games.
XXXXVI, 9, 5 March 1924, Page 4
Rifle Club. A working bee has installed a telephone beside each range and the shelter-shed has been moved.
XXXXVI, 10, 12 March 1924, Page 2
Advt. The opening of the Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd.
Directors: - J.H. Gallagher, E.W. Crewes, James Reed, Maurice Collins, and W.H. Sandland.
J.H. Gallagher will switch on the current at the powerhouse on Thursday 27 March.
Holiday. This afternoon Mrs Walter Lee and Masters Bobbie & Walter Lee with Miss Lil Riggs leave for a trip to England.
XXXXVI, 10, 12 March 1924, Page 3
Burra Town Council
At the last meeting 6 small boys and 3 fathers attended. 5 or 6 two-year-old pines had been uprooted. The boys’ statements were so contradictory that the truth remained obscure and it ended with a lecture from then Town Clerk who emphasized that a conviction would result in a fine of up to £10.
Richard Bruce of Kooringa turned 82 on Sunday 9 March. He was born in Northampton, England in 1843. In 1847 his father came to Tasmania as a sergeant with the guard of a load of convicts. When his term of service expired he came to Adelaide and Richard went to school with the late B. Rounsevell and was later employed by the Copper Co. in charge of the mules carting copper and was also a teamster for Wallaroo & Moonta Copper Co. He was later a teamster for the Booborowie Run for 7 years before settling at Flagstaff and then World’s End, until he retired in 1923. His 1st wife died in 1875, his 2nd in 1879 and a year later he married Miss Hannah Prior of World’s End. There are 4 sons, 5 daughters, 31 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Baldina School. We understand that on Monday next a school will be opened at the premises of Mr H. Mann, known as Honeychurch’s, to provide a school for the Baldina District.
Bowls. On Sat. Burra 92 defeated Clare 59
Tennis. Sat. at Copperhouse. Hallett 15 sets 102 games defeated Copperhouse 4 sets 61 games.
Football. The Aberdeen Football Club met Thursday. The previous season was the worst in its history. It had lost the services through departure of Norman Fuss, Sid Ween, Bill Hanson, Don Fuss, Eddie Cox, Scobie Jones & Vic. Pearce. The financial position is satisfactory. The Association has debited the club with 19/10, but as 15/- was for programs which were never received the club accepts a debt for 4/10 only. Elections: Patron, James Reed; President, J.H. Gallagher; Captain, Bert Jones; Vice-Captain, F. Bernhardt.
School Sports. The interschool sports day with Clare is reported in c.1⁄2 column.
Rifle Club. Sat saw A.P. Harris, 81; lead W. Nankivell, 71 (over the 900 & 800 yards ranges)
XXXXVI, 11, 19 March 1924, Page 2
Election. Campaigning is underway for the state election.
Advt. At the Institute 20 Mar. Jack Souter presents your favourite company - Scarlet Dandies. [A variety show]
XXXXVI, 11, 19 March 1924, Page 3
Baldina School was opened Monday 17 March with Miss Marjorie Ford as teacher.
Details exceed 1⁄2 column.
Burra Town Council report is concerned mainly with tarring footpaths and minor roadworks.
XXXXVI, 11, 19 March 1924, Supplement
(Almost full page size) comprises Country & Liberal Party campaign information.
XXXXVI, 12, 26 March 1924, Page 2
Advt. Booborowie Athletic Sports, 23 April, in aid of the Memorial Institute.
Advt. Dance at Booborowie Institute, Tuesday night 1 April.
XXXXVI, 12, 26 March 1924, Page 3
Obituary. Thomas Henry Woollacott on 23 March aged 69, husband of C. Woollacott.
[Details next issue.]
Obituary. Doris E. Jefferies, 25 March at Kooringa, aged 19, daughter of A.A. & M.A. Jefferies of Mt Bryan. [Doris Elizabeth Jefferies born 8 November 1904 at Medindie.]
Obituary. Henry McNamara of Hanson at the Burra Hospital last Monday, on his 31st birthday.
[Born 24 March 1886 at Macclesfield: died 24 March 1924 aged 38 at Kooringa, residence Hanson.]
Accident. George Parker of Leighton had an accident with a chaff-cutter on Thursday in which he lost his left hand and badly bruised the rest of his arm.
Entertainment. The Scarlet Dandies are favourably reviewed.
Radio. Radio broadcasting has begun in NSW & Victoria and in SA test programs have been made and regular service is expected to begin shortly. The Burra Motor Co. has a receiver and for some time has been receiving music etc. The signal from the experimental amateur station 5 BQ has been received quite well. 5BQ operates at only 10 watts while the professional station will be at 10,000 watts. The Burra Motor Co. is a licensed radio dealer.
Marriage. At Gartrell Memorial Church, Rose Park, Mr T.V. Baynes of Terowie & Miss Dorothy Steele, daughter of Mr & Mrs R.H. Steele of Rose Park & late of Kooringa.
Rifle Club. Match at Morgan. Burra 608 defeated Morgan 501
In the local 800 & 900 yard series F.W. Lawn 81 from G. Woodman 79.
Tennis. Saturday 15 March, at Ironmine, Copperhouse 9 sets 81 games defeated Ironmine 8 sets 79 games.
Bowls. At Burra last Saturday Burra 124 defeated Kapunda 78.
XXXXVI, 12, 26 March 1924, Page 4
Football. Kooringa Football Club AGM. Elections: Chairman, Dan Dullen; Patron, J. Barker; President, S.M. Lane; Practice Captain, L. Carthew; Practice Vice-Captain, J. Allen jun. (permanent positions to be determined later.)
XXXXVI, 13, 2 April 1924, Page 3
Birth. To Mr & Mrs S.M. Penny of Gum Creek, on 13 March at Sister Villis’ Nursing Home, Kooringa, a daughter. [Verna Dorothy]
Obituary. Winifred Cecilia Duggan, aged 6 years 101⁄2 months, at Hallett; the youngest daughter of Caroline and the late James Duggan. [Born 5 May 1917 at Hallett: died 29 March 1924 at Hallett.]
Obituary. Mrs John O’Leary nee Miss Milligan, on Sunday last, aged 74, leaving a husband, but no children. Two orphan nieces, Misses Rene & E. Milligan, have resided with their aunt.
[Catherine O’Leary died at Kooringa 30 March 1924 aged 74.]
Obituary. Thomas Henry Woollacott, on 23 March, born in Burra on 9 February 1855 & 2nd son of W. & Mary Woollacott of Redruth. On leaving school he was associated with his father and eldest brother in transporting from Adelaide for the mine. One of the largest boilers they brought up was drawn by about 50 bullocks. A long time member and trustee of the Aberdeen IOOF Lodge and steward of Redruth Methodist Church. In 1878 he married Miss C. Young, daughter of the late Thomas Young of Aberdeen. His son Robert was killed on active service. Survived by his wife and 8 of 13 children: - Sons W.J., T.H., & S.J. of Aberdeen, Rev. E.H. of Orroroo, A.C. & J.Y. of Unley, R.C. of Melbourne and Miss Bessie who resides at home.
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Ford died last Thursday, aged 69, eldest daughter of the late Mrs Charlotte Theeuff of Kooringa. Prominent Red Cross and Cheer-up worker. Her husband and only son predeceased her. She leaves a daughter, Mrs W.H. Tiver of Burra and 2 grandsons. [Born Sarah Ann Theeuff 28 August 1855 at Mt Charles: died 25 March 1924 at Kooringa aged 68.]
Foxes. Bait has been laid on Koonoona on account of foxes taking lambs in large numbers. They have also been bad at Leighton and on Cappeedee Station, Hallett.
Porter’s Lagoon will be stocked with 20,000 mullet if the experimental introduction being carried out by Mr Bruce of the Fisheries Dept. is successful. (About 11⁄2” long)
Cricket. At Riverton Burra High School and Riverton High School tied on 70 runs each.
Tennis. Booborowie 11 sets, 89 games defeated Ironmine 6 sets, 64 games.
Burra Cycle Club met on 8 March. The star performers were H. Kuchenmeister and Bert Wise. On 22 March H. Kuchenmeister, C. Garrard, L. Taylor & Bert Wise all showed well.
Rifle Club. The half yearly prize meeting of the Northern District on 29 March saw Wasleys 128 defeat Burra No.2 127.
Letter. Maurice Collins writes to complain that a circular put out by the Liberals says he would prefer to see Labour win rather than the Liberal government returned. In a heated exchange with Maurice Radford recently what he said was ‘I would certainly prefer to see the Labour Party returned to power than the present government, if there were many men like you in it.’ The context makes his position clear and the circular, by misleading the people has been put about ‘no doubt at the instigation of its worthy President, Mr Radford.’ [Collins was a candidate for the Country Party.]
XXXXVI, 13, 2 April 1924, Supplement
(Full page, both sides) Contains 1⁄2 page of Country Party election material.
Opening of Burra Electric Supply Co.
It is 11 years since a lighting scheme was first mooted by Mr Crewes. He has since submitted one scheme after another to Council and all were turned down. He then got Council permission for a private company and to the surprise of many it has proved successful.
For many years acetylene gas lamps have been sparsely spread around town and their intermittent lights gave as much annoyance as they did help. The interest in the new plant was widespread and a continuous stream of people visited it when it was opened on Friday night. The company has the most up-to-date country plant in Australia. By 7.30 a huge crowd had collected outside to see Mr J.H. Gallagher perform the opening with Mr E.W. Crewes, Chairman of Directors and Messrs J. Reed, W.H. Sandland, directors, with the Mayor, Maurice Collins and the Mayoress and Mrs W.H. Sandland. Mr Crewes called it a red-letter day for Burra and visitors would no longer pass remarks on the poorly lighted town. Proceedings then adjourned to the Institute. Kooringa appeared a mass of twinkling lights and the Institute itself was ablaze of tiny red white and blue lights twinkling from all parts.
The specially lit hall was the scene for light refreshments catered for by J. Allen. A speech then followed from Mr Gallagher who introduced the Mayor, Mr Collins, who outlined how Mr Crewes had tried to benefit ratepayers and had five or six schemes rejected. He felt it a pity that the profits now would go to a few shareholders, rather than to the ratepayers.
Then followed a duet by Messrs Glenister and Dollman. [And further items were interspersed between the other speeches] Mr Woolcott of the Southern Electric Power Co., contractors for the plant, then spoke about the All-British-made plant. It was of 200 volts as in Adelaide and the population would be able to have the same sort of household helps as in the city, as well as electric light. Mr Murray, also for the contractors, spoke praising Mr Marr, the consulting engineer. They had a 60 and 30 horsepower engine which could be run together as 90 horsepower. Cheap European machinery, for half the price could have been obtained, but they had decided to stick with British manufacture. The engines worked on crude oil (from which kerosene had been extracted) - a very cheap product. The plant was far in excess of demand, but experience showed that consumption increased enormously over time. It was capable of generating 60,000 candlepower and was manufactures by Vickers-Peters at Ipswich - the largest manufacturers of crude oil engines. Similar engines were used at Crystal Brook and Snowtown. Dr Steele spoke in congratulating the Co. (though not as a shareholder). Considering the adverse financial reports of other schemes in SA the promoters were clearly actuated by a desire to benefit the town, rather than the hope for business profits.
Cr Riggs also spoke, saying how good it would be for the Council which had experienced difficulty in getting a lamplighter and thought the site chosen, midway between the two ends of town was a wise choice. Edgar Pearce spoke as contractor for the carpentering work - he had never believed that Council could run such a scheme as well as private enterprise.
Mr Crewes spoke in warm appreciation of Mr Gallagher’s input and great enthusiasm. He regretted the absence of Mr Dane, the secretary of the company, especially because of the cause of it. [Mr Dane’s broken leg as earlier reported.] When Mr McLaren was Mayor there had been a proposal that would have lit the south end of town only. He had opposed that and was glad as they would not now have this scheme had the earlier one gone ahead. When he proposed the present scheme as a municipal enterprise he was very disappointed that it was rejected practically without consideration or comment. It was then that the company was formed and much hard work followed to get the scheme established.
All hoped there would be a profit, but in view of other experiences in SA the main motive had to be the benefit of the town. They were prepared to take applications for from 5 shares upwards and hoped all would remain in the town so that control would always be local. There were 1,000 shares. So far they had connected about 100 houses with about the same number awaiting connection.
The Burra Hospital
On Friday a representative gathering saw the unveiling of the foundation stone of the maternity wing by the Chief Secretary, the Hon. Thomas Pascoe. The main cost of the building is being borne by Mrs W.P. Barker & Mr J. Melrose. As Chairman of the Board W.G. Hawkes met the official visitors: Hon. G.F. Jenkins, Minister of Public Works; S.W. Dickson MP; the Mayor, Mr Collins; Dr E.W. Morris, Inspector-General of Hospitals.
Mr Pascoe said 70 years ago his late father had worked in the Burra Mine and his grandparents had died in Burra. There were then a series of speeches and Mr Melrose responded on behalf of himself and Mrs Barker, who was away in Melbourne. The cost of the new wing would be c. £2,000. He then addressed the problem of furnishing the building and produced a letter: -
Princess Royal
Kooringa
To J. Melrose Esq.
Dear Sir,
I will be responsible for the furnishing of the Maternity Wing of the Burra Hospital, to the extent of £700.
Yours faithfully,
John Tennant.
Burra Agricultural Society (Show Society)
President’s Report
During the year the society lost its patron, Hon. John Lewis, who died. He had been associated with the show since its inception 50 years ago.
The dog trials were a success and the annual show on 24 October was the best shoe ever held. The Governor and his party attended and the gate takings were bigger than ever. The rain late in the day was a shame and the committee must consider if a two day show would reduce this risk of bad weather. The financial position is sound.
The New Showground. For years I have advocated a home of our own. The continual work of preparing and dismantling takes about a month and the expense is a dead loss. Messrs Bartholomæus & Warnes offered the society 20 acres free of cost and the committee recommended the acceptance of the same and a special meeting of the society has agreed. Mr John Melrose volunteered to move out things from the old site and this is being done. Much work is being done at the new ground. The ring will not be as good as the old one, but the rest of the ground will be much better. The new site is near town and the railway line where we hope to have a siding to get machinery onto the ground. I promised £300 or a portion of that £ for £ for subscriptions by members of the public and this is coming in.
Isaac Warnes
President.
XXXXVI, 14, 9 April 1924, Page 2
Advt. The Scarlet Dandies return on 9 April at the Institute - Burra Cup Night.
XXXXVI, 14, 9 April 1924, Page 3
Advt. The Unley Salvation Army Band will be in Burra for Easter and will play Kooringa, Good Friday 2.30 p.m.,
Sunday Kooringa, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m., 8.15 p.m., Market Square;
Sunday Aberdeen 3 p.m. (Best Place)
Advt. Redruth Methodist Sunday-school foundation stone will be laid Sat. 12 April, 3 p.m. with tea at Jubilee Hall.
Advt. Annual Tennis Club Ball at Leighton, Wed. 16 April.
Good floor, Superb Music, MOONLIGHT.
Badge Day in aid of the tubercular Soldiers’ aid Society raised £38 last Friday.
Show Society. The AGM is reported [mostly echoing what was in the recent President’s Report.] Mr Bartholomæus was elected patron. At the new showgrounds the yards were up and looking very satisfactory and the next move would be to get the ground levelled. [i.e. for the ring.]
Redruth Methodist Church farewelled Rev. E.M. Ingamells at Jubilee Hall on Wed. on the eve of his removal to Port Lincoln. Many people spoke [including R. Fuss, on behalf of the choir and Captain Keast for the Salvation Army]. Mrs Ingamells was presented with a handsome handbag and Rev. Ingamells with a roll of 40 £1 notes. Rev. H. Alvey will succeed him.
Tennis. At Aberdeen 4 April, Aberdeen 6 sets 71 games: World’s End 4 sets 71 games.
At Copperhouse 29 March Aberdeen 2 rubbers 9 sets 68 games defeated Copperhouse 1 rubber 4 sets 61 games.
Marriage. 5 April at Redruth Methodist Church, H. Elliott Pearce, 2nd son of Mr & Mrs Fred Pearce of Aberdeen & Clara, M., only daughter of Mr & Mrs R. Reed jun. of ‘Kookaburra’, Redruth.
Cricket. The premiership game at Victoria Park is to be continued. Presently: Kooringa 116 and Mount Bryan 71 for 3.
Bowls. The club champion was decided on Saturday. Chambers 25 from Sandland 15.
Football. The Burra Football Association met on 2 April to arrange the year’s program.
Ironmine Methodist Church Anniversary Services 23 & 24 March
XXXXVI, 15, 16 April 1924, Page 2
Mt Bryan Fallen soldiers Memorial Scheme.
The balance sheet for 1922-23 shows they had raised £1,483-12-1.
Advt. At Leighton Hall on 30 April the Leighton school children will present an operetta ‘Cinderella’ with a dance to follow.
XXXXVI, 15, 16 April 1924, Page 3
Advt. The Salvation Army Band will visit Burra for Easter with appearances also at Mt Bryan, Booborowie and Hallett.
Advt. There will be an Anzac Memorial Service at the Soldiers’ Memorial in Market Square on 27 April at 3 p.m.
Advt. Returned Soldiers’ Assoc. Fancy Dress Ball Burra Institute, Wed. 14 April.
Advt. Show Society Sheep Dog Trials on the new showground, Aberdeen, Friday & Saturday 25 & 26 April.
Advt. Burra Golf Club meeting at Institute 22 April, 8 p.m.
WCTU meeting Wednesday 2 April
Accident. Stanley Field had his arm badly torn in the cogs of a chaff-cutter when his shirt was caught on Friday. It is hoped to save the arm.
Redruth Methodist Sunday-school.
The stone laying was performed on Saturday last by the Rev. E.M. Ingamells. A storm threatened, but held off for the open-air service. The site was gaily decorated with bunting and a gallery erected for the scholars and officers. Tot Bentley presided at the piano. The history of the church was well represented by the presence of Mr Richard Reed Sen. and Mesdames James Tiver & Chant, each of whom are close to their 90th birthday. The Sunday-school superintendent, Mr E.W. Dunhill presided. Mr James Reed presented the trowel to Rev. Ingamells. Coins and copies of local and Adelaide papers were placed under the stone.
There followed a brief history of Methodism in Redruth.
The 1st chapel was built in 1855 and Mr Richard Reed, present today had helped to mix the mortar for the plaster and had donated £100 for the present project.
In 1856 Ben Preece started the first Sunday-school in a stable at the rear of what is now Mr Austin’s shop - it was lined with bags and whitewashed. Miss E. Preece, his daughter, was present today.
The present church was built in 1874 and the foundation stone was laid exactly 50 years ago today.
Seven years ago the church had £60 in hand for a Sunday-school, and then just before Rev. Ingamells was appointed to the circuit in 1920, Mr James Reed promised £1 for every £1 raised, up to £1,000. Mr Reed also offered £350 towards buying the land next to the church if they could get it. Mr Thomas let them have the property, with four roads around the block, for £600. At present they had £2,500 in hand and hoped to open the school with either no debt or a very small one.
A tea-meeting followed in Jubilee Hall at which £14 was taken at the tables. The day in all raised about £80. Special donations: -
W.H. Tiver £10-10-0
T.H. Preece £5- 5-0
D. Preece £3- 0-0
R. Fuss £3- 0-0
Mavis Tiver £3- 0-0
Joan van Senden £1- 1-0
Clarrie Fuss £1- 0-0
Edward Fuss*[sic] £1- 0-0
A. Dreschler £1- 0-0
Madge Tiver £1- 0-0
Mrs James Tiver 10-0
[*Actually Edmund (Ted) Fuss]
Burra Town Council 7 April
A move to increased the rate of pay for casual labourers from 13/3 to 14/- a day was defeated.
The Town Clerk reported lighting rate returned £270 and the cost of the present 50cp lights was £240. Four or five more lights remained to be installed and the Council is to have the light at Market Square and the Exchange Hotel burning all night. A decision on increasing the lights to 100cp was deferred. A number of lights will be swung in the middle of roads to avoid being obscured by trees.
50 odd blocks of land in the town have unknown owners.
Council has been asked to partition off one end of the Victoria Park shed as a dressing-room, but Councillors were divided on spending Council money on further facilities. Cr Riggs moved that not >£5 be so spent and this was carried.
Cr Hammond moved that the street between Mr Allen’s and the Catholic Church be formed. Carried.
Proprietors of the private telephone line are to be asked to straighten their poles. [i.e. the telephone line to the eastern plains.]
XXXXVI, 15, 16 April 1924, Supplement [1 side approx. A3 size]
Rifle Club. 21st rifle match of the season on 19 April saw win to A.P. Harris 76 from H.A. Stoir 70.
For the season so far leaders are A.L. Kellock 26, T. Rosewall 26, and F.W. Lown 25.
XXXXVI, 16, 23 April 1924, Page 2
Obituary. Ernest Walter Frederick Kakoschke aged 34, on 15 April at Aberdeen. Husband of Rose Kakoschke. He was born in the Hundred of Lindley in 1890, the son of Mr & Mrs J.F. Kakoschke, and educated there before going to Lameroo and coming to Aberdeen 12 years ago. Rheumatic fever led to a heart condition. He leaves a wife and four children. Pastor Imrie of Adelaide conducted the funeral service. [Seventh Day Adventist.] [Born Ernst Walter Frederich Kakoschke 10 August 1890 Hd Lindley near Morgan: died aged 33.]
Red Cross has sent an Easter hamper to the Consumptive Home on North Terrace, comprising 2 hams, 3 turkeys, 4 fowls, 2 ducks, 5 plum puddings, pound cakes, almonds, raisins, preserved ginger, cocoa, sauces, pickles, 10lb butter, a case of apples, and a round of corned beef.
Accident. Ken James was shot in the thigh in an accident at Balah Station on Monday. He is progressing favourably.
Obituary. James Pearce, aged 60, son of the late W.H. Pearce of Ironmine and nephew of John Pearce, former proprietor of the Burra Hotel, died at the Burra Hospital on Tuesday. He had been a policeman until retiring recently to Burra from his last appointment at Bordertown. He married Jane Gillett of Gum Creek and leaves a wife and only daughter, Marjorie Pearce. [Died 21 April 1924 aged 60 at Kooringa, residence Bordertown. Birth not traced in registrations.]
XXXXVI, 16, 23 April 1924, Page 3
Unley Salvation Army Band visited for Easter and receives c.1⁄2 column report.
Chin Young is growing fine tomatoes.
Rifle Club. Match on Saturday saw G. Woodman 104, Capt. Riggs 97, F.W. Lown 96 & J.E. Pearce 96.
Football. 5 April. Aberdeen 6.7 (43) defeated Terowie 4.10 (34) at Terowie.
Bowls. 5 April at Kapunda Burra was 3 up on aggregate on the 11th end when rain stopped play.
Cricket. Conclusion of the premiership match on 12 April.
Mount Bryan 156 defeated Kooringa 116 & 39 (155) by an innings.
Marriage. At Mt Bryan on 12 April, Ivy M. Wardle, 3rd daughter of the late R. Wardle & Mrs Wardle of ‘Warrilda’ & Lewis Wesley Gare, eldest son of Mr & Mrs C. Wesley Gare of ‘Rocky Glen’.
XXXXVI, 17, 30 April 1924, Page 2
Western’s Flat School near Morgan. Miss Ella Nickles of Copperhouse, a recent monitor at the Burra School has been appointed teacher in charge of this newly opened school.
William Charles Rodney Woollacott, 7th son of Mrs & the late T.H. Woollacott has been admitted to the degrees of B.A. & M.A. of Melbourne University on 12 April and has been appointed principal of North Essendon Presbyterian College.
XXXXVI, 17, 30 April 1924, Page 3
Marriage at Ketchowla, 22 April, on the side verandah of the homestead. Roy F. Bayes of Pandappa Station, elder son of T. Bayes of Terowie & Edith Dearlove, youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Dearlove of Ketchowla.
Marriage at St Mary’s, 21 April, Stephen King, son of Mr & Mrs S. R. King* of Manoora & Gladys Robertson, 7th daughter of Mr & Mrs T.F. Robertson of Aberdeen.
*Corrected issue of 7 May to Mr & Mrs J.H. King of Mintaro.
Show Society. The sheep dog trials were held last Friday & Saturday at the new showgrounds. The sheep were lent by W. Cock and were very wild and touchy, providing a great challenge. The report extends for 3⁄4 column.
A smoke social followed in the luncheon hall at the new showgrounds with almost 100 guests present. Catering by W. Carpenter. The toasts and speeches take a further 21⁄2 columns. Mr Warnes spoke justifying the move to the new grounds and stating among other things that the contract to floor the building they were in had been let and a ring the size of the Victoria Park oval had been pegged out and work on it was about to begin. He spoke of Mr A.J. McBride’s development of Braemar, Teetulpa, Faraway Hill, Yardea, Wooltana & now Wilgena.
Anzac Day holiday was on Friday 25 April, but the service was not held till Sunday 27th in Market Square.
Burra Cycle Club. Races were held on Anzac Day. Winners were L. Phillips, C. Forster, and C. Garrard.
Letter. Thomas Pearce & Sons write complaining of kangarooing parties driving cars recklessly through lambing ewes on their Grassville property recently.
Burra Town Council 23 April.
I.J. Warnes has written to say that the one pole of the Eastern Telephone Syndicate that was out of plumb has been straightened.
Cr Kellaway said £5 would be of no use in getting the Victoria Park shed partitioned, but the footballers would do the work if materials were supplied. Agreed to.
New lights in the centre of the road are to be installed at: -
Aberdeen, near the new Sunday-school [Actually in Redruth]
Redruth, near Mr Bentley’s house. [Sancreed St]
Redruth, near Lowe’s bakery.
East Ward, opposite A. Gebhardt’s in Thames St.
near the Black Bridge
near A. Walkers
West Ward, between St Mary’s and the Mine Bridge
near J. Drew’s house
at Lane’s Garden
the lamp on the bridge is to be shifted to Ware St [Commercial St Bridge?]
XXXXVI, 18, 5 May 1924, Page 2
Accidents. Mr Stan Field is recovering from his accident and so is Mr G.E. Dane.
Clem C. Hooper on the staff of Elder Smith has been moved to Pt Augusta and W. Symons of Jamestown comes here.
Show society. The new showgrounds are being levelled.
XXXXVI, 18, 5 May 1924, Page 3
Football. Saturday, Victoria Park, South Booborowie 12.10 (82) defeated Kooringa 8.7 (55)
Burra School. Wednesday 23 April, the new Domestic Economy School was opened at Burra High School with Miss Forss in charge and prizes and certificates from the University exams were distributed. Mt Carthew, headmaster, reported. 1923 opened with 38 students and a staff of 3. (Miss Mawby, Miss Davis and the Principal) Miss Mawby subsequently went to Adelaide due to the low student numbers. Elsie Tiver and Dora Rosewall gained Leaving Certificates and Intermediate Certificates went to Cliff Pearce, 8/6 subjects [sic!]; Mary Morrison, 7/7; & Madge Tiver, 7/7. [Note that later in the report, when certificates were handed out, it is said they went to Dora Rosewall, Mary Morrison, Rita Tiver & Cliff Pearce.]
Mr Foote presented the school, via Mr Radford, items for their museum: a WWI gas helmet, a German gas mask, and three paper nightshirts from a German hospital.
Rifle Club. 3 May, R. Nutt 104, A.L. Kellock 98 & A.B. Riggs, 98.
Marriage. St Joseph’s 23 April, Miss E.K. (Nell) Henderson, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs James Henderson of Kooringa & Mr C.J. (Jack) Lloyd, son of Mr & Mrs W. Lloyd of Cheltenham.
Marriage. Booborowie Methodist Church, 24 April, Francis D. Willmot, 5th daughter of Mr & Mrs G. Willmott of Booborowie & James H. Franklin, youngest son of Mr & Mrs W.H. Franklin of Cowell.
‘Cinderella’ The production by the school children at Leighton Hall on 30 April was very successful. The chief characters were: -
Jean McWaters Fairy Queen
Mavis Fairchild Baron
Joyce Fairchild Ugly Sister
Malcolm Fairchild Prince.
Over £10 was raised for the school fund
Booborowie P.O. has at last been moved from a mile out of town to a position next to Bacon’s store. It was opened 2 May with Mr S. Ringberg as Post Master. A new 50 line switchboard has been installed. The P.O. was previously at the premises of the late Mr Edward Wall and was taken over by Mr R. Morris, his son-in-law, c.10 years ago. T. Woollacott of Aberdeen built the new P.O.
XXXXVI, 19, 14 May 1924, Page 2
Notice of the dissolution of the partnership of Oates Bros of Poonunda Station: Percival Victor Morris Oates & Oscar John Oates, from 1 May 1924. Percival Victor Morris Oates will carry on the business in his own name.
Dances. Subscription dance at Leighton Hall 20 May.
At Burra Institute 28 May in aid of St Joseph’s.
Series of dances at the Burra New Showgrounds, in the new hall, from 28 May.
Advt. The Bowling & Croquet Club Gymkhana 7 Bowling competition will be held 17 May.
XXXXVI, 19, 14 May 1924, Page 3
Football, Saturday at Aberdeen, Kooringa 3.14 (32) defeated Aberdeen 4.7 (31).
Redruth Court 12 May
Exceeding the speed limit of 20 m.p.h. on the Kooringa-Aberdeen road.
S.H. Robinson (29 m.p.h.) £1-7-6 + 12/6
L. Dixon (30 m.p.h.) £1-7-6 + 12/6 (motor cycle)
A.T. Pearce (30 m.p.h.) £1-7-6 + 12/6 (motor cycle)
D.J. McWaters (25 m.p.h.) 10/- + 12/6
M.E. Field 12/6 + 10/-
T. Seal £1-0-0 + 12/6
Claude Attrill was charged with betting on the premises of the Burra Hotel on 10 May. The case was dismissed. M-C Johns asked for a stay of proceedings for 1 month which was granted.
Marriage at World’s End Methodist Church 30 April, F.W. Neindorf, 2nd son of Mr & Mrs William Neindorf of Kapunda & Hilda C. Phillips, 3rd daughter of Mrs and the late Mr Robert Phillips of World’s End Creek.
School Sports. Last Saturday
Basketball (Netball) Clare H.S. defeated Burra H.S. 6
Football Burra H.S. 8.6 (54) defeated Clare H.S. 0.10 (10)
Burra Town Council 5 May
Over 1 column of report, but the main thrust was that works approved were not being done in the order in which they were approved and some approved over a year earlier had still not been done.
Cr Kellaway moved that any of the old acetylene lamps worth keeping be stored in the depot house and the others taken to the dump.
Employee’s wages were increased by 5d a day in line with a basic wage increase.
XXXXVI, 19, 14 May 1924, Page 4
Tennis. Tournament at Copperhouse 18 & 21 April
Ladies’ doubles Miss E. Prior & Miss Voumard
Ladies’ singles Mrs W. Hopkins
Men’s doubles F. Scholz & J. Williams
Men’s singles H. Lomman
XXXXVI, 20, 21 May 1924, Page 2
Dance. The Show Society dances will begin 26 May instead of 28 May, to avoid clashing with the St Joseph’s Ball.
The Leighton dance advertised for the 20 May has been postponed to the 24 on account of rain.
XXXXVI, 20, 21 May 1924, Page 3
Show Society. Committee meeting 9 May. The ring has been marked out and will be 12 yards over Victoria Park in circumference. [In the next issue this was corrected to Jubilee Oval, Adelaide] The contract to floor the luncheon pavilion has been let for £107 and it has now been laid. N.H. Pearce has bought the trough and windmill for £25 and filled in the well. A local syndicate has agreed to erect 37 chains of 6’ iron fencing for the advertising rights for 10 years - to be completed by 1 August. This has saved the cost of c. £500.
The next show day will see a special train from Terowie and one from Adelaide - at least the latter if the railways agree to a siding at the showgrounds.
A room for exhibits will be erected 70’ x 24’.
Mr Chambers offered to see a wire fence erected at the back of the grounds.
It was resolved to incorporate the society as the Burra Burra Show society, dropping the old title of Burra and North Eastern Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Society. Mr McBride’s men are at work levelling the ring.
Football. Victoria Park last Saturday, Kooringa 6.9 (45) defeated North Booborowie 5.7 (37)
At South Booborowie, south Booborowie 16.13 (109) defeated Aberdeen 3.5 (37).
Bowls & Croquet. Season closed. It had been very successful with membership up. The results are reported in c.3⁄4 column.
Rifle Club. Season closed 17 May. Top scores for the season were T. Rosewall 31, A.L. Kellock 30 and F.W. Lown 29.
XXXXVI, 20, 21 May 1924, Page 4
Dance. About 200 dancers made the Returned Soldiers’ Masquerade Ball last Wednesday a great success. Details occupy about 3⁄4 column.
XXXXVI, 21, 28 May 1924, Page 2
Advt. There will be a tractor scoop demonstration at the Burra Showgrounds next Saturday afternoon.
Golf. The links are in good condition, greens and fairways have been cleared and new members will be welcomed. Membership fees are extremely moderate.
XXXXVI, 21, 28 May 1924, Page 3
M. Hugh & A. Hawke, two MPs for the Burra District have visited the town to consider the maintenance of main road within the Corporation and have placed a request for assistance before the Minister.
Railways. J.T. Firth, for 12 years foreman at the Burra railway station, has been moved to Gawler. He was farewelled on the 20 May when Mr Mulconroy spoke for the locomotive department, Mr Landorf for the gangers, Mr Hedley Pearce for the different gangs, Mr T. Keys as the oldest railway man in Burra. He was presented with a leather suitcase and a suede handbag for his wife.
Obituary. Arthur Rush of Mt Bryan died at the Burra Hospital on Saturday aged 52, after two strokes.
[Arthur William Rush born 14 July 1871 at Springton: died 24 May 1924 at Kooringa, residence Mt Bryan.]
Dance. The show Society’s dance on Monday was very well attended.
Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Soc. sends thanks to Burra for the £38 raised recently by the sale of badges.
Football. At South Booborowie last Saturday South Booborowie 11.12 (78) defeated Kooringa 12.3 (75).
At Aberdeen North Booborowie 9.11 (65) defeated Aberdeen 1.10 (16)
Rifle Club. AGM is reported in11⁄2 columns and is the 17th Annual Report. Cash balance in hand £18-3-11 and the targets and telephone are in good order. Membership is 33, the highest since 1915. This year the shed has been shifted to rear of the 700 yard mound and the telephone extended to the shed. The club challenged this year for the best country club in SA to be decided on a neutral range. 20 clubs responded and the contest was at Pt Adelaide. It saw Burra victorious by 36 points. Prizes were presented by the Mayor, M. Collins. Supper was in J. Allen’s rooms.
XXXXVI, 21, 28 May 1924, Page 4
Burra Town Council 19 May
Consent for J. Allen to erect a wood & iron building between his place and Dr Steele’s was deferred pending submission of proper plans. Permission for a wood & iron building at the showgrounds was granted.
XXXXVI, 22, 4 June 1924, Page 2
Advt. Burra Institute offers for sale the Delco lighting plant, complete as a working concern. Tenders by 10 June.
XXXXVI, 22, 4 June 1924, Page 3
Advt. Redruth Methodist Church Anniversary, 8 June, Rev. H. Alvey to preach.
Tea meeting, Monday. Tea 1/-.
Obituary. On 26 May at Lyndhurst, Chain of Ponds, Jinnie Newman, wife of G.V. Newman. Born at Ware St, Burra, 13 June 1866, 2nd daughter of the late Mr & Mrs T.W. Pearce and sister of S. & R. Pearce of Ware St and E.A. Pearce of Lily St, Prospect. Leaving a husband, 5 sons, 4 daughters and 4 grandchildren. [Born Jane Pearce 13 June 1866 at Kooringa: died 27 May 1924 at Chain of Ponds.]
Obituary. Lucy Chant aged 88 died on 30 May, at Redruth.
She was born at Stokes, Somerset shire, England on 13 March 1836 and came to Australia in April 1955 [sic] [presume 1855?]. On her marriage to Thomas Chant they lived in Salisbury and then Auburn, before moving to Redruth. A member of Redruth Methodist Church for 63 years and one of the first Sunday-school teachers, she attended the recent stone laying for the new Sunday-school. She has of late lived with Mrs S.J. Tralaggan and was ill only a few days.
Obituary. 28 May at Mt Bryan, Lilian May, 2nd daughter of Mr & Mrs T.F. Robertson of Burra, aged 40.
[Born Lillian May Robertson 1 June 1884 at Redruth: died Lillian May Bishop, wife of Walter Bertram Bishop, 28 May 1924 at Mt Bryan.]
Dance. The dance at Leighton Hall Saturday week last was very enjoyable and was in aid of the Church of England rector’s motor fund. A second dance is planned for 14 June.
Football, last Saturday, Kooringa 7.11 (53) defeated Aberdeen 3.4 (22).
Accident. Mr Ray Jones, chemist’s assistant at T.W. Wilkinson’s was badly hurt in a motorcycle accident on Saturday at the railway bridge near Drew & Crewe’s stores. He received severe bruising, extensive facial lacerations, required seven stitches in his tongue, and a dislocated ankle and thumb.
Ball. The Catholic Ball was a great success and is reported in c.1⁄2 column.
Rifle Club practice match on 31 May, H. Warnes 104 from H. Woodman 97.
Letter. A complaint concerning the Mt Bryan East road which is said to be well nigh impassable for cars. The condition is exacerbated by loads of unspread sand and gravel dropped by the council in the middle of it, forcing vehicles into the lakes of water or deep mud on either side.
XXXXVI, 23, 11 June 1924, Page 2
Obituary. Matilda C. Evans (Tillie), wife of G.R. Evans of Kooringa, late of Oodlawirra, on 5 June. [Page 3 adds she leaves a husband, 4 daughters & 1 son: - the Misses Edith, Vera, Ruby & Pearl, the youngest 13 & Mr Herbert Evans.] [Born Matilda Caroline Shipway: died 6 June 1924 at Kooringa aged 41.]
XXXXVI, 23, 11 June 1924, Page 3
Burra Hospital. The X-Ray machine was mainly funded by Mr I.J. Warnes and now it requires a further expenditure of over £200 as the hospital has now been connected to the Burra Electric Supply Co. Mr Warnes has generously offered to bear this cost too.
Liberal Union. This is to meet on 13 June in order to consider the advisability of making ‘Referenda on Social Questions’ one of its planks.
Obituary. 5 June, Mr Alfred Allen, after a long illness. Born in England in 1855, he came to SA with his wife and children in the ‘Forfeitshire’ [actually in the ‘Forfarshire’] in 1877. They came straight to Burra where he was engaged in the cutting to the north of the town to carry the railway north to Hallett. After that he worked at the Burra Flour Mill as a miller and engine driver for 35 years. They lived first at Hampton as Mrs Allen objected to living under canvas as provided for by the railways. Later they lived at Aberdeen until his death. [Actually at Redruth in the former hotel, the Bushman’s Home.] Of a family of 17 (10 sons & 7 daughters) 13 survive: Fred C. Allen (Kooringa), William Allen (Aberdeen), F. Alfred Allen, (Alberton), John Allen (Kooringa), A. Walter Allen (Aberdeen), Harold A. Allen (Aberdeen), P. Roy Allen (Kooringa), Mrs Harrison (Unley), Mrs J. Harrison (Aberdeen), Mrs J. McCann (Brompton), Mrs T. Harrap (Kooringa), Mrs C. Rogers (Kooringa), Mrs D. Voumard (Aberdeen) and 50 surviving grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. [Death registered as 6 June in Kooringa, residence Aberdeen, aged 74.]
Birthday. Mrs James Taylor of Paxton Tce celebrated her 92nd birthday yesterday and is fit and well. Born in Glasgow, Scotland 10 June 1832, married 1855 and came to Australia in 1865 in ‘The Naval Reserve’. They settled in Queensland where Mr Taylor was in charge of the navvies on the Ipswich railway line. After a three year contract there they came to Pt Adelaide by boats and thence to Burra by bullock wagon, arriving just after the mine closed. [Presumably the 1869 closure to prepare for open-cut mining.] She described the town then as ‘just awful’. Many houses had lost windows and doors, sent to Moonta for use there. Her husband has been dead many years. She lives in her own house which is attached to a daughter’s house. Of five children two survive.
Her eldest daughter died in England. Mr James Taylor and Mrs H. (Nellie) Riggs died some years ago. Mrs John Rosewall of Kooringa and Mr William Taylor of Wooltana Station survive as do 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Old Burraites. Mr John McLaren of North Unley [who had been travelling] writes with news of old Burra identities or their children.
A.E. Builder is in WA
Tom Builder is in WA
Ray (Paddy) Lackman is in Northam WA
Arthur Lasscock is in West Leederville
Mr Uhlmann, formerly of Mt Bryan who married a Miss Jones is in WA
Mr Dowden is in WA
A son of Rev. S. Kessell is the WA Conservator of Forests.
Rifle Club. 1st competitive shooting of the season on Saturday, G. Woodman 105, A.P. Harris 102 and W.R. Lee 101.
Burra Town Council 2 June
The cost of shifting 15 streetlights was £131-2-0 as stated in a letter from the Co. Council deferred a decision until next meeting.
The Post Master General is considering a request that the mail times at Kooringa close later.
Mr R. Phillips of the Exchange Hotel seeks permission to build a balcony on the hotel. Further information was sought as it might involve moving a light pole.
Plans were received from J. Allen re the proposed building next to Dr Steele’s. Approval was denied until a better quality building is proposed.
XXXXVI, 24, 18 June 1924, Page 3
Obituary. George Edwin Reynolds aged 42 on 6 June, at Enfield. The son of S.A. & the late Thomas Reynolds of Booborowie. Accidentally killed. [Born 18 March 1881 at Leighton: died 6 June 1924 at Chicago (Kilburn), residence Enfield aged 43.]
Obituary. Mrs John Pearce, aged 74, on 11 June. Born 2 Jan. 1850. 3rd daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Frank Symons who came to Burra from Gold Sithney, Cornwall c.1847. Apart from a brief stay at Ballarat in the gold rushes she spent her whole life in Burra. A long-standing member of the Kooringa Methodist church. Her husband and 11 of 14 children survive: Edgar (Kooringa), Clement (Kooringa), Alfred E. (Fullarton), Norman W.R. (Toorak Gardens), Oswald C. (North Unley), the Misses Cill, Gert, Laura and Trix (Kooringa), Mrs P. Milner (Dulwich), Mrs A.S. Dearlove (Ketchowla). And 17 grandchildren.
[Born Elizabeth Jane Symons 2 January 1850 District of the Murray.]
Football. Aberdeen Football Club is in dire trouble and has called a meeting for 26 June in Jubilee Hall.
Coursing. The 5th AGM of the Burra Coursing Club was held at Gum Creek Estate on Monday & Tuesday 9 & 10 June, by permission of Hon. W.G. Duncan. Results are printed. A banquet was held on Tuesday evening at the Royal Exchange Hotel with the committee and 25 guests.
Football. At North Booborowie bad roads and mishaps en route reduced the game to 4 x 15 minute quarters, beginning well after 4 p.m.
North Booborowie 9.3 (57) defeated Kooringa 2.2 (14)
At Aberdeen, South Booborowie 15.10 (100) defeated Aberdeen 0.3 (3).
Red Cross meets on Tuesday & requests a good turnout. There are still nearly 300 soldiers needing our support in hospitals.
Redruth Methodist Anniversary on 8 June drew good congregations despite the cold, unsettled weather. The tea meeting was well attended. An appeal was made to raise £1,600 as the balance to see the new Sunday-school open free of debt. The expected total cost is £4,000.
The Liberal Union has referred the question of referendums on social issues to the annual meeting at Jamestown. [The Liberals generally were not apparently very enthusiastic about referendums, but felt that the prevailing circumstances might make it inevitable they be held.]
XXXXVI, 25, 25 June 1924, Page 2
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Reuben McBride of Archdale Station WA, a son, Peter Field McBride, on 20 June at Sister Villis’s Nursing Home, Kooringa. [Registered as 24 June.]
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Alick Burton of Mt Bryan, a son, Allan Ross, on 8 June at Sister Villis’s Private Hospital.
Dances. The dances in the Showgrounds Luncheon Pavilion are proving very popular. About 40 couples attended last Wednesday.
Mr Gil. James of the Kooringa Post Office for the last three years has been transferred to Port Darwin. He will be missed as a dance M.C. & by the Kooringa Football Club.
The New Showgrounds. Work continues with the fencing erected and the luncheon room and the show pavilion almost completed.
Burra Hospital. The walls of the maternity wing are up and the roof in the course of erection.
Redruth Methodist Sunday-school is well under construction.
XXXXVI, 25, 25 June 1924, Page 3
Renovations have seen new frontages for the shops of F. Harris, Walker & Sons and L.L. Wicklein which have smartened up that part of Market Square.
Redruth Methodist Sunday-school. A successful ‘sock social’ was held in connection with the Fancy Work stall at the Maypole Fair in aid of the new building, at the Jubilee Hall on Thursday. Over 150 socks were sent out with the invitations and the admission asked was in pennies, double the size of the foot. £8-8-0 was raised.
Football. So far points for the Association teams before the Minor Premiership matches are: - South Booborowie 10
North Booborowie 8
Kooringa 6
Aberdeen 0
St Mary’s parishioners have decided to call tenders for the sale of the St Mary’s Rectory in Bridge Terrace, as it is considered too large and they wish to build something more compact elsewhere.
Traffic offences. Of 200 cars stopped recently near the Mine Bridge, 4 owners did not have licences, 26 others were given time to produce them and failure could see further prosecutions.
Obituary. Thursday 19 June, Mrs William Voumard, nee Minetta Brandt, aged 41. She was the only daughter of old Kooringa residents Mr & Mrs August Brandt and married William Voumard in 1906. She is survived by a husband and family of 8 children, the youngest three weeks old. [Born Florence Minetta Brandt 19 February 1883 at Kooringa: died 19 June 1924 at Kooringa.]
Marriage. At Mt Bryan East Methodist Church on 5 June. Harry Jones of Nackara & Hilda Pohlner, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs A. Pohlner of Hallett.
Marriage. Robert William Motherall, eldest son of Mr & Mrs H. Motherall of Kooringa & late of Hanson & Mona (Dot) Dew, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Fred Dew of Redruth, on 18 June at Redruth Methodist Church.
XXXXVI, 25, 25 June 1924, Page 4
N. Hiles Pearce writes to say that Hugh McCallum, formerly a storekeeper in Burra is now head of the WA Stock & Wool Dept. He also met a Mr Fields at Sons of Gwalia Mine, Mr Irlam at Midland Junction Abattoirs; Mr Alford from Braemar is a squatter near Kalgoorlie. The Mr Builder Who Mr McLaren refers to is probably Lloyd, eldest son of Mr Tom Builder, who is at Elder’s Beverly branch.
Rifle Club. The match of 21 June: W.R. Lee 95, J. A. Riggs 95, from A. B. Riggs, L. Kellaway & S. Williams, all on 93.
XXXXVI, 25, 25 June 1924, Supplement (small A3 size)
Burra Town Council 16 June
Mr J. Allen’s revised plans for a building next to Dr. Steele’s was approved.
Cr Kellaway moved no lights be shifted unless at the request of a particular Ward and then at that Ward’s expense. Carried. Straying cattle are causing problems at night.
Dance. The second subscription dance at Leighton in aid of the St Mary’s Rector’s Motor Fund was most successful on 14 June.
XXXXVI, 26, 2 July 1924, Page 2
Advt. Returned Soldiers’ Assoc. There will be a boxing tournament last week in August. A smoke social will be held in the Club Rooms the night of the installation of the electric light.
XXXXVI, 26, 2 July 1924, Page 3
Mr E. T. Hall, shearing contractor, was driving in from Mullaby on 26 June, when his car caught fire at the carburettor and he was unable to stop it spreading. Eventually the petrol tank exploded destroying all but the engine and magneto.
Marriage. On 18 June, Paris Nesbit Fuller, 2nd son of Mr & Mrs Tom Fuller, Aberdeen, & Mary Elizabeth Brooks, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs S. Brooks of ‘Hill View’, Booborowie.
Marriage. On 25 June, Oscar J. Oates, youngest son of Mr & Mrs J. G. Oates of Aberdeen & Ernestine Wilhelmina (Mina) Hemmerling, younger daughter of Mr & the late Mrs Hemmerling of Baldina.
Captain George H. Wilkins. There is a 11⁄2 column report on his great exploits.
Father died 10 years ago in Adelaide, but mother survives.
A photographer in the Balkan War of 1911
Wounded 9 times in the Great War
Hero of the rescue party that saved the Stefansson Arctic Expedition at Banks Island in 1914.
Most of the article is Stefansson’s account of his rescue.
Wilkins is currently on an undertaking in Northern Queensland.
Football. Burra Association minor premiership was played last Saturday at Aberdeen. South Booborowie 13.12 (90) defeated North Booborowie 5.12 (42).
XXXXVI, 26, 2 July 1924, Supplement
Miss Doris Geake only daughter of Mr & Mrs William Geake of Burra received a 1st Class award for a sea piece and a 3rd Class award for a still life at the Royal Drawing Society’s Art Exhibition in London.
XXXXVI, 27, 9 July 1924, Page 3
Advt. Subscription Dance on 12 July at Leighton Hall in aid of the St Mary’s Rector’s Motor Fund.
Birth. 1 July, to Mr & Mrs Percy C. Pryor, a son, Claude William. [At Mile End]
Kooringa Methodist Sunday-school, 25th Anniversary was celebrated last Sunday & Monday, having been postponed from May. Rev. G. H. Haslem of Kapunda and formerly of Burra, preached. On Monday Blight Bros. of Kooringa supplied the children’s food and E. J. Harris the fruit.
Rifle Club. The 3rd match for the season saw S. Williams 104 from J. E. Pearce 101 & H. L. Riggs, 101.
XXXXVI, 27, 9 July 1924, Page 4
Football. Last Saturday at Booborowie, Booborowie 13.20 (98) defeated Burra 5.1 (31).
XXXXVI, 27, 9 July 1924, Supplement
Burra Show Prize List
XXXXVI, 28, 16 July 1924, Page 2
Advt. Corporation of Burra Notice. Owing to the unsatisfactory state of the ambulance it has been placed out of commission until further notice.
XXXXVI, 28, 16 July 1924, Page 3
The season continues dry and frosty. To the east lambing rates have been low – Collinsville 35, Pandappa 45, Ketchowla 51, Mallett 80%. Foxes are a serious problem.
Football on Saturday at Victoria Park. South Booborowie 11.10 (76) defeated Kooringa 9.7 (61)
Dance. The 3rd Leighton subscription Dance on Saturday scored a record attendance. About 60 couples took the floor.
Claude Attrill won a case for wrongful arrest and was awarded £50. Reported in c.3⁄4 column.
Marriage. George T. Marshall, son of Mrs E. Marshall & the late George Marshall of Hanson & Dorothea Emma Stockman, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs A. H. Stockman of ‘Hillview’ Braefoot, near Burra.
XXXXVI, 28, 16 July 1924, Supplement
Burra Town Council 5 July
R. Fuss wrote re the balcony of the Royal Exchange Hotel. An electric pole needs shifting. Owners and contractors are prepared to pay £4 of the £10 required and advise the Council to come to an agreement with the Electric Co. Cr Kellaway feared the precedent. Cr Riggs thought the balcony would beautify the town and so Council should comply. Cr Hammond agreed. Electric Co. to be approached.
E. Pearce & F. Treloar tender their resignations as auditors as the Council has refused to raise their fees. Cr Kellaway moved acceptance.
Cr Riggs moved an amendment that the resignations not be accepted.
Cr Hammond moved an amendment that E. Pearce’s be accepted as his term ended in Nov., but that F. Treloar be advised of the provision of the Act. [i.e. of a possible £25 forfeiture fee.]
Cr Woollacott moved that their fees be raised £6-6-0
Cr Hammond withdrew his amendment which had not been 2nd.
The Riggs amendment was then put and Riggs & Hammond were for, with Harris & Kellaway against. Cr Woollacott refused to vote on the grounds he was for neither the amendment nor the motion.
The Mayor then threatened to fine him for refusing to vote.
The Town Clerk looked up the relevant by-law and found the fine was £5.
Cr Woollacott persisted & Cr Hammond pointed out that his solution was to vote against both the amendment and the motion and after some continuation of the impasse Cr Woollacott eventually did that.
The amendment was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor.
[Unless the Mayor had a deliberative as well as a casting vote this doesn’t seem to be necessary.]
In the midst of all this Cr Hammond rose to a point of order and after the above had been resolved the Mayor and Cr Harris felt affronted by what he had said and called for a withdrawal of a remark he had made. He did so. Cr Woollacott then made a remark which he in turn had to withdraw. He did so, but then Cr Riggs demanded he apologise as well. Cr Woollacott did so, but in so doing said he thought it all ‘an absolute farce’.
There was a lengthy discussion about putting on Mr Voumard as a permanent hand which was eventually carried with Crs Riggs and Hammond against.
Mr Pickering waited on the Council with a request that the new Kooringa Tennis Club lease the land behind the bowling green. Cr Harris demanded that no tennis be played on Sunday. Cr Riggs wanted to know if the courts would be open to the general run of young people – yes.
Mr Pickering said the cost of 2 asphalt courts would be c. £120-£200 with fencing.
Cr Kellaway would agree to a 15 year lease at a peppercorn rent if a way through for a dray was left for access to the paddock. The overseer said the court was the best feeding ground, but if there was a right of way it would not make too much difference to the horses.
XXXXVI, 29, 23 July 1924, Page 3
Obituary. Beatrice Kennett, nee Davey, 5th daughter of Mr & Mrs Joseph Davey of Croydon, late of Kooringa. Died suddenly at her home in Toorak Gardens, aged 33, due to heart failure.
[Born Emma Lillian Beatrice Davey 25 May 1891 at Kooringa: died 18 July 1924 at Toorak Gardens.]
Obituary. Mrs Jane Bell, at Burra Hospital on Monday. Born eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Develaing in Scotland, 1857 and migrated as an infant, her father being engaged carting between Burra and Kapunda. They later moved to Mt Bryan for 12-14 years before returning to Burra. In 1882 she married Hugh Bell and after about 5 years went to live in Warri Warri NSW and then at Yalpunga Station NSW where Mr Bell kept the store. 1914 returned to Kooringa. Survived by a husband and 9 of 10 children: - Hugh J. Bell (Yalpunga NSW), W. H. Bell (Rockhampton Q.), Robert Bell (Tibooburra NSW), Albert Bell (Ord River WA), Archibald & Frank Bell (Adelaide), Mrs Kearns & Miss E. M. Bell (Kooringa), Florrie Bell of the Salvation Army Training College Melbourne, & 2 grandchildren.
[Died Janet Bell 21 July 1924 at Kooringa aged 67.]
Rifle Club. Match of 19 July, T. Rosewall 87, F. W. Lown 86 & R. Woodman 85.
The North-Eastern Plains are in a bad way with sheep dying in all directions from lack of food and frosty nights. The worst area is Nackara to Olary which has had no rain of value for 31⁄2 years. No rabbits are to be seen, having been starved out. Lambing rates are c.30%. Around Cockburn things are better; summer rains having helped and lambing rates there are very good. To the south though one pastoralist lost 1,000 newly shorn sheep in one night due to severe frost. Ewes are also seen bogged in dried out dams with lambs being attacked by crows.
Football. Saturday at Aberdeen, Aberdeen 7.14 (56) defeated Kooringa 6.1 (37).
Letter from ‘Pensioner’ condemning Cr Harris for not wanting to allow tennis on Sunday.
XXXXVI, 29, 23 July 1924, Supplement (Small A3 size)
Reports the Annual country Party Social at Leighton.
XXXXVI, 30, 30 July 1924, Page 3
Entertainment. At the Institute, 20 August, A Christy Minstrel Concert.
XXXXVI, 30, 30 July 1924, Page 3
Soldiers’ Aid Society AGM on Thursday afternoon last. Some consider the time for this is past, but the Society believes that they have a role to play while so many remain in hospitals and other institutions. President, Miss E. Bubb gave her report and Mrs W. H. Gare gave the secretary’s report. Meetings drew an average of 14 and during the year £15 was sent to Red Cross and on 18 July the society provided the Annual Dinner for Returned Soldiers – over 40 attending this year. There was a social on 20 September and on 14 November the annual effort for the Blind Institute raised £142-3-9. (The society has raised £452-15-7 for them over 5 years.)
St Edmund’s Anglican Church at Booborowie. The dedication is reported in 3⁄4 column. It took place 20 July and the contractors were Messrs Whitehead of Auburn and Robert Fuss of Aberdeen. Dedication by Venerable Archdeacon of Adelaide, F. W. Samwell.
Football. Saturday at Victoria Park.
North Booborowie 8.12 (60) defeated Kooringa 1.7 (13)
On 26 July at South Booborowie,
South Booborowie 20.16 (136) defeated Aberdeen 1.4 (10)
50 Years ago in the Register 24 July 1874
Wesleyan Chapel, Redruth under construction
Mr Sara is building a hotel at New Aberdeen for Mr Stewart
Mr Sara is also building a mill for Mr Roach almost opposite Opie’s Hotel
The Roman Catholic Church of St Joseph’s is almost completed
The new police station at Kooringa is also under construction.
Burra Town Council 21 July
Cr Hammond pointed out that before appointing a new permanent hand, as they did last meeting, they should have advertised the position 5 days before.
The Mayor said Violet Day fell on 3 August and it was decided to discuss the matter with the religious bodies.
Council, with some apparent reluctance, agreed to lease the land sought to the Kooringa Tennis Club. Cr Harris sought unsuccessfully to have a no play on Sundays clause inserted into the lease.
Cr Riggs opposed the lease as he said Council could ill afford to lose the grazing land.
The matter of a new ambulance was left with the Mayor and Town Clerk to convene a meeting.
XXXXVI, 30, 30 July 1924, Supplement (Small A3 size)
Letter from ‘Abooringa’ argues at length in support of sport on Sundays as not being against religion and being a morally responsible activity.
XXXXVI, 31, 6 August 1924, Page 2
Advt. Burra Agricultural Society Annual Stallion Parade Market Square 15 August.
Advt. The Aber-Koori Minstrels offer a Grand Minstrel Concert in the Burra Institute on Wednesday 20 August in aid of the new Sunday-school at Redruth.
Advt. Mt Bryan Institute, Grand Euchre Tournament, Supper & Dance in aid of the Roman Catholic Building Fund.
Advt. Booborowie Memorial Hall Grand Dance 13 august in aid of the Hall. MOONLIGHT
Advt. Grand Leap Year Ball at the Leighton Hall 12 August, Gents 2/-, Ladies 1/-, Supper 6d. Gentlemen please bring baskets. Buses from Kooringa at 7.30 p.m.
XXXXVI, 31, 6 August 1924, Page 3
Advt. Sunday Sports. Rev. E. Smith answers ‘Abooringa’ at the Kooringa Methodist Church, Sunday 10 August at 6.30 p.m.
Transport. A tri-weekly motor service to Adelaide has commenced.
A Bolt. Noel Woollacott pluckily tried to halt a horse attached to a dray which bolted from Welsh Place on Friday. He managed to get onto the dray opposite the Institute and thence onto the horses back. The cart collided with a fence and capsized and Noel then jumped off and held the horse.
Violet Day on 3 August was celebrated with services in the Methodist Churches.
A dance was held in aid of St Joseph’s at the Institute on Monday and a large number of tickets were sold.
Football. Saturday at North Booborowie.
North Booborowie 9.16 (70) defeated Aberdeen 3.4 (22)
Olympic Games. Eric Liddell’s withdrawal from an Olympic Games heat run on Sunday is reported. [See the film ‘Chariots of Fire’]
XXXXVI, 31, 6 August 1924, Page 4
Letter from Harold C. Atkins of Farrell’s Flat writes as an employer of a ‘Barwell Boy’, complaining that such boys are too often invited out for evenings, leaving the farming family to do the evening work. People erroneously feel these lads have no homes, but the farmer is providing a home and can rightly expect them to be there to do the evening chores.
Letter from ‘Taxpayer’ saying that the Council has fallen into the crossfire of personal remarks which is a poor result from a group that started out condemning past Councils for the poor state of roads etc. It is time as Mr Radford has said earlier, to see them do better than those they condemn.
Letter from Robert C. Willshire, Ho. Sec. of the Aberdeen Football Club objecting to the reporting of matches and the labelling of Aberdeen as an ‘inferior club’. He is answered by one of the sporting reporters.
Football, Saturday at Booborowie.
South Booborowie 12.8 (80) defeated Kooringa 0.2 (2)
XXXXVI, 31, 6 August 1924, Supplement (Small A3 1 side)
Sunday Sport. F. B. Hewitson, the Anglican rector writes a long and learned article on Sunday Observance in response to ‘Abooringa’, the previous week.
[It is, perhaps, overly pedantic and takes a long time to come to the point that Sunday should be a day that sees a balance in physical and spiritual vigour, ideally having both religious and physical exercise – ‘unfortunately one is often emphasized to the detriment of the other.’
E. Smith also write on Sunday Sport, though mainly on why Sunday has become the Lord’s Day and the day of rest. Exactly where he stands on Sunday sport is not quite clear, but probably against it.
XXXXVI, 32, 13 August 1924, Page 2
Advt. Copperhouse Grand Concert in the church in aid of the Sunday-school funds.
Advt. Adelaide-Burra Motor Service (FIAT)
Leaves Gresham Hotel Adelaide Mon., Wed., & Fri. at 2 p.m.
Leaves Burra Hotel Tues., Thurs., & Sat. 8.15 a.m.
Same day return if passengers warrant a trip leaving the Gresham Hotel 4 p.m.
Single 18/-, return 32/6, parties at reduced rates.
Advt. Tenders called for the erection of a Catholic Church at Mt Bryan.
Advt. Elders offer 11,010 sheep on 15 August.
XXXXVI, 32, 13 August 1924, Page 3
The Season. Rain has eventually fallen with 11⁄4” locally, fading to 1⁄2” at Mongolata.
WCTU monthly meeting at Jubilee Hall 6 August.
Redruth Court 5 August
George Lines 2 stray horses £2 + 31/-
T. H. Villis 5 head of cattle 10/- + 10/-
(A reduced fine as they were commonage cattle that had strayed unknown to the owner)
A. Seal 1 cow (Young St) 10/- + 36/-
Influenza is in epidemic proportions and reduced the attendance at the Leighton Hall Concert on Thursday given by the Booborowie Glee and Dramatic Co. The trustees of the Ironmine Church gained c.£13 towards a new organ.
XXXXVI, 32, 13 August 1924, Page 4
Letter from ‘Pensioner’ denying that Christians or the church have a right to impose their views on non-believers.
Letter from ‘Elizabeth Ward’ supporting the ban on ‘Sabbath desecration’.
Letter from ‘A Nice Wedding’ of Mt Bryan similarly supporting the ban on Sunday sport.
XXXXVI, 32, 13 August 1924, Page 4
Letter from Stanley Shaw (A Barwell Boy) on the issues raised by H. C. Atkins. He considers that the boys are entitled to a day of leisure on Sunday and to see their friends then. Or does Mr Atkins believe they should have a minimum of recreation and that grudgingly given? Mr Atkins further suggests that people who want to know more about Barwell Boys should get their own and ‘if they do, God help them’, or words to that effect. This is an insult to the boys and reveals ‘both ignorance and prejudice’.
Letter from Robert W. Gregory of Hanson who echoes the sentiments of Stanley Shaw.
Football. The last Aberdeen v. Kooringa match for the season at Victoria Park.
Kooringa 9.12 (66) defeated Aberdeen 4.7 (31)
Burra Matrons’ Dance on Friday is reported at length with descriptions of the dresses worn etc. Decorations had a Japanese flavour with Japanese umbrellas, lanterns and fans, with almond blossom, screens etc.
XXXXVI, 32, 13 August 1924, Supplement (Small A3)
Rifle Club. Match of 9 August, R. Woodman 92 from W. R. Lee 89.
Show Society. 1 August. Mr McBride was made a life member, particularly for his help in preparing the new showgrounds and so was Mr Bartholomæus for his donation of land to the grounds. Dances were bringing in £4-£5 a week. An industrial room had been erected at a cost of £216. Fencing was completed and the finance committee will fence the ring.
Burra Town Council 4 August
Burra DC delegate Cr Kellock attended to say that the DC suggested that the Corporation and the DC get together to make a combined pound. The DC suggests Bagot’s old sale yards. Cr Riggs moved that the Council consider the proposal at a meeting specially convened for that purpose.
XXXXVI, 33, 20 August 1924, Page 2
Advt. Bachelor’s Ball at Leighton Hall 23 August. Ladies please bring baskets, Gents 1/6, Ladies 6d, supper 6d.
Advt. Boxing at the Burra Institute 8 September. R.S.A. Complimentary Dinner for all Returned Soldiers and nurses, Sat. 6 September, Jubilee Hall, Redruth.
XXXXVI, 33, 20 August 1924, Page 3
Advt. £20 reward for conviction of the person(s) who distributed poison baits in Kooringa on or about 17 August. ‘The Sporting Syndicate’
Charles Preiss, teamster, was admitted to the Burra Hospital on Sunday. He had fallen from his wagon which had then passed over his foot which was badly crushed with two bones broken. The accident happened on Saturday.
E. W. Crewes is seriously ill with pneumonia following influenza.
Poison. No less than 17 dogs were poisoned in Burra from baits laid early Monday morning.
Obituary. Mrs A. J. Hunt of Paradise on 19 August. [Born Rebecca Mary Osborne 15 September 1860 at Adelaide: died 19 August 1924 at Kooringa.]
Redruth Court 12 August
Archibald John Appleton, teamster of Copperhouse, was sentenced to 3 months for stealing a sheep from Austin’s slaughter yards. Various parts of the carcase were recovered from the prisoner’s house and the fleece recovered from a creek seven miles east of the town where he had thrown it. He was dealt with leniently (the full term being 2 years) on account of the poverty in which he and his family were placed.
Obituary. Johann Christian Hentschke of Aberdeen died at his youngest son’s residence at Bright on 7 August. He was born at Tanunda 13 August 1851 and as a young man took up land at Brinkworth and in 1875 married Miss M. E. Behrens. In 1880 they moved to Tothills Creek and then to Bright where he lived till retiring to Aberdeen in 1909. He was at times a Councillor for the Waterloo & Bright District Councils. Mrs Hentschke died c.7 years ago. He leaves 3 sons & 1 daughter: Edward of Lameroo, Johann of Jamestown, Christian of Bright and Mrs W. Bahr of Yerong Creek NSW & 20 grandchildren.
Obituary. Mrs Joseph Nelson at the Burra Hospital 13 August. She was the eldest surviving daughter of Mrs and the late Mr Edward Bagg and was born at Baldina 1 November 1877. She married Mr Joseph Nelson in 1914 and went to Murray Bridge. She finally came here to live in September 1923. She contracted influenza recently and was taken seriously ill on 7 August. Her husband and a 9 year old daughter survive. [Born Florence Louisa Baggs 1 November 1877 at Baldina to Frederick & Elizabeth nee Turley]
Obituary. Mrs Norman Hiles Pearse (Ruth) died on Sunday morning. She was born 1883, the 4th daughter of Mrs Killicoat of St Peters & the late Philip L. Killicoat of Abberton Park. She married Mr Norman Hiles Pearse in 1907, the second son of T. H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’. She is survived by a husband and son, Adrian & two young daughters, Joyce & Audrey. Mr Pearse is Chairman of the Burra District Council.
[Born Ruth Olive Killicoat 10 June 1883 at Redruth: died 17 August 1924 at Brighton.]
Football. Saturday at Aberdeen
South Booborowie 22.10 (142) defeated Aberdeen 1.2 (8)
At North Booborowie
North Booborowie 12.14 (86) defeated Kooringa 3.2 (20)
(Only 9 Kooringa players turned out for the game.
The Leighton Leap Year Ball was a great success.
The Copperhouse Church Concert on 16 August saw the church crowded and was much appreciated.
Marriage. At Hindmarsh Baptist Church 2 August. William Leslie, 3rd surviving son of Mr & Mrs Norrel James of Redruth & Gertrude, eldest daughter of Mrs Forrest of ‘Shafton’ Welland & the late Mr A. Forrest of ‘Shafton’ near Burra. (1⁄2 column of detail)
Sunday Sport. ‘Abooringa’ responds to the various writers on Sunday sport, in a measured way and concludes that it is futile to pursue a discussion where the two sides look at the subject from completely different points of view.
Barwell Boys. ‘Burra Burra Elector’ writes re H. C. Atkins and the Barwell Boys and after a waffly opening asks five very pertinent questions which suggest that he knows Atkins and his operation quite well and implies Atkins has worked the lad hard and saved a lot of money by not hiring labour since his arrival.
XXXXVI, 33, 20 August 1924, Supplement
Rev. E. Smith of Kooringa Methodist Church gave an address on 10 August on Sunday Observance that is reported at length. He was opposed to sport on Sunday or anything else that remotely approached ‘the Continental Sunday’. He recommended ‘several miles across the country on a Sunday morning, alone, or in congenial company’.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 6th shoot for the Gap Cup over 800 & 900 yards the best results were from S. Cordon & A.B. Riggs.
XXXXVI, 34, 27 August 1924, Page 2
Advt. Ironmine Methodist Church: opening of the new organ, 2 September, by Mrs H. H. Thomas.
Advt. Invitation Dance at Leighton Hall 6 September – for those who attended any of the three subscription dances.
Advt. Maypole Fair, Burra Institute, 19 September, in aid of the Redruth Methodist Sunday-school. Knife-and-fork luncheon – Poultry – 2/6.
Advt. Fullarton Girls visit the Institute Friday 6 September and Sunday 8th.
(On Saturday at Mt Bryan & Hallett Institutes)
XXXXVI, 34, 27 August 1924, Page 3
Advt. Leap Year Dance at the Burra Showgrounds, 3 September.
Advt. J. E. O’Flaherty, late of E. C. Hammond is commencing business as a tailor next to Mr W. T. L. Neagle in Market Square, Monday 1 September.
E. W. Crewes is recovering.
Rain has been steady this week with 93 points since Sunday, but it has not extended east.
Obituary. Mrs A. J. Hunt, who died 19 August, was born in Adelaide in 1861 and came to Burra about 1881. She married A. J. Hunt, saddler, a son of one of Kooringa’s oldest families. Mr Hunt died in 1914. Her family was with her: Fred Hunt (Broken Hill), Alf Hunt (Port Lincoln), Reuben Hunt (Kooringa), Clifford Hunt (Morphett Vale), Reece G. Hunt (Kooringa), Mesdames W. S. Field (Burra), P. L. Rosman (Kooringa), C. C. Lord (West Croydon). There are 7 grandchildren.
[Born Rebecca Mary Osborne 15 September 1860 at Adelaide: died 19 August 1924 at Kooringa.]
Foreign Missions. Last Sunday Rev. R. C. Nicholson, late of the Solomon Islands preached in the Methodist pulpits in aid of Foreign Missions. Kooringa raised £52, Ironmine £38 & Redruth £48.
Frank Treloar has resigned as secretary of the Hospital Board, a position he has held for 25 years, citing advancing age as the reason.
New Hall. Voters at Clare have resolved 206 to 34 in favour of their Council’s borrowing up to £5,000 for a new town Hall, on the old mill site.
XXXXVI, 34, 27 August 1924, Page 4
Entertainment. The Wednesday concert in the Institute in aid of the Redruth Sunday-school was a great success. (2⁄3 column report)
Burra Town Council resolves to express its dissatisfaction with the way the Fire Brigade is being run.
XXXXVI, 34, 27 August 1924, Supplement (Small A3 size)
Burra Golf Club: 1st round of the championship saw Dr Steven 99 leading J. P. Murphy 103 & J. C. Sangster 104.
XXXXVI, 35, 3 September 1924, Page 3
Obituary. Richard Connors, formerly of Mt Bryan. Born in Ireland in 1848 and came to Australia c.1865, working 1st at Kapunda and then farmed at Wilson and later at Mt Bryan and in 1923 went with his brother to Clare. [Died 27 August 1924 at Glen Osmond, residence Clare.]
Thomas Geach of Kooringa has secured miners’ rights on section 73 Hundred of Bright, known as ‘Carn Brae’ on which gold has been discovered at 40’.
The Bachelors’ Ball on 29 August saw 35 of the district’s bachelors entertain about 200 guests in a very successful ball. Mr J. H. Murison’s six piece Jazz Orchestra provided the music – details run c.11⁄4 columns.
Rifle Club. Report of the 10th Annual Prize Meeting of the No. 4 District Rifle Club Union, at Gawler, 29 & 30 August. 71 from various clubs competed. G. L. (Len) Nutt was successful in the sweepstakes and Tom Rosewall in The Gawler.
Masonic Lodge. The installation of C. E. Thomas as Worshipful Master of Kooringa Lodge No. 6 took place on 1 September.
XXXXVI, 35, 3 September 1924, Supplement (A3 size)
Football. In the premiership of the association
South Booborowie 11.13 (79) defeated North Booborowie 3.2 (20)
Letter from ‘H. K.’ who continues the debate on Sunday sport. This is a long letter full of Biblical references to Genesis and the creation story and then other references, but ending with the conviction that the only day to keep holy is Saturday and therefore that should be observed, but ‘There is no statement in the Bible that says that Sunday should be kept holy.’
Advt. W. T. L. Neagle, Land and Estate Agent
Office between the Savings Bank and Wilkinson’s, Chemists.
XXXXVI, 36, 10 September 1924, Page 3
Court.
James Calder Breach of the licensed hawkers Act £1
Resisting police £2
Sarah Ellen Calder Indecent language 10/-
(Wife of above) Hindering police £1
Entertainment. The girls from the Salvation Army Children’s Home at Fullarton gave an interesting program on Friday to a good audience. We understand that the visit was a financial success.
Birthday. On Wednesday Mrs Jordan of Chapel St was 91.
Telephone. A meeting was held at Gum Creek School on Friday to arrange for the extension of the telephone line from Farrell’s Flat to Gum Creek and Leighton.
Leap Year Ball of the Show Society was held in the new pavilion on Wednesday last and was a great success. Details of dresses etc. occupy 3⁄4 column.
Bowling Club AGM showed it was £5 better off than a year ago. The overdraft started at £466-10-11 and finished at £447-9-4 with £13-4-1 in unpresented cheques. Membership is 49 compared with 50 a year ago.
Burra Town Council 1 September
A. H. Gebhardt was granted the right to build a house in Lewis’s old garden.
The Town Clerk suggested the Fire Brigade debt be wiped off. Carried.
The Chief Secretary is to be written to asking for the Council to have more control over the Fire Brigade.
Councillors expressed contempt for ‘Taxpayer’ and his recent letter to the editor.
Rifle Club on Saturday; R. Nutt & R. Hawkes 101, from S. Cordon 99 & A. L. Kellock 98.
Boxing at the Institute on Monday, organised by the RSL.
R. Hawkes defeated C. Lott
Coulter defeated C. McGee
Westlake defeated Borowski
R. Cock defeated Goward
T. Seal defeated A. Lunnon
Murray defeated Attrill
J. McInerny defeated A. Byles
XXXXVI, 36, 10 September 1924, Page 4
The Soldiers’ Aid Society Annual Dinner for returned servicemen and nurses on Saturday was well attended. Details of speeches and toasts occupy c.21⁄2 columns.
Football. Saturday at Victoria Park
South Booborowie 13.10 (88) defeated Rest of Association Combined 6.7 (43).
XXXXVI, 36, 10 September 1924, Supplement (Small A3)
Ironmine Church Organ opened by Mrs H. H. Thomas. Some £23 had yet to be raised and at the supper about £17 was taken. Soloists on the organ were Miss Morgan & Mr F. T. Sara. The Redruth choir, conducted by Mr R. Fuss, rendered three anthems and there were songs, a trio and a quartet as well as recitations.
Redruth Court 2 September.
Spencer G. Pickering (of the CML Life Assurance Co.) v. Elisha Ford as a result of a car accident caused allegedly through Ford rounding a corner too fast. The claim was for £19 damages. The verdict was for the plaintiff without costs, but there was also a counter claim for £25, which was also awarded without costs. (Details run for 3 columns)
XXXXVI, 37, 17 September 1924, Page 2
Film, at the Institute, 25 September, ‘The Transformed Isle’, the story of 15 years among the savage head-hunters in the Solomon Islands, directed by Rev. R. C. Nicholson.
Obituary. 9 September, Mrs Henry Walker, nee Grace Hope. She was born in Carpshaven, Dumfrieshire, Scotland 75 years ago. She married Mr Walker at Monckton, Ayershire [sic], in 1870 and came to Australia in 1876. She has lived in Burra ever since. There is a family of three: Mrs Josiah Rosewall (Kooringa), Mrs Thomas Geach (Kooringa), Mrs Joseph Geach (Boulder WA), 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Poison. The dog poisoner is at work again. On Saturday Boz. Pearce lost a 4-month-old fox terrier.
XXXXVI, 37, 17 September 1924, Page 3
Redruth Court, 15 September.
Thomas Philip Halls 5/- + £2-3-6 costs for driving a motor vehicle, kept or let for the conveyance of passengers or goods, he not having received a license as required by by-law XXXIII.
Invitation Ball at Leighton was attended by 250 and was a great success.
Boxing. The matches reported in the previous issue receive a column of detail.
Burra Town Council, last Monday.
Ford Bros. say their old yards could be made into a pound for c. £5. Cr Kellaway moved they be interviewed re cost etc. and that the DC be consulted with re a joint pound.
The Fire Brigade has explained why the bell rang for 20 minutes recently. It was put down to a misunderstanding. Not all regarded the explanation as satisfactory.
XXXXVI, 38, 24 September 1924, Page 2
Advt. Concert in aid of the blind at Leighton Hall, 6 October.
Advt. Bachelors’ Ball in the Show Pavilion, 1 October.
Advt. Burra Burra Hospital offers for sale its Delco Lighting Plant.
Advt. Grand Football Ball, Burra Institute, 26 September.
Advt. Ironmine Sunday-school Anniversary 28 September (Postponed from 14 September because of the influenza epidemic.)
Kangaroos. A party of three cars came through from Lilydale on Thursday with 160 kangaroo skins – young ones not worthwhile skinning took the total killed to some 200. ‘If this sort of things [sic] goes on our great marsupial will become as extinct as the Dodo.’
Burra Showgrounds. The railway engineer has said a 400 foot siding to the showgrounds would cost c. £130 for a passenger siding and about £900 if machinery etc. is to be unloaded. The case will be put to the Department by the Show Society.
Rain. There has been good rain in the last week with falls ranging in the eastern plains from 40 points at Chalk Cliffs to about an inch at Koomooloo, Woolgangi, Sturt Vale and Braemar. [This was corrected in the following issue: Sturt Vale, Old Koomooloo and Koomooloo received only about 0.06”.]
XXXXVI, 38, 24 September 1924, Page 3
The Maypole Fair on 19 September in aid of the Redruth Methodist Sunday-school is reported in 11⁄2 columns. In 1923 they raised £275 and the aim for 1924 was for £400. £1,800 was needed to open the school free from debt. [No total is given here, but stall takings noted add up to £280-11-6.]
Marriage. At Hallett Methodist Church, 16 September. Laurel Prior, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs E. Prior of Hallett and Harold T. Evans of Adelaide.
Football. Saturday at Victoria Park, Laura 7.9 (51) defeated Kooringa 6.7 (43).
Rifle Club. Saturday match, C. W. Pearce 104, J. E. Pearce 91, and G. Woodman 91.
Burra Croquet Club AGM Thursday last. Elected: President, Mrs Maurice Collins; Hon. Sec., Mrs E. F. Marston; Captain, Mrs W. H. Sandland; Vice-Captain, Mrs W. J. C. Ewins; Committee, Mesdames J. G. Sara, A Scott Martin, C. W. Wilkinson, H. Saunders & Miss Bubb.
XXXXVI, 39, 1 October 1924, Page 2
Advt. Elders offer 13,000 sheep, 17 October.
Advt. Grand Poppy Fair, 17 October, in aid of St Joseph’s.
Advt. Tennis Dance at Leighton Hall, 11 October.
XXXXVI, 39, 1 October 1924, Page 3
Advt. Mr Jack Souter will present The Sentimental Bloke in the Institute, 18 October. (14 performers)
Birthday. Mrs Emma Flower turned 80 on 25 September. She was born at Bowden in 1844 and married Mr Malcolm Spence of Tothills Creek in 1862. They had 4 children before Mr Spence died after 12 years. (All now deceased.) She married W. J. Hill of Emu Flat who died in 1874* and had four children by him. She remained a widow for 18 years before marrying James Flower in 1912. [The date 1874 is an error; presumably for 1894.]
Birth. On 15 September at Redruth to Mr & Mrs Guy Tiddy, nee E. Hazel Longmire a son, Ronald John.
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Harold J. Davey at ‘Kooringa’ William St Croydon a daughter, Joy Lilian.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, 10 September. Millicent M. Sleeman, only child of Mr William & the late Mrs Sleeman of Aberdeen, and Alex, son of Mr & Mrs H. L. Dreschler of Goodwood.
Film. There is a 2⁄3 column favourable review of the film The Transformed Isle on the missionary work in the Solomon Islands.
Obituary. Mrs James Taylor of Paxton Tce, on Friday. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, 10 June 1832, married in 1855, and migrated in the Naval Reserve in 1865, settling first in Queensland where her husband had a railway contract. They came to SA in 1868 and travelled to Burra on a bullock dray. Her husband died many years ago. She remained well and active up to her final illness of only a few days. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs John Rosewall and a son, William Taylor of Wooltana Station and 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. [Ellen Taylor died 23 September 1924 at Kooringa aged 92.]
Obituary. Mrs John Weston of Welsh Place on 24 September. She was the daughter of the late James Hall, pastoralist of Mongolata. Born on Northern Ireland in 1854 and came to Australia in 1858, living first in the Lyndoch Valley and at Paratoo before moving to Mongolata. She married John Weston in 1874 and they retired to Kooringa in 1920. The couple celebrated their Golden Wedding in January of this year. She is survived by her husband and 5 children: E. A. Weston, P. J. Weston, W. A. Weston (Burra), H. J. Weston (Jamestown), Mrs Kemble (Mongolata), and 8 grandchildren. Her sister is Mrs George Schwier.
[Born Ann Jane Hall: died 23 September 1923 at Kooringa.]
Obituary. Mrs Frank Hodgson, eldest daughter of Mr & the late Mrs R. D. Pascoe. Born in Kooringa, 8 May 1890. Died of complications arising from influenza. Survived by a husband and young daughter, Dorothy. [Born Ettie May Pascoe: died 25 September 1924 at Adelaide, residence Croydon.]
Obituary. Courtney Treharne Pearce aged 26, at Myrtle Bank Military Hospital. Son of Mr & Mrs Charles J. Pearce. Born 22 January 1898 and worked for Drew & Crewes before enlisting in 1916. He was severely wounded in 1918 and reached home on 14 May 1919 and while he never fully recovered, he set about learning to become an electrician. About a year ago he married Miss F. Parker of Adelaide. About 8 months ago tuberculosis set in and his wounds continued to trouble him. [Died 28 September.]
Football. At Kooringa. Kooringa 17.16 (118) defeated Renmark Rovers 4.4 (28).
New JPs in September.
Alfred Benjamin Riggs
Edwin John Harris
Walter John Cousins (Chairman of the DC of Booborowie)
XXXXVI, 40, 8 October 1924, Page 2
Advt. Burra Jubilee Show, 22 October at the new showgrounds. £470 in prizes. Excursion Fare & special train from Terowie. Entry 1/6, Horse & Man 2/-, Horse-drawn vehicles or motors 1/-. Picture and dance at night.
Advt. School Concert at Leighton Hall, 16 October.
Repeat performance of Cinderella with dancing to follow.
XXXXVI, 40, 8 October 1924, Page 3
Entertainment. The O’Donnell Pantomime Co. appeared on 15 & 16 September and will return on Thursday 16 October. On 16 September they gave Mother Goose this time they will present Mother Hubbard.
Obituary. The Rev. W. F. James died on 2 October in Adelaide. He had served in Burra as the Bible Christian minister 1884-87 and saw the building of the manse, now the home of Mrs W. Peak. He returned as Methodist minister to Redruth in 1903 for three years, during which time he saw the erection of the Hanson Methodist Church. He retired in 1912 after 48 years of service. Mrs James died some years ago. He is survived by Mr E. J. James, manager of the National Bank at Eudunda and H. Garfield James, Secretary of Drew & Crewes Pty Ltd of Kooringa. [William Francis James died at Southwark, residence Malvern.]
Weather. Dust, wind and hail appeared in the last week with some rain on Friday, Sunday and Monday. Wind and dust prevailed to the east.
Obituary. On 30 September, Thomas Keys. He was born in South Wales in 1858 and came to Australia aged 19. He spent most of his working life in the SAR – much of it as ganger at the ballast quarry [Aberdeen]. He was for 25 years a member of the IOOF and in December 1889 married Harriet Hutchins, daughter of the late Thomas Hutchins of Aberdeen, who survives with four children: Cyril Joseph Keys (Hallett), Mrs C. L. Temperly (Queenstown), Miss Dorothy Keys (Aberdeen) and Miss Gladys Keys (Aberdeen).
Kooringa Methodist Anniversary next Sunday & Monday. The Rev. W. Alfred Langsford, President of the SA Conference will preach.
The Bachelors’ Ball on 1 October was a success in the new Show Pavilion.
XXXXVI, 40, 8 October 1924, Page 4
Cycling. The Burra-Adelaide Road Race of 108 miles was run last Saturday. It departed Market Square at 10 a.m. and was arranged by the SA League of Wheelman. W. H. Figg was official starter and it offered £160 in prizes. There were 60 competitors. Winner was P. Osborne of Victoria, 2nd Johnson, and 3rd S. Grivell. Among the competitors locally were H. Kuchenmeister & C. Garrard of Kooringa, and C. Forrest of Welland, late of Shafton. Hubert Oppermann, the young Victorian Champion started from scratch. His grandmother was born in the Burra Mine property 75 years ago and is still hale and hearty. Her father was Carl Bock, the mine blacksmith, who went to live in Victoria during the gold rush. Oppermann’s father served in the Great War. 20 minutes before the race Oppermann discovered a cut in his tyre which was hastily mended, but probably cost him the race as he had a series of punctures after Gawler. Osborne did the trip in 5 hours 32 minutes and Oppermann in 5 hours 15.10 minutes. He made himself known to his Burra relatives while here.
XXXXVI, 40, 8 October 1924, Supplement (A3 size)
Rifle Club. At the last match, R. Fairchild 100, V. A. Riggs 95, F. W. Lown 94, W. Nankivell 94.
XXXXVI, 41, 15 October 1924, Page 3
Obituary. Mrs A. S. Martin, on 14 October. [Born Ida Elizabeth Pearse 18 March 1885 at Parkside: died 14 October 1924 at Brighton.]
Obituary. John Bown of World’s End, on 14 October.
[John Bown died 14 October at Baldina aged 84.]
The Maypole Fair had a final nett profit of £342-15-1.
Cricket. The Kooringa Cricket Club at its AGM elected G. Laidlaw, Sec. & Treasurer; M. A. Radford, President; L. Carthew, Captain; Lel Kellaway, Vice-Captain.
Obituary. Mrs James Wheeler aged 69, of Boyce District, Victoria, a former Burraite who moved to Victoria 48 years ago. She was the daughter of the late Captain [Joshua] Skinner of Moonta Mines.
[Born Elizabeth Jane Skinner 24 July 1855 District of the Murray.]
XXXXVI, 41, 15 October 1924, Page 4
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, 8 October.
Leslie Philip Schwier, son of Mrs & the late Mr George Schwier of Mongolata Station & Mary (May), eldest daughter of Mr & the late Mrs Herbert Morgan of Wildildie Station, Mongolata.
Obituary. Walter Morgan of Ironmine, on Friday last. He was a committeeman of the Burra Show Society, a Trustee of the Ironmine Methodist Church, a member of the Burra Rechabite and Foresters Lodges. He was born in NZ 20 July 1863, the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs John Morgan of Thistlebeds and lived 1st at Booborowie and later at Thistlebeds. As a young man he was a carter from Burra to the north and to Broken Hill. In 1888 he married Minnie A., eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Bullen of Kooringa. After a few months they moved from Thistlebeds to Ironmine. He is survived by a widow and six children: Mrs D. Bailey (Norwood), Mrs H. Day (Plympton), Mrs R. F. T. Rogers (Hanson), Miss Annie Morgan (Ironmine), Alfred Morgan (Ironmine), Walter Morgan (Ironmine), and six grandchildren.
His death is the 1st in the 12 children of John Morgan: John Morgan (Wilcania), Herbert Morgan (Mongolata), William Morgan (Adelaide), George Morgan (Morgan Vale), Eddie Morgan (Morgan Vale), Mrs W. Byles (Ironmine), Mrs H. Motherall (Kooringa), Mrs D. E. Williams (Ironmine), Mrs H. Byles (Old Koomooloo), Mrs W. H. McWaters (World’s End), Miss W. Morgan (Tarcoola).
The cortege was almost a mile long. [Died 10 October aged 61 at Ironmine.]
XXXXVI, 41, 15 October 1924, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club fired the Annual Championship on Eight-Hours Day 8 October.
The medal for best score off the rifle went to Clem Pearce while the medal for best score with handicap went to W. Nankivell.
Football. Last Friday Burra Football Club left on a visit to Renmark. The last of three cars left for The Gums at 11.20 and got there at 12.30. Blowing dust had reduced the visibility to 20 or 30 yards. Rabbits were numerous. Lunch was taken at Morgan at 1.15. In the afternoon the dust gradually abated and the team reached Renmark at 6 p.m. They attended a ball in the Town Hall that evening. Saturday’s game saw Renmark 8.10 (58) defeat Burra 3.6 (24). On Saturday night they went to the cinema.
Burra Town Council, 6 October
Rubble is to be spread on the road from the White Hart Ford to the Showground.
The 1923-24 assessment with necessary alterations has been adopted for 1924-25.
Notice of retiring Council members on the first Saturday in December:
Mayor [Maurice Collins]
North Ward Cr [Alfred B.] Riggs
East Ward Cr [Francis] Harris
West Ward Cr [William J.C.] Ewins
A move was made to give notice in the Record that the road between James’ and Morton’s was closed, because it was actually not a road, but private property.
The Town Clerk said it had been open as a road for 40 years and was a public thoroughfare after 20 years.
The advice of the Municipal Association is to be sought.
The new tennis courts were going to become part of a beauty spot and it was decided to ask the Tennis and Bowling Clubs to meet with the Council to discuss the beautification of the area.
Redruth Court, 7 October
Edwin Pearce sued Mrs Daphne Kakoschke for £45-10-7 being the balance of an account owing for goods.
E. Pearce agent of Aberdeen and formerly a storekeeper trading as Boz Pearce said the defendant had on 27 January 1923 agreed to the transfer of an account for £62-10-7 then in the name of her husband Gus. Kakoschke, from his name to hers. She agreed to pay £1 per week and payments had continued till June 1923. [The transfer and subsequent complications over the issuing of receipts in her husband’s name etc. seem to have stemmed from a desire to avoid him seeming to have a debt problem when he had just started business as a butcher.] Mrs Kakoschke denied any such arrangements, but her husband when called as a witness admitted to the conversation setting up the arrangement and a verdict for the amount claimed was given.
XXXXVI, 42, 22 October 1924, Page 2
Advt. Commonwealth of Australia calls tenders for grazing rights over the Burra Drill Hall. (Ground of c.1 acre)
Advt. Martindale Races 25 October. Attrill’s bus leaves Kooringa 10 a.m. Fare 10/- return.
Obituary. Gwen Davies of Sturt Vale Station, daughter of Mr & Mrs Bert Davies.
[Born 26 Dec. 1922 at Mile End: died 14 October 1924 at Kooringa, residence Sturt Vale Station.]
Birth. Collins, nee Jane McLennan. To Mr & Mrs Bert Collins of Aberdeen, a son, Raymond Hamilton, on 30 September.
Birth. Philips, on 28 August, to Mr & Mrs C. G. Phillips, a son. [Bryan Charles at Kooringa.]
Accident. Miss Dorothy Pederson was accidentally shot in the thigh by her brother at home on Wednesday last when his rifle discharged. She is now doing well.
Obituary. John Brown died 14 October at World’s End. He was born in England 27 June 1840 and lived in France until migrating to Australia in 1848 in the Harpley. He first lived at Riverton on Master’s sheep run and later at Gawler till 1851 when the family came to Burra. When work restarted at the mine he carted copper ore to Pt Wakefield with his father and brothers. When the mine closed he took up land at Spring Bank. In 1859 he married the daughter of Mr & Mrs Joseph Bosence of Spring Bank and they later lived at Copperhouse. In 1876 they took up land at Baldina and stayed there for 48 years. He was an active member of the Baldina and then the World’s End churches. [Death registration says Bown.]
His wife died many years ago. He is survived by his children: Mrs P. B. James (Hanson), Mrs F. Honeychurch (Brady Creek), Mrs W. H. Giles (Angaston), Miss Annie Brown (World’s End), Mr W. J. Brown (World’s End). There are 18 grandchildren.
Miss Constance Davey MA, PhD, daughter of Mr Steve Davey of Adelaide and niece of E. J. & Arthur Davey of Kooringa, returned from two years’ study abroad on 5 October. She had won the Catherine Helen Spence Social Science Scholarship, founded in 1910, and she studied psychology in USA and Europe and at University College, London.
XXXXVI, 42, 22 October 1924, Page 3
Annual Poppy Fair in aid of St Joseph’s was held in the Institute last Friday. The proceeds were over £200. (The report extends for just < 1 column.)
Bowls & Croquet season opened last Saturday.
Good Rains fell in the past week and thunderstorms have brought heavy falls to the east – Canegrass got 88 points in 10 minutes and Ketchowla 128 points in 2 hours. The rainfall in the wheat areas has been less and steadier.
Marriage. At Morgan Methodist Church. Myrtle, only daughter of Mr & Mrs John Byles of Morgan and Victor E. Treloar, eldest son of Mr & Mrs C. E. V. Treloar of Adelaide.
XXXXVI, 42, 22 October 1924, Page 4
Rifle Club. Saturday, J. Wade 89, A. L. Kellock 87, C. W. Pearce 86.
XXXXVI, 43, 29 October 1924, Page 2
Advt. Redruth Methodist Sunday-school Anniversary, 2 & 3 November. Preacher, Rev. Harry Alvey.
Advt. Lecture at the Institute, 3 November, Rev. Father Goodman ‘Lourdes: The Land of Miracles’
Mr & Mrs Maurice Collins have returned from a visit to Perth where Mr Collins attended sheep sales. His own sheep topped the market at £215 and £140 for two special stud rams.
John Mitchell, who learnt his trade under the late Mr H. Dawson, saddler of Kooringa, is visiting the town after an absence of some 40 years. Residents may remember his sister, Miss Mitchell, who used to live in the cottages (since demolished) that faced Market Square. She is still alive at 89.
Obituary. John Dunstan, former Mayor of Burra and also of Broken Hill, died at Broken Hill on 24 October, aged 73. He was born at St Ithians, Cornwall and migrated to Australia as a baby. He was a former member of the Burra Hospital Board and a local preacher.
Accident. A young woman was knocked down at the entrance to the lane between Drew & Crewes and McKenzie’s store on Monday. This is perhaps the most dangerous corner in the town, with drivers not sounding their horn.
Birthday. Mrs J. Dawson of Parkside was 91 on 17 October. She used to live in the house now occupied by Rev. H. Alvey and is widow of the late H. Dawson who was accidentally drowned in Spencer Gulf many years ago. She spent 31 years in Aberdeen.
Mr P. R. Simpson who has been local manager of the SA Farmers’ Union for two years now moves to Torrensville to set up a store for himself. He will be succeeded in Kooringa by Mr J. Copley.
Weather. There was a very severe dust storm on Monday, of the sort common twenty years ago.
XXXXVI, 43, 29 October 1924, Page 3
Burra Show was held on 22 October. It was the first show on the new grounds and was a resounding success. Mr Winnall and Mr C. Bartholomæus, though now living in Adelaide, were back to take an active part. The Bishop of Adelaide was a guest of the committee. At least 500 sat in comfort around the ring. It cost Mr A. J. McBride £350-£400 to prepare the ring. President I. J. Warnes and Mr Bartholomæus gave the land, valued at £600. John Melrose gave over £200 to see the buildings shifted. The fence syndicate put up about £450 for the fence. The society has an overdraft of about £400 due to the improvements. (The floor in the luncheon pavilion cost about £100.) One problem was pilfering of the exhibits which will need attention. Henry Collins, aged 91, had sheep in this show and in the first show. Mr Samuel Baker of Redruth, aged 85, was also active in promoting the first show and Mr A. Lott also recalled his entry in the first show. A film and dance was held in the evening.
[This was advertised as the Jubilee Show, but why seems unclear. ‘Jubilee’ usually implies the fiftieth anniversary – though other periods are possible. The first show was in 1877 and there was a hiatus of 8 years from 1886-93. Perhaps the alternative meaning of a season of great rejoicing covers this event.]
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 21 October.
Charles Hill, youngest son of Mr & Mrs Richard Hill of Kooringa & Grace A. Tralaggan, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Frederick S. Tralaggan of Aberdeen and late of Mt Bryan East.
XXXXVI, 43, 29 October 1924, Page 4
Burra Town Council, 20 October.
The Council desired the Bowling and Tennis Clubs to beautify their grounds and would place rubble at their entrance as their contribution.
Dr Steele said that if shrubs etc. were planted, wagons used to cart top-dressing would be unable to turn around. The Mayor wanted to see plantings at the entrance, at the back of the shed, and along the creek. Mr Pollard suggested entrance for the wagons be from the Council’s paddock. Representatives of the Council and the Clubs will meet to further the matter.
A letter from the DC of Hallett said it was not in favour of purchasing another district ambulance. The Mayor said that the DC of Burra was of a similar opinion. Cr Kellaway moved the ambulance be remodelled for Municipal use only. Carried.
XXXXVI, 43, 29 October 1924, Supplement (Near full size sheet)
Burra Show. There is a more detailed account and full prize list running to 14 columns, with photos of the grounds, I. J. Warnes (Society President) and L. H. Foote (Society Secretary).
[Personal note: there were no Fuss prizes in the flower section and I suspect a boycott on the grounds that C. A. Fuss, at least, was known to have opposed the move to the new grounds.]
XXXXVI, 44, 5 November 1924, Page 3
Poppy Day will be held on 7 November in Burra and the funds raised will be split 25% to France for the relief of orphans and 75% to the Poppy Day Fund for the relief of Diggers in Distress.
Entertainment. At the Institute on 13 November the Hector Lightfoot Entertainers return.
Farrell’s Flat Show on 29 October was a success and is reported in 11⁄2 columns.
St Joseph’s. The Right Reverend A. Killian DD, Bishop of Port Augusta, visited Burra last weekend for the confirmation of 30 candidates and was a guest of Father Nesdale.
XXXXVI, 44, 5 November 1924, Page 3-4
Burra Hospital Board met on 27 October. W. G. Hawkers, Chairman.
The hospital was shown to be in serious financial trouble. In November 1922 a Government letter said that the Government subsidy would be 30/- for every £ raised by subscription and rates. Another paragraph of the letter says the Government is liable and contributes 3/5 of every £2-10-0 of the actual expenditure which suggests the Government pays 30/- for every 50/- raised.
The Board had been acting on the assumption of the 1st paragraph. In addition the Government has been deducting the overdraft before calculating the subsidy as that was not money raised. The Chairman said at the present rate a time would come when there would be no subsidy at all and by next February the overdraft would be £1,500. The Chairman thought they would have to close the hospital. Mr Melrose said they had spent £2,296 rates and received £2,479, which corresponded with neither rate of subsidy mentioned above. The bank is insisting that affairs be put in order. A meeting with the Government has seen them pay all money due up to the present, which amounts to £697. This has squared the bank account up to the last meeting. The hospital is living beyond its means and urgent changes are needed. A detailed financial breakdown of the income and expenditure, by Mr Sampson, follows. Over the last few years the Board has been distracted by the dispute with the doctors and more recently with the late matron. He presented a plan for severely tightening expenditure control and reducing the size of the Board. Changes also suggest leaving the cost of burying indigent patients to the police as it is their duty and expense. He presented an 11 point approach.
XXXXVI, 44, 5 November 1924, Supplement (A3 size)
Mr R. P. Simpson, late manager of the SA Farmers’ Union store in Kooringa was farewelled at Drew & Crewes office by businessmen of Aberdeen and Kooringa. On Thursday he was also farewelled at the Manager’s office at the SA Farmers’ Union store, when the staff presented him with a beautiful timepiece. (The account runs for 11⁄4 columns.)
XXXXVI, 45, 12 November 1924, Page 2
Advt. The Soldiers’ Aid Society will hold a strawberry fete in Jubilee Hall, 19 November, in aid of the Royal Institution for the Blind.
Advt. Butterfly Fair at the Burra Institute 21 November.
Advt. Tennis Dance, Leighton Hall, 22 November, last dance of the season.
XXXXVI, 45, 12 November 1924, Page 3
Burra Town Council 3 November.
Agreement on beautifying the Bowling Club area has been reached.
Green & Co. have forwarded a plan of the municipality.
Much time was taken up with discussion re painting bridges, railings etc.
Burra Show Society’s Masquerade Ball on Wednesday was well attended and receives c.1⁄2 column.
XXXXVI, 45, 12 November 1924, Page 4
Emu Downs School picnic was held 25 November [Presumably 25 October.]
Baldina School held its first picnic 25 October at Stone Chimney Creek. Miss Marjorie Ford (Teacher) was assisted by parents.
WCTU monthly meeting at Jubilee Hall is reported.
Cricket at Mt Bryan on Saturday.
Kooringa 102 defeated Mt Bryan 38.
XXXXVI, 46, 19 November 1924, Page 3
Tennis. On Saturday afternoon the new Tennis Club at Kooringa was opened, adjacent to the bowling green. Two new courts have been put down, a shelter-shed erected and a 12’ fence built. The whole cost was c. £350, of which £125 was a debt, but this was cleared by the generosity of the Patron, Mr J. R. Barker and of Messrs L. W. Gebhardt, & R. M. McBride. The President, Mr P. J. Pickering, welcomed guests. The Mayor, Mr M. Collins, assisted in the opening by Mrs John Tennant, declared the courts open. The old court, on the other side of the creek, has also been done up.
Entertainment. The Hector Lightfoot Family of entertainers performed excellently at the Institute last Thursday.
Poppy Day raised £18-5-0.
Rifle Club. The Gap Cup for 20 matches, of which 11 have been fired, is currently led by W. R. Lee 18, from F. W. Lown 14, A. B. Riggs 13 & R. Woodman 10.
In the 11th round W. R. Lee 97, H. L. Riggs 95 & F. W. Lown 92.
Burra Town Council.
The DC and Town Council have agreed to a common pound at Ford’s – sharing costs equally.
XXXXVI, 47, 26 November 1924, Page 2
Burra Hospital Board meeting of 26 November. The Chairman says the hospital is now sound financially, if the Government pays what it owes. The Inspector General of Hospitals had visited during the month to discuss the money that needed to be raised for the maternity wing. This was set down at £600 for the period January to June and the Inspector General suggested the local rate be £200. The Chairman has drafted a letter to the government pointing out that when the statutory reductions on receipts had been made the Government still owed £710 and even if the overdraft were deducted it was £386.
No subsidy had been paid from June to October, which is what caused the overdraft. The Chairman suggests Councils be asked to pay 3 monthly instead of 6 monthly to help smooth income flow and reduce the need for an overdraft. An application for a grant of £200 towards the maternity wing building fund has been granted. Mr Riggs said Mr Sampson’s report was very misleading in that it anticipated a condition which would probably not occur.
Polo. Game at Leighton last Saturday. A triangular match was played over 9 chukkers. The white team, led by W. S. Murray came out winners.
R. J. B. Smith, dentist of Clare, will begin business in Burra, where he will be represented by R. F. George, late of the Education Department.
XXXXVI, 47, 26 November 1924, Page 3
Strawberry Fete on 19 November by the Soldiers’ Aid Society raised over £80. It was opened by the Mayor, Mr M. Collins.
Rifle Club. Match on Saturday was Married v. Single.
Married Team 620 defeated Single Team 600.
Best Singles were G. L. Nutt 66 and F. T. Marston 66
Best Married were F. W. Lown 70, with J. Kellock & A. L. Kellock both on 66.
Tennis. The opening of the new tennis courts at Redruth, adjacent to the playground on Smelts Road. Of the four courts, two are completed and two nearing completion. The opening was by the Mayor, Mr M. Collins. The President, Mr M. Morton welcomed guests. The two earth courts previously used had become unfit for play two years ago and they had used Mr J. Reed’s private grass courts for 11⁄2 seasons. They were fortunate to secure the present court area of 240’ x 120’ on a 99 year lease from the Council. The total cost of the four courts would be £177-4-6. They had an overdraft of £67 and when free of debt would have a court put down for younger boys and girls. The Mayor, in opening No. 1 court, announced that I. J. Warnes had agreed to pay the overdraft up to £100. Mr M. A. Radford opened No. 2 court.
Bowling. At Clare on Saturday, Clare 91 defeated Burra 90.
XXXXVI, 47, 26 November 1924, Page 4
Butterfly Fair at the Institute last Friday. The Queen Competition raised £207. This was the annual strawberry fair in aid of the Kooringa Methodist Church and was opened by the Mayor, Mr M. Collins. Gwen Humphrys was Queen of the Fair.
Croquet. The season opened very satisfactorily this year with 27 members compared with 25 last year.
XXXXVI, 47, 26 November 1924, Supplement
Miss James’ letter from abroad continues from the previous week.
XXXXVI, 48, 3 December 1924, Page 2
Demolition. One of the oldest buildings in Burra was demolished on Tuesday. A few months ago Mr M. Pederson bought the old Wesleyan parsonage in Chapel St. At the rear were two rooms, which were the original parsonage, built over 70 years ago for the first minister, Rev. Flockhart. They had 15” walls. They have now been removed to make way for more up-to-date premises.
Accident. The horse in the cart driven by Sid Kuchenmeister slipped and fell at the intersection of Ware & Commercial Streets on Saturday morning. The lad was thrown from the cart, but escaped injury. The horse broke a leg and had to be destroyed.
Clive Sangster, the eldest son of the late Dr J. Sangster of Burra, has passed the third year of his medical course.
XXXXVI, 48, 3 December 1924, Page 3
Burra Corporation Annual Meeting of Ratepayers.
There was a good attendance on Thursday evening last with Mr Radford in the chair.
Of £2,000 in rates only about £6 was owing. The failure of streetlights in some places was due neither to the Council nor to the Electrical Co., but to the vandalism by some school children. This year the Council had done little on main roads, but had reduced the Fire Brigade debt by £225. (The Chairman thought that £100 of that would have been better spent on main roads.) A fair percentage of the 1,000 trees planted had grown. He thought it was better to plant 50 and look after them. The Mayor’s report was adopted.
There was considerable discussion re the high rates, income from which had risen £1,000 in three years. The Mayor said that due to inflation this sum was not buying anymore. Government grants were also decreasing.
There was discussion and dissension re parking of cars around the rotunda in Market Square.
The town needed a new ambulance. The old one was worn out in serving outlying areas that now refused to fund a replacement. Cr Hammond favoured getting one for use only in the area of the Corporation. Mr Kellock said that as a District Councillor he had turned down the request to contribute as the DC was stony broke. Councillors favoured a Kooringa playground [To match the Redruth one] if a suitable place could be found.
XXXXVI, 48, 3 December 1924, Supplement (Small A3 size – single sided)
Mayor’s Report 1924 shows the year started with a credit balance of £257-19-10 and ended with about £141. The report shows little of much interest other than what has already been noted re the need for an ambulance and the reduction in the Fire Brigade debt. The lighting account obviously reflects the arrival on the scene of the Burra Electric Supply Co. This year the cost of carbide was £6-8-0, of lamp lighting was £20-6-6 and for electric lighting was £169-11-8.
XXXXVI, 49, 10 December 1924, Page 3
Advt. At Copperhouse school on 17 December – An American Tea & Children’s Concert. Proceeds in aid of school funds.
Advt. At Leighton Hall – Christmas Tree & Dance, 22 December.
Advt. At Burra Institute 18 December, The Musical Comedy ‘Sally’, presented by Mr Lionel Walsh with a full cast headed by Sydney Hollister, Lionel Walsh, Marjorie Le Strange and Nora King.
Polo. At Clare, Clare 5 defeated Mid-North 1
The A teams then took the field and Mid-North 7 defeated Clare 3.
Burra Town Council elections last Saturday. The only contest was in East Ward where P. L. Rosman, 60 was defeated by F. Harris, 95.
For auditor Boz Pearce, 107 defeated Graham Dow, 62.
[In the following issue this was ‘corrected’ from 102 (sic) to 147!]
Cr Kellock replaced Cr Ewins in West Ward, unopposed.
Cr Riggs was returned unopposed for North Ward.
M. Collins was also returned unopposed as Mayor.
Cricket. At Clare on Saturday the match was drawn.
Kooringa 246 & Clare 111 for 6.
Rifle Club. Match of 6 December for the Gap Cup. G. Woodman 98 from A. L. Kellock 97 & J. A. Riggs 94.
Burra Town Council, 1 December.
Cr Ewins was thanked for his work, as he was not seeking re-election due to ill health.
XXXXVI, 49, 10 December 1924, Supplement (Single sided A3)
Leighton Strawberry Fete raised £135 for the local hall funds. The report extends for 13⁄4 columns.
XXXXVI, 50, 17 December 1924, Page 2
Birth. Wise, nee Drew, on 9 December, to Mr & Mrs E. Wise, a daughter, Joan Margaret.
XXXXVI, 50, 17 December 1924, Page 3
Horehound. The local branch of the SA Stockowners’ Association has come out in favour of having horehound declared a noxious weed.
Weather. A week of heatwave conditions ended on Saturday with a cool change and steady rain – almost 1 inch – and even more to the east where falls varied from about an inch to 190 points at Sturt Vale and 130 at Kia Ora and 175 at Canegrass.
Tennis. At World’s End 6 December.
Aberdeen 12 sets, 92 games, defeated World’s End 5 sets, 70 games.
Cricket. At Kooringa on Saturday, Kooringa 204 defeated Booborowie 29.
Bowls. Saturday. Burra 87 defeated Kapunda 86
Wednesday. Burra 112 defeated Clare 72.
Show Society. The committee met on Friday to consider a complaint from Mr I’Anson of Farrell’s Flat that his spring dray horse had not been judged at the show. He was demanding at least half the prize money. The stewards reported that having waited a full quarter of an hour after calling the event the judge had been dismissed and so when the dray had arrived it was too late. The committee decided to uphold the Ring Committee report and not to comply with Mr I’Anson’s request.
Work on the railway siding is proceeding.
Regret was expressed at the death of Mr Walter Morgan, a long time supporter of the society.
The WCTU held its last meeting for the year on 3 December.
Entertainment. Last Wednesday fair audience attended the concert at the Institute in aid of the Royal Institution for the Blind, despite the heat. Nett profits were c. £13.
Obituary. Mrs Percy V. Oates died at Aberdeen last Thursday, aged 34. She was the eldest daughter (Ivy) of Mr & Mrs Thomas Tiver of Redruth, born 26 April 1890. She married Mr Percy Oates of Poonunda, eldest son of John Oates, 10 years ago and lived there till 12 months ago when failing health brought her into Aberdeen. She is survived by her husband and 3 young children.
[Born Ivory Rosser Tiver 26 April 1891 at Redruth: died Ivy Rosser Oates 10 December 1924 at Aberdeen.]
Burra District Council will close its pound at Mr Wheare’s from 1 December 1924 and the joint pound with the Town Council at Ford’s will open the same day.
Croquet. At Burra on Saturday, Clare defeated Burra.
Football. AGM of Aberdeen Football Club. There was a small attendance at Jubilee Hall last Wednesday. The year ended in credit of 15/3 despite a very poor year of football and difficulties in fielding teams and keeping the club together. The secretary suggested that it would be better if there were three local clubs instead of the present arrangement and that the three teams be kept as nearly even as possible. A meeting to consider the future will be held in February 1925.
XXXXVI, 50, 17 December 1924, Supplement (Almost full size page)
Advt. One side is devoted entirely to an advertisement of Drew & Crewes featuring six photographs of the shop: one outside with 7 of their motor vehicles lined up and five others showing the main departments of the store in inside shots. (i.e. Grocery, Drapery, Showroom & Clothing, Fancy Goods & Toys, Furnishings & Boots.)
[Printed in blue ink.]
XXXXVI, 51, 24 December 1924, Page 2
Burra High School social in the Parish Hall last Thursday, featuring musical items, games, dances, and an extract from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Dora Rosewall has passed Modern History in Leaving Honours: the first BHS student to pass a subject at that examination.
St Joseph’s Convent School results are printed.
Birthday. Mrs Ambrose Harris will be 91 on Christmas Day and is presently living with her youngest daughter, Mrs J. E. Greenwood of Aldgate. Mrs Charles Parks of Kooringa is also a daughter.
XXXXVI, 51, 24 December 1924, Page 3
Seaside Trip. Only 11 turned up to organise the annual trip to the seaside on Monday. Most work is left to the Hon. Sec. Mr F. Harris, who fortunately has consented to continue this time. The coming trip will be to Glenelg on February 14.
Cricket. At Victoria Park, Saturday, Kooringa 180 defeated Mt Bryan 44.
The Soldiers’ Aid Society wound up the year on 11 January. Miss E. Bubb reported on the year’s work at Jubilee Hall. Next year they hope to meet in the new Redruth Sunday-school. £85 was sent to the Royal Institution for the Blind, £15 went to Red Cross to purchase delicacies for sick soldiers for Christmas and an annual dinner to local returned servicemen was given on the Saturday of the football finals.
Copperhouse School funds benefited by nearly £7 from the ‘American Tea’ held recently.
Polo. Mid-North A, 4 defeated Clare, 1.
Second Teams game; Clare, 4 defeated Mid-North 3, after an extra chukker was played to break the tie.
The Eastern Mail left Burra on Friday 12 December and reached its destination at Oakbank Station, 130 miles away. The return on Sunday morning started as rain began to fall and the run to Morgan Vale was in steady rain – 50 points had been recorded there on arrival. The driver, W. H. Wahlert made very heavy going on the trip to Pine Valley where 11⁄2” had fallen by his arrival. Three miles further on he got stuck in a big ‘crab hole’. The men from the station could not get the car out till Monday morning and he left for the second time c.10 a.m. and this time made 10 miles before again getting bogged and having to walk back for help. It took five hours and a ‘Spanish Windlass’ to get the car out. After that the trip on a very sticky track was without further mishap and reached Burra c.11 p.m. Monday – about 30 hours late.
Burra Hospital. 22 Jan. [sic, presumably an error for 22 Dec.]
Nurses Eileen Mansfield, Lily K. Lawson & violet G. Lteinbank have passed their examinations.
The Government subsidy of £418 has been paid, reducing the overdraft to £232. The government now owed £256 and the hospital should be just in credit by 1 January.
Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund stands at £17-9-9.
Tennis. At Aberdeen 20 December.
Aberdeen 9 sets 84 games defeated Hallett 9 sets 78 games.
At Copperhouse 13 December.
Copperhouse 8 sets 88 games; Aberdeen 11 sets 84 games.
XXXXVI, 51, 24 December 1924, Page 4
St Mary’s Christmas Tree at the Institute and the Faery Queen competition raised c. £85. Enid Morrison was judged Faery Queen and Melvin Brougham won the apple eating competition.
Burra School results for the Qualifying Certificate and other results are printed.
Cricket at the Clare Oval
Clare High School, 106 & 30 without loss defeated Burra High School 101 & 25.
Rifle Club. The 13th match for the annual trophy was fired 20 December.
A.L. Kellock 93, V. A. Riggs 92 & F. W. Lown 89.
XXXXVI, 51, 24 December 1924, Supplement (A3 single side)
Burra Town Council 8 December.
Burra Electric Supply co. will install extra lighting for Christmas Eve.
Burra Fire Brigade asks that the middle wall in the fire Station be bolted and putty plastered as it is in a bad way. The Mayor said it was the responsibility of the Fire Brigade Board.
Councillors congratulated each other and the Mayor on their re-election or election.
The Town Clerk said the present assessment was about £2,489 and the Council had a credit balance of £156.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 1924 PAPER
Page 1. Larger advertisements: mostly local.
Page 2. Mixture of large and small advertisements and notices. News sometimes begins in columns 6 or 7, but sometimes the advertisements and notices extend to: -
Page 3. Sometimes there is a column or more of advertisements or notices, but page three contains the news. There are no editorials. Reports are generally brief with those from outer districts often dominating and sports reports being significant. Longer and more detailed reports are often lists of people attending functions with details of dress etc.
Page 4. This varies considerably, but advertisements dominate with some news spilling over from page three. There is no room for ‘literary’ works and only a small amount of pages 3 & 4 are devoted to humorous articles. Nevertheless items of general interest are found here; ranging from articles on Egyptian mummies to top-dressing of pastures, pearls and pearling, mine safety. They appear to be ‘fillers’ that could be dropped when news or advertising material was available.
Supplements of either 1 or 2 sides were quite common. Most were slightly smaller than A3 in size, but larger formats occasionally occur.
Photographs are very rare and were virtually confined to the opening of the new showgrounds.
The Town Council’s activities were reported upon regularly, but neither dramatically nor in very great detail.
Numbering of Issues in 1924
The year began with Volume XXXXVI Number 1 on 9 January 1924.
And continued to Volume XXXXVI Number 51 on 24 December 1924.
XXXXVII, 1, 7 Jan. 1925
Advertisements, Page 1
Walker & Sons Shoe Store, Kooringa
Burra Motor Co. Agents for Dodge Bros. Cars, T-35 Caterpillar Tractors through the distributors Vrai Ltd. Commercial St
G.C. Kuchenmeister General Butcher, Kooringa
Emelie Clark Proprietress of the Commercial Hotel
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen
E.A. Mummery Dentist, represented in Burra by B.V. Considine the whole second week of every month.
Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer and General Dealer
R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa
S.M. Lane Saddler & Ironmonger
Lee & Co. Ford Dealer, Kooringa
Horton Jennison Tyre Workshop
Jack Allen Agent for Australasian Implement Co. including Ruston-Hornsby Cars etc.
C.J. Pearce & Son House Furnishers, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers & Undertakers
E.C. Hammond Tailor, Kooringa
N.J. Tiddy Draper & Clothier, Aberdeen
G. Lawn & Co. Butchers & Small Goods Dealers, Market Square
H.R. Bosisto Dentist, Welsh Place, Kooringa
Advertisements, Page 2
W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Clothier & Milliner, Kooringa
Bence’s Draper, Kooringa
W.S. Field Burra Sweets Depot
Wicklein’s Burra Jeweller
Drew & Crewes Harvesting Requisites etc.
H.J. Hains Builder & Contractor, Commercial St
Pederson & Son Shoes
Spencer’s Jeweller
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd (With which is merged Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd.) Auctioneers, Etc.
Bennett & Fisher Auctioneers etc.
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc.
H.E. Finlay General Electrician, Aberdeen
L.H. Foote Commission Agent, Kooringa
W.J. Woollacott Wheat Buyer
R.J.B. Smith Dentist: every Friday at the hairdressing salon next to S.M. Lane’s, Market Square
W. Thomas & Co. Burra Burra Roller Mills, Aberdeen
Advertisements, Page 3
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen
Edwin J. Harris The Corner Store, Kooringa
Advertisements, Page 4
SA Farmers’ Co-op Union Ltd General Store, Kooringa
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Stock & Station Agents, Wool Brokers etc.
Bennett & Fisher Auctioneers, Stock & Station Agents, Wool & Skin Brokers
W.T.L. Neagle Land & Estate Agent, between the Savings Bank & Wilkinson’s Chemist
William Young The Garage, Commercial St, Successor to Eyes & Crowle, Agent for Austin, Paige, Jewett & Buick
W.R. Lee Studebaker Dealer
D. Jones Painting, Paperhanging, Kalsomining etc, Mine Bridge
P.E. Wilson Agents for Cleveland’s Monumental Works, Vineyard Tce Kooringa
W.H. Spier Nash Agent, Kooringa
XXXXVII, 1, 7 Jan. 1925, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Rates:
General: 1/6
Health: 1/-
Light: 4d
Fire Brigade 1d
Park Lands 1d
Obituary. Jane Radford, widow of David Radford, died at Aberdeen on 2 January aged 78.
[More details on page 3.]
Obituary. Mary Ann Langsford, widow of W.J. Langsford, died at the residence of her son-in-law W.J. Thomas Railway Terrace Aberdeen on 5 January aged 85. [More details on page 3.]
A.S. Rawling has been elected Mayor of Broken Hill. He was born in Burra and spent his first eight years here. He is the son of the late Charles Rawling a well-known Burra resident. He had been a member of the Council for five years.
J. Copley, local manager of the SAFU store, came to Burra in December and has proved an asset to the local cricket club.
Christmas Eve saw packed streets and scores of cars down Commercial St and in Market Square with other vehicles of all descriptions in side streets. The Electric Supply Co. installed four special 2,000 candle power lights and several businesses had 1,000 candle power lights or a number of coloured lights. All places reported good business.
Redruth Sunday School held its usual picnic on 29 December at Sod Hut.
XXXXVII, 1, 7 Jan. 1925, page 3
Bertram Wellesley Pearse
(Reprinted from the Western Morning News, Plymouth England.)
The old and interesting Church of St Mary the Virgin at Holne on the fringe of Dartmoor was carefully restored some four years ago by a former vicar, the Rev. W.H. Harvey-Royse RN. Now it has an addition to its many beauties. The small chapel to the south of the chancel has been furnished as a memorial to one of Australia’s heroes who died from wounds received at Gallipoli. The memorial comprises an altar of English oak with its oak ornaments, surmounted by a dorsal* and surrounded by oak panelling. It is noticeable on the south side that an opening has been left in the panelling preserving the shape and size of the original piscina† in the wall of the chapel. In the central panel above this is the following inscription:
‘To the Glory of god and in loving memory of Bertram Wellesley Pearse of the Burra Burra 3rd Light Horse wounded at Gallipoli, died May 25 1915 aged 34 years, leaving a widow and daughter to mourn his loss. Buried at Malta. Eldest son of T.H. & E.E. Pearse of the Gums Station, South Australia, by whom this memorial was given October 1924.’
Despite inclement weather a large congregation assembled for the service of dedication followed by a shortened evensong. The Bishop of Crediton accompanied by other clergy asked Mr Pearse the donor to unveil the memorial. This is one of the oldest portions of the church. When the patronage fell into the hands of the Hospitallers of St John in 1329 this chapel was dedicated to St John. The nave and aisles were rebuilt about a century later. Mr Pearse is a former parishioner who has spent the last 46 years in Australia and has had wide experience as a sheep farmer. He has been visiting the Motherland for the British Empire Exhibition.
[*More commonly a dossal or dossel: an ornamental hanging above an altar etc.
†A piscina is a perforated basin for carrying away ablutions and was traditionally found on the south side of the altar.]
Burra Hospital Christmas Tree took place on 23 December organised by Miss Sandland. She has carried on a tradition started by Mrs E.F. Lockyer and Miss Cave. Musical items and songs were followed by gifts and supper in one of the large wards and a dance concluded the evening. Mr J.E.H. Winnall was present on a visit to Burra.
Burra Rifle Club. On New Year’s Day about 80 men from various clubs visited Clare for a most enjoyable shoot. Best score off the rifle was by G. Mestchke from Blyth with 69. Wasleys won the best team of seven men event with 458 from Burra 445, Crystal Brook 434 and Burra No. 2 team 416. For Burra the best scores over the 200 & 300 yard shoot were W.R. Lee 68 and T. Rosewall 67.
Tennis: Copperhouse 14-99 defeated Aberdeen 6-66.
Bowls. On 30 December South Park 134 defeated Burra 81.
On 3 January Burra 55 defeated Murray Bridge 47.
Obituary. Mrs W.J. Langsford died on Monday aged 84. For many years she lived at Ironmine with her husband before they retired to Aberdeen. Mr Langsford died some years ago. Mrs J.G. Oates, Mrs Muller & Mrs W.J. Thomas Jnr of Aberdeen are daughters and her only son George Langsford resides at Prospect. There are grandchildren and great-grandchildren. [Further details next issue.]
Obituary. Mr Charles Lowe died at Broken Hill on 22 December. Until about 5 years ago he lived at Redruth where he had a bakery. He was also a member of the Town Council. [He represented North Ward from December 1907 to November 1913.] He leaves a widow, one daughter and two sons.
[Charles Lowe 1854-1925.]
Obituary. Mrs David Radford late of Glenora Station died on 2 January. She was the only daughter of Mr & Mrs George Roberts and was born in Manchester in 1846. She arrived in SA ten years later with her parents who went to live at Angaston as farmers. In 1865 she married David Radford who took land near Quorn where they lived for about 15 years. In 1891 they came to Burra. She was closely associated with the Redruth Methodist Church, the WCTU and the Women’s Foreign Missions Auxiliary. The family comprises Mr S.O. Radford (South Africa), Mrs J.G. Wardle (Leighton), Mr D.H. Radford (Canegrass), Mr G.L. Radford (Sydney), Mr M.A. Radford (Aberdeen), Mr F.W.C. Radford (Gulnare), 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. [Born Jane Roberts.]
XXXXVII, 1, 7 Jan. 1925, page 4
Royal College of Music. Results for the pupils of the Sisters of St Joseph are printed.
Robert C. Willshire writes continuing his exchanges with Mr Hogan on the football situation.
XXXXVII, 2, 14 Jan. 1925, page 2
Advt. Tenders called for the purchase of allotments 204, 205, 230 & 231, Section 53, Hd Kooringa on which is erected a 4-roomed stone house and stables. Rooms measure 15’ x 12’, 12’ x 12’, 18’ x 9’ and
9’ x 9’. The property known as Scroop’s. [This is a house in Westbury.]
Mrs I.J. Warnes and her two sons Masters Jim & Tom Warnes are taking six months holiday to England.
Motor cycle riders beware: two were prosecuted for pillion riding last week and fined 5/- + 10/- costs.
Fishing around Burra is one thing lacking. If only fish could be got to live in the creek at Princess Royal or World’s End Gorge or in Porter’s Lagoon. Mullet was tried at the Lagoon, but failed. W.D. Bruce, Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Game, has told Mr Crewes he would have to visit before advising. Mr Crewes thinks perch might flourish.
XXXXVII, 2, 14 Jan. 1925, page 3
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd have merged with Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd.
Salvation Army. Since Captain Keast has departed the local corps has been without an official head. Duties have fallen to Mr George Evans. Now Ensign and Mrs Peck have been appointed and will be welcomed at a social on Thursday.
Obituary. Mrs W.J. Langsford who died on 2 January was born at Gawler on 6 July 1839, six weeks after her parents arrived in the colony. They were Mr & Mrs George Morris of Modbury. She married W.J. Langsford in 1860 and lived at Auburn for 14 years before going to Ironmine where they lived till 1912. For the last 4 years she lived with her youngest daughter. About five years ago she went blind, but otherwise enjoyed good health and retained a keen intellect. Three daughters and one son of a family of eleven survive: Mrs W.A.F. Muller, Mrs J.G. Oates, Mrs W.J. James Jnr, Mr G. Langsford of Prospect and 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Mr George Morris of Modbury, a brother, also survives aged 88. [Born Mary Ann Morris.]
Obituary. Mr Clem Bell died at Burra Hospital on 8 January aged 25. He was born at Mt Bryan and was the youngest son of Mr & Mrs Robert Bell. Three brothers saw active service and though unable to go he was a member of Mt Bryan ‘Musical Dandies’ who raised a good sum for the war effort. In September 1923 he married Miss Elsie Noble who survives with an infant. [Born James Clem Bell at Mt Bryan 21 August 1899.]
Kooringa Court, 8 January
Michael Fahey was charged with being drunk, using obscene language and resisting police. He was fined £5.
10 January
Thomas Carpenter was charged with unlawfully delivering fermented liquor (beer) to a prisoner under sentence in the Kooringa Police Station. The prisoner was working in the Police Yard at the time. Carpenter did not deny supplying the beer, but claimed not to know the man was a prisoner. He thought he was employed doing the work at the station. Fined £1 + £1 costs.
Burra Town Council
Trustees of the Redruth Methodist Church invite Councillors to the opening of the new Sunday school.
Cr Woollacott had approved the top dressing of the Aberdeen Tennis Courts after talking to several Councillors. Cr Kellaway objected, saying there was a committee for that.
Cr Woollacott cited the necessity of holidays for his action and believed there was precedent.
Various minor works were approved.
Cr Riggs said the Bon Accord Bridge was very dangerous. Three motor cyclists had been injured and a danger sign was needed. Carried.
Rain. Thunder storms broke last Sunday & Monday and 68 points fell in 12 hours. Falls to the east were good generally with recordings of between 56 and 100 points. In Burra the electricity supply was cut for a few seconds on two occasions by the lightning.
The Croquet Club now has 29 members. On a recent visit to Clare one Burra pair were victorious and the other drew.
Tennis. On 10 January: Copperhouse 8-67 defeated Hallett 7-73.
XXXXVII, 3, 21 Jan. 1925, page 2
Advt. Methodist Memorial Sunday School Redruth. Opening Ceremony Saturday 7 February 3 p.m. by Mr James Read.
XXXXVII, 3, 21 Jan. 1925, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Read died at Burra Hospital on 13 January. She was born at Liskard Cornwall in 1841 and arrived in SA aged 22 in the Addment in 1863. She came directly to Burra to the home of her uncle the late Captain Killicoat. She married Thomas Read who carried on dairying on the south side of Kooringa. Mr Read died some years ago. She leaves one daughter, Mrs Frank Griffiths, and three grandsons. There are also a number of step-children. [She was Mary, but too many Marys married a man named Thomas Read in Kooringa to identify her further.]
Tennis. At Copperhouse on Saturday: Hallett 7-71 defeated Copperhouse 8-73.
Cricket. So many locals went to see the test cricket in Adelaide that most local sport had to be postponed. Those at home kept up with the game with results every few minutes on the wireless.
Fire broke out on the Mt Bryan Road between the 107 & 108 mile posts. The property of railway workers was destroyed and 15 acres of grass on Mackerode. The railway men were living in tents and engaged in bridge work. The north passenger passed at noon and then a goods train and soon after one of the men said the tents were alight. They saved a tent on the Terowie side, but the flames leapt the road and got into the grass. There had been four tents. The head of the gang Thomas J. Crotty gave particulars and believed that the goods train threw out a cinder, as the engine needs to be stoked here due to the grade. Others corroborated his account. R.C. Jones lost £6 worth of goods and W.C. Miconi all his clothes and belongings except what he was wearing.
Fire on Friday, also on A.G. Gebhardt’s Mackerode, burnt through about 15 acres of good feed. Fortunately the fire was soon noticed and extinguished. A few days before Christmas another fire on the same property was also quickly extinguished. Trains are believed responsible in each case.
Salvation Army. Ensign Peck and Mrs Peck, who replace Captain & Mrs Keast after several weeks, were welcomed to Burra at the Army Hall on Thursday evening by His Worship the Mayor M. Collins and by Rev. Smith. G. Evans welcomed them on behalf of the corps and J. Copley also spoke.
Burra Town Council, 18 January
A Request for a special main roads grant has been refused.
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. seek the transfer of the creek lease, as they have bought Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd. This was granted.
The Local Government Dept. is forwarding a photo of HMAS Australia framed with wood from the ship. A similar item is going to each Corporation in Australia.
J.J. Park has been appointed ranger.
Some places have been trading on Sunday.
Diprose Creek pound has been gazetted with Mr Ford as pound keeper.
Amounts available for expenditure on roads (apart from main roads):
North Ward £256
East Ward £418
West Ward £358
Steps are to be taken to enforce silencers on motorbikes that were disturbingly loud; especially on the Adelaide Road and past the hospital.
Local Board of Health
W.R. Lee reported it would cost £17 to repair the ambulance.
District Councils will not assist in buying a new ambulance.
Cr Kellock said his wife’s ride in the ambulance was very rough: they needed a regular driver.
Cr Riggs said that in town cars could be hired.
Cr Kellaway said that cars and cabs were not appropriate in infectious cases.
Since it was obtained the ambulance has cost Council £18. It will be repaired and District Councils will be asked to share in the cost.
‘Back to Burra’. A letter from E. Bennetts whose parents were old residents who married there and had their family before moving to Broken Hill like so many others, says he was a recent visitor and suggests many others would return if a ‘Back to Burra’ week were organised.
XXXXVII, 3, 21 Jan. 1925, page 4
‘A Colonial’ writes urging the sending of donations to aid Jewish orphans in Ukraine.
XXXXVII, 4, 28 Jan. 1925, page 2
Advt. Opening Ceremony of the Redruth Methodist Memorial Sunday School, Saturday 7 February 1925 at 3 p.m. by Mr James Reed. Public Tea and Grand Concert in the Hall at 8 p.m.
Special Services 8 February.
[Note the advt. includes an architect’s three dimensional sketch 190 x 90 mm and plan 35 x 25 mm.]
The Burrows family, old Burraites, visited the town last week. They comprised the eldest son and three daughters of the late Mr & Mrs Jacob Burrows of the Burra Mine and later of Broken Hill. Mr Jacob Jnr hails from Kinkabilla near Dalby in Queensland and the daughters were Mrs John Moore of Tranmere Adelaide, (nee Bessie, ‘Queenie’ Burrows); Mrs W.J. Wilson of St Peters (Clara Burrows) and Mrs J. Hodge of Broken Hill (nee Miss J. Burrows). Master J. Wallach, Mrs Moore’s grandson, also accompanied them. [Births & marriages registers appear to identify Jacob as being born in Burra in 1860 and ‘Bessie’ seems to have been born as Elizabeth Anne in 1862, but the other two women are not identified from that source where a plethora of Jacobs makes matters difficult.]
Mr Miller [Giles Miller who died 1932 aged 89] who will be 83 in March was at the last Elder, Smith sale in Burra. He lives in retirement at Hallett. He was born in Hutt St Adelaide and at 21 came to Burra with his father as a carter for the Mine. He took a small selection known as Camel’s Hump and later went to Blinman for two years carting ore from the mine there. Later he took land at Wonna and finally a farm at Leighton where he stayed for 30 years before retiring. In early days he helped his father moved Dr Browne’s goods and chattels from Booborowie to Buckland Park (Pt Gawler), returning with timber from Pt Adelaide to build the Mannanarie Homestead. Tommy’s Gap at Cappeedee was named by the Blacks after Mr Miller’s father [Thomas Miller] who spelled his bullocks there for three weeks. Mrs Miller died three years ago. [Sarah Jane Miller, nee Pearce died 1922 aged 75.]
XXXXVII, 4, 28 Jan. 1925, page 3
Richard Reed of Aberdeen turned 88 on 22 January.
Miss V. Wilkinson, chemist, late of Burra is in business for herself in Unley.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic was held at Sod Hut on Monday on grounds lent by B.C. Sandland. I.J. Warnes again lent motor lorries and trailers. The day passed off very successfully.
W.C. Rabbich, [sic; actually W.T.] who was Mayor of Burra in 1893 and for many years a Councillor, visited Burra this week. He went to WA and was Mayor of Boulder WA in 1904. On two occasions while in the Burra Council he was fined £5 and £50 and his seat declared vacant. It arose from a dispute in Council between wards and the awarding of road metal contracts. He won in the end with Council apologising and wiping all references from the records. His principal interests now are in the Williams District some 100 miles [SE] from Perth. [His version of events given here is not quite correct and the highly entertaining affair is reported in great detail in the Burra Record over several weeks beginning 25 February 1891 and ending 22 April 1891. The initial fine was actually £10 and in the end it was actually Rabbich who apologised, although in a form almost indistinguishable from that which had earlier been unacceptable. A major factor contributing to his ultimate success was the Council’s decision that they couldn’t afford the cost of taking him to court. The whole series of events reads like high farce.]
Croquet. Jamestown members visited on Monday. Of the four games Burra ladies won two and the other two could not be played out.
Bowls. Jamestown visited on Monday and in the morning Burra 75 defeated Jamestown 59, while in the afternoon Burra 167 defeated Jamestown 117.
Accident. Mr B. Woodgate of Booborowie sustained a badly cut arm on 17 January when his horses attached to a wagon and horse rake bolted. It trying to get onto the wagon, he fell and was run over by the rake.
XXXXVII, 5, 4 Feb. 1925, page 3
Advt. Apoinga Picnic Races. First Meeting 21 February in Harry Garrard’s paddock adjacent to Apoinga Council Chamber on the Black Springs-Robertstown Road.
Notice. Maurice Collins, Mayor, calls a public meeting in the Burra Institute 25 February to make arrangements for a ‘Back to Burra Week’ in spring.
M-C F.W. Lown who has been at Kooringa for four years has been transferred to Cockburn at the end of March. M-C Gearing from Wirrabara will succeed him.
Burra Show Society. The committee met last Friday to adopt new rules to allow the change to Burra Show Inc. The President reported that the work of putting the railway into the ground was going on satisfactorily. Roy Humphrys reports only 5 or 6 refusals from 185 farmers asked for donations of wheat.
Squatter: an article on the origin of the term.
Redruth Court, 31 January
John Morris Williams (21) of Broken Hill created a disturbance while drunk on the express from Broken Hill by walking on the footboard while the train was travelling at speed. He was arrested at the Burra Station and eventually charged with:
Riotous behaviour at Redruth Police Station – 14 days
Obscene language in Morehead St – 14 days
Drunkenness at Burra Railway Station – 7 days
Tennis. At Clare 26 January: Combined Mid-North 14-163 defeated Clare 12-151.
At Aberdeen 31 January: Aberdeen 25-180 defeated World’s End 11-117.
XXXXVII, 5, 4 Feb. 1925, page 4
Burra Hospital Board, 2 February
A petition from ratepayers in the Hundreds of Bright, Bundey & Apoinga asked for them to be transferred to the district of the Eudunda Hospital.
The chairman thought there may be some justification in the case of Bundey & Bright, but the Board decided to oppose any move to alter the district arrangement.
The arrangement for the Government subsidy is most unsatisfactory.
[The report does not make it clear how the Government was calculating its contribution. It had originally said it would subsidise council contributions 30/- in the £, but was actually paying much less than that. The Councils were assessed at £1,196 for which the theoretical Government subsidy was £1,794. The estimate cited suggested the Government would deliver only £1,200.]
A major problem was that the Government would not send its money for some months and when the Hospital ran on a bank overdraft the Government would not pay a subsidy on that. The Government’s response was that the subsidy was promised only if there were sufficient in the estimates. The Government knows what income is expected from Councils and should be able to put that amount on the estimates at the beginning of the year. It is impossible to manage the finances without knowing what money is available.
Matron Johnson put in her resignation and asked for immediate release.
XXXXVII, 5, 4 Feb. 1925, Supplement
Redruth Court, 28 January
Claude Attrill was charged with being at the Burra Hotel for the purpose of betting.
There was the usual legalistic fencing – whether the verandah was part of the hotel etc. The evidence extends for 21⁄4 columns before the case was adjourned.
Burra Institute, AGM
Elected for the year: President, M.A. Radford; Vice President, J.P. Murphy; Treasurer, E.J. Davey; Hon. Sec., S.M. Lane.
31 December 1823 there were 6,123 books and 31 December 1924 5,843 books in the library.
12 free scholarship tickets had been given to Public School students.
Membership: Double Single Total
December 1923 28 254 282
December 1924 27 245 272
Finance: 31 December 1923 £72-17-5 in credit and December 1924 £288-0-5 in credit.
The committee is working on a mortgage of £1,500 on which interest and principal payments have to be met half-yearly.
Choral and Orchestral Classes have been in recess due to the accident to G.E. Dane their conductor. He is now about again and we look forward to musical treats during the year.
The lighting arrangements have been connected to the town lighting scheme during the year. The cost of lighting for the year was £27-18-7, which was very satisfactory.
The old Delco plant which served us well for five years was disposed of for £65.
The public reading room and library were renovated for £9-15-0 and the front fence painted and sanded for £18-17-0. The front wall was repointed for £6-15-0.
Tennis. Aberdeen tournament 24 & 26 January
Ladies Handicap Singles: Miss Pryor beat Miss O. Pearce
Mixed Doubles: R. Jones & Mrs Ford beat H. Lomman & Miss Voumard
Gents Handicap Singles: W. Kellaway beat R. Jones
Gents Championship Singles: R. Jones beat W. Kellaway
XXXXVII, 6, 11 Feb. 1925, page 2
Advt. Burra Seaside Trip: Hallett to Glenelg.
Train 1: Departs Burra 5.35 a.m. Arrives Glenelg 9.49 a.m.
Departs Glenelg 8 p.m. Arrives Burra 12.30 a.m.
Train 2: Departs Hallett 5.15 a.m. Arrives Glenelg 10.24 a.m.
Departs Glenelg 7.30 p.m.
XXXXVII, 6, 11 Feb. 1925, page 3
Advt. Burra Institute Wednesday 18 February
Jack Souter presents the latest Australian Comedy: Ginger’s Honeymoon.
Redruth Court, 9 February
Two local lads aged 13 & 15 were fined £1 + £1 costs for stealing 12 pigeons from an outhouse in Kooringa. It was a first offence or they would have been sent to the reformatory.
Jack Herbert, who was rolling meat, received a nasty gash on the right hand from Sid Kuchenmeister who was chopping meat in Mr Kuchenmeister’s business on Tuesday.
Enid Morrison, daughter of Mrs J. Morrison, ran in front of a car driven by Mr C. Attrill on Tuesday in Market Square. Though he was going slowly and stopped within a car’s length her face was scratched, she was badly bruised and a foot was injured. The injuries turned out not to be serious.
Rain. The afternoon train from the north on 3 February was late due to spectacularly heavy rain north of Yarcowie. The train travelled through water after Yarcowie and in places the water was fence high on the level country. The train was lucky to get to Hallett. When the water subsided it was found that a culvert bridge and tons of ballast had been swept away. Thursday’s Broken Hill express was cancelled beyond Hallett. On Friday only about 10 points fell in Burra, but at Leighton 160 points fell on Warnes’ & McDonald’s country while neighbours got only a drizzle. ‘The Gums’ got 179 points in 40 minutes and water was a foot deep all over the run. Mt Mary got 2 inches and Hugh Warnes at Chalk Cliffs Station reported 220 points in 30 minutes. Rainfall over most of the eastern country exceeded 11⁄2 inches, varying from 65 points at Oakbank to 31⁄2 inches at Mulga Hill and Bazentin and Sampson’s Well. Part of Ketchowla reported 4 inches.
Marriage. At Purnong Hall
Murray S. Edwards, eldest son of Mr & the late Mrs T.G. Edwards of Hindmarsh, married
Una Beatrice Topsfield, sixth daughter of Mr & Mrs Charles Topsfield of Purnong.
Burra Rifle Club. Match on Saturday over 200, 500 & 600 yards saw best results from J. Wade and C.W. Pearce.
XXXXVII, 6, 11 Feb. 1925, Supplement
Opening of the Redruth Methodist Memorial Sunday School
This building was opened last Saturday free of debt by James Reed JP. The site adjacent to the church was bought for the purpose over 30 years ago. A large crowd assembled for the occasion. Among those present were: Miss Emily Preece (a daughter of the late Ben. Preece who founded the Wesleyan Sunday School), the James Tiver family with their mother who turned 88 that day, Richard Reed (88), The Bentley & Young families, Mrs T.H. Woollacott Sen. (nee Young), members of the Teddy, J.R. Gary, Clode, Rabbich, Ridgway, Goss, Bartholomaeus, Sara, Thomas, Finch, Fuss, Woollacott, Gare, Sleeman, Pilz and J. & W. Pearce families. People also attended from Kooringa, Hallett, Mt Bryan, Mt Bryan East, Hanson, Booborowie & Leighton. The design is Early Norman corresponding with the church and is in bluestone with cement facings. It has a frontage of 90 ft and a depth of 74 ft. The service began at 3 p.m. with Rev. Harry Alvey. Other ministers present were: Rev. F.L. Rooney (Riverton), Rev. W.J. Mortimer (Adelaide), Rev. L.D. Rooney (Saddleworth), and Rev. J.C. Oliver (Booborowie). The architect J.H. Laity presented the key to Mr James Reed.
Mr Reed said he had first been a Sunday school scholar when the school was held in the German Church. After Methodist Union the school was moved to the Primitive Methodist Church which was altered and called Jubilee Hall. This had been used for 20 years. 40 years ago the block had been purchased and 26 years ago some of the trustees had wanted to build. He thanked the architect for the design and the contractors, Messrs T.H. Woollacott and F.M. Pearce, both of whom were old scholars.
The building had cost a lot and on the previous Tuesday £1,190 was wanted to complete it. Mr Alvey was optimistic that the whole debt would be wiped off before the services were over. First they interviewed Mr John Melrose and got a cheque for £100. Then Mr J.H. Gallagher gave another £100 and Mr I.J. Warnes another £100. W.H. Sandland & N.H. Pearse gave £21 and Dr McKellar Hall £25. A.S. Martin gave £5 and Mrs S.M. Lane £2-10-0. These were donations from outside the church and put with adherents’ donations there was now only £390 due on the building and furniture.
The building was then opened.
Mr Reed was presented with a bound address.
Mrs W.H. Gare unveiled a memorial tablet.
In September 1915 Mrs Gare began a monthly collection towards the building. Though the sum raised was not large it had kept the project ever before the minds of them all. The tablet read:
‘Methodist Memorial Sunday School. This building was erected in honour of the oast Officers and Teachers of this school 1924.’
In the entry hall are life-size portraits of Mr Ben Preece, the founder and Mr A.H. Forder the first secretary. Also two Rolls of Honour showing 58 scholars who had enlisted for service in the Great War and that twelve had made the supreme sacrifice.
The assembly hall is 46 ft x 35 ft and 18 ft high and will accommodate over 300. The platform at the northern end is 20 ft x 9 ft and 33 ft high. On the eastern side are five classrooms: four are 13 ft x 9 ft and the fifth is 12 ft x 13 ft. On the western side another entrance leads into the library 131⁄2 ft x 9ft and this opens into the secretary’s office 13 ft x 12 ft and from that into a crush hall 191⁄4 ft x 12 ft on the northern end of which is the ladies cloakroom, lavatories etc. West of the hall are the Kindergarten and Beginners Departments: the first 25 ft x 25 ft and the second 16 ft x 13 ft. The Primary Department is north of the hall and in the northeast corner is the kitchen 13 ft x 13 ft.
Speeches were then given by the visiting clergy. After the meeting in the hall a tea meeting was held in Jubilee Hall and in the evening a first class concert was given in the new hall.
On Sunday the morning service was held in the church and Rev. W.J. Mortimer preached. At 2.30 p.m. there was a short farewell service in Jubilee Hall conducted by Mr E.W. Dunhill. At 3 p.m. Rev. W.J. Mortimer conducted a service in the new Sunday school and in the evening he preached there again to a crowded room. At the conclusion of the evening Mr James Reed handed over a cheque of something over £70 which more than covered the outstanding deficiency. Miss Bubb on behalf of the Soldiers’ Aid Society presented a beautiful brass jardiniere as a tribute for the society’s use of Jubilee Hall.
The report includes a photograph of James Reed.
Burra Town Council, 2 February
Cr Hammond wanted Councillors to inspect a vacant block near the Kooringa Hotel as a possible site for a children’s playground.
It was resolved that a light be placed near the rotunda in Market Square.
The Mayor took up the suggestion in the paper for a ‘Back to Burra Week’ and thought it a good idea.
Cr Hammond said a man not connected with the Council would have to be procured to handle it.
Cr Harris agreed that Burra could do it as well as other towns had.
Cr Riggs also thought it a good idea as did Crs Kellaway and Woollacott.
XXXXVII, 7, 18 Feb. 1925, page 2
Advt. Boxing at the Kooringa Institute [sic] 4 March.
Tommy Seal v. Jack Murray
15 two-minute rounds
XXXXVII, 7, 18 Feb. 1925, page 3
Advt. Burra Institute 20 February: Bryant’s Bellringers & Entertainers.
Notice. Visit of the Ministerial Party to Booborowie 20 February:
2 p.m. Deputation of lessees of stock roads
3 p.m. Deputation from District Council of Booborowie
4-6 p.m. To be arranged
8 p.m. Railway meeting
Saturday 8.30 a.m. Inspection of the district.
Notice. Meeting called by Maurice Collins, Mayor, to arrange a ‘Back to Burra Week’ in October.
Notice. Tenders called for Building Additions to Leighton Hall.
Obituary. Last Thursday 12 February Mr Dave Bailey who died in Adelaide from injuries received in a tram accident was buried in Kooringa. He was born in the district, the fifth son of Mr & Mrs John Bailey of Leighton. He was aged 39. He was struck by a tram when crossing from behind one on the other line on his bicycle on 2 February. His neck was broken and his spine injured and he died on 10 February leaving a widow nee Miss Olive Morgan of Ironmine and three children. [Born David Bailey 24 December 1886 at Leighton.]
The Prime Minister [S.M. Bruce] will visit Burra on 24 March for a political meeting.
Master Cyril Moore (son of Albert Moore) who is delivery boy for E.J. Harris failed to notice the clothes line when he stood up on one of Mr Harris’s drays. It caught his neck and he was hurled to the ground, breaking a bone in his shoulder, sustaining a slight concussion and receiving a bruised throat.
Sir Sidney Kidman was recently crossing to the station at Burra on foot when he fell down an embankment. He was badly shaken, but not much hurt and soon recovered. The daily papers have reported he fell 10 ft and one adds that he lost £45 in the event and another says £15.
Mr & Mrs George Parker were attacked by a large swarm of bees while driving in from Booborowie on Friday. Both were badly stung, but recovered after medical treatment in Burra.
The Seaside Trip to Glenelg took place on Saturday 14 February. It is estimated 1050 people took the trip comprising residents of towns from Hallett to Mintaro. People were astir by 3.30 a.m. to catch the trains. Each train was headed by two locomotives and the first reached Glenelg about 10 a.m. and the second at about 10.20 a.m. Many went to the beach, but others sought train and buses for the city. Many old Burraites joined the visitors at the beach. The return journey began about 8 p.m. and took about four hours.
XXXXVII, 7, 18 Feb. 1925, page 4
Advt. Canowie Estate of 9,422 acres has been divided into blocks from 40 to 100 acres. The depot paddock at Yarcowie Station of 131 acres will be offered and Canowie Homestead of 1,600 acres. To be offered by Bennet & Fisher Ltd & Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd at Jamestown on 24 March.
Advt. Sale of the Stock of Canowie Merino Stud will be held 27 February at Canowie Station:
5,900 ewes and 750 rams.
XXXXVII, 7, 18 Feb. 1925, Supplement
Giles Miller of Hallett was 83 on 7 March. He was born in Hutt St Adelaide, but the family soon moved to Barossa and when he was 12 to Mintaro where his father carted ore from Burra Mines to Pt Wakefield. At c. 20 he was carting ore from the Blinman Mine. He later took land at Leighton and farmed there for nearly 30 years before retiring to live with his son W. G. Miller at Hallett. His wife died two years ago.
Booborowie. Considerable damage was done to the Booborowie lucerne flats by waters from the recent floods at Yarcowie. Fence damage was extensive and some sheep drowned. Falls locally were heavy, but less than in the surrounding areas.
A Boxing Match has been organised for 4 March between Tom Seal & Jack Murray, both of Aberdeen. It will be held in the Kooringa Institute [sic].
Burra Rifle Club. Wasleys visited on 14 February and fired a match over 200, 500 & 600 yards.
Burra 1128 defeated Wasleys 1110. A home and home match with the Torrens Valley Club was also fired and Burra 501 defeated Torrens Valley 500.
XXXXVII, 8, 25 Feb. 1925, page 2
Advt. Boxing at the Burra Institute 4 March. Tony Seal v. Jack Murray, both of Aberdeen, in 15 two-minute rounds. Also in 4 two-minute rounds preliminary bouts:
Les Pavey v. Tommy Halls
Bob Halls v. Alby Elliott
XXXXVII, 8, 25 Feb. 1925, page 3
Advt. Luella Koory, Phrenologist, NOT a fortune teller, at the Office next to George Lawn & Co. in Kooringa, invites the unemployed to come and discover their true vacation [sic] in life.
Members of the Aber-Koorie Minstrels were entertained by the Redruth Church Refreshment Committee at the Memorial School on 10 February. They were being thanked for raising funds for the new Sunday school.
Obituary. Henry Harris, eldest son of the late John & Ethlinda Harries, died in Adelaide 20 February. He was born at Kooringa in 1864 and spent almost all his life in Burra engaged with his father in the boot trade. His brothers are Frank & Edwin of Kooringa and Hedley of Fullarton. Mrs Frank Pearce of Mt Bryan is a sister. [Born 18 September 1863 at Kooringa.]
Tennis. Willalo 11-98 defeated Ironmine 5-63.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Burra 87 defeated Clare 84.
Burra Town Council, 16 February
Burra Hospital complains of howling dogs in the neighbourhood.
The owner will be asked to control them.
A quarry is to be opened for the Council on the School Hill.
The road from the post office to the station gate is to be repaired. [Probably not till the winter though.]
Various other matters relating to roads and footpaths and raising metal were discussed.
Theft. A young man has stolen a Dort car from Mrs Seal of the Royal Exchange Hotel.
Apoinga Picnic Races were held last Saturday and attracted about 300 in windy conditions. The quality of entries was above average. Results are printed.
Burra Hospital Board, meeting of 23 February
The Board is still in dispute with the Government over funding. The Inspector-General asks if the area asking to be excised from the Burra Hospital District and attached to the Eudunda Hospital was served by Burra. He is to be advised that it is and that other areas like North Booborowie attached to other hospitals are also served by Burra.
Charge-nurse Seagle is acting-matron.
Burra Rifle Club. Match fired on Saturday over 300, 500 & 600 yards. Best were G. Woodman & R. Nutt.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 21 February
Isabell Barrell, only daughter of the late Ada & Major H.J. Barrell (Royal Horse Artillery) London, married John Thiel of Mt Bryan, son of Mrs & the late Paul Thiel of Eudunda.
XXXXVII, 8, 25 Feb. 1925, Supplement
Ministerial Visit to Booborowie
Hon. T. Butterfield, Commissioner of Crown Lands
Mr O’Halloran, Chairman of the Railways Standing Committee
Mr Hawke MP & Hon. Blesing MLC
Leaseholders of the recently divided stock road sought reduced rents and change to covenant of purchase from perpetual lease (which would also reduce land tax and council assessment values). Evidence of the very high valuations for leaseholds was given. The Commissioner was sympathetic, but said conversion to freehold was not favoured, as it could see land drift back into large holdings.
A request was made that Ayers Forest Crown Lands be resumed for closer settlement.
A deputation asked to sell the existing site of the Council office and to build a new chamber, as the present chamber was two miles from the town and inconvenient.
A deputation asked that Canowie Township of c. 100 acres be resumed and vested in the Council as parklands, to be used as commonage.
A request was made that hospital rates be on the basis of population and not land value. At present rates per head of population varied from 2/2 for the Burra Town Council to 10/10 for the Burra District Council.
The Railway. In 1915 it was calculated that the cost would be £6,019 per mile to build and that the annual loss would be £654.
In the evening a meeting was held to consider the proposed railway further.
[Most of the discussion as reported appeared to be political waffle from the official party and nothing of substance about the actual Hanson-Booborowie line is reported.]
XXXXVII, 9, 4 Mar. 1925, page 2
Advt. The Beautiful Cantata Queen Esther will be given by a large choir in the Memorial Hall at Aberdeen 18 March.
XXXXVII, 9, 4 Mar. 1925, page 3
Advt. Ironmine Methodist Church Anniversary 8 March. Rev. J.C. Oliver will preach.
Tea Meeting 10 March.
Notice. Burra Band Meeting. A.W. Andrews desires to thank all those band enthusiasts who were conspicuous by their absence at the meeting on Thursday evening last.
Advt. Leighton Hall Tennis Club Ball Tomorrow Night.
Advt. Willalo Hall Concert in aid of Methodist Church Funds 13 March.
Advt. Booborowie St Patrick’s Day Race Meeting 10 March.
T.P. Ford a native of Burra has been appointed District Foreman at Mile End for the SAR. His promotion comes after 27 years service.
Obituary. Mrs Schutz of Kooringa died on Thursday 26 February aged 84. She was born at Boscommon, Ireland, 5 July 1840 and aged 14 she migrated with her two sisters, the Misses Burke, to Australia in the Hoogley. They came to Burra almost at once. In October 1858 she married the late cab proprietor Charles Schutz in the old Catholic Church in Commercial St. Of her ten children three survive: Lottie (WA), Herbert (NZ) & Edgar (Kooringa). There are 55 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
[Born Bridget Bourke.]
Frank Griffiths was in Boz Pearce’s yard with a loaded dray last week when a swarm of bees attacked him and the horses. The horses bolted for home. Both the horses and Frank Griffiths were badly stung.
Tennis. Ketchowla 6 rubbers 16 sets 112 games defeated Aberdeen 4 sets 64 games.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday Burra competed in the Country Championship at Pt Adelaide. Results:
Langhorne’s Creek 1803
Wasleys 1790
Murray Bridge 1788
Gawler 1751
Burra 1734
(In 1924 Burra had won with 1800.)
XXXXVII, 9, 4 Mar. 1925, page 4
Mr & Mrs W. Byles & Mr G. Byles who are leaving the district were given a farewell at Leighton Hall last Saturday.
XXXXVII, 9, 4 Mar. 1925, Supplement
Burra Show Society, General Committee Meeting 23 February
The Ring Committee recommended minor changes to the sheep dog trials and some horse events on the Saturday afternoon. This was adopted.
The Finance Committee recommended a two day show. The President agreed. He had advocated this for some years. Mr Radford had previously been opposed, but was now a supporter. It would give time for people to see the exhibits after judging, which will take most of the first day.
The President thought a man needed to be placed in charge of collecting exhibits to prevent theft.
Mr Radford and the secretary were appointed as Show Society representatives for the ‘Back to Burra Week’. The President suggested a souvenir containing the history of the Society be printed. This was adopted.
Back to Burra. The meeting on Wednesday was attended by 60-70 ladies and gentlemen and it was decided to go ahead. The Mayor had hoped for a bigger turn-out. He said show week had been suggested and after some discussion F.T. Sara so moved, Mr Radford seconded and it was carried unanimously.
A committee was then appointed. Miss Bubb suggested special invitations be sent to old Burraites who had attained distinction. A temporary smaller committee was then elected to draw up a scheme: the Mayor, Messrs Radford, Riggs, Penrose, F. Sara, Morton, Crewes and Miss Bubb and the Mayoress.
Booborowie Church of England Bazaar on 24 February raised c. £80.
XXXXVII, 10, 11 Mar. 1925, page 3
Advt. Booborowie Grand School Concert in the Booborowie Memorial Hall 18 March.
Burra & District Horticulture.
Bob Fuss deep mauve ‘Canberra’ dahlia over 6” across.
M-C F. W. Lown who has been in charge of the station at Kooringa for over three years leaves today for Cockburn. He has taken an interest in sport and the Rifle Club loses a valuable and consistent shot. The members farewelled him on Saturday. His daughters Shirley and Elinor were farewelled from the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School on Sunday.
Bowls. At Kapunda on Saturday Burra won the cup 95 to 84.
Burra Town Council, 2 March
The quarry near Mr Gare’s has been inspected and found not to be dangerous.
A civic reception will be given the Prime Minister Mr Bruce on his visit on 26 March.
The Local Government Department advice suggests that the Council could in all probability force the reopening of Smelts Road, which a private person had fenced off and claimed. The road has apparently been used for over 50 years and maintained by the Council. The Councillors discussed the implications and decided to inspect the road portion that is fenced before deciding on action.
Park Bros. replied to the complaint about howling dogs. They were clearly annoyed and said some of the dogs were worth over £50 and they could no more keep them from howling than they could prevent a rooster from crowing.
There was much discussion on road work, especially on the main road from Kooringa to the station. Also it was decided to buy a Champion Wizard plough for road work.
There was a motion that work in the quarry on the school hill will not be proceeded and an amendment was moved and seconded that work proceed. The paper reports that the motion was passed
[Discussion in Council on 6 April, reported in the paper of 15 April, shows that work at the quarry did proceed, so perhaps it was the amendment for continuation that was carried and not the motion to cease.]
Cr Riggs was concerned over the confusion between the names Burra, Aberdeen and Kooringa. He suggested that the town be called Burra North and Burra South, or the name of the station be changed. [Presumably to Aberdeen to agree with its actual location.]
Cr Kellock brought up a rumour that Cr Kellaway was not a ratepayer [and thus not eligible to sit].
The Town Clerk read the relevant act which showed he was quite entitled to sit.
[The precise nature of the objection and answering justification is not stated.]
XXXXVII, 10, 11 Mar. 1925, page 4
Boxing last Wednesday at the Institute
The house was not packed. Two of the contenders in the preliminaries failed to appear and substitutes had to be found.
In the first bout of T. Halls v. Les Pavy, Peter Borowski acted as referee and Halls won.
The second bout between H. Bevan and J. Hill ended in a tie.
The main contest between Jack Murray and Tom Seal was very even and was eventually won by Seal in the 13th.
A.G. Williams writes saying that after expenses there was only 18/6 over for Seal, Murray & himself as promoter of the boxing. It is being donated to the Burra Hospital. The house takings were only £36.
Croquet. The singles championship was decided this week. Mrs W.H. Sandland won from Mrs Collin [sic: perhaps for Mrs M. Collins?] 26-14.
XXXXVII, 10, 11 Mar. 1925, Supplement
Cricket. On Saturday Kooringa 130 defeated Burra Ramblers 110.
Copperhouse [Westbury] Methodist Church Harvest Festival was held on 22 February. Rev. Alvey officiated.
Obituary. Mrs Katie Hicks nee Dearlove, daughter of the late H. & Mrs M. Dearlove of Broken Hill and late of Burra, died at Broken Hill 24 February leaving a husband and two young daughters.
[Born Catherine Margaret Dearlove 19 April 1894 at Kooringa.]
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday 7 March a match was fired over 300, 600 & 700 yards. F. Marston and A.L. Kellock did best.
XXXXVII, 11, 18 Mar. 1925, page 3
Advt. Hallett Sports will be played Easter Monday 13 April.
Advt. Burra Show Society Sheep Dog Trials: March 30 & May 1 & 2 [sic: later corrected to 30 April etc.]
Advt. Catholic Church Mt Bryan. The foundation stone of St Brendan’s will be laid by Rt Rev. Dr Killian Bishop of Pt Augusta on 29 March at 3 p.m.
Fred Dew has returned from an extended visit to WA where his sons Gordon and Robert have land.
Redruth Court, 14 March
Four sailors arrived in town two weeks ago from Pt Pirie and camped near the railway station. They obtained employment at the Aberdeen Reservoir except for one who was ill and went to hospital. On Saturday, while drunk, two were stripped to the waist fighting while the one who had been ill fed their campfire with their shirts. The language was particularly indecent. Fines of 5/- + 10/- costs were imposed on each of James Rogers, Alfred Susans, Lewis Hastings and George Dollimore. An old man, Martin Christenson, was charged with being drunk, but failed to appear and it was learned he was in hospital. He was convicted without penalty.
The Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet monthly.
Bowls. At a visit to Blyth on Saturday Burra 151 defeated Blyth 54.
XXXXVII, 11, 18 Mar. 1925, Supplement
Anzac Tweed. An article outlines the origin of this cloth. It was the product of hand looms operated by returned disabled soldiers. It began under the auspices of the Victorian State War Council in 1915 and has been continued under the RSL. The cloth is available to the public and can be obtained direct from the factory. Suit and costume lengths are available for £2-2-0 and £2-5-6 + 2/- freight.
Polo. At Clare on Saturday Mid-North defeated Clare. [Scores are not given.]
The ‘B’ team was beaten by Clare ‘B’ 9 to 4.
M-C F.W. Lown was farewelled at the Institute on Tuesday last week prior to his departure for Cockburn. The Mayor gave a speech of appreciation for M-C Lown’s suppression of larrikinism and presented a silver teaset on an oak tray. 28/- was over and he hoped that would go in the children’s money box. About a dozen others present spoke in support.
Burra District Council has resolved that the Council’s souvenir photo of HMAS Australia be hung in the public reading room at the Institute.
World’s End Methodist Church Harvest Festival 8 March.
Booborowie St Patrick’s Day Sports were successful in raising c. £70. Results are printed.
Aboriginal Traces. A group of scientists and others from Adelaide came last weekend to investigate Aboriginal rock markings found in Baldina District some three years ago by Messrs F. Spencer, J. Biddle. F. Spencer and L.S. Penrose of Kooringa joined them.
They found evidence of an Aboriginal encampment covering half an acre with spear heads and other implements. It is said to be the finest showing of native art so near Adelaide.
Tennis. At Copperhouse Saturday 28 February: Copperhouse 14-109 defeated Ironmine 9-84.
At Copperhouse 7 March: Copperhouse 14-171 defeated Aberdeen 14-163.
Hallett 11-89 defeated Aberdeen 7-76.
Cricket. Saturday: Burra Ramblers 137 defeated Woollacott & Pearce’s Team 42 & 65.
At Robertstown 7 March Kooringa 250 drew with Robertstown 4 for 93.
XXXXVII, 12, 25 Mar. 1925, page 3
Notice. The partnership of Robert Bell, Lyle Roy Bell & James Clem Bell (now deceased) Farmers and Contractors in the firm of Robert Bell & Sons is dissolved from 24 March 1925.
[See XXXXVII, 2, 14 Jan. 1925, page 3 for death of James Clem Bell.]
Obituary. Miss Jessie Finch, youngest daughter of Mr George Finch of Medindie and late of Leighton, died Monday 16 March. [Born 6 March 1881 at Leighton: died 15 March 1925 at Medindie.]
Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Festival was held last Sunday. Rev. L.D. Rooney of Saddleworth officiated.
Bowls. Glenelg visited on 17 March and Burra 107 defeated Glenelg 82.
XXXXVII, 12, 25 Mar. 1925, page 3-4
Redruth Memorial Sunday School was well filled on 18 March for Bradbury’s cantata Esther the Beautiful Queen. W.H. Gare led a choir of over 30 with Miss Clarice Reed at the piano and Frank Sara at the organ. It is very favourably reviewed.
XXXXVII, 12, 25 Mar. 1925, Supplement
Mr Kugelman, visiting herbalist, has a full-page advertisement.
The Hon. S.M. Bruce, Prime Minister of Australia. There is a one-column sketch of his political career.
Ironmine Social Society was formed at a meeting on 16 March in the Methodist Memorial Hall. Rev. H. Alvey was elected President with A.D. McDonald & R. McWaters as Vice-Presidents and G.F. Foster as Secretary.
Marriage. Mt Bryan Hall 25 February
Bernard Kleinig of Hanson, fifth son of the late Mr & Mrs A.A. Kleinig of St Kits [sic]
[St Kitts is between Truro and Kapunda] married
Antonie Hedwig Schoenberg, eldest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr G.H. Schoenberg of Mt Bryan.
Burra Town Council
The recent visit to seek a special £200 road grant had been well received, but the Minister said the Government was short of money. If any should be available they would get it. Also Mr Piper K.C. advises the Council to fight out the case of the closure of Smelts Road. His advice was that they had an excellent case whether or not they had done work on the section of road.
Cr Kellaway said the road had been the property of the old Smelting Co. and they had thrown it open to public use and therefore Mr Riggs had no right to fence it.
Cr Kellock said there had been no complaints about the closure and moved the Council take no further action in the matter. Carried. [On the face of it this seems an extraordinary reaction unless it refers to a different section of road from that currently designated Smelts Road.]
Cr Kellaway voted against and the Mayor was very disappointed in the Councillors’ stand.
Details are then presented of the repairs needed on the main road from Kooringa to the station.
Cricket. At Kooringa on Saturday there was a drawn match in favour of Robertstown: Robertstown 5 for 209 declared and Kooringa 8 for 103.
Burra High School Speech Afternoon was held last Tuesday.
L. Carthew, headmaster, received the visitors.
Rev. Hewitson as Chairman of the High School Council presided.
The school had opened in 1924 with 39 students, 17 of them new scholars. Ten of the 13 students from Burra Primary School who had gained a Qualifying Certificate had continued. Average attendance for the year was 34.
In November for the first time a student had sat for the Leaving Honours Exam and Dora Rosewall had gained one subject. Clifton Pearce gained three Leaving subjects. Madge Pearce gained seven subjects in Intermediate and Intermediate Certificates were completed by Harold Denton, Lillian Piggott, Pattie Pledge & Lindsay Thomas.
Miss Forss has done good work in the Domestic Arts Centre.
In sports Clare visited us and won the tennis while Burra won the cricket. Later in the year we visited Clare where Clare won the basketball and Burra the football, but a return visit in September saw Clare win both football and basketball and in December they also won at tennis and cricket.
Ground is being levelled at the back of the schoolyard for tennis and basketball courts. Lillian Piggott and Murray Stockman won Dr Steele’s prize for an Empire day’s essay. Thelma Morton wrote the best original article for the school magazine and Maude Riggs was designated the most diligent student.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday 21 March a shoot was held over 600 & 700 yards and the best scores came from R. Woodman and C.W. Pearce.
XXXXVII, 13, 1 Apr. 1925, page 3
Advt. Boxing at Burra Institute 28 April. Return bout Tommy Seal v. Jack Murray.
Also A.J. McLellan v. J. Lauritsen
Charles Herbert was farewelled from Kooringa Post Office after 31⁄2 years service there. He has gone on the land at Lilydale Station near Cockburn.
Mrs E. Smith was farewelled by the Methodist Ladies Foreign Missionary Auxiliary at tis monthly meeting, as the family is leaving Burra. She had been the President.
Redruth Court, 25 March
Charles Murray Priester was charged with illegally driving Mrs Annie Seal’s car on 23 February. The car was recovered near Morgan without petrol and with a blown out tyre. He was sentenced to 6 months.
R.D. Pascoe’s Collection of stud sheep photographs was visited by the Hon. S.M. Bruce, PM of Australia, and Mrs Bruce, the Mayor and Mayoress, Senators G.W. Foster, R.V. Wilson and Newland, MHRs Messrs G.F. Jenkins, W.B. Page and W.G. Hawkes. The collection is said to be the finest in the world and was started by Mr Pascoe in 1910 with a contribution from L.W. Gebhardt.
Fire. On Friday a fire broke out on W.H. Tiver’s Flagstaff property. Several carloads of fire fighters went out and controlled the fire with the loss of about 20 acres of dry feed.
XXXXVII, 13, 1 Apr. 1925, page 3-Supplement
Redruth Court
The adjourned case of Claude Attrill who was charged on 29 December 1924 with illegal betting was resumed on 30 March.
The evidence is exhaustively reported in about one column and the case was ultimately dismissed due to somewhat conflicting police evidence. The bench nevertheless issued a stern warning, as they were clearly convinced that he was guilty and said the maximum penalty would be imposed in any subsequent appearance.
A case of having his bar door unlocked during prohibited hours against W.F. Brown of the Farrell’s Flat Hotel was also dismissed.
XXXXVII, 13, 1 Apr. 1925, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club. The No. 4 District Union Half-Yearly Prize Meeting was held at Gawler on Saturday 28 March. Results: Wasleys 128, Eudunda 124 & Burra 118.
Croquet. Doubles final last week: Mrs Sara & Miss Bubb defeated Mrs Sandland & Mrs Finch 26-14.
At Clare on Saturday Clare defeated Burra.
Cycling. A nasty fall resulted in strains and abrasions for T.J. Rosewall, P. Borowski & H. Kutchenmeister [sic], who were training at the Aberdeen Oval on Sunday.
Bowls. At Clare on Saturday Burra 172 defeated Clare 101.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Burra ramblers 5 for 151 defeated Railways 149.
Burra Show Society AGM, 23 March
Last year’s show had a profit of £100. The President I.J. Warnes said that had the members known what lay before them when they voted for a new showground things might have gone differently. They had a very fine showground, but also an overdraft of almost £1,000. The ring was fenced and netted, they had a new booth, new sheds, new tie-up posts etc. and some expenses lay ahead.
President’s Report
Mr Walter Morgan a long serving member of the committee died during the year.
The Dog Trials were held on the new ground and were well competed for and well attended.
The Annual Show on 22 October was the first on the new ground and was held in ideal weather. Both attendance and gate money were records. There was a very good sheep showing.
This year we will have a two day show.
The railways are building a line to our fence and we will have to do the rest. The excavation has been hard, but is now complete and we hope all will be ready by show day.
Donations.
Mr Humphrys has collected some £325. So far the new ground has cost £2,359 of which we have received £1,146 in donations with promises of £81. After the promises come in the bank overdraft will be £730-16-0.
I wish you to accept from me a further donation of up to £1,000 to give the society a clean start with the railway cutting paid for and leaving the line and platform to do at an estimated £300.
Mr Crewes in seconding the adoption of the report warmly praised Mr Warnes’ generosity.
Mr S.H. Robinson endorsed Mr Crewes’ remarks: ‘he had heard it said that Mr Warnes would give anything so long as he had his own way. He (the speaker) would like to deny that. As a matter of fact, the President was just the opposite. He did not like to do things off his own bat and always consulted his committee. He was far from running the show on his own.’
Mr Crewes moved that Mr Warnes be elected a life member. Mr Radford seconded. Carried with applause.
The railways had contracted to put the line into the ground for £195.
Elections: Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, M.A. Radford & S.H. Robinson; Elected Life Members, A.J. McBride, C. Bartholomaeus & J. Melrose.
Visit of the Rt Hon. S.M. Bruse PM of Australia, 25 March
The PM and Mrs Bruce motored from Clare to Koonoona, arriving somewhat late, as they missed the road. They came into Burra about 6 p.m. where they were guests of the Liberal Federation for dinner and then there was a Civic Reception at the Institute at 8 p.m. The PM’s address is given in about 21⁄2 columns. A further 3⁄4 column of other speeches is included.
XXXXVII, 13 (2), 8 Apr. 1925, page 3 [Second use on No. 13, but No. 14 not used.]
Advt. Special Easter Services at the Methodist Church Hanson. Rev. H. Alvey & Mr M. Morton.
Extra accommodation in marquee for 7.30 p.m. Service of Song Paul the Little Mediator.
Concludes in time for return to Burra by train, arriving 9.10 p.m.
Notice. Football. A meeting to form the Rambler Football Club is called for J. Allen’s sample room 14 April 7.30 p.m.
Notice. Football. Aberdeen Football Club Meeting is called for Jubilee Hall 9 April 8 p.m.
Grasshoppers are attacking feed to the east.
Mice are very prevalent among the agriculturalists, but have so far not been a major problem in the town.
Rain has fallen generally after a long dry spell. Over half an inch in the near eastern country, but gradually reducing to the east with only 2 points at Canegrass and 1 at Sturt Vale.
Burra Rifle Club. A match was fired on Saturday over 300, 500 & 600 yards with best results from W. Nankivell and G. Woodman.
Red Cross. Quarterly Meeting was held on 31 March. Mrs C.J. Pearce resigned as President and Mrs Tennant will be asked to take the position.
XXXXVII, 13 (2), 8 Apr. 1925, page 4
St Brendan’s Catholic Church Mt Bryan
Sunday 29 March. The foundation stone of the new church was blessed by the Rt Rev. Dr A. Killian Bishop of Pt Augusta assisted by Ven. Archdeacon Doyle of Jamestown, Father McEvoy (Adelaide) and Father Nesdale. The contract price is £901-17-6. Total cost £1,058-11-6, of which £414-0-8 has been raised. The congregation is about 10 families. Subscriptions and donations totalled £352-17-0. The Bishop is lending £250 interest free for three years.
XXXXVII, 13 (2), 8 Apr. 1925, Supplement [Actually dated 7 April.]
Rev. E. & Mrs Smith were farewelled from Kooringa Methodist Sunday School last Wednesday. He moves to Peterborough. Many members of the local Salvation Army Corps were also present. Details extend for over 2 columns.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church Thursday 2 April
Kathleen Stockman, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Stockman of ‘Shafton’ married
Glen R. Finch, youngest son of Mrs & the late E.N. Finch of ‘Pencarrow’.
Mr P. Lambert of the Telephone Department who has been here for over three years has been moved to Adelaide. He is succeeded by Mr J. Arthur.
‘Back to Burra’
A meeting at the Institute on 2 April appointed the following committees:
Musical, Amusements, Decoration, Reception, Advertising, Accommodation, Souvenir and an Executive Committee comprising the chairman of each committee, the Mayor, Secretary and three other members to be appointed next meeting.
[Personal interest: R. Fuss appears on the Accommodation Committee.]
XXXXVII, 15, 15 Apr. 1925, page 3
Archie Williams writes denying rumours that Tom Seal is unfit for the boxing match on 28 April.
Marriage. Redruth 11 April (Easter Saturday)
Arthur Laurence (Laurie) Clode, only son of Mr & Mrs Arthur W. Clode of Redruth, married
Ada Burton, third daughter of Mr & Mrs J.W. Burton of ‘Fairview’, Mt Bryan.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday the game was drawn: Burra Ramblers 84 and Hanson 3 for 16.
Bowls. Balaklava visited on Friday and Burra 134 defeated Balaklava 64.
Robbery. £13-18-6 and some trinkets were stolen from the Hallett Railway Station on Sunday.
Hallett Sports on Easter Monday were an all-round success. Results are printed.
Rev. E. Smith and family were farewelled at World’s End Methodist Church on Wednesday.
Golden Vale Football Assoc. The first annual meeting of the association is reported. The Association comprised Hallett, Canowie Belt, Terowie B & Yarcowie. [Check to see if Burra was included]
Aberdeen Football Club met in Jubilee Hall 9 April. Regrets were expressed that the Burra Association had gone into recess following a lack of interest when meetings were called recently. When Aberdeen suggested a combined Burra side only ten men turned up at a meeting and only three were players. With so little interest shown the Burra Association met and decided to go into recess.
It was decided to continue with the Aberdeen Club. Elected were Patron, James Reed; President, J.H. Gallagher; Chairman, M.A. Radford.
XXXXVII, 15, 15 Apr. 1925, page 4
Burra Town Council, 6 April
Permission was granted for T.H. Woollacott to build a fine house for M.A. Radford at Aberdeen. [Redruth perhaps?]
The Inspector of Public works has had a look at the town’s roads. The Mayor reported there was no chance of a special rate.
Cr Hammond had previously voiced his objection to there being a quarry on the school hill and having been outvoted he now wished to ensure that blasting not occur within half an hour of school times.
Cr Kellaway said blasting could be arranged between 7.30 and 8.30, and a few trees would hide the quarry and there was no such good metal anywhere else handy.
The Overseer said there was no complaint about blasting at the hospital quarry with sick people quite near. It was resolved that blasting be not allowed between 8.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. except in school holidays.
[This discussion about the school quarry obviously means the quarry had been proceeded with although the Council, as reported in the Record of 11 March had resolved it not proceed. Presumably the report there is incorrect and it was the amendment and not the motion that was carried.
XXXXVII, 16, 22 Apr. 1925, page 3
Obituary. Alfred (Alf) David Gray died at Orroroo on 13 April aged 70. He was the brother of Nurse M.A.G. Woollacott and husband of Harriet Gray. He was survived by eight children and 35 grandchildren. [Born 30 November 1854 at Unley.]
Motor Cyclists must in future have silencers fitted to their machines within town.
Grasshoppers have removed much of the green growth in pastoral country to the east.
Mr John D. Jordan an old Burraite is visiting for the first time in 19 years. He is over 80. The family left over 25 years ago.
Burra Hospital. The Committee for the Maternity Wing intend to hand over the furnished building ready for use on Wednesday 3 June.
The Soldiers’ Aid Society farewelled Mr R. Elliott on 2 April at Jubilee Hall.
Cricket. ‘Colonials’ (Shopboys) 65 defeated Aberdeen Ramblers 45.
High School Sports. Clare High School visited on Saturday.
Cricket: Burra 23 & 127 (150) defeated Clare 35 & 89 (124).
Tennis: Burra 6-55 defeated Clare 3-45.
Croquet. Burra Tournament final saw Mrs Hewitson 26 defeat Mrs Ewins 17.
Blyth visited on Saturday and two games were played. Burra 26 defeated Blyth 11 and
Burra 26 defeated Blyth 19.
M.A. Radford writes as Chairman of the School Committee asking for donations to raise £20 to be matched by the Education Department’s £20 to buy a set of woodworking tools for the school.
‘Back to Burra’. An enthusiastic meeting was held on Thursday and work in preparation continues. A number of ladies’ committees will now be formed.
XXXXVII, 16, 22 Apr. 1925, Supplement
Tennis. Copperhouse Easter Holidays Tennis Tournament
Gents Championship Singles H. Lomman
Gents Handicap Doubles W. Kellaway & H. Lomman
Gents Handicap Singles R. Jones
Gents Championship Doubles M. & W. Tiver
Ladies Handicap Doubles Mrs Kelly & Miss Phillips
Ladies Handicap Singles Mrs Kelly
Mr H.C. Hodby of Bennett, Campbell & Browne Solicitors has been a Kooringa resident for two years and having severed connection with the firm has left for NSW. He was farewelled by the RSL. He was farewelled at ‘Owenyilla’ at the invitation of Miss Bubb. Past and present boarders gathered to enjoy dancing, music, chatter and supper. He was also farewelled by the Kooringa Tennis Club and the Masonic Lodge.
Burra Golf Club, AGM was held Wednesday 16 April. Elected were President, Dr Steele; Vice-Presidents, Dr W.E. Steven & Mr J.P. Murphy; Secretary, A.E. Hughes.
Burra Rifle Club. Kapunda visited on 18 April and Burra 881 defeated Kapunda 864. Also there was a shoot over 300, 600 & 700 yards in which A.L. Kellock and T. Rosewall had the best results.
Football. Rambler’s Football Club meeting 14 April drew 30 enthusiasts. The idea for a club came from Rambler’s Cricket Club in the absence of much local enthusiasm for football in other directions. Two teams will be formed. Elected: Patron, John Barker; President, N. Hiles Pearse; Secretary, E.C. Johnson; Assistant Secretary, Bert Aldridge.
XXXXVII, 17, 29 Apr. 1925, page 2
Advt. Tenders are called for cementing the inside of the north and west walls to eight feet and bolting the porch to the church and making the same watertight and concrete set-off on the outside of the west wall of the Old Church, Mt Bryan. [Presumably the old Bible Christian Church north of the town on the way to Mt Bryan East.]
XXXXVII, 17, 29 Apr. 1925, page 3
Obituary. Hilda Baynes died 22 April at Booborowie aged 30. She was the fourth daughter of Mrs and the late William Baynes of Booborowie.
She was born 8 April 1895 and was a splendid horse woman, being well known on local and other showgrounds. Though this is the fourth daughter that has died, two sisters and four sons remain with her mother to mourn the loss.
Anzac Service. The tenth anniversary service was held last Sunday in Market Square. The Mayor, Mayoress, Councillors (except for F. Harris who is on leave in Victoria) and Revs F.B. Hewitson, H. Alvey & Ensign Peek (Salvation Army) attended with Dr D.M. Steele (President of Burra Sub-Branch of RSL) & L. Carthew (local RSL Secretary). Rev. Hewitson delivered an impressive address. Anzac Services were also held in the churches.
Booborowie Football. North and South Booborowie footballers met on Wednesday 22 April to try to arrange a local association. I.J. Warnes was voted into the chair. After some discussion and a brief adjournment it was resolved to form the Booborowie Football Association, comprising North, South and central Booborowie teams. Elected: Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, W.J. Cousins; Vice-Presidents, T. Wallace & J.F. Hogan. All games are to be played on the old South Booborowie Oval (now Central). The new South Booborowie Football Club met at Leighton Hall 23 April. Elected: Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, T. Wallace; Secretary, H. Broad; Captain, W. Cock; Vice-Captain, J.C. Williams. The team will seek permission to practise on the Mid-North Polo Ground.
Bowls. In the Championship last Saturday Dr Steele defeated E.F. Marston.
Hector Lightfoot Family of Entertainers will perform in Burra on Friday evening next.
Obituary. Alex (Sid.) Ringberg died at the Burra Hospital on 26 April aged 30 [sic]. He was born at Pt Adelaide in May 1895 [and therefore 29]. He had been a scout since 1908 and later a scoutmaster of a troop at Pt Adelaide. He enlisted in the Great War in the 30th Battalion in 1916 and was wounded and invalided home. [Corrected next issue to 50th Battalion.] He came to Booborowie two years ago as a harness maker and twelve months ago became postmaster. He was a member of the Hall Committee, a librarian and a member of the School Committee. He was a keen gymnast and formed an athletic club and was a member of the choir at the Catholic Church. He was the principal support of his widowed mother and twin sister. [Alexander Sydney Ringberg was born 12 May 1895 at Pt Adelaide.]
XXXXVII, 17, 29 Apr. 1925, page 4
Cricket. At Hanson on Saturday Ramblers 101 defeated Hanson 94.
Burra Town Council, 22 April
Advice has been received that no special main road grant was possible. The quarry near the school is to be fenced.
A range of minor matters was discussed, mainly to do with roads, drains and weeds.
Marriage. St Edmund’s Church Booborowie
George Harris, eldest son of Mrs S. Harris, married
Miss Doris Affolter of Booborowie.
XXXXVII, 18, 6 May 1925, page 3
Advt. Grand Concert in Aid of the Royal Institution for the Blind at Hallett Institute 13 May.
Advt. The William P. Barker & John Melrose Maternity Wing will be opened at Burra Hospital on 3 June by the Chief Secretary the Hon. J. Jelley MLC.
Advt. Burra High School Fete at Burra Institute 8 May. In the evening a Palais de Danse.
Notice. Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary 10 & 11 May. Rev. R.H. Lee will preach.
Notice. Church of St Edmund, Booborowie. Memorial Window to the memory of W.P. Barker will be unveiled by J. Barker and dedicated by the Venerable Archdeacon Bussell on Thursday 7 May at 2.45 p.m.
Notice. Church of St Mary, Burra. A Memorial Window to the memory of W. P. Barker will be unveiled by J. Barker and dedicated by the Venerable Archdeacon Bussell on Thursday 7 May at 11.45 a.m.
Notice. Copperhouse Methodist Church [Westbury] Anniversary 10 May. J.G. Sara & Rev. Alvey will preach. The tea meeting is postponed.
Correction. The late A. (Sid. Ringberg was formerly with the 50th Battalion.
Redruth Court, 3 April
Three men were charged with drunkenness:
Alfred Susans was fined 50/- or 1 month and given 14 days to pay.
Jack Higgins was given 2 months, suspended if he left the town.
George A. Dollimore was fined 5/- or 24 hours. He was further charged with disturbing the peace in a small house in Truro St and with offensive behaviour. He was fined £5 or 1 month on the former (a second offence) and 50/- or 2 months on the latter charge.
George H. Barrin was fined 10/- for drunkenness and 10/- for disturbing the peace.
Nelly Barrin was fined 5/- for disturbing the peace.
P.F. Smith was fined 5/- for disturbing the peace.
(Each case was plus court costs.)
Burra Rifle Club. The shoot on 2 May over 800 & 900 yards decided ‘The Gap’ Cup. It was awarded on points for the year and went to C.W. Pearce with 29 points ahead of A.L. Kellock with 27. In the final shoot C.W. Pearce scored 87 ahead of J.H. Riggs 78.
XXXXVII, 18, 6 May 1925, page 4
Boxing. At Kooringa Institute 28 April, for a sum of £50 in the main match, Murray beat Seal on points.
The first match was Ritchie v. Kennedy, but the result is not printed.
In the second match Les Pavey defeated P. McLellan.
The fight arranged between A.J. McLellan and Lauritsen was postponed due to the illness of the latter.
The Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet monthly.
Archie Williams who has been promoting the local boxing contests was born in Redruth 53 years ago and educated at Burra. His parents kept the Bushman’s Home as a boarding house when bullock teams plied between Burra and Broken Hill. He has always been interested in boxing and took an active part when young. Later he trained and managed boxers and before enlisting in the AIF he was manager of Cessnock Stadium in NSW and in 1922 was manager and referee at Shepparton Stadium in Victoria.
XXXXVII, 18, 6 May 1925, Supplement
Burra Show Society. The Sheep Dog Trials were held last Friday and Saturday and were very successful. A record 83 entries were received. A.T. McWaters supplied a good lot of sheep. The event is reported in detail running to almost 4 columns. Winners were:
Local Class: Mr H. Donald’s Misty
Maiden Plate Mr H. Donald’s Misty
Flock Dog Mr F. Whittington’s The Gunner
Puppy Stakes Mr W.F. Latty’s Bean 2nd
Open Class (Final) Mr O.C. Will’s Wally O’Buchan
Local Flock Dog Mr Turner’s Ross
Blind Cast Mr F. Whittington’s The Gunner
Burra Show Society. On Saturday the President entertained 300 at luncheon in what was billed as the Jubilee Banquet, though the actual date of the founding of the society is something of a mystery. The only drawback to the sumptuous spread was the very cold weather. The Hon. W.G. Duncan proposed the ‘Burra Burra Show’ as a member of the Burra Society and the Royal Society – though as he said there were some who said the society was 48 years old and other said 52.*
Mr Crewes spoke next in praise of the president, a topic introduced by Mr Duncan.
Hon. W.G.J. Mills MLC proposed Burra & District and was supported by Hon. A.P. Blesing MLC.
The Mayor, Maurice Collins, responded. In doing so he rehearsed some of the history of the mine from its discovery on 19 May 1845.
At first copper was carried by bullock dray to Adelaide and thence to England. From 1848-51 900-1,000 men were employed before the Victorian gold rushes halted the mine. Soon the miners drifted back and numbers gradually grew again until in 1859 1,170 men were employed and it continued thus till 1877 when the mine closed. † For many years the output of ore averaged 10,000 to 13,000 tons of 22% -24% copper. In 291⁄2 years of operation £2,241,224 was spent in wages and expenses. 234, 648 tons of ore were raised which paid dividends of £800,000 or £315 for every £5 invested in shares.
After 1877 with the mine closure the outlook for the district was bad and stayed so till the advent of superphosphate. He (the Mayor) was practically a Burra boy having been born at Mt Bryan. From Burra station £40,000 of wheat was sent away and that from a radius of about 9 miles. 5,000 bales of wool were also despatched.
Dr Steele supported the Mayor as RSL President.
M.A. Radford proposed the SA Field Dog Trials Assoc. (of which I.J. Warnes had been President since its foundation in 1917).
I.J. Warnes then responded. He spoke first of the dog trials, but then of the history of the area and of the eastern country. He said that when the outside country leases fell in 1901-03 the Government put up the rents to a comparatively enormous amount and would grant only miscellaneous leases with no security of tenure. For years this resulted in the land lying idle. When eventually the rents were reduced the old pioneers went back. For many years the east was unoccupied on account of the dogs. The Government stepped in and helped with wire netting. They did not then, as now, build the fence, but lent the money to do so. Small boards controlling c. 300 miles looked after the work and the work was done more effectively than now. He remembered his brother, C.B. Warnes, telling him of Government erected fences 203 feet high over which dogs and even rabbits soon learnt to scramble. He turned then to troubles. Shearers complained that the famous sheep had the worst wrinkles in the country. The blowfly was a curse and there was no adequate control. Scientists were working on it, but every day sheep died from blowfly strike. Though wool was high, costs of labour and goods were also 30-40% higher than they used to be. He then turned to remember past show secretaries: J.D. Cave, J. McLaren & F. Treloar. The show had first been held at the Smelting Works and then for 15 years at the Recreation Ground [Victoria Park] and for 15 years at the racecourse. For many years the show had a flower show, a ploughing match, a general show and a banquet.
Mr R.O. O’Halloran MP proposed ‘The New Showgrounds’ and was supported by S. McHugh MP & A.R.G. Hawkes MP.
J.R. Johns & A.B. Riggs spoke and S.H. Robinson proposed ‘Kindred Societies and visitors’ supported by A.D. McDonald, to which Mr Tossell MP responded, supported by G.F. Jenkins and W.H. McWaters.
Mr Foote (Secretary) spoke and Mr Bednall proposed ‘The Press’ to which Mr Marston responded.
[* The first show was in 1877 and so if there had been a show every year since then the 1925 show would have been the 49th, but in fact there were no shows from 1886 to 1893 due to apathy and the show in 1897 was cancelled due to drought and that of 1914 was cancelled due to drought and war. The 1925 show was therefore the 39th.
† This is at best misleading. Employment numbers declined sharply in the early 1860s with the move of men to the Yorke Peninsula mines and the mine actually closed in 1869. By October of that year the workforce was 46. Although the mine reopened as an open cut venture the number of workers never reached the heights of the late 1850s. When it closed in 1877 about 300 men and boys were thrown out of work.]
XXXXVII, 19, 13 May 1925, page 2
Advt. Bennett & Fisher notify the sale on a date to be fixed of their corner property on which is erected a shop occupied by Mr Luke Day etc. The site being an Old Road and Parts of Allotments 64 & 68.
XXXXVII, 19, 13 May 1925, page 3
Rain has fallen generally. In the agricultural area about 75 points fell. To the east falls were patchy. Caroona received 146, Ketchowla 131, Koomooloo 78, but Woolgangi only 40, Canegrass 36, Quondong 22 and Sturt Vale 15.
The Commercial Hotel will shortly pass from Mr & Mrs P.W. Clarke to Mr Con. Lynch of Pinnaroo. Mr & Mrs Clarke intend to continue to live in Burra.
Football. A meeting on Tuesday 15 May [sic: probably 5 May] decided to form the Kooringa Football association, comprising the Aberdeen, Rambler & Warrior teams. The first match will be on 16 May: Aberdeen v. Rambler at Victoria Park.
St Mary’s Burra. The memorial window to W.P. Barker was unveiled on Thursday 7 May by John Barker, his brother, and dedicated by Ven. Archdeacon Bussell of North Adelaide assisted by Rev. F.B. Hewitson. The window, by Messrs Powell & Sons of London, represents St Michael.
St Edmund’s Booborowie. On Thursday 7 May the memorial window to W.P. Barker was unveiled by his brother John barker and dedicated by Ven. Archdeacon Bussell of North Adelaide. It is a representation of St Barnabas.
Burra Town Council, 4 May
Most of the report concerns a complaint by W.J. Thomas about cutting of weeds.
The school quarry stone, though excellent, is proving difficult to break. The contractor wanted 10/- a yard and was getting 5/-. Cr Kellaway moved the cancellation of the contract. Carried.
It would seem that the alternative decided upon was to use the hospital quarry on day work basis.
Stanley Eig (14) of the local post office did very well in the recent postal exams and was third in Australia in Arithmetic, which is an achievement considering he lived ‘outback’ when young and received only four years schooling.
XXXXVII, 19, 13 May 1925, page 4
M.A. Radford writes re the Dog Trial reports complimenting the paper, but correcting a couple of points and seeking to ensure ‘Bob’ Laidlaw got credit for his support.
Sheep Stations. An article is reprinted from Smith’s Weekly outlining the holdings and sheep numbers of: Kidman, A.J. & P.A. McBride, Tom Barr-Smith, Hawker Bros, J.A.T. Mortlock, McEwin & McEwin, Hamilton & Wilcox and I.J. & T.W. Warnes.
XXXXVII, 19, 13 May 1925, Supplement
Redruth Court, 5 May
E.H. Quinn v. Colin Watson re the use of a fence in Hd of Bright.
This case in which Mr M.W. Bednall acted for Mr Watson is the first appearance of Mr Bednall in the town. He replaced Mr Hodby as a local solicitor.
‘Back to Burra’. A Ladies Committee was formed at the Institute 7 May to work principally with the Accommodation & Reception Committee.
Burra High school Fete was held at the Institute on Friday and was a great success. Proceeds were c. £90.
Burra Bowls & Croquet Club close of season.
President Dr Steele said the Bowls Club needed more members, but had improved its financial position this year. Awards:
Consistency Shield Mr Spencer
Beginners’ Handicap A.E. Hughes
Pairs Winners T.H. Woollacott & W.H. Sandland
Rink Tournament K. Drew, E.C. Hammond, F. Spencer & W.H. Sandland
Handicap Singles P. Rosman
Championship Dr D.M. Steele
Croquet:
‘B’ Grade Tournament Mrs Hewitson
Championship Mrs W.H. Sandland
XXXXVII, 20, 20 May 1925, page 2
Advt. A.L. Bence will sell part of the furniture and effects of Mr J.G. Glenister (who is leaving the district) on 27 May.
Advt. Tenders called for raising metal at the School Hill Quarry.
XXXXVII, 20, 20 May 1925, page 3
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 1.7 2.7 7.7 8.8 (56)
Aberdeen 0.3 1.5 2.5 4.6 (30)
Obituary. Jane Nankivell died 13 May aged 82 at her residence in Kooringa. She was the wife of the late William Nankivell. [Details next issue.]
Obituary. Frank Pascoe, younger brother of R.D. Pascoe, died suddenly at Maryborough, Victoria, 15 May. He was born at Maryborough in 1870, the third son of Mrs and the late Joseph Pascoe now of Broken Hill and late of Burra. The family came to Burra when he was young and Mr F. Pascoe went to Broken Hill in about 1889. He married Miss A. Boyce of Broken Hill and later went to Boulder WA as a miner and storekeeper for about 20 years. In 1921 he returned to SA and settled at Dulwich. He leaves a widow, one son, one daughter and two grandchildren as well as three sisters: Mrs S. Davey, Mrs J. Cox & Mrs P. Sampson.
Rain has again fallen with over 30 points locally and to the east falls vary from 15 points to almost an inch, but some places missed out. Old Koomooloo got only 8 and Ketchowla only 3 points.
H.W. Shillabeer of Booborowie writes announcing the setting up of a Ringberg Relief Fund for the aid of the widowed mother of the late S.A. Ringberg.
Mr & Mrs P. Clarke were given a farewell on Saturday on the occasion of their recent retirement from the Commercial Hotel.
XXXXVII, 20, 20 May 1925, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club AGM 16 May
The club ends the year in credit £16-7-7 after enjoying a most successful season.
The Mayor, Mr Collins, presented the trophies.
‘The Gap’ Cup for most points in the year Clem Pearce
Championship – best score off the rifle Clem Pearce
Best with handicap Will Nankivell
Best Scores at a specified distance
200, 500, 600 yds A.L. Kellock
300, 500, 600 yds A.L. Kellock
300, 600, 700 yds A.L. Kellock
500, 600, 700 yds A.L. Kellock
200, 500, 600 yds Walter Lee
300, 500, 600 yds Walter Lee
500, 600, 700 yds Walter Lee
Best two scores F.W. Lown
Highest points in fewer than 15 matches Clem Pearce
Elected: Captain, A.B. Riggs (subject to consent); Secretary, A.P. Harris; Treasurer, W.R. Lee.
Ironmine Social Soc. held its first debate on 5 May.
Is the White Australia Policy practicable and in the best interests of Australians?
The affirmative side won by two votes.
XXXXVII, 21, 27 May 1925, page 3
Advt. Mrs Ringberg Benefit Concert at Booborowie Hall 28 May. Followed by supper and dance.
Advt. Visit of Mrs Helen Barton, the Scottish Temperance Orator, 31 May & 1 June
Kooringa Methodist Church 11 a.m. 31 May
Ironmine Methodist Church 2.45 p.m. 31 May
Redruth Methodist Church 6.45 p.m. 31 May
Meeting for Women Redruth Memorial Hall 3 p.m. 1 June
Opening of the Redruth Band of Hope 7.30 p.m. 1 June
Advt. Tenders called for renovation of the Hallett Methodist Church.
Birth. At Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs L.W. Gare (nee Wardle) of Cornucopeia Station, Jessop’s Well WA, a daughter, Melva Noreen.
Obituary. Mrs Jane Nankivell who died 13 May was born at Wentworth, Dorsetshire in 1843 and came to SA with her father, the late Andrew Riggs, in 1855. She married William Nankivell in 1866. She had 14 children of whom 10 survive: Phillip H., Alfred A., Wilfred H.K., Wesley E.A. (Keswick), Mesdames W. Finch (Kooringa), J. Sampson (WA), A.D. Kay (Mitcham), W. Whiteford (Murray Bridge), and Miss Olive & Miss Florence (Kooringa). There are 22 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Obituary. John Sleeman died 21 May in Adelaide. He was born at Bodmin Cornwall in 1849 and arrived in SA aged c. 24. He came to the Burra district where he started farming at ‘Blink Bonny’ on the Leighton Road. A few years ago he sold this and went to Charters Towers, but not succeeding there he returned to SA and lived in Aberdeen till ill health forced a move to Adelaide. He was for about 50 years a member of the Rechabite Lodge and also a member of the Kooringa Masonic Lodge. He was single.
Rain has continued to fall with registrations to the east of between 66 & 155 points since 18 May. The mail run of J. & F. Allen got bogged on Woolgangi from 5 p.m. Sunday to 1.30 p.m. Monday.
Redruth Court of late has been busy with ‘idle and disorderlies’ and drunks.
7 May
Patrick Kitschke idle and disorderly 1 month
11 May
Ronald Shannon drunk 10/-
Patrick Cronin drunk 5/-
14 May
Thomas Beaglehole drunk 5/-
Lewis Hastings being a rogue and a vagabond 6 months suspended & given 60 months [sic!] to leave the district [60 minutes?]
22 May
John Harry Lyons no legal visible means of support 1 month
Violet Alexander no legal visible means of support 1 month
John McDonald no legal visible means of support 7 days
Gertrude King no legal visible means of support 7 days
26 May
A.B.C. Drew theft of three tubes and tyres from
J. Finch’s garage, Farrell’s Flat remanded
Obituary. John Barker died suddenly on 20 May in Adelaide. He was a boy at Baldina where his father, the late Alfred Barker, owned Baldina Estate. He last visited Burra only three weeks ago.
[Born 21 March 1847 at Angaston: died 21 May 1925 at Prospect.]
Burra Hospital’s New Maternity Wing will be opened by the Inspector General of Hospitals Dr Morris. The Chief Secretary is unable to come.
Burra District Council: Retiring Councillors
Kooringa Ward William Humphry Sandland
Baldina Ward William Evan Hodge
King Ward Reginald Warnes
Auditor Frank Treloar
The elections will be on 4 July if needed.
XXXXVII, 21, 27 May 1925, page 4
Burra Town Council, 18 May
F.M. Pearce was granted permission to alter the front of Wilkinson’s shop.
C.W. Pearce was permitted to subdivide lots 116 & 34. [Bounded by Kangaroo, Allen & Queen Streets.]
Various minor roadworks approved.
XXXXVII, 21, 27 May 1925, Supplement
Obituary. J.E.H. Winnall [John Edward Hyde Winnall born 1 April 1864 at Kooringa.]
The news arrived in Burra last Friday of the death of our late townsman. He was born in Queen St Kooringa in 1864. The house was later that of J.M. McBride and is now J.C. Killicoat’s. The family went to live in Adelaide and when he was about 26 years old he returned as a solicitor and for many years was the legal adviser and friend of many. Until his departure in July 1923 he was one of the town’s hardest workers. As a young man he was a fine athlete and his interest in sport continued in later years when he gave practical support. He was the first Mayor to have been born in Burra. He was Mayor for two years and a councillor for six. He was a member of the Hospital Board for 27 years and Chairman & Vice-Chairman of the Board for many of them. He was a member of the Institute Committee for 23 years, President for 3 and a trustee till his death. He was a chorister at St Mary’s for 25 years, a warden for 23, a lay-reader for 12 and also a synodsman and trustee. He served the Burra Show Committee for 27 years as member and Chairman of the Finance Committee as well as being a steward and judge. He was active in the Liberal Union as Vice-President of the branch, a delegate and a member of the District Executive. He worked to get a High School for Burra and served on the School Board, being Chairman some years. He served on almost every public committee in the town and took a leading part in concerts, drama and opera. He was also a keen gardener. He married Miss Jessie Sprod. His eldest daughter was Miss Nell Winnall (of Colombo Ceylon). His eldest son is Jack (of Wilgena Station), Bob is in the Australian Navy and at home in Adelaide are Misses Jessie and Masters Harry & Tom.
[Died 21 May 1925 at St Peters aged 60.]
Football. Kooringa Assoc. at Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.2 2.3 5.7 5.8 (38)
Kooringa 0.1 2.4 2.7 3.11 (29)
RSL Plain & Fancy Ball was held last Thursday. Part of the proceeds will go to the Ringberg Benefit Fund. The ball was a wonderful success.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary 10 & 11 May. Rev. Ralph H. Lee officiated. The children’s and public teas were held on Monday, the cost of which was again borne by Messrs Blight Bros.
XXXXVII, 22, 3 June 1925, page 3
Advt. Guild Dance in Leighton Hall 6 June. MOONLIGHT
Advt. Grand Dance at Burra Institute 18 June. In Aid of Limbless Soldiers’ Funds.
Murison’s Jazz Band.
Notice. A printing of the Board of Health’s regulations concerning measles suggests that there was an outbreak of the disease at this time. This is confirmed by subsequent news in July.
Redruth Court, 26 May
Edgar Schutz drunk 2 weeks
Kenneth Thomas McDonald drunk 7 days
Kenneth Thomas McDonald idle & disorderly 14 days
Michael Thomas Fahey drunk 10/-
Michael Thomas Fahey a habitual [drunk] 3 months suspended if he left within 3 hours
St Joseph’s Church Dance was held at the Institute on Monday and was very well attended.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 3.2 5.2 8.4 10.5 (65)
Kooringa 2.3 3.8 4.9 6.13 (49)
John McLaren writes asking why the term ‘The Burra’ is so often used as a term for the town. He also queries whether the show jubilee should be 50 years after the first show or after the 50th show; given that 9 or 10 years passed without a show in the years concerned.
XXXXVII, 22, 3 June 1925, Supplement
Burra Hospital Board, 25 May
The Board was told a conference was being held that day to adjust boundaries of rating areas. Portions of Apoinga, Bundey & Bright will go to Eudunda, part of Hanson to Clare and Burra will gain a part of Anne and Booborowie from Jamestown.
A new water system will be installed at a cost of £255.
Redruth Court, 28 May
The case against Adolphus Benjamin Cuthbert Drew for stealing two tyres and tubes from J. Finch & Co. of Farrell’s Flat failed for lack of evidence connecting Drew to the theft.
Burra Rifle Club. A shoot over double 800 yards saw best results from J.E. Pearce, R. Woodman & H.L. Riggs.
Subterranean Clover. An article advocating the planting of subterranean clover is reprinted from The News.
XXXXVII, 23, 10 June 1925, page 2
Advt. For Sale: the property of the Misses James in Ware St, of six rooms, verandahs front and back, excellent cellar and underground tank.
XXXXVII, 23, 10 June 1925, page 3
Notice. A meeting is called in Booborowie Hall 25 June in connection with the Booborowie Railway and the Premier’s visit.
Burra Hospital. The Misses Melrose and Barker will give a silver mug to the first child born at the new maternity wing.
XXXXVII, 23, 10 June 1925, page 4
Burra Town Council, 1 June
£203 subsidy on rates has been forwarded.
The tender of Clyde Geach & R.A. Beaven to raise metal at the School Quarry for 6/- a yard for 200 yards was accepted.
The School Quarry road will be closed and an application will be lodged to have it reserved for township purposes.
There was protracted discussion re the maintenance of the main road from Kooringa to the station.
XXXXVII, 23, 10 June 1925, Supplement
Burra Hospital: Opening of the Maternity Wing
For nearly half a century the hospital has proved a boon for the town and district and has ranked as one of the finest country hospitals. More recently new hospitals at Peterborough, Orroroo and other centres have reduced its area of influence. Prior to this, patients were sent in from anywhere in the outlying districts as far as Broken Hill.
Over 30 years ago the Teetulpa gold rush resulted in a heavy influx of typhoid patients requiring tents to be erected in the grounds. In the early days of Broken Hill many patients were sent to the Burra Hospital. The original building has been much transformed, being practically rebuilt and refitted. An operating theatre was built and an X-ray plant installed by the generosity of Mr I.J. Warnes, yet the maternity needs had not been addressed. Particularly prior to 1920-21 the nurses were not qualified in obstetrics and expectant mothers were refused admission on occasion. About four years ago the late J.E.H. Winnall raised the idea of a maternity wing and in May 1922 he was able to announce that the scheme had been made practicable through the generosity of Mrs W.P. Barker and Mr J. Melrose and if it attracted a Government subsidy (which it did) the scheme could go ahead. A committee considered the matter and reported favourably. Last Wednesday 3 June the completed wing was opened by Dr Morris, the Inspector-General of Hospitals.
The new structure is a handsome modern building drawing on the bungalow design, of blue stone with brick pillars and facings. The Melrose family was represented by Mr J. Melrose, Mr & Mrs A.J. Melrose and Miss L. Melrose. The Barker family’s representatives were Mrs W.P. Barker, her daughter and son, Mrs F.R. Wigley, Mrs A. Hooper (Adelaide), Miss Muriel Barker & Mr & Mrs John R. Barker. Mr & Mrs John Tennant were also present.
Dr Steele as chairman of the building committee introduced Dr Morris. He had approached Mr J. Melrose who promised £1,000 if the name of the late W.P. Barker could be associated with it. He then communicated with Mrs W.P. Barker and in the end between them they had donated over £3,100. They developed a plan which was turned down by Mr Melrose and a whole series of modified plans until they agreed on one. That left the furnishing and one day Mr Melrose took him to Princess Royal and by the time they left Mr John Tennant had promised up to £740 to furnish and equip the wing. The Government should rejoice as they had to subsidise it only to the extent of 10/- in the £.
Dr Morris apologised for the Chief Secretary who had to attend a levee at Government House for the King’s birthday. He spoke at some length about infant mortality and the desirability of maternity hospitals. He also thanked the generous donors and praised the architect Mr Simpson and contractor Mr Woollacott. There were then speeches by W.G. Hawkes, John Melrose, the Mayor (Mr Collins), Mr W.J. Cousins (Chairman of the Booborowie DC), Rev. W.J. Mortimer (Organiser of Methodist hospital work in Adelaide), Hon. S. Ritchie, Hon. W.G. Mills & A.R.G. Hawkes MP.
Dr Steele then handed the key over to the chairman of the Hospital Board.
On entering the building from the verandah one enters an administrative hall 19ft x 12ft. On either side are two wards; one 20ft x 19ft and the other 22ft x 19ft, each with four beds, lockers etc. Then there is a corridor 46ft x 7ft with rubber covering on the floor to silence footfalls (at a cost of over £80). Private and professional rooms open off this; on the right the obstetrics room is 15ft x 14ft and off that the sterilising room. On the left is the septic ward* fitted with cribs. Each of four private rooms has its separate balcony. Each room and each ward has a corner fireplace so built that they back onto linen presses to keep linen warm and well aired in winter. At the end of the corridor is a pantry to one side and a sink room. At the end are lavatories and bathrooms.
[* Corrected in XXXXVII, 24 June 1925, p.2 to ‘nursery’.]
XXXXVII, 23 (2), 17 June 1925, page 2 [2nd use of No. 23 in this vol.]
Note that George Lawn is cited as the Registered Proprietor of the Luke day shop site being offered for sale on 19 June.
XXXXVII, 23 (2), 17 June 1925, page 3
Notice. Wilhelm Ernest Otto Beckmann of Mt Bryan, born in Gotha, Saxony and a resident of Australia for 54 years intends to apply for naturalisation.
Notice. Burra Corporation advises the Main Road from Kooringa to Aberdeen will be closed for repairs from Monday 22 June until further notice. All traffic will be diverted to Old Smelts Road.
Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Pryde died at Booborowie on 30 May. She was born in Scotland in July 1841 and she married there and came to SA with a young family about 1870. They settled first near Gum Creek, but later moved to Booborowie. Her husband died many years ago. She had 10 children of who the survivors are: Mrs R. Nourse (Copperhouse), Mr W.J. Pryde (Spalding), Mr G. Pryde (Willalo), Mrs James Doyle (Mt Bryan East), Mr D. Pryde (Spalding), and Mr Robert Pryde (Booborowie). There are a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. [Born Elizabeth Henderson; often known as Eliza.]
Darcy Rex, for some months on the staff of the Kooringa post office, has been transferred to Saddleworth. He will be missed as a tennis player and Rambler footballer.
Redruth Court, 2 June
Thomas Crocker, licensee of the Kingston Arms at Mr Bryan was fined £5 for unlawfully supplying liquor.
Cyril Collins of Mt Bryan brought in a photograph showing 22 eaglehawks which he caught in rabbit traps set skilfully around a white rooster in a cage on a hill.
Burra Red Cross, AGM on 12 June elected as President Mrs J. Tennant; Vice Presidents, Mrs J.C. Sandland & Mrs S.M. Lane; Hon. Secs, Mrs F.R. Wigley & Mrs E.F. Marston; Treasurer, Miss L. Coglin. £7 was sent to the Consumptive Home North Terrace. Mrs W.E. Steven organised a sale of Red Cross Handicrafts resulting in a cheque of £25-9-11 for the Red Cross Shop. Membership is now c. 50.
Miss Winnie Meers was crowned Queen of the Competition held at the Catholic Bazaar at Mt Bryan recently. The coronation was held at Mt Bryan Hall last Tuesday.
Burra District Council. Elections:
Kooringa Ward W.H. Sandland re-elected unopposed
King Ward R.W. Warnes re-elected unopposed
Auditor F. Treloar re-elected unopposed
Baldina Ward W.E. Hodge
W. Hedley McWaters
An election will be held in Baldina Ward.
XXXXVII, 23 (2), 17 June 1925, page 4
Football. At Aberdeen 6 June:
Ramblers 0.0 4.2 4.2 5.4 (34)
Aberdeen 1.6 1.6 2.10 2.10 (22)
At Victoria Park on Saturday
Kooringa 0.4 3.6 5.12 6.16 (52)
Aberdeen 1.0 3.0 5.0 6.3 (39)
Burra Rifle Club fired over 800 & 900 yards on Saturday and best results were from J. Kellock & A.P. Harris. Best results for the double 900 yards were by J. Pederson & A.P. Harris.
XXXXVII, 23 (2), 17 June 1925, Supplement
Burra Coursing Club held its annual meeting very successfully on 8 & 9 June at Gum Creek Estate, courtesy of Hon. W.G. Duncan. Results are printed.
Subterranean Clover. An article is printed about the experience of local growers. G. Ashby of Farrell’s Flat planted 30 acres three years ago. The late Mr Thomas Goode at Farrell’s Flat experimented some years ago and after 15 years it was still there, having survived the 1914 drought.
XXXXVII, 24, 24 June 1925, page 3
Mr J. Glenister was given a farewell at Liberal Union Rooms in Kooringa on 16 June. He is giving up business in Burra and moving to the city. He had lived in Burra for over 10 years.
Burra Town Council, 15 June.
The Lands Dept. wrote that all conditions for the closure of the School Quarry road had not been met and as it would cost a good deal the fencing of the quarry was an adequate alternative. This was adopted.
The Council resolved to scarify and metal the main road from the post office to Fuss’s corner [St Just St] 20ft wide and 6 inches deep with a view to tarring it next year. Work to begin 22 June.
Dead trees are to be replaced – this year they will have to be bought whereas previously they were available free.
‘Mt Task’ writes a letter of more than 1⁄2 column outlining a looming fight over opposing views on additions to the Farrell’s Flat Hall.
‘Observer’ writes complaining of those who play golf on Sunday.
XXXXVII, 24, 24 June 1925, Supplement
Limbless Soldiers’ Fund dance on Thursday evening was organised by the Mayoress and L. Carthew & A.L. Bence of the RSL.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 3.4 4.7 6.8 6.11 (47)
Ramblers 1.2 2.2 3.4 5.5 (35)
Ironmine Social Soc. debated: Should women engage in commercial pursuits?
Ironmine Methodist Church recently formed a Ladies Guild.
Burra Show Soc. 10 June.
Tribute was paid to the late J.E.W. Winnall.
A sub-committee was appointed to produce a joint souvenir for the Back to Burra.
Other preparatory business for the next show was transacted.
XXXXVII, 25, 1 July 1925, page 3
Obituary. Francis John O’Connell, second son of T. & C. O’Connell, died at Burra Hospital 13 June aged 4. [Born 9 May 1921 at Redruth.]
Obituary. Mr Ned Barker died in Adelaide on 26 June aged 47 following an operation for appendicitis. He was the son of the late John Barker and attended the recent opening of the Burra Hospital Maternity Wing. [Alfred Edward Barker died 25 June 1925 aged 46 at North Adelaide. Birth not apparently registered in SA.]
Burra & District Horticulture
Guy Tiddy sweet peas
Jack Pens 28lb cabbage on Bendigo Station, 50 miles east of Burra
Frank Follett of the National Bank has been moved to Clare to the detriment of the Aberdeen Tennis Club & the Rambler Football Club.
Ray Jones, for four years assistant at T.W. Wilkinson’s, is moving to Snowtown where his brother has opened a chemist shop.
Horace Kuchenmeister has joined the mounted police.
Redruth Court
The spate of idle and disorderly offences continues.
Ernest Edward Gillespie was given two months or 60 minutes to leave the town for such an offence this week.
Various traffic offences were also dealt with.
Misses Ethel & Lily James were farewelled by Rev. R.H. Lee at the Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday. They have purchased a business in Adelaide in the Arcade. (Previously Harris & Kemp’s)
The measles epidemic continues and has cut attendance at Burra School. Fortunately few of the cases have been serious.
XXXXVII, 25, 1 July 1925, page 4
Burra Rifle Club travelled to Hamley Bridge on 27 June [sic]* where a match was fired over 300, 500 & 600 yards in which Burra 737 defeated Hamley Bridge 717.
A return match was fired at Burra on 27 June [sic]* in which Burra 744 defeated Hamley Bridge 715.
[* At least one of these dates must be incorrect.]
The pool match saw H. Woodman & V.A. Riggs with the best results.
W. Dixon Thompson writes seeking to correct recent statements about the origin of subterranean clover in the Farrell’s Flat area. He says he was the first to sow it near his house on ‘Bernowie’. He affirmed its usefulness.
The Ringberg Relief Fund raised £128-16-0. Accounts against the estate of S.A. Ringberg were paid totalling £71-10-1. The balance of £57-5-11 was paid to Mrs Ringberg.
Burra Hospital Board met on 22 June
The new hot water system has been installed.
A new septic tank for 50 persons is to be obtained and installed and the present tank will be sold.
The Chairman said Dr Morris estimated an isolation ward could be erected for £1,400. There is £600 in hand and the Government would contribute £500.
Mr Melrose was clearly sceptical, saying that nurses’ quarters would be needed. The cost of the Maternity Wing and Isolation Ward was first put at £3,700 and the Maternity Wing had eventually cost £6,040.
The salary of the three charge-nurses is to rise from £110 to £130 p.a.
XXXXVII, 25, 1 July 1925, Supplement
W.H. Lyod [sic: for Lloyd] wrote a paper for the Ironmine Social Soc. It reveals some aspects of rural communications for the period. There was no post office at Leighton or Ironmine and the telephone links were poor and very costly. Phone rental was 30/- per mile so that 10 miles from the exchange the rent of £15 p.a. was beyond the means of many.
XXXXVII, 26, 8 July 1925, page 2
Advt. Archie Williams has opened a new Auction Mart in Aberdeen.
Advt. George Evans: genuine water diviner, 21 Paxton Square.
H. Donnelly of the Kooringa post office was accorded a farewell dance at the Showgrounds Hall on 30 June. He was given a xylonite shaving outfit.
XXXXVII, 26, 8 July 1925, page 3
The Visit of the Premier Hon. J. Gunn to Booborowie, 3 July
Messrs Hawke, McHugh, Condon & Stannaford arrived on time and were taken to Booborowie Experimental Farm to see stock and the making of concrete posts. The Premier was delayed until evening. Mr A.D. McDonald spoke of the district going backwards through the lack of a railway, while Hill River and Spalding went ahead.
W.J. Cousins spoke of some of the practical difficulties for the small farmer.
A document from F. Hogan was read putting the District Council’s case: the present road maintenance system was unworkable and a railway was needed. He gave facts and figures relating distance and costs of roads, their construction and maintenance.
P. Carey spoke in support on behalf of business people in Booborowie and he was supported by A. Pearce & J. Heinricks.
F.C. Catt as secretary of the movement also spoke.
The Premier was prepared to grant the request, but the matter had to go to the Railways Standing Committee. The first time the matter was raised the estimated cost was £163,000 and it was thought it would not pay. In 1922 the cost was estimated at £244,000, but he promised to put it to the committee again.
Speeches then followed from Mr Blesing, Mr Stannaford, Mr Condon and then again from the Premier, this time of a more general political nature.
SA Stockowners’ Assoc. met on Friday in the Liberal Union rooms on the ‘Wool Position’. The discussion concerned Sir John Higgins’ scheme for a compulsory wool pool under Government control. The report extends for almost 1 column and the gathering resolved that such a scheme should not be implemented.
XXXXVII, 26, 8 July 1925, page 4
Football. First Minor Premiership Match, Saturday:
Ramblers 3.2 5.3 5.3 7.4 (46)
Kooringa 2.3 5.5 5.11 5.14 (44)
XXXXVII, 26, 8 July 1925, Supplement
Liberal Federation, AGM 27 June
Attendance was small. The President said they had £10 in credit, but £26 in rent was due and levies and members’ fees were due next month. Elected were President, M.A. Radford; Vice- Presidents, I.J. Warnes & G.G. Hawkes. Bert Edwards was elected Secretary at £25 p.a.
Burra Rifle Club. A match over 300, 500 & 600 yards was fired on Saturday with best results from V.A. Riggs, T. Rosewall and Sid Williams.
Football. Saturday:
Central Booborowie 1.5 3.8 4.11 4.13 (37)
Ramblers 0.3 2.5 2.5 2.7 (19)
XXXXVII, 27, 15 July 1925, page 2
Obituary. Joseph Snell late of Burra, husband of S.J. Snell, died at his residence in Broken Hill 6 June. His widow was born Miss S.J. Thomas of Kooringa and there are 11 children.
[Born 13 July 1857 in Kooringa.]
Obituary. James H. Gallagher died at Aberdeen on 14 July. [Obituary see XXXXVII, 28, 22 July 1925, page 2.]
Obituary. John Snell (Jack), second son of the late John Snell of Kooringa, died in Adelaide 12 July. He was born in Burra in 1865 and when he left school he worked in The Record office. He subsequently worked for various printers in country centres before spending 38 years as compositor and linotyper at The Advertiser. He is survived by a widow, two sons, one brother (Fred Snell of Adelaide) and four sisters: Anne (Mrs J. Berryman of Glenelg), Addie (Mrs Ralph), Emely (Mrs White of Adelaide) and Florence of WA. [John Michael Snell was born 30 November 1865 in Kooringa.]
W.E. Cornish who has been teller at the Bank of Australasia for over three years has been transferred to Adelaide. He played tennis and football while in Burra and sang in St Mary’s choir. He was farewelled by the Masonic Lodge on Tuesday 30 June. He is succeeded by Mr J.D. Murphy of Burra.
Measles. After the worst outbreak of measles for some years Burra State School was closed on Friday to be disinfected. It Reopened on Tuesday. The school has an enrolment of 267 with an average attendance in excess of 200 and on Friday only 80 attended. Other schools in the district are similarly affected. Some cases are serious and some adults also have the disease.
XXXXVII, 27, 15 July 1925, page 3
Claude Attrill’s car caught alight and was burnt in the Burra Hotel garage about midnight on 5 July. Three other cars there were saved. An inquiry is being held.
Burra District Council. Election results:
Baldina Ward W.H. McWaters 23
W.E. Hodge 13
Soldiers’ Aid Society, held its 10th AGM in Jubilee Hall 9 July.
A fair attendance was depleted somewhat by the measles epidemic. President Miss Bubb reported a somewhat reduced attendance for the year. She suggested a change from fortnightly to monthly meetings. Last 6 September the annual dinner for returned soldiers was given and the other major effort was the fete for the Royal Institution for the Blind. The collection at each meeting goes towards Christmas donations to sick soldiers. The last fete raised £85 for the blind. A brass flower bowl had been given to the Redruth Memorial Sunday School (£1-12-6) and a £1-1-0 donation to a distressed soldier. £15 had gone to the Red Cross Produce Depot and £7 to the Children’s Hospital. The past year they had no secretary since the first meeting, though Mrs R. Elliott had acted as such until her removal to Adelaide. Miss Bubb then took on the acting position. Elected were President, Miss Bubb; Vice-Presidents, Mrs M.A. Radford, Mrs F. Pearce Sen. & Mrs C. Fuss; Treasurer, Mrs A.J. Wallis; Secretary, to be elected.
Marriage. At St Joseph’s Burra 8 July
Eileen Elizabeth Preiss, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs C.W. Preiss of Kooringa, married
Nicholas A. Dollard, third son of Mr & Mrs T. Dollard of Pt Pirie and late of Braefoot.
XXXXVII, 27, 15 July 1925, page 4
E.C. Johnson was farewelled at Kooringa Hotel on Tuesday last. He has been secretary of the Ramblers Football & Cricket Clubs from their inception. He goes to a position in the Pt Lincoln Freezing Works.
Burra District Council has appointed Cr N.H. Pearse Chairman for the coming year.
XXXXVII, 27, 15 July 1925, Supplement
Football. In cold & wintry conditions:
Aberdeen 2.4 2.6 3.7 6.8 (44)
Ramblers 0.1 0.3 0.7 0.8 (8)
XXXXVII, 28, 22 July 1925, page 2
Advt. St Peter’s & Prince Alfred’s Old Scholars Combined Dinner will be held at Burra Hotel Saturday 25 July.
Advt. Harry Woodmore intends to start a Boxing School in Burra. All interested please communicate with him at Kooringa Hotel.
Jeffery & Byrne have taken over the business of G. Lawn & Co. Quality Meat Store, Kooringa.
Burra Show Society
L.H. Foote resigned as secretary due to pressure of business and M.S. Edwards was appointed in his place at £75 p.a.
Various matters relating to the prize list, categories etc. for the next show were discussed. The President said for previous shows there had been a special train from the north and this year there should be one from Adelaide on the second day, departing Adelaide c. 8.20 a.m. and leaving Burra at 6 p.m.
XXXXVII, 28, 22 July 1925, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. A shoot over 300, 600 & 700 yards saw best results from W.G. Woodman & Herb. Riggs.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Kooringa 6.2 (38) defeated Aberdeen 4.5 (29).
Obituary. James H. Gallagher died at Aberdeen 14 July. He was born at Kooringa 19 August 1861, the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Edward Gallagher. He began as a dam sinker and about 30 years [ago?] bought Pualco Station about 80 miles east. He survived drought etc. successfully and in 1903 bought Quondong and later Drayton Stations. He was a keen supporter of all sports. For many years he was President of the Burra Racing Club and the Burra Sporting & Athletic Club. He was on the Burra Show Committee. He was very generous in patriotic efforts during the war and saw that the Burra Sporting & athletic Club gave £5 to each returning soldier of the district. He made the first moves towards establishing the Eastern Telephone System, though drought intervened and it was I.J. Warnes that carried the scheme through. His determination was behind the Burra Electric Supply Co. In 1887 he married Miss C. Terry, daughter of W. Terry of Copperhouse who survives with four sons: James (Adelaide), George (Pualco), Leonard & William (Quondong & Drayton). There are 7 grandchildren. One son, Bert, was killed in the Great War and his only daughter Hilda Gallagher died in 1915.
See also XXXXVII, 32, 19 Aug. 1925, page 3 for an additional comment from Frank Treloar.
Obituary. J.T. Walker died recently at Hyde Park aged 77. He was born inn Lincolnshire and came to SA aged 2. At the age of 4 he had an accident on a seesaw and had to use crutches for the rest of his life. He was the son of William Walker, a contractor who built much of the Burra-Adelaide railway line. He started business with a boot and drapery shop in Mt Barker and moved to Burra 49 years ago. He also established shops at Pt Pirie and Broken Hill. He retired 18 years ago, disposing of his business to his seven sons. His first wife died 33 years ago. He was a keen gardener with a special knowledge of grape vines. He leaves a widow and seven sons and five daughters: Alfred & Oswald (Burra), Lovis & Walter (Pt Pirie), Sydney & Bert (Broken Hill), Miss F.V. Walker (San Francisco), Miss R.D. & Miss R.E. (Hyde Park) and Mrs J. Shanks (Hyde Park). There are 22 grandchildren. [Died 14 July 1925.]
Obituary. John Stevens Harry died on 17 July suddenly at his residence. He was born at Reawla, Gwinear, Cornwall on 12 November 1850 and migrated in the St Lawrence in 1875 to New Zealand, coming to Victoria in 1876 and to SA & Burra the following year. He was an engineer who erected 499 windmills in the town and district. He was in many of the various brass bands in Burra in his younger days, as a kettle-drummer. He died from a stroke. His wife, (nee Miss Geach) died over 20 years ago. He is survived by one son and three daughters: Albert (Adelaide), Miss E. Harry (Kooringa), Mrs L. Halls (Kooringa) & Mrs M. Pens (Fingerpost Station via Burra). His only brother Mr James Harry lives in North Adelaide.
Advt. Misses Ethel & Lilian James have bought the business known as Harris & Kemp’s 22 Rundle Arcade. Children’s clothing, fancy work etc.
XXXXVII, 28, 22 July 1925, page 4
A Novelty Dance at the Institute on Thursday was hit by the effects of a wet, bleak night, but those who braved the elements had a very jolly time which was overall very successful. Murison’s Jazz Band supplied the music.
XXXXVII, 29, 29 July 1925, page 2
Advt. Burra Show Soc. Dance at the Luncheon Pavilion on 5 August. [One of a series of such dances.]
XXXXVII, 29, 29 July 1925, page 3
St Peter’s & Prince Alfred’s Old Collegians held their combined dinner at the Burra Hotel on 25 July. The report runs for 1⁄2 column.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.1 6.5 48 points 9.9 (63)
Ramblers 2.4 2.6 29 points 3.12 (30)
Marriage. 15 July
Bruce Laidlaw, second son of Mr R. Laidlaw of Witchelina Station via Farina & the late Mrs Laidlaw of Mt Bryan, married Ida Eileen Allen, second daughter of Mr & Mrs John Allen of Kooringa.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 15 July
Selina Eig, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr F.J. Eig, married
Arthur E. Goodridge, youngest son of Mr & Mrs I.J. Goodridge of ‘Bourne Vale’ Booborowie.
XXXXVII, 29, 29 July 1925, page 4
Booborowie Coursing Club held their initial meeting 22 July and it was very successful. Results are printed.
XXXXVII, 30, 5 Aug. 1925, page 2
Advt. The Fullarton Girls will appear at the Burra Institute 14 & 16 August.
Action, Character & United Songs, Elocution & Callisthenics.
At Hallett 15 August 3 p.m. & Mt Bryan 15 August 8 p.m.
XXXXVII, 30, 5 Aug. 1925, page 2-3
Notice. On account of illness A.G. Williams is closing his business of an Auction Mart at Aberdeen.
Miss Doris Geake of Kooringa, a student of James Ashton, has been awarded two second awards at the Exhibition in the Guild Hall London.
D.L. van Senden has been made manager of Burra Branch of Bennett & Fisher (after five years here) in place of H.J. Button who recently resigned.
XXXXVII, 30, 5 Aug. 1925, page 3
Mrs I.J. Warnes and sons Jim & Tom have returned after a six-month visit to England and the Continent.
The Misses Barker & Melrose’s silver mug for the first child born at the maternity wing went to the infant son of Mr & Mrs L. Nolan* of Leighton ahead of the son of Mr & Mrs G. Scholz of Ulooloo by three hours. [* Name corrected in the following issue to Donlon.]
Sister A.M. Buchanan is in charge of the wing.
Obituary. Joe Parker, youngest son of Mr & Mrs G. Parker of Leighton has just died at the Burra Hospital from injuries received in an accident with a bolting horse. [Further details in next issue.]
Obituary. William Opperman died in Burra Hospital on 30 July. He has been paralysed for some years and unable to speak. He was born in Aberdeen in 1860, the second son of the late Mr & Mrs C. Opperman. Prior to his illness he was overseer at Abberton Park. His wife died some years ago. There is a family of three daughters and a son: Mrs S. Pearce (Leighton), Mrs C. Walker (Mt Gambier), Miss C. Opperman (Adelaide) & Lionel Opperman (Woodville). Bert Opperman of Redruth is a brother and two sisters live in Adelaide. [Born as Albert Wilhelm Opperman at Redruth 21 March 1860.]
Obituary. Mrs A. Duell died on 30 July at Kooringa. She was born at Salisbury in 1858, the youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Isaac Baynes of Baldina and in 1885 she married Albert Duell of World’s End where they lived until retiring to Burra about six weeks ago. She was a strong supporter of the World’s End Methodist Church and is survived by a husband, one son and three daughters: Mr F. Duell (World’s End), Mrs G. Henderson (Torrensville), Mrs W.E. Phillips (Kooringa) & Miss T. Duell (Adelaide). There are three grandchildren. [Born Charlotte Baynes 19 June 1858 at Salisbury SA.]
Burra Rifle Club. In a shoot fired over 200, 500 & 600 yards the best scores were from F. Main & W. Woodman.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 29 July
Eileen Edith Cox, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Herbert Cox of Redruth married
Donald Norman Keith Donaldson, second son of Mr & Mrs Charles Donaldson of Cunliffe.
XXXXVII, 30, 5 Aug. 1925, page 4
Burra Hospital Board meeting of 27 July
W.G. Hawkes was elected chairman for the coming year.
I.J. Warnes offered to defray the whole cost of the new hot water system. (£255)
Mr Warnes gave notice he would move to reduce the board size from 12 to 7, being one representative from each of the seven contributing bodies.
XXXXVII, 30, 5 Aug. 1925, Supplement
Burra High School Council. The High School Fete produced a nett £73-19-11⁄2 of which £40 is to go into the Savings Bank and the rest is allotted to school funds. E.J. Davey has presented a 12 volume history of the Great War, C.D. Wilkinson an Atlas and Norrell Baynes a copy of Power of Will. A number of other books have been purchased. Work on preparing an area for tennis courts continues by the boys. The cost of further levelling is to be obtained.
XXXXVII, 31, 12 Aug. 1925, page 3
Mr Frank Main, nephew of Mrs W.R. Lee was given a farewell last Wednesday prior to his return to England.
A.J. Appleton, teamster of Copperhouse, broke one leg and crushed the other while riding on the shaft and being jammed against a gate at Baldina on Saturday. It was some time before he was found by Mr T. Villis and his son.
Frosts recently have been severe and the ice in water troughs could be stood upon.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 0.2 3.4 5.5 7.11 (53)
Ramblers 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 (1)
Obituary. Joseph Parker, youngest son of Mr & Mrs George Parker of Leighton, died at Burra Hospital on 4 August soon after admission following an accident at home.
He was putting an unbroken horse into a team when it reared and bounded out. The flying hook caught in his groin inflicting fearful injury. His brother hung onto the reins and managed to stop the horse after about 300 yards. The young man remained conscious, but the main artery to the heart was severed and he died soon after reaching the hospital. His brother Cecil was slightly injured and severely shocked. He was aged 21. There are also four sisters: Mrs J. Pens (Bendigo Station), Mrs J.O. Earle (Leighton), Mrs Collins (Leighton) & Mrs H. Cornelius (Loch Winnoch Station).
[Joseph James Parker born 4 June 1904 at Copperhouse.]
Mrs Fitzgerald of Vine Terrace turns 92 today. [Vineyard Terrace] She was born in Tipperary 12 August 1833. With her late husband and two children she left Plymouth on 15 October 1857 in the Stamboul and arrived at Pt Adelaide 1 February 1858. They came to Burra. There are three daughters and four sons: Mrs M.T. Dawe, Mrs E.J. Bradley (Malvern), Mrs H. Fourier (Clapham, nee Nell Fitzgerald), John (Far North), Tom (Happy Valley Waterworks), Ned (Kooringa) & Will (Advertiser Office Adelaide).
Burra High School was inspected by W.J. Adey, the Superintendent of Secondary Education, on 29 July. He was very satisfied, but agreed the school needs urgent upgrading of its accommodation. This year the science room will be remodelled to teach Physics and Chemistry and the large classroom will be divided into two with modern lighting and the Domestic Arts room will soon also be remodelled.
‘Member’ writes concerned with the acceptance of Mr Melrose’s generous offer re Percheron horses.
XXXXVII, 31, 12 Aug. 1925, Supplement
Burra Show Society Prize List for the 1925 Show to be held on 27 & 28 October.
XXXXVII, 32, 19 Aug. 1925, page 3
Obituary. J.A. Appleton, the teamster who met with a serious accident at Baldina on 8 August, died on Monday 17 August. His leg had to be amputated and shock and his injuries proved too much. He was aged 30 and leaves a widow and three young children, we understand quite unprovided for.
[See also next issue.]
Marriage. At The residence of the bride’s parents ‘Westbourne’ Kooringa 12 August.
George W. Terry, eldest son of Mr & Mrs W. Terry of Kooringa, married
Edith E. Harris, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Frank Harris of Kooringa.
Frank Treloar writes adding to the obituary for J.H. Gallagher to say he was one of those who bought the Sports Association Grounds at Aberdeen and who donated £300 towards an Infectious Ward at the hospital.
XXXXVII, 32, 19 Aug. 1925, Supplement
The Primary Producers’ Bank. An article gives the background for this bank. [And there is an Advt.]
Burra District Council
An election in Baldina Ward 4 July was won by M.H. McWaters.
Burra Town Council, 3 August
The Kooringa-Aberdeen Road only now needs rolling for repairs to be completed.
The question of the SAFU corner was raised and it will be inspected.
Cr Riggs moved that Sara & Co. be asked to sell the rectangular piece of land on their corner. If Council cleared away the old building on it a good view of the road could be obtained.
Burra Town Council, 3 August
The pine trees ordered by Council were not in stock and it was decided to order instead Canary Is & Maritime pines.
Police are to written to asking them to enforce the speed limit in the town in the face of complaints about speeding motorists.
The Kooringa-Aberdeen Road only now needs rolling for repairs to be completed.
The question of the SAFU corner was raised and there was a move to place a fence from the corner to the pump. This was headed off with an amendment that the matter lie on the table till next meeting and in the interim the Council will inspect the site.
Cr Riggs moved that Sara & Co. be asked to sell the rectangular piece of land on their corner. If Council cleared away the old building on it a good view of the road could be obtained. Carried.
XXXXVII, 33, 26 Aug. 1925, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 31 August: Bert Bailey & Julius Grant present On Our Selection.
Advt. Burra Institute 3 September: Fancy Dress Masked Ball with Murison’s Jazz Band & Special Jazz Singers.
Advt. Redruth Memorial Hall Tuesday 1 September: Grand Concert with Cash & Carry Supper.
XXXXVII, 33, 26 Aug. 1925, page 3
Advt. Hanson Floral Fair Saturday 29 August, to be opened at 3 p.m. by Mrs I.J. Warnes.
Knife & Fork Tea 5 p.m. with Evening Competitions. Passengers can return to Burra by the 10.45 train.
Obituary. Vera E.V. Evans, second daughter of George Evans and the late M. Evans, died 18 August at Kooringa aged 20. [Vera Elizabeth Victoria Evans born 24 July 1905 at Parnaroo.]
Obituary. Archibald John Appleton died on 16 August at Burra Hospital as the result of a car accident. He was aged 30 and leaves a wife, Rose E.M. Appleton, and three young children.
[Born 18 March 1894 near Kadina.]
Obituary. Albert James Pearce, husband of Jane Pearce and son of Mrs H. Pearce of Kooringa, died in Adelaide Hospital on 20 July aged 58. [Born 10 December 1866 at Canowie.]
Robert Halls, son of Thomas Halls was badly burnt on his arms and face on Thursday. He works at a motor garage and had lit a blow lamp and apparently placed it too near a tin of methylated spirits which exploded.
Rain in Burra for the last week totalled 83 points, but did not extend to the east, but to the west falls of up to 183 points were recorded at Hill River.
Burra High School had a trip to Clare for sports.
Football: Clare 12.13 defeated Burra 3.5
Basketball: Clare 19 defeated Burra 5.
Football. In the Booborowie Assoc. the first final was won by North Booborowie 6.6 from Central Booborowie 1.5. As Centrals were the minor premiers they claim a return match next Saturday.
At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.2 3.6 5.7 7.10 (52)
Ramblers 1.0 1.3 1.3 3.4 (22)
XXXXVII, 33, 26 Aug. 1925, page 4
Burra Town Council, 17 August
Sara & Co. reply to a query about selling their land on Best Place. They are not prepared to sell, but would allow the building thereon to be moved at Council expense.
This was agreed and will be funded from the general account.
Back to Burra Amusement Committee wants the cycle track at the oval put in order at an estimated cost of £20-£25.
The SA Farmers’ Union corner was discussed, but no final decision was taken.
XXXXVII, 33, 26 Aug. 1925, Supplement
Alex J. Melrose writes defending the establishment of a class at the Burra Show for Percheron sires.
His argument was that with mechanical-power farming increasing the best horses only will be retained and Percherons had been in use in the Booborowie area long enough to prove their worth in this regard and deserved a class of their own in a leading show.
Salvation Army. The girls from Fullarton Girls’ Home visited this week as part of their annual visit in connection with the Army’s social work. The visit was a financial success. On Friday evening they gave a concert in the Burra Institute, which was well filled and is reviewed at some length. A collection and entrance money raised about £40. A similar concert on Saturday afternoon at Hallett was very poorly attended, after which the group was given tea at the Mt Bryan Hall before repeating their performance there in the evening to a full house. This raised £12. They also assisted at the two Sunday services at the Burra Salvation Army Hall where they had been billeted for their stay. Excellent arrangements for the visit had been made by Ensign & Mrs Peek who are in charge at Kooringa.
Yarcowie Field Trial & Show is reported in over 2 columns.
XXXXVII, 34, 2 Sep. 1925, page 3
Rain. Good rain has fallen to the east and though patchy many of the falls were from half an inch to an inch. A few areas were lower.
Mrs H. Jordan of Chapel St turns 92 tomorrow and though blind, she is in full possession of her mental faculties.
Wirth’s Circus is coming to Burra on 23 September.
Football. Semi-final at Aberdeen Oval:
Aberdeen 4.4 5.6 8.8 8.9 (57)
Kooringa 0.0 0.2 0.3 1.4 (10)
Booborowie Football Association Final:
North Booborowie 8.7 defeated Central Booborowie 6.2
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 27 August
Percival J. Thomas, second son of Mrs & the late William Thomas of Eversdale Station, Mt Bryan East, married Marjory Kathleen Jean Bown, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. Bown of World’s End
Marriage. St Dymphna’s Church Booborowie 26 August
A.E.L. (Leo) Gill, only son of Mr & Mrs R.E. Gill of Booborowie, married
Mary Byrnes, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Byrnes of Booborowie
XXXXVII, 34, 2 Sep. 1925, page 4
Hanson Floral Fair on Saturday 29 August was held to raise funds towards the building of a Methodist Sunday school. Mrs I.J. Warnes opened the fair. Rev. Alvey said the proposed building was expected to cost £700 not including stone and sand which was being carted free of cost by members of the congregation. Their own people had promised £200 and the object of this day was £100. Late in the evening the amount to hand was £172 and a call to get it to £200 that night immediately brought in £20 and £3-3-0 came in later with supper takings to be added.
[A brief note on page 2 says that the nett result was eventually £245, including £25 from Mrs Thomas Rogers.]
XXXXVII, 34, 2 Sep. 1925, Supplement
Burra Hospital Board meeting of 24 August
The move of Mr I.J. Warnes to cut the Board from 12 to 7 members had to be deferred for consideration, as it would cut out those directly elected by the public.
The competition of private providers in the town meant that the maternity wing had so far had only two births. Part of the problem was its cost which was for the ward 7/- a day prior to birth and £3-5-0 a week after. Private rooms were 10/- a day and £4-4-0 a week after birth. The wing needed to become established and Mr M. Collins suggested that for 12 months fees should be 15/- a week for the ward and £1 a week for the private rooms. Mr Warnes seconded this.
Mr Davey said he did not believe it would ever pay its way.
Mr Riggs felt it was not the fees that were keeping people away.
Mr Melrose thought the waiting fees a little high, but that on the whole the rates were fair. He was not surprised at the lack of patients as arrangements were made well in advance of need.
When put the motion was lost.
Mr Warnes said he would pay the extra cost for a needed hot water point in Nesbit Ward.
A new septic tank has been installed.
XXXXVII, 35, 9 Sep. 1925, page 3
Birth. On 29 August at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs R.P. Pollard, a son, Lloyd.
Birth. On 4 September at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs C.W. Dare, a daughter, Verna.
Birth. On 4 September at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs L.G. Roberts a daughter, Jean Valma (premature).
Birth. On 5 September at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs W. Phin, a son. [Bronte McLeod]
Birth. On 5 September at Sister Villis’s to Rev. F.B. & Mrs Jessie Hewitson, a daughter.
Birth. On 5 September at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs E. Moore a son, Ronald.
Birth. On 7 September at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs T.H. Evans, a daughter, Betty Elaine.
RSL Club Night was held on Saturday last. Even with a committee of 14 only six men attended and no apologies were received. Those who came enjoyed themselves.
Obituary. Mr James Madigan of Booborowie died 4 September. His was the first burial in the Booborowie Cemetery. The cortege comprised 93 vehicles. [Aged 66.]
Redruth Memorial Hall was crowded on 1 September for a very good concert which produced nett proceeds of over £22.
Fred Robertson Jun. suffered a crushed hand on 31 August in a shunting accident.
Football. Kooringa Association Premiership:
Aberdeen 0.1 2.3 3.6 5.9 (39)
Ramblers 1.1 2.3 3.5 4.9 (33)
Red Cross. An American Tea (bring a gift and buy a gift) will be hosted by Mrs Tennant (President) at Princess Royal on 30 September from 3-5 p.m. to raise money for Christmas gifts at Military Hospitals.
Burra Rifle Club held a shoot on Saturday over 300, 600 & 700 yards in which the best scores were from W. Woodman & L.G. Nutt.
W. Woodman presently leads the competition for the Mokota Shield with 15 points, leading Jack Pederson with 9.
XXXXVII, 35, 9 Sep. 1925, Supplement
Advt. Mr Kugelman, a visiting herbalist at the Kooringa Hotel on 16 September, has a full page advertisement.
A Plain & Fancy Dress Masked Ball was held at the Institute last Thursday with Murison’s Jazz Orchestra. It was a great success and the details exceed 1 column.
RSL AGM recently.
There was a fair attendance. They had £14 in hand and assets exceeded liabilities by £268. In the year £45 was distributed to funds and unfortunate cases. Club membership was continuing to fall. Social meetings once a month had been successful and will continue. Elected were President, Dr Steele; Vice-Presidents, S.M. Lane, D. van Senden & V. Wheare; Secretary, L. Carthew.
Committee: E.C. Hammond, F. Spencer, Coverdale, R. Pollard, G. Tiddy, T. Kallio, L. Roberts & J.E. Hogan.
Masonic Lodge. A.B. Riggs was installed as Worshipful Master on 31 August. A banquet followed at J. Allen’s café.
XXXXVII, 36, 16 Sep. 1925, page 2
Advt. Wirth Brothers Ltd Circus, Menagerie and Huge Elephant Herd, 23 September.
Advt. Redruth Methodist Sunday School, Arcadian Fair at Burra Institute, 18 September.
XXXXVII, 36, 16 Sep. 1925, page 3
Obituary. Arthur O’Leary died at Queen St 9 September aged 65. He was the husband of Ada nee Edie Berryman and brother of John, Tom, Margaret & Mary.
He was the youngest son of the late John & Margaret O’Leary and was born in Burra in April 1860 and after schooling he entered the family butchering business. In later years his brothers retired and he was employed by G. Lawn & Co. In 1898 he married Ada (Edie) Berryman, youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Richard Berryman of Springbank. [Born 9 April 1859 at Kooringa.]
Obituary. Jean Valma Roberts, daughter of Leslie G.K. & Dorothy Roberts, died 6 September aged 2 days. [Born 4 September 1925 at Kooringa.]
Weather. Thursday last was hot with an evening dust storm, but clouds gathered on Friday and it rained steadily from 3 p.m., giving about 55 points. The falls extended well to the east. Rain and hail fell on Sunday bringing the week’s total in town to 128 points. The second fall did not extend eastwards for which totals varied between 44 & 75 points.
Football. On Saturday there was a game between the Premiers of the Golden Vale Assoc. and the Premiers of the Kooringa Association:
Aberdeen 3.2 3.3 7.7 8.7 (55)
Hallett 0.0 0.1 0.1 2.4 (16)
Burra Rifle Club on Saturday fired a shoot over double 800 yards in which best scorers were C.W. Pearce and J.E. Pearce.
Copperhouse Sunday School concert was held in the church on 5 September and was very successful. [This was the Westbury Church.]
R.C. Willshire, timekeeper for some years at the Burra Railway Station was farewelled on the occasion of his transfer to Mile End. He was given a leather suitcase and his wife a handbag. The Aberdeen Football Club gave him a farewell in Jubilee Hall the same evening, at which the Mayor Mr M. Collins presided. He had been Honorary Secretary of the club and delegate to the Association. J. Harvey replaces him as Secretary of the Aberdeen Football Club.
XXXXVII, 36, 16 Sep. 1925, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 7 September
The road to Aberdeen had cost a total of £647-7-9, or £11-15-6 per chain for 55 chains.
Councillors differed on whether it was a reasonable cost.
A light is to be swung in the centre of the road north of the bridge near the Smelting Works.
Farrell’s Flat Bachelors’ Ball of 2 September is reported.
XXXXVII, 37, 23 Sep. 1925, page 2
Advt. Roy Milton, The Good Builder, has come to stay. He has erected over £50,000 worth of buildings in Victor Harbor in four years and is erecting a new residence at ‘Blink Bonnie’ for Roy W. Humphrys.
Advt. Burra Show. Tuesday & Wednesday 27 & 28 October at the New Show Grounds.
Special Trains from Adelaide and Terowie. Pictures & Dance on Wednesday night.
Advt. Spinsters’ Ball at Farrell’s Flat 24 September.
Advt. Spring Blossom fair at Leighton Hall, 31 October.
Advt. Grand Concert, Supper & Dance at Booborowie Memorial Hall 14 October. (8-Hour Day.)
XXXXVII, 37, 23 Sep. 1925, page 3
Mr A. Bevan broke his thigh when thrown from his horse on Wednesday last while bringing in sheep from the east.
Kooringa Tennis Club AGM, 17 September
The overdraft was at present £95. Elected were Patron, J.R. Barker; President, P.J. Pickering; Vice-Presidents, W.H. Tiver, S.M. Lane & W.R. Chambers; Secretary, K. Hockley; Captain, W.H. Tiver.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 16 September
Etta Winifred (Jube) Crewes, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs E.W. Crewes of Kooringa, married
John A.K. Bishop, only son of Mr & Mrs S.J. Bishop of the Bank of Australasia, Grenfell NSW.
Mt Bryan Public School Concert on 15 September in the local hall raised £19-10-0 for the school committee funds.
Football. At Adelaide Oval on Saturday:
Burra 4.5 8.9 12.9 16.10 (106)
Renmark 1.1 3.3 5.5 6.9 (45)
Burra Rifle Club. Sid Cordon was the only local with much success at Pt Adelaide where he came 5th out of about 280. In the teams shoot Burra came in 2nd by 1 point.
At home a shoot over 800 & 900 yards saw best results from C.W. Pearce, W.G. Woodman & R. Woodman.
XXXXVII, 37, 23 Sep. 1925, page 4
Murison’s Jazz Orchestra played at a successful Jazz Dance at Robertstown on 15 September.
XXXXVII, 37, 23 Sep. 1925, Supplement
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its Arcadia Fair at the Institute last Friday. It is reported at length. There was a maypole dance at 3 & 8 p.m. Max Morton was the architect of this very successful gathering. [Personal interest: Mrs R. Fuss convened the Flower Stall.]
Bungaree Stud saw a large sale on Thursday as a result of the sale following the dissolution of the partnership of the late H.C. Hawker and R.M. Hawker. About 500 attended. Half of the sheep were for sale. 4,593 ewes were offered and sold for an average of £6-5-1. 144 rams were sold at an average of £31-19-0 with a top price of 330 guineas. In all, the sale realised £33,184-12-9.
The principal buyers are listed in the report.
XXXXVII, 38, 30 Sep. 1925, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd will offer by auction 16 October their Annual Surplus Sale of Sheep.
24,430 will be offered.
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd will offer 9,081 on 2 October.
XXXXVII, 38, 30 Sep. 1925, page 3
Notice. Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Fund, Burra. Meeting called at Burra Institute 6 October.
Advt. Salvation Army. Mt Barker Boys will visit:
Mt Bryan Saturday 3 October 3 p.m.
Booborowie Saturday 3 October 8 p.m.
Kooringa Sunday 4 October 3 p.m.
Advt. ‘Back to Burra’ Queen Competition Candidates:
Maud Ridgway Kathleen Allen Joyce Pearce
Ruth McNeil Nelly Herbert Melva Lynch
Votes 1d.
Advt. ‘Back to Burra’ Sports Carnival at Victoria Park 24 October.
[Principally a series of foot and cycle races.]
Birth. At Sister Villis’s on 14 September to Mr & Mrs P.W. Hogan, a daughter. [Theresa Joan registered as 4 September 1925.]
Football. Saturday:
Veterans 3.1 4.1 9.1 10.2 (62)
Kooringa Assoc. 0.0 1.3 2.3 4.6 (30)
‘Back to Burra’ interest is running very high and the number of expected visitors is likely to make it very successful given good weather.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the best scores came from A.P. Harris and J.E. Pearce.
Obituary. Ann Harriet Duell, relict of Charles Duell of World’s End, died at her daughter’s at Booborowie on 1 October aged 64. She was born at Mt Barker in 1861, the second daughter of Mr G. Burls, and married at Wasleys in 1885. She lived at World’s End till 1922. There were three sons and three daughters: T. & C. Duell (Belalie), Pte J. Duell AIF (deceased), Mrs W.J. Bailey (Woodside), Mrs Oliver Baynes (Booborowie & Mrs W. Villis (Kingoonya). [Born Ann Harriet Burls 22 March 1861.]
Grasshoppers have appeared in numbers out east.
Copperhouse Tennis Club met on 24 September. The last two seasons were very successful. In 1923-24 the club played 11 and won 10. In the 1924-25 season they played 10 and won 9. Elected: Chairman, E. Prior; Captain, W. Kellaway; Vice-Captain, R. Voumard; Secretary & Treasurer, A. Lomman.
Burra Croquet Club met on 2 October and elected: President, Mrs Saunders; Captain, Mrs W.H. Sandland; Vice-Captain, Mrs Hewitson; Secretary, Mrs Marston.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. now have 25, 159 sheep to offer at their Annual Surplus Sheep Sale 16 October.
XXXXVII, 38, 30 Sep. 1925, page 4
Burra Bowling Club, AGM 21 September
During the past year the number of members fell from 49 to 43 and the overdraft rose from £447-9-4 to £448-5-11, but an appeal for donations should raise £100. Prize Winners:
Championship Dr Steele
Consistency F. Spencer
Singles Handicap P.R. Rosman
Pairs Tourney Messrs Sandland & Woollacott
Beginners’ Tourney A.E. Hughes
Rink Tourney Messrs Sandland, K. Drew, E.C. Hammond & F. Spencer
Burra won the Burr-Kapunda Challenge Cup by 12 points.
Elections:
Patron, James Reed; President, Mr M. Collins (under protest); Vice-Presidents, Messrs Radford, Sandland, Chambers & Wilkinson; Secretary & Treasurer, Mr Rosman.
XXXXVII, 38, 30 Sep. 1925, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 21 September
W.R. Lee was granted permission to install a petrol pump in front of his premises.
Drew & Crewes asked for permission for petrol pumps to be erected with the tank to go in the right of way between their store and McKenzie’s’. Permission granted provided the tank goes on their own land.
Mr Chambers of Adelaide forwarded a plan of the subdivision of ‘Llwchyr’ for building purposes on account of M.A. Radford.
Burra Show Society. A Committee Meeting was held 25 September. The President I.J. Warnes paid a warm tribute to the work of the late J.H. Gallagher and was supported by A.D. McDonald and W.H. McWaters.
XXXXVII, 39, 7 Oct. 1925, page 3 [With this issue the paper changes to large sized pages.]
‘Back to Burra’ Programme printed.
Obituary. Julia Austin, relict of R. Austin formerly of Aberdeen, died at Glenelg on 30 September.
[Born Julia Ann Killicoat and died aged 76.]
Miners’ Dugouts. Much interest is being taken in the opening of two old huts in the creek on the property of Mr Charles Grow of Kooringa. They were miners’ homes some 80 years ago and Mr Grow has been persuaded to open them to visitors to the ‘Back to Burra’. The old fire places and earth walls still have whitewash attached. Scores of locals are visiting them.
Red Cross. On 30 September about 50 people accepted the invitation of Mrs John Tennant to visit Princess Royal Homestead to raise funds for Christmas Cheer for Soldiers’ Hospitals. There was a sale of gifts, afternoon tea and music. Takings totalled over £10.
XXXXVII, 39, 7 Oct. 1925, page 4
SA Stockowners’ Assoc. Burra Branch
Meeting 25 September at the Eastern Telephone Building with President I.J. Warnes in the chair.
The meeting discussed mainly compulsory sheep dipping. The areas subject to compulsion had been extended to include all of the Counties of Dalhousie, Kimberley and Burra. Mr Warnes said although tick was not a problem, lice were prevalent and easily transported. He favoured compulsion. Mr Maurice Collins spoke in support as well. He had some tick experience. Mr E. Finch dipped and favoured it. Ticks were prevalent on the borders of ‘The Gums’. The measure received strong support.
XXXXVII, 39, 7 Oct. 1925, Supplement
Burra Hospital Board meeting of 28 September
Mr Warnes moved to reduce the Board from 12 to 7 members.
This was to be done by abolishing the positions of the five directly elected members. He believed the Board should be directly controlled by the Councils and also because a Board of 12 was unwieldy. It was possible at present that the Town of Burra could elect all five of the elected members plus one from the Town Council. Mr Riggs seconded the motion.
Mr Davey had it noted that such a change required an absolute majority of the Board (and not simply a majority of the Board present). He also noted the District Councils could not collectively find over 400 votes for the five elected members and yet would, as a result of the suggested change, control six of the seven places on the Board.
Mr Collins said some of the District Council representatives could be elected by as few as 15 votes, but Mr Melrose pointed out they were, in fact, as Board members, elected by the whole DC to represent the whole DC. He had nothing against the elected members, but agreed that a Board of 12 was unwieldy.
The motion was put and carried with Melrose, Warnes, Drew, Riggs & Kellock voting for and Sandland, Davey & Collins against. The Chairman said if necessary he would vote for it. Later it was agreed that Mr Davey’s point was accepted and that a vote of 7 would be needed and so the matter stayed as it was.
Marriage. St Mary’s Burra 23 September
Nellie Sandland, youngest daughter of the late John Chesters Sandland of Koonoowarra and Mrs Caroline Sandland of ‘Kya Lami’ Kooringa, married
Dr Eric Swann of Jamestown, only son of Mr & Mrs J.E. Swann of ‘Glendonwynn’ Angaston
Leighton Hall was reopened on 29 September. On the platform were the President I.J. Warnes, Secretary A.T. McWaters & Messrs McDonald & S. Pearce.
The changes include the subdivision of the supper-room into a ladies’ and gents’ cloak room and a committee or smoke room. The platform was improved and the hall repainted and lined with a large louvre roof overall. Mrs Warnes had presented curtains costing some £25 and Mr Warnes had given the sum of £250 towards the renovations. Mr Warnes was given a key to perform the re-opening. He said that 15 or 16 years ago the hall had been built at a cost of £250, but was then only 2⁄3 the size. The contractors had been (for the renovations) Pearce and Woollacott. Mr Murison’s Jazz Band then provided music for a dance followed by supper.
E. Bennetts of Broken Hill writes assuring all that the ‘Back to Burra’ is being much anticipated in Broken Hill and the program looks to be excellent.
Burra Rifle Club. A shoot over 800 & (00 yards saw J.E. Pearce and J. Pederson with the best scores.
XXXXVII, 40, 14 Oct. 1925, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd’s yarding of sheep for their Annual Surplus Sale has now reached 26,651.
Advt. Drew & Crewes have installed a Petrol Bowser in front of their Kooringa Stores and can give quick and efficient delivery of Shell Benzine.
XXXXVII, 40, 14 Oct. 1925, page 3
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Jack Field ‘Westbury’, a daughter, Roma Joy.
Arthur Harris has been growing some champion pansies and recently had a display in the window of the Adelaide Florists Messrs E.W. Hackett.
James Thomas writes endorsing the need to control lice and tick in sheep.
Burra Rifle Club. A shoot over 200, 500 & 600 yards had R. Nutt with the best score followed by Captain A.B. Riggs.
‘Back to Burra’ arrangements are almost completed. Apart from much private accommodation 20 beds for ladies have been set up in the Junior Department of Kooringa Methodist Sunday School and if needed after the big tea on Monday more will be set up in the Senior School and classrooms. The Salvation Army Hall and the Cheer-up Hall are also being used. Lady Holder is expected and visitors from WA have already begun to arrive.
Burra Town Council, 25 October [sic: presumably in error for 5 October.]
The pound-keeper has resigned and a joint committee with the DC is set up to resolve what to do.
Mr Dollman of the Burra Motor Co. was given permission to erect a bowser.
Sara & Co. were given permission to erect a bowser in front of their shop.
‘After discussion it was decided to allow Drew & Crewes’ permission to put down lamp [sic] for “bowser” in their right-of-way, also erect same in the street.’ [Presume ‘tank’ for ‘lamp’!]
Cr Kellaway moved that the guns be removed from Market Square. They were no ornament he said. One should go into the park opposite the Institute and the other to Aberdeen.
Cr Harris & Cr Woollacott supported him.
Cr Riggs moved that they stay and this was seconded by Cr Kellock.
Cr Hammond (in the chair) said that if he had a deliberative vote he would have opposed.
The motion was then changed to: ‘It is the desire of the Council that the guns be removed.’ Carried.
Ironmine Ladies Guild held a successful spring fair in Leighton hall on 3 October and raised £134.
XXXXVII, 40, 14 Oct. 1925, Supplement
Burra Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Fund. A meeting was called on 6 October to decide who was responsible for finalising the memorial scheme. Mr Crewes said that all along it had been intended to erect an Honour Roll as well as the fine memorial. There was money left over for the roll from the memorial fund. The meeting was to decide whether the existing chairman and committee should carry on or whether the Mayor of the day should head the committee. There was £40 still owing in promises and £75-2-6 in the bank. It was decided that the chairman should be the Mayor. The resignation of Mr Dane as Secretary was accepted with regret and Mr G.H. Dow was elected in his place.
XXXXVII, 41, 21 Oct. 1925, page 2
Advt. ‘Back to Burra’ Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary (78th) Rev. R.H. Lee.
Old Time Tea Monday 26 October
Advt. ‘Back to Burra’ Sports Carnival Victoria Park Saturday 24 October. Program printed.
Advt. Farrell’s Flat Annual Horse Show 4 November.
Advt. ‘Back to Burra’ 3 Grand Concerts
Burra Institute Tuesday 27 October
Redruth Memorial Hall Wednesday 28 October
Burra Institute Friday 30 October
XXXXVII, 41, 21 Oct. 1925, page 3
Advt. St Brendan’s Church Mt Bryan will be blessed and opened on Sunday 25 October by Dr Killian [Bishop of Port Augusta.]
A Dust Storm last Friday was one of the worst for some time and lasted till c. 4 p.m., still as one of the pastoralists said ‘This will smother the grasshoppers’. (He meant by drying off all the green feed.) 31 points fell during the night.
The Record this week is the largest ever issued, with six pages of eight columns each 24 inches long.
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd at their sale on Friday disposed of 21,300 sheep.
Tennis. Saturday 10 October: Copperhouse 14-109 defeated Booborowie 7-79.
Burra Rifle Club, 200, 500 & 600 yards shoot saw R. Woodman, Captain A.B. Riggs and G. Woodman get the best scores.
‘Interested’ writes opposing compulsory dipping because:
It would not be policed
It is unnecessary due to the climate in many parts of SA
It is a considerable unnecessary expense
In an adverse season sheep would be unduly knocked about.
‘Back to Burra’ Requirements
Still needed for the procession on Saturday 24 October:
A bullock team – up to six would be welcomed
Mules and Spanish drivers
A group of miners in white moleskins, red handkerchiefs, blue shirts and beards, with crib bags and billies
A water carter with barrels as in the mining days
Someone to get the old mine bogey going: it may need some grease after being in one place for 45 years in the Mine Store
A Foo Foo Band (i.e. a temporary aggregation of players, hopefully of harmony, but not worried by an occasional discord)
Girls with umbrellas and perambulators
Boys to form a Nigger Minstrel Band
Mrs Rundle, an old lady of 94, is coming from Watervale. She once lived in a dugout in Burra creek. Her daughter, Mrs Penna, is coming with her.
Jock Watts is bringing a team of riflemen.
T.T. Shortridge of Elder, Smith & Co. at Pt Adelaide turned 70 on 7 October. He and Mrs Shortridge intend to come ‘Back to Burra’ where he was born.
Broken Hill Concert Party gave a fine performance at the Institute on Monday night. Due to all the ‘Back to Burra’ preparation attendance was only fair. They will play in Redruth Memorial Hall on 31 October.
Redruth Court.
In the year 171 police cases were heard, mainly for drunkenness and bad language.
The influx of labour employed in making the new reservoir probably helped to swell the total. There were also 139 civil cases.
[There has been virtually no reference to this ‘new reservoir’.]
XXXXVII, 41, 21 Oct. 1925, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. Visit to Eudunda on Eight-Hour Day
Eudunda 1054 defeated Burra 1051.
Booborowie Grand Concert and Dance 14 October with Murison’s Jazz Band: in aid of hall funds.
XXXXVII, 41, 21 Oct. 1925, Supplement
St Joseph’s Church Bazaar Burra Institute on Friday was followed by a dance and supper. It was a splendid success despite the boisterous weather.
Mr & Mrs John Byles of Morgan celebrated their silver wedding on 10 October. He is the youngest son of Mr Jesse Byles of Kooringa and Mrs Byles, nee Hannah Hamilton Bruce, is the daughter of Mr & Mrs R.H. Bruce of Kooringa. They were married at Broken Hill on 10 October 1900.
Drew & Crewes have a full-page advertisement including five photographs: one of their Kooringa shop with their fleet of vehicles arrayed outside and the others of its interior.
XXXXVII, 42, 28 Oct. 1925, page 2
Burra Municipal Elections. The terms of office of the following expire on 1st Saturday in December:
Mayor Maurice Collins
North Ward Thomas Henry Woollacott
East Ward Stanley Kellaway
West Ward Edward Charles Hammond
Auditor Frank Treloar
XXXXVII, 42, 28 Oct. 1925, page 3
Birth. On 1 October at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs Laurie Bell of Mt Bryan a son, MacDonald.
Obituary. MacDonald Bell, infant son of Mr & Mrs Laurie Bell, died at Sister Villis’s on 18 October aged three weeks. [Born 1 October 1925 at Kooringa.]
Obituary. Colin Bell, son of Mr & Mrs Laurie Bell died at Mrs J. Trevilyan’s Mt Bryan on 6 October aged 5 years. [Colin Campbell Bell born 29 August 1920 at Kooringa.]
Visitors. Harry & Will Batchelor whose father came to Burra in 1854 and was a member of Burra Town Council. [Middle Ward Dec. 1877-Nov. 1881] He was the instigator of tree-planting and met with opposition. The first trees were planted in Queen St. The two-storey building now occupied by R.D. Pascoe was built by Mr Batchelor in 1860 and was the first house built in Burra [sic: meaning Kooringa] on freehold property.
[I would not accept the assertion regarding trees without other evidence and the statement of freehold property needs further information, as SAMA did not resolve to sell freehold in Kooringa till 1869.]
Editorial: Welcome ‘Back to Burra’
This piece is a general effusive welcome for old friends, but within it are some historical references of interest.
‘You will miss the great block of buildings which enclosed the smelting furnaces, but the grand old chimney still nobly stands and will do so for untold centuries against all wind and weather unless deliberately felled.’
For the most part it is slightly purple prose.
‘Back to Burra’ got off to an auspicious start with the arrival of the Broken Hill Express from the north on Friday morning. Visitors were greeted by a fleet of cars and motored to their place of abode. They drove under a welcoming arch at the station gate and there was another at the Institute. Streets were dressed in bunting and shops dressed in greenery and flags. Thereafter a reception committee greeted each train. There was another decorated arch at Lewis’s bridge.
On Saturday after lunch crowds gathered to see the monster procession that preceded the sports carnival at Victoria Park. It was due to depart at 1.30 p.m. and surprised many in Kooringa by reaching the post office by 1.50 p.m., announced by the strains of the Foo Foo Brass Band. George Hann & Cr Stanley Kellaway had been very effective marshals.
[A listing of individuals of note and their costumes then follows.]
High School girls in tennis costumes filled a car and Burra Serenaders all in fancy dress occupied a lorry. [They are also named.]
The mine bogey [jinker], which 62 years ago brought the big engine to the mine, was a feature. S. Kellaway and Wally Lee organised its resuscitation after 45 years in the Mine Stores. Its 60 bullocks and 6 bullockies were replaced for the occasion by a tractor driven by W. Lee. Fully 100 cars must have taken part.
The sports day then followed at Victoria Park. The newly refurbished sports track proved a great success. The gate takings were £60. [Results are printed.]
In the evening a successful social was held in the Redruth Memorial Hall and at Kooringa the Salvation Army Peterborough Band gave an excellent band concert in the Army Hall, while in the Institute a splendid picture program was screened to a crowded audience.
St Mary’s. Very Rev. Dean Young celebrated Holy Communion at 8 a.m. on Sunday and he preached at 11 a.m. when the Rector conducted the service. At 3 p.m. he delivered the sermon at Booborowie
[XXXXVII, 38, 30 September 1925, p.3 says that Dean Young when a young man was manager of Gum Creek Station and left a job with good prospects to take Holy Orders and was ordained in 1886.]
Redruth Methodist Church held special ‘Back to Burra’ services on 25 October with:
An Old Time Prayer Meeting at 7.30 a.m.
An Old Time Class Meeting at 10 a.m.
The usual Morning Service was taken by Rev. Alvey and Lady Holder gave the address to the young on ‘Temptation’ and to the older folk based on Romans 12.1
The Evening Service was taken by George Giles of Unley, an old local preacher of Redruth.
After church a further service of musical praise was held in the Memorial Hall.
[Personal interest: R. Fuss was one of the soloists.]
Mr & Mrs W. Cock & Mr F. Byles were given a farewell at Leighton Hall on Tuesday 30 October. They are leaving the district. Mr Cock will be a loss to polo and to coursing and Mr Byles to the football team. Mr & Mrs Cock were presented with a handsome clock and Mr Byles received a travelling rug.
Kooringa Methodist Church celebrated its 78th anniversary on Sunday. Congregations were very large and though the church can hold 450 it is estimated that 500 attended. There was a 40 voice choir directed by G.E. Dane. Miss Trix Pearce played the organ. Her father Mr John Pearce was organist for 35 years retiring in 1900. His eldest daughter the late Miss Alice Pearce succeeded till ill health forced her to hand over to her sister Miss Trix Pearce. The choir were aided by Mr Alva Penrose and Hilda Barnes of Adelaide. Mr Penrose’s father, Richard Penrose, was also present; he was born in Kooringa 65 years ago. A tea meeting on Monday was a time of great reunion. Lady Holder was present and delivered an inspiring address.
XXXXVII, 42, 28 Oct. 1925, page 4
Farrell’s Flat Dance organised by ‘married couples’ on 30 October is reported in 2⁄3 column.
Black Springs Public School picnic and sports on 10 October is reported.
XXXXVII, 42, 28 Oct. 1925, Supplement
Burra History.
This article was reprinted from the Mail of Saturday 17 October.
Eighty years ago on 15 October the first half-yearly meeting of the mine proprietors was held in Payne’s Auction Mart Tavern in Hindley St. A shepherd named Pickett first revealed the potential wealth of Burra in 1845. Soon hundreds of people had visited Burra. There was only one way to get ownership of the ground and that was by a special survey of 20,000 acres. As two groups known as the Nobs and the Snobs couldn’t agree to combine they put up £10,000 each and resolved to draw lots for the copper-bearing property which was divided into northern and southern blocks. The northern section called Wheal Grey after the Governor fell to the SA Mining Assoc. consisting of Captain Allen & Messrs Stocks, Beck Hallett, Bunce, Penny, Graham, Featherstone, Waterhouse, Sanders, Peacock, Drew, Bouch, Smith and others. The southern section named Princess Royal was represented by Messrs Aston & Grainger, Captain C.H. Bagot and the owners of the Kapunda Mine, two parties in England and Messrs T. Shepherd (Hindley St), Joseph Johnston (Reedbeds), F. Dutton & G. Tinline. It soon became apparent that the Snobs of the north got everything and the Nobs had nothing and a few years later their property was sold to Alexander McCulloch for 18/- an acre.
The first shot on Wheal Grey was fired 29 September 1845, blasting a large mass of rich ore. The SAMA had been formed with a capital of £5,000 with liberty to increase, but the quality of the deposit was that no further call was made. The first provisional committee comprised: Jacob Hagen, Samuel Stocks Jnr, Charles Beck, Henry Mildred, W. Peacock, E. Solomon, J.B. Neales (Government Auctioneer), W. Paxton, John Ridley, G. Bean, J. Dickens, John Newman, George Stevenson (Governor’s Secretary), G.S. Kingston, Michael Featherstone & J.B. Graham. Samuel Stocks Jnr was the first chairmen and later Resident Director on the mine at £400 p.a. He was then succeeded by Charles Beck as chairman. In 1847 three dividends were declared in four months amounting to 200%. Returns in the first five years were equal to £115 per share.
The railway did not reach Burra till 1870. For some years ore was carried to Pt Adelaide on bullock drays for shipment to Swansea for treatment. Later smelters were erected. In 1859 employment peaked at 1,179. When gold was found in Victoria in 1851 the exodus left the mine with only 100 workers. One large engine was left on the road halfway to the mine. Water rose in the mine and operations had to be confined to the higher ground. Miners were imported from Cornwall. The water was then pumped out and mining resumed. By 1877:
Copper ore won 234,648 tons
Nett amount realised in Adelaide £3,110, 911
Cost of production £2,284,325
Paid in wages £1,400, 988
Paid in Dividends £826,586
Water and falling copper prices brought the mining operations to an end. It was not liquidated till 1916 because a vast amount of township and pastoral property remained for realisation. The liquidator was Mr Howard W. Lloyd and a final dividend of 3/71⁄2 a share was paid. Only desultory attempts have been made to find further deposits.
The mine is not much more than a large open cut with deepest workings of only a few hundred feet. Perhaps when copper prices rise the work may begin again. In the meantime Burra is one of the most important stock centres in the north.
Once upon a time the hills were lightly timbered with gum and sheoaks. Kooringa means Sheoak Creek. There were acres of scrub and valleys were prolific in vegetation and the hills and dales were clothed in wild flowers. The timber all went within 12 years and vast herds of goats used for milk stripped herbage clean to the roots. Since then the municipal authorities have done much to plant trees and an avenue was planted from Kooringa to Aberdeen as a memorial of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, when Sir Frederick Holder was Mayor. (Later a Premier of SA and first Speaker of the Commonwealth House of Representatives.) There are remains of primitive dugouts in the clay banks of the Burra Creek – masons being scarce and the cartage of building materials by bullock dray not feasible, so the miners ‘dug in’. These rude houses were unhealthy, unsafe, unsanitary and badly ventilated.
Later scores of cottages were erected by the company. The directors put up a school, church and hospital and provided a fine recreation ground.*
There was once a gaol in Burra and in later years it was used as a girls’ reformatory. Mrs Holden (mother of the chairman of Holden’s Motor Bodies Ltd) was matron there for some years. The municipality was proclaimed in July 1876 and Philip Lane was the first Mayor.
Many old hotels have gone: the Pig & Whistle, Miners’ Arms, Bushman’s Home, Smelter’s Home & the White Hart. Alfred Barker, father of the late John Barker, kept one of them.
Why is it named Burra?
The minute book of SAMA says:
‘The mines are Named the Burra Burra mines from their being situated near the creek of that name, and the word Burra meaning in the native language “great”’. Signed by Samuel Stocks Jun. First Chairman of Directors, but the secretary (Sir Henry Ayers) pencilled in:
‘Not native, but Hindoostanee.’
Before 1845 coolie shepherds had been employed in the area by the pioneer pastoralist James Stein. The name sounds Aboriginal and appears widely throughout the Commonwealth with a wide variety of meanings in different languages. Stein, who had the country before the copper discovery, was a brother of Anne, Countess of Fife, and his father sat in the House of Commons for Bletchingley. He died in poverty at Mt Gambier in 1877.
[* The directors gave the land for the school and church and provided a hospital for mine employees. The town hospital came later when the original Burra Hotel was purchased for the purpose. The land for the recreation ground was provided, but not the cost of fencing or development of the site.]
XXXXVII, 43, 4 Nov. 1925, page 2
Fire. The new fire siren was heard on Friday evening and the fire was at Mrs Preiss’s residence in Paxton Square where the bed had caught alight. Mrs Preiss and her daughter were not at home at the time.
The Smelts Chimney. How many noticed the old Smelts Chimney smoking on the first day of the ‘Back to Burra’ Carnival? It is a pity Arthur Johnson, now of Gawler, was not back to perform again the feat of his school days by climbing to the top.
Mrs S.A. Ward (of Kadina) & Mrs Paech (of Norwood), daughters of the late Robert Giles who once owned the property at Leighton now owned by Mr I.J. Warnes, are among present visitors.
Harry Turner rang the bell at St Mary’s on 25 October as he had as a lad.
Mrs J.A. Greig nee Katie Martin is another visitor. She is the daughter of William Martin of the firm Bull & Martin, which was well known in Kooringa in the 1860s. She is visiting from WA.
Mrs Laybourne-Smith of Henley Beach, sister of Mrs C.J. Pearce, is another visitor. Their father, Mr Andrew Thomas, came to Burra in 1848 as head smelter and analyst for the SA Copper Co.
[Probably for the English & Australian Copper Co.]
Thomas Edwards spent the week here. He arrived in Burra in 1876 and had a business where Mr Jennison’s garage now stands. He was the guest of his nephew Cr W.J.C. Ewins.
Kinso Ewins of The Advertiser also spent a few days with his brother.
Mrs C.C. Williams was the first nurse engaged when the Burra Hospital opened. She now lives at Payneham and was represented at ‘Back to Burra’ by her daughter Gert.
William Cullen whose father built the first house in Hampton was a visitor with his son Bert.
Fred Eichler of Broken Hill was another visitor who remembered John Beale the roper, who used to stand by the figure of the miner on the platform over Morphett’s Shaft.
Obituary. Mr James Pryor who returned to take part in the festivities and who spoke at the civic reception returned the next day to his home in Payneham and died there on Monday.
[Born James Sampson Pryor 10 May 1850 in District of the Murray: died 2 November 1925.]
XXXXVII, 43, 4 Nov. 1925, page 2-3
The Burra Show.
With the number of entries rising it was decided on a two-day show this year. (There were 1,700 entries.) The industrial hall was twice the size of last year. Though Wednesday was the main day, Tuesday attracted crowds. It was hot on Wednesday and a real brickfielder was raging by 9 a.m., but a very large crowd attended. It was the same when the special train arrived at midday, but conditions moderated about 2 p.m.
The luncheon is reported at length. The speakers were the Hon. W. Mills, Mr O’Halloran MP, The President I.J. Warnes, Mr Maurice Collins, Mr G.F. Jenkins (President of the Yarcowie Field Trial Society), Mr J. Denton (Vice-President of the Royal Show), Mr Edwards (said to be the father of the Pinnaroo Society), Mr G. Harmer (Clare) & Mr A.R. G. Hawke MP.
Agricultural produce had numerous entries.
Dairy produce displays were much praised, especially Mr Eddie Finch’s.
Poultry had over 300 entries.
Draught horse entries were the biggest ever seen. This is the first Australian show with a class for Percheron.
Blood stock entries were few.
Horses in action were as usual a favourite attraction.
Cattle entries were more than double last year’s.
Dog entries had an excellent show of greyhounds, but sheep dogs disappointed.
The sheep shown were in great condition and H. Collins & Co. of Lucernedale Mt Bryan took most prizes.
Fleece wools were an outstanding feature and the champion fleece came from Percy J. Thomas of Mt Bryan East.
There were few pigs.
Agricultural implements were dominated by John Shearer & Sons and there were a large number of cars.
Fruit & Vegetables were dominated by Messrs Moxam [Moxham?] & Oppermann.
Flowers were reduced by the drastic weather changes of the week.
Cookery was very creditably represented as were arts and industries.
The school class entries were an improvement on last year.
XXXXVII, 43, 4 Nov. 1925, page 3
Back to Burra Civic Reception, Monday evening 26 October at Burra Institute.
On the platform were members of the Town Council and Mr Joseph Roberts (ex-Mayor of Port Augusta), Alderman S. Rawlings (Mayor of Broken Hill), John Mitchell (ex-Mayor of Kadina) & Messrs J. McLaren & E.W. Crewes (former Mayors of Burra) and Mr E. Bennetts.
Mr Collins greeted guests and was proud his father was present – undoubtedly the oldest man in the audience. [Then aged 93.] A number of those present could recall when people lived in burrows in the creek – one he had spoken to that day had lived in one for three years and survived being washed out three times. The town had of late been full of happy faces and reminiscences of boys dropping stones down the creek chimneys into frying pans.
The idea of a ‘Back to Burra’ had first been suggested by a letter of Mr E.D. Bennetts of Broken Hill to the Record. He personally had not contributed much, as he had been travelling interstate much of the time of the preparation. The miners never envisaged that after the mine the district would become a great centre of wheat and pastoralism sending away in a year 50,000 bags of wheat and 100,000 bales of wool.
Crs Kellaway and Hammond supported the Mayor’s remarks.
The Mayor then turned the platform over to Mr Rawlings, an old Burraite who congratulated the town on its hospitality.
Mr Roberts then spoke and congratulated Mr Collins Sen. who was over 90. He was glad to meet so many old friends and reminisced of being on the first council and of being washed out by floodwaters. He had first come to Burra in 1854 in a bullock dray, taking six days and at 9 years old had to be on the hillside at 3 or 4 a.m. to get the horses to drive a wheel – the mine having just restarted after the exodus to the Victorian goldfields. His father had been an engineman.
Mr Mitchell endorsed the remarks on the welcome received. He came to Burra in 1857 and left it 60 years ago and until 1924 had not been back for 40 years. He was amused at the improvements. He had seen a mule team stuck in front of Drew & Co. for three days and in winter employees had to lay pieces of board across the street. Now the roads and kerbing and footpaths put Kadina in the shade.
Major Harry Batchelor wanted to correct the statement in the Mail that the mine was extinct and also one in the souvenir crediting the Church of England Grammar School to Rev. Howitt instead of Rev. William Stanton. Mr Perry and his wife at Redruth Gaol were wonderfully kind people. He had left 45 years ago and not been back for 25 and the improvements since were wonderful.
Mr Bennetts said he had passed through in the beginning of the year and had so enjoyed the town that he thought other old Burraites would do the same. Though he had been quite young when he left he had not forgotten either people or places.
Mr J. McLaren remembered Burra 50 years ago. He said the absence of a town debt and of a debt on any public building was probably unique in SA. The town had been barren when he came and tree planting had wonderfully improved it. The Institute was the best conducted he had ever encountered.
Mr Birbeck reflected that he was still the ‘Little Jimmy Birbeck’ of the souvenir booklet. His father had been a dispenser for a doctor and his mother one of the servants.
Mr J. Pryor had been manager of the Burra Mine when it was closed down. He said he had the greatest pleasure in returning. His parents landed in Adelaide in 1846 and it took several days to get to Burra. He was born in the Burra Creek in 1850 and 11 children had been born into the family in less than12 years. In those days with only five children it was not a family at all – averages were 10-18. Boys began working at age 8 for 1/- a day and top wages for a surface man were 29/6 a week and 36/- for an underground worker. The actual lodes in the mine had never been touched. The company had only ‘pig-rooted’ just to exploit the carbonate deposits from the sulphide ores. It was barely worked and badly financed and when it was necessary to prove the sulphide lode there was no money to do it.
‘Back to Burra’: Tuesday
Charabancs took visitors to places of interest. These included the miners’ huts, the cemetery, the Burra Mine, the Reformatory, Copperhouse and Flagstaff Hill. In the afternoon many went to the show and in the evening the social at the Redruth Memorial Hall was popular, while at Kooringa there was a popular concert at the Institute preceded by Murison’s Jazz Orchestra and the program comprised part songs by the Aber-Koori Minstrels and other soloists.
‘Back to Burra’: Wednesday
There was a dust storm in the morning, but the afternoon settled down and people enjoyed the show. In the evening pictures were screened at the Institute and another first class concert was presented at the Redruth Memorial Hall.
‘Back to Burra’: Thursday
The morning saw 200-300 old scholars go ‘Back to School’. Many came in costume with schoolbags or trundled hoops. The girls came in pinafores and sun bonnets or wide-brimmed hats. In the yard they played marbles, ‘nuts and may’, ‘kiss in the ring’, ‘chivvy’ and ‘legging day today’. Fall-in was called at 10.30. Mr Oborn called the roll and then placed Miss Annie Snell (Mrs Young of Long Plains) in charge of the unruly class. She was first assistant at the school and her sister Martha (Mrs F. Carey of Adelaide) was the first monitor. Dr W.G. Torr (of Brighton) took another class.
[A list of some of the old scholars present is then printed.]
A letter was received from Tom Nevin a former student, monitor, pupil teacher and assistant and now Head of Ascot Park School who regretted neither he nor his wife nee Agnes Rabbich could be present. Other old teachers present were Miss Boundy & Major A.W. Lott. Among the students was Mrs H. Woodgate of Terowie nee Marie Dunneman of Copperhouse who first attended Mr Oakford’s school before Dr Stephen’s school opened. Mr C. Wittber of Rose Park is the only one of the old headmasters left in SA and his daughter Hansie (Mrs A.V. Laught of Kingswood) accepted an inscribed cane inscribed ‘memories and deep feelings of the past’.
In the afternoon charabanc trips were made to Clare and World’s End Gorge.
The evening included a dance in the Institute and a concert at Redruth given by the visitors.
‘Back to Burra’: Friday
This brought good weather and further charabanc trips and in the afternoon a mock court in Market Square. Police women Maud Ridgway, Jessie McNeil, Jean Herbert and Edythe Richards ran in hosts of residents for breaches of the law. The magistrates were W.J.C. Ewins, George Hann & E.J. Marston with A.L. Bence as beadle and E.J. Davey as clerk. [A list of offences and fines is printed.]
In the evening a grand concert was held in the Institute by local performers assisted by Miss H. Barnes of Adelaide and again the hall was crowded. Murison’s Jazz Orchestra played from 7.30 to 8.00.
In the Queen Competition Miss Melva Lynch came first with 21,531 votes, leading Maud Ridgway with 21,334. She was crowned after the final concert.
Thanks are then extended to the principal organisers.
XXXXVII, 43, 4 Nov. 1925, page 4
The Bachelor’s Ball at the Institute ‘last’ Friday was a brilliant success and is reported in c. 11⁄4 columns.
[Report held over from the previous week.]
XXXXVII, 43, 4 Nov. 1925, Supplement
Burra Show Prize Winners are listed.
[Personal interest: Flower prizes won by R. Fuss.
3 cut flowers 2nd 3 nasturtiums 1st 6 pansies 2nd
3 pansies 2nd 3 pelargoniums zonale 2nd 3 pelargoniums regal 1st
3 single petunias 1st 3 double petunias 1st & 2nd 3 stocks 2nd
3 verbenas 2nd 3 azaleas 1st 1 azalea 1st & 2nd
3 cyclamen 1st 1 cyclamen 1st 3 pelargoniums 1st
1 pelargonium 1st & 2nd 3 asparagus 1st 1 asparagus 1st
1 begonia 2nd basket plant 1st & 2nd 3 maidenhair ferns 2nd
1 maidenhair fern 2nd 3 ferns 1st 1 fern 1st
Collection of 6 plants 1st 1 palm 2nd 3 pot plants for table 1st
1 pot plant for table 1st]
XXXXVII, 44, 11 Nov. 1925, page 2
Redruth Court, 29 October
In the aftermath of the Burra Show nine men were charged with drunkenness and each was fined 10/-.
In addition one of them was fined £3 + 10/- costs for resisting police and another was fined 10/- + 10/- costs for disturbing the peace.
George Hann JP, who for 101⁄2 years has been managing clerk for Bright & Bright, solicitors of Kooringa, has severed his connections with them and intends to go into partnership with Harrold Button. They are seeking offices in Kooringa and will represent Dalgety & Co., The South British Insurance Co. and other important firms.
Miss A. Deegan of the local telephone staff for 12 months was farewelled at the Parish Hall on 2 November upon her removal to the Adelaide office. She received a xylonite toilet set.
XXXXVII, 44, 11 Nov. 1925, page 3
Master Frank Dower killed a sewer rat the size of a small cat in front of Wilkinson’s premises on Tuesday. Rats are practically unknown here.
Walter Murray of Hallett was struck in the eye with a polo mallet while playing on Saturday at Leighton. Dr Steele suggested he go to a city specialist and the news is good and his eyesight has not been affected.
Leighton School Annual Picnic was held at Ayer’s Forest on 7 November. Thanks to Mr I.J. Warnes for transport and for defraying the cost of prizes, oranges and lollies.
Mrs Thomas, nee Sarah Hocking who is 77 was a visitor at ‘Back to Burra’. She was born in ‘The Paddock’ and was a daughter of John Hocking who worked in the mine until it closed, along with the late Thomas Richards of Redruth. These were the last men to work there: in fact they closed it down.
Aeroplane Crash. Pilot Smith who had been taking passengers for flights had taken on Miss E. Simms and Mr W. Harold Tiver on Tuesday afternoon 3 November and when about half a mile from take-off at the Aberdeen racecourse the engine cut out. They crashed into Mrs H. Thomas’s paddock. The plane threw passengers and pilot out, but none was seriously hurt, though the plane was irreparable.
Bowls & Croquet Club Gymkhana, 31 October.
The bowling events were won by Mr Tiddy & Messrs C. Forder & K. Drew were runners-up.
Last Saturday the 1925-26 season opened.
Burra Hospital Board Meeting
The meeting wasted a lot of time trying to decide on the proper way to invalidate the resolution brought at the previous meeting to reduce the Board to 7. It was agreed it was unconstitutional, but they could not agree on the steps needed to right the situation. Mr Warnes gave notice he would move at the next meeting to reduce the size of the Board to 5.
Obituary. Mrs E. [Eleanor] Cheesman of Ware St died suddenly on Sunday 8 November aged 86. She had only migrated with her daughter and granddaughter about three years ago. Her previous home was in Dover, England. She is survived by her daughter and granddaughter: Mrs & Miss Briskham.
[Wife of Edwin John Cheeseman.]
Obituary. Henry Webster, farmer of Shafton, Ironmine, dropped dead on his property on Monday morning 9 November. [Place of death changed in next issue.]
Burra Rifle Club. Saturday 24 October at Wasleys:
Wasleys 823 defeated Burra 749.
Last Saturday: a shoot over 300, 500 & 600 yards saw best scores from R. Woodman & J. Pederson.
Halfway through the series of matches for Mr Gebhardt’s Trophy W.G. Woodman with 20 points leads J. Pederson with 15.
Football. A social evening was held in Booborowie Hall on 24 October to present the Koomooloo Shield to North Booborowie. The medal for the most gentlemanly and brilliant player went to Max Jacka.
XXXXVII, 44, 11 Nov. 1925, Supplement
Federal Elections. On Monday evening last week the Hon. R.W. Foster, the candidate for Wakefield, and Mr A.J. McLachlan, a Liberal nominee for the Senate, addressed a small gathering in the Institute. The speeches are reported in c. 2 columns and a speech by Senator R.V. Wilson made at Peterborough is reported in another column.
Farrell’s Flat Horse Show (The 10th) was held on 4 November and is reported in 11⁄2 columns.
Farmers’ Day at Booborowie Experimental Farm was held on Wednesday 4 November drew about 250 visitors and is reported in 3⁄4 column.
XXXXVII, 45, 18 Nov. 1925, page 2
Notice. ‘Mr Chin-Young, after thirty four years residence in Burra and before leaving for China, desires to sincerely thank everybody for their kindness to him while resident here and also wishes to say goodbye to his many friends.’
Mr Chin Young leaves for China on Saturday. He is now 78 and came from China to Australia in 1875. During his time here and until recent years he carried on a vegetable garden. He earned the respect and goodwill of all both in his business and private life.
Obituary. Henry Webster, husband of Elizabeth Webster of Kooringa, died at his residence ‘Shafton’ Kooringa on 9 November aged 71. [Note that in the previous issue his death was said to have occurred on his property at Ironmine. The registration of death agrees with the date and age and lists the place as ‘near Burra’ which tends to support the Ironmine version.]
[A portion of the obituary at the bottom of column 7 is missing.]
He left home aged 21 and went to Queensland where he carted stores with a bullock team to Hungerford Station. Later he took building jobs for Mr Hungerford – first the homestead there: a two-roomed house and cellar. He saved £300 and sent it by mailman to be banked at Clare. The mailman lost his way and died and his mails were lost, but the bag was found twelve months later hanging on a tree by some blacks and the contents eventually reached their destination. When Broken Hill came into prominence he became a carter on that track for several years before taking land at Yacka and while there he married Elizabeth Cadzow, the second daughter of Michael Cadzow of Mannanarie. He tried his hand at the Coolgardie diggings without success and on returning sold the Yacka farm and went to one at Wandearah near Port Pirie for 12 years. In 1903 he sold that and bought a portion of Shafton Estate where he was the first arrival. He was badly shaken by being thrown from his buggy on show day and though apparently not badly hurt it is believed this triggered the heart attack which resulted in his death. He leaves a widow, three sons and one daughter: John (Hallett), Henry & Crawford (Shafton) and Mrs L. Williamson (Hanson) and three grandchildren.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Hanson played two men short and was all out at 7 for 58. [?]
Kooringa scored 2 for 121 declared.
Over the previous two Saturdays Mt Bryan 207 defeated Kooringa 177.
XXXXVII, 45, 18 Nov. 1925, page 3
Burra Town Council, 2 November
Mr Woollacott was given permission to build a house for Mr P. Oates in Redruth.
It was resolved to tar the road to the Mine Bridge.
There was considerable debate over the maintenance of roads generally.
The matter of the Hospital Board was raised.
Cr Riggs was their representative on the Board and he expressed a wish to see the Board reduced in size and to be free to vote as he saw fit. Others took the view that the constitution should not be changed without public consultation or that their representative should be instructed to vote for the status quo.
Cr Hammond and Cr Kellock favoured giving Cr Riggs a free hand. This view ultimately prevailed three to two with Cr Riggs not voting.
‘Back to Burra’. An article by Dr Torr in The Australian Christian Commonwealth.
This was a generally interesting article, but not I think with any details that add much to what has already been noted. There are two photographs from ‘Back to School’.
There were also letters thanking organisers etc. from A.S. Rawlings & E. Bennett.
Mr Abraham Samuel Gordon of St Kilda, the author of Mordecai MacCobber, the story of a Scotch Jew in Australia, paid a visit to Burra this week.
XXXXVII, 45, 18 Nov. 1925, page 4
Redruth Court, 10 November
Claude Attrill was fined £2 + £2-13-6 costs or 7 days in Adelaide Gaol for assaulting A.W. Kakoschke on 27 October. The dispute was over an unpaid gambling debt Attrill was said to owe Kakoschke.
A.W. Kakoschke was charged by Attrill with assault on 6 November, but the case was dismissed.
Attrill then pleaded guilty to a second charge of assaulting Kakoschke and was further fined £5 + £1-12-6 costs.
St Brendan’s Church Mt Bryan
Dr Killian, Catholic Bishop of Pt Augusta, blessed and opened the new Catholic Church at Mt Bryan on 25 October at 10.30 a.m. in the presence of a large crowd. Mass was then celebrated. The contractor had been Mr W. Brady. A collection reduced the church debt by c. £200. The present debt is something over £400. Lunch was taken in the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.
Evening Devotions followed at 3 p.m. St Joseph’s Choir from Burra attended for the day. The altar was designed by W. Brady and made by Pengelley & Co. of Adelaide. It is erected in memory of Rev. James Patrick Redden who was in charge of this parish 1900-1906 and who died at Pekina on 1 June 1910 aged 40. It had been intended to place a memorial to him in St Joseph’s soon after his death and £16 was raised, but as that church is well furnished they couldn’t decide on the form of the memorial and by now the sum with interest was £22. The total cost of the altar was £40. The cost of the building and furnishing was £1,393-4-1 and the cash in hand was £757-1-2.
Ayers Forest
A meeting was held in the Booborowie Hall on 11 November to consider the Government proposal to sell off Ayers Forest Reserve for closer settlement. A number of local speakers favoured the retention of the forest. They said it was just coming into it productive stage and though not suited for milling, the timber was useful and had good lasting qualities. The unanimous decision was to send a deputation to ask the Government to preserve the forest.
S.E. Fuller wrote thanking the town for supporting the Strawberry Fete on 20 November in aid of the blind.
Tennis. At Copperhouse on Saturday: Copperhouse 13-113 defeated Hallett 8-101.
XXXXVII, 46, 25 Nov. 1925, page 2
Obituary. Phyllis Amy Tame aged 16 died at Mile End 11 November. She was the second daughter of H.E. & D. Tame and a granddaughter of Nurse Woollacott. [Born 22 February 1909 at Solomontown.]
XXXXVII, 46, 25 Nov. 1925, page 3
Cricket. On Saturday Kooringa Juniors 142 defeated Hanson 109 at Hanson.
Burra Rifle Club. At Kapunda on Saturday: Burra 886 defeated Kapunda 869.
Marriage. At St Joseph’s Burra 23 November
Albert O’Keefe, only son of Mr & Mrs O’Keefe of Aberdeen, married
Elizabeth Charlotte (Lottie) Fudge of Clare.
Marriage. Westbury Methodist Church 16 November
Walter G. Lord, second son of Mr & Mrs W.H. Lord of Silverton, married
Miss E.E. (Ella) Nickles, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs John Nickles of Copperhouse.
Soldiers’ Aid Society Strawberry Fete in aid of the Royal Institution for the Blind was held in the Institute on Friday. As expected the move from Jubilee Hall boosted attendance. A little over £100 was raised. In opening the fete Mrs Warnes expressed regret that the Society was contemplating going into liquidation.
Burra Town Council, 19 November
There was some dispute about the lopping of a tree adjacent to the Bowling Green.
Burra District Council was in favour of creating a shared pound with the Town Council in Victoria Parl, but the Council need legal advice as to the power to use park lands for such a purpose.
The Aberdeen Road is to be tarred at once 20ft wide.
Obituary. Mrs Annie Howell died on 18 November aged 85. She was born in North Wales on 8 June 1840, the daughter of John Lewis a one-time famous temperance orator. She came to Australia as a young girl with Lady Bathurst and made a second trip some time later when she decided to stay with a Dr & Mrs Wheeler. She later went to America to marry a cousin to whom she was engaged, but she changed her mind and returned to SA and married John Howell, of one of Adelaide’s best known families. They spent some years travelling, making some seven or eight trips to England. They finally settled in Adelaide at ‘The Acacias’ later owned by Sir E.T. Smith. On the death of his father Mr Howell had to leave and took land at Pt Lincoln and later in the north. A series of failures ensued and after a spell in Adelaide they settled at Thistlebeds where they lived till 1896. They then went briefly to Hamley Bridge before taking up land at Mt Bryan and then Mongolata. Mr Howell died in 1907 and with failing health Mrs Howell came to Kooringa in 1912. She leaves four daughters and one son: Mrs R. Lethbridge (Jamestown), Mrs J. Rowe (Aberdeen), Mrs J. Robino (Pt Augusta), Mrs T. O’Connell (Aberdeen) & Mr Harold Howell (Pt Augusta). There are 20 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. ‘Joskin’ Howell the well-known jockey who died some years ago was another son.
Mr W. Cock was farewelled from Booborowie on 5 November and a summary of his sporting activities is given that runs to about 1⁄2 column.
XXXXVII, 47, 2 Dec. 1925, page 2
Burra Town Council Elections
Mayor Maurice Collins elected unopposed
North Ward Thomas Henry Woollacott
John Carpenter
West Ward John Allen
Wilfred Lisle Pearce
Walter Robert Lee
William John Charles Ewins
East Ward Stanley Kellaway elected unopposed
Auditor Frank Treloar elected unopposed
An election will be held in North and West Wards on 5 December
Advt. Terowie Athletic Club, 13th Annual Sports will be held Friday 1 January 1926.
XXXXVII, 47, 2 Dec. 1925, page 3
Fire broke out 25 November at the home of W.J.C. Ewins in Kangaroo St. The grass was burning towards the motor shed when the fire brigade arrived. They were hampered by distance to the fire plug and lack of pressure, but there was no damage done.
Fire also broke out on 25 November at ‘Wandillah’, Mr Eddie Finch’s property five miles from Burra. A passing passenger train is the probable cause. About 20 acres of good feed was lost.
Fire on 27 November broke out in Mr Maurice Collins’ paddock near Copperhouse and about 15 acres of grass feed was lost. A strenuous effort was made as Mr Collins’ stud sheep were in the paddock. Children are suspected.
Hanson Methodist Sunday School Strawberry Fete on 28 November raised £12.
Leighton Ladies Guild Strawberry Fete on 28 November raised about £95.
Cricket. On Saturday: Kooringa 3 for 193 declared defeated Ramblers 27 & 95 (122)
Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting, Monday in Burra Institute
The Mayor’s Report was read and adopted.
Mr Treloar said he thought a rate of 3/- should be the maximum and that even that pressed hard on many.
John Allen and Lisle Pearce announced their candidacy for West Ward. Mr Pearce’s policy included more fire plugs, renovation of the Kangaroo St Bridge, another light between Lewis’s and the Hospital and better kerbs and footpaths in front of newly erected houses. He objected to the rubbish dump under the Black Bridge.
W.J.C. Ewins also said he was standing in West Ward and was in favour of trimming trees, not destroying them.
W.R. Lee for West Ward wanted improved ways of making good roads.
Cr Woollacott said he would wish to continue improving lighting – there were more lights in North Ward now than in all the town three years ago. He and Cr Riggs had paid attention to back streets and he would continue the cementing of water tables.
John Carpenter objected to the creek’s being used as a rubbish dump. He was concerned by the number of names on the roll of people who had left the town and said the cork elms were putting the cemetery in a shocking state.
In answer to Rev. Lee five candidates were not in favour of enforcing a by-law closing soft drink shops on Sundays to the inconvenience of the travelling public. Mr Pearce was in favour of sticking to the by-law.
St Mary’s Strawberry Fete on Friday at the Institute was popular. The heat of the day apparently encouraged the demand for strawberries, ices etc. Total proceeds were nearly £200.
‘Britisher’ writes wondering why the town flagpole was naked recently on the death of the Queen Mother and on the day of her funeral.
Edith R. Bubb writes on behalf of the Soldiers’ Aid Society thanking all who supported their Strawberry Fete which she hopes will enable them to send £95 to the Royal Institution for the Blind.
XXXXVII, 47, 2 Dec. 1925, page 4
Mr & Mrs H. Hamp were given a farewell from Baldina on 9 November in Mr G. Leaney’s Woolshed. Mr Hamp had been overseer for Messrs Hawker Bros until the recent sale of their property.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday a shoot was held over 300, 600 and 700 yards in which the best scores came from C.W. Pearce, G. Woodman & A.L. Kellock.
Annual Mayor’s Report for 1925
The roads and pathways are in very good order.
Expenditure was heavy, but good work has been done.
The assessment for 1925 was £16,630 and for 1926 is £16,954. The value of new buildings is adding to the revenue each year.
Rates were reduced from 3/6 to 3/-.
The small surplus at present will be used up in tarring the road between Kooringa and Aberdeen.
Parklands
Considerable improvements have been made with plantings of trees especially along the creek. The children’s playground is well looked after and c. £25 was spent on the cycle track.
The Cemetery.
This is in good order.
The Fire Brigade
This has not been very busy. The place is well kept and a siren has been installed this year.
Lighting
This is satisfactory and only finance prevents improvements.
Health
The town has been healthy without any form of epidemic, no doubt due to the cleanliness of the town.
Main Roads
The road from Kooringa to Aberdeen was badly in need of attention. From the post office to St Just St (551⁄2 chains) it was scarified and re-metalled. No special grant was provided and the Council carried out the work for £647. £246 was taken from the Government Grant and the rest from the general account. This amount we hope to have refunded at a later date. The Council now intends to tar-dress the whole length of the roadway.
‘Back to Burra’ was the most notable happening of the year. It ran from 24-30 October. Some hundreds of former residents paid visits and the town was beautifully decorated by day and night with welcome arches at the railway gate, the Institute and Lewis’s Bridge. The week was filled with outings, concerts, dances, the show, sports and a ‘Back to School’ morning. It was a great success and all who took part are to be congratulated. The Burra Show was better than ever and the new grounds and appointments are a great asset.
XXXXVII, 48, 9 Dec. 1925, page 3
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd. Sale of Aberdeen Butcher’s Business (Freehold)
Friday 18 December 2.30 p.m. In the Estate of the late Mrs J.A. Austin
Butcher’s Shop and house of 10 rooms and all conveniences with two cellars.
Draper’s shop and house known as Tiddy’s with house of six rooms.
Allotment 25 adjoining lot 2 with man’s room thereon.
Area of 42 acres 3 roods 5 perches with slaughterhouse, piggery etc.
Allotment 68 of 21 perches
Allotment 52 of 21 perches.
A Grass Fire at H. Parks’ residence in Kooringa was quickly extinguished. Young children are again suspected.
Master Lloyd Parks was nastily injured turning into Queen St when his pony crossed its legs and fell on him, but he is now recovering.
Burra Rifle Club. 200, 500 & 600 yards shoot on Saturday resulted in best scores from V.A. Riggs and T. Rosewall.
Burra Town Council Election Results
West Ward J. Allen 32 elected
W.R. Lee 31
Lisle Pearce 26
W.J.C. Ewins 12
North Ward T.H. Woollacott 81 elected
J. Carpenter 38
Red Cross met on 2 December and decided to send its Christmas donation to Soldiers’ Hospitals:
£10 to North Terrace Consumptive Home
£5 to Keswick Hospital
£2-10-0 each to Bedford Park and Myrtle Bank
Bowls. Kapunda visited Burra on Saturday last and Burra 108 defeated Kapunda 68.
Redruth Methodist Guild held its strawberry fete in the Memorial Hall on 2 December. It was opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes and the event was most successful in raising a nett £114.
Rose Pearce makes her usual annual appeal for Minda Home’s Christmas Tree.
XXXXVII, 48, 9 Dec. 1925, page 4
Ayers Forest Proposed Destruction
Hon. T. Butterfield, the Commissioner for Crown Lands, has decided to throw open the 800 acres (approximately) of Ayers Forest for selection. Everyone around is shocked and Booborowie residents are astounded that such stupid vandalism should be proposed. Despite unanimous objection from the foremost men in the district he has said in effect: ‘Is that all you have to say, well I’m going to use my own judgement, you don’t know of what you are talking, I, only I, know and I am going to allot the land.’
Local opinion is that the land is useless for agriculture. 200 of the acres have not even been planted with trees: being judged too infertile for that.
A meeting in opposition was held at Booborowie on 1 December. On Monday last week (30 November) the question was raised after the ratepayers’ meeting. The Mayor said it was being done on economic grounds, but it was false economy. He had been part of the deputation and said it was received as no deputation should be; simply being told the Commissioner had determined on cutting up the forest without any attempt at a reason. The present Government was quite apathetic with respect to forests Mr Bednall said and students had to go interstate to graduate. Mr Radford said, though not worth much now, its value in 25 years was hard to estimate.
A motion condemning the move was passed unanimously.
On Tuesday a well attended meeting in the Booborowie Hall was presided over by Chairman W.J. Cousins of the Booborowie DC. He reported the response to the deputation. An article had appeared in The Register and Mr Warnes hoped the Advertiser might also join the cause. The Stockowners’ Association had protested to the Premier. The arguments are reported in almost 11⁄2 columns and most ridicule the economics of the move and stress that the land is not only no good for cropping, but would need very expensive clearing. [The timber was not suitable for milling, but] was valuable for fencing and 73 excellent telephone poles had been cut this year. It was also useful in timbering wells and building sheds. Mr Earle said he had so used it and believed in the course of time there would be £50,000 worth there. The meeting unanimously pledged not to apply for any blocks offered and it reaffirmed the motions that had condemned the move that had been carried at the earlier meeting.
Burra Hospital Board Meeting 30 November
Mr Warnes moved the reduction of the Board to five members and Mr Riggs seconded it.
Mr Davey questioned the legitimacy of the motion on the grounds that Parliamentary procedure did not allow a similar motion for 12 months once a motion had been defeated.
The chairman agreed that the motion appeared to be irregular.
Mr Warnes said the hospital rules were not susceptible to such an interpretation.
The chairman ruled the motion out of order.
Mr Warnes then said he would get legal advice.
Miss Sandland asked if the 23 December would suit for the Christmas tree and that was approved.
The theft of wire from the fence around the Maternity Wing is to be reported to the police.
Mr Hawkes, the chairman, raised the question of the isolation ward. He had a plan similar to one erected on the West Coast for £1,550 comprising two large rooms which could take four patients each, but it could be divided into four rooms. Nurses bedroom, kitchenette, two bathrooms and conveniences with a 10ft verandah all round. They had £600 in hand. They could take another £100 from a fund and he was willing to give £100. He felt sure that if they raised £1,000 they could get £500 from the Government. He believed a £3,000 or £4,000 scheme was unnecessary. Mr Melrose moved that the plans be sent to the medical officer to report on next meeting.
XXXXVII, 49, 16 Dec. 1925, page 3
Obituary. Alfred Davey died at his home, Evandale on 12 December. He was born in Kooringa, the son of the late William Davey and brother to E.J. and Arthur Davey of Kooringa. [Born 28 January 1872.]
Mr Lance Carthew is leaving the district. He has been one of the best RSL secretaries and a farewell social is being given at the club rooms on 17 December.
He was the head teacher at the High School and has been transferred to Gladstone High School. His assistant Miss Rosalie Davis goes to Unley High School. Miss O. Drever of the Domestic Arts School goes to Nailsworth. Mr Carthew was Captain of the Kooringa Football Club and the Kooringa Cricket Club and a member of the Golf and Tennis Clubs. Miss Lottie Fudge a teacher at the State school left recently to get married.
Fire at the Burra Mine
Saturday morning* at about 11 a.m. smoke was seen issuing from the top story [sic] of the small engine house close to Morphett’s Shaft and later the short grass nearby was also noticed to be alight. Residents in the vicinity immediately beat the latter out as if it had got away into the next paddock a standing crop would have suffered. The folk residing in the mine did not however realise that the fire was as serious as it was and never raised the alarm but tried to put it out by themselves. Between 2 and 3 o’clock it assumed such proportions that to fight it was out of the question and soon not only the small engine house but the big one over Morphett’s Shaft was in flames. The woodwork of enormous dimensions, burnt like matches and as there is an immense amount it took some time to burn. Towards midnight quite a crowd had collected to watch the blazing poppets fall which supported the platform on which the big pulley wheel was fixed, used when the mine was working for drawing stuff up and down the shaft. On this platform some 50 feet high also stood a life size figure of a miner holding a round stone hammer and chisel.† [In the issue of the Burra Record on 23 Dec. 1925 this is corrected to a pick and miner’s gad.] This figure has always attracted much attention and looked upon with feelings amounting to veneration by past and even the present generation of Burraites and many sincere regrets were expressed when the fire fiend having done its work it, in company with the wheel, crashed to the ground. The wheel which measures 5 feet in diameter and at white heat broke but the figure was not badly damaged. Morphett’s Shaft which is almost under the large engine house is 500 feet deep and heavily timbered and this is now burning fiercely. [The shaft was actually dug to 100 fathoms or 600 feet] We understand the sight on Saturday night was very beautiful when the flames leapt to a great height. Sunday hundreds of folk visited the spot to view the destruction. Large columns of smoke were then ascending particularly from Morphett’s Shaft and one could hear the heavy timber falling away and crashing into the water below. The property belongs to Messrs A.J. and P.A. McBride of Adelaide. The matter is being investigated by the police, but it is generally alleged that the fire was caused by some lads smoking out pigeons of which a large number have lived in these old buildings. Many old miners state that it may possibly be weeks before the fire will burn itself out. The only thing left “intact” is the “famous echo” which is as clear as ever. [* Given the boys’ appearance in court on 10 December this would seem to refer to 5 December rather than Saturday 12 December.]
[† See XXXXVII, 50, 23 December 1925, p.4 for a correction to this description.]
At Redruth Court on Thursday [10 December] before Messrs M.A. Radford and E.F. Marston JPs Thomas William Sedgeman; aged 13, and Hurtle C. Allen, [a few days short of 12] were charged by M-C Johns with lighting a fire for purpose of smoking out rabbits without clearing a width of seven feet around the site of the fire. Both children pleaded guilty.
M-C Johns stated that the boys had explained to him that they went to the engine house a little distant from Morphett’s Shaft to smoke out rabbits. They gathered some manure and lighted it away from the ground floor, covering the fire with bags to make the smoke go under the floor. No rabbits came out and they went away. At the mine pool they looked back and saw the fire spreading, and noticing a resident they ran away. This was about 11.30 a.m. on Saturday. Some of the residents saw the fire but none thought it advisable to advise the Police or Fire Brigade. If active steps had been taken the property would have been saved. When one of the poppet heads was alight at the bottom a man threw three buckets of water on it, but as it did not go out, did not trouble any further.
After consideration the Bench convicted the boys, they come up for sentence when called upon.
Ayers Forest
George Seal & Martin Seal write a letter:
They say they believe that strong influences are at work to save the forest and embarrass the Government. If, as the Commissioner states, small forests are unprofitable then getting rid of them is not unreasonable. Extravagant statements have been made to bolster the case. Mr Goodridge says the ground is too rough to grow wheat – it was ploughed before the trees were planted and indeed most of the area is practically level or undulating. It is strange that in a fertile valley like Booborowie just the area within the forest is infertile. As for those who virtuously voted not to apply for the blocks, not more than six at the meeting would have been eligible, [the others] already owning sufficient land to bar them from applying.
Tennis: At Kooringa Saturday 5 December: Kooringa 8-83 defeated Aberdeen 6-62.
At Redruth Saturday: Kooringa ‘B’ 10-66 defeated Aberdeen ‘B’ 6-64.
At Kooringa 9 December: Ketchowla 11-76 defeated Kooringa 2-50.
At Copperhouse last Saturday: Copperhouse 17-132 defeated Aberdeen 8-92.
Burra Seaside Trip. A meeting on 3 December was well attended with over 40 present and it was decided that the trip for 1926 will go to Semaphore.
Obituary. James Alexander Kelly, eldest son of Mr & Mrs John D. Kelly, drowned in Ulooloo Creek at Hallett on Sunday aged 17. He apparently was seized by cramp while swimming.
[Born 11 February 1908 at Redruth: died 13 December 1925 at Ulooloo.]
Hanson-Booborowie Railway
A meeting was held at the Booborowie Memorial Hall on 19 November to arrange for the collection of evidence for the Railway Standing Committee which will visit soon. All evidence must be in writing to be examined by the local committee before being submitted to the Standing Committee.
Polo has had a bad start with five accidents that took players out of action in recent times, but on Saturday last a practice game saw better fortune and Clare is to visit for a game next Saturday.
Bowls. Burra visited Balaklava on Saturday. Balaklava 113 defeated Burra 85.
XXXXVII, 49, 16 Dec. 1925, page 4
‘Mordecai MacCobber’ gives a visiting author’s impressions of Burra.
He is surprised by the number of prosperous and up-to-date residences in the surrounding districts and by the gardens and flowers. He admired the Institute library and was much impressed by the work of G.E. Dane who was coaching local talent for ‘his cloches de Corneville’.
Burra Town Council
Crs Kellaway and Woollacott were congratulated on their re-election and Cr Allen was welcomed to Council.
Advice was obtained that Park Lands are not to be used for a public pound.
Application was received to subdivide block 11N near Redruth as per plan in connection with the estate of the late W. West. Application approved.
Kooringa Methodist Church held an American Tea and Strawberry Fete in the Institute on Friday. Total proceeds were £70, which was good considering this was the sixth fete in as many weeks.
XXXXVII, 50, 23 Dec. 1925, page 2
Advt. Burra Transport Co. Telephone 84. Adelaide to Burra
R. Bruce and J. Heinrich have started business with a 5-ton De Dion lorry between Adelaide and Burra. Two trips weekly will be made on Monday and Thursday to Adelaide returning Tuesday and Friday.
Advt. Mt Bryan, Booborowie, Burra & Adelaide Carrying Service. R. Rogers Proprietor.
Leaves Adelaide Monday and Thursday
Leaves Mt Bryan and Booborowie Tuesday & Friday
Leaves Burra Wednesday and Saturday
Advt. Hanson Methodist Church Anniversary Services: Sunday 27 December and Monday Public Meeting at 8 p.m. 28 December. Rev. John Dingle of Adelaide is to preach.
Wild Turkey. A well-known pastoralist was charged £5 for a turkey he shot, plus a £1 fine and 10/- costs. They are a protected species. A couple have been seen recently in the Brewery Paddock.
Miss Doreen Lawry of the local school has been transferred to Marble Range near Pt Lincoln. She was farewelled and presented with a handsome clock.
Colin Wald, who has been on the staff of Bennett & Fisher, has left the firm and gone to Adelaide. He was a member of the Kooringa Cricket and Tennis Clubs for his twelve months here.
L. Laver who worked for I.J. Warnes for some years has left the district to work in Adelaide.
XXXXVII, 50, 23 Dec. 1925, page 3
St Joseph’s School pupils gave a successful concert at the Institute on 14 December and it is reported in 3⁄4 column.
Fires. The local fire brigade has answered no less than six calls in three weeks.
On 15 December at midday a grass fire broke out in C. Grow’s property at Kooringa and was soon extinguished.
On 15 December at 9 p.m. fire broke out on an enclosed allotment in Chapel St between the Commercial Hotel stables and E. Pfennig’s tinsmith’s. Deal boxes and straw were alight behind a 10ft iron fence and flames rose high above the buildings. The hydraulic engineer Mr James Isaac cut the water to Aberdeen and Redruth to increase the pressure to the area and in 15 minutes the fire was under control. Mr Pfennig’s shop was alight several times and a bucket brigade used water from a tank on the south side of the shop to save it.
The stables also caught alight and the position looked serious then for Parks’ bakery and the adjoining buildings. The brigade poured water into the loft in blinding smoke and buckets of water were thrown over Parks’ woodheap only about 10ft from the fire. Although every inch of timber in the stables was charred, the building and roof were intact. This fire alone proves the value of the brigade and also shows that the problem of poor pressure can be solved. £10,000 to £20,000 damage was saved by the brigade’s actions, as the whole block from Chapel to Queen Street would otherwise have been lost. The cause of the outbreak is not known.
The Red Cross Society has a Christmas party at J. Allen’s café on 16 December arranged by Mrs F.R. Wigley.
Lance Carthew who had been RSL Secretary and headmaster at the Burra High School was farewelled at RSL rooms on 17 December. He has been moved to Gladstone. Twenty members attended. He was given a silver tray and tea service for his general service to the town and as RSL Secretary in particular. He left the club in a much better financial position and had done equally commendable work at the school. Mrs Carthew was also thanked for supporting her husband’s efforts. He was also given a farewell at the High School on Wednesday evening as was his assistant Miss R. Davis. They received a shaving mug and xylonite mirror respectively.
Kooringa Cricket Club accepted the resignation of L. Carthew as Captain at a meeting on 10 December with regret and thanks. C.D. Wald also resigned as Secretary. Both men are leaving the district. L. Kellaway was elected Captain and M. Bednall as Vice-Captain.
XXXXVII, 50, 23 Dec. 1925, page 4
Henry Byles has resigned as manager of Old Koomooloo after 18 years there and he will move into Burra. He was given a farewell last week from about 50 of his neighbours. Mr D.A. Radford of Canegrass presided. Two handsome Morris Chairs were given as mementos.
Burra Hospital Board, 21 December
Mrs Barker has declined to supply an enlarged photo for the Board Room, saying the name on the foundation stone of the Maternity Wing was sufficient recognition for the family.
Sister Grace Fullarton, a London double-certificated nurse, was appointed Matron on the Maternity Wing and to help in the General Hospital when there were no maternity cases – otherwise to be entirely devoted to her own patients.
Mr Warnes asked for a special meeting to consider changing rule 5 concerning the size of the Board.
The Chairman said he had no reason to change his mind and would thus not call a special meeting.
Mr Warnes said he would have to move another way – and three members of the Board could demand a special meeting.
The Mayor and Mayoress acknowledge donations to the Christmas Cheer Fund for the poor to a total of £20-14-6.
Leighton School break-up took place on 17 December. Prizes were presented by Mrs I.J. Warnes and the prize list is printed. Dux of the school was Sheila Fairchild. The headmaster was G.F. Foster.
Certificates were awarded to:
Colin Earle Owen Lynch Joan Fairchild
Daisy Moxham Brendan Hogan Tom Warnes
Avis Longbottom
Burra Mine Fire. In our report of the fire at Morphett’s Shaft we said the figure of the miner holds a hammer and chisel. In fact he holds a pick and miner’s gad and on his head is a miner’s hat with a place for a candle.
Mr W.G. Hawkes writes in response to the Messrs Seals’ accusation that he had more land than he knew what to do with. He wishes to know where the land is.
W.F. McEvoy also replies that it is not surprising there is so much agitation to preserve a forest in an area where timber is so scarce. He claims that there were not more than six present who would be excluded from applying for the land.
I.J. Goodridge also writes to say his knowledge comes from actually being one who planted the forest with pick and crowbar and had trouble finding dirt to put around the trees in places. As for being in the valley: it is more on the hill than in the vale.
Burra Primary School: The following gained Qualifying Certificates at exams held 13 November:
August Hirschausen Will McLannan Cliff Lee
Alf Bowen Tom Williams Carl Pearce
Tom Terry Gilbert Rogers James Isaacs
Robert Woollacott Leslie Irlam Fred Gregor
Stanley Kellaway Ken Kellock Alfred Rogers
Arthur Mudge Molly Walker Susan Hill
Lila Bourman Netta Thomas Nellie Kitchenmaster [sic]
The highest marks in each class are also listed.
[Of personal interest:
Winners of library scholarships offered by the Burra Institute included Hurtle Allen.
Highest marks Grade 1 boys Edward [actually Edmund] Fuss equal 1st and Mervyn Allen 3rd.
Highest marks Grade 4 boys Clarence Fuss 3rd and Grade 4 girls Edna Allen 2nd.
Highest marks Grade 6 boys Hurtle Allen 1st.]
The Young Australia League is sending 40 boy [brass band] instrumentalists to Burra on 31 December and they will perform at the Institute at 8 p.m.
There will be band numbers and a series of attractive acts in full costume with scene effects. The group included soprano singers, choristers, comedians and gymnasts as well as players of instruments.
Burra Rifle Club. R. Woodman & J. Pederson had the highest scores at a shoot over 300, 500 & 600 yards.
Red Cross Society Adelaide writes to the local secretary Mrs Marston concerning the donations sent for Christmas Cheer. As there are only three soldiers at present at the Consumptive Home on North Terrace £6 has been sent instead to Kalyra where there are nine soldier patients and £4 to the Consumptive home instead of £10 to the latter – in anticipation of Burra’s approval.
Bowls. Burra visited Jamestown on Saturday and Jamestown 80 defeated Burra 63.
Burra Town Council, 21 December
D. Jones asked permission to erect a hoarding 120ft long at the corner of the road near the Mine Bridge to be electrically lit. Further particulars are to be sought.
Mr S.R. Oborn of the State School offers to grow trees for the Council from seed if the Council provides the seed. The offer was accepted.
The main road work has reduced funds to £138 and an overdraft will have to be arranged till rates begin to come in during March.
The Finance Committee recommended a rate of 2/9.
Cr Kellaway moved the adoption of the recommendation. Motion carried.
Cr Riggs thought there ought to be a separate Health Rate, but his motion lapsed.
[The idea of not specifying separate rates was to enable funds to be moved from one area of need to another as required.]
Cr Riggs gave notice of a motion to rescind the [rate] motion at the next meeting.
The services of J.J. Parker as ranger were dispensed with, as there was no longer any pound.
Characteristics of the 1925 paper.
Page 1
Large advertisements; mainly local.
Page 2
Some large local advertisements, but mainly notices of sales and activities and small classifieds. Sometimes news begins late on page 2 and sometimes not till page 3.
Page 3
Sometimes page 2 advertisements continue, but the page is mostly news, which is frequently detailed and provides a good record of local activities. Some advertisements.
Page 4
News and large advertisements in fluctuating proportions. There is little ‘padding’ in 1925 and non-news items are not very common.
Supplements are common and appear more often than not. Some are smaller than the rest of the paper, but often they are full size, though some are printed on one side only.
Beginning with XXXXVII, 39 of 7 October 1925 the size of the broadsheet increased becoming slightly higher and changing in width from 7 to 8 columns.
All in all the paper provides a good record of local activities, but with minimal editorial comment and not very obvious reasons for the attention to detail given to various stories or items.
Numbering of Issues in 1925
The year began with Volume XXXXVII Number 1 on 7 January 1925.
And continued to Volume XXXXVII Number 51 on 23 December 1925.
But within this sequence the Numbers 13 & 23 are used twice and 14 is not used.
XXXXVIII, 1, 6 Jan. 1926
Advertisements, page 1
Walker & Sons Shoes and clothing, Kooringa
W.R. Lee Ford Dealer
W.S. Field Burra Sweets Depot
R.A. Lynch Commercial Hotel
S.M. Lane Sadler & Ironmonger
Horton Jennison Tyre Repairer, Kooringa
E.A. Mummery Dentist, Pearce’s Building
E.C. Hammond Tailor, Kooringa
Burra Motor Co. Holt Caterpillar Agents
N.J. Tiddy Draper & Clothier, Aberdeen
Spier’s Garage: Nash & Chevrolet Agent
Jeffrey & Byrne Quality Meat Store
C.J. Pearce & Son* House Furnishers, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, Undertakers
Fred. M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Stock & Station Agents, Wool Brokers, Auctioneers
Bennett & Fisher Ltd Auctioneers, Stock & Station Agents, Wool & Skin Brokers
F.F. George Smith & George Dentists of Clare: visiting Burra every Friday
H.R. Bosisto Dentist, Welsh Place
Advertisements, page 2
Drew & Crewes General Storekeepers, New Garage at Hallett
Kooringa, Aberdeen, Mt Bryan & Hallett
Bence’s Cash Drapers
Miss Doris Geake Art Teacher
R.W. Bruce Carrier, Kooringa: Motor Bus for Hire
H.J. Hains Carpenter & Builder, Welsh Place
Pederson & Son Shoe Store, Kooringa
Wicklein’s Jeweller & Watchmaker
W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Clothier & Milliner, Kooringa
M.S. Edwards Licensed Land Broker, Eastern Telephone Building, Kooringa
R. Rogers Carrying Service, Mt Bryan, Booborowie, Burra, Adelaide
R. Bruce & J. Heinrich Burra Transport Co.
Bennet & Fisher Ltd Auctioneers
Hann & Button Agents for Dalgety & Co. Ltd & Overland cars: General Commission Agents
W.T.L. Neagle Land & Estate Agent, between the Savings Bank & Wilkinson’s
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd Auctioneers
F. Spencer Jeweller
R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer: ‘The Emporium’ Kooringa
Symons Bros. formerly W.A. Gebhardt, Bakery
Mrs O.H. Ockenden Painting Classes, Aberdeen & Mt Bryan
C.P. Thamm Shoeing Smith
Advertisements, page 3
Edwin J. Harris The Corner Store, Kooringa
Sara & Co. General Storekeepers, Aberdeen
G.C. Kuchenmeister Meat Store, Poultry & Corned Meat
F.H. Pledge Blacksmith & Wheelwright, Bridge St, near the Bowling Green
Jack Allen Agent for Australian Implement & House Furnishing Co.
Roy Milton The Good Builder of Victor Harbor: at ‘Blink Bonnie’ through December
XXXXVIII, 1, 6 Jan. 1926
Advertisements, page 4
SA Farmers’ Union General Store
Stan Kellaway Agent for Co-op Insurance Co. of Australia Ltd
W.J. Woollacott Agent for the Reo Car
Luke Day Grocer, Fruiterer & General Dealer
R. & C. Watson Agent for Essex Cars
William Young Agent for Austin Cars
D. Jones Painter & Decorator, Kooringa
R.A. Lewis Cycle Repairs and Accessories, Market Square
Burra Motor Co. Burra Motor Garage
[* Note on the hearse of C.J. Pearce & Son on information from Clarrie Fuss (1915-2006).
The first motorised hearse was a Buick 1923 or 1924 model with right hand gear change. Later they had a 1927 or 1928 model hearse.]
XXXXVIII, 1, 6 Jan. 1926, page 2
Advt. Private Sale at Hampton: 2 acres of ground in four blocks. House of seven rooms with underground tank, cellar, washhouse, stone stables, bore and windmill.
Advt. Farewell Social on Monday 8 p.m. in the Army Citadel for Ensign & Mrs Peek.
Advt. Mrs Jordan is selling her five-roomed house in Queen St.
Notice. Mr W.A. Gebhardt, Baker of Thames St, on retiring from business thanks his customers for the support he and his father have received for 70 years and hopes the same patronage will be extended to Symons Bros. who have bought the business.
Fred Gebhardt, who had assisted his brother [W.A. Gebhardt], had worked in the bakehouse for almost 50 years as baker. Their father the late F. Gebhardt Snr originally owned the business. The family have lived on the premises and been in business almost 70 years. Symons Bros, who take over, come from Broken Hill.
The Mayor & Mayoress’s appeal for Christmas cheer for the poor was well met and quite a number of the aged and infirm were recipients of a most acceptable Christmas box.
St Joseph’s. Rev. Fr W.H. Nesdale, priest in charge for about three years, was given a wallet with 29 notes in it as he is leaving for a well-earned holiday trip to New Zealand.
Mrs Austin, 2nd wife of the late Richard Austin died [at Glenelg on 30 September] and her son Harry has now decided to retire. Mr K. Watts of Riverton has bought the business. In the early days ‘Billy’ & Ben Watts had a butchering business here before moving to Kapunda.
[Kenneth B. Watts b. 3 May 1894 to Benjamin Watts and his second wife, Isabella.]
XXXXVIII, 1, 6 Jan. 1926, page 3
Obituary. Mr Frederick John Eichler died in Broken Hill on 12 December 1925 aged 79. He came to Burra as a young child and his first job was as a pickie boy at the Burra Mines, then as a whim boy and finally as a miner. He attended the ‘Back to Burra’ week last year and had a host of stories and reminiscences of the old days. He spent time at Terowie and Thackaringa before going to Broken Hill in 1893. He was twice married. His first wife was a daughter of John Robertson Gray of Burra.
Norman Ellery, son of Mr & Mrs Silas Ellery, was severely injured when thrown from his horse on 26 December, suffering a fractured skull and irritation of the brain. He is making progress.
Christmas. Christmas Eve in Burra was busy. Streets were crowded with busy shoppers and scores of cars were parked around Market Square. The only entertainment over the holidays was the 40 Young Australia League boys who arrived on 30 December and were billeted out. They performed before a good audience.
Burra Town Council has decided to approach Messrs A.J. & P.A. McBride asking them to present to the town the steel effigy of a miner [Johnnie Green] brought to ground in the recent fire at the mine, so that it may be erected in some prominent place in the town.
M. Seal & G. Seal write sustaining their views as earlier stated, [See: XXXXVII, 49, 16 Dec. 1925, page 3 & XXXXVII, 50, 23 Dec. 1925, page 4] while admitting that W.G. Hawkes would probably know what to do with land if he had a million acres of it.
Tennis. At Hallett last Saturday: Copperhouse 16-106 defeated Hallett 3-66.
Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes gave the usual Christmas Tree and Father Christmas Evening at Leighton Hall before Christmas.
Booborowie Annual Christmas Tree was held in the Memorial Hall 17 December. Mr V. Fuss dressed as Father Christmas and distributed gifts to 200 children.
Obituary. Miss Amy L. Bell died at Burra Hospital on 26 December aged 21. She was the second daughter of Mr & Mrs R.E. Bell of Hallett. She was employed by Messrs Sara & Co. Aberdeen and was well when she left for Hallett after the shops closed on Christmas Eve. She fell ill with appendicitis on 26 December.
Burra Town Council, 21 December (Concluded)
The Mayor said another coat of tar was needed at once on the Aberdeen Road.
Cr Woollacott, as Chairman of the Public Works, was offended that the Mayor had ordered work done without consulting him: work that was unsatisfactory and would involve extra cost.
The Mayor said immediate action had been needed and he consulted as many Councillors as he could at the time.
The Overseer agreed that immediate action had been needed.
The road is to be tarred again.
St Joseph’s School held its prize giving on 17 December. It was combined with a picnic. Both are reported. Qualifying Certificates went to Lois Halls and Alfred Rowe.
XXXXVIII, 1, 6 Jan. 1926, page 4
Annual Hospital Christmas Treat was organised for 23 December. It began with a concert on the eastern side of the buildings to seek shelter from the cool conditions. Supper followed and a cot presented by a number of visitors to ‘Back to Burra’ was handed over and presents distributed. The Mayor said that the building of an isolation ward was in sight. [A list of donors for the cot is printed.] The evening was organised by Miss Sandland aided by Mrs M. Collins and Mrs W.J.C. Ewins.
Polo. At Leighton 26 December.
‘A’ match: Clare drew with Mid-North 2 all.
‘B’ match: Clare defeated Mid-North 8 to 3.
Population growth and decline in SA Towns
An article compares populations in various country towns of SA for 1911 and 1924. In the mid-north:
Clare 882 to 1108
Burra 1751 to 1807
Jamestown 1235 to 1380
Peterborough 2320 to 2362
Kapunda 1680 to 1562
XXXXVIII, 2, 13 Jan. 1926, page 2
Obituary. John Herbert, husband of Carrie Herbert of Kooringa, died suddenly 5 January at Burra Hospital aged 64. [Born 3 June 1862, Kooringa. See more on page 3.]
Obituary. Jane Prior, wife of the late James Prior, died 8 January at the residence of her son E.T. Prior, Copperhouse aged 93. She was a colonist of 75 years. [Born Jane Rasdell in 1832. See more on page 3.]
Commonage. A decision was made on Friday that commonage will be abolished. [There is no indication here of who made this decision, but subsequent reports reveal it was the local District Council.]
XXXXVIII, 2, 13 Jan. 1926, page 3
N. Hiles Pearce of ‘The Gums’ sent in a fine example of Moorpark apricots.
W.R. Chambers, who for ten years has been connected with Bagot, Shakes & Lewis and later with Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. and who has been local manager for five years, leaves in early February. Mrs Chambers will also be missed at tennis and croquet.
Children’s Sports were organised at the playground on Saturday 2 January and over 300 children with their parents attended. This was mainly possible due to the generosity of George Gallagher. At 4.30 p.m. every child up to 14 was given a bag of sweets, peanuts, bun etc. (200 in all). Mr Gallagher was assisted by Messrs S. Jones, B. Opperman, T. Carpenter & J. Carpenter. Results are printed.
Obituary. The late John Herbert was born at Kooringa in 1862, the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs William Herbert of Kooringa. He was educated at the late Dr J.R. Stevens’ [sic, for Stephens’] school and worked first at Lockyer’s brewery and then at various places before becoming a long-serving employee of the Burra Town Council. When young he was an enthusiastic footballer and cricketer. His first wife, Miss Louisa Seaford died in 1902 leaving a son and three daughters. In 1903 he married Miss Carrie Hornhardt who has a family of two sons and one daughter. The family comprises: Mrs M.J. Madigan (Pinnaroo), Mrs T.V. Quinn (Broken Hill), Mrs D. Whitehorn (Koolunga), Mr W.J. Herbert (Broken hill), Mr Jack Herbert (Adelaide), Mr Roy Herbert (Broken Hill) & Miss Lily Herbert (Kooringa). There are six grandchildren. Mr Charles Herbert of Sydney and George Herbert of Kooringa are brothers. Mrs T. Parks of Kooringa is a sister.
Obituary. Mrs Jane Prior who died on 8 January was born in Dublin Ireland on 4 November 1832, the daughter of Mr & Mrs Rasdell. She arrived in SA in 1850 and came directly to Burra. After a few years she married Mr James Prior who was killed in the Broken Hill mines 19 June 1900, after working there only a week. They were both members of the Bible Christian Church and later she was a member of the Methodist Church. She lived alone until the last five months. She died peacefully in her sleep. There were four children: Mrs H.W. Collins (NSW), Mrs John Honan (Hallett), Elijah Thoma Prior (Copperhouse) and Elisha Prior (Hallett). There are 31 grandchildren and 74 great-grandchildren.
Burra District Council
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. to be written to concerning the renting of a portion of their yards as a public pound in common with the Burra Town Council.
One month’s notice was given to all those with commonage stock on a stock road to remove same.
Salvation Army. Ensign & Mrs Peek, after 12 months in charge, leave on Thursday for Moonta and were given a farewell on Monday evening. Rev. Lee spoke in support of the work of the Army, but believed their policy of moving officers so often was not wise and an officer no sooner got into his stride than he was moved before he could see the virtue of his work. Ensign Peek said he was glad he had been able to renovate the building (the third he had done in three years), as it meant his successor would be able to concentrate fully on the work.
Dr J.I. Sangster Sen. who lived in Burra for many years is very seriously ill at his home in Marryatville.
W.G. Hawkes writes on Ayers Forest again – essentially expressing the opinion that the whole issue is not political; or at least not party political.
Burra District Council Ratepayers’ Meeting, Friday last in Burra Institute.
Attended by the Councillors and about six ratepayers. Given the problems of brumbies and unclaimed cattle, the Councillors were in favour of abolishing commonage within the District Council, but did not like to act without the ratepayers being consulted.
I.J. Warnes was in favour of the abolition. Mt Bryan (where he was a Councillor) had cut it right out and so had Booborowie, as it cost them hundreds a year. At King’s Well, Burra and Mt Bryan District Councils joined and Mt Bryan had the pleasure of dealing with strays from Burra’s commonage. Mr Warnes gave examples of the problems associated with the strays.
He moved the adoption of the motion to end commonage. Mr Brown seconded.
Mr A.B. Riggs said he assumed that a consequence would be the narrowing of World’s End Road to three chains with the balance allotted to farmers – a good thing.
The problems mentioned were dead horses that needed to be burnt, rogue bulls breaking down fences and entering paddocks and crops, feed being eaten out by unknown stock, rabbits and mongrel cows breeding.
Mr J.R. Rooke & Mr W.H. McWaters both spoke in favour of commonage. Me Rooke said those who used it properly were being disadvantaged because others abused the system. Mr McWaters spoke of a disabled man who could get little work, but lived on the edge of the common and survived by its use. Mr Kellock said it was probably unfair to some, but there seemed to be no other way out of the difficulties.
The motion was carried with two opposed.
XXXXVIII, 2, 13 Jan. 1926, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. Picnic shoot at Clare 1 January.
Port Pirie No. 2 Team won from Blyth with Burra third. (Pt Pirie had three teams taking part and Burra had two.)
9 January: A shoot over 300, 600 & 700 yards. Best results were from R. Woodman, V.A. Riggs, W. Woodman, T. Rosewall and A.P. Harris.
Burra Town Council, 4 January
D. Jones was granted permission to erect a hoarding on the road near the Mine Bridge at an annual rental of £1.
The Mayor wanted the guns in Market Square moved, as they spoiled the appearance of the monument.
The Town Clerk said the Council could put them where it chose.
Cr Harris wanted them removed to the reserve opposite the Institute.
Cr Allen favoured their removal.
Cr Riggs did not. If they were to be put out of sight they might as well be scrapped.
Cr Kellock would leave them where they were, remembering the good deal of feeling shown at the time they were got. He had heard no complaints.
Cr Harris moved their removal to opposite the Institute. Carried with Riggs and Kellock against.
‘Cr Wollacott [sic] moved that a drain be made at the bottom of “Cowdung Hill” in Mivigizzie [sic: for Mevagessey) Street to turn the water. Seconded by Cr Riggs and carried.’
XXXXVIII, 3, 20 Jan. 1926, page 3
Notice. Tenders are called for the erection of a shelter shed on the main road about half way between Kooringa and Aberdeen.
Rambler Cricket Club held a ‘flannel dance’ at St Mary’s Hall last Thursday.
Mr J. Canny, while wheat humping at Hanson last week, had two fingers and the thumb torn off when the whim horse moved off and the rope drew his hand into the cogs.
RSL membership is up this year. The membership is now 50% up on last year.
Richard Reed turns 89 on 22 January and remains well.
The Smelting Works. An Italian who has been working at Building A.B. Riggs’s house recently sent a small quantity of slag from the Burra slag heap to the city to have its suitability tested for tile making. A further 50 tons have been sent for. If things turn out as anticipated it would be a profitable speculation for the present owners, considering the size of the heap.
Tennis. At Mitchell Flat (adjacent to Kitchenmaster’s Residence)
Copperhouse ‘B’ 9-64 defeated Mitchell Flat Juniors 2-37.
The Croquet Season is going well with 35 members this year. There is a move to install electric lighting.
Burra Rifle Club. Practice match over 300 & 600 yards. Best were T. Rosewall & V.A. Riggs.
I.J. Goodridge writes after reading the Seals’ letter. He still thinks they said the forest is in the valley. If they get a block they will have a good many axes to grind before it is cleared and the stumps removed.
‘Returned Soldier’ writes expressing shock at moves to shift the Market Square guns. He is amazed at the Mayor’s dismissal of the guns as looking like a scrap heap and also at Ct Harris who was such a patriot in the war years. Mr Crewes would not have entertained such a move for a moment and it would be a breach of faith with the Defence Department.
‘Former Resident’ writes disputing aspects of the recent article on ‘Decaying Towns’: one needs to know Council boundaries for a start.
Salvation Army. Ensign Fisher, who succeeds Ensign Peek, was welcomed on Thursday
XXXXVIII, 4, 27 Jan. 1926, page 2
Ironmine Methodist Church Harvest Festival will be held on 31 January in Leighton Hall owing to church renovations.
Burra & District Horticulture
Some fine dahlias are being grown by Walter Allen of Aberdeen. One measuring 7” across can be seen in our window this week.
‘Wahroonga’ Leighton saw an unusual accident on Friday. Water was being carted from a dam when the horse played up and backed into the dam. The dray and horse disappeared from sight. The next day the body of the horse rose to the surface and the vehicle was able to be retrieved.
Some seven years ago Mr Warnes stocked the large dam near the homestead with perch from the Onkaparinga and now some fine fish can be caught there. Master Jim Warnes caught one weighing 11⁄2lb on Thursday.
Advt. Seaside Trip to Semaphore: Saturday 6 February
Depart Burra 5.35 a.m. arrive Semaphore 9.52 a.m.
Depart Semaphore 8 p.m. arrive Burra 12.20 p.m.
Depart Hallett 5.15 a.m. arrive Semaphore 9.58 a.m.
Depart Semaphore 7.30 p.m.
XXXXVIII, 4, 27 Jan. 1926, page 3
Marriage. 26 January Redruth Methodist Church
Vera Tralaggan, second surviving daughter of Mr & Mrs F. Tralaggan of Redruth and late of Mt Bryan East, married Hillyard Box, second son of Mr & Mrs H.J. Box of Blackwood.
Burra Rifle Club shoot over 200, 500 & 600 yards.
Best results were from T. Rosewall, A.L. Kellock & L. Kellaway.
Bowls. At Clare on Saturday: Burra 96 defeated Clare 90. The accompanying croquet team was beaten.
Burra Institute AGM.
The library at 31 December 1925 had 6,417 books.
Membership: December 31 1924 Double 27
Single 245
272
December 31 1925 Double 29
Single 271
300
Bank Balance December 31 1924 £228-0-5
December 31 1925 £126-2-7
The Choral & Orchestral Classes have been hard at work rehearsing the opera Les Cloches de Corneville, which Mr Dane produced in Burra some 20 years ago with great success.
Improvements: the building has been painted outside. The Lodge Room has been renovated by D. Jones & Son and the north and south walls have been repointed in cement by T.H. Woollacott.
The committee has been considering the building of a supper room and were discussing ways and means.
Elected were
President P.J. Murphy
Vice-President E.J. Davey
Treasurer Mr Pollard
Hon. Sec. Mr E.J. Harris
Burra Hospital Board, 25 January
Dr Steele wrote approving the suggested design for an isolation ward, with a few minor alterations.
No scheme has yet been evolved to raise funds, but they had about £800 in hand and believed the Government would offer at least a 15/- in the £ subsidy.
Dr Dowling of Adelaide will be Dr Steel’s locum for a fortnight from 3 February.
Sister Carita of St Joseph’s Convent, who has been a resident for 17 years, has gone to the Brompton Convent and Sister Melita who was here some time ago has returned.
Burra Town Council, 18 January
The District Council of Burra advises it is approaching Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. about a combined District and Town animal pound.
A.J. & P.A. McBride are happy to donate the effigy of the miner [Johnnie Green] to the town.
The Fire Brigade Board complains that some fire plugs are covered – the problem according to the Overseer, is that over time roads have risen and the plugs need lifting.
Cr Woollacott was shocked at the newspaper report of his asking for work in ‘Mivviegizzie St [sic] at the bottom of “Cowdung Hill”’. He did not think the name should appear in the paper. He had merely used the term for identification, not knowing the correct name. Some residents had objected to the term.
Council will negotiate with Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. about the question of a pound.
A decision on where to erect the miner’s effigy was deferred.
Cr Riggs suggested Sara’s Corner – to act as a ‘silent cop’ to direct traffic. The new service station was ornamental and added to the safety of the road.
The Overseer said he had counted cars on the Aberdeen road on Friday at 84 cars per hour.
Cr Woollacott wanter a shelter shed erected on the road to Aberdeen. Elderly people and women struggled along the road and had no place to rest.
Cr Riggs agreed and said it should come from the common fund and be placed between the Mine Bridge and the fountain, opposite the street light. Carried.
Cr Woollacott moved for tenders to be called for a shed 12ft x 5ft, similar to those at the Children’s Playground. Carried.
Kangaroo & Bridge St Corner: the light is to be swung in the middle of the road to avoid the trees.
Permission was given to F.M. Pearce to erect a sleep-out bungalow for Dr Steele.
Condolences were extended to Mrs Herbert on the death of Mr Herbert.
The drain by the Black Bridge (from E.J. Harris’s shop) is to be washed out and disinfected.
Council voted to give to the Institute the original prospectus of the Broughton River Mining Co. handwritten on parchment with signatures of the original shareholders. It was a gift from A.H. Forder, son of the former Court Clerk.
XXXXVIII, 4, 27 Jan. 1926, page 4
Burra Primary School reopens on 26 January with the addition to the staff of Miss J. Wicks from Lameroo.
Burra High School. Pass List:
Intermediate Commercial
Thelma Morton 5 subjects
Ronald Oborn 5 subjects so gaining the Intermediate & Intermediate Commercial Certificates
Gilbert Walker 2 subjects
Patty Pledge 2 subjects
Murray Stockman 2 subjects completing the Intermediate & Intermediate Commercial Certificates
Noel Woollacott 6 subjects
Corris Walker 1 subject
Intermediate
Doreen Oborn 5 subjects so gaining the Intermediate Certificate
Harold Pearce 5 subjects
Mr Richard Reed celebrated his 89th birthday on Friday with a family gathering at the residence of W.H. Gare, ‘Caringa’ Aberdeen.
XXXXVIII, 5, 3 Feb. 1926, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. announce a clearing sale on 18 February for R.J. Fairchild who is giving up farming.
Advt. Bennett & Fisher announce a clearing sale for W. Dixon Thompson who is giving up farming. (The farm is three miles southwest of Farrell’s Flat.)
Birth. On 1 January at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs John Kellaway a daughter: Lorna May.
Fire on Mr Parker Wardle’s property on 27 January burnt about 20 acres of feed. It was probably started by the midday passenger train.
Advt. W.J. Sullivan has opened a hairdressing saloon in Burra next door to the Record Office: Electric Face Massage & Shampooing. Ladies: Bobbing & Shingling. Razors carefully ground and set. Tobacco & Cigars.
XXXXVIII, 5, 3 Feb. 1926, page 3
The Roll of Honour Committee met on Wednesday. Their aim is to include on the roll every ‘boy’ who enlisted in Burra & District. G. Dow has recently been elected Honorary Secretary. After not meeting for some years, it has been roused by the input of c. £150 from the Back to Burra Committee’s surplus funds. Already in hand is a considerable amount – perhaps c. £100, which puts it all on a practical footing. Initially the idea was to place it in the public reading room, but now the main hall of the Institute is favoured. Virtually the only business done on Wednesday was to instruct the secretary to obtain prices. The proposed list will be published soon, so all will have a chance to correct errors and omissions.
I.J. Warnes was badly burnt on the left hand on 16 January. When he was taking a tin of boiling tar out of the blacksmith’s shop at ‘Wahroonga’ a gust of wind caught the boiling matter and blew it over his hand. The removal of the tar from his hand was exceedingly painful. His hand is now healing well.
C.H. Pranis of Thebarton writes advocating legalising bookmakers to run alongside the tote because they give much longer odds than the machine and the punter should have the option. In a letter of 2⁄3 column he gives a numerical example to sustain his case.
W.G. Hawkes writes about the removal of the guns. He is greatly surprised at the move, but he believes the matter should be left to the Returned Soldiers.
Burra Town Council, 1 February
Cr Kellaway asked when action was going to be taken to remove the guns – they were a children’s plaything. He had taken exception to the anonymous letter in the Record from ‘A Returned Soldier’ accusing him of losing his loyalty. If an accident occurred to a child and the guns did not belong to the Council, who was responsible? He wanted them in front of the Town Hall.
[He did not say how this move would change the nature of the problems he had raised.]
The Mayor said that as far as he could determine the guns were Council property. He also took issue with the anonymous writer whose letter ‘smacked of stabbing a man in the back’. Only in cases where there were guard fences were guns put in public streets. Only the other day he had seen them with their noses to the ground. Impugning the Council’s respect for the soldiers was too contemptible to answer.
Mr Lane the Vice-President of the RSL agreed they should be moved.
Dr Steele, the President of the RSL was emphatically opposed and asked that the matter be deferred until the RSL met to consider it.
Cr Riggs was against moving the guns, but did not consider anonymous letters worthy of notice and would go with the majority.
Cr Woollacott said the removal would benefit both the guns and the monument. The guns needed painting.
Cr Allen supported the moving of the guns. The decision was deferred for two weeks.
Polo at Clare 30 January.
Mid-North ‘A’ 4 defeated Clare ‘A’ 2
Clare ‘B’ 4 defeated Mid-North ‘B’ 2
YMCA. There is a proposal to renovate the Scout Hall and to add some furniture. A trained YMCA worker would come regularly from Peterborough (headquarters for the YMCA in the north) to guide and assist work here. At Peterborough a major aim is to provide a 31-bed hostel for young men working there.
The Mayor, Mr Collins has promised a liberal gift and Mr James Reed also promised a generous donation and at once made the Boy Scout’s Hall available.
Decaying Towns. The Record acknowledges the recent article on town growth and decline in SA was reprinted from The Mail – attribution having been accidentally omitted – and prints an extract from The People’s Weekly in which Moonta defends its small decrease in population.
XXXXVIII, 6, 10 Feb. 1926, page 3
‘Spectator’ writes defending the right of letter writers to be anonymous in cases of general argument, but not when accusations are made and the accusations of ‘Returned Soldier’ are ‘absolutely untrue and dirty’. Does he really think the Councillors could forget the sacrifices of the soldiers when:
Cr Harris’s only two sons were at the front
Cr Riggs had three brothers who fought: one of whom died and the other lost a leg
Cr Kellaway had two brothers who served
Cr Woollacott lost one brother on active service
Cr Allen had brothers who served
The Mayor’s family was well represented at the front
E.W. Crewes writes re the guns. There are, he says, three reasons given for moving the guns:
They are dangerous to the general public
They are unsightly
They are insecure and children interfere with them to their own danger
These three accusations are frivolous.
They are out of the way of traffic.
The idea they are unsightly is simply ridiculous.
He accuses those involved of forgetting what the capture of the guns meant and therefore their symbolic value.
He is opposed to putting them in a position where they would be almost hidden – and where children could interfere with them without hindrance.
The original idea was to enclose both the rotunda and the memorial in either a fence or better with concrete or granite posts with chains and then to grass the enclosure.
He says the guns are vested in three residents of the town and he believes the Council cannot act without the approval of the trustees.
He believes the majority of returned men are opposed to moving the guns and a majority of the general public too.
The Record office window is showing a plan of the original concept for the monument.
Mr & Mrs Ray Chambers were farewelled at the Bowling Club on Saturday evening. He had been a founding member, probably held more debentures than anyone else and had for a time acted as greens manager. He was presented with an inscribed quarter-sized bowl mounted on a silver column with a plinth of ebony, as a memento. (This was designed by Mr Spencer and made in Adelaide.) [Details extend for over 1 column.]
Mrs Chambers was farewelled at the Croquet Club on Thursday. [Details take c. 1⁄2 column.]
Bowls. At Kapunda on Saturday: Kapunda 109 defeated Burra 74.
Burra Town Council, 2 February
It was resolved that the effigy of the miner [Johnnie Green] be mounted on a post at the SAFU Corner to be used as a ‘silent cop’.
The Mayor had opposed such a move and wanted the figure mounted on top of the rotunda.
Mr Will Batchelor of Hindmarsh and late of Burra has had to retire from his employment in H.M. Customs Dept. at Pt Adelaide due to ill health. He entered the Department in 1888 and on retirement was in charge of the Internal Audit Branch.
Obituary. Dr J.I. Sangster died at Toorak on 6 February. He came to Burra in 1879 and practised here for 32 years. Though he left 15 years ago, he is still affectionately remembered. Mrs Sangster died about 12 months ago. Four sons and three daughters survive: Charles Sangster (Union Bank, Perth WA), Cecil Sangster (Balaklava), Dr W. Sangster (Adelaide), Frank Sangster (Mingary), Mrs A.G. Gebhardt (Mackerode), Mrs J. Hooper Jnr (Toorak) & Mrs Robert Badger (Toorak). The late Dr Jack Sangster Jnr, the eldest son, died 11 years ago. [John Ikin Sangster born 13 Oct. 1848 High Hoyland Yorkshire England. Mrs Sangster was Annie Mary McCarthy born c. 1846 Ireland and died 3 July 1924 Toorak SA.]
XXXXVIII, 6, 10 Feb. 1926, page 4
Burra Town Council, 2 February
A letter from Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. re the proposed pound is to be referred to the joint committee with the District Council.
There was discussion concerning the frequency needed for the retarring of roads.
The committee recommended the shelter shed on the Aberdeen Road be erected between the light at the fountain and that at the Mine Bridge.
Ralph Hill was appointed scavenger.
Soldiers’ Aid Society.
Because the number of members has dwindled of late a motion to disband was considered at the meeting on 10 December. The President, Miss Bubb, considered it was worth going on for the sake of assistance to the Royal Institution for the Blind and for Christmas cheer for returned men in hospital. 75% support for this view saw the society go into recess as usual until the first Thursday in March.
Dr D.S. Adams of the Department of Education medical staff is visiting Burra School to examine the pupils over six days.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club met on Wednesday and discussed holding a sports meeting on 3 April. Elected were Patron, K. Chester Sandland; President, George Gallagher; Hon. Sec., R.A. Lewis & Assistant Hon. Sec., W. Geake.
XXXXVIII, 7, 17 Feb. 1926, page 2
Advt. A.H. Collins & A. McLennan have started a carrying business with a Grayham lorry between Burra and Adelaide. Three trips a week.
XXXXVIII, 7, 17 Feb. 1926, page 3
Notice. Calling for a block of land suitable for a Public Pound or for the lease of three stock yards already erected. District Council of Burra & Corporation of Burra.
Advt. Grand Opening of Electric Light at the Bowling Club. Thursday 8 February 7.45 p.m.
Notice. Hanson Methodist Church Harvest Festival Services 21 February 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Grand Concert 22 February featuring Redruth Methodist Choir.
Fire broke out in the plantation at the rear of Sara & Co. Saturday afternoon, but was put out before it could reach 200 tons of wood and the petrol store. Another was then found in manure near the petrol store. Mr F. Sara suspects that both fires were deliberately lit, but in such hot weather a carelessly lit cigarette could be the cause.
‘Lifetime Resident’ writes suggesting the proposed shelter shed on the main road as the site for ‘The Miner’s Effigy’ [Johnnie Green].
District Council of Burra.
W.F. Coon is occupier of Copperhouse lots 13 & 14.
Goldsbrough, Mort are willing to let part of their yards for a pound, but ask how many are needed and what rent is offered.
John Copley of the SAFU store has left the firm and was farewelled on Thursday evening by the staff. Bert Aldridge presented him with a leather case and travelling rug. (The rug was a Victorian Retsol rug made at the RS & S Geelong Woollen Mill.)
Burra Reunion. Each year since 1923 old Burra residents have met annually at the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide, mainly due to the efforts of Mr Charles Forder. This year’s meeting is to be on 27 February.
Fire. On Sunday Burra was enveloped in dense smoke at about 6 p.m., but it soon cleared with a wind shift. It came from a fire which started in Spring Gully at 3 p.m. and swept to Auburn, then with a wind change travelled back through Sevenhills to Clare. The fire was still smouldering on Monday, having done tremendous damage.
K.B. Watts [Who had taken over Austin’s meat store] is a son of Mr Ben Watts [who with his brother Bill was an old Burraite].
Mr & Mrs Harry Austin leave Burra this week for Adelaide. Members of the sporting fraternity farewelled Mr Austin at Burra Hotel on Friday evening.
Burra Cycle Club has drawn up a sports program for Easter that deserves support. The Hon. Sec. is the hard working Mr R.A. Lewis.
Mrs Emma Tiver, The widow of James Tiver, was 89 on 7 February at ‘The Railway Store’ Aberdeen. She was born at Chepstow, England 7 February 1837 and came to SA with her parents Mr & Mrs Charles Price in the Aloquis, leaving Plymouth 1 May 1856 and arriving Pt Adelaide 28 August 1856. The trip to Burra took seven days in a bullock dray. She married James Tiver on her 21st birthday in 1858. He was a contractor of Aberdeen who died 12 March 1909. Five sons and three daughters survive with 36 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. One son, Albert Joseph, died in 1875 and the late Mrs E.F. Opie of Unley was a daughter. Five grandsons took part in the Great War and Pte Charles Tiver paid the Supreme Sacrifice. Present at the celebration were: Charles G. Tiver & wife (Parkside), Mrs John G. Sara & husband (Aberdeen), Mr Edgar Tiver with a son & daughter (Hallett), Mr George S. Tiver with son & daughters (‘Rupara’ Hallett), Mrs A.J. Stock & husband (Campbelltown), Mr Harry Tiver & wife & son (Gawler) & Mrs H.W. Tiver & wife (Flagstaff).
Dr D.S. Adams addressed a group of parents on Thursday on the occasion of her visit to examine school students. Her general comments on health are reported in 3⁄4 column.
Burra Croquet Club. On Wednesday 10 February the electric lights for the club were switched on by Mrs Phelan who had collected three quarters of the sum needed. Two 1,000 candlepower Fitz Maurice lights have been installed.
XXXXVIII, 7, 17 Feb. 1926, page 4
The Burra Seaside Trip took place on 6 February. Both trains were filled and it is thought nearly 2,000 people travelled. Mr A.O.R. Tapp, Mayor of Pt Adelaide, greeted the visitors. Most visitors went to the city while others stayed at the beach. The Burra train arrived back about midnight.
‘A Returned Soldier’ writes concerning the guns. He contends that the Council is acting unfairly in not consulting the Memorial Committee and the Returned Soldiers and the local trustees for the Defence Department. If they are playthings for boys where they are they would be more so if placed where the Council wants. As for Cr Woollacott’s comments that there are no guns in King William St: he might note there are however a couple in front of the Art Gallery. He is glad that now Dr Steele and the RSA are being consulted.
[He also says that his father is a soldier of several wars, which would make it interesting to learn his identity!]
XXXXVIII, 8, 24 Feb. 1926, page 3
Mr Charles J. Pearce will be 70 on 2 March. He was born at Springbank where his father Mr William Pearce (tailor) then had a farm. The family soon moved to Kooringa and after he left school Mr Pearce served an apprenticeship with Mr W.L.H. Bruse as a cabinetmaker. After a few years he set up business for himself. He has been a prominent Rechabite for 55 years and Secretary of the Rose of Sharon and Hope of Kooringa Lodges for 50 years. In 1883 he married Miss Agnes Thomas, daughter of Mr Andrew Thomas and there are three surviving sons and four daughters. Ptes Andrew & Courtney Pearce saw active service and the latter died in 1924 as a result of gassing and wounds. A daughter, Leah, died over three years ago and another son, Colin, in 1906.
Burra Bowling Club, 17 February
The turning on of the electric lighting scheme is reported in 1⁄2 column. The lighting was mainly due to the efforts of E.A. Mummery, the Secretary Mr Rosman and Mr Bryant. Mr H.E. Finley had carried out the contract. The President Mr Maurice Collins then turned on the lights. There are four 1,000 candlepower lights as well as two more for the croquet green.
Maurice Collins replies to ‘Returned Soldier’ who, amid general matters on the guns, suggested that Collins should have done more to finish off work at the memorial in his position as Chairman of the Memorial & Roll of Honour Committee. Collins points out that he only replaced E.W. Crewes in that position in December last and says that ‘soon after the war was over the Memorial Committee . . . slipped into a state of coma and I can assure you took a great deal of resuscitating as evidenced by the fact that the first meeting held by this body and after an interval of somewhere about four years, was held as before stated in December of last year.’
[This is a little harsh, as they did manage to get the Soldiers’ Memorial finished in 1922 before lapsing into the coma.]
He then goes on to accuse the ‘Returned Soldier’ of attacking the Council in a ‘dirty manner’ – reflecting on their loyalty. He welcomes fair criticism and notes that the Council has now considered the input of the RSL.
Burra Rifle Club. A shoot over 300, 500 & 600 yards saw best results from H.L. Riggs and A.L. Kellock. The position after 17 contests for the Mokota Trophy is: W. Woodman 26 from A.L. Kellock & V.A. Riggs 24 and R. Woodman 23.
Cricket. 13 & 20 February: Kooringa 103 & 6 for 119 declared defeated Hanson 97 & 6.
In Hanson’s remarkable second innings D. McSweeney top scored with 3 and there were 2 sundries.
RSL met on 13 February to consider the moving of the guns from Market Square. Dr Steele was unable to attend, but sent a letter voicing his view that the guns have a role in creating an interest in our history and provoking coming generations to ask why men went to fight and die for Empire and freedom. They tell of the honour of war and should remain. They can be so placed and enclosed as to remove the impression of just being dumped there. The meeting expressed a wish that the guns be placed between the Memorial and the Rotunda: one facing east and the other west. The whole to be surrounded by a fence or chain and the guns suitably placed on concrete stands and appropriately preserved.
Bowls. Burra on Saturday: Burra 119 defeated Balaklava 66.
Marriage. At St Dymphna’s Booborowie 15 February
Margaret Cousins, youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs P. Cousins married
T. [Thomas Patrick] Madigan, son of Mrs & the late James Madigan of Booborowie.
Fire damaged the kitchen of a house in Ware St owned by Messrs S. & R. Pearce and occupied by Mrs & Miss Briskham on Saturday. A duster which had caught fire was placed in the duster bag when it was believed to have been extinguished. It evidently smouldered for some time before bursting into flames.
The Seaside Trip. There is a photograph of the arrival of the Burra Picnic train at Semaphore.
XXXXVIII, 8, 24 Feb. 1926, page 4
No! No! Nanette, the musical comedy, will be brought to the Institute by Lionel Walsh on 1 March.
Maurice Collins writes re the Market Square guns in reply to E.W. Crewes. He takes a couple of paragraphs to say he is not going to take up the question of loyalty and then goes on to accuse Crewes of using deliberately misleading statements in suggesting the guns would be ‘in the creek’ if placed opposite the Institute. As for the original plan, he wonders why, given that Mr Crewes was in office for several years after the war, he did not get busy and see the plan completed. [He concedes that all recognised the fact that Crewes did wonderful work during the war period.]
Who is to blame that the Roll of Honour is still incomplete? Who is to blame that the £70 contributed has been so placed that it accrued no interest? Who are the three residents in whom custody of the guns is vested? Who is responsible for not carrying out our side of the bargain when Mr Hughes offered the second gun to complete the surroundings of the monument? In the vast majority of towns guns are not placed at the monument, but in public parks and gardens. In a few cases they are at the monument, which is then surrounded by a guard of some description. Regardless of the guns being vested in three citizens, they are on Council ground. If there is a great majority in favour of leaving them then the Council will again consider the matter very seriously.
Burra Town Council, 15 February
Burra District Council advises that Major Lewis says £25 would have to be spent to put the yards in order as a pound and the charge would be £5 p.a., but a three month lease was all that could be granted. The District council was prepared to pay half the rent and repairs if matters were finalised.
The Town Council subcommittee decided that the costs were not justified for a three month lease and instead recommended that the Councils advertise for a suitable block.
Cr Kellock, who is also a member of the District Council said that the DC had inspected the yards, thought the cost of repairs would be high, but then decided to go back to Major Lewis. The subcommittee’s recommendation was adopted.
The Fire Brigade contribution for the year will be £74.
The secretary of the Department of Lands advises that Booborowie Forest Lands have been thrown open for application.
The RSA [RSL] advised of its resolution re the guns.
The Mayor enquired as to the identity of the trustees of the guns.
The Town Clerk supplied correspondence showing the guns had been applied for by the Town Council and allotted to the Corporation. One had come from the War Trophy Committee. The agreement form signed by four trustees was a formality: they were the Mayor, E.W. Crewes, Cr M.A. Radford, Mr S.M. Lane (representing the AIF) and the Town Clerk Mr E.J. Davey. But they had no control over the guns, which were the property of the town – the trustees merely acted for the town.
The Mayor: ‘We want now to put the blame of the guns being in such a shocking state on the right shoulders. The wheels can be shaken to pieces.’
Various letters re the guns were read. The Mayor said that there was absolutely nothing in the correspondence to support E.W. Crewes’ allegation that the Hon. W.M. Hughes gave the guns on condition that the original scheme shown in the window of the Record office was carried out.
Cr Kellaway thought they should bring the whole matter before the public and see if the patriotic pledges of Mr Crewes and others would be carried out.
Mr Crewes’ letter ‘was full of trash and untruths’.
It was a question of whether he and others would carry out the pledges they had neglected to fulfil.
Cr Kellock gave notice of a motion to rescind the decision to move the guns.
The meeting then went on to consider the state of various roads.
A Buck-jumping Show has been organised by Lance Skuthorp for Victoria Park on 26 & 27 February. Over 100 horses are coming. The star horse will be Firefly said to have thrown more men than any other in Australia.
XXXXVIII, 9, 3 Mar. 1926, page 3
Elder, Smith & Co. will sell various lands on the estate of the late J.H Gallagher:
Lots 1-4 are rural.
Lot 5 comprises allotments 21, 22, 23 & 25 New Aberdeen. Altogether 3 acres 34 perches.
Lot 6 comprises Pt allotment 290 in Kooringa with stone cottage occupied by Mr Duell.
Lot 7 comprises Pt section [1?] with frontage 86ft to Bridge St East and 118ft to Bridge Terrace. [Is this the old Bible Christian Church block?]
Also allotment 20 New Aberdeen of 1 acre 27 perches with a stone house of six rooms with electric light, bathroom, wash-house, garage, wood-shed, men’s room, etc.
[Oddly this does not match a description elsewhere on the same page where the house is said to comprise 7 rooms with two rooms separate from the house, two wood-sheds etc.]
Obituary. W.P. Collins of Gum Creek died at Burra Hospital on Monday aged 74.
[William Patrick Collins died 1 March. His age is uncertain: the paper suggests he was born in 1852, the age on registration is 65 giving a birth date of 1861 and on marriage in 1888 he said he was 30, giving a birth date of 1858. See more in paper of 10 March, page 3.]
Rev. Fr W.H. Nesdale returned to his parish after a six week holiday in New Zealand. He was accompanied to Burra by his sister, Miss Nesdale, who will make a long visit.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic, which had been postponed, was successfully held on 27 February at Johnson’s Creek, lent by J. Tennant.
Joyriders recently stole a car from in front of the Institute and on Sunday night Mr Cyril Collins’s Studebaker was taken from the Burra Hotel garage. About £30 damage was done to the car, which was left near the Fallen Soldiers’ Monument.
Dr Thomas Bishop of Adelaide visited Burra last Sunday and celebrated Holy Communion at St Mary’s at 8 a.m., preached at Booborowie in the morning, at Gum Creek in the afternoon and at St Mary’s again in the evening.
Tennis. At Ironmine on Saturday: Copperhouse 13-107 defeated Ironmine 7-75.
A fox killed Mr Davey’s old magpie at the Institute on Sunday evening.
Entertainment: The Scarlet Gaieties will appear at The Institute 8 March.
Joseph Flower turns 84 on 9 March. He was born in 1842 in Somersetshire near Bath & Wells, and is the eldest surviving son of Mr & Mrs James Flower. He migrated to Australia in 1854 with the family in the ship David Malcolm. They went first to work at the Reedbeds near Adelaide for Joseph Johnson and from there to Port Gawler (Buckland Park) where his father took up land. In 1859 they came to Stony Gap 12 miles south of Burra where they engaged in farming, grazing and carting and also worked in the Burra Mines. He held the property from his father’s death until 1912 when he retired. He recalls seeing as many as 50 to 60 bullock teams in a row on the Adelaide road with 50 bullocks to a team carting bagged or smelted ore from the English & Australian Smelting Co. to Pt Adelaide. Ore in its raw state was used as ballast for boats going to England. The company afterwards sold the bullocks for £100 a team and bought mules. The company’s commonage was the old Gum Creek Station. And in those days one could get about 100 square miles of commonage for £5 p.a. George Williams later bought Gum Creek and then exchanged it for a holding at Parnaroo with a Mr Peters. Dr Browne bought the whole of the Booborowie Sheep Run for £18 and a team of bullocks from Malcolm McDonald who was later killed by the Blacks. When he arrived in Burra the mines had been going 8 or 9 years, but still the hill where the hospital is was covered with beautiful pines and other hills had mallee and scrub except the Bald Hill (Brewery Paddock) on which trees have never grown. There were large trees along the Burra Creek. He currently lives with his eldest son at ‘Braefoot’. He was twice married and there are 10 children; four sons and six daughters: James (Braefoot), William (Tambleup WA), Joseph (Canowie Belt), Frank (Near Balaklava), Mrs George Parker (Leighton), Mrs M. Jeffery (Porter’s Lagoon), Mrs C. Heinrich (Sturt Vale), Mrs Cavanagh (Near Balaklava) & Mrs J. Phillips (Waterloo).
E.W. Crewes writes re the removing of the guns.
He says that Maurice Collins said he reflected on the loyalty of the Council and insulted the whole community. Mr Crewes’ remarks referred only to members of the Council who voted to remove the guns. He then turns to the questions Mr Collins posed concerning why he did not complete the enclosing of the monument while he was in office. He says that Mr Collins must know that he had a very strenuous time and that his health gave way, forcing him to relinquish the position as Mayor and take a trip to recuperate. After 12 months a large deputation waited on him urging him to take office for another term and complete the Monument, which they said required another £1,500 and after consideration he had agreed. During this time money was collected and a start made on the Monument. He was then requested to continue and remained in office and saw the Monument completed and unveiled. Crewes then says he thought it was only proper at that point to allow someone else to take over and complete the work. I leave it to others to judge how things have been carried on since then. Nothing has been done regarding the Roll of Honour. When he retired he says he naturally gave up Chairmanship of all committees: The Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Committee included. As Mayor Mr Collins became Chairman of all Committees and should have gone on with the work. This the Committee expected or they would have dealt with the money in hand. He now expects the Committee to work with him.
Mr Collins asks who is to blame. There is only one answer: ‘Thou art the man.’
When Mr Crewes applied to Mr Hughes for another gun he says the PM asked why he wanted another. He was then shown the plan and told that the second one was needed to carry out the idea.
Mr Crewes then says that he hopes the Mayor and Councillors will see their way clear to carry out the original scheme and if placing the guns inside the fence opposite the Institute is not placing them in the creek, he would like to know where the creek is.
‘Returned Soldier’ also writes on the question of the guns. He says that Mr Collins accuses him of attacking from behind a smoke screen. He considers this reply ‘very much in the way of a gas attack’. By becoming Mayor over three years ago Mr Collins automatically became Chairman of the Memorial Committee. He asks whether it is not true that a prominent citizen of Burra had asked Mr Collins on several occasions to call a meeting of the Committee and it had not been done. If it is not Mr Collins’ burden he would like to know whose it is. He congratulates Collins for urging Dr Steele to call a meeting of the RSA, the result of which was as the writer predicted. He says Collins ridiculed him for saying the guns would be out of sight in the new position, but he maintains that not 5% of visitors would see them in that position. He regards the latter part of Mr Collins’ letter as too ridiculous to comment upon.
A. Coverdale writes to say that though opposed to the removal of the guns, he considers the ill feeling being generated is unnecessary and he does not believe the Councillors guilty of disloyalty or of any intention of depreciating the work done by the soldiers in the war.
Dust Storm. One of the worst dust storms ever in Burra raged throughout 24 February. A high hot wind raised a red canopy over the town reaching a climax about 5 p.m., especially in the southern extremity of Kooringa. In the cemetery headstones were toppled and five were broken. Trees were torn up and sheds and outhouses were demolished. At Alf Gebhardt’s fine new residence at the corner of Thames and George St one of the brick pillars of the verandah was smashed. Four brief muddy showers brought only 24 points of rain.
Outback it was even worse. It was the worst dust storm ever in the pastoral country. One pastoralist working at dam scooping had his big Dodge car blown over and moved 30 yards. Feed was very badly damaged.
XXXXVIII, 9, 3 Mar. 1926, page 4
Mr Harold Atkins of Farrell’s Flat wants a motor boat on Porter’s Lagoon. A committee has been formed and a boat is on the way. Something that will do about 60 knots per hour! Of late the Lagoon has been crowded with people ‘Surfing, boating, and enjoying the cool sea breeze effect and all that’.
Tennis. At Copperhouse on Saturday: Copperhouse 9-94 defeated Booborowie 6-77.
At Hallett 20 February: Hallett 12-89 defeated Ironmine 6-73.
Redruth Court, 9 February
Malcolm John Marchant v. Clement Humphrys, both farmers of Hanson.
Marchant claimed £15 damages for trespass of 300 of the defendant’s sheep into the plaintiff’s wheat crop on 2 December 1925. The counter-claim by Humphrys was for £10 damages for trespass of the plaintiff’s turkeys into the defendant’s barley crop on numerous occasions over the last three seasons. The evidence runs for over 21⁄2 columns and ends with a finding for Marchant upon both claim and counterclaim.
XXXXVIII, 10, 10 Mar. 1926, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 15 March. Ada Cook presents Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime.
Booborowie Hall 16 March.
XXXXVIII, 10, 10 Mar. 1926, page 3
Birth. 2 March at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs Maurice F. Humphrys of Hanson, a son, [Ross Maurice.]
Birth. 17 February at Mrs Fuller’s to Mr & Mrs J. Leedham of Morgan, a son, [James William Ronald.]
Birth. 27 February at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs T. Parks Jnr a son, Thomas (Tom).
Birth. 1 March at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs G.R. Thomas of Hogback Station a son, Stuart George.
Obituary. Wilfred Snell, son of Mrs Joseph Snell of Broken Hill and late of Burra, died 7 March in Adelaide Hospital of appendicitis. [Wilfred Peel Snell born Kooringa 27 February 1888. Resident of Broken Hill at death.]
Maurice Collins writes again re the moving of the guns. He says that Mr Crewes clouds the issue. His original words seem to me to reflect on the whole citizenry when he says ‘people forget the wonderful sacrifices made by our boys’. As for the contention that I alone am responsible for the fact that things have not been done that should have been, I say that on several occasions I asked Mr Crewes what my position was with respect to the Memorial Committee. He either would not or could not inform me. I also approached the secretary several times to call a meeting. He refused, apparently believing that Mr Crewes was the Chairman. It took a lot of agitation and bringing the matter to other members of the committee before a meeting was finally called on 10 October 1925 and that was when it was resolved that the Mayor by virtue of his office should be President of the Burra Soldiers’ Memorial Committee. Let the public judge.
Maurice Collins writes once more in reply to ‘Returned Soldier’ saying ‘if I am correctly informed by the little birds that whisper such things, you (in spite of the fact that you masquerade under the name “Returned Soldier”) do not know much more about smoke screens or gas attacks in actual warfare than I do.’
‘Your comrades would appreciate you being manly enough to sign your name.’
Obituary. W.P. Collins, who died at Burra Hospital on 1 March, had lived in the district for 50 years. He was born at Hope Valley in SA in 1852 and at 24 came to Gum Creek where he worked for Hon. J.J. Duncan and later took land for himself. He leaves a widow, nee Jane Gould, six sons and two daughters: William H. (Booborowie), Sidney H., Robert K., Gilbert L., Murray P., John L., Miss M.I. Collins and Miss Vera G. Collins. Three of the sons served in the Great War and of them Walter was killed in action. [I cannot find any registration of birth.]
Obituary. Mrs S.H. Alker, nee Elizabeth McBride, eldest daughter of the late R.J.M. McBride, died in Adelaide. She was born in Burra in September 1858 and lived here till she married S.H. [Samuel Harding] Alker of Terowie about 16 years ago. They retired to St Peters, Adelaide. Her husband survives. [Born 20 September 1858: died 5 March 1926.]
Obituary. Mrs William J. [Jones] Thomas died at Aberdeen. She was the daughter of the late John & July Thomas who left Cornwall in the William Money. She was born at sea in the Bay of Biscay 4 October 1848. The family came directly to ‘Three Trees’, still in the possession of the youngest son of John Thomas. In her 18th year she married W.J. Thomas and lived briefly at Copperhouse and then Mr Thomas took land at Mt Bryan, where they lived for 50 years. In 1918 they retired to Aberdeen and in January this year celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Mrs Thomas was a great supporter of the Methodist Church. She is survived by a husband, one daughter and three sons: Miss M.A. Thomas, W.J. Thomas Jnr (Aberdeen), Joseph Thomas (Willalo) & Edlie Thomas (Mt Bryan). There are eight grandchildren. [Born Joanna Thomas: died 6 March 1926.]
Accident/Obituary. Mr John Campbell aged 50, a teamster employed by John Collins & Son of Collinsville, died 6 March at Burra Hospital. He had been driving a team of 9 horses while sitting on the shaft of a wagon loaded with heavy timber. Near the Petherton School he appears to have fallen and his left leg was crushed to a pulp by the wheel of the wagon. He was found by Clem P. Duell of Belalie and taken to Burra Hospital where his leg was amputated and he died soon after. He had no near relatives, but Malcolm McLeod of Clare, a cousin, removed the body to Clare for burial.
[Registration of death gives near Mt Bryan as place of death.]
Tennis. At Copperhouse Saturday: Copperhouse 13-107 defeated Hallett 5-75.
Burra Rifle Club. Fired over 300, 600 & 700 yards. Best results from J. Schwier & C.W. Pearce.
Football. Kooringa Football Association met at Mr J. Allen’s rooms on Thursday. Only four Aberdeen supporters and Stan Kellaway attended. Elected were Patron, J.R. Barker; President, A.B. Riggs; Vice Presidents, C. Lynch & Bert Symonds. [None of whom were present.] Neither Kooringa nor Rambler Football Clubs had a member or even a supporter present.
XXXXVIII, 10, 10 Mar. 1926, page 4
Liberal Federation held a meeting on 22 February when 4 of 5 candidates for the plebiscite spoke. G.F. Jenkins was unable to attend. The others were: S. Dickson, J.R. Jones, Mr Jettner & Mr Trestrail. Their views are reported in 2 columns.
Marriage. At Oxide St Methodist Church Broken Hill, 24 February
George G. Sampson, second son of the late Mr & Mrs George Sampson of Kooringa, married
Florence Pearce, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs J.H. Pearce of Broken Hill and late of Burra District.
XXXXVIII, 10, 10 Mar. 1926, Supplement
Burra & District Honour Roll. The proposed list of names is printed with a request for corrections and omissions.
Burra Show Society. AGM at Eastern Telephone Building 1 March
President I.J. Warnes reported:
The death of James Gallagher was a severe blow to the society.
The Dog Trials were successful; with more entries including from interstate. The horse events helped the gate.
The Annual Show on 27 & 28 October brought a large crowd, but the second day was windy and dusty which kept many away. The two day event was a success and entries were more numerous than ever. Sheep were also well represented and it was pleasing to see smaller producers taking part.
Financially the position is sound.
Assets are valued at £3,050-5-3 and we finished the year with an overdraft of £352-12-1. The last year, leaving out improvements, showed a profit of £187-14-9. There was a loss on running special trains of £20-6-5 and on the souvenirs of £18-18-4. Improvements had cost £620-7-1. The gate takings rose 33% and the number of members rose 10%.
Improvements.
The railway has been completed and fenced and was used for the first time on Show Day. The Industrial Hall was doubled in size. Cattle and sheep yards were enlarged, as was the kitchen. Two additional tanks were installed.
Mr Radford, as Vice-President, moved the adoption of the report and expected that the next show would see a substantial reduction in the debt. Mr Bednall offered to act in an honorary capacity for legal advice. The offer was accepted.
Elected were Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, M.A. Radford & S. Robinson.
The committee presented Mr Warnes with a cabinet photograph of each of the 30 members of the General Committee plus the Patron & President. They were beautifully arranged and framed and were the work of Mr F. Spencer. Mr Warnes thanked the committee and was clearly astonished and moved by this surprise presentation. The Secretary, Mr Edwards was voted a salary of £100 p.a. A list of donors to the New Show Grounds is printed.
Burra Town Council, 1 March
Sara & Co was granted permission to erect another bowser.
The Director of Australian War Trophies sent the agreement which the trustees of the guns had signed.
Their duties were to receive, permanently house, pay freight and arrange the handover to the town.
The Town Clerk held that the handover had taken place, but there was no minute to show it.
Messrs Woollacott and Pearce were granted permission to build a house for Messrs Bagg Bros. in Paradise.
J. Edgar Pearce’s tender to build the shelter shed for £33-12-6 was accepted provided it included painting.
A.A. Nankivell’s offer of a 1⁄4 acre in Chapel St for a public pound for £60 was refused.
Various road matters and problems at Victoria Park etc. were discussed.
Cr Kellock moved that the resolution to shift the guns from Market Square be rescinded.
The debate focused upon what was then to be done.
Cr Harris wanted the opening between the Memorial and the Rotunda maintained, as it was much used.
Cr Woollacott did not care one way or the other, but wanted the guns to have a proper place and to be looked after wherever that place was. He thought a public meeting was in order and the motion might lie on the table till then.
Cr Kellaway favoured instead a conference between the RSA and Council.
Cr Riggs favoured, if the motion to move the guns were rescinded, a special rate in 1927 to enclose the guns and mount them decently.
After exhaustive discussion to little purpose the motion was put and lost, which meant a similar motion cannot be put for 12 months.
It was resolved to meet with the RSA.
It was also resolved not to ask the trustees of the guns to attend that meeting.
XXXXVIII, 11, 17 Mar. 1926, page 3
Advt. Salvation Army Citadel. Col. Mackey TYPS of Melbourne: The Singing Evangelist.
23 March.
Marriage. Hanson Methodist Church 10 March
Roy William Winders, only surviving son of the late Mr & Mrs Charles Winders of Baldina, married
Gertrude May Dixon, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs George T. Dixon of ‘Glenside’ Hanson.
Obituary. Mary Ann Rogers died 13 March at Aberdeen. She was the mother of Jack, Clayton, Murray, Norman and Eileen Pens and of Mesdames G.H. Thomas & R.J. Willimott. Aged 55.
[Born Mary Ann Eustice 1871. She married John James Pens in 1884 and he died 6 September 1920. The children above are all from this marriage. (Clayton as above was registered as Clasen) On 2 August 1924 she married Francis John Rogers.]
Burra & District Horticulture
Alick Ford (Basin Farm) dahlias
Joseph Steward (Aberdeen) dahlias
Mrs Archie Dearlove (Ketchowla) double petunias
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving was held 7 & 8 March.
Farrell’s Flat. Approaches are being made for the town to get electric light from the Mid Northern Electric Supply Co.
‘Returned Soldier’ outlines his credentials as a soldier following Mr Collins’s last sally: ‘enlisted 1914, served in Egypt & France, I was wounded in France in 1916, was sent to England. After many months in hospitals, I was boarded and marked “B2B” which means permanently unfit for His Majesty’s Forces.’
‘Uninterested’ writes condemning ‘The lengthy preambles of egoism signed Maurice Collins’.
‘The ill-conceived tirade savours of vindictiveness and personal spleen.’
‘Father’ writes to thank ‘Returned Soldier’ for his efforts.
Ernest Crewes writes saying he has little to add as Mr Collins’s letter does not merit reply, but the latter did fail to mention that he was not at the meeting in October which he says was called for his benefit and that I (E. W. Crewes) was voted into the chair. Mr Collins says he spent four years trying to find out what his position was on the Committee and did not know yet. If so ‘then he will never know’.
The Women’s Christian Temperance Union is to urge the Institute Committee to ban the use of intoxicants at any fete or function at the Institute.
Bowls. At Burra on Wednesday: Burra 86 defeated Clare 78.
At Burra on Saturday in a game shortened to 21 ends by rain: Burra 110 defeated Jamestown 78.
Croquet. At Burra on Wednesday: Clare 52 defeated Burra 44.
Cricket. At Kooringa on Saturday: Kooringa 144 defeated Ramblers 62 & 74.
Copperhouse Methodist Church (Westbury) Harvest Thanksgiving 7 March with a concert on 9 March. [At which R. Fuss was one of the soloists.]
Entertainment. The Scarlet Gaieties and Dandies are coming to the Institute 18 March.
XXXXVIII, 12, 24 Mar. 1926, page 2
Advt. Ironmine Methodist church Anniversary 28 & 29 March.
Advt. Hanson Methodist Sunday School Anniversary 4 & 5 April.
XXXXVIII, 12, 24 Mar. 1926, page 3
Marriage. Mt Bryan Methodist Church 17 March
Harry R. Collins, second son of Mr Richard & the late Mrs Collins of Brighton, late of Mt Bryan, married Lily Annette Wardle, sixth daughter of Mrs & the late Ralph Wardle of Mt Bryan.
Birth. 3 March at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs A. Prior of Hallett a daughter, Valda Mary.
Birth. 12 March at Burra Hospital, to Mr & Mrs R.J. Prior of Hallett a daughter, Joyce Pamela.
M. Malone, whose foot was badly cut on 24 November 1925 in a binder accident when the horses bolted, left hospital on 27 February and anticipates a full recovery.
W. Hedley McWaters of World’s End has relied on a spring in a gully near the house. In the present drought this dried up and recently his son found a patch of damp ground on a hilltop at the rear of the homestead. At only five feet a stream of water was found capable of sustaining all the stock and the homestead.
Obituary. Mrs Patrick McNamara of Emu Downs died at the Burra Hospital on Saturday aged 75. Mr McNamara was a pioneer of the district and has lived there for over 50 years. He began as a carter with a bullock team, but afterwards took up land and married this, his second wife, forty years ago. There are three surviving sons: Thomas (WA), James & Joseph (Emu Downs).
[Born Mary Ann McNamara c. 1852-54.]
Edith R. Bubb writes re The Guns. She held that ‘The boys’ won the guns and it is therefore up to them to say where they should stay.
A.B. Riggs writes in defence of the Mayor. It was the Council that made the first move and not the Mayor. There is no Mayor in peace time that has done more for the town and the returned soldiers. Mr Crewes and ‘Returned Soldier’ seem to be trying to raise a false impression of His Worship’s efforts as Mayor. Why has there not been a move to get the scheme of the Memorial Committee put into action? As the scheme was introduced in Mr Crewes term of office, Mr Riggs ventures to say he (Crewes) slipped up in not getting it started. Had it been started Mr Collins would have seen it through.
Cricket. On 13 & 20 March Mt Bryan 74 and Kooringa 29.
Tennis. At Copperhouse on Saturday: Copperhouse 14-97 defeated Ironmine 5-71.
Burra Town Council, 15 March
At the Municipal Assoc. the Mayor moved that the Act be changed when motorists are fined for speeding so that the fine goes to the Corporation where it occurs, as it already goes to District Councils if the offence occurs there.
W.H. Spier was granted permission to erect a petrol pump.
F. Pearce was granted permission to build a house for Miss Preece in Morehead St.
W.A. Gebhardt was granted permission to subdivide an area on Hill St.
The Department controlling War Trophies is still considering whether the trustees of the guns were a permanent body.
Cr Riggs said with tarred roads there was a need for more screenings than metal and the Mayor thought the time was approaching when buying a crusher would have to be considered.
Considerable discussion followed on road related issues.
The Mayor said a motion had been carried to use the miner’s effigy [Johnnie Green] as a ‘silent cop’ at the Farmers’ Union corner. Mrs Pledge (writing anonymously) had suggested it be placed on the new shelter shed on the Aberdeen Road and that the place be called ‘The Miner’s Rest’.
Cr Riggs, as mover of the motion, said that as he had now been told that a ‘silent cop’ had to be erected so that it would come down if hit, he gave notice of intention to rescind the motion.
Drew & Crewes incinerator remained a nuisance, though complaints had been made for 12 months.
Kooringa Football Club met on Tuesday. M. Collins is to be asked to be Patron and Dr Steele is to be asked to be President. J. Allen was elected Captain and E. Motherall as Vice-Captain. The club would oppose admitting outside teams to the Kooringa Association.
Burra Rifle Club. At Riverton on Saturday: Burra 482 defeated Riverton 467.
Porter’s Lagoon. The syndicate getting a boat for the Lagoon met at H.C. Atkin’s on Thursday and the boat has arrived at the Farrell’s Flat Station. A picnic sports is planned for next Saturday at the Lagoon. H.C. Atkins will launch the boat and it will be christened by Mrs Atkins. Mr Borowsky is arranging for refreshments. Several sideshows and other attractions will be present and accommodation for bathers.
A letter from ‘A Reader’ follows on, claiming that ‘the boat on Porter’s Lagoon had already turned in revenue to the extent of 10/- for hire. It must be getting quite popular with the crowd’. And all look forward to the new venture on the Lagoon next Saturday.
Booborowie Annual Catholic Sports & Races were held in Mr Tom Fairchild’s paddocks on 9 March and attracted a large crowd. The results are printed.
The Seaside Trip Committee met on 17 March. It had £159 in hand. Following a suggestion of the Mayor Mr S. Kellaway moved that the executive look around for a suitable site for a playground and if it thought advisable convene a public meeting to consider the idea. This was carried.
Marriage. The Collins-Wardle marriage reported on page 3 is written up in more detail.
Fire. There is a 1⁄4 column report on fires which devastated the Hundreds of Moorooroo, South Rhine and Talunga recently. Five or six homesteads were burnt out near Springton and damage amounted to about £10,000. (Much of it in the Mt Pleasant area.)
XXXXVIII, 13, 31 Mar. 1926, page 2
Notice. For Sale by Auction. In accordance with Elders Trustee & Executor Co. in the estate of the late J.H. Gallagher we will offer 4,520 fully paid up £1 shares in the Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd. in lots of £100 or more.
Advt. Burra Institute, 1 April. The World-Famed Illusionist Levante and his Wonder Show, with Supporting Artists.
Obituary. Leslie L. [Lenking] Walker died in Adelaide on 25 March aged 18. He was the son of Alfred & M.L. Walker of Kooringa. He was born in Kooringa 23 April 1908. On leaving school he entered the employ of Messrs Pengelly cabinetmakers at Edwardstown. He showed remarkable ability aided by a natural gift in drawing. He died from complications following appendicitis.
Birth. On 21 March at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs S. Carter of Leighton a daughter, Mary.
Rain has finally come, but has been extremely patchy. To the east falls were as low as 10 points at Koomooloo and as high as 120 at Glenora. At W. Lloyd’s at Braefoot 118 points fell and in Aberdeen 208 points were recorded, but as close as Princess Royal only 3 points fell. The Burra Creek flowed strongly giving it a needed clean out.
XXXXVIII, 13, 31 Mar. 1926, page 3
Tennis. At Kooringa on Saturday: Kooringa 12-100 defeated Ironmine 6-80.
At Copperhouse on Saturday: Copperhouse 15-95 defeated Aberdeen 3-57.
A Concert at Redruth Memorial Hall on 23 March featured the leading elocutionist Mr A. Leonard Langsford. It was in aid of Circuit Funds.
‘Much Interested’ condemns the recent letter of A.B. Riggs on ‘The Guns’ and supports Mr Crewes and ‘Returned Soldier’.
E.W. Crewes also replies that A.B. Riggs does not know what he is writing about: ‘the scheme of enclosing and parking the Guns was started by me nearly five years ago’.
A.L. Langsford writes an erudite letter from Adelaide as an outsider praising the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial, but arguing for the removal of the guns as ‘disreputable eyesores of mechanical monstrosities as sicken the sight’. Communities throughout England and Scotland have dumped such trophies of war.
Burra Racing Club met last Friday and elected: Patron, T.H. Pearse & President, W.R. Chambers. They decided to hold a race meeting on 28 April with stakes of £300.
XXXXVIII, 13, 31 Mar. 1926, page 4
Burra Hospital Board met 22 March
This was a special meeting to consider reducing the size of the Board from 12 to 7; eliminating those directly elected by the ratepayers.
Mr Warnes moved the necessary motion. It was seconded by Mr Riggs.
The Chairman then ruled that if the motion as worded were passed the Board would immediately ceased to exist and no further business could follow. He suggested an amendment.
Mr Davey said that if there were an amendment the Board could not simply allow it: Mr Warnes would have to give notice again, but the Chairman permitted an amendment by Mr Warnes to avoid the perceived danger.
Mr Davey spoke against eliminating ratepayers’ representatives. He held that the move was improper, not legal and that ratepayers should be consulted. He was prepared to resign and go to the ratepayers. The hospital had never been better managed and was never on a better footing. None of the Councils had a minute on their books supporting the change.
W.G. Hawkes, the Chairman, was in favour of a reduction, though he could not see any damage had been done by having a Board of 12. He was not in favour of the methods used by Mr Warnes, saying they were a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise the ratepayers – a point which he elaborated at some length. He accused Mr Warnes of seeking to attain his ends be ‘deliberate cajolery, coercion and intimidation . . . he made a most unwarranted and unscrupulous visit to my district, and there attempted to cast derision and ridicule on me as chairman of the district and odium on this Board’.
He accused us of dismissing ‘a most competent matron with the result that we had to pay another £60 a year extra; that we paid £20 to repair a septic tank and that the work should have been done for 25/-’.
Mr Riggs derided Mr Davey for quoting the 1922 election figures – since that year the ratepayers have been ‘so little interested that they did not take the trouble to nominate candidates in time to fill the position’. As for Mr Warnes’ methods, he had not even let Mr Warnes know he was going to second the motion and Mr Warnes had not even asked his opinion. No ratepayer had suggested that his action in seconding the motion was wrong.
Mr Melrose and the Chairman then had an altercation over the question being brought up in Council. Melrose accused the Chairman of being a turn-coat, which the Chairman vehemently denied. He said they had thought Mr Hawkes was in favour of the move. The District Council had asked Mr Warnes to go and see the Apoinga Councillors and ask for their support – such was Mr Warnes authority for going. He also disputed the concept of disenfranchisement of ratepayers.
Mr Collins supported the Chairman on the disenfranchisement question.
Mr Warnes said, as to the Chairman’s statements: ‘that gentleman had never liked him in his life’.
The Chairman demanded he withdraw that statement: ‘though I do despise your methods in this instance’.
Warnes said he could get his Council’s endorsement of his position at any time. He then rehearsed the history of the motion:
It was brought in and carried by a simple majority.
Declared then not to be carried because the Chairman reversed his decision.
The Board then said there would be no problem if it were raised again.
The Chairman then upheld a technical objection which ruled Mr Warnes out of order.
This, he said, did not give one much confidence in his fellow man, when promises had been made.
It is on record that when the motion was first put the Chairman was in favour of it and was so reported.
The chairman said he corrected his decision immediately it was possible to do so after the first motion was declared carried. On the second occasion he had no alternative but to uphold a valid technical objection. He understood all the representatives of Councils had a mandate except Cr Riggs, who was given a free hand.
The motion was then put and seven voted in favour. The Chairman overruled Mr Davey’s objection that a full Board had to be present and he abstained. Messrs Collins, Morgan and the Chairman were opposed and Mr Lee was absent.
The third motion on notice was to appoint a subcommittee to revise the rules and Mr Warnes moved that it comprise the Chairman and Messrs Sandland, Melrose, Riggs and Warnes.
The Chairman did not wish to act, as he regarded the day’s actions as being virtually a vote of no confidence in the chair. He thought things could not go on harmoniously now and it might be better if both he and Mr Warnes retired, as this matter would seriously injure the hospital.
Mr Warnes then withdrew the names from the motion that then passed without stipulating who was to serve.
XXXXVIII, 14, 7 Apr. 1926, page 2
Advt. Grand Concert by Miss Valda Harvey soprano and the Hann Kiddies with local talent.
Burra Institute 19 April.
Birth. 12 March at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs McMahon of Leighton a son: [John William.]
Hallett Sports on Easter Monday in aid of Institute Funds* were a great success. Results are printed.
[* Corrected XXXXVIII, 15, 14 Apr. 1926, page 3 to say they aided improvements to the Recreation Grounds.]
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club after a lapse of some years was re-formed some weeks ago and held a meeting on Easter Monday, 3 April. It was a success and the results are printed.
XXXXVIII, 14, 7 Apr. 1926, page 4
Women’s Christian Temperance Union held its District Convention at Riverton on 17 March and that is reported in c. 1 column.
Labor representatives for Burra Messrs O’Halloran, McHugh & Hawke conducted a series of meetings throughout the district on 25 & 26 March and were well received. On the 25th they spoke at a well-attended meeting at the Rotunda in Market Square. Their report on the successes [as they saw them] of the Gunn Labor Government is reported in c. 1 column.
Porter’s Lagoon. A large crowd gathered on Saturday to see the launching of The Swan. Many cars lined the shore, requiring a parking attendant. The President of the Committee, Mr H. Atkins, said he was pleased with the turn-out and glad the scheme had attracted so many shareholders. People could become shareholders at a cost of only £2 and more shareholders meant more boats could be bought and so turn Porter’s Lagoon into the ‘seaside resort’ of the north. The Minister controlling fisheries has promised to release fish into the lagoon in winter. Mrs Atkins christened the boat The Swan. Pedestrians and aquatic sports followed. (Boys race, 1 man rowing race, 60yds swimming race, 4-oared race, two men with one oar each, men’s 100 yds race, diving and 4 men with one oar each.)
Also there were two canvas dressing rooms for gents and two for ladies as well as refreshment and cool drink booths. The evening saw a dance in the Farrell’s Flat Hall. Unofficial fun included: riding the barrel & slow diving. The Swan was well patronised. How about a ‘Floating Palais’ now?
Thanks to Ern Pratt and colleagues who organised it.
XXXXVIII, 15, 14 Apr. 1926, page 2
Advt. Clearing Sale for R. McWaters whose farm has been sold and now the stock and plant are to be auctioned by D. Menzies 22 April on the property 12 miles west of Burra and 8 miles south of Booborowie. Luncheon provided.
XXXXVIII, 15, 14 Apr. 1926, page 3
Advt. Public Meeting called for Wednesday 21 April at the Institute to consider using a portion of the surplus Seaside Committee funds to establish a children’s playground on the creek opposite the Roman Catholic Church.
Advt. Bennett & Fisher will auction the allotment in Kooringa on which is erected the shop presently leased to Mr Luke Day and also the Ice Works and sheds on 23 April.
Obituary. Mr Eric Carter of Leighton died 10 April at North Adelaide Private Hospital from injuries received in a polo accident at Birkalla on Friday. His horse rolled on him after a collision. Mr Carter, aged 33, was the son of Mrs A. and the late Samuel Carter of Yongala and was born at Jamestown. He farmed briefly with his father after leaving school before going to South Africa with a brother to join a third brother who had land there. When war broke out in 1914 they served in the West Africa Campaign 1914-15 before returning to Australia and enlisting in the 9th Light Horse and serving in Palestine. He was invalided home in 1917 and later took up land with his brother Sam at Leighton. [Born 22 February 1893: parents registered as Thomas and Annie nee Scott.]
Eaglehawks. Dave Bros. have trapped 53 in the last four weeks and C.W. Gare 7 in two days.
Burra Town Council, 6 April
R. Fuss granted permission to erect an addition to Miss Ford’s house in Chapel St.
The motion re using the Miner’s Effigy (Johnnie Green) as a ‘silent cop’ was rescinded.
Cr Kellaway moved it be placed atop the new shelter shed on the Aberdeen Road.
Cr Woollacott said that was too low and it would lose its effect. He moved an amendment that it be placed near the mine road on a high pedestal and point toward the mine. Carried.
Various road and footpath matters were discussed, especially the never-ending debates over the proper way to make a tarred road or path.
Burra District Council. All minute books and all other documents up to 1916 were forwarded to the SA Public Library.
Hanson Methodist Church held special Easter Services on Easter Sunday. On Monday on of the now famous Hanson knife and fork teas took in over £8.
Tennis. Copperhouse Annual Easter Tournament. Winners:
Gentlemen’s handicap singles: A. Lomman
Gentlemen’s handicap doubles: M.H. Tiver & N. Woollacott
Mixed doubles handicap: K. Stock & Miss M. Stock
Ladies’ handicap singles: Miss E. Kellaway
Burra Rifle Club. 200, 500 & 600 yards shoot: best results from T. Rosewall, C.W. Pearce, V.A. Riggs & J.E. Pearce. For the Mokota Trophy the leader after 19 shoots is V.A. Riggs 29 points from W. Woodman 26 points.
XXXXVIII, 16, 21 Apr. 1926, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough Mort & Co. Ltd under instructions from Trustees in the Estate of the late William West will offer on 14 May, 75 building sites on the land immediately behind Thomas & Co.’s Flour Mill, being part of Section 1 Block 11N of GRO 20 of 1905.
[This is the whole of the subdivision to the south of St Just St with blocks facing View St, Copper St, The Grove, The Crescent and St Just St.]
XXXXVIII, 16, 21 Apr. 1926, page 3
Birth. 5 April at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs R.W. Motherall a son, Albert Henry.
Obituary. Albert Henry Motherall, son of Mr & Mrs R.W. Motherall, died at Burra Hospital 9 April aged 4 days.
Obituary. Mary Emma Sleep died at Burra Hospital on 20 April aged 66. She was the youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Sleep and sister to Annie and Fred.
[Born at Kooringa 9 May 1860 & therefore 65 at death.]
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was postponed from 24 April to 2 May. Rev. Edmund Smith of Peterborough will officiate. The tea meeting will still be on 26 April.
The Aurora Australis was visible in the southwest sky on Thursday.
Messrs Will & Tom Seal were farewelled at the Royal Exchange Hotel by members of the Burra Coursing Club on 6 April. The new licensee is Mr S. Ratcliffe.
Mrs A. Seal who for some years has successfully managed the Kooringa and Royal Exchange Hotels has sold out and left on 9 April for Adelaide. Presentations were made to her at St Joseph’s schoolroom and also to Mr Will Seal. (A silver rose bowl to Mrs Seal and xylonite brushes to Mr Seal.)
Burra Hospital. A nurse accidentally gave a patient Lysol instead of medicine and while no serious consequences ensued an exhaustive enquiry was held. It found the incident to be an unfortunate accident. The nurse has tendered her resignation.
Bowls. Championship final last Saturday: Rosman 26 defeated Sandland 20.
A. Davey won the consistency tourney. Finals of the singles handicap will be played next week between K. Drew and Dr Steele. In the pairs tourney Rosman & Johns will play Sandland & Woollacott.
Redruth Methodist Ladies Guild
The inaugural gathering of the guild was on Tuesday 13 April. President Mrs H. Alvey and Vice-President Mrs H.H. Thomas. [The President proceeded to read the first annual report, so this was actually the first AGM rather than the first meeting.]
The report says the guild was formed the previous April with 8 members and met on the fourth Wednesday each month. The Guild became responsible for church flowers and very substantial parcels of clothing have been sent to the Central Methodist Mission and old linen to the Burra Hospital. A social and strawberry fete and Christmas tree were held to raise funds for alterations to the pulpit and choir platform. £114 was raised. The Guild will refurnish and recarpet that part of the church when the work is done. The church properties have a debt of £600 and the guild will work over the year to reduce that.
Mr & Mrs Tom Tiver were farewelled by Redruth Methodist Ladies Guild on 13 April.
Tennis. Copperhouse Club closed its season on Saturday. It had played 14 matches this season and won them all.
Burra Town Council 5 April
The Mayor asked Cr Riggs to report on the decision of the Hospital Board to reduce its size to seven.
Mr Riggs did so, saying that at the conclusion of their present term the seats of the five members elected by ratepayers would be declared vacant and there would be no re-election.
The Mayor then said that as he saw it the ratepayers were being disenfranchised. He did not believe that election to the Board by Council meant an election by all ratepayers. Also the town owned the hospital and effectively control of their own property was being taken out of their hands.
Cr Woollacott disputed the Mayor’s interpretation of disenfranchisement.
Cr Kellaway was also strongly opposed to the motion carried by the Hospital Board. He moved that a letter be sent to the Chief Secretary stating that the Council was of the opinion the institution should be governed by the direct voice of the people. Cr Harris seconded.
Cr Riggs was surprised, as he had asked the Council what his position was in regard to questions arising at Board meetings and they had given him a free hand. He felt he represented all ratepayers since he was elected by a body which was elected by them. Why did not Cr Kellaway say he was opposed when the matter was before Council?
Cr Riggs said any effort made by Council to approach the Chief Secretary would be unconstitutional. The motion was carried with Riggs & Woollacott opposed.
The Mayor had been absent when the matter was discussed in Council and he said no one seemed to realise the gravity of the proposal.
Burra Show Society. Sheep Dog Trials last Friday & Saturday.
They passed off very well in excellent weather.
Entries were 140; up 83 from last year – though not all entries appeared. Winners were:
Local Class: W.T. Frost’s Clyde
Flock Dogs’ Competition: A.B. Kemp’s Frisco
Puppy Stakes: A.B. Kemp’s McIvor
Blind Cast: A.B. Kemp’s Red Hope
Open Class: F. Whittington’s Noble
Three horse events concluded the meeting.
Burra Rifle Club travelled to the River Murray over Easter.
Burra 988 defeated Renmark 932.
Burra 909 defeated Berri 887.
XXXXVIII, 17, 28 Apr. 1926, page 2
Advt. Farewell Social at Leighton Hall on Saturday 1 May for Mr & Mrs R.J. Fairchild & Family and for Mr & Mrs R. McWaters & Family. A Musical Program. Ladies please bring baskets.
Obituary. William Jenkin Davey Jnr late AIF died at his home in Payneham on 24 April 1926. ‘Billy’ was born in Kooringa in 1894, the eldest son on Mrs E.L. Davey. After leaving school he entered the Burra Record office then owned by his father. When E.F. Marston bought the paper in 1913 he and his brother Harold carried on there for some time. Later he went to Horsham in Victoria to join the Horsham Times. He was badly gassed on war service, the deadly effects of which placed him in Bedford Park for some time, but when he knew the end was near he was removed to his home. The funeral was on Anzac Day. He is survived by a wife, nee Miriam Pearce (Nurse), a daughter of Mr & Mrs Walter Pearce of Kooringa, and a son, Master Keith Davey and by a brother, Harold as well as by his mother.
Thefts. A despicable thief stole a large suitcase from the car of the Rev. E. Smith at Kooringa on Monday night. It contained the night apparel etc. of Mr & Mrs Smith and four children.
Lin. Riggs of Elder, Smith & Co. had his bicycle stolen the same evening.
A.S. Martin of Elder, Smith & Co. has been transferred to Adelaide to handle the Stud Stock Department. Mr Max Pearce has been appointed local manager for the firm.
The Steam Circus now operating nightly in Market Square has offered the takings from Tuesday evening, 4 April towards the Children’s Playground.
XXXXVIII, 17, 28 Apr. 1926, page 3
Anzac Day. The 11th anniversary of the Gallipoli Landing was commemorated with an open air service at the Fallen Soldiers’ Monument. The Square was nearly circled with cars and scores of people stood. The secretary of the RSL Mr G.H. Dow made the arrangements. Rev. F.B. Hewitson, Rev. R.H. Lee, Rev. H. Alvey & Ensign Fischer of the Salvation Army attended. Rev. Alvey gave the address. £8-9-101⁄2 was collected for the AIF Cemetery Trust Fund.
Croquet Doubles Final: Sandland & Rosman defeated Marston & Penrose 26-14. In the Beginners’ Tournament Mrs Rosman defeated Mrs Pearce 14-8.
Telephone. Booborowie, which now has 40 subscribers, will have a continuous service from 19 April.
Burra Fallen Soldiers Committee met on 14 April and decided to place the contract for the Honour Roll with Messrs C.J. Pearce & Son. The price named was £210 for 500 names and the actual number on the roll is 469. The roll will be placed in the public reading room of the Institute.
Playground. A public meeting to consider using surplus Seaside Trip funds for a children’s playground was held in the Institute 21 April. S. Kellaway took the chair. Mr Marston reported on two sites: on either side of the creek opposite St Joseph’s. He favoured the school side site where there was room later for a tennis court and cricket pitch. The other side had a number of trees that would have to be removed or crated and was too steep for other than young children’s games. The meeting favoured the latter site because the trees offered shelter. The Seaside Committee will be asked for £50.
Marriage. Willalo Hall 14 April
Ethel May Thomas, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Thomas of Hallett, married
Herbert Vincent Cox, second son of Mr & Mrs H. Cox of Aberdeen.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 14 April
Rupert W. Holmes, youngest son of Mr & Mrs J.S. Holmes of Ironmine, married
Eva May Jettner, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs E. Jettner of Leighton.
Burra Coursing Club met at the Kooringa Hotel and elected: Patron, G.H. Gallagher; President, G. Clark; Secretary, J. Carpenter; Assistant Secretary, O. Ockenden. The next meet will be at Gum Creek.
Bowls. Monday last in the Singles Handicap Final Dr Steele defeated K. Drew by 7 points.
Concert. The Valda Harvey Concert in the Institute on 19 April is very favourably reviewed.
Burra Town Council, 19 April
E.J. Harris was given permission to erect a wood and iron garage in Chapel St and a petrol tank opposite his shop.
Council resolved to try to get control of the Ballast Quarry from the Government and to use it for road screenings.
The Inspector suggested approaching the SAR to make a separate outlet and inlet at the railway station to relieve congestion. Council agreed if the Commissioner of Railways will bear the cost.
The question of moving the guns was deferred to the next meeting.
XXXXVIII, 18, 5 May 1926, page 3
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held last Sunday. Rev. Edmund Smith of Peterborough preached. The tea meeting was on 26 April. The school was in a good financial position.
Burra Golf Club AGM 29 April elected: President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-Presidents, Dr W.E. Steven & Mr M.W. Bednall.
‘Resident’ regretted the absence of ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ at the Anzac Service.
‘Interested’ writes asking for particulars on the Hospital Board to which the editor replies:
Originally the Board was of 12 Government appointed people.
When reformed the Board comprised 12: five elected by ratepayers as a body and seven nominated, one each, by the contributing Town & District Councils. (Apoinga, Mt Bryan, Hallett, Booborowie, Hanson & Burra DCs and the Burra Corporation.)
If the proposed alteration is sanctioned by the Chief Secretary as is likely unless ratepayers strongly object, the Board will comprise seven members, being only those nominated by the Town & District Councils.
Almost no one seems to object to the reduction in numbers, but many do object to the proposed method of election. On suggestion is that at the annual elections of Councillors one member for the Board should be elected by the ratepayers in each district. We believe this would satisfy all parties.
[A minor problem her might have been that Town & District Council elections were out of step with DC elections in July and Town Council elections in December.]
Burra & District Horticulture
L.S. Penrose Chrysanthemums
Guy Tiddy Dahlias, red beet and egg fruit ‘which we believe is used as a vegetable’
Obituary. Mrs David Jones died at her residence at the Mine Bridge on 3 May aged 66. She leaves a husband, two sons, three daughters and several grandchildren. [Despite the above data she appears to have been born Laura Emily Morgan 16 June 1858 in Adelaide.]
Obituary. Mr Ambrose Edwards of Mt Bryan died at his residence on 2 May aged 70.
Obituary. Miss Mary Emma Sleep who died at the Burra Hospital 20 April aged 66 was the daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Sleep of Kooringa and was born 9 May 1860. She was a staunch church worker, a scholar, teacher and organist, Member of the Band of Hope and Secretary of the Endeavour Society. Even though quite deaf she continued to attend services. She is survived by one sister and one brother, Fred Sleep of Victoria.
Mr & Mrs R.J. Fairchild & family
And
Mr & Mrs R. McWaters and family were given a farewell social at Leighton Hall on Saturday. They intend to reside in Burra. Rev. H. Alvey presided and though regretting their loss from Ironmine, said it was a gain for Redruth. W.H. Lloyd spoke for the Sunday school and G.F. Foster spoke for the Ironmine Social Club, A.D. McDonald for the District and Jim McDonald spoke for other friends. Each couple was presented with two wicker chairs and an attaché case.
Burra Racing Club. The annual meeting was held under most unfavourable weather conditions on 28 April at the Aberdeen Racecourse. There was high wind and blowing dust. The well-patronised special train from the city broke down twice and the engine had to be replaced at Gawler. The replacement barely struggled to Hanson. Unfortunately on the train were the starter, the judge, the clerk of scales and most of the jockeys. Eventually the train crawled into Burra just before 2 o’clock instead of 12.30. The first event was delayed an hour. Despite all this the meeting was a great success. The main race was the Gallagher Cup over 11⁄4 miles for £100 in prize money. It was won by H.E. Gregory’s Peaceful Chief. Other results are also printed.
The Playground. The committee met on 29 April and after inspecting the site the majority favoured the main road side of the creek. Messrs A.B. Riggs & J. Kellock have volunteered to level the ground. The Sporting & Athletic Club has offered to erect a shelter shed. The Seaside Committee has voted £50 and the offer from the merry-go-round proprietary was accepted.
Weather. Rain has again fallen and with the previous fall the ground has had a good soak. Little has run away and the season is off to a good start. 118 points fell in April and 90 points so far in May. Little has fallen to the east.
XXXXVIII, 18, 5 May 1926, page 4
Redruth Court
Otto Joroslafsky was fined 10/- for drunkenness.
Peter Moller was fined 7/6 for drunkenness.
John Jones was charged with the theft of Rev. E. Smith’s suitcase from a car at the rear of the Kooringa Methodist Church on 26 April. The contents were valued at c. £2-10-0.
He was apprehended at Collinsville on 27 April when M-C John Johns recognised a pyjama suit he was wearing under other clothes, as being from the case. He was sentenced to 1 month in jail.
He was also charged with having two £1 notes and a 10/- note, 23 pennies and a pair of silver sleeve links suspected of having been stolen. Frederick William Atkins of Mt Bryan described the articles as those stolen from him. The accused’s explanation for possessing the items was inconsistent and unconvincing and he was sentenced to 6 months; the term to be concurrent with the above sentence.
He was also charged with stealing a bicycle the property of Linden A. Riggs on the night of the 26 April; value £10. The bicycle was found at Collinsville and he had claimed it was given to him by his deceased brother. On this he was committed for sentence.
He was further charged with breaking into the house of J.W. Best of Mt Bryan East and stealing a cash box containing various items. Best had seen Jones walking away from his house and had sent for the police on discovering that items were missing. On this he was committed for trial.
Burra Rifle Club. 20th stage of the Mokota Trophy was shot on 24 April, but was interrupted by rain and had to be re-shot on the Monday. A.P. Harris & H.L. Riggs did best.
The trophy position is now V.A. Riggs 29 points from T. Rosewall 28 and W. Woodman 27. There is one more match to be fired. 26 April was set for the Championship match with two prizes; one off the gun and one on handicap. Highest with handicap was A.P. Harris 129 and highest without was H.L. Riggs 121. The club farewelled Tom.
[The only name on the score card with this initial is T. Rosewall, so I assume that is who is meant.]
Anzac Services were held in the Salvation Army Citadel and in the Redruth and Kooringa Methodist Churches. At Redruth all the solo songs at an ‘after church’ musical service, were given by returned soldiers: G. Tiddy, R.P. Pollard & D.L. van Senden. Dr D.M. Steele gave an address on tuberculosis and appealed for funds for the Tubercular Soldiers at Bedford Park. £8-7-0 was collected and £7 from the Kooringa service.
XXXXVIII, 19, 12 May 1926, page 2
Notice. The partnership between William Thomas Symons and Stanley Haughton Symons, Bakers at Burra is dissolved from 4 May 1926 and W.T. Symons will carry on the business under the same style of Symons Bros.
Notice. Burra District Council. Warning. The bridge at Ford’s Reserve is unfit to carry heavy loads and is in a dangerous state. It is in course of repair.
Bert Aldridge of the Farmers’ Union Store for about three years has left them and goes into a position in the city. He was farewelled by the sporting fraternity at the Kooringa Hotel. He was prominent in football and also in musical circles. He was presented with a xylonite shaving outfit and silver ashtray and from fellow employees with a wallet.
Kenneth M. Drew on the local staff of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. for four years has been promoted to manager in place of W.R. Chambers.
Weather. Rain on Monday extended well to the east and by Tuesday morning widespread reports were in from about 1 inch to almost 2 inches. Further north snow fell heavily at Peterborough for four hours and near Terowie at ‘Wyndara’ Station it was 6 inches deep. Snow fell for two hours at Hallett. There was snow too at Mt Bryan and at Burra a light fall occurred at 2.30 p.m.
XXXXVIII, 19, 12 May 1926, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. The final shoot for the Mokota Trophy saw best results for C.W. Pearce, Capt. A.B. Riggs & W. Woodman. The 3rd place gave Bill Woodman 30 points and the trophy from V.A. Riggs on 29. T. Rosewall who was unable to attend was third on 28.
Women Christian Temperance Union met in Aberdeen 5 May. Members are to write to the Prime Minister and other MPs urging them not to grant a liquor licence in Canberra. Up to now the ACT has been without one.
Burra District Council. The Burra-Leighton Road needs to be declared a main road.
It was resolved to accept V.B. Wheare’s off of a public pound at his place at 7/6 a week.
Councillors retiring on 30 June:
Kooringa Ward: Finch & Tiver
Baldina Ward: Kellock
King Ward: Pearse
Auditor: Edward James Davey
Bowling Club. The close of season was held on Saturday 8 May. The president, Mr M. Collins, said the season had been very successful aided by the installation of electric light on both greens at a cost of £70-£80, which had been defrayed. Finances were better than last year. There was some thought of enlarging their borders, but he thought they should first pay off their overdraft. Prizes:
Croquet
Lady Champion Mrs J.G. Sara
Handicap Trophy Mrs W.H. Tiver
Doubles Mrs W. H. Sandland & Mrs P.L. Rosman
Beginners’ Trophy Mrs P.L. Rosman
Bowling Club
Champion Mr P.L. Rosman
Singles Handicap Dr D.M. Steele
Consistency Trophy Mr Arthur Davey
Championship Pairs T.H. Woollacott & W.H. Sandland
Highest Points E.J. Davey
Draw Consistency Dr D.M. Steele
Beginners’ Trophy Bert Finch
Obituary. Mr J.P. [Joseph Patrick] Murphy late manager of the National Bank in Kooringa died in Kooringa on 11 May aged 52. [Detailed obituary in next issue, page 3.]
Obituary. William Turner of Black springs died at his residence on 9 May aged 73. [Born 27 October 1853 in the District of Adelaide and registered as dying 9 May 1926 at Kooringa, residence Black Springs.]
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday.
Aberdeen: 2.5 5.9 8.11 14.15 (99)
Kooringa: 0.4 0.5 1.7 1.7 (13)
Burra Town Council, 3 May
Drew & Crewes sought permission for the erection of a second bowser. The work had been done on 21 April and the letter was received on 23 April. Cr Woollacott explained the circumstances which he thought justified their action, but Cr Kellaway thought they should be reprimanded as a matter of principle and not to set a precedent. Permission was granted and a letter setting out the error was to be sent.
Crs Riggs & Allen reported that the Council’s road-tarring appliances were out of date.
Burra Athletic Club is to be allowed to spend £15 improving the track at Victoria Park.
Discussion about the guns was again deferred until next meeting.
A long list of minor works was attended to.
Farrell’s Flat Married Couples’ Ball is reported in 1⁄3 column.
XXXXVIII, 19, 12 May 1926, page 4
Burra Women’s Branch Liberal Federation, 4 May. The meeting was well attended to hear addresses from Mrs C.R. Morris, President of the Women’s Branch Committee Adelaide and Mrs R. Preedy from Head Office. The report extends for just over 1 column.
W.J. Davey. Two of the late W.J. Davey’s poems are published.
RSL Annual Masquerade Ball was held in the Institute 6 May and was a great success. Murison’s Dance Band supplied the music.
XXXXVIII, 20, 19 May 1926, page 2
Advt. Tenders are invited for the pulling down and stacking of the cattle yards on the property of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd, Kooringa.
XXXXVIII, 20, 19 May 1926, page 3
Birth. 10 May at Kooringa to Mr & Mrs J.H. Murison, a daughter. [Heather Jean]
Obituary. Jane Finch, daughter of the late George & Phillis Finch & sister of Mrs A.T. Fairchild, died 27 April aged 54. [Born Baldry 20 March 1872 and died at Norwood, residence Medindie Gardens.]
Obituary. Mary A. Rogers died 16 May at Kooringa. She was the youngest daughter of the late Richard Rogers of Gum Creek. [Not to be confused with Mary Ann Rogers nee Eustice who died 13 March 1926: this was Miss Mary Ann Rogers born 13 January 1852.]
Miss M.A. Rogers died on Sunday at Welsh Place Kooringa aged 74. She was the third and youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs R. Rogers of Gum Creek and was born at Burra in 1852. She was educated in Adelaide and returned to Gum Creek after her parents’ deaths to keep house for her brother. When he married she went to Pt Augusta, but later returned to Burra. She was a keen gardener. Her brothers are Mr J.H. Rogers of Aberdeen (late of Hanson) and Mr T. Rogers of Hanson.
Obituary. J.P. [Joseph Patrick] Murphy died at Kooringa on 11 May. He was a native of Victoria, the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs N.H. Murphy of Moonie Ponds and was born at Hamilton in 1874 and educated at Bordertown and a college at Ararat. He was then employed by the National Bank at Nhill and in 1910 was manager at Quambatook and then at Bright in Victoria. His first appointment in SA was to Pt Adelaide and then Kooringa. Here he was for two or three years a member of the Institute Committee. In January this year he was elected President, but never took his chair as illness intervened. He was a keen member of the Bowling and Golf Clubs. He is survived by a wife and three daughters.
Obituary. Stanley Snell, fourth son of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Snell of Broken Hill and late of Burra, died on Saturday from typhoid fever. He was not 30 years of age and leaves a wife and infant.
[Born Joseph Stanley Snell at Kooringa 10 July 1899.]
Obituary. Mrs A.G. Neill of ‘Wheetelande’ Farrell’s Flat died suddenly last Sunday. After the afternoon service at Hanson Methodist Church she complained of a headache and sat on the footboard of their car. She then collapsed and died a few minutes later. She was aged 50 and leaves a husband, five daughters and two sons. [Born Florence Ilma Plant at Two Wells SA 23 February 1876: died 16 May 1926.]
Snow. On 16 May the snow was heavier in places than previously reported. In the hills around Hallett it fell continuously for six hours. George Tiver at ‘Rupara’ Station took some fine photographs.
Rev. H. Alvey will not accept an invitation to stay a fourth year as he is anticipating a trip to England next year to visit both his parents who are over 70.
Burra Rifle Club. At Gawler on Saturday: Gawler 993 defeated Burra 985.
Golf. The season opened on Saturday 15 May.
Football. [The teams playing this year were Hallett, Aberdeen, Ramblers & Kooringa.]
At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Hallett: 0.2 0.3 2.6 4.7 (31)
Aberdeen: 0.2 2.10 2.11 3.12 (30)
At Victoria Park on Saturday: Ramblers 6.20 (56) defeated Kooringa 3.3 (22).
Children’s Playground Committee met at the Institute on 10 May. The Town Council has granted use of the ground. The Proprietors of the Merry-Go-Round donated £15-13-9. A working bee has been called for Saturday afternoon 22 May. The Burra Cycle & Athletic Club promises £7 towards a shelter shed. Mr Ogilvie promised £1 and Mr S.M. Lane promised a swing.
XXXXVIII, 20, 19 May 1926, page 4
Liberal Federation. The annual combined rally, social and dance was held at the Institute on Wednesday 12 May. The leader of the State Opposition, Mr R.L. Butler, and the President of the Liberal Federation, Mr G.F. Jenkins, gave addresses which are reported in c. 2 columns. Many young people came only for the supper and dance.
XXXXVIII, 21, 26 May 1926, page 2
Notice. District Council of Burra. Nominations called by 12 June for retiring Councillors etc. with election 3 July if needed. Retiring are:
Kooringa Ward: Edwin Finch
Harold Walter Tiver
King Ward: Norman Hiles Pearse
Baldina Ward: John Kellock
Auditor: Edward James Davey
Notice. Playground Working Bee postponed to 29 May (weather permitting).
XXXXVIII, 21, 26 May 1926, page 3
Weather. Rain locally amounted to almost 1 inch in the last week and to the east from 10 to 46 points. Princess Royal had a hail storm on Friday with some stones the size of marbles.
Mrs J.P. Murphy was given a farewell morning tea at the Presbytery by Rev. Father Nesdale & Miss Nesdale. The Mayoress and Mesdames J.C. Sandland, M.A. Phelan, George Hann & S.M. Lane attended and a wallet of fifty £1 notes was presented to the widow. Friends had already presented her with a xylonite ‘toilet companion’. Mrs Murphy intends to use the money for a small headstone in memory of her late husband. She is moving to Victoria and left on Thursday afternoon.
Croquet AGM 22 May. Elected: President, Mrs F.B. Hewitson; Secretary, Mrs E.F. Marston & Captain, Mrs H.F. Saunders.
Burra Rifle Club AGM 22 May. Receipts for the year were £115-14-2 and expenditure £102. The Secretary, Mr A.P. Harris, said the outstanding performance of the year was the club’s second place in the Teams’ Shoot at Pt Adelaide in September 1925, an event that draws men from around Australia. The team comprised L.G. Nutt, J.E. Pearce, S. Cordon & A.L. Kellock.
Of nine inter-club matches six had been won: two against Hamley Bridge and those against Kapunda, Riverton, Berri & Renmark, while Eudunda, Wasleys and Gawler had beaten Burra.
The Mokota Trophy went to beginner W.G. Woodman.
‘Our other popular shot, T. Rosewall, who had 28 points got into the hands of the police, so could not fire the last match.’ [He joined the police force.]
The Championship match was won by H.L. Riggs and the Handicap Champion was A.P. Harris.
The club is indebted to Mr I.J. Warnes for use of the property. Unfortunately the club could not raise a team for the Country Championship this year because it was too close to harvest.
The Mayor presented the trophies. He then offered the Abberton Park Trophy for the next year’s highest points gained.
Other prizes were:
Highest aggregate at 200, 500 & 600 yards: T. Rosewall
Highest aggregate at 300, 500 & 600 yards: J. Pederson
Highest aggregate at 300, 500 & 700 yards: W. Woodman
Elected were Captain, A.L. Kellock; Vice-Captain, C.W. Pearce; Treasurer, J.E. Pearce & Secretary, A.P. Harris.
Football
Hallett 1.0 3.2 3.5 4.13 (37)
Kooringa 1.1 1.3 2.4 2.6 (18)
At Victoria Park
Aberdeen 1.0 5.2 6.2 11.4 (70)
Ramblers 1.5 1.6 3.6 5.6 (36)
Soldiers’ Aid Society continues to meet monthly and the next meeting is 4 June in Redruth Memorial Hall.
Kangarooing. There is a 2⁄3 column article explaining why the irresponsible shooters have caused pastoralists to ban kangaroo shoots on their properties. Bullets have been flying recklessly past workers on properties; vehicles are driven at dangerous speed through sheep with lambs and in rough country. Sheep are dying from stress and lambs are separated from ewes. Fences are cut and knocked down and dead kangaroos left anywhere, sometimes within 300 yards of houses with resultant stench and blowfly breeding. Permission can still be sought and obtained for responsible hunting.
XXXXVIII, 21, 26 May 1926, page 4
Burra Town Council
The Government intends to alter the Act so that the fines from car owners go to the State Main Roads Fund. There is £3 in the Main Roads account and no more funds due till October. Main Road grants are always inadequate. It was resolved that the Finance Committee meet to consider a strategy to address the problem.
Cr Woollacott moved to ban football on Victoria Park on Sundays.
Cr Kellaway said it would have little effect as they would go somewhere else like Aberdeen. The motion was carried.
The Mayor wanted a resolution to the guns problem. He was still in favour of moving them [to a site opposite the Institute] and nothing and no one except the RSA would move him in that. He complained that he had received nothing in writing from the RSA by way of a scheme.
Cr Woollacott said that they had met the RSA and heard their views. He didn’t recall anything being said about a written response and wondered what more information was wanted.
Cr Riggs thought the Council should present a scheme to the RSA rather than the reverse.
Cr Kellock moved the Council write to the RSA saying it was waiting for its scheme to be submitted as arranged.
The Mayor didn’t want a scheme; he wanted to know what financial assistance the Council could expect from the RSA.
Cr Harris objected to any scheme that closed the gap between the Memorial and the Rotunda.
Cr Allen suggested a scheme be submitted to the RSA.
Cr Kellock’s motion was carried.
A.S. (Archie) Martin was given a farewell smoke social at the Burra Hotel on Tuesday evening 11 May. Mr Martin had been manager of Elder, Smith & Co. for over 10 years. A large and representative gathering assembled. Dr Steele made the presentation of an inkstand and Eversharp pencil. Mr Martin had been a foundation member of the Bowling Club, a supporter of the Race club, a member of the Show Committee and was a regular bridge player. He is succeeded by Mr Max Pearce.
Dudley van Senden has become manager of Bennett & Fisher in Burra.
Ken Drew has become manager of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. in Burra.
XXXXVIII, 22, 2 June 1926, page 2
Obituary. J.H. Young, husband of Alice A. Young nee Clode died 19 May at Brunswick, Victoria. He was the fourth son of the late T. & L. Young late of Burra and brother of Mrs T. Woollacott of Redruth and of Miss B., J.H. & A.E. Young of Victoria. [Born Joseph Hawkins Checcucci Young 27 November 1868 at Kooringa to Thomas & Lydia Mary Young nee Checcucci.]
XXXXVIII, 22, 2 June 1926, page 3
Weather. Rain: May closed with a fall of 4.61 inches for the month and 7.64 inches for the year to date. Rain on Saturday brought about 1.50 inches to Quondong and Oakvale areas, but less elsewhere in the east where falls varied from 15 to 75 points.
Redruth Court
Three young men were charged with offensive behaviour at the Institute during the pictures on Saturday night last. They had taken in and consumed a bottle of wine and began to smoke and make a disturbance. One charge was dismissed, but one was fined £2-10-0 + costs and the other 30/- + costs.
Motor Accidents
On Thursday in Commercial St a boy cyclist with head down rode straight into Mr L. Gallagher’s car despite the driver’s sounding the horn. The cyclist shot into the air and landed on his head in the back. The bike was impaled on the hood. The boy was little hurt, but the same cannot be said of the bike.
On Tuesday evening Mrs R.A. Lynch and her two daughters were returning from a dance at Booborowie when the lights fused at a sharp corner and the car dropped five feet into a creek bed, landing on its four wheels. Apart from Mrs Lynch bumping her head on the steering wheel no one was much hurt. One wheel of the car was smashed and other minor damage done and the car was driven to Burra by Mr Murison. The creek at the point is right next to the road and is totally unprotected by either posts or a fence.
Dog Poisoners are about again. Fred Collins lost his valuable sheep dog King on Friday.
The Guns: the RSA Reply
The RSA Committee met on 27 May to consider a letter from the Council.
Dr Steele said that on 15 February the branch had met and resolved that the guns remain in the square at the memorial and that they should be placed on concrete stands and fenced etc. as in the original plan: one facing east and the other west in the space between the rotunda and the memorial and that the guns be varnished or oiled etc. and that the RSA was prepared to assist in this. The resolution was passed on to Council.
Cr Kellock had subsequently moved that the motion to move the guns be rescinded, but was defeated.
On 3 March the Town Clerk wrote requesting a meeting between the Council and RSA to reach a decision about the placing of the guns. The meeting actually occurred on 22 March.
Here the RSA strongly urged the Council to reverse its decision and carry out the original plan or something similar. They were not asked to decide absolutely on any particular scheme. They told the Council that they were confident they could raise £25 towards the cost if necessary. The Mayor had asked for something in writing, but being somewhat puzzled as to what was required he put it off for a few days and it had slipped his mind. As far as the latest request from Council the RSA was simply awaiting a yea or nay from Council which already had its wishes before it. Until the Council’s scheme was made known the RSA could not decide whether to support it financially or in any other way. Mr Hammond said the request from the Mayor for something in writing was informal and not the responsibility of the branch. Three schemes had been put before the Council at the conference.
The original (and most expensive) plan
A fence around the rotunda and memorial
The guns to be built into the rotunda and fenced, leaving out the memorial.
The scheme to move the guns to opposite the Institute would cost more than 2 or 3 of the above.
He had expected to hear from the Council giving a decision on the scheme selected and was astonished to read the Record report.
Dr Steele was astonished that one Councillor was so opposed to closing the gap between Rotunda and Memorial, which he though should have been closed long ago.
E.C. Hammond said he believed it was a source of danger and when he was on Council had moved for its closure, but was defeated. They could not promise support without knowing what the Council was proposing.
The President said it was their duty to try to get the original plan completed. And Mr Pollard agreed.
The meeting agreed to reiterate their earlier motion to that effect and it further promised that with any scheme the Council devised to carry out these wished the RSA would welcome a conference to consider means of finance on being acquainted with details and costs.
Eagles. 45 more have been killed in the Mt Bryan East area. [Corrected next issue to 145.]
Influenza is about, but the victims are progressing satisfactorily.
Mr E.J. Harris has suggested the Council try to get control of the creek huts uncovered by Charles Grow. They are probably unique in Australia and illustrations of them and of the Mine Pool appeared about a fortnight ago in the Sydney Mail. The owner is currently digging out a much larger ‘cottage’. Mr Grow does not seem anxious to sell, but we think he might be persuaded to leave the title to Council in his will and to act as caretaker till then for a consideration.
Burra Coursing Club will hold a meet on 9 & 10 June with prize money of £110 and trophies of £25. First prize to be £56. It will be run on Gum Creek Station, the property of Hon. W.G. Duncan.
XXXXVIII, 22, 2 June 1926, page 4
Football. Played at Aberdeen on Saturday with a strong wind down the field:
Aberdeen 5.6 5.6 10.10 10.10 (70)
Kooringa 0.0 4.5 4.5 7.8 (50)
XXXXVIII, 22 (2), 9 June 1926, page 2 [2nd use of No. 22 in this volume.]
Mt Bryan East School Committee had arranged a pupils’ concert for 23 June, but the pupils will not be ready by then so it has been postponed. Funds are needed to renovate the building. The walls are in bad shape from the school being closed for a number of years.
Obituary. Edward (Ted) Hunt died suddenly on Sunday evening 6 June from a heart attack. He was born in Adelaide in 1858, the second son of the late Mr & Mrs J.M. Hunt of Kooringa. He had worked as a blacksmith until last Saturday. He leaves a widow and two sons: Will Hunt (late AIF) and Jack Hunt and four daughters: Mrs Arthur Bowen (Kooringa), Mrs D. Paynter (Broken Hill), Mrs H. Healy (Firle, Adelaide) & Mrs Kitty Hunt (Kooringa) and several grandchildren.
[Born Edward Reece Hunt 22 July 1858 at Salisbury SA.]
Burra Rifle Club visited Hamley Bridge on Monday and scored a decisive win against the home side by 67 points.
Elizabeth A. Ward of Hill St Kooringa writes suggesting a house to house canvas to determine the fate of the Market Square guns. The parents of our Fallen Soldiers have a right to voice an opinion. A plate should be fixed to each of the guns describing it with date and place of capture, the name of the battle and the Battalion and Division involved. This would elevate the guns from being merely ‘pieces of scrap iron’. To dump them on the banks of the creek would be an insult to our returned men and the memory of ‘Our Glorious Dead’.
XXXXVIII, 22 (2), 9 June 1926, page 3
Mr J.A. Ogilvie President of the Jamestown Bowling Club was farewelled, as he has recently taken up residence in Burra.
Burra Rifle Club. The new season was due to start on 5 June, but the weather was very wet in the morning. Nevertheless shooting got underway with the 1st round of the Carraca Cup, though poor light spoilt the shoot at 600 yards. Best results were by J.A. Riggs, C.W. Pearce & P. Hogan.
Weather. Burra District had about 25 points in the last week and the eastern plains did almost as well.
Football. Saturday:
Ramblers 3.1 7.3 8.5 9.12 (66)
Kooringa 2.3 4.5 6.8 7.10 (52)
XXXXVIII, 22 (2), 9 June 1926, page 4
Peterborough to Melbourne by Motor. An article of just over three columns.
XXXXVIII, 23, 16 June 1926, page 3
Advt. Burra Show Society. First Dance of the Season at the Showground Pavilion Monday Next.
Ladies 1/-, Gentlemen 1/6.
Sister Nell Byles, who had already passed her general nursing exams, has now passed he midwifery course at McBride Memorial Hospital, North Adelaide. She is acting matron at Bedford Park. She is the daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Byles of Redruth.
Miss Gladys Tiver who worked for Drew & Crewes for nine years was given a presentation of a dapple silver tray with rails on her departure with the family to Glenelg.
Mr Frank Spencer went to Baldina shooting on Saturday and while away from his parked car it burst into flames and though the chassis and engine were saved the rest was consumed. The cause is unknown.
Burra Coursing Club held a meet on 9, 10 & 11 June which was the most successful ever. There were a large number of entries from around the state. Much is due to the energy of the secretary and his assistant, Mr J. Carpenter & ‘Twist’ Ockenden and also to the President, George Clarke of the Kooringa Hotel. The meeting was on the Gum Creek Estate of the Hon. W.G. Duncan and on Mr T. H. Bailey’s run. Mr Tilbrook of Balaklava took the prize and Messrs Symonds & Lynch were runners-up.
Burra District Council Elections
Kooringa Ward: Edwin Finch elected unopposed
Harold W. Tiver elected unopposed
Baldina Ward: John Kellock elected unopposed
King Ward: N. Hiles Pearse elected unopposed
Auditor: E.J. Davey elected unopposed
Miss Ruth McNeil who is leaving the firm of Lee’s Motor Garage to live in Adelaide was presented with xylonite jewel and powder boxes in appreciation of her service.
The Children’s Playground is steadily being cleared, but the presence of a few more fathers would help.
Redruth Police Court
Peter P. Borowski was charged with betting at the Commercial Hotel on 12 June. He pleaded guilty and was fined £5 + 10/- costs.
Two visiting young men were charged with riding motor cycles along Ludgvan St Redruth at 40 m.p.h. and were each fined £3 + 10/- costs.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday a very tough game was played in which:
Hallett 9.20 defeated Kooringa 4.4.
At Aberdeen:
Aberdeen 4.5 10.8 13.12 15.16 (106)
Ramblers 1.1 3.6 3.7 4.8* (32)
[* The paper added the scores in the description wrongly to total 4.7]
Red Cross AGM was addressed by the President Mrs J. Tennant who said the year had been a most successful one. £7 had been sent to the Consumptive and Cancer Home, £3 to a distressed soldier & £25 to Christmas Cheer at Soldiers’ Hospitals. £25-9-11 had been raised from the sale of Red Cross Handicraft Shop items and old linen had been donated to Burra Hospital.
Elected were President, Mrs J. Tennant; Vice-Presidents, Mrs J.C. Sandland & Mrs S.M. Lane; Secretaries, Mrs F.R. Wigley & Mrs E.F. Marston & Treasurer, Miss Coglin.
XXXXVIII, 23, 16 June 1926, page 4
Burra Town Council
The MPs for the District advised that the Government had no control over the use of the Ballast Quarry and the Council would have to deal with the owner Mr E. Ford.
The Local Government Department would assist with advice about a stone-crushing plant.
The Railways department would allow the use of the plant at the quarry for a small consideration.
Mr Ford is willing to allow the Council use of the quarry for a royalty of 6d per yard.
Moving the Guns, 8 June
The Mayor read the letter from the RSL. He said it gave no enlightenment. He denied that the original request for something in writing had been informal. It was made during the conference; not after. He thought Mr Hammond’s comments that the Council had not given the matter another thought was beneath contempt.
Cr Woollacott moved the original idea be carried out.
Cr Kellaway thought they needed a cost estimate first.
Cr Kellock was sick of it and just wanted it settled – they should have just got on with the work. The guns were clearly Council property and the cost of fixing them should come from the Council, not the RSL.
Cr Harris said three schemes had been put to them:
Put the guns in the Avenue opposite the Institute.
Place them in the rotunda on concrete pedestals. [In the Rotunda area perhaps?]
The RSL’s suggestion. [Roughly the original plan.]
His motion to place them in front of the Institute had had the support of four Councillors. These had now ‘turned turtle’.
The Mayor said when Cr Harris broached his scheme the matter had not been fully thought out.
Cr Woollacott was offended by the ‘turned turtle’ comment – he had changed as a result of the RSL conference.
Cr Kellaway had also changed and now supported Cr Woollacott’s motion and added that its advantage was that it cut off the dangerous road between the Memorial and the Rotunda.
Cr Riggs was opposed as ‘it did not behove the Council to pick up and carry on a scheme another committee had dropped’.
He moved the memorial only be fenced 25ft x 15ft with posts and chains (with gaps for pedestrian access). The guns to be mounted on cement blocks on the south side of the Memorial within the fence and until the area was ready the guns to be placed opposite the Institute.
[The original idea fenced the Rotunda & Memorial and envisaged gardens and lawn within the fence; though later the RSL suggested shrubs and gravel as a cost saving change.]
He suggested a gala day to raise the necessary funds which he estimated at about £50. This would close the road between the Memorial and the Rotunda.
The Mayor agreed about not picking up someone else’s scheme and supported Cr Riggs and Cr Allen seconded Cr Riggs amendment, because it was cheaper that Cr Woollacott’s proposal.
Cr Woollacott thought comments about picking up other’s schemes were absurd.
Cr Riggs’ amendment was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor.
Harris, Riggs & Allen voting for and Kellock, Kellaway & Woollacott against.
The Local Government Department Inspector is to be asked to investigate the crusher.
Messrs R. McWaters & W.J. Thomas Jnr wrote to the Council asking Council to plant a row of 30 stone pine trees either side of the road that reached a dead end between their properties at Aberdeen and if it did so they would look after them.
Cr Riggs moved that it be done if it cost not more than £1.
R. Fuss was granted permission to build a verandah on the Bon Accord Hotel and a letter was sent to him pointing out that the application should have been sent in earlier.
T.H. Woollacott was given permission to erect additions to Miss Bentley’s shop in Morehead St.
P.H. Nankivell of Kooringa was granted permission to erect a kitchen on his property.
The Main Roads Committee suggested an application to the Local Government Department for a grant of £600. The local members had suggested it was worthwhile and a deputation will wait on the Government.
Various maintenance works were passed.
Local Board of Health
Burra Hospital Board asked for the appointment of Council’s representative to the Board.
Cr Woollacott moved Cr Riggs be re-appointed. Cr Kellock seconded.
Cr Allen amended that Cr Kellaway be appointed and Cr Harris seconded.
The Mayor gave his casting vote for Cr Kellaway.
Crs Woollacott, Kellock & Kellaway said he was out of order.
The Mayor said they had recently passed a no confidence vote against Cr Riggs because he supported the reduction of the size of the Hospital Board without instruction to do so.
Cr Riggs said he had, as he understood, been given a free hand.
Cr Kellock ‘Your Worship’s action is “dirt”.’
The Mayor: ‘I object to that remark.’
Cr Kellock: ‘I don’t care if you do.’
He maintained it was so to announce an opinion before the amendment was put.
The amendment was then put and carried on the Mayor’s casting vote.
[The ordering of the above report appears to be confused: as it reads the amendment was put twice, but the content suggests otherwise.]
XXXXVIII, 24, 23 June 1926, page 2
Advt. Tenders called for the construction of an Underground Tank etc. on the property of Burra Electric Supply Co. G.E. Dane, Secretary.
M-C Pyne, who has been assistant at Redruth for two years, has been moved to Yongala as officer in charge. He is succeeded by M-C Hornabrook from Pt Augusta.
A Bolt. I.C. Hall’s bakers cart bolted from in front of Griffiths & Co.’s shop in Aberdeen. The horse went home, but failed to take the bend into the street successfully and the cart collided with the corner post. It was upset and badly damaged and bread, pasties etc. were scattered.
F.C. Seikmann JP has for three years been the visiting officer of the Waterworks Department. He recently made his last visit to Burra in that capacity after 36 years in the State Service, during which time he has been Acting City Coroner, officiated as JP at Police, Local & Children’s Courts, been a Member & Chairman of the District Council of Payneham, a Member & Deputy Chairman of the Metropolitan County Board & Member of East Torrens County Board of Health. He served in the Boer War in the Fourth Contingent and the Seventh and has since served in the military as area officer at Norwood etc. etc. and is a retired reserve officer with the rank of Major, holding the VD Medal for over 20 years commission service. He volunteered for active service in 1915, but was held in Australia for training. [VD is Volunteer (Officer’s) Decoration.]
Trickster. An individual came around about three months ago and collected 10/- as deposit on a district telephone book. He has not been heard of since and no book eventuated.
XXXXVIII, 24, 23 June 1926, page 3
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 12 June
Walter Ronald Anderson, fifth son of Mr J.A. & the late Mrs Anderson of Ethelton, married
Gladys Irene Jones, second daughter of Mr & Mrs D.R. Jones of Aberdeen.
John Pearce of Kooringa turned 85 on Tuesday. He has lived in Burra for 78 years.
Dances
Burra Show Society Dance on 21 June was a success, but rain reduced numbers attending.
St Joseph’s Dance at the Institute on 10 June, at which Murison’s Jazz Band played, was a great success.
Burra Croquet Club Amusement Committee’s dance at the Parish Hall on 14 June was very popular.
Collins of Lucernedale Station, Mt Bryan
This was a 11⁄4-column reprint of an article from Saturday’s Advertiser.
Henry Collins of Lucernedale is still breeding sheep at 93. Two years ago he paid 4,000 guineas for a stud ram. He first took land near Mt Bryan almost 70 years ago and has concentrated on stud sheep for 50 years. His sons John, Maurice, Arthur and Horace inherited his enthusiasm. Buyers now come from as far as South Africa. Three rams each costing 4,000 guineas or more have gone there in the last few years and one buyer paid 275 guineas for a Collins’ ewe. Others have gone to North Africa and South America. In 1917 Maurice Collins took over 25,000 acres near Burra and bought from NSW a stud ram Prince Charlie for 3,000 guineas. He paid 2,255 guineas for 60 highly bred ewes. In two years he spent £16,755 largely on overdraft. But it is Henry Collins who has been most notable and it is no mean feat to breed stud sheep and the stud breeder must indeed be a specialist and exercise extreme care. Henry Collins came to SA from Devonshire.
When Mr Collins* paid £6-10-0 for land near his father’s station in 1912 to put large areas under lucerne, people said he was mad. Now the land sells for £40-£60 per acre under lucerne.
[* Which Mr Collins is not clear from the context: perhaps Maurice?]
Weather. Good rain set in on Monday and 61 points have been registered in Burra. The back country has generally done almost as well or better with falls ranging from 43 points to 85.
XXXXVIII, 24, 23 June 1926, page 4
Burra Rifle Club on Saturday fired over 300, 500 & 600 yards. Best scores were from H.L. Riggs, L. Kellaway, G. Woodman, A.B. Riggs & V.A. Riggs.
Visit to Hamley Bridge 7 June: Burra 765 defeated Hamley Bridge 698.
Liberal Union Burra Women’s Branch AGM was held on 4 June. Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames F.R. Wigley, E. Jettner & G.G. Hawkes; Hon. Sec., Miss M. Rogers. [Personal interest: Mrs C. Fuss was on the committee.]
XXXXVIII, 25, 30 June 1926, page 2
Mr Kenneth Drew, grandson of the late Thomas Drew, was some weeks ago appointed manager of the local branch of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co.
Max Pearce, youngest son of C.J. Pearce of Kooringa and grandson of the late William Pearce, tailor, was appointed manager of elder, Smith & Co.
George Sangster, second son of the late Dr Jack Sangster and Mrs Sangster of St Peters and grandson of the late Dr J.T. [sic: error for J.I.] Sangster, who came to Burra in 1879 and resided here for 35 years, has been appointed manager of Bennett & Fisher Ltd from 1 July.
George Sangster was born in Burra when his father owned the practice now owned by Dr D.M. Steele.
K. Drew was born in July 1893, Max Pearce in January 1900 and Mr Sangster is also in his early twenties. Mr Sangster replaces D.L. van Senden who we understand has resigned to go on the land.
[George Sangster was born 21 December 1905.]
Burra Rifle Club. On 26 June the Hamley Bridge Club visited Burra and Burra 757 defeated Hamley Bridge 708.
XXXXVIII, 25, 30 June 1926, page 3
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.3 5.7 8.10 13.12 (90)
Kooringa 0.0 2.2 4.3 4.4 (28)
At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Farrell’s Flat ‘B’ 0.1 2.1 3.2 5.3 (33)
Kooringa Rovers 1.1 2.2 3.5 4.8 (32)
The Children’s Playground Committee met on 23 June and decided on fencing and planting the grounds. The ground has been cleared and will now be ploughed and levelled. A well-attended working bee did good work last Saturday.
Mr & Mrs T. Fox and daughters were farewelled from Koonoona Station’s ‘Minnipa’ Homestead on 19 June after six years of service. Mr Fox came from the UK, but has had to quit due to health reasons. He was presented with a wallet of notes.
Theatregraph Pictures presents on 6 & 7 July at the Institute, The greatest Picture Ever Made:
The Ten Commandments. 13,000ft of indescribable magnificence.
Burra Red Cross Soc. held a fete in the Cheer-up Hall on 25 June in aid of the Invalided Soldiers Fund. They raised about £24.
Burra Golf Club. Ladies Handicap Competition Saturday 19 June was won by Sister Seigele 74, 25, 49 from Mrs Sara 80, 25, 55.
[Personal interest: well down the list is Miss [Doris] Fuss 127, 35, 92.]
In the Men’s Handicap on 26 June M.W. Bednall 105, 16, 89 and A. Ford 129, 40, 89.
Advt. J. Cleve Toholke, Tinsmith, Plumber & Ironworker Chapel St Kooringa has taken over the premises recently occupied by E. Pfennig.
[On page 2 E. Pfennig says he has no connection whatsoever with J.C. Toholke.]
XXXXVIII, 25, 30 June 1926, page 4
Burra Town Council, 21 June
The Fire Brigades Board returned £1-10-0 overpayment for last year’s expenses.
Arrangements have been made with Mr Ford to use his quarry whenever necessary. [Aberdeen Ballast Quarry.]
The Bon Accord Bridge needs attention.
The deputation to the Minister of Local Government for a Special Main Roads grant was favourably received and they are hopeful of a favourable response.
The effigy of the miner (Johnnie Green) has vanished. Cr Riggs said he had asked Fred Pascoe where it was and told him that Mr McBride had given it to the Council, but Mr Pascoe seemed unwilling to give information. Mr Pascoe is to be written to.
Cr Riggs’ proposal for the guns is to be submitted to the RSA.
Cr Kellaway said that safety suggested the fence run to a ‘bull-nose’ rather than be a rectangle.
Local Board of Health
There was a discussion over septic tank placements – specifically for the National Bank with its seepage well close to the footpath. But the outcome was that authority lay with the Central Board.
There was considerable division over the usefulness of appointing a Ranger and operating a pound to curb the nuisance of straying stock.
Soldiers’ Aid Society held an American Tea on 4 June to aid the Burra Hospital clothing Fund. £7-5-7 was raised.
XXXXVIII, 26, 7 July 1926, page 2
Birth. On 4 July at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs W.T. Jeffery of Booborowie a son, Brian Charles.
M-C Johns of Redruth who has been in charge there for five years has been promoted to Sergeant. His brother W.F. Johns was made an Inspector on the same day.
Charles Parnell, working for K.B. Watts butcher of Aberdeen, cut his thigh to the bone when a knife slipped at the killing house last week. The injury required several stitches.
XXXXVIII, 26, 7 July 1926, page 3
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Booborowie 1.2 5.2 5.2 11.7 (73)
Kooringa 0.1 1.1 2.3 2.5 (17)
Burra Rifle Club. Shoot over 300, 600 & 700 yards. Best scores from R. Woodman & S. Cordon.
Aberdeen Tennis Club Winter Tournament
Gents Handicap Singles: W.H. Tiver beat A.L. Collins
Gents Championship: A.L. Collins beat L.G. Collins
Gents Handicap Doubles: A.L. & L.G. Collins beat M. Tiver & N. Woollacott
Mixed Doubles: W.H. Tiver & Miss Madge Pearce beat G. Tiddy & Miss N. Reed
Ladies Handicap Singles: Miss O. Pearce beat Miss N. Reed
Kooringa Children’s Playground work continues with the ground now levelled.
Marriage. All Souls, St Peters, 3 July
Harold James Button, third son of Mr & Mrs James Button of St Peters, married
Hilda K.M. (Biddy) Hann, second daughter of Mr & Mrs George Hann of Kooringa.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 30 June
Gerald Andrew Wade, only son of Mr & Mrs Andrew Wade of Leighton, married
Dora E.M. Finch, fourth and youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs William Finch of Kooringa.
XXXXVIII, 27, 14 July 1926, page 2
Obituary. Leonard Stewart, son of C.C. & G. Stewart, died 28 June at Aberdeen aged 1 year.
[Born 28 June 1925 at Redruth.]
Obituary. Elizabeth Ann Shipway died at the residence of her son, Bert Evans, at Nackara 9 July aged 72. She was the wife of Henry Shipway late of Oodla-Wirra and Burra. She leaves five sons and four daughters. [Born Elizabeth Ann Bruce 21 December 1853. Married Richard Evans 1873 who died 1898. Married Henry Shipway 1903. See further on page 3.]
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 4.9 4.9 9.14 9.14 (68)
Hallett 0.0 4.4 4.4 6.5 (41)
Burra Motor Sporting Club was formed at a meeting in J. Allen’s rooms on 1 July with Mr W.S. Field in the chair. The club will run socials and competitions and stage social tours, picnics and reliability trials. Elected: Patron, N.H. Pearse; President, W.S. Field; Secretary & Treasurer, B.H. Rogers. First event will be a social run to the Gorge on 7 August.
Burra Town Council, 5 July
Children’s Playground Committee asked permission to erect a shelter shed etc. and enquired about the tenure of the ground and Council financial assistance.
Council was opposed to financial assistance and did not appear to consider the tenure question.
Road and footpath issues filled the rest of the meeting.
Burra Rifle Club, 10 July: best results were from H. Woodman & W.G. Woodman.
XXXXVIII, 27, 14 July 1926, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Henry Shipway who died at Nackara on 9 July was born at Myponga in 1853 and married Mr Richard Evans of Koolunga in 1874 and went to live at Oodlawirra where she lived for c. 30 years. Mr Evans died in 1898 and in 1903 she married Mr Henry Shipway. She and her husband came to Kooringa to live about 8 years ago. She is survived by her husband and: Messrs George Evans (Kooringa), W. Evans (Oodlawirra), Harold, Lou & Bert Evans (Nackara), Mrs W.J. Fitzgerald (Booborowie), Mrs F. Cornfoot (Cockburn), Mrs F. Mercer (Cockburn), Mrs O. Mercer (Cockburn) and 29 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren.
[The children are hard to identify from this but are probably:
George Richard, William Daniel, Edley Harold Joseph, Urlando Walter Edward, Herbert James Bertie, Ellen Elizabeth (Mrs Fitzgerald), Alice Rose (Mrs Cornfoot), Ivy Daisy Vine (Mrs F. Mercer) & Elsie/Elise Myrtle Violet (Mrs O. Mercer).]
XXXXVIII, 27, 14 July 1926, page 4
Soldiers’ Aid Society held its 11th Annual Meeting at the Methodist Memorial Hall Redruth. Miss Bubb read the report. Meetings were monthly and membership had dwindled, but the society sent away £15 for Christmas Cheer to sick and wounded soldiers. Average attendance was 13. Last year they had not been able in August to give the usual annual dinner to returned soldiers due to a shortage of helpers, which they deeply regretted. The November Strawberry Fete to aid the Royal Institution for the Blind was a great success with a nett return of £101-3-1, bringing their total raised for this cause to £638-18-8. This alone would make it a pity if the society disbanded. Last May they moved from Jubilee Hall to the Redruth Memorial Hall. In May they had an ‘old linen’ afternoon for the Hospital and in June an American Tea for the same. The money in hand was £11-18-10.
Rev. Alvey praised the Society’s redirection of its work in recent years towards the blind and the hospital. Miss Bubb asked to stand down as President but was unanimously elected President and Secretary. Vice Presidents, Mesdames M.A. Radford, F.M. Pearce Sen. & C. Fuss. Treasurer, Mrs F.T. Sara.
Children’s Playground work continues with trees lopped and dead boughs removed and fencing done.
XXXXVIII, 27, 14 July 1926, Supplement
Burra Show 26 & 27 October: Prize List
Burra Institute. A special meeting of subscribers was called for 12 July to consider borrowing money for extensive additions at the rear of the hall affecting the stage, supper room and dressing rooms. Only 4 of 326 subscribers attended. The committee was empowered to borrow £1,600 for the alterations.
The Grand Concert in the Redruth Memorial Hall on 13 July was a veritable musical feast and raised £24 for the Methodist Manse Fund.
Booborowie Coursing Club’s second meet on 14 & 15 July is reported with results.
Burra Rifle Club. In a shoot over 500, 600 & 700 yards the best scores were from W. Woodman and C.W. Pearce.
XXXXVIII, 28, 21 July 1926, page 2
Advt. Henry Roach has for private sale a long list of furniture at Butterworth’s Old Mill.
Birth. On 9 July at Koo-owie to Mr & Mrs Chesters Sandland a son, Peter Charles.
Birth. On 6 June at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs Leo Gill a daughter, Flora May.
Obituary. Louis Sangar Holmes, father of Jessie Hewitson died 14 July at Kooringa.
[Registered as Louis Saenger Holmes aged 66; residence Norwood. Jessie was the wife of Rev. F.B. Hewitson.]
Advt. Tenders are called for the erection of a Sunday school hall at Hanson.
Hanson Sunday School. The stone and sand has been carted to the site by residents and a substantial sum is in the bank towards the cost. With a fair planned, it is hoped to open the building clear of debt.
XXXXVIII, 28, 21 July 1926, page 3
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Aberdeen 4.4 6.5 11.10 12.10 (82)
Ramblers 4.1 7.3 8.5 8.8 (56)
St Peter’s & Prince Alfred’s Old Collegians annual smoke social at the Burra Hotel on 14 July was fairly well attended.
Burra High School hosted a visit by Kapunda High School on 17 July.
Football: Burra 8.5 defeated Kapunda 7.9
Basketball: Kapunda ‘A’ 22 defeated Burra ‘A’ 15.
Burra ‘B’ 10 defeated Kapunda ‘B’ 9.
XXXXVIII, 28, 21 July 1926, Supplement
Burra Show Prize List
Burra Institute Committee has decided to make extensive alterations and improvements, which will entail a bigger outlay that originally expected. Only four of 326 subscribers came to the meeting called by the committee to approve this decision and the borrowing of £1,600. This was passed unanimously. It was also decided to cover the Council Chamber with linoleum, a long-left want.
Redruth Methodist Church Concert at Burra Institute 13 July is reported in 1⁄2 column. It raised £24 for the Methodist Manse Fund.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 4th match for the Carraca Cup the best scores were from W. Woodman, C.W. Pearce and J. Pederson.
XXXXVIII, 29, 28 July 1926, page 2
Obituary. Charles Drew of St Peters died last Saturday. He was the eldest son of the late Samuel Drew of Samuel Drew & Co. of Kooringa. Mrs Drew survived. His only son Cpl Frank Drew was killed in action at Gallipoli. [Born 14 June 1852 Burra: died 24 July 1926, St Peters.]
Burra Motor Sporting Club dance in the Parish Hall on 21 July was a marked success.
XXXXVIII, 29, 28 July 1926, page 3
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures 3 August: Mary Pickford in Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall.
Burra Public School Children’s Frolic & Dance at the Institute on 23 July followed by an adult dance was a huge success. The crowd began to gather at 6.30 and by 7.30 every space was crammed. The items were presented in the centre of the hall surrounded by two rows of chairs. Items went by ages and the whole was beautifully organised. Afterwards every child under 14 got a free supper. A promenade of children under 8 for the best costume was held. Best character girl was Rewa Triggs as a gum-nut baby and best boy went to David Spier, a member of ‘that swarthy race’. Second places went to Clare Penrose as a wax doll and Colin Twist as a golliwog.
Prizes 8-12 1st Eric Seeley as Boys’ Weekly
2nd Alan Penrose as Knave of Hearts
1st Dorothy Woollacott as a fairy
2nd Joan Taylor as a humming top
Prizes 12-16 1st Molly Walker as a Dresden shepherdess
2nd Thelma Morton as a Hawaiian girl
1st Bobby Allen as Rosella Brand
2nd Malcolm Kellock as Tommy went a’ fishin
Most original was Rollo Pearce as Jack Frost with Joffre Hill 2nd as Arthur J. Richardson [cricketer].
Most original girl was Joan van Senden as a Rainbow with Betty Moore 2nd as Minties.
A special prize went to tiny Charlie Parks as a Sundowner.
The fancy dress for all concerned is then listed in c. 3⁄4 column.
[Personal interest: Hurtle Allen as Cabaret Boy
Edna Allen as Xmas Holly
Mervyn Allen as Rabbit
Mavis Fairchild as a Christmas Cracker
Sheila Fairchild as a Daffodil
Joan Fairchild as a Tulip
Max Fairchild as guner (sic)]
About 10.30 the adult dance began with Hann’s Juvenile Jazz Band.
It is expected that school funds will benefit by c. £30.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday: Hallett 11.16 (82) defeated Ramblers 1.6 (12).
Mt Bryan East finally held its school concert in the Methodist Church on 19 July and it all went off very well and raised a satisfactory sum.
Obituary. Isaac Lambert of Nackara was buried on Sunday afternoon 18 July at Kooringa. He was aged 80 and a former Burra Resident, having left about 40 years ago. He was a bachelor who used to live in Burra with Mr & Mrs John Lambert. He died at Peterborough Hospital 17 July.
Obituary. Emma Price Tiver, widow of the late James Tiver, died 22 July at her residence in Aberdeen. She was born [as Emma Price] at Chepstow in England [7 February] 1837 and came to SA with her parents in 1856. They came to Burra in a bullock dray in a seven-day journey. She married James Tiver on her 21st birthday in 1858. Mr Tiver was a contractor who died 12 March 1909. Though aged 89 she was quite alert to the end. She was one of the oldest members of the Redruth Methodist Church and leaves five sons and three daughters: C.G. Tiver (Parkside), E. Tiver (Hallett), G.S. Tiver (Rupara, Hallett), H.W. Tiver (Flagstaff Aberdeen), Mrs J.G. Sara (Emma Price: Aberdeen), Mrs A. Sara (Emily: Broken Hill) & Mrs A.J. Stock (Charlotte Dunn: Campbelltown) with many grandchildren & great-grandchildren. [The missing son in the above was Harry Tiver.]
XXXXVIII, 29, 28 July 1926, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 19 July
A.J. & P.A. McBride advise they do not want to let the slaughterhouse as a pound.
Mr Robert Fuss wrote an indignant letter in response to the Council’s censuring him for late application to build the Bon Accord verandah. He said he had been given permission by the inspector. A letter is to be sent to him explaining that the inspector had been absent from the Council meeting and so the Council was unaware he had indeed given permission.
RSA replied that they are gratified that the Council is keeping the guns in the square, though they regretted that both the Rotunda and the Memorial will not be enclosed. They included a plan to give a circular end to the enclosure instead of a square one, to make it safer.
The Bon Accord Bridge requires new metalling.
Various road and path matters were dealt with.
The Playground Committee is to be given a year’s lease on the playground. [Actually the paper says ‘a years’ lease, but . . .]
The Mayor said he had talked to Dr Steele, President of the RSA and believed he was essentially in favour of Cr Riggs proposal for the Square if the enclosure had its square corners removed. After considerable discussion it was decided to call tenders for the work.
Cr Kellaway then gave notice that at the next meeting he would move to rescind Cr Riggs’ motion deciding on the scheme.
XXXXVIII, 30, 4 Aug. 1926, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 6 August: The Fullarton Girls.
On Saturday 7 August in Mt Bryan Hall and Sunday 8 August at Burra Hospital at 3.30 p.m. and [at the Salvation Army Citadel] at 8 p.m. after the church program.
Advt. Burra Adelaide Touring Service. Fare 18/-
Leaves Kooringa at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.
Leaves Adelaide 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
Boys Wireless Club was formed when 17 boys gathered at the RSL rooms on 28 July. The idea is to teach boys to build their own sets and later a transmitter and to give talks on wireless and its role in society. The management committee comprises: Rev. R.H. Lee, W.R. Lee, H. Jennison, G.H. Dow, J. Arthur, M.S. Edwards, and Master Wilfred Hann as Secretary/Treasurer.
XXXXVIII, 30, 4 Aug. 1926, page 3
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures Burra Institute 10 August
Lillian Gish & Ronald Colman in The White Sister
Presented with the same prologue as enacted at the Wondergraph Theatre in Adelaide with Miss Elise Woolley in the title role and supported by a specially trained choir and full musical score in the hands of Miss P. Lawson ATCL. Reserved Seats 3/6, Back Seats and Circle 3/-, Front 2/-. (Plus tax.)
Mrs E.N. Finch was 74 on 1 August. She is the 2nd daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Henry Pinch. It was also her only daughter Mrs A.T. McWaters’ birthday.
Obituary. Mrs Clara A. Peake, wife of Hugh Peake of Largs Bay, died at Braemar Station on Sunday. She had only arrived there the day before. M.A. Radford JP as coroner, Dr Steele, Sgt Johns and M-C Gearing drove out, but after enquiries decided that no inquest was necessary.
[Born 1871 Clara Agnes Goodman: died 1 August 1926.]
Obituary. Mrs Alex. Harris aged 82 died in Kooringa on 30 July. She was born at Tavistock, Cornwall 24 July 1844 and migrated with her parents Mr & Mrs James Bodinner when 13. She came directly to Burra to live and on her marriage to Mr Alexander Harris of Kadina went there to live, but they later returned to Burra. Her husband died some years ago. She was alert till her final illness of only four days. She was a conscientious member of the Kooringa Methodist Church. She was Mr Harris’s second wife and leaves one daughter, Miss Louie Harris and a stepson Alex. Harris of Marrickville, Sydney NSW. [Born Mary Ann Bodinner. Death was registered as 29 July.]
Mrs S. Oborn decided to repeat the Children’s Frolic on Friday evening last and as it was then less crowded the children had more space for their games, marches and dances. As a result of both events the school funds should gain about £45. One of the objects is a school library.
Victoria Park. A meeting is called for 11 August in Allen’s rooms to consider grading the ground to improve the park as a sports ground.
Mr M. Collins, the Mayor, has gone to the Royal Melbourne Agricultural Show where he is showing sheep and has secured a Grand Reserve Champion, a Champion, four second prizes and four third prizes. [The next issue added four first prizes to this list.]
The Joybells of 1926 will appear in Burra tomorrow evening. They are a very talented company headed by an Italian Jazz Band. ‘The show is original clever and clean.’
XXXXVIII, 30, 4 Aug. 1926, page 4
Address in Reply speech of Mr McHugh MP is printed in c. 3 columns.
Copperhouse School recently had an Arbor Day at which there was a large attendance of parents and friends. Mr W.H. Lloyd gave an address on tree planting. The school has recently been remodelled by the education department who purchased the property from the Redruth Methodist Trust. During the week a new flagpole was presented by W.H. Lloyd. The head teacher is Miss Nosworthy.
[The building was originally the Copperhouse Primitive Methodist Church.]
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 21 July
Andrew Thomas Hams, eldest son of Mr T.J. & the late Mrs Hams of Ironmine, married
Coral C.M. Holmes, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs J.S. Holmes of Ironmine.
XXXXVIII, 31, 11 Aug. 1926, page 2
Advt. Ironmine Methodist Church Grand Wireless Concert 17 August 7.45 p.m.
Featuring a Splendid Interstate Programme.
Mr M. Guerin has taken over the Hanson Hotel, Farrell’s Flat.
Burra High School hosted a visit by Clare High School for a return sports meeting on 7 August.
Basketball ‘A’ Clare 8 defeated Burra 1
‘B’ Clare 6 defeated Burra 1
Football Burra 9.12 defeated Clare 4.15
Redruth Court, 10 August
W.E. Hunt & L. Pascoe were fined £5 for obtaining liquor after hours.
M.V. Clarke of the Kooringa Hotel was fined £5 for supplying liquor after hours.
Salvation Army. The number of visiting shows in Burra of late affected the attendance for the Fullarton Girls on 6 August and it was not the success it deserved to be. They came on Friday and were billeted in the Army Hall where the local officers, Ensign & Mrs Fisher, had made arrangements. Their performance in march, drill, dialogue and action songs was exceptional. At Mt Bryan the attendance was very good considering it was a wild boisterous night. There was a crowded attendance in the Institute for the service on Sunday evening.
Obituary. John O’Leary, relict of the late Catherine O’Leary and 4th son of John and Margaret O’Leary, died in Kooringa on 6 August. He was brother to Tom, Margaret & Mary.
[John Joseph O’Leary died 7 August 1926 aged 77. See more on page 3.]
Burra Motor Sporting Club’s initial run on Saturday was as successful as it could be considering the weather. [Reported in more detail in XXXXVIII, 32, 18 Aug. 1926, page 4.]
Petrol Tax. There is an article [and there were others and large advertisements as well] against Prime Minister Bruce’s petrol tax that he was intent on introducing despite opposition from three state Parliaments, a host of powerful organisations and public protest. This particular article, which reads more like a political advertisement, is from The Town and Country Union
XXXXVIII, 31, 11 Aug. 1926, page 3
Redruth Court, 9 August
Arthur Harold Harrison [known as Mick] was charged on 8 August at Hogback Station. He was in illegal possession of the skin of a lamb and 18 pieces of its carcass. His father, John Harrison, was charged with aiding and abetting.
George Ralph Thomas, part owner of the station, gave evidence of going to the defendants’ rabbiting camp on the station with an employee, Sydney Fidge, where they found the skin.
Sydney G. Fidge corroborated.
Sergeant Johns gave evidence that the defendant John Harris had said the meat had come out with Bill Kakoschke from the Burra butcher’s on Saturday week when he brought Arthur out. When confronted with the lambskin he had claimed it to be an accidental killing when ‘Mick’ was aiming at a kangaroo about 15 miles away on Alderman’s Station. On going to the site alleged we found the lamb’s head, trotters and ‘the pluck’.
M-C Hornibrook corroborated.
A.H. Harrison made an unsworn statement giving more detail of the shooting and the butchering of the carcass.
John Harrison made a similar statement on oath.
Sergeant Johns said this evidence amounted to a confession and concealment and retaining were not justified even in the event of an accidental killing. ‘Mick’ had a previous £5 fine for unlawful possession.
The sentence was six months in Adelaide jail.
A.H. Harrison was further charged with breaking and entering Burra Military Depot and stealing a rifle and overcoat valued at £12 – someone having done so between February and April and the rifle having been found in the prisoner’s effects. The hearing was adjourned for a fortnight.
The Masonic Social & Dance was held at the Institute on 29 July and proved very popular.
[Details in c. 1 column.]
Obituary. Henry Bitmead Lawn who was fatally injured by a motor lorry [at Peterborough] on 26 July was born at Burra and spent his early life farming on his father’s property. He was later overseer at Mr McBride’s Faraway Hill Station before taking up land at Nackara. He also lived for a time at Carrieton and finally at Peterborough. His service and advice on sinking wells was widely sought. He was 65 and leaves a widow, six daughters and three sons: Mrs T. O’Dea (Peterborough), Mrs O. Jones (Henley Beach), Mrs A.E. Oliver (Fullarton), Mrs W. Adams (Payneham), Mrs R. Fuller (Peterborough), Miss M. Lawn (Adelaide), Mr C. Lawn (Broken Hill), Mr R. Lawn (Peterborough) & Mr A. Lawn (Peterborough). George Lawn of Burra is a brother and Mesdames James Phillips (Booborowie), C. James & W.B. James of Aberdeen are sisters.
[Birth registered as Henry Bidmid Lawn 25 June 1860 at Kooringa.]
Charles Parks has grown a huge cauliflower at the rear of his business in Chapel St. With its leaves it weighed 58lb and was given to the Burra Hospital.
Obituary. John O’Leary who died on 6 August was a member of the old time butchering firm of D.J. O’Leary & Co. of Kooringa. He has been in poor health for a long time and was cared for by his nieces the Misses E. & R. Milligan. His wife died two years ago. He was 77.
The Joy Bell’s Co.’s return visit to Burra was well received. After their performance a dance was held to the Italian Jazz Band and that was well attended.
XXXXVIII, 31, 11 Aug. 1926, page 4
Address in Reply speech by Sir David J. Gordon MLC.
Marriage. At the home of the bride 28 July
William Marshall, third son of the late Robert Marshall of Victoria & Mrs Marshall of Plympton, married Clara J. Motherall, third daughter of Mr & Mrs H. Motherall of Kooringa.
XXXXVIII, 31, 11 Aug. 1926, Supplement
Burra Town council, 2 August
Permission was given for a new house for Boz Pearce at Aberdeen.
Cr Kellaway moved to rescind the motion of Cr Riggs about the monument enclosure of 20ft x 45ft oblong because an enclosure of this size would be dangerous.
There was dissent over whether it was appropriate to proceed in the matter in the absence of Cr Riggs and eventually the question was deferred to the next meeting.
Cr Kellaway then gave further notice to rescind the motion that the work of enclosure be proceeded with.
It was resolved that the water trough in Market Square be cleaned once a fortnight.
Mr Ford offered to pay for trees and labour if the Council would plant gums and pines along his boundary on the north road.
Burra Hospital Board, 26 July
Mr Davey moved to rescind the motion of Mr Warnes reducing the Board from 12 to 7. He regretted that things had been said of a personal nature in the debate at the time (last November) and though he favoured the reduction in numbers he did not believe in taking away the direct representation of ratepayers.
Mr Melrose said that though things had been said that were best left unsaid he trusted all ill feeling had disappeared. He felt that if ratepayers directly elected all the Board then the Councils that supplied the money would have no direct say. The other problem was that elections in many council wards were rare and he couldn’t see voters turning out merely to elect the Hospital Board.
The motion was carried with Mr Melrose against.
Sister Rosa May Harvey was appointed charge-nurse of the Maternity Wing.
The Chairman (Mr Collins) had interviewed Mr Blinman who recognised that the Government owed £700 in grant money, but would not pay it unless the Board spent its money every month and sent in a return showing the need. Mr Melrose said if the Board kept the institution on the poverty line then the subsidy would be paid, but if it were on a good footing it would not be paid. They [the Government] will not pay a subsidy while the hospital was in funds.
XXXXVIII, 32, 18 Aug. 1926, page 2
Burra Motor Sporting Club held a very successful dance at the Parish Hall on Wednesday evening last.
The Liberal Union, Men’s Branch AGM was held on 13 August. M.A. Radford was elected President and Vice-Presidents are I.J. Warnes and E. Jettner.
Mrs Fitzgerald of Vineyard Terrace turned 93 last Thursday.
Tom Wilkinson, (23) only son of Mr & Mrs C.D. Wilkinson is leaving on 21 August for England to go to a post-graduate course at Oxford in silvicultural research. He is a graduate of St Peter’s College with a B.Sc. Adelaide.
XXXXVIII, 32, 18 Aug. 1926, page 3
Henry Roach left Burra to live in Adelaide last week. Apart from his father’s connection with the mine in early days the name Roach has been identified with milling in Burra for nearly 50 years and the mill on the Aberdeen-Kooringa road may be known as Roach’s Mill for some time to come. It is just 50 years since Mr Roach came to live in Burra. After many years engaged in milling he has of recent years sold a considerable amount of Burra property. Recently he sold the last: Butterworth’s Mill, at a good price to British Imperial Oil Co. for use as a depot.
Victoria Park Improvement Committee
The surface of Victoria Park has deteriorated so far as to be detrimental to good sport. Last year Fred Collins and Charlie Hill tried to improve the ground for cricket, but got little support. A meeting was called for 11 August to do something about the place and it now seems an infusion of new blood might achieve something.
The Mayor took the chair and said he and others had gone into the matter of ploughing and grading and had consulted competent men and the necessary work should cost £40. About 120 yards of piping with fittings to water the grass would cost c. £11. 20lb of seed was needed to plant the 4 acres.
Mr Kellaway moved those present form a vigilance committee. A deputation will wait on Council to get their approval and assistance and a £ for £ subsidy to the value of £30. The present expenditure of £25 would not have happened if it were not for the Back to Burra activities.
There was discussion about how to charge users for maintenance. Football had some income; cricket did not. F. Collins said Booborowie Committee used to charge clubs £2-2-0 p.a. each.
On Monday a deputation waited on the Town Council seeking £30 for the scheme.
Cr Woollacott asked what guarantee there was that the Committee would not peter out in a few months with all the money wasted.
Fred Collins said no one could guarantee being here next year or even tomorrow.
The Mayor said even if the grass died the oval would have been levelled.
Mr Bednall believed there would be no problem getting the other £30 – he would not mind guaranteeing it himself.
Cr Woollacott was absolutely opposed.
Help had been refused the playground, and the bowls and tennis clubs had to find their own money. If they spent money here while putting rubbish on the roads it was wrong. Money should be spent to help the unemployed. In any case the ground was too rocky and full of small quarries.
Cr Riggs moved the request be granted, as it would be money well spent: not all money should go on roads when many ratepayers had no cars to use them.
Cr Kellaway said the Council gave land to the tennis clubs and many clubs would use the park. He seconded the motion which was carried and the committee given permission to proceed.
Theatregraph Pictures showing of The White Sister was very well presented last Tuesday and the soloist Elsie Woolley was most impressed with the members of the Methodists choirs who sang Handel’s Largo and the last movement of the anthem King of Kings.
Burra Golf Club. The Championship was decided 7 August. Dr Steven won for the second year in succession with Dr Steele second. A trip to Clare on 14 August saw Clare victorious in 6 matches to 3. (Neither Dr Steven nor Dr Steele were able to participate.)
Booborowie is to get a new teacher’s residence, classroom, head teacher and shelter-shed immediately. Mrs Kelly has been struggling alone with 75 children and a lack of accommodation for several months.
XXXXVIII, 32, 18 Aug. 1926, page 4
Mr & Mrs D.L. van Senden entertained at ‘Wareemgeland’ Aberdeen 6 August a throng of 40 children to farewell their children Jean, Ted & Colin.
Hanson Hotel, Farrell’s Flat. The kitchen chimney fell through the roof and carried away much of the wall on 2 August.
Burra Motor Sporting Club went to the Gorge on its first run on 7 August. The weather had been bad, but cleared a little and about a hundred enthusiasts turned out. The program had to be curtailed due to further rain, but the fixture was nevertheless judged a success.
XXXXVIII, 33, 25 Aug. 1926, page 2
Notice. Names of Members or Adherents of the Redruth Methodist Church who were soldiers are to be in the hands of James Bentley or Frank T. Sara by 1 September 1926 to be included in the Memorial Windows for the church.
XXXXVIII, 33, 25 Aug. 1926, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. 7 August best scores were by W. Nankivell, A.P. Harris and G. Herbert.
21 August best scores were by A.P. Harris, B. Broad & H.L. Riggs.
Football. Semi-final at Aberdeen
Aberdeen 1.1 2.1 3.2 6.3 (39)
Hallett 0.1 2.5 2.7 3.8 (26)
Redruth Police Court, 23 August
Resumption of the case against A.H. Harrison for breaking and entering. The accused was returned to Burra on Monday by train by Constable Tom Rosewall.
Evidence about the items stolen etc. was given by Albert S.A. Kenny, Lieut. Of the Australian Instruction Corps Adelaide and by Melville Thomas Fuller (Lieut. & Officer-in Charge of the local Military Depot) who discovered the breakin during his weekly inspection on 18 April. Sgt J.R. Johns gave evidence of the discovery of the articles at the accused’s camp at Hogback Station on 8 August.
The accused said he had bought the rifle in Broken Hill for £1 seven weeks before from a swagman. He admitted knowing it was stolen from information in the Record, but did not wish to lose his money. He did not notice the offer of £5 reward. He claimed the coat belonged to George Kakoschke. He was remanded for sentence.
Harrison was placed in a cell preparatory for removal to Adelaide by Tuesday morning’s train. The prisoner was seen sleeping at 12.15 a.m. but at 5.10 a.m. the lock had been sprung and the prisoner was gone. During Monday night a 6-cylinder car was stolen from Burra Hotel Garage (Reg. No. 018). There is no doubt the prisoner’s release was the work of a confederate. The police are said to have good information of the escapee and his mate’s whereabouts. Six cases of petrol were also taken from the Burra Railway Station. A speeding car passed through Braemar Station at 5 a.m. Tuesday.
Obituary. Les Neagle was missing on Saturday morning and about 11.30 a.m. Stan Field looked over the partition between his shop and Mr Neagle’s office and saw him dead on the floor. It was clear when the police arrived that he had shot himself. A shot had been heard about 8.30 a.m. He was aged 34 and had come to Burra 17 years ago. He had been employed by Mr Winnall and then set up as a land and estate agent and was also clerk on the District Council of Apoinga. His legs had been badly smashed in a machinery accident in a tannery when he was 13 and they remained distorted. Nevertheless he was a keen sportsman; playing golf, cricket and tennis and was a fine shot. Lately however, his ankles had deteriorated and he suffered from neuritis with the prospect of soon being confined to a wheelchair.
[Born William Thomas Leslie Neagle at Mt Barker Springs 15 August 1892: died Kooringa 21 August 1926.]
St Mary’s. The Archbishop of Adelaide, Dr Thomas, confirmed 12 candidates on 17 August assisted by the local Rector Rev. F.B. Hewitson. On 18 August he confirmed 4 at St Andrew’s Mt Bryan.
Burra Town Council, 16 August
Permission was granted for a verandah to be erected in front of Mr Spier’s garage and for a garage for Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. in Church St.
The work on the road form the Bon Accord to the Railway Station had made it a shocking mess. Several other places were similarly complained of. There was disagreement about whether the blame lay more with the Overseer or the contractor. The Overseer said rubble was ordered in places where new metalling throughout was needed.
Cr Kellaway started to move to rescind the motion to enclose the monument.
Cr Riggs rose on a point of order that this motion had been before Council at the previous meeting and could not be moved twice in the same municipal year.
The Town Clerk said Cr Kellaway had been given permission to hold the motion over. Standing Orders said if a motion had been negatived it could not again be brought on.
Cr Riggs said if not carried it was negatived.
After discussion the Mayor over-ruled Cr Riggs.
Cr Woollacott seconded the motion, but it was lost.
Cr Riggs said that originally he had moved the area be 25yds x 15yds and he did not know why the motion on the books said 30yds x 15yds.
The Town Clerk agreed that the proposal if carried out would place the fence 24ft too far towards the Institute.
Cr Riggs couldn’t see that 5yds made that much difference.
XXXXVIII, 33, 25 Aug. 1926, page 4
Petrol Duty. There is a long rejoinder from the British Imperial Oil Co, to Mr Bruce’s speech in Parliament. It occupies the best part of 2 columns of small print.
XXXXVIII, 34, 1 Sep. 1926, page 2
Birth. On 24 August at the Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs P.J. Thomas a daughter, Sylvia Jean.
XXXXVIII, 34, 1 Sep. 1926, page 3
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures Burra Institute 7 September
Jackie Coogan in Little Robinson Crusoe
Plus A Son of His Father and special feature: Stereoscopiks 3-D Feature.
Mrs Ann Jordan of Chapel St will turn 93 on Friday.
Joseph Flower who is over 80 and late of Stony Gap is seriously ill in Burra Hospital following two recent strokes.
Weather. Some good soaking rain has at last fallen with 135 points recently over three days to bring the total for August to 286 points. The weekend rains extended to the eastern country with falls there from 102 points at Ketchowla and 92 at Oakbank to 175 at Quondong.
Football. Semi-final at Hallett
Hallett 1.3 2.2 3.2 3.3 (21)
Aberdeen 1.0 1.3 2.3 3.3 (21)
Hanson District Council met on 28 August and appointed Mr H.C. Barnes District Clerk, Secretary under the Local Board of Health, Overseer of Works, District Ranger, Inspector under the Vermin, Width of Tyres, Noxious Weeds, Sparrow and Weights & Measures Acts and Inspector under the Local Board of Health for £5-10-0 per week.
Chairman Cr J. Denton said he had legal advice that Mr Frank Treloar was entitled to be paid six months salary in lieu of notice.
Cr Bailey moved that Mr Treloar be paid six months salary in lieu of notice. Not seconded.
The Chairman said he considered that after their treatment of Mr Treloar following 27 years service he could not continue and resigned the position.
Mr Treloar considers he has been badly treated.
Burra Motor Sporting Club held a motor cycle race on 21 August from near the rifle butts on the main road, over Brewery Hill and Breakneck then via the stock road behind the rifle butts and a hill climb in M. Collins’s Brewery Paddock. Six competitors took part. Jack Williams on his 21⁄4 h.p. Raleigh came first. In car driving between pegs W.H. Spier won in his Amilcar. Riding between pegs for motor cycle was won by J. Priess on a 21⁄4 h.p. Raleigh. About 200 people attended with 20 cars and 14 motor cycles.
Arthur Harold Harrison (Mick) who escaped from Redruth on 23 August was caught with his accomplice, William George Lines, on the stock road near Mundi Mundi in NSW on Wednesday 25 August. They were handed over to Sgt Johns on Thursday and arrived in Burra by train on Friday morning. They were remanded to 3 September and left by the afternoon train for Adelaide. The car was returned by road yesterday (Tuesday) unharmed.
Aberdeen Tennis Club AGM 19 August. It was decided to try to form an association comprising Aberdeen, Copperhouse, Booborowie, Kooringa, Hallett, Porter’s Lagoon and Ironmine. Elected were Patron, I.J. Warnes; President A.B. Riggs; Captain, F.M. Pearce; Vice-Captain, J.G. Tiddy, Secretary, E.V. Riggs & Treasurer, J.G. Tiddy.
XXXXVIII, 34, 1 Sep. 1926, page 4
Market Square
On 25 August the RSA met with the Council to present an alternative plan for Market Square. Dr Steele said that reports in the Record made the RSA realise that its preferred option of enclosing the Rotunda and Memorial in one fence was not going to be realised. It seemed to Dr Steele (who had discussed it with his brethren) that the whole thing deserved serious consideration and should not be determined merely by cost. The enclosure needed to be in keeping with the memorials and to set them off. Whatever was done would be practically for all time and deserved further consideration. He suggested to the RSA branch that there be a triangular enclosure of both the Rotunda and the Memorial with a base 26yds long in front of the troughs and the sides 60yds long finishing in an apex pointing to the Institute and that the enclosure be a low stone wall topped with an iron railing. He had costed the wall at £75 and posts, piping etc. would bring the total to £380. He thought the right way to go was to get proper plans drawn up and put to tender and if people did not respond and come forward with money the Council would have done its job and the RSA as much as it could do to perpetuate worthily the memory of the fallen.
Cr Riggs wanted the matter discussed fully. He thought iron fencing was out of date. He did not see why the soldiers wanted to take the Rotunda into consideration. If in future it was desirable to do so with his scheme it was merely a matter of removing a few posts. His scheme would require less upkeep. He thought only round posts would suit the memorial. He was against a wall and iron fence.
Dr Steele was not fixed about the type of fence, but was sure the area needed a triangular enclosure to be artistically in tune with Market Square, which was triangular rather than square. With labour this latest RSA scheme would cost probably more like £450 and concrete post structures about £250.
Mr Hammond said the RSA wasn’t demanding anything. It simply wanted to see the town beautified and he felt leaving out the Rotunda would spoil it. He would be happy with Cr Riggs’ fence for the triangular plan and thought the road on the Farmers’ Union side should then be made one way.
Cr Kellaway favoured the triangular idea. A square fence with a round one beyond it [for the Rotunda] would not be in keeping with modern planning.
The Mayor was not optimistic about raising the money by subscription. The Honour Roll Committee could not collect all the promises and £70 was still outstanding. He thought now perhaps a public meeting would be best. Dr Steele supported the public meeting idea.
Burra Hospital Board, 23 August
Mr Hawkes was elected Chairman for 12 months. The late Annie Howell had left the residue of her estate to the Hospital after certain other legacies had been paid, but it is considered there will be none left over after the legacies and legal costs.
After discussion it was decided to return the hospital to its old standing as a full-time training school.
The secretary reported the Department had sent £787 being the balance of the subsidy to 30 June. The Chairman remarked that it was the first time the subsidy had been paid in full.
XXXXVIII, 34, 1 Sep. 1926, Supplement
Stockowners’ Assoc of SA Burra Burra District AGM on 20 August. Elected: President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-President, M.A. Radford. The General Secretary Mr Virgo gave a short address on the latest shearing award.
Hanson Methodist Church Blossom Fair on 21 August in aid of the new Sunday school was opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes and raised over £90.
Hon. R.W. Foster spoke at Burra at the Institute on Friday to a very small group on the proposed constitutional changes to be submitted to referendums on 4 September.
Mt Bryan Coursing Club ran a 16-dog stake on 19 August. The results are printed.
XXXXVIII, 35, 8 Sep. 1926, page 2
Notice. The partnership of Richard William Bruce and Joseph Heinrich both of Kooringa and trading as Burra Transport Co. is dissolved 25 August 1926.
XXXXVIII, 35, 8 Sep. 1926, page 3
Kooringa Masonic Lodge attended a service conducted by Rev. Ralph Lee at the Kooringa Methodist Church on 5 September.
Victoria Park is being ploughed in preparation for grading.
Spinsters’ Dance 2 September in the Institute. Murison’s Jazz Band supplied the music.
Football. Final played at Aberdeen 4 September:
Aberdeen 1.0 5.0 5.0 5.2 (32)
Hallett 2.1 2.1 4.4 4.5 (29)
In the premiership at Booborowie: North Booborowie 7.8 defeated South Booborowie 7.4.
Redruth Court, 3 September
Arthur Harold Harrison was charged with escaping from custody.
Sgt Johns gave evidence as previously noted of the circumstances of Harrison’s being tried and placed in the cells, of his escape and of finding the lock forced.
Arthur Duckworth, Sergeant at Broken Hill, gave evidence of talking to Harrison at Tarrawingee Hotel NSW. Harrison had said that he was let out by Lines.
M-C Silverton of NSW gave evidence of the capture near Tarrawingee.
Harrison had there admitted being an escapee and Lines had admitted forcing the door.
Harrison pleaded guilty and was remanded to Adelaide for sentence.
William George Lines was charged with stealing a Nash car valued at £560. He pleaded guilty and was remanded for sentence.
Lines was then charged with unlawfully assisting Harrison to escape. He admitted having gained access through the stable.
Harrison was charged with aiding and abetting in the car theft. He admitted the theft and the theft of the petrol from the Burra Railway Station and was remanded for sentence.
Burra Rifle Club 27 & 28 August
Nine members travelled to Gawler for the annual two-day meet of the No. 4 District Union. The weather was unfavourable and rain on the night of the 27th caused modification of the program. Burra men did well and brought back nearly £15 of the prize money. In aggregate the best were S. Cordon 129 and A.B. Riggs 127.
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Institute 11 September
Carter De Haven in The Thorobred
Jane Novac in The Danger Signal
14 September
Mary Pickford in Little Annie Rooney
Florence Vidor in The Trouble with Wives.
Burra Show Soc. met 24 August. The secretary’s salary was raised to £100 p.a. from 1 January. There will be a special train from Adelaide on the 2nd day.
Automobile Assoc. guides will be engaged to help parking.
The society will request a large framed picture of Mr Winnall be hung in the Institute with the Institute committee’s approval.
Admission to the Show to be 2/-, children 6d and vehicles and cars 1/6.
Mr Kuhlman of Prospect paid £50 for the publican’s booth.
Tenders are to be invited for lunch supply.
XXXXVIII, 35, 8 Sep. 1926, page 4
Farrell’s Flat correspondent says timber has been obtained for the jetty at Porter’s Lagoon and it is hoped it will be ready for the opening regatta.
‘To make things more interesting we would suggest getting a slippery dick for the beach.’ [Sic!]
District Council of Hanson, 28 August
Letter from the Lands & Survey Department approving on stated terms of the Council having a lease of Section 28 at Porter’s Lagoon. Deferred to next meeting.
Further advice is to be obtained on whether it is necessary to pay the late clerk Mr F. Treloar six months’ salary in lieu of six months’ notice.
XXXXVIII, 36, 15 Sep. 1926, page 2
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Burra Institute 18 September
Rin-Tin-Tin in The Clash of the Wolves
21 September
Betty Bronson in The Golden Princess
Betty Compton in Claude Duval
XXXXVIII, 36, 15 Sep. 1926, page 3
Advt. J. Lewis Trust. Paxton Square Account. Cottages to let, nominal rent to worthy cases.
Frank Treloar.
Obituary. Patrick McNamara died 12 September at Emu Downs aged 78. Father of John, Martin, Thomas, James, Joseph and Elizabeth Johnson. [More details in the supplement to this issue.]
Obituary. Joseph Flower late of Stony Gap died 13 September at Burra Hospital aged 84 as the result of a stroke. [Lengthy obituary next issue page 3.]
A.G. Gordon of Mechanical Supplies Ltd will demonstrate the Kelvinator Home Refrigerator at Drew & Crewes Ltd on 17 September.
Frank Treloar’s position as Clerk of the District Council of Hanson ended on 13 September after 27 years’ faithful service. In all this time he never missed a meeting.
E. (Ted) Kelly was riding a motor bike across the Bon Accord Bridge on Sunday when he struck one of the posts and being thrown heavily, sustained concussion.
Burra Children’s Playground. The fence is nearing completion. Edgar Pearce won the tender for the erection of sheds.
Bachelors’ Ball at Burra Institute on Thursday 9 September was very successful. The report extends for just over 1 column.
Westbury Methodist Church. [Referred to here and frequently as the Copperhouse Church.]
The Methodist Church was re-opened on 4 September. Mrs Josiah Thomas re-opened the door. She is a member of one of the pioneering families and as a little girl (Mary Pinch) lived at Copperhouse. Rev. H. Alvey conducted the open-air service. The little town, he said, had once boasted two churches and two hotels and who knew but that the mineral wealth of the hills might bring people there again. Doris Coon presented a bouquet to Mrs Thomas. John Drew in responding for Mrs Thomas referred to the old families of the town: Seaman, Forsyth, Nickles, Saunders [Sanders], Dunneman, Menz, Lomman and many others.
The building has been renovated and is beautifully clean inside and out. Proceedings inside took the form of a musical program. Mr J.G. Sara said the repairs had been badly needed. It was at the Copperhouse Church he had preached his first sermon as a local preacher. Rev. Alvey said he had looked on the building with pity and shame since coming to the circuit. The opportunity to do something came when the old Primitive Methodist Church property was purchased by the Government for a State School and he told the Trust they must contribute something towards the renovation fund. They had given £25. The contract for rough-casting and pointing the exterior etc. was £28 and with new windows and other work the total was over £82. The Copperhouse Sunday School contributed £8. Mrs T.H. Woollacott, Mr H.W. Tiver and a friend put in £5 each and Mr Robert Fuss £4. Mrs J.C. Sandland (an old resident) £1-1-0 and Miss Nosworthy £1. Nell Byles who had attended Sunday school there had offered herself for mission work in New Britain and had passed her nursing exams. Alan Lomman, a lad in the Sunday school had calsomined and painted the interior. The men who erected the belfry were thanked also and E.W. Dunhill for making and placing the big gate. The day raised enough money to write off the liabilities.
The following are named as workers on the project: Mesdames J. Nickles, H. & A. Lomman, W. Kellaway, J. Coon, W. Ford, W. Symonds, R. Appleton, T.S. Robins and Messrs E. Pryor, I. Kellaway & R. Voumard.
Burra Rifle Club held a shoot on 4 September over 800 & 900 yards and best scores were from J. Terry and J.E. Pearce.
XXXXVIII, 36, 15 Sep. 1926, page 4
Burra Town Council
The Local Government Department will not assist the Council to put the stone crusher in order because it would not be economical either in terms of the cost of the machine of in extra wear and tear on the roads by getting all the stone from the one quarry.
There was a report on vandalism of trees by some young boys.
Various road and paving matters were approved.
Cr Kellock reported serious inaccuracies in the Farmers’ Union Weighbridge. The problem he said was that the loads were weighed one half at a time and there was an incline onto the bridge.
The Town Clerk said he had tested the weighbridges and found them accurate in the past 12 months.
Cr Kellaway said it would cost £200 to £300 to put in a Corporation weighbridge and there would be a man to pay. The charge for weighing is 6d a load. The matter was deferred to next meeting.
Cr Riggs moved that a public meeting be called with the object of forming a committee with two members of the public, two members of the RSA and two members of Council to formulate, finance and finalise a scheme to enclose the Monument, guns and Rotunda in Market Square. Carried.
XXXXVIII, 36, 15 Sep. 1926, Supplement
Obituary. Mr Patrick McNamara of Emu Downs died suddenly on 12 September aged 78. His wife died six months ago. He was a pioneer of SA and resident of the district for 60 years. He was born in Ireland and left with his parents for Australia when six weeks old. He began as a bullocky, but then took up land. He was twice married and leaves two sons and a daughter by his first wife: John & Martin and Mrs Johnson of Henley Beach and three sons by his second wife: Thomas (WA), James & Joseph of Emu Downs.
M.A. Radford of ‘Condellara’ Aberdeen writes explaining remarks made at a recent meeting of Stockowners that the competition between road and rail is a waste of resources. He believed the railways would ultimately win.
XXXXVIII, 37, 22 Sep. 1926, page 3
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Burra Institute 25 September
Miss Fay Lanphier in The American Venus with Prologue by Miss Adelaide (Miss Jean Armstrong) and with Miss Cecil Jenkins, Premier Danseuse. Second feature: The Overland Limited.
Obituary. Francis C. (Frank) Dower died suddenly on 21 September at his father’s residence aged 10. He was the son of Patrick Dower. [Born Francis Carrol Dower 12 May 1916 at Kooringa.]
Burra District Lawn Tennis Association was formed at a meeting in the Redruth Memorial Hall by delegates from Hallett, Willalo, Copperhouse, Ironmine and Aberdeen Clubs. Patron, Maurice Collins; President, F.M. Pearce; Vice-Presidents, F.A. Smith & T.E. Richards; Secretary & Treasurer E.V. Triggs.
Marriage. At ‘Cappadola’ Hallett 15 September
Edith Jeffery, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs T.H. Jeffery of Hallett, married
Cyril, only son of Mrs & the late Mr T. Keys of Burra.
Obituary. Joseph Flower who died 13 September was born at Timbsbury, Somersetshire 4 March 1842 and arrived at Pt Adelaide in January 1854 on the David Malcolm. For three years he worked for Joseph Johnson at the Reedbeds before becoming a shepherd at Gawler. He then worked for Dr Brown of Buckland Park as a bullocky till March 1859 when he moved to Stony Gap where his father had taken land, but the year was exceedingly dry and stock had to be fed on Sheoak etc. which caused sickness. (Another pioneer Mr M. Quinn of Waterloo said about then he drove a wagon and team across Porter’s Lagoon which was quite dry.) Conditions were so bad Joseph Flower left and took a fencing job on Canowie. (2,000 posts at 2d a post hole. He then did general work on Canowie till 1865 when he returned to Stony Gap. 1866 was a terrible year with no rain till September and then a solid week of it. By the end of October feed was 2-3ft high. In 1862 he married Miss Catherine Callis and they had five sons and six daughters. The homestead was alongside the little back country church (since demolished) and the family were staunch supporters of Methodism. He was a Councillor for 16 years with the Apoinga Council and a long-time supporter of the Burra Show Society. He was 84 when he died. He is survived by four sons and six daughters: James (Braefoot), William (Tambleup WA), Joseph (Canowie Belt), Frank (Lower Light), (John is deceased), Mrs George Parker (Leighton), Mrs S. Jeffery (Aberdeen), Mrs G.C. Heinrich (Sturt Vale), Mrs G. Cavanagh (Bright) and Mrs J. Phillips (Waterloo). There are 48 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Obituary. Miss Doris Adeline Riesson died at Baldina 14 September aged 22. She was born Aberdeen 4 June 1994 [sic] the daughter of Mrs C.H. Mann of Baldina by a previous marriage.
[Born as Dores Adaline Riessen at Aberdeen 1 June 1904: death registration has Doris Adelaide.]
Obituary. Michael Quinn was buried on Sunday. He was a resident of Waterloo and late of World’s End and was aged 76. [Died 17 September at Waterloo.]
Veterinary Surgeon Bodey can be consulted at Lynch’s Commercial Hotel this week. Late of 21st English Veterinary Hospital Belbeis Egypt in the Great War.
Kooringa Tennis Club AGM 15 September. Elected: Patron J.R. Barker; President, P.J. Pickering; Secretary, J.S. Melville. Mr Bednall moved that the club join the Association, seconded by Mr F.A. Smith. Mr Barker moved they not join, seconded by H. Warnes. Amendment carried.
XXXXVIII, 37, 22 Sep. 1926, Supplement
Naval Fair. The annual Redruth Methodist Church bazaar took the form of a Naval Fair in the Institute on 17 Sept. The battleship HMAS Burra occupied the full length of the hall, 60ft long and 20ft wide complete with two funnels, two masts and two 6 inch guns. Crew and officers wore full dress with Mrs Alvey as Lieut. Commander. Mrs M. Collins launched the HMAS Burra at 11 a.m. Gross proceeds were £152.
Burra Rifle Club. A match was fired over 800 & 900 yards. H.L. Riggs and A.P. Harris scored best.
George Rogers writes objecting to any implication that the weight of wood delivered to the Hospital might be overstated and promises £10 to the Hospital if his load of wood is ever found to be under weight.
RSL held a Smoke Social at Burra Hotel on 16 September. Dr Steele presided. Speeches by S. McHugh representative of the District and A.H. Dalziel, General Secretary of RSL in SA are reported.
Market Square Changes. The meeting on 13 September was very poorly attended. Only two members of the public joined the RSL and Council representatives. The Mayor was surprised that the controversy generated had not caused more people to attend. The Mayor feared that raising the £350 to £400 needed to complete the project would be very difficult, though he hoped it could be done.
Dr Steele had nothing to add to the report in the Record of the proposal and he was confident that the old feeling that raised money for the Memorial was not yet extinct.
Mr S.M. Lane was concerned about the traffic flow, but Dr Steele said the plan was not to extend the fence far beyond the Rotunda.
The Mayor said the Council was prohibited by the Act from donating more than £50.
Cr Riggs explained that as Chairman of Public Works Committee he was empowered to carry out the scheme passed by the Council to relocate the guns to opposite the Institute and this would be done if it was found impossible to carry out the enclosure scheme. A committee was then appointed.
Victoria Park improvement Fund Sports took place 18 Sept at the Aberdeen Racecourse. Three events given by the Motor Sporting Club created great interest. H.E. (Tuss) Finley won the handicap race of three times around the course in his Chevrolet: doing the three miles in 4 mins 8 secs. He beat Alan Kakoschke who was also in a Chevrolet. In the motor cycle events ‘Barney’ & J. Williams provided the thrills. In the mile race B. Rodgers won from L. Pary. Other results are printed.
XXXXVIII, 38, 29 Sep. 1926, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 7 October: The Musical Carlsons
Thrilling programme of Music, Mirth and Melody
Notice. The partnership of Eric John McKenzie of Kooringa and Harold Lindley Holder of Pt Augusta, trading as McKenzie & Co. has been dissolved 1 July 1926.
Notice. The partnership of William Stuart Bright and Edward James Ranembe Morgan, practising as solicitors under the name of Bright, Bright & Morgan, is dissolved from 25 September 1926. W.S. Bright will continue to practise in Adelaide and Kooringa under the name Bright & Bright.
The Joybells of 1926 paid a visit to Burra on Monday night and were highly praised for their beautiful music.
XXXXVIII, 38, 29 Sep. 1926, page 3
Weather. The best September rains for many years boosted the chances of an excellent harvest and they extended well into the eastern pastoral country. Burra received 146 points and it is raining as we go to press. Falls to the east vary from 140 at Oakvale to 230 at Sturt Vale.
Mrs E.T. Humphrys of ‘Maythorne’ Hanson and Mr C.A. Humphrys and his wife and family were farewelled from Hanson for Adelaide. They will be missed as staunch supporters of the Hanson Methodist Church. Mrs Humphrys Sen. has been connected with it for 36 years. She is the daughter of the late Mr Luke Teddy of Redruth and she married Thorn Humphrys in 1888.
Obituary. Joe Belcher died recently. In the 1870s he was in the Kooringa Post Office.
[Joseph Matthew Belcher died at St Peters 22 September 1926 aged 72.]
Obituary. J.A. Ogilvy (Alick) died recently. He too was in the Kooringa Post Office in the 1870s and in 1914 he returned as Postmaster. [Alexander James Robertson Ogilvy was born at Gawler 3 November 1860 and died in Adelaide, residence Henley Beach 16 September 1926.]
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, Burra Institute 2 & 5 October
Those Marvels of the Screen: Stereoscopiks.
Only three of these wonders are in existence and the producers became bankrupt, so there is little chance of any more.
XXXXVIII, 38, 29 Sep. 1926, page 4
Burra Town Council, 20 September
Burra Motor Co. was given permission to erect another bowser.
T.H. Woollacott was given permission to erect a supper room at the Institute and also to erect a house for Messrs R. Reed & Son.
Two more pines have been pulled up by boys.
Discussion on weighbridges and their accuracy continued.
Cr Riggs said there should be a re-arrangement of Wards. West Ward was compact and full of rateable properties. East and North Wards were scattered with long lengths of road to maintain. North Ward had approach roads and East Ward had the Cemetery Rd.
The Town Clerk said a change needed a petition from one fifth of ratepayers.
Cr Riggs & Cr Woollacott are to represent the Council on the committee to improve Market Square.
Cr Allen reported ‘some disgusting practises’ in the shelter-shed on the Aberdeen-Kooringa road. The police have been informed.
XXXXVIII, 39, 6 Oct. 1926, page 2
Notice. The Railways Standing Committee will take evidence on 15 October in the Booborowie Hall on the Hanson-North Booborowie Railway.
Advt. Redruth Memorial Hall 26 October. The Cantata: David the Shepherd Boy.
Large Choir and Orchestra. Proceeds to Methodist Trust Funds.
XXXXVIII, 39, 6 Oct. 1926, page 3
Notice. The Musical Carsons will not appear on 7 October due to a transport breakdown.
Mr R. Pollard of the National Bank, after almost three years here, has been transferred to Mt Gambier. He will be succeeded here by Mr O. Trestrail from Adelaide.
Kooringa Tennis Club is making a fourth court. It will be an earth court. The other three are tar-paved.
Victoria Park improvements are in hand. The ploughing has removed a large number of dangerous boulders. Couch is to be planted.
Mr A.S. Gordon who was collecting orders in Burra some 12 months ago for his book Mordecai McCobber the Jew advises he has almost enough subscriptions and the book will be available in the course of a couple of months.
Tom Fuller has been placed in charge of the new depot for British Imperial Oil Co.
[Formerly Butterworth’s Mill.]
Tennis. Saturday: ‘A’ Grade
At Hallett: Ironmine 9-71 defeated Hallett 6-69
At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 8-73 defeated Willalo 7-68
‘B’ Grade
At Aberdeen: Willalo 12-91 defeated Aberdeen 3-45
At Ironmine: Hallett 15-93 defeated Ironmine 0-33
Burra High School Old Scholars Dance was held at the Parish Hall 1 October.
Redruth Court, Monday
Carl Rabbich was fined £7-10-0 + 10/- for being on the premises of the Royal Exchange Hotel for the purposes of betting.
Salvation Army. Daffodil Fair at the Institute 1 October.
Decorations were largely in the hands of Mrs H. Stockley and Mrs F. Fisher (wife of the officer in charge). The fair was part of the annual Self-Denial Appeal.
Ironmine Sunday School 54th Anniversary 19 & 20 September.
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 9 October
Helen Chadwick in The Golden Cocoon
Adele Blood in The 13th Girl
XXXXVIII, 39, 6 Oct. 1926, page 4
Burra Hospital Board
£35 worth of new furniture was bought for the Matron’s room, as the old furniture was smashed. Mr Warnes thought the old furniture had been abused and regretted approving the expenditure of up to £50. Salaries of single certificated nurses have been set at £125 and of double certificated nurses at £130 to £140.
XXXXVIII, 40, 13 Oct. 1926, page 2
Advt. Redruth Methodist Church. In Memoriam Service and Unveiling of the Soldiers’ Memorial and Honour Windows by Mrs C. Bartholomaeus.
XXXXVIII, 40, 13 Oct. 1926, page 3
Advt. Concert, Supper and Old Time Woolshed Dance at Gum Creek Woolshed,
Wednesday 26 October 8 p.m. in aid of Gum Creek School Funds, including Lantern Views of a trip through Central Australia to Darwin lent by Hon. W.G. Duncan MLC.
Motor Sports. ‘Barney’ and the boys are making lots of noise preparing their new bikes for the speedway events at the racecourse today.
Obituary. Kenneth Beaton aged 60 has died at Orange NSW without a will. A call is made for any relatives as he was believed to have had a married sister in SA probably near Burra. [If he was born in SA he seems likely to have been either Kenneth Beaton born 3 July 1866 in Adelaide to Roderick & Catherine nee McLachlan, or John Kenneth Beaton born 16 October 1867 at Sandergrove to Duncan & Jane nee Scott. Neither suggests any obvious sister with a Burra connection.]
Adelaide Criminal Court
Arthur Harold Harrison (23) rabbiter pleaded guilty to the theft of a car at Kooringa on 23 August. He was sentenced to 6 months for escaping from custody, 12 months for the larceny of the car and 18 months for larceny and shop breaking: the sentences to be served concurrently.
William George Lines (22) pleaded guilty to helping Harrison to escape and the larceny of the car for which he was sentenced to 2 years and 12 months respectively, also to be served concurrently.
Burra Children’s Playground. The ground is in good state, but about £50-£100 is needed to equip it. Shelter sheds should be completed this week.
Burra Town Council
The Telephone dept. says income from the public telephone at the railway station has been £1-13-8 for 12 months and an income of £6-19-0 is needed to justify its remaining.
Local Govt Dept. wrote saying that the method of weighing trucks in two parts was all right if the approaches were level, but that was an essential requirement.
The Town Clerk said that financially North Ward had expended almost all funds. East Ward had over £400 and West Ward had £200.
Much time was then spent on debating the raising of road metal and screenings for tar-dressing.
Further debate on weighbridges followed and Cr Kellock moved that Mr Rogers’ challenge to test his weighs be taken up: not to win the £10 on offer, but to satisfy the public of Mr Rogers’ honesty. Carried.
The road from the gate to the station was in a shocking state. The Town Clerk said the ganger had said the work done was temporary and it was intended to tar-dress it.
XXXXVIII, 40, 13 Oct. 1926, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club. A shoot over 300, 600 & 700 yards saw best results from A.B. Riggs, A.P. Harris & R. Woodman.
Tennis. ‘A’ Grade At Ironmine: Willalo 11-72 defeated Ironmine 4-54
At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 8-67 defeated Copperhouse 7-63
‘B’ Grade At Willalo: Willalo 10-76 defeated Ironmine 5-49
XXXXVIII, 41, 20 Oct. 1926, page 3
Martin Pederson celebrates his 70th birthday today. He arrived from Denmark just over 49 years ago. We understand he is anticipating another visit to Denmark in the coming year. (He made a trip there five years ago.)
Mr N.J. Tiddy turned 70 on 19 October.
Obituary. Michael Cousins of Booborowie died on 11 October aged 46. He married a daughter of Mr T. Robins of Copperhouse who survives with four young children. [Born 7 January 1880 at Booborowie.]
Booborowie Hall. A committee is raising funds for the hall.
[Personal interest: V. (Vernon) Fuss was on the committee.]
Tennis. ‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse: Ironmine 8-66 defeated Copperhouse 7-68
At Willalo: Hallett 8-70 defeated Willalo 7-71
‘B’ Grade At Ironmine: Ironmine 8-76 defeated Copperhouse 7-66
At Hallett: Willalo 8-73 defeated Hallett 7-77
Mr Henry Collins turned 93 on Saturday. Nine of the thirteen surviving children attended. Sons: John, Joseph, Dan, Eddie, Maurice & Horace. Daughters: Clara (Mrs G.J. Hanlin) & Alice, Olive (Mrs Tolhurst). Another son, Alf, from Queensland was represented by his son, Jarvis.
Burra Cricket Association AGM was held at Mr Bednall’s residence on 11 October. Elected were Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, M.A. Radford; Vice-Presidents, L.W. Gebhardt & J. Denton; Secretary & Treasurer, M.W. Bednall. The season’s program is printed.
Burra Rifle Club went to Eudunda on 8-Hours Day for a shoot over 500 & Double 600 yards. Eudunda 917 defeated Burra 901.
On 16 October over 200, 500 & 600 yards the best scores came from J.A. Riggs, R. Woodman, H. Byles, H.L. Riggs & W. Nankivell.
Leighton School Annual Picnic was held at Ayers Forest 14 October where they were joined by Ayers School. Transport was supplied by I.J. Warnes.
St Joseph’s School Bazaar was held in the Institute 16 October. Proceeds were c. £120.
XXXXVIII, 41, 20 Oct. 1926, page 4
Redruth Court
Claude Attrill was charged with being on the premises of the Commercial Hotel on 2 October for the purposes of betting. Despite a considerable amount of circumstantial evidence the SM ruled there was not enough to establish guilt and the case was dismissed.
Marriage. At the residence of the bride’s parents, [18 September]
Alice Carpenter, second daughter of Mr & Mrs T. Carpenter of Hallett, married
Edward Ernest Coleman, third son of the late Mr & Mrs Coleman of England.
Cricket. Last Wednesday (8-Hours Day) Robertstown 3 for 123 defeated Burra 119.
XXXXVIII, 42, 27 Oct. 1926, page 3
F.T. Robertson of Aberdeen turned 70 on 26 October. He came to Burra 49 years ago and is the fourth son of the late Dr H.A.P. Robertson of Bristol, England.
Mt Bryan Tennis Courts at the Recreation Ground were opened by Mr G. Goodridge on 23 October.
District Council of Hanson Ratepayers’ Meeting 23 October at Council Chamber, Hanson.
About 70 attended and the meeting had to be held in the open. It had been called on account of the recent dismissal of the District Clerk Mr Treloar and the overseer Mr Williams and the combination of the two roles into one.
Mr Hawkes moved that the meeting deplored the action of the Council.
The report runs for 21⁄2 columns and the argument for the move was grounded on financial savings which were challenged, but the debate here requires further knowledge for it to be evaluated.
The chairman (Cr Scholz) said ‘he had on occasion been treated with contempt by Mr Treloar’ and he gave instances. The weight this had in the decision was left to those present to decide.
Eventually the motion was lost 36 to 16 with 20 abstaining. Other matters were then raised.
A vote of thanks was accorded Mr Treloar.
Burra Motor Sporting Club held a postponed meeting on 23 October.
W. Young won the car handicap (Less than 1,500 cc) in a Chrysler.
G. Krichauff won the unlimited car handicap in a Fiat.
H.E. Finlay won the two-lap motor cycle (Less than 350 cc) event on an Elliott Villiers.
L. Thomas won the unlimited 5-lap motor cycle event on a Douglas.
R. Hunt won the 10-lap motor cycle race on an AJS.
J. Hill on an Elliott Villiers won the flying-start motor cycle race.
Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary 17 October.
Rev. Arthur B. Lloyd, a son of one of the pioneer ministers of the church officiated.
Instead of the usual tea meeting a social evening was held on Monday in the Lecture Hall. The financial position of the church is sound, but with no very large surplus to carry on.
The Gum Creek Concert, Supper & Dance in aid of local school funds on 20 October was well attended.
XXXXVIII, 42, 27 Oct. 1926, page 4
Mrs D.L. van Senden was farewelled from the Parish Hall on 20th. The family leaves at the end of the month for Pt Augusta. Mr D.L. van Senden was farewelled from Kooringa Masonic Lodge on 19 October.
Roy Pollard was recently farewelled by the Kooringa Masonic Lodge on his removal to Mt Gambier. He was also farewelled by the RSL.
Kooringa Tennis Club Tournament 16 October.
Gents’ Singles: F.A. Smith
Ladies’ Singles: Miss Tennant
Gents’ Doubles: W.H. & M. Tiver
Ladies’ Doubles: Misses Riggs & Wicklein
Mixed Doubles: Miss Tennant & Mr G. Sangster
Burra Town Council, 18 October
British Imperial Oil was given permission to lay a pipe from the station to the depot (Butterworth’s Mill) and to build certain buildings on the site.
The Local Govt Dept is to investigate roads re a request for a £600 grant.
New Assessment: North Ward £4,901
West Ward £5,249
East Ward £7,032
£17,182
This is an increase of £228 on 1925, mainly due to new buildings. There are about 700 assessments.
Retiring Councillors are the Mayor, Cr Harris for East Ward, Cr Kellock for West Ward and Cr Riggs for North Ward.
Cr Woollacott gave notice of a call for a vote of ratepayers to readjust wards.
The Mayor said he would stand again to see the completion of projects started.
Funds in hand are: West Ward £400, East Ward £281 and North Ward £10 debit.
Cr Kellaway said the problem was that East and West Wards had a great deal of approved work that had not been done. More work should have been done by putting on workers instead they had stuck in North Ward. His ratepayers accused the Council of being absolutely controlled by the Chairman of Public Works [Cr Riggs]. He was inclined to agree. As a member of the committee he had been asked about matters only twice in 12 months and he moved six casual men be employed to catch up on East and West Ward work. This was carried with Cr Woollacott opposed.
XXXXVIII, 42, 27 Oct. 1926, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club. Visit of Riverton Club: Burra 859 defeated Riverton 821.
Redruth Methodist Church: War Memorial Windows.
Mr & Mrs Charles Bartholomaeus who left Burra some five years ago to live in Adelaide have placed in the church windows in memory of the boys who enlisted and those who made the supreme sacrifice. They are in the western wall of the transept and the unveiling took place on Saturday 23 October in the presence of a large congregation. Rev. Alvey led the service and Mrs Bartholomaeus unveiled the windows.
The central window bears the names of the fallen. The names are surmounted by crossed flags and under that the words: Fought the good fight* 1914-1919. Above the flags are the Australian ‘Rising Sun’ emblem and the words In Honour. On either side are windows bearing the names of those who enlisted from the church. Three sons of the donors head the list. Rev. C.J. Perry of Clare, late Chaplain in the AIF, delivered the address.
[* Actually it reads Fight the good fight.]
XXXXVIII, 43, 3 Nov. 1926, page 3
Accident. A stray horse walked into a car driven by Ken Drew near the mill on the Aberdeen Road on Saturday night. Mrs Twist was rendered unconscious and is likely to be confined to her room for at least a week. This highlights the dangers presented by stray animals in the town.
Alwyn Pearce, on the staff of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co., has been transferred to Minlaton. Lyall Tiver takes his place and his duties have in turn been taken over by H.P. Abbott from the Adelaide Office.
A Shell Depot for Burra
It was due solely to the enterprise of the British Imperial Oil Co. that petrol pumps have replaced the old expensive tins and cases of petrol. Bulk distribution began in Australia in 1915 when Shell fuel oil, motor spirit and ‘Pennant’ lighting kerosene were brought to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide in bulk. The difference in price today is 3/- for every 8 gallons. Bulk depots have now been opened at Jamestown, Clare, Kadina, Kapunda, Broken Hill, Port Pirie, Quorn and Loxton. For primary producers bulk containers of 4 and 8 gallons are available. Shell will hire pumps to garages who do not wish to install their own due to the cost. This saves the consumer at least 3d per gallon. The opening ceremony at the Burra Depot will be at 3 p.m. on 3 November.
David the Shepherd Boy Cantata was performed at Redruth Memorial hall on 26 October. A choir of about 40 voices was conducted by W.H. Gare. It is reviewed in 1⁄2 column. The event raised over £40 for Church Funds. [Personal interest: Among the soloists the bass R. Fuss sang the role of Samuel.]
Burra Hospital Board, 25 October
The Matron attended and said she was extremely annoyed when she read Mr Warnes’s remarks about the abuse of furniture in The Record. Mr Warnes had spoken of a number of legs being off chairs. There was in fact one and that had been done and repaired before her time. She could not see why present staff should be blamed for what had happened years ago. Mr Melrose didn’t think the Matron should feel hurt because of the comments of one member of the Board. The Chairmen said in his opinion the Matron and staff were justified and the Board should have repudiated the remarks of Mr Warnes when they were made.
Tennis Association, 30 October
‘A’ Grade At Ironmine: Aberdeen 10-72 defeated Ironmine 5-65
At Hallett: Hallett 11-81 defeated Copperhouse 4-51
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 14-94 defeated Ironmine 1-50
At Copperhouse: Hallett 12-89 defeated Copperhouse 3-52
Cricket. Kooringa 108 & 118 defeated North Booborowie 92 & 8 for 75. [Win on the 1st innings.]
XXXXVIII, 43, 3 Nov. 1926, page 4
Tennis Association, 23 October
‘A’ Grade At Aberdeen: Hallett 9-76 defeated Aberdeen 6-70
At Copperhouse: Willalo 8-67 defeated Copperhouse 7-70
‘B’ Grade At Hallett: Hallett 11-87 defeated Aberdeen 4-54
At Willalo: Willalo 10-70 defeated Copperhouse 5-62
Black Springs & Wheeteland Schools held a combined picnic on 16 October.
Burra Children’s Playground Committee intends to hold a Christmas carnival on the night of 15 December to raise funds.
XXXXVIII, 43, 3 Nov. 1926, Supplement
Burra Show on 26 & 27 October was a great success. The weather was perfect. Someone estimated there were 1,200 cars, but we don’t know. On the big second day takings were 20% up on 1925 and it is thought some 2,000 people passed through the gates on members’ tickets and that the total attendance must have been between 7,000 & 8,000 and it was a remarkably prosperous and well-dressed crowd. There was a real street of sideshows. The view from the cars on the hill was superb. The official luncheon catered for about 100 guests including three Members of the Legislative Council: Hon. W. Morrow, Hon. P.B. Blesing & Hon. G. Ritchie and the members for the district: Messrs M.R. O’Halloran MP, A.R.G. Hawkes MP & S. McHugh MP.
The President I.J. Warnes in his speech extolling the expansion of the show said a sheep pavilion was needed and he would give £250 towards it if members would contribute £ for £. The Pavilion, though doubled in size from its original, was now quite full. Agricultural produce reflected the good season. Dairy produce was of high quality. Eddie Finch in particular had an excellent display. Mrs Dan Williams of Ironmine won a separator presented by SA Farmers’ Union. K.B. Watts dominated the meat awards. Poultry accommodation had been improved, but entries had fallen this year by about 60. The quality of entries was excellent. There was little competition in Draught & Blood Horses, but quality was high. There were excellent entries in Horses in Action. Cattle entries were not numerous, but were of good quality. Competition in Dogs was keen. Sheep were the strongest section in the show and exhibits again increased being up 50 [from last year’s 121] and small producers were well represented. Fleece wool was not well represented with only 7 entries. The implement display was improved. Vegetables were of good quality and well displayed. R.E. Hunter of Clare took all but one of the awards for fresh and dried fruit. The flowers were of good quality, but the judge thought the staging could be improved with a lack of colour blending and careless placing of exhibits. Cooking was well represented as were Arts and Industries. The School Class was very creditable, especially the smaller schools of Leighton & Copperhouse and the new school at Ayers which got 10 awards from 14 entries.
[Personal interest: Prizes to R. Fuss
3 pelargoniums zonale 2nd 3 pelargoniums zonale 1st
3 single petunias 1st 3 azaleas 1st
1 azalea 1st 3 cyclamen 2nd
pelargonium 1st & 2nd primuli 1st & 2nd
3 asparagus 1st 1 asparagus 1st & 2nd
3 begonia 1st 1 begonia 2nd
Basket plant 1st & 2nd maidenhair fern 1st
3 adiantum 1st & 2nd 3 ferns 2nd
Collection of ferns 1st 3 pot plants for table 1st
1 pot plant for table 1st & 2nd]
‘Hard Up’ writes saying the large surpluses in Ward Funds in East and West Wards mean either the rates are excessive or there is very bad management.
‘Ratepayer’ writes reminding the Mayor that he did not start the Honour Roll project, but Mr Crewes did.
‘Lest We Forget’ writes wondering what happened to the idea of a Memorial Hall for Hanson, for which people were collecting a few years ago. Why has it been allowed to lapse?
Obituary. Mrs W. Harry Vivian who was visiting her daughter Mrs W.J.C. Ewins at ‘Kilburn’ Kooringa died in her sleep on the morning of 27 October. Mr Vivian died about two years ago. She left one son and two daughters: Mr Herbert Vivian of Adelaide, Mrs R.A. Cock of Leighton & Mrs T. Keane of Fullarton. There are three step-sons: T. Vivian, Walter Vivian & Will Vivian and two step-daughters: Mrs W.J.C. Ewins and Mrs H. Tame of Mile End.
[Emmiline/Emmelina Bessy/Bessie Yeo was born 1883 or 1885 depending on death or marriage records and was the second wife of William Henry (Harry) Vivian whom she married 9 April 1885.]
Obituary. Mrs E.M. Elix who for 12 months has been housekeeper for Mr Percy Oates of Redruth passed away suddenly on 31 October aged 42.
[Born Ethel May Elizabeth Smelt 3 January 1885 at Wallaroo. She was a widow.]
XXXXVIII, 44, 10 Nov. 1926, page 3
Birth. On 2 November at Mrs Fuller’s Aberdeen to Mr & Mrs H. Brown of Gum Creek a daughter, Elsie Mary.
Harry Lihou who celebrated his 72nd birthday last Sunday at the residence of his eldest daughter Mrs John Allen was born near Mt Barker, but has lived most of his life at Burra. His father, the late Henry Lihou, was the guard on the first train to Burra.
‘The Murray Trip’ has become a popular holiday attraction. [The Gem is mentioned as taking passengers to Mildura, but the starting point is not stated, though for Burra passengers Morgan suggests itself.]
Miss Muriel Farmer, telephonist, will soon return to a city posting and was farewelled by members of the Junior Endeavour Society in the Methodist Lecture Hall. Miss Farmer was their Superintendent.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Ironmine: Ironmine 10-81 defeated Hallett 5-56
At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 12-82 defeated Willalo 3-60
‘B’ Grade At Willalo: Willalo 9-84 defeated Aberdeen 6-63
At Hallett: Hallett 14-97 defeated Ironmine 1-51
Cricket. Ramblers 95 & 49: South Booborowie 125 & 65
First day of Kooringa v. Mt Bryan
Kooringa 96: Mt Bryan 3 for 72
Guy Fawkes. The Band and bonfires and crackers were much in evidence to celebrate the 5th November.
Bowls & Croquet season opened 6 November. It was quite a social occasion as reported in almost 1 column of detail.
The Train Timetable underwent major changes on 1 November.
Broken Hill Express
To Adelaide Arrive Burra 6.43 a.m. Depart Burra 6.48 a.m.
From Adelaide Arrive Burra 10.08 p.m. Depart Burra 10.13 p.m.
Train terminating at Burra
From Adelaide Depart Adelaide 4.40 p.m. Arrive Burra 9.06 p.m.
To Adelaide Depart Burra 7 a.m.
XXXXVIII, 44, 10 Nov. 1926, page 4
Burra Town Council, 1 November
Cr Riggs was concerned at the motion passed at the last meeting in his absence empowering members for East and West Wards to oversee some works. This seemed to reflect on him as Chairman of Public works. He said the attack on him at the last meeting was cowardly and unjust. He wanted to know what right the Council had to interfere with the duties of the Chairman of Public Works in his absence and without consultation. He had taken action to return men from other wards to their work in Hardy St and noticed men cutting grass from footpaths when in a month’s time it could have been removed by burning using the Fire Brigade that had to be paid for anyway. The truth was the rates were too high. It was better to have a credit balance than to waste money kerbing market gardens and empty allotments as in East Ward when footpaths in front of new houses were not fixed. Nearly £100 of North Ward money had been used in a contract and if that were deducted, it compared very favourably with other wards. There was much left undone pro rata which had been ordered in North Ward as in other wards.
Mr Oborn of the State School wrote thanking Council for removing dangerous rocks from near the school.
There was further sniping between Cr Riggs and Crs Kellock & Kellaway.
Farrell’s Flat Horse Show [on Wednesday 3 November] is reported at length.
XXXXVIII, 45, 17 Nov. 1926, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will offer by auction on Friday 19 November 27,258 sheep.
XXXXVIII, 45, 17 Nov. 1926, page 3
Advt. Burra Institute Monday 22 November. Gymnastic Display by Peterborough Physical Culture & Gymnastic Club.
Advt. The Musical Carlsons at Burra Institute Thursday 25 November.
Advt. Cantata David the Shepherd Boy by the Redruth Choir at Ironmine Church Next Tuesday 8.p.m.
George Rowlands of the Commercial Bank Kooringa has been transferred to St Peters. He was secretary of the Burra Football Association and a member of the Kooringa and Ironmine Tennis Clubs and a member of the Institute Choral Class and the Kooringa Methodist Choir.
Armistice Day past unobserved in Burra this year. The flagpoles were bare.
George Sangster takes the position at Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. recently occupied by Alwyn Pearce.
Obituary. Mrs M. O’Keefe of Aberdeen died in Adelaide on 14 November. She had gone to the city for an eye operation and died suddenly. [Born Catherine Walsh in either 1860 or 1863 depending on marriage or death registrations.]
Burra Children’s Playground is taking shape, but many things are still wanted and assistance is still sought.
Institute Classes have been working on a production of the comic opera Les Cloches de Corneville and two performances are scheduled for 15 & 16 December. Everything is being done by local amateurs.
Cricket. Conclusion of match last Saturday at Farrell’s Flat
Ramblers 142 & 43 (185) defeated Farrell’s Flat 114 & 5 for 43. [A 1st innings win for Ramblers.]
Conclusion of match saw Mt Bryan 180 defeat Kooringa 96 & 4 for 174. [A 1st innings win to Mt Bryan.]
Tennis
‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 8-59 defeated Aberdeen 7-74
At Willalo: Ironmine 8-68 defeated Willalo 7-69
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 11-90 defeated Copperhouse 4-63
At Ironmine: Willalo 13-93 defeated Ironmine 2-50
XXXXVIII, 45, 17 Nov. 1926, page 4
E.T. Claridge late manager of Oakbank Station was given a farewell social at Oakbank 30 October. L. Billing, manager of Oak Vale handed over a presentation roll of notes. Mr O.G. Owen Smith, present manager of Oakbank spoke in support. Mr Crewes also spoke in support; and travelled 250 miles to do so.
Burra Rifle Club, 6 November shoot over 300, 500 & 600 yards saw best scores from G. Woodman and C.W. Pearce.
Burra Bowling Club AGM 26 October elected: Patron, Mr James Reed; President, Mr Maurice Collins; Vice-Presidents, Dr Steele, M.A. Radford, E.F. Marston & A.G. Gebhardt; Secretary & Treasurer, P.L. Rosman.
XXXXVIII, 45, 17 Nov. 1926, Supplement
River Murray Trip. A Morgan to Mildura trip on the Gem is reported in almost six columns.
Burra Shell Depot
Year by year Burra is growing and so it is good to see the British Imperial Oil Co. acknowledge this by placing a depot in the town. They purchased Butterwoth’s Mill as the site. The mill was gutted and the two top floors removed and it was turned into a garage. Tanks were installed and connected to the railway station by pipe. There are two 8,000 gallon tanks. There is a 600 gallon road tanker to distribute petrol to the district. The depot was opened with a luncheon in the garage on 4 November. The Mayor presided and welcomed the SA Manager, Mr Day. Mr Tom Fuller was placed as manager. Mr Crewes also spoke in welcoming the company. Mr Day said something of the company’s history.
CWA
Mrs I.J. Warnes convened a meeting in the hall adjoining the show office on 5 November. The hall was crowded. Mrs T.R. Bowman of Adelaide also attended to give advice. She was President of the National Council of Women in SA and could speak of the great benefits the CWA had brought to Queensland and NSW. She had approached Mrs Warnes at the suggestion of the heads of the organisation in NSW & Queensland. Preparatory discussion with clergy, philanthropic workers and prominent people of the district had followed. Mrs Bowman outlined the aims of the CWA:
Improve the welfare and conditions of country women and children.
Draw together country women, girls and children.
Bring opportunities for recreation.
Encourage study of local municipal and district affairs in a wise and kindly spirit.
Promote educational facilities in the country.
Secure better provision for safeguarding public health, especially of children and securing better medical and hospital facilities in the country.
The CWA if formed would operate from a country centre. The National Council of Women could not do these things which were not meant for the city and it had too many other issues to pursue.
The CWA motto is Loyalty to the throne, through service to our country by country women to country women.
Mrs Bowman said she would like to see the central movement of the Association start in Burra and would like to see the northern towns form an Association.
Mrs Warnes thought the major towns like Burra should form an Association and after 12 months meet in Adelaide to decide where the big centre should be. She said the main object was to have a rest or club room where a mother coming into town would have a rest room and somewhere to leave her little ones while she did her shopping and then later when established they could look at seaside camps, emergency help etc.
A motion was carried to form a District Service Association.
Mrs Warnes was unanimously elected the President.
Mrs Maurice Collins was elected Secretary and Mrs P.J. Pickering was chosen as Treasurer.
Mr Charles Wilkinson has offered a rent-free room at the rear of the stationery shop and Mrs Wilkinson has furnished it.
Marriage. Booborowie Memorial Institute 11 November
Allen Westley Pearce, eldest son of Mr & Mrs T.A. Pearce of Mt Bryan, married
Myrtle S. Phillips, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs James Phillips of Booborowie.
Soldiers’ Aid Society. The Annual Fete for the Royal Institution for the Blind was held at the Redruth Memorial Hall on Friday 12 November. As membership is now small the event was also smaller, but the energetic Miss Bubb as President and her small band of workers took over £50.
Mid Northern Polo Club AGM was held on 6 November and elected: Patron, J. Melrose; President, I.J. Warnes; Captain, F.C. Humphris; Vice-Captain, A.T. McWaters; Registrar of Ponies, W.S. Murray. The season opened on 6 November and a scratch match was played with three-a-side.
XXXXVIII, 46, 24 Nov. 1926, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 15 & 16 December. The Bells of Corneville, Music by Robert Planquette.
The program with cast etc. was printed.
Advt. Big Homely Dance in the Burra Institute as Last Dance of the Season.
Murison’s Dance Band.
Notice. The Musical Carsons again have to defer their visit to a later date in December.
I.J. Warnes is off for a complete rest for one month, taking a trip to Colombo on the Narkunda.
Obituary. Mr George Parks on old Burra boy died in Port Pirie on Tuesday morning. He was the second son of the late Thomas Parks of Kooringa and a brother to Thomas and Charles Parks of Burra. A widow and adult family survive.
[Born 15 March 1863 at Kooringa: died 23 November 1926 at Solomontown.]
XXXXVIII, 46, 24 Nov. 1926, page 3
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Ironmine: Copperhouse 8-67 defeated Ironmine 7-66
At Hallett: Hallett 9-78 defeated Willalo 6-63 [check]
‘B’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 13-93 defeated Ironmine 2-60
At Willalo: Willalo 11-92 defeated Hallett 4-57
Burra Rifle Club. 300, 600 & 700 yards shoot with best results from J.E. Pearce and Capt. A.L. Kellock. In the Carraca Cup A.P. Harris with 20 points leads H.L. Riggs with 17.
Cricket. At Farrell’s Flat 1st day’s play: Farrell’s Flat 89, Kooringa 3 for 82.
Miss Bubb writes thanking friends outside the Soldiers’ Aid Society who helped raise the £51 sent to the Royal institution for the Blind from the recent fete.
[Personal interest: Mr Robert Fuss cut up his own timber for the stall decorations and Mrs Fuss helped with the decorations.]
F.B. Hewitson writes that on Armistice Day St Mary’s bell was rung for the 3 minutes before 11 a.m. as a reminder to observe the silence.
St Mary’s held a ‘Magpie’ fete on 19 November at Burra Institute in aid of Church Renovation & Rectory Funds. Proceeds to date are about £185.
Ironmine ‘Rainbow Fete’ held in Leighton Hall raised about £60.
Burra Town Council, 15 November
The Railways Dept has decided not to make the approach to the station a one-way system.
F.M. Pearce was granted permission for alterations at the house of Mr Penrose.
Various other routine matters were dealt with.
Burra High School Council. The Dept has approved the purchase on a His Master’s Voice gramophone and records and books to the value of £40.
19 students entered for the University Exams beginning on 23 November.
If the school had 50 students it would get another teacher.
XXXXVIII, 46, 24 Nov. 1926, page 4
Redruth Court, 15 November
George Shattock was charged with driving a car while drunk on 2 November. His vehicle struck the back of two cars and a bus parked near the Institute. The car continued to the post office and was pulled up on the right hand side of the road. It then drove off leaving behind the left hand side rear door and the hood lying on the roadway. It stopped at the Mine Bridge where two approach rails on the left hand side were broken and a parapet corner stone dislodged. The evidence goes on for over two columns and the case is dismissed on the grounds of reasonable doubt. The driver produced witnesses to show a defective steering gear (though not enough to make the car undrivable) and he claimed a stuck accelerator.
Booborowie Football Association held its final meeting for the year which is reported. South Booborowie was presented with the Old Koomooloo Shield as Premiers.
XXXXVIII, 47, 1 Dec. 1926, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 3 December: The World’s Greatest Emotional Play: The Rosary by Edward E. Rose.
Advt. Christmas Carnival in aid of the Burra Children’s Playground at Burra Institute 6 November [sic]. Christmas Trees, Stalls, Competitions & Father Christmas. Dancing from 10 p.m.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will offer for sale on 17 December ‘Pualco Station’ 19, 480 acres on perpetual lease. On instructions from George Gallagher. Perpetual lease 6419 annual rent £20-5-10.
65 miles northeast of Burra. Stone house of four rooms, woolshed, yards etc.
XXXXVIII, 47, 1 Dec. 1926, page 3
Notice. A poll will be held Saturday 4 December to move the boundary of North Ward south by 33 chains.
Notice. Municipal Elections
Mayor: Maurice Collins elected unopposed
North Ward: Alfred Benjamin Riggs elected unopposed
West Ward: Maurice William Bednall elected unopposed
Auditor: Boz Edwin Pearce elected unopposed
East Ward Francis Harris
John Arthur Riggs
Election in East Ward on 4 December.
Obituary. Mrs John Wilks of Mt Bryan East died at Aberdeen on Tuesday morning aged 79.
[Born Christina Stewart 25 July 1847 at Old Tiers, District of Adelaide: died 29 November. See more XXXXVIII, 49, 15 Dec. 1926, page 3.]
Obituary. Miss Kathleen Sandland died last Wednesday 24 November in Adelaide after a long illness. She was the daughter of Mrs Caroline and the late John Chesters Sandland of ‘Kya Lami’ Kooringa and was born at Koonoona. She was the eldest granddaughter of the late James M. McBride. She had for some years been the main organiser of the Burra Hospital Christmas tree.
[Born 15 December 1884.]
Tennis
‘A’ Grade At Willalo: Willalo 9-80 defeated Copperhouse 6-65
At Hallett: Aberdeen 9-68 defeated Hallett 6-64
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 8-78 defeated Hallett 7-78
At Copperhouse: Willalo 9-85 defeated Copperhouse 6-69
Fire. On Friday 26 November a fire started on Walter Hawker’s property at Booborowie. A wind change luckily allowed it to be put out quickly. The Spalding District is well organised with beaters, water-carts and a splendid organisation.
Booborowie has a fire cart, but no organisation. It is time something was done.
The Burra Children’s Playground benefited by about £13 from the dance held in the Institute 26 November, at which Murison’s Jazz Band played.
XXXXVIII, 47, 1 Dec. 1926, Supplement
Strawberry Fetes are reported from Booborowie (Methodist: £130 nett), Mt Bryan (St Brendan’s: £95), Leighton (Ladies Guild) and Hanson (For school funds: £25)
In Leighton the 1925 fete raised £100 of the total yearly income of £138. Expenses for the year were £111. Present liabilities on the £1,667 property are £150 loan from the State Bank and an overdraft of £129.
The Peterborough Gymnastic Club’s display at the Institute on 22 November was a real treat.
Burra Hospital Board Meeting of 20 November
Summonses are to be issued to recover between £400 and £500 from unpaid accounts.
General Grant for the coming year is to be £1,500 and a special grant on a £ for £ basis up to £1,000 for building an isolation block. The Board had £700 in hand.
It was resolved to proceed and the present ward is to be disposed of.
Incorporation of the hospital was discussed.
One complication was that the Town Council holds the fee simple for the land on which the original buildings stood and the Government owns the land on which the Maternity Ward stands. The Chief Secretary is to be consulted.
Copperhouse School Committee held a social evening to raise funds on 18 November.
Marriage. At Hallett Methodist Church 3 November
Wilfred E. Hogan, son of Mr & Mrs Thomas Hogan of St Peters, married
Beulah Rebecca Tiver, daughter of Mr & Mrs Edgar Tiver of Hallett.
Marriage. At Kooringa Methodist Church 27 November
Robert (Alex) Alexander Bevan, second son of Mr & Mrs Alfred Bevan of Kooringa, married
Beatrice E.A. Byles, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs H. Byles late of Koomooloo Station and now of Kooringa.
XXXXVIII, 48, 8 Dec. 1926, page 2
Notice. Messrs Fischer, Copley & McLachlan, Stock & Station Agents of Adelaide, will open a branch of the Company in Burra 1 January 1927. Mr H.G. Oates of the Kapunda Branch will be in charge at the office in Chapel St adjoining Bright & Bright Solicitors. They will specialise in private selling of stock and land and on clearing sales.
Mr C. Lomman of the Farmers’ Union was knocked down and dazed when he ran into a horse on the road near the station while riding his bicycle home on Friday evening. The rider of the horse turned suddenly across the road.
‘Ted’ Lockyer paid a visit to Burra at the weekend after leaving it 26 years ago.
Fire destroyed 8-9 acres of feed on Dew’s farm near Kooringa owned by H. Warnes, on Friday last. A spark from a train is believed responsible.
Weather. The last week has been hot with the temperature on Friday well over 100°F. There was severe thunderstorm activity on Tuesday 30 November which brought little rain to Burra, but produced some good falls to the east, though they were very erratic and varied from 12 points at Redcliffe to 106 at Glenora.
XXXXVIII, 48, 8 Dec. 1926, page 3
Cricket. Arrangements are in hand for a revival of the old customary Stockbreeders v. Kooringa game to be held at Aberdeen 18 December.
Porter’s Lagoon is again becoming a popular place of resort.
F.A. Smith who came to Burra just over a year ago as manager of the newly opened Commercial Bank has been moved to Minlaton. He will be missed in tennis and musical circles. Mr Stevens from Kew, Victoria follows him here.
Tennis. On Saturday in ‘B’ Grade at Copperhouse: Aberdeen 8-77 defeated Copperhouse 7-75.
Burra Rifle Club held a shoot over 500, 600 & 800 yards in which best scorers were C.W. Pearce & J.E. Pearce.
Polo. A scratch match was held on Saturday last.
Fire. Messrs Collins & McLennon lost a Graham motor lorry and its load of wood when it caught alight on Saturday afternoon. The area where it occurred offered neither water nor loose dirt.
Municipal Elections, 4 December
East Ward Cr Harris 91
J.A. Riggs 48
The poll to move the North Ward boundary was defeated 106 to 81.
XXXXVIII, 48, 8 Dec. 1926, page 4
Cricket. Completion of the game at Booborowie 27 November.
Ramblers 158 defeated North Booborowie 81 & 6 for 64.
XXXXVIII, 48, 8 Dec. 1926, Supplement
Burra Town Council. Mayor’s Annual Report
This has been a year of advance. £41-14-6 has been received in building fees representing new building of about £12,000. The Burra Institute is being improved with the addition of a supper room, dressing rooms and a larger stage room. British Imperial Oil has bought Butterworth’s Mill and converted it to a bulk depot. The SAR has provided an exit from the passenger station into Railway Terrace to do away with a crush at train time.
Steps are being taken to enclose the Soldiers’ Memorial and Rotunda with a suitable fence. Mr Golding, architect, is advising and preparing plans.
The Roll of Honour will soon be completed and placed in the public reading room of the Institute. This was possible when the Committee of ‘Back to Burra’ donated the nett profits of about £130 to the fund.
The Children’s Playground is also nearing completion.
We opened the year in credit £600-1-6 and will close in credit of about £200. The upward trend in prices makes it unlikely we can reduce the rates from the present 2/9.
This year 300 pines were planted, but success with trees is difficult. Many die and not a few are deliberately destroyed. It is intended eventually to plant the creek as far up as Opie’s Hotel.
Victoria Park has been improved with the oval harrowed and replanted with couch.
The Children’s Playground is being established this year on land opposite the Roman Catholic Church and it will soon be completed.
The cemetery has recently been tidied.
The Local Board of Health has not had to deal with any serious outbreak of disease this year. In the near future we expect the hospital to have a new Infectious Ward.
The lighting account payment of £434-13-3 looks very high, but it includes £138-8-9 due for payment in November 1925. The actual 1926 cost was £296-4-6. If possible lighting will be extended in 1927.
The Fire Brigade has not been called to any serious fires this year.
We have advanced £390 from the general account to maintain main roads and have asked for a special grant of £600 to complete the tarring to the Railway Station gate.
Rates collected were £2,326-6-7.
[The Ward accounts show the growing imbalance in ward incomes. Allotted from rates were:
North Ward £276
East Ward £381
West Ward £298]
Ratepayers’ Meeting
The Mayor regretted the retirement of Cr Kellock and with all deference to Mr Bednall he thought the people in West Ward should have had enough interest in the Council to put forward someone who had lived here at least a number of years.
F. Treloar regretted the Council’s apathy on Armistice Day and spoke in support of the work of the Mayoress.
Rev. Hewitson moved a vote of thanks for the ‘Back to Burra’ committee for the donation to the Roll of Honour.
Sitting Councillors then retired and appeared only reluctantly when the chair ruled (after some debate) that they should remain to answer any questions.
The Mayor said that they had only found out at the last minute they did not have a flag fit to fly on Armistice Day and the breach would not be repeated.
He believed no town in SA had better kept roads. The town planned to tar the roads to the station and the hospital to the Council boundary and the eastern road as far as Abberton Park (not because he lived there, but because of the traffic).
Cr A.B. Riggs spoke in support of moving the boundary of North Ward to the south.
XXXXVIII, 49, 15 Dec. 1926, page 3
Miss Lily Piggott was given a farewell from the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School on Sunday. She had been a student at Burra High School.
Burra Rifle Club. Halfway through the Championship matches C.W. Pearce leads with 190 from L. Kellaway & W.G. Woodman each with 188.
Polo. A practice match was played last Saturday.
Obituary. Mrs Christina Wilks died at Aberdeen 29 November. She was born on 25 July at Old Tiers near Adelaide as the third daughter of the late Alexander & Ann Stewart of the White Hart Hotel Aberdeen. She spent her childhood on Munjibby, Meredy and Tuilkilkey Stations. The family later took over the White Hart Hotel. In 1877 she married Mr John Wilks, butcher of Saddleworth and they lived there and at Manoora for seven years before going to make a home at Mt Bryan East. Mr Wilks died in 1921 and his widow carried on until nine weeks before her death. She leaves five sons and one daughter: John, Benjamin, William, Ewin & Jenkin & Miss Lily Wilks. There are 12 grandchildren and Mrs J.G. Terry & Mrs B.A. Preece are sisters.
[Personal note. My father told me that a grey painted car of 1925 or 1926 model of Mrs Wilks was at Horton Jennison’s in the 1960s on blocks with 7,000 miles on the odometer – possibly a Ford T.]
Bowls. Clare visited last Wednesday and Burra 104 defeated Clare 100.
On Saturday Kapunda 98 defeated Burra 81 for the Kapunda Cup.
St Joseph’s School held its annual concert in the Institute on 9 December before a large and appreciative audience. Details extend for 2⁄3 column.
XXXXVIII, 49, 15 Dec. 1926, page 4
Croquet. On Wednesday Burra beat Clare.
Red Cross. £15 was sent to Red Cross Depot for Christmas Cheer for hospitals and £5 to the Consumptive Home.
Hann & Button write re Cr Wicklein’s report at the ratepayers’ meeting about a tractor on a tarred road. The tractor concerned was being delivered, had no spade lugs on the wheels and would not have damaged the surface.
The Children’s Playground Christmas Carnival is reported in just over 1⁄2 column.
XXXXVIII, 50, 22 Dec. 1926, page 2
The Burra Children’s Playground, though not thoroughly equipped, will be open for children and guardians in the Christmas holidays. Shelter sheds, swings etc. will be quire ready.
XXXXVIII, 50, 22 Dec. 1926, page 3
Redruth Court
T.P. Halls on behalf of his son Robert George Halls sued Guy Dollman for compensation under the Workman’s Compensation Act. On 20 August 1926 [sic: error for 1925] the plaintiff aged 15 had been asked to light a blow lamp. An explosion of a tin of methylated spirits enveloped him in flames and he was in hospital for six weeks and unable to do anything for 12 months. The worst injury was to the first finger of his right hand. He was still afflicted in a variety of ways.
Evidence was tendered of what the plaintiff could do since the accident. Dr Steele’s medical evidence was at variance with the degree of residual damage now being claimed. Evidence showed that the boy could earn 15/- a week. Dr Steven, the boy’s doctor, was not called and the only inference the court could draw was that the plaintiff’s case would not be supported by him. The case was dismissed with parties to pay their own costs.
Burra Show Society
W. Dixon was appointed caretaker of the showgrounds at £50 p.a. The President offered £250 on a £ for £ basis for the construction of a sheep pavilion. Roy Humphris was authorised to collect donations and the project was approved.
Burra Public School, 17 December 1926
Results of the Qualifying Certificate Examination in order of merit:
Boys Girls
Alan Penrose Ruby Bass
Stanley Kellaway Doris Lee
Fred Peak Joyce Thamm
Keith Lower Marion Twist
Douglas Bower Ivy Turnbull
Reg Isaac Doris Hayes
Ray Seeley Marjorie Davey
Edward Carpenter Lorna Cox
Hurtle Allen
Fred Kakoschke
Lance Voumard
19 of 21 eligible passed and 18 gained certificates. [Which seems a little odd. Perhaps there was an age limit involved for the other scholar.]
[Personal interest
Grade 5 girls: 2nd Sheila Fairchild, 3rd Edna Allen
Grade 2 Boys: 1st Ted Fuss]
Plans are in hand to celebrate the school’s jubilee in 1928. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs [sic: error for Mr] Bath in February 1877 and the school opened in January 1878.
Soldiers’ Aid Society. The last meeting for the year was held on 2 December at Redruth Memorial Hall with a small attendance. The late treasurer, Mrs A.J. Wallis, is leaving to live in Adelaide. A gift to her of a three tier cake stand was on view. £13 is being sent to the Red Cross Depot for Christmas cheer for sick soldiers. The society now goes into recess till March 1927.
Leighton State School speech day is reported. Mrs I.J. Warnes distributed the prizes. Dux of the school was Avis Longbottom.
XXXXVIII, 50, 22 Dec. 1926, page 4
Cricket. On 18 December Stockbreeders 314 defeated Kooringa 143.
For the Stockbreeders B.L. Anderson retired on 85 and H.W. Tiver was not out 75.
Farrell’s Flat 89 & 32 was defeated by Kooringa 8 for 155.
Polo. There was another practice match on 18 December.
Burra Rifle Club. At a shoot over 200, 500 & 600 yards G. Herbert, C.W. Pearce, A.P. Harris & W. Bass scored best.
For the Christmas shoot, which added a 300 yard shoot and handicap to the previous, was won by G. Herbert from C.W. Pearce.
St Joseph’s School prize day on 17 December was reported.
Qualifying Certificates went to Lucy Morrison, Moira Killicoat, Jean Morrison & Laurence Dower.
Victoria Park Vigilance Committee reports on work done. The total expenditure to date was £51-14-7 and the cash in hand was £5-12-5.
Leighton Annual Christmas Tree was held at the hall on 11 December, given by Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes.
Mr I.J. Warnes is returning from Colombo on the RMS Maloja, due at Adelaide on Christmas Eve.
Burra High School broke for Christmas on 17 December. Friends, parents and scholars gathered at the Institute foe a social. Dr Steele as President of the School Council urged parents to send their children to High School. They needed 50 pupils to get another teacher. At present they had Mr Haese & Miss Robinson and Miss Elsie Tiver for Economics. Mr Haese said at the close of 1925 there were 29 pupils. 15 new members enrolled in the New Year, but removals and employment reduced numbers. The average attendance was 36.7; well up on earlier years. The school magazine started six years previously had been well maintained.
XXXXVIII, 50, 22 Dec. 1926, Supplement
The one-page single-sided supplement is entirely devoted to the production at the Institute of:
Les Cloches de Cornville
‘A Wonderfully Successful Production.’
This was produced at the Institute 15 & 16 December 1926. The chorus work was of a very high order and the soloists had clear enunciation and good tone and expression. Mr G.E. Dane directed. Recent additions to the stage and rear of the hall aided greatly.
M.V. Churchill, scenic artist of New York USA, painted the scenery.
In the process of a very favourable review all the instrumental and solo vocal performers are listed.
The company adjourned after the event to J. Allen’s café for a dainty supper.
Four photographs of the production are included.
Characteristics of the 1926 paper.
Page 1
Large advertisements; mainly local.
Page 2
A mixture of advertisements of varying sizes. Many are concerned with sales of stock or real estate. Notices from local government and State & Federal Government Departments etc. News rarely starts on page 2 in 1926.
Page 3
Page 2 advertisements and notices frequently spill over onto page 3. The news than begins without editorials. Sport gets considerable detail and so does the Town Council. There is generally a good coverage of local and district events and the outlying towns and districts have regular correspondents’ reports.
Page 4
A mixture of larger advertisements; not all local, and a spill-over of news from page 3 in widely varying proportions.
Supplements in varying sizes are common. Some are single sided while others cover both sides.
Advertising seems to have expanded considerably this year. The paper also contains a few photographs. They remain sparse, but no longer rare. Few are local.
Numbering of Issues in 1926
The year began with Volume XXXXVIII Number 1 on 6 January 1926.
And continued to Volume XXXXVIII Number 50 on 22 December 1926.
Within this sequence the Number 22 was used twice.
XXXXIX, 1, 5 Jan. 1927
Page 1 Advertisements
Walker & Sons Gramophones, Phonographs, Records, Pianos, Player-pianos & Rolls, Market Square
W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Clothier & Milliner, Kooringa
W.H. Spier Motor Engineer, Agent for Nash Cars & Brockway Trucks, Kooringa
C.J. Pearce & Son Undertaker, Commercial St
R.A. Lynch Commercial Hotel
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen
Luke Day Greengrocer
R. Rogers Mt Bryan, Booborowie & Burra –Adelaide Carrying Service,
c/o Bon Accord Hotel
R.D. Pascoe Hairdresser & Fancy Goods Dealer ‘The Emporium’, Kooringa
S.M. Lane Saddler & Ironmonger: Kooringa Bicycle Depot
H. Jennison Motor Garage
W.R. Lee Ford Dealer & Specialist
D. Jones Painter & Decorator
SA Farmers’ Union General Merchants
W.J. Sullivan Ladies’ & Gents’ Hairdresser & Tobacconist
Burra Motor Co.
Jeffery & Byrne Quality Meat Store
G.C. Kuchenmeister High Grade Meat Store
K.B. Watts General Butcher (formerly Austin’s), Aberdeen
Elder, Smith & Co. Stock & Station Agents, Auctioneers, Agents for Commercial Union Insurance
Wicklein’s Jeweller & Watchmaker
Page 2 Advertisements
Burra Motor Co. Agents for Dodge Cars
Bence’s Cash Drapery Stores
A.H. Collins & A. McLennan Carriers between Adelaide and Burra
Pederson & Son Quality Shoe Store
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd Auctioneers
Lewis Cycle & Phonograph Store, Kooringa
Drew & Crewes General Merchants, Kooringa, Aberdeen, Mt Bryan & Hallett
R.W. Bruce Burra Transport (Adelaide to Burra)
Page 3 Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen
Theatregraph Pictures Burra Institute
Edwin J. Harris The Corner Store: Fruit, Vegetables, Groceries, Dairy Produce, Bacon & Ham
Page 4 Advertisements
Burra Motor Co. Agents for Dodge Bros.
Walker & Sons Agents for The Australasian Implement & House Furniture Co.’s Pianos, Player Pianos, Phonographs, Records & Rolls
E.H. Hammond The Practical Tailor, Kooringa
Mrs E. McDonald Kooringa Hotel
Fischer, Copley & McLachlan Auctioneers, Valuators, Stock & Land Agents
F. Spencer Jeweller
T.H. Woollacott Builder & Contractor, Aberdeen
William Young Mechanical & Electrical Engineer,
Agent for Austin & Chrysler Cars
G.B. Martin District Representative for the AMP Society
Drew & Crewes Chevrolet Cars & Trucks: we have arranged with R.W. Spier to give free service to all Chevrolet Cars & Trucks
XXXXIX, 1, 5 Jan. 1927, page 2
Birth. On 30 December 1926 at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs V.T.L. Hughes nee B. Leecroft, of Mt Bryan East a daughter, Florence Jean.
Obituary. Eric William Landorf, youngest son of Alfred & Minnie Olive Landorf, died at Burra Hospital on 30 December 1926 aged 31⁄2. The death was the result of a fractured skull and internal injuries following being struck by a stone which his brother aged 5 had thrown at a jam tin.
[Born 29 June 1923 at Redruth. The brother was Charles Thomas Landorf born December 1921.]
James Montgomery turned 74 on 4 January. He was born at Dry Creek SA. His father had arrived in SA in June 1837 and had soon married. He later went to the Wakefield to reside and in 1872 Mr James Montgomery came to live in Burra, staying until a year or so ago. Since the death of his wife he has lived with his eldest daughter, Mrs Emily Watson of Mallala.
St Joseph’s Convent. Qualifying Certificates for 1926 went to Lucy Morrison, Moira Killicoat, Jean Morrison & Lawrence [Laurence] Dower.
XXXXIX, 1, 5 Jan. 1927, page 3
CWA
The movement is now firmly established under Mrs Warnes as President. She has such a gracious personality with tact and charm that any woman or girl feels that can approach her and be sure of a kind reception. The same remarks apply to her lieutenant in Mrs Maurice Collins. The committee comprises two women from every district and town around Burra except Hallett which has not yet decided to participate. The constitution was hammered out at the meeting last month and Mrs T.R. Bowman, President of the National Council of Women, has agreed to be the Patron. Mr & Mrs Wilkinson have given and furnished a large room at the back of their stationer’s shop as a rest room and this was opened on 17 December. The room offers a comfortable refuge and caters for the needs of women, children and babies. Mrs Wilkinson declared it open. Mrs Wigley & Mrs Tennant contributed some of the furnishings and a number of people a collection of lesser equipment.
Porter’s Lagoon has become a popular resort especially of a Sunday evening, for people from Burra, Farrell’s Flat, Manoora, Saddleworth, Undalya and even Riverton. One evening recently there were about 150 cars there for the ‘sea breeze’ and bathing and to enjoy the Mid-Northern Brass Band (Saddleworth & Manoora). There is presently one boat there, the Swan, but a second is expected to appear soon. The President of the Association is H.C. Atkins and the Secretary E.G. Pratt.
P. Priestly of the staff of Messrs Elder, Smith & Co. for some months has been moved to the city and Mr Wedd from Strathalbyn replaces him.
Salvation Army. Adjutant & Mrs F. Fischer have been moved to Kadina to be succeeded by Adjutant and Mrs G. Austin.
Burra Benevolent Society AGM was held 16 December. Arrangements were made for 34 persons to receive Christmas orders of 10/- each. President, Mrs J.C. Sandland; Secretary & Treasurer, Miss Coglin.
E.W. Crewes writes re Returned Soldiers. He is complaining of Government action demanding from some soldier settlers a registered lien or bill of sale over the whole of the growing crops, ignoring the claims of the men and also of creditors like butchers, bakers, saddlers and other storekeepers who have kept the men going. Some signed, others refused in order to offer each creditor a fair proportion. The Government has retaliated by cancelling their leases. The law condemns making preferential creditors of any person, so is the Government action right or justifiable?
Burra Honour Roll. The committee met on 21 December to decide on a date for the unveiling. The roll has been completed and hung in the public reading room of the Institute. It was decided to invite the Governor to do the unveiling and His Excellency will choose the date, giving the committee four weeks notice.
Burra Hospital
The usual Christmas treat took place on 23 December. There was a tinge of sadness due to the recent death of Miss Kathleen Sandland who had been an organiser for many years. The principal organiser for this year was Mrs Maurice Collins assisted by her two daughters, Pat and Jean, with Mrs George Hann, Mrs W.J.C. Ewins and the Misses J. Craig and S. & G. Lawrence. There was a musical program followed by speeches, a distribution of gifts and then supper.
The Chairman, W.G. Hawkes said the treat had originated with the late Mrs E.C. Lockyer and was continued by Miss Edith Cave and Miss Sandland. This year was the jubilee of the hospital. In 1870 [sic: error for 1876] a number of public spirited men had bought the Burra Hotel and it had been turned into a hospital. The Maternity Wing was coming into its own and within a year they expected to have a new Isolation Ward. The present Matron was Sister G. Siegele. It was the 5th oldest hospital in SA. He paid tribute to Miss Sandland and the Mayor added his tribute as well.
D. Jones won the tender for painting the hospital exterior.
Burra Red Cross sent £25 for sick soldiers to use as the Adelaide Branch saw fit. This, with other donations allowed a gift of £2 to each consumptive soldier at the North Terrace home – they decided to give cash as these men did not get a pension.
Burra Seaside Trip. A meeting at the Institute on 21 December chose Semaphore for the trip on 5 February 1927.
XXXXIX, 1, 5 Jan. 1927, page 4
Burra Town Council, 20 December 1926
J.R. Turnbull was granted permission to erect a wood and iron room in Redruth for a resident there.
T.H. Woollacott was given permission to build residences for Messrs Oates and Triggs in Kooringa.
The cost of digging a 7ft grave is to be increased from 15/- to £1.
Cr Harris queried the administration of the Owers Trust Fund. He thought the deed, dated 1867, was for the use of cases of distress in Burra. The trust of £400 was to pay interest to the disabled Mr Owers and then on his death to his wife and children to the age of 16 and then to relieve distress. All trustees had long been dead and their replacements had left the town.
Cr Bednall said the matter had nothing to do with the Council. The present trustees were Dr Steele, Messrs J.R. Barker, John Drew, C.D. Wilkinson, Thomas Edwards, W.G. Hawkes and M.A. Radford.
Cr Harris queried whether the money raised by public subscription should be sent out of the town.
Cr Bednall said that was wrong: it was a straight gift from Alex. McCulloch.
Redruth Court, 21 December
Two young men were charged with offensive behaviour, having been drunk at Porter’s Lagoon on 19 December. One was fined £5 + 15/- and the other £3 + 15/-. The paper did not name them because they promised not to drink liquor again for at least two years.
There is also a long report extending for more than 13⁄4 columns of a case of Thomas Finlay of Farrell’s Flat who was charged with beating and assaulting Herman Krieg. The case was eventually dismissed.
XXXXIX, 2, 12 Jan. 1927, page 2
Notice. E.C. Hammond has sold his tailoring business to Mr G. Terry.
XXXXIX, 2, 12 Jan. 1927, page 3
Harry S. Blunt, stationmaster at Hallett has been transferred to Hamley Bridge.
Miss M. Hughes of the staff of Drew & Crewes for some 8 years has left to take a position in Broken Hill.
The Weather has been hot with temperatures exceeding 100°F since Saturday. Rain had fallen earlier on the night of the 4 January when 41 points were recorded locally and to the east patchy falls varied from 10 at Oakbank to 95 at The Gums and Braemar. The latter had 21⁄2 inches on Christmas Day.
Burra High School Public Examination results.
Leaving Examination:
M.P. (Patty) Pledge passed 7 subjects
Lily Piggott of Farrell’s Flat passed 7 subjects.
Madge R. Tiver passed 4 subjects. [Amended in the next issue to 6.]
Gilbert Walker passed 4 subjects.
Mr & Mrs Robert Fuss and their two sons spent the Christmas vacation at Semaphore.
Polo has been resumed at Leighton with 10 players out on Saturday 8 January. Two Mid-North teams will be formed this year.
Salvation Army. Adjutant & Mrs Fischer held farewell services on Sunday before going to Kadina. A farewell social was held on 10 January when Rev. R.H. Lee took the chair.
Burra Rifle Club. 15th round of the Carraca Cup over 300, 500 & 600 yards saw best scores from W. Bass & A.L. Kellock.
XXXXIX, 2, 12 Jan. 1927, page 4
CWA Constitution and membership rules etc. are printed.
Obituary. William Pearce died in Adelaide on 5 January. He was born at Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire on 10 January 1847, the third son of Mr & Mrs James Pearce, sawyer of Kooringa. They came to SA in 1848 and directly to Burra. After leaving school W. Pearce worked in drapery with Mr Thomas Bath and later went into partnership with him. When Mr Bath retired Mr Pearce carried on under the old name for some time and then two of his sons continued for a while as Pearce Bros. Mr Pearce was a keen sportsman and a good shot. He was especially known in cricket and coursing. He was secretary of various Vermin Boards and the Oddfellows Lodge. His wife died in 1915 and he had lived until recently with his daughter Edith (Mrs James Bentley). There are also three sons: James A. (Payneham), William (Croydon, Victoria) & Charles J. (Snowtown). There are seven grandchildren.
World’s End Sports meeting on 1 January was successfully held and the results are printed.
Burra Children’s Playground. The committee met 31 December. There was a credit balance of £53-12-1. The playground was in good order. The equipment comprised: three double swings, two large swings, a giant stride, parallel and horizontal bars, a seesaw, two revolving seesaws, rocking boat, jumping ports, seating, one large and two small shelter sheds. The approximate cost was £150. L.H. Foote resigned as President on leaving the district. Elected were Patron, M. Collins; President, M.A. Radford; Vice-Presidents, J.R. Johns, T. Woollacott & A.B. Riggs; Secretary & Treasurer, M.J. Morton. The Council has been requested to install a light.
XXXXIX, 3, 19 Jan. 1927, page 3
Weather. A cool change on Friday ended seven days of century plus heat.
Birth. On 10 January at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs Laurie Bell a daughter, Beatrice May.
Obituary. James Haines died at Clarence Park on 12 January. He was the father of Teresa and Syd. Williams of Goodwood, late of Kooringa. [Born 9 August 1851 District of Adelaide. Of course he was the father-in-law of Syd. Williams.]
Obituary. Dr Robert Brummitt Sen. died at Medindie 10 January. He was a late resident and physician of Burra who was born in Lincolnshire in 1851. He was educated at Guy’s Hospital, London and became MRCS 1874 and LSA (London). He then visited Australia and returned here in 1877 to join Dr Nesbit in Burra. He remained for 23 years, leaving in April 1900. He then received a splendid send-off and an illuminated address. He was Mayor for four years in 1894-97. [Actually three years from December 1894 to November 1897.] He was a JP, President and treasurer of the Institute Committee, Member of the Show Society and the Agricultural Bureau. He belonged to improvement and reading societies and founded the Burra Benevolent Society. He played a vital role in developing the Burra Hospital. He was a prominent Methodist and church office-bearer and local preacher. On leaving Burra they visited England before settling at Medindie where he continued to practise until a few years ago. He married Miss Jane Roach, youngest daughter of the late John Roach of Aberdeen, who survives with two sons and two daughters: Dr Elliot Brummitt of Medindie & Dr Robert Brummitt of St Peters, Mrs S. Forsaith (Mt Gambier) & Miss M.G. Brummitt.
Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Phillips of Waterloo died 20 December at Robertstown aged 82. He father, two sisters and a brother came to Tasmania in 1847. Her father, R. [Richard] Bruce, was a sergeant in the Grenadier Guards in charge of convicts being transported. Later he went to NSW and then SA. On being discharged he went to the Wakefield District where he died in 1851. Mrs Phillips married Joseph Phillips at Penwortham when she was 17 and they moved to Watervale in 1865. Ten of twelve children survive: James [James Richard] (Waterloo), E.P. [Edwin Parkinson] (Henley Beach), P.B. Phillip Bruce] (Burra), W.H. [William Henry] (WA), A. Arthur Hamelton] (Brinkworth), Mrs Frank Harris [Shrub Matilda] (Kooringa), Mrs R. Holland Annie Maria] (Exeter), Mrs O.H. Aberg [Edith Augusta] (Plympton), Mrs A.J. Farley [Adelaide Bruce] (Robertstown), Mrs W.H. Ashton [Helen Elizabeth Muriel] (Saddleworth). There are several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mr R.H. Bruce [Richard Hamilton] (85) of Kooringa is a brother.
Obituary. Mrs S. Sanderson died at Gum Creek on 16 January. She was born at Redruth [1] March 1856, the third daughter [Clarissa] of the late Mr & Mrs Stapleton James of Burra, one of the earliest settlers. She married Mr Steve Sanderson of Baldina where they lived till he husband died about 23 years ago. She then moved to Gum Creek. There are two sons and five daughters: Steve Sanderson (Gum Creek), Thomas Sanderson (Pinnaroo), Misses Edith & Olive Sanderson (Gum Creek), [Clara May] Mrs [R.W.] Brown, [Rosaline Myrtle] Mrs Fobester [E. Foubister], [Violet Maud] Mrs A.J. Smith (Farrell’s Flat) and there are seven grandchildren. Mrs A.M. Mills of Kooringa is a sister and Messrs Harry James (Kooringa) & W.B. James (Aberdeen) are brothers.
Obituary. Mrs Robert Willshire, sister to Charles J. Pearce, died at Unley on 15 January aged 79. She was the daughter (Clara) of the late William Pearce (tailor) of Kooringa. She was born on the David Malcolm en route to Australia.
Jack R. Pearce has been granted an Associate Diploma in Accountancy.
Richard Reed will be 90 next Saturday.
Burra Rifle Club shot a match over 200 & 300 yards on Saturday in which H.G. Oates & J. Terry scored best.
Polo. On Saturday Mid-North ‘B’ 6 defeated Clare ‘B’ 5.
Clare ‘A’ 5 defeated Mid-North ‘A’ 3.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 8-73 defeated Hallett 7-73
At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 8-63 defeated Ironmine 7-61
‘B’ Grade At Ironmine: Aberdeen 9-79 defeated Ironmine 6-67
At Hallett: Hallett 10-83 defeated Copperhouse 5-69
Cricket. At Aberdeen: Burra 139 defeated Robertstown 5-69
Burra Show Society. General Committee Meeting 11 January
W.H. McWaters moved to rescind the motion fixing the date of the show as 4th Wednesday in October in favour of the 1st week in October. Originally the later date suited horses in the ring, but conditions had changed and horses were now ready anytime and the earlier date better suited sheep.
Mr Marston said the show had moved a number of times from mid-September to the end of October. In 1919 it was the 4th Wednesday in October, then it was changed to the 1st Wednesday, then this was said to be too late for sheep and too early for producers. In 1921 it went back to the 4th Wednesday in October since when the show had boomed.
A.B. Riggs supported the move. (He also favoured the Friday & Saturday.)
Mr Warnes said sheep had been well represented of late, but he was for the earlier date.
Mr Radford said the 1st Wednesday clashed with the Blyth Show.
The motion was carried.
Roy Humphrys reported making good progress in gathering support for a sheep shed. The President said the one in Adelaide was 70ft x 80ft x 16ft high and had cost (fully fitted) £950.
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures.
Bebe Daniels in Miss Brewster’s Millions
Second feature: Lord Jim
St Mary’s Troop of Wolf Cubs had an outing to Porter’s Lagoon where they stayed at a cottage loaned by Mr E. Pratt. Mr Pratt took the boys out on the water in the evening.
[Details extend for almost 1 column.]
XXXXIX, 4, 26 Jan. 1927, page 2
Clearing Sale at Cobb & Co.’s Corner on the Mt Bryan Road. R. Reed & Son have relinquished farming.
XXXXIX, 4, 26 Jan. 1927, page 3
Advt. Porter’s Lagoon Aquatic Sports Saturday 12 February to start at 10.30 a.m.
The Mid-Northern Band will attend. George T. Patullo, Sports Secretary.
Notice. Seaside Trip Saturday 5 February.
Train departs Hallett 5.15, Burra 5.56, Hanson 6.10, Farrell’s Flat 6.21, Merilden 6.32, Manoora 6.49 and arrives Semaphore 9.55 a.m.
Non-stop train departs Burra 5.30 and arrives Semaphore 9.10.
Train to Burra only departs Semaphore 8 p.m. and arrives Burra 12.19 a.m.
Advt. Sale: the business of billiard saloon proprietor currently carried on by W. Cossey in Commercial St. Three tables and all accessories.
Obituary. Eliza Spackman, relict of Robert Spackman of Koonoona, died at the residence of her daughter at Hampton on 22 January aged 71.
[Despite the following there was an Eliza Ann White born 19 March 1856 District of the Murray to a John White]
Mrs Spackman was born in England in 1856, the daughter of Mr & Mrs John White who migrated to Australia when she was an infant. Her father worked on Koonoona for over 50 years. Mr Robert Spackman was also employed there and he died about 5 years ago. [18 August 1921] She died after a long illness. ‘She leaves a family of five children two sons and two daughters: [sic!] Mrs E. Wootton (Hampton), Mrs Alfred Lawn. Mrs Richard Hill of Kooringa is a sister and Mr W. White of Manoora is a brother. One son, Walter, served in the Great War.
[In fact there had been a family of five children, but Tom died in 1887 and Eva (Mrs John Flower) in 1914. Harriett was Mrs J.E. Wootton, Ivy married Alfred Lawn and Walter survived till 1948.]
Bowls. At Clare on Saturday: Clare 89 defeated Burra 84.
Mary Morrison, daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Morrison of Kooringa is the newly-appointed teacher at Chinta on the West Coast.
Fires. Trains started four fires one afternoon last week.
On Mrs G.H. Schoenberg’s property near Mt Bryan that burnt about 40 acres of stubble.
On Arthur Collins’s Stud Park one that was soon extinguished.
On Wandillah, Mr W.H. Sandland’s property, and that too was soon extinguished.
On R. Reed & Sons property near Cobb & Co.’s Corner stubble was burnt.
K.B. Watts the butcher has been having meat stolen from his slaughterhouse frequently over a period of nearly 12 months. About every 8 weeks some 30-40lb, mostly beef, disappeared. About a fortnight ago he had reason to suspect people living opposite him and as a result a police search of Mrs Stevens, a widow, and her brother named McGahan were charged with unlawful possession and she was fined £10, being given two months to pay – she being the tenant of the house. The case against the man was dismissed.
Mr Richard Reed celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday 22 January and over 30 sat down to celebrate at Mr & Mrs W.H. Gare’s ‘Carinya’ Aberdeen. His three daughters and three sons were present: Mrs George Sara, Mrs C. Bartholomaeus (Brighton), Mrs W.H. Gare, Richard Reed, John Reed (Gawler) & James Reed.
Fred Allen employed by Drew & Crewes severely burnt both hands on Friday while extinguishing a fire in one of the firm’s vans caused by a short circuit of the battery.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Hallett: Hallett 10-75 defeated Ironmine 5-59
At Willalo: Willalo 8-63 defeated Aberdeen 7-55
‘B’ Grade At Ironmine: Hallett 12-89 defeated Ironmine 3-49
At Aberdeen: Willalo 13-95 defeated Aberdeen 2-65
Theatregraph Pictures
Pola Negri in The Crown of Lies
Second feature The Plastic Age
Burra Children’s Playground. The Burra Sporting & Athletic Club was resuscitated to run a sports day in aid of the playground last Saturday. £17 was subscribed for prize money. Patron, G. Gallagher; President, A.N. Ratcliffe; Chairman, B.L. Symonds; Hon. Sec., J. Carpenter. The results are printed.
XXXXIX, 4, 26 Jan. 1927, page 4
Burra Institute AGM 18 January. Only three subscribers and the committee attended.
The year 1926 had seen alterations to the stage and the addition of dressing rooms and lavatory accommodation. The stage was enlarged by 13et making the present depth from front curtain to back wall 23 ft 10ins. There is now a side entrance to an enclosed kitchen on the south side and a stairway leading to dressing rooms. The work was carried out by T.H. Woollacott and J.E. Pearce at a cost of £1,299-14-0. New scenery was painted by Mr Churchill of New York for £90 and a new blue silk poplin curtain hung on the tab principle. The kitchen was enclosed on the south side and extended by a long underground passage, fitted with a table and also a servery through the wall to the supper room. The stage can be screened to serve as a supper room and stage at the same time. The opera Les Cloches de Corneville on 15 & 16 December was the first performance after the alterations. This was produced by the Institute Opera Classes under the direction of G.E. Dane. The hall was crowded each night and the takings were about £165.
At December 1925 there were 6,417 books in the library and at 31 December 1926 there were 6,503. (+520 and – 434) Membership overall dropped by 7. There is a debit in the bank deposits of £22-14-2. [The alterations also involved a loan of £3,000.]
Mr A.A. Davey, librarian, was thanked for his excellent services.
Elected were President, F.T. Sara; Vice-President, Guy Tiddy; Treasurer, J.H. Bryant & Hon Sec. E.J. Harris.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club. A meeting of subscribers was held last week chaired by Harold Atkins. Mr Weir the boat builder says the new boat will be ready by 22 January. H. Atkins offered a loan of £40 for timber and iron for a shed that will now go ahead. The regatta will be held on 12 February 1927 with adults 1/3, children 6d, (under 6 years free) & motors 1/-. A ladies only bathing area has been set aside.
Burra Rifle Club. 16th match for the Carraca Cup saw best scores from H. Byles & L. Kellaway. Overall so far A.P. Harris leads with 23 points from L. Riggs & C.W. Pearce with 22 each.
Burra Town Council, 10 January
Legal opinion was received that if street trees damage private property then Council is probably liable.
There was discussion about smelly drains in Chapel St and at the rear of the Commercial Hotel.
XXXXIX, 5, 2 Feb. 1927, page 2
Notice. The Premier, Hon L.L. Hill, will visit Burra on Friday 4 February and will speak at the Institute. Members for the District, O’Halloran, McHugh & Hawke, will also attend.
XXXXIX, 5, 2 Feb. 1927, page 3
Advt. Fred Burke Ex-Naval Officer & Brilliant Orator will speak against prohibition.
Thursday 10 February at Burra Institute.
Notice. A Civic Reception for the Premier Hon. L.H. Hill will be held Friday evening 4 February at 7.45 p.m.
Advt. Porter’s Lagoon Aquatic Sports Day, Saturday 12 February 10.30 a.m.
Boat to be christened by Mrs W.G. Hawkes.
Advt. Miss Harris’s Private School, Kooringa. First Term begins 8 February.
Obituary. J.H. [Johann Heinrich] Ernst Hammerling died at Kooringa 29 January aged 76. He was the father of Hugo, Ida and Minnie. [Ernestine Wilhelmina or Ernstine Wilhelmine.]
He was born 26 March 1849 at Krnz, Germany and came to SA with his parents in 1854. He did farm work on leaving school and later took up land at Baldina. In 1878 he married Miss J.D. Rau at Light’s Pass. Mrs Hammerling died in 1924. Mr Hammerling moved to Kooringa and resided with his daughter Mrs O.J. Oates. Three of five children survive: Hugo Hammerling, Miss Ida Hammerling and Mrs O.J. Oates, all of Kooringa. Mrs L. Przibilla of Farrell’s Flat and Mrs M. Hoffman of Tanunda are sisters. He was buried at the Baldina Cemetery.
Miss Marjorie Tiver teacher at World’s End has been moved to Eudunda.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 9-80 defeated Copperhouse 6-70
At Ironmine: Ironmine 8-74 defeated Willalo 7-74
‘B’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 10-82 defeated Aberdeen 5-68
At Ironmine: Willalo 14-93 defeated Ironmine 1-35
Cricket. Saturday 29 January Ramblers 149 defeated Burra Rifle Club 77 & 59
Fire. A fire, believed to have started from a cigarette butt broke out in the corner of W. Diplock’s garden. The fire was with some difficulty put out. A four-roomed weatherboard house nearby was saved as were hundreds of acres of grass.
Burra High School, Intermediate Results 1926
Wilfred Hann 7 subjects (3 credits) Edwin Pearce 6 subjects
Zeilah Stringer 6 subjects Phil Killicoat 4 subjects
Miss C.A. Brown 3 subjects Rex Walker 3 subjects
Gladys Kellock 2 subjects Elsie M. Kellaway 2 subjects
H.R.J. Bevan 2 subjects Roma D. Pickering 1 subject
Fire. A train is believed to have started a fire in Mr J. Peak’s stubble on Saturday evening at Hanson. Only minor damage was done.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School picnic was held at Stone Chimney Creek on Monday at a site lent by Messrs Gallagher about 9 miles east of Burra. A successful series of sports was organised.
Obituary. George Melrose, late of Hallett, died at Brighton on Monday after a long illness.
[George Stanley Melrose born 3 November 1886 at Mt Pleasant: died 31 January 1927 at Brighton, residence Hallett. Nephew of Sir John Melrose.]
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its annual picnic at Johnson’s Creek lent by John Tennant. Dinner was a sit-down meal in a large marquee followed by an afternoon of games and sport.
XXXXIX, 5, 2 Feb. 1927, page 4
Burra Town Council, 24 January
There was considerable debate over whether Mr Hill, Premier of SA should be given a Civic Reception, as he was coming principally for ‘the purposes of political propaganda’. It was eventually decided he should be entertained and arrangements were made as requested for visits to the school, hospital etc.
C.J. Pearce & Son applied for permission to erect additions to their workshop. Cr Allen said they were already up and he considered the Council too lenient in such cases. Cr Woollacott said Council had been in recess and the Inspector was on holidays and you could not expect a man to delay three weeks for permission. They are to be informed that the Council considered that they should not have gone on with the work without permission. [Which seems to solve nothing!]
Headquarters of the 23rd Horse wrote asking assistance in purchasing regimental colours. Council is seeking advice from the other Councils involved. It is believed the total cost will be about £75 and each Council would be asked to pay about £10.
Burra Show Society presented an enlarged photo of the late J.E.H. Winnall. Council accepted it.
The Public Works Committee recommended 25ft of concrete pipe be used in making a crossing into Ann St near James Reed’s and this was opposed by Cr Riggs, but passed on the casting vote of the Mayor.
XXXXIX, 6, 9 Feb. 1927, page 3
Notice. There is a notice to debtors indicating that Isabella Halls, cab proprietress of Kooringa, is anxious to finalise her accounts.
Advt. Liberal Federation & Country Party will hold a combined rally at the Institute 18 February.
R.L. Butler MP Leader of the Liberal Parliamentary Party and Mr Mackintosh, Leader of the Country Party will speak.
Advt. Tenders called by PMG Dept for the erection of a new trunk line between Kooringa and World’s End.
Advt. Continental at Ko’ringa Playground [sic] 8 p.m. Thursday 17 February. Full Moon
In aid of playground equipment.
Notice. Kooringa Methodist Church. Official visit of the Mayor and Town Council to next Sunday’s Evening Service.
Notice. Hanson Methodist Church Harvest Festival 13 February with a Concert and Supper on Monday 14 February. Featuring the Redruth Choir.
Notice. Anglican Harvest Thanksgiving Services
13 February 11 a.m. at Church of the Ascension Black Springs
20 February 8 a.m., 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. at St Mary’s Burra
27 February 11 a.m. at St Andrew’s Mt Bryan and 3 p.m. at Gum Creek
Obituary. John Pearce aged 85 died at his residence Leighton House, Kooringa, on 7 February. He was born at Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire 22 June 1840 and migrated with his parents Mr & Mrs James Pearce when aged 6 on the Marion, arriving at Pt Adelaide in February 1848. [These figures do not add up.] They came directly to Kooringa. On leaving school he became a builder and carpenter, like his father, working actively into his 70s and controlling the business until about 80. He received much assistance from five of his sons. He built the first house in Terowie and in Yarcowie. In the district his work is seen in many buildings such as the Burra Institute and Post Office. He was a good organist and played for the Kooringa Wesleyan Church till c. 1900 when his daughter the late Miss Alice Pearce took over and when her health failed Miss Trix Pearce took over. He was also a good shot and runner. In 1870 he married Miss E.J. Symons of Kooringa who died in 1924. 11 of 14 children survive: The Misses Cill [Priscilla], Gertrude, Laura & Beatrice E. (Trix), Mesdames P. Milner (Dulwich) & A.S. Dearlove (Ketchowla), J. Edgar Pearce (Kooringa), Alfred E. Pearce (Fullarton), Norman W.R. Pearce (Toorak Gardens), Clement W. Pearce (Kooringa) & Oswald C. Pearce (Unley). There are 17 grandchildren.
Northern Show Societies Association has recommended the Burra Show be on 4 & 5 October.
Mr W. Nolan an old Burra Boy is confined to Keswick Repatriation Hospital and has had to resign his position with Mr Lester as his bio operator. [Film projectionist.]
Weather. The last week has been unpleasant with high winds and dust storms. Last Wednesday was especially bad. Some parts to the east experienced a tornado. Saturday was windy and cold for the seaside trip.
Polo. At Leighton 31 January: Adelaide 7 defeated Mid-North 5.
Major Gilbert Lewis of Bundaleer took charge of the game.
For the ‘B’ teams Clare 4 defeated Mid-North 1.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 9-67 defeated Ironmine 6-62
At Willalo: Hallett 9-74 defeated Willalo 6-70
‘B’ Grade Ironmine forfeited to Copperhouse
At Hallett: Willalo 8-72 defeated Hallett 7-53
Croquet. 29 January Mrs Ewins & Mrs Fred Collins defeated a Clare pair at Clare.
5 February Jamestown Club visited Burra and won both games played.
Bowls. Jamestown visited Burra last Saturday and Burra 158 defeated Jamestown 88.
XXXXIX, 6, 9 Feb. 1927, page 4
Visit of the Premier
The Premier Mr L.L. Hill was met at the station last Friday and then entertained at lunch at the Burra Hotel by the Mayor. In the afternoon the party visited the school where at the High School the Premier said they would be spending £800 to remodel it by putting in larger windows and new floors. The party then visited the Burra Hospital where they were met by the Chairman of the Board Mr W.G. Hawkes, before going on to see Mr R.D. Pascoe’s wonderful collection of sheep photographs. In the evening there was a civic reception at the Institute with a fair attendance.
The Premier spoke at some length on the Federal Disabilities Commission which was looking into the financial disabilities the states had suffered under Federation. [Over 1⁄2 column.]
He also spoke at length on the Government’s plans for further land settlement in Counties Hamley, Young, Robe and McDonnell and on the need for drainage to open up land in the South East. He spoke too of cutting up various large estates for closer settlement (Mortlock’s, Duncan’s & Angas’s), though the Legislative Council had prevented compulsory acquisition. He spoke of the role of the State Bank and other ways his Government had aided the man on the land.
The Members for the District also spoke.
XXXXIX, 7, 16 Feb. 1927, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 21 February: J.C. Williamson’s World-famed Musical Comedy Wildflower.
Music by Herbert Stothart and Vincent Youmans & Lyrics by Otto Harbach & Oscar Hammerstein.
XXXXIX, 7, 16 Feb. 1927, page 3
Advt. Copperhouse [Westbury] Methodist Church Harvest Festival, Sunday 20 February.
Mr W.J. Woollacott & Rev. H. Alvey.
Advt. Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest thanksgiving, Sunday 22 February [sic, error for 20.]
Rev. G.N. White and at 3 p.m. the Cantata Ruth.
Fred Burke, the anti-prohibition speaker is reported as drawing a fair attendance and beginning quite well before descending into personal abuse and concluding with ‘a most indecent anecdote’. The Mayor, who was in the chair, reprimanded the speaker at the end.
Joe Halls is seriously ill in Adelaide and is not making the hoped-for progress.
RSL committee meeting on Monday considered the problems facing soldier settlers, especially liens on crops. There seems to be general dissatisfaction with the administration of the Soldiers’ Settlement Act. A general meeting has been called to discuss this matter.
Obituary. Mrs G.D. Jenkins died at ‘Avondale’ Braefoot last Saturday. She was the third daughter (Millie) of Mr & Mrs F.G. Scholz and was born at Ucolta 30 November 1894. After school Miss Scholz became a school teacher till her marriage with George D. Jenkins of Lancelot in April 1920. She is survived by a husband, three young daughters and a son.
[Amelia Estelle Jenkins died 14 February 1927 at Hanson, residence Peterborough.]
Mr & Mrs G.T. Dixon of ‘Glenside’ Hanson and their children, Kathleen & Messrs B., K. & R. Dixon were farewelled on their departure to take up land on the West Coast.
[The sons referred to were: Bruce, Kingsley & Ronald.]
C.R. Forder advises that the annual reunion of old Burra residents will be held in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens on Saturday 26 February at 2.30 p.m. near the kiosk. This will be the fifth reunion. Most of those attending were residents between 1880 & 1900.
Miss E. Bubb has been elected a Life-Governor of the Royal Institution for the Blind in recognition of the services rendered by the Aberdeen Soldiers’ Aid Society of which she is the President.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade At Hallett: Copperhouse 8-74 defeated Hallett 7-62
‘B’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 9-82 defeated Hallett 6-74
Bowls at Kapunda last Saturday: Kapunda 101 defeated Burra 97
Burra Town Council
C.T. Ford was given permission to erect three petrol bowsers near the Burra Hotel.
It was decided to advise the 23rd Light Horse they could not subscribe towards the regimental colours, which should be paid for by public subscription.
Condolences were sent to the family of the late John Pearce.
Cr Riggs reported on the seaside trip. The Mayor of Port Adelaide had met them and taken them to the Semaphore Town Hall where light refreshments were served.
The Hydraulic Engineer is to be asked to replace the old 11⁄2” mains to ‘Paradise’ with 4”, as supply there was very poor.
Cows and horses have damaged new grass on Victoria Park and men training on it were also tearing it up with spikes. The wall needed repair and the shed gutters needed renewing. The Hydraulic Engineer will be asked to increase supply of water to Victoria Park from 3⁄4” to 11⁄2”.
Some stone kerbing in Thames St was removed by Mr Woollacott’s men who were building there. Cr Kellaway asked some pointed questions about who had taken it and with what authority. Cr Woollacott took offence and a somewhat heated exchange followed during which the Mayor threatened Cr Woollacott with a £5 fine if he did not withdraw a remark made. Eventually a sufficient withdrawal was made.
Cr Kellaway pressed on with a motion to investigate who had taken the stones and it was carried.
Burra Hospital
Plans for a new isolation ward have been discussed.
XXXXIX, 7, 16 Feb. 1927, page 4
Porter’s Lagoon
It has long been a resort for individuals and over the years a number of people have kept boats there, but only 18 months ago Harold Atkins decided to purchase a boat for himself and family. Mr L.H. Piggott wished to go in with him, which set him thinking the place the place could be developed as a pleasure resort and a committee of seven gentlemen was formed. Twelve months ago the first boat The Swan was launched by Mrs Atkins and sports were held. From then on the Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club has been progressing. Last Saturday the second aquatic sports meeting was a wonderful success. Almost 300 cars were parked just back from the beach and scores more were left along the fences. The crowd was estimated at between 1,000 and 2,000. The Mid-North Brass Band (Saddleworth) attended. All along the beach on fine seaweed were picnic parties. A steady stream of young folk emerged from the bathing houses. The area owned by the club has been fenced. There was a cool drink stall, refreshment booth and ice cream stand. Gate takings were £74-5-3.
A number of shore events were run from 10.30 and Mrs W.G. Hawkes launched the second boat, The Gull – sprinkling it with Eau de Cologne. The club intends to plant trees and erect shelter sheds. Aquatic events followed with swimming, rowing and diving contests. With a clear moonlight night the beach was well patronised till about 9 p.m. Gross taking were about £175.
Frank Treloar writes a 11⁄2 column article on the Gold Rush of 1851-52. He tells the familiar story of the Burra Mine being virtually deserted as men sailed, walked or went by dray to Victoria. Two bullock teams bringing a small boiler to Burra abandoned it at Riverton where it stayed for over two years. He also tells of the Gold Escort under Inspector Tolmer, before taking up a more personal account from his father’s diary. He and J. Lovely sailed from Pt Adelaide to Melbourne on the Anney on 9 March 1852 and reached the diggings after some troubles on 24 March. They struck a claim on Donkey Creek, but moved several times with little to show. There was a run of fair results in June with over 21oz of gold. In August the writer of the diary sent 2lb 81⁄2oz of gold back to Adelaide and in September he sent home 5lb of gold and in November 28oz. Over all he made good money that became the capital for a more permanent venture on his return to Adelaide.
XXXXIX, 8, 23 Feb. 1927, page 2
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd are selling for B.C. Sandland his Sod Hut Property comprising freehold of blocks 260 & 261 Hd Kooringa of 8403⁄4 acres, six miles south of Burra.
Mrs Sandland is selling the adjoining 325 acres of freehold comprising sections 2054, 2055, 2058, 2193 & 2056 and closed roads therein.
Advt. Fischer, Copley & McLachlan are selling for the owners the property on the corner of Welsh Place and Kingston St known as Harris’s – shop, chaff-shed, store room, cellar, stable and cart shed. Also a Hawke & Co. weighbridge and other plant and equipment from the wood and chaff business.
XXXXIX, 8, 23 Feb. 1927, page 3
Notice. Tenders called for placing an exit door in the north wall of the Booborowie Memorial Institute Hall.
Notice. Redruth Methodist Church Harvest Festival Services, Sunday 6 March with Grand Concert Monday in the Memorial Hall.
Notice. Salvation Army Harvest Festival 27 & 28 February.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 12-79 defeated Hallett 3-45
At Copperhouse: Willalo 8-71 defeated Copperhouse 7-68
‘B’ Grade At Hallett: Hallett 11-91 defeated Aberdeen 4-55
At Willalo: Willalo 9-70 defeated Copperhouse 6-70
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Burra 112 defeated Balaklava 78.
Cricket. The table at the end of the ordinary round.
Team Won Lost Points
Mt Bryan 4 0 13
Kooringa 3 1 11
South Booborowie 2 2 7
Ramblers 2 2 6
North Booborowie 1 3 3
Farrell’s Flat 0 4 0
Last Saturday Kooringa 82 & 120 defeated Ramblers 152 & 48
Then for practice Kooringa continued on to 165.
XXXXIX, 8, 23 Feb. 1927, page 4
Redruth Court
Two columns of evidence are printed concerning a charge of supplying liquor after hours from a case against R.F. White of the Booborowie Hotel. The case was eventually dismissed.
Burra Playground Continental drew a large crowd on 17 February to raise money for equipment. There was a good musical program.
Booborowie School has been promised much needed accommodation, but it seems far off.
Booborowie residents intend to lease some 70 acres of parklands for cropping and use the income to improve the town’s parklands.
W. Dixon Thompson calls on the RSL members to make use of the clubrooms.
XXXXIX, 9, 2 Mar. 1927, page 2
Advt. Hann & Button are selling the household contents of Mr Dominic Pizzo at the residence lately occupied by D.L. van Senden, having previously sold Mr Pizzo’s house.
XXXXIX, 9, 2 Mar. 1927, page 3
Advt. C.T. Field’s New Service Station in Market Square.
Advt. State Elections 26 March
Liberal Federation & Country Party Candidates for the House of Assembly District of Burra Burra:
Mr R.J. Carter, Mr G.F. Jenkins & Mr F.T. Jettner
will address electors at the Burra Institute 14 March at 8 p.m.
And Legislative Council Country Party Candidates Hon. W.G.J. Mills and Hon. A.P. Blesing
will address a meeting at Burra 2 March at 8 p.m.
Advt. Prohibition Convention, Wednesday afternoon 16 March at Redruth Memorial Hall.
Lady Holder will speak. At 8 p.m. in the Institute Rev. Charles E. Schafer will speak.
Advt. Rev. Wyndham Heathcote will speak tomorrow night at the Burra Institute on –
Temperance a virtue – prohibition a crime.
Aerial Taxi. In the next few months it is intended by Australian Aerial Service Ltd to establish an aerial taxi service between Adelaide and Burra. Mr Maurice Collins has granted use of his paddock immediately behind the racecourse as a landing field. Efforts are being made to link Kapunda, Burra, Peterborough, Orroroo, Wilmington, Pt Augusta, Quorn, Pt Pirie, Crystal Brook, Gladstone, Snowtown, Wallaroo and Balaklava. The passenger coach will hold 4 and ‘cost per mile will be 2/- or 6d each’.
Polo. At Clare on Saturday: Clare ‘A’ 6 defeated Mid-North 5.
Clare ‘B’ 12 defeated Mid-North B 3.
J.S. Melville of the SA Farmers’ Union has left the firm and gone to Pt Augusta. While here he was the Hon. Sec. of the Kooringa Tennis Club and a member of the Methodist Choir.
Clem Treloar is visiting Burra from WA. He went there in 1897, but returned after 18 months in the mines at Norseman. He then went to the Boer War with the 100 Bushmen Proper. Afterwards he was briefly a miner at Tarcoola and in 1902 went to WA as a farmer.
Obituary. Mrs J. Fitzgerald of Kooringa died at her residence on 24 February aged 93. She was born at Tipperary in Ireland 12 August 1833 and left Plymouth in the Stamboul in October 1857 with her husband and two children, arriving at Pt Adelaide in February 1858. She came to Burra by coach, which was a disaster as the coach capsized and one of her children was fatally injured. She was a keen gardener. She was exceptionally well till getting influenza three months ago and breaking her hip on 17 February. Her husband died 31 years ago. [Death registered as 25 February. The birth registrations of her children in SA give her maiden name as variously Johanna Widaro, Witheroe or Wethere. James Fitzgerald aged 11 months died at Kooringa 24 February 1858.]]
She spent her final years with her daughter Mrs M. Dawe and her second son (unmarried), Mr T. Edward Fitzgerald. Her other children were Mr John Fitzgerald (Ceduna), William Fitzgerald (Adelaide), Mrs E.J. Bradley (Unley) and Mr H. Fourier [sic: error for Mrs H. Foureur] (Mitcham). She was a devoted member of St Joseph’s Church.
Advt. Theatregraph Pictures, 8 March
The Best People and W.C. Fields in It’s the Old Army Game
15 March
A Kiss for Cinderella
XXXXIX, 9, 2 Mar. 1927, page 4
The Liberal Federation and Country Party held a combined rally, social and dance at the Institute on 18 February and drew a large attendance. Proceedings are reported in 11⁄3 columns.
Copperhouse Methodist Church [Westbury] Harvest Thanksgiving services on 20 February were largely attended, especially the evening service where special singing by Rev. Alvey, Mrs Alvey, Miss E, Kellaway and Mr R. Fuss was greatly enjoyed. Mr Roy Voumard on behalf of the congregation expressed the town’s appreciation of the untiring efforts of Rev. Alvey who is about to leave the circuit.
Mr Robins was bringing a load of wood out to Copperhouse on 24 February when the breech strap broke at the Aberdeen crossing and the load ran onto the horse which plunged and broke the shafts. Both occupants were thrown to the ground and the son was badly bruised and received severe abrasions. The horse made for home and was cut under her forelegs through the saddle slipping round.
Burra Town Council
The Premier wrote thanking the Mayor and Councillors for their reception on his recent visit.
The DC of Mt Bryan invited the Mayor and Councillors to attend a public meeting to organise a Bush Fire Brigade. After discussion it was decided Councillors should attend at their discretion.
H. Jennison was given permission to erect a petrol bowser.
The cost of sinking graves will rise and an extra 10/- for Sunday work was recommended – the latter was referred back to Council.
It was resolved to charge £1-1-0 for all bowsers erected in streets.
A silent cop is to be placed at the corner of Best Place and Morehead St and a white line extended 172ft from it along Best Place.
Another will be placed at the Farmers’ Union corner and a line drawn.
Burra Rifle Club fired a 300, 600 & 700 yard match on Saturday and C.W. Pearce, H. Byles and J. Terry scored best.
Mr & Mrs J. Fisher (nee Mary Robins) of Copperhouse celebrated their diamond wedding on 16 February. They were married at Riverton Anglican Church 16 February 1867 when they lived at Skilly and later moved to Auburn and Pt Pirie before Copperhouse. Six of nine children survive: William (Pt Pirie), Thomas, (Rhynie), David (Mintaro), Henry (Mongolata), Edward (Pt Pirie) and Mrs Clark (Auburn). There are 48 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. Mr Fisher is 82 and his wife 79. About 70 attended the celebration in a marquee and enjoyed a sumptuous tea.
XXXXIX, 10, 9 Mar. 1927, page 2
Notice. W. Young, Garage Proprietor, advises that from this date he has severed his connection with the Petrol Pump Ring.
Advt. Burra Racing Club next meeting 30 March 1927.
Patron, T.H. Pearse; President, N. Hiles Pearse. There will be six races.
The Main Race: The Gums Handicap over 1 mile carries prizes of £70.
1st a £25 trophy and £35, 2nd £7 and 3rd £3.
[An advertisement on 16 March adds as the main race the Burra Handicap with prizes totalling £100.]
XXXXIX, 10, 9 Mar. 1927, page 3
Notice. Returned Soldiers are asked to advise if they intend to be present at the unveiling of the Burra & District Roll of Honour by the Governor Sir Tom Bridges at the Institute on Saturday 19 March at 12 noon and/or at the banquet at 1 p.m.
Tickets for the public at the banquet are 5/- and Returned Soldiers free of charge.
Graham H. Dow.
Advt. Authorised by Andrew S. Gerrand urging no change to the licensing arrangements for hotels and against the prohibition push in the Local Option Poll on 26 March. If, he says, the move to reduce licenses is carried, one third of each class of licence (hotel, storekeeper’s or club) in the district so voting, will go in 12 months, and a licence holder would receive not one penny compensation.
Obituary. Beatrice Eleanor (Trix) Pearce, fifth daughter of the late John & E.J. Pearce, died on 7 March at Terowie Private Hospital after a few hours illness. [Born 4 February 1885 at Kooringa.]
Miss Trix Pearce had been visiting her sister Mrs A.S. Dearlove at Ketchowla. On Sunday she played the organ for morning and evening services at Terowie Methodist Church. During the night she wakened her sister with a strange noise and was found unconscious and died at the hospital about 1 a.m. Monday morning. During the War Miss Pearce and Mr F. Harris were organisers of the Burra Cheer-up Society and no one could have worked harder or more unselfishly than she did for the men who went to the front and those who returned. On her devolved the duty of organising a Cheer-up send-off to every departing soldier and a welcome to each one returning. It did not matter whether the returned man was an officer or a private. She was also secretary and a player in the Burra Cheer-up Ladies Band which took so great a part in farewelling and welcoming the boys. She was also for many years organist at Kooringa Methodist Church where she succeeded her father and sister and she took a great interest in all the departments of the church.
Obituary. Lilian Amy Reynolds aged 5 years 1 month, the daughter of Mr & Mrs W.H. Reynolds died 4 March at Booborowie. [Born 3 February 1922 at Kooringa.]
Booborowie Parklands. A public meeting on 26 February considered leasing the Parklands to get an income to plant and improve them. It was considered 15 acres would do as a reserve for the township’s milking cows. Council is asked to convene a ratepayers’ meeting for a final consideration.
E.W. Crewes has gone to Adelaide and while there will interview the Railway Commissioner about a reduction on freight from Burra, especially on wool for Port Adelaide.
Gilbert Walker, son of Mr & Mrs O.G. Walker of Kooringa, was knocked unconscious when he collided with a tram while riding his bicycle in Adelaide on Monday. He was not severely hurt.
Obituary. S. Lindsay G. (Joe) Halls died at Adelaide Hospital on 2 March. He was the youngest son of Mrs Isabella Halls and the late T.P. Halls and was born in Burra in 1895. After leaving school he and his brother carried on his father’s cab business and on the latter’s death managed the business for his mother. He had a wonderful disposition and a generous and optimistic character. About 18 months ago he slightly injured his arm and before he sought medical assistance blood poisoning set in and despite operations and the best medical care he finally died. He married Miss Hilda Harry, 2nd daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Harry of Kooringa, in 1919 and she is left with three little children, the youngest only a fortnight old. He is also survived by his mother and sisters, Mrs C.J. Pearce (Snowtown) & Mrs Lindsay (Adelaide) and his only brother Mr Thomas Halls.
[Born Samuel Lindsay Gordon Halls 14 October 1896.]
Marriage. At Young St Parkside West Methodist Church, 26 February
Reta Nicholls, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs R.T. Nicholls of Parkside, married
Murray Tiver, elder son of Mr & Mrs H.W. Tiver of Flagstaff, Burra.
Tennis, 5 March
‘A’ Grade At Ironmine: Hallett 8-65 defeated Ironmine 7-72
[‘A’ Grade] At Aberdeen: Willalo 8-66 defeated Aberdeen 7-69
‘B’ Grade At Hallett: Hallett 11-86 defeated Ironmine 4-51
[‘B’ Grade] At Willalo: Willalo 11-89 defeated Aberdeen 4-58
‘Last Saturday’ [?]
‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 8-63 defeated Aberdeen 7-59
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: Copperhouse 8-83 defeated Aberdeen 7-73
Burra Rifle Club. 18th match for the Carraca Cup. Best results from J. Terry, H. Byles and G. Herbert.
At present in the contest C.W. Pearce on 27 points leads A.P. Harris with 23.
Bowls. At Jamestown last Saturday: Burra 96 defeated Jamestown 85.
XXXXIX, 10, 9 Mar. 1927, page 4
RSL AGM was held 28 February. President Dr D.M. Steele and Vice-President S.M. Lane.
The meeting discussed whether to close the clubrooms and the administration of the Discharged Soldier Settlement Act.
The men were also asked to attend the unveiling of the Burra & District Honour Roll by the Governor Sir Tom Bridges on 19 March in uniform to form a bodyguard. This was likely to be the last function of the kind and they hoped for a good attendance. A returned man had donated £15 to enable all returned soldiers to attend the banquet without cost. S. Carter suggested that as most were reserves the Militia be written to for fresh uniforms. Mr Cock suggested approaching headquarters of the RSL for help. The attendance was larger than for some years. [24 are named.]
The President said despite much effort to organise socials etc., especially when Mr Carthew was secretary, the clubrooms were little used and it was hard to keep them going financially. Despite dances and boxing tournaments to help, they now had nothing but the assets. Though the Eastern Telephone Syndicate had been generous the rent had still to be paid along with about £4 for light and £8 for cleaning. Since Mr Dow was secretary the membership had increased from 24 in 1925 to 50 in 1926, of whom 44 were financial. Seven years ago it was 200. Even at the annual smoke social only 31 attended.
One reason for forming the RSL was to hear grievances and another was to give assistance. Neither had been done in this branch – soldiers probably preferred to deal directly with headquarters, but the strength of the League would be greater with strong sub-branches. Dr Steele said he would not stand again for President. The secretary said that if the branch was to survive it needed 125 financial members.
Elected: President, L.M. Gordon; Vice-Presidents, J.E. Hogan, H.G. Oates & F. Spencer; Secretary & Treasurer, G.H. Dow.
The Government administration of the Soldier Settlement Act was severely criticised for the application of liens on crops. The Government took all and the storekeepers etc. who gave credit got nothing. They passed a motion asking for the Act to be changed to give soldiers title after six years instead of the stipulated 10 and for this to be retrospective. Candidates for election to Parliament are to be asked to state their position on opening up new land as there are over 1,000 men still waiting.
Burra Reunion in the Botanic Gardens was held on 26 February. The average age of those attending was about 60 and 210 wore identity cards.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club Meeting, 24 February
Farrell’s Flat Sports Committee sought the use of the grounds for a sports meeting. A motion granting this for 25% of the profits was moved, but was lost.
The recent sports meeting showed a profit of £53-10-0 and refreshments etc. showed a profit of £22-9-0. The club after all costs were in was in credit £50-3-10.
It was proposed to move the men’s dressing shed back from the water and add to it to make a boatshed for winter. Mr Hawkes will obtain timber for a jetty.
Farrell’s Flat Institute. Stone has been carted for supper rooms at the rear and work is progressing.
Election Meeting for the Legislative Council by Liberal & Country Party candidates at the Institute 2 March is reported in 1 column.
XXXXIX, 11, 16 Mar. 1927, page 2
Notice. Captain Hugh Throssel VC will be pleased to meet any farmers interested in West Australian land at the Burra Hotel Commercial Room on Wednesday 22 March at 8 p.m.
XXXXIX, 11, 16 Mar. 1927, page 3
Notice. Rev. Charles E. Schafer & Rev. A.H. Melbourne will speak on Local Option at the Burra Institute tonight at 8 p.m.
Notice. Ironmine Methodist Church Anniversary Services Sunday 20 March. Rev. H. Alvey will preach. Soloists will be Miss D. McWaters, Mrs H. Alvey, Mr R. Fuss & Mr S. Penny.
Birth. On 14 March at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs J.E. Hogan a daughter, Larcelle.
[Corrected on 23 March to a birth on 13 March and the name to Marcelle.]
Burra Coursing Club. The annual meet is planned for 7, 8 & 9 June.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union convention will be held in the Redruth Memorial Hall today. Lady Holder will speak. She will be the guest of Mrs E.F. Marston while in Burra.
Lance Voumard of Kooringa was shot by a friend in an accident on Saturday. The bullet went through the upper arm, grazing the muscle, but missing the bone.
John T. Ralph & Anthony T. Kenny have been charged with stealing E.J. Davey’s car from the Burra Institute and driving it to Mingary Dam. The case has been remanded till 18 March.
The Late Trix Pearce: a reprint of a tribute from the city papers of 9 March.
She was Secretary of the Burra Branch of the Cheer-up Society in the War and was unremitting in her efforts. She was personally complimented by the Prince of Wales at a meeting of women war workers in the Exhibition Building in Adelaide. Sir Henry and Lady Galway had a portrait taken with her. The Burra society not only greatly assisted the Adelaide Society in supplying money for the building of Burra Hall, which was the integral section of the Adelaide Cheer-up Hut and in sending huge supplies of foodstuffs, but it also helped materially the Red Cross, the League of Loyal Women, the YMCA, Army Nurses Association, the Trench Comforts Fund, Overseas Tobacco auxiliary Fund and the Salvation army Trench Comforts Fund and in making and sending thousands of woollen comforts to the front. While officers and committee etc. were all splendid workers, Miss Pearce’s untiring energy and sparkling example were largely responsible for the results. She organised a body of 70 of the Cheer-up Girls who on occasions rode in Adelaide on fine horses and paraded the city streets soliciting funds. When the local band was without players because so many had enlisted she organised a ladies band that became noted for its excellent music. The devotion and thoroughness displayed in her patriotic work carried over into all aspects of her life. She was long associated with Mr G.E. Dane, leader of the Institute Orchestra, as pianist and cellist. She also played the organ. She was fond of sport, particularly tennis and was a good shot. Her sudden death was due to an undiagnosed heart problem which led to a blood clot to the brain.
XXXXIX, 11, 16 Mar. 1927, page 4
Burra Town Council, 7 March
G. Woodman was given permission to erect a wood and iron room in Hill St.
C.J. Field was allowed to erect a fourth petrol bowser and to make a right of way into his Kingston St premises.
Burra Show Society
President I.J. Warnes reported on 7 March at the AGM.
He regretted the death of Mr Joseph Flower in the year and thanked members for re-electing himself as President for a further year unopposed. The annual show on 26 & 27 October was again very successful. Entries were a record. Sheep entries were one of the largest ever and there are plans now to erect a sheep shed – perhaps at a cost of up to £1,000, but the committee will not go ahead without a considerable sum in hand from donations. The show’s progress can be charted in its income:
[Much of which is from subscriptions.] 1919 £333
1920 £325
1921 £310
1922 £333
1923 £427
1924 £498
1925 £656
1927 £713
In 1926 subscriptions were £416-17-0, Entry Fees were £19-13-0, and the Gate was £276-15-6 for a total of £713-5-6.
Application has been made for 7 & 8 October for this year’s show.
The financial position is satisfactory. Assets over liabilities £3,430-16-4.
The overdraft is £391-15-6. [A detailed financial statement is printed.]
Improvements for the last year were the erection of a Fruit Shed, Dog Housing, Fowl Housing and the laying on of water all over the ground. Last year over £600 was spent and this year £214-18-7.
A caretaker has been appointed. Elected were Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes (for the 13th year); Vice-Presidents, M.A. Radford & S.H. Robinson.
XXXXIX, 11, 16 Mar. 1927, Supplement
Fire Fighting. A meeting at Mt Bryan Hall on 1 March was well attended. It was to discuss forming a fire-fighting organisation. Mr Warnes outlined the background for the meeting. They had to consider appointing fire controllers, fire fighting and the so-operation of Councils and fire-fighting committees as allowed for under the Bush Fires Act.
Mr Rose Secretary of the Northern Fire Fighting Association spoke on fire prevention and discussed the various Acts before going on to consider combating fires.
A.B. Blesing President of the Northern Fire Fighting Association referred to his experiences in the Flinders Ranges and Gladstone District.
S. Hawker spoke about fire fighting equipment.
A motion was passed calling on the DC of Mt Bryan to appoint Fire Controllers.
Anti-Prohibition Campaign
Rev. W. Heathcote spoke before a good audience on 3 March on why he opposed prohibition. His visit was under the auspices of the Wine-growers’ Association. The move would greatly decrease accommodation for travellers. Fewer hotels would, he said, quite possibly increase drinking; six o’clock closing was expected to decrease it, but if anything business had increased. He was in favour of temperance and self control. He hated drunkenness. Sweden, Denmark and Canada had rejected prohibition after a trial. No one can be made good by an Act of Parliament and forbidden fruit was always the sweetest.
Mrs H. Alvey was farewelled by the Liberal Federation Women’s Branch on 4 March. The family is leaving for a trip to England on the Esperance Bay on Easter Saturday.
Cricket. Mt Bryan were minor premiers with 17 points to Kooringa’s 14.
Kooringa 276 & 9 for 217 defeated South Booborowie 152.
Mt Bryan 254 defeated Ramblers 90 & 45.
Kooringa 5 for 161 declared defeated Ramblers 26 & 95.
Tennis 5 March
‘A’ Grade At Willalo: Willalo 12-79 defeated Ironmine 3-46
‘B’ Grade At Ironmine: Willalo 11-92 defeated Ironmine 4-48
12 March
‘A’ Grade At Ironmine: Copperhouse 9-65 defeated Ironmine 6-63
At Hallett: Hallett 9-76 defeated Willalo 6-66
‘B’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 12-93 defeated Ironmine 3-43
At Willalo: Hallett 9-79 defeated Willalo 6-62
Aberdeen leads the ‘A’ Grade premiership table.
Willalo leads the ‘B’ Grade premiership table.
A Non-Association match on Saturday at Aberdeen: Aberdeen 20-124 defeated Farrell’s Flat 1-50.
W.S. McAuliffe gave an account extending for more than two columns of a road trip from Eudunda to Geraldton WA.
Bowls. At Clare last Saturday: Clare 98 defeated Burra 75.
Porter’s Lagoon continues to attract anything from 50 to 100 cars on Sundays.
XXXXIX, 12, 23 Mar. 1927, page 3
Advt. Rev. Frank Lade speaks on Local Option at Burra Institute tonight.
Advt. Concert in the Kooringa Methodist Hall 28 March. 1/-
Wilfred Hann has won a scholarship tenable for three years at any school in the state, and he left on Tuesday to continue studies at St Peter’s College, Adelaide.
Mrs J.G. Sara has been appointed a JP, the first Burra lady so appointed. She is a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs James Tiver of Aberdeen and was born in Burra.
Tubercular Soldiers. An appeal is made for £5,000 to continue work to aid soldiers with TB. A hostel is being established at Angorichina in the Flinders Ranges.
Mr F.T. Jettner, candidate for election to the House of Assembly and who came from Wirrabara is given a 1⁄3 column biography.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 11-80 defeated Hallett 4-55
At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 13-82 defeated Ironmine 2-52
‘B’ Grade At Ironmine: Aberdeen 12-89 defeated Ironmine 3-37
At Hallett: Copperhouse 8-81 defeated Hallett 7-69
Redruth Court, 18 March
The case of John T. Ralph (20) and Anthony T. Kenny (18) charged with unlawfully using E.J. Davey’s car was resumed. The details extend for about 1⁄2 column, but the outcome is not printed.
XXXXIX, 12, 23 Mar. 1927, page 4
Election Addresses by Liberal Candidates stretch for over 21⁄2 columns.
XXXXIX, 12, 23 Mar. 1927, Supplement
Unveiling the Honour Roll
The Burra & District Honour Roll is a handsome piece of polished Tasmanian Blackwood surmounted by a heavily moulded canopy supported by round carved pillars. There are seven panels and the roll is 9ft high and 11 ft 6 ins across. The contractors were C.J. Pearce & Son of Kooringa.
A large number gathered on 19 March to see the Governor Sir Tom Bridges unveil the roll. The Vice-Regal Party arrived by the midday train and was met at the railway station by the Mayor, Mr M. Collins and Mrs Collins. The Governor was accompanied by Flight Lieut. G.C.A. Armstrong & Mrs Armstrong. There was a mounted escort of the 23rd Light Horse under Lieut. Tom Fuller. The party first inspected the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial then returned to the Institute where a guard of honour of about 100 returned men was assembled under Surgeon Major D.M. Steele and Lieut. L.M. Gordon. There was then a civic reception in the Council Chamber.
The speeches of the Mayor and the Governor are then reported.
The Governor then unveiled the Honour Roll which held 600 names, 100 of which were starred to signify those who had died. A minute’s silence for the fallen was observed.
Mr Hawkes then spoke to thank the Governor, making reference to Sir Henry Galway and Sir Archibald Weigall who had previously visited in connection with the war and its aftermath. The Governor then met each returned man; introduced by Lieut. L.M. Gordon.
At 1 p.m. a grand banquet was held in the Institute Hall. At the Vice-Regal table were the Mayor and Mayoress and the Chairmen of the District Councils of Mt Bryan (I.J. Warnes), Apoinga (W.G. Hawkes), Burra (N. Hiles Pearse), Hallett (T.E. Richards) & Hanson (F.G. Scholz) and also Mesdames Warnes, Hawkes & Pearse. Mr E.W. Crewes, former Mayor of Burra, Lieut. L.M. Gordon (President of Burra RSL) and the secretary of the Honour Roll Committee, Mr G.H. Dow.
Toasts and speeches followed.
The Mayor presented the Governor with a jarrah paperweight surmounted by a polished cone-shaped piece of Burra malachite.
Lady Bridges received a brooch in malachite mounted in gold. Both pieces were the work of Frank Spencer. The Vice-Regal party also visited the Burra Mine and R.D. Pascoe’s stud sheep photograph collection before leaving by afternoon train for the city.
Revs A.H. Melbourne & C.E. Schafer spoke at the Burra Institute on 16 March in favour of prohibition.
XXXXIX, 13, 30 Mar. 1927, page 1
Advt. SA Farmers’ Union store announces the sale of summer drapery regardless of cost.
XXXXIX, 13, 30 Mar. 1927, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 4 April 1927: J.B. O’Connor’s Musical Comedy Company presents
the Musical Comedy Are You a Mason?
Advt. Big Dance Tomorrow evening in aid of the Tubercular soldiers Fund
Murison’s Popular Jazz Band
XXXXIX, 13, 30 Mar. 1927, page 3
Birth. 16 March at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs P.A. Kilderry a son, Patrick Vincent.
Obituary. Thomas William Warnes of Koomooloo, Burra, a highly respected pastoralist, died in Adelaide on Saturday at the age of 60.
[Born 19 December 1866 Burra Survey: died 26 March 1927 at Norwood.]
Obituary. Frederick C. [Charles] Austin, well-known pastoralist in early days died in Adelaide on Saturday 26 March. He started with the late Peter Waite and then took up Ketchowla with his brother when W. Dearlove, who subsequently owned the station, was overseer. Before cars he would come into Burra in a smart buggy and a fine four-in-hand. [Died 26 March 1927 at St Peters aged 84.]
Obituary. Hugh McCallum who died in WA 21 February 1927 was once a well-known resident of Kooringa. He was born in 1852 in Glasgow and was apprenticed to his uncle as a wheelwright when he was 15 and came to SA in 1876. He worked first for Hill & Sparshott at Gawler and later became a partner with William Henderson & Co. machinists. On 28 September 1896 he left for WA and worked first at Kalgoorlie and at Boulder at his trade. He continued to work till within eight days of his death aged 74. He leaves a wife, two sons and two daughters from his first marriage: Hugh McCallum (Perth), James McCallum (Boulder), Jessie Mrs H.D. Alston (Kalgoorlie) & Mary Mrs S. Brown (Boulder). He married Jessie Graham Gilchrist at Strathalbyn, Scotland in 1875. In 1894 he married Jane Nankivell [nee Duell], a widow of Burra, in 1894 and they had no family.
Harry Winnall second son of the late J.E. H. Winnall has gained first class honours in agriculture, oenology, chemistry, book-keeping, surveying, viticulture and wool-classing and won a medal for the highest aggregate in all diploma subjects, a cup for highest aggregate in agriculture and veterinary hygiene and a prize for wool-classing and for questions on fertilizer.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union Central District Convention at Redruth 16 March in the Memorial Hall was addressed by the President Mrs Haldane of Saddleworth. A paper was read by Mrs Bowman and one by Mrs McLeod. Lady Holder spoke. She blamed parents for not exerting control over their children. ‘If the last Methodist Conference had taken the restrictions off dancing in respect to membership classes as some adherents had tried to do so, she would have left the Methodist connection.’
Rev. Alvey spoke against Institutes and their committees who permitted alcohol on the premises.
Lady Holder then spoke of the need to close bars. 6 o’clock closing was a start, but now drinking at dances was a serious problem and menace. She urged organisation and prayer.
Mr & Mrs E.S. Williams were farewelled from Leighton on 5 March. They will live in Adelaide.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 16 March
Annie May Morgan, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late Walter Morgan of Ironmine, married
Roy William Lloyd, son of Mrs J. & the late Mr W.J. Lloyd of Braefoot.
Marriage. Presbyterian Church Strathalbyn, 12 March
Christina Keough, youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs J.S. Keough, married
Bertie George Blunt, youngest son of Mr & Mrs E.S. Blunt of Station House Hanson.
Marriage. Holder Memorial Church Torrensville 12 March
Pearl W. Gebhardt, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs W.A. Gebhardt of Kooringa, married
Fred K. Boase, younger son of Mr & Mrs F. Boase of Torrensville
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 23 March
Nada Minetta Stockman, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Stockman of ‘Shafton’ Burra, married
Cecil Penn Thamm, only son of Mrs F.M. & the late E.E. Thamm of Aberdeen.
Burra Rifle Club. After the third stage of the championship shoots C.W. Pearce on 271 leads H.L. Riggs on 264.
XXXXIX, 13, 30 Mar. 1927, page 4
Cricket. Semi-Finals 19 March
Mt Bryan 155 & 1 for 46 defeated South Booborowie 76 & 60
Kooringa defeated Ramblers
Farrell’s Flat 198 & North Booborowie 5 for 55. [Though the score sheet shows no one ‘not out’!]
Final 26 March
Mt Bryan 139 & Kooringa 1 for 193: to be continued.
Booborowie Catholic Sports were held on 12 March and were very successful. Results are printed.
Burra Show Society met on Friday and decided to have the dog trials at the racecourse and to combine them with a picnic race meeting on the last day – mainly to see if that would result in a financially viable outcome since last year they made a loss of £30.
XXXXIX, 14, 6 Apr. 1927, page 1
Advt. SAFU have sold all their stock of drapery and hardware to A.L. Bence. On 8 April SAFU will sell the balance of their groceries regardless of cost.
[Note that there is no news item announcing the closure of the SAFU store, but it becomes apparent from advertisements.]
XXXXIX, 14, 6 Apr. 1927, page 2
Advt. Burra Burra Show Inc. Sheep Dog Trials 29 & 30 April 1927.
Horses in action Saturday afternoon. 8 events will be run.
Mr & Mrs Collins have been invited to a garden party at Government House on 2 May in honour of the visit of the Duke & Duchess of York. [Later George VI & Queen Elizabeth.]
The Tubercular Soldiers’ Fund appeal this year raised £35.
XXXXIX, 14, 6 Apr. 1927, page 3
Tennis
‘A’ Grade At Willalo: Willalo 9-77 defeated Copperhouse 6-64
At Hallett: Hallett 11-78 defeated Aberdeen 4-51
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: Hallett 11-90 defeated Aberdeen 4-65
At Copperhouse: Willalo 12-92 defeated Copperhouse 3-49
Bowls. Singles final on Saturday: P.L. Rosman defeated W.H. Sandland.
Consistency Handicap was won by Dr Steele.
Singles Handicap was won by W.H. Sandland.
Rev. & Mrs Alvey were farewelled from the Redruth Methodist Circuit at the Redruth Memorial Hall on Monday evening. He has been granted 12 months leave of absence for a trip to England. He has been in the circuit for three years.
J.G. Sara spoke of Mr Alvey’s ‘strong personality, high ideals, lofty character, a good organiser.’
Mrs Alvey had been associated strongly with the church, choir, Sunday school etc. His appreciation of the work of Mr & Mrs Alvey was supported by speeches from W.J. Woollacott for local preachers, W.H. Gare for the choir, R.G. Williams for the Sunday school, Rev. R.H. Lee for the Kooringa Church, J. Drew for Kooringa Sunday School & W.H. Lloyd for Ironmine. Mrs H.H. Thomas presented a wallet of £50 from the Redruth Church. James Reed presented a handsomely bound address. Mrs H. Jennison presented Mrs Alvey with a gold-mounted malachite brooch. Miss A. Bentley spoke for the junior Sunday school and asked Bobby Johns to present Douglas & Francis Alvey with a camera.
Ironmine Methodist Church Anniversary was celebrated recently and Rev. Alvey preached two fine sermons to crowded congregations and on the occasion Mr W.H. Lloyd presented a roll of notes to Rev. Alvey on behalf of the church as a measure of esteem and wished the family a happy holiday in England.
Are You a Mason? had to be postponed at the last minute.
Cricket. Continuation of the Premiership
Kooringa started at 3 for 203, but collapsed to be all out for 236. Mt Bryan scored 139 & 90, giving Kooringa a win by an innings and 7 runs.
Rev. Oliver has been farewelled from Willalo Church.
Advt. Kooringa Hotel has been greatly renovated by Mrs McDonald and the billiard room turned into a private lounge.
XXXXIX, 14, 6 Apr. 1927, page 4
Burra Races last Wednesday were well-patronised and arrangements were excellent. There was unfortunately a rather large number of late scratchings, which seems to be a common feature these days of country meetings resulting in small fields. The Burra Cup was the main race and was won by J. Saleeba’s brown gelding Trionit aged 6 years and ridden by G. Mules.
Burra Rifle Club. 19th stage of the Carraca Cup was fired over 800 & 900 yards. Best results were by H. Woodman & J.A. Riggs.
XXXXIX, 15, 13 Apr. 1927, page 2
Advt. Bence’s have leased the SAFU store for at least two weeks and the store will be closed 11 & 12 May for the amalgamation of Bence’s & SAFU stock and will reopen Friday 13 May as Bence’s Cash & Carry Department.
XXXXIX, 15, 13 Apr. 1927, page 3
Obituary. James Honan, husband of Lilian, died at Hallett on 31 March aged 63. He was the father of Sarah, Lucy & Albert. [Born 5 May 1864 at Caroona: death apparently not registered, but another source gives 28 March 1927.]
James Honan died suddenly on 31 March. He was born at Caroona Station east of Burra in 1864, the third son of the late Mr James Honan. For long he was employed by Mr C. Bowman on his station and later by the Blight Bros. He married Miss Noble of Hallett and there are two daughters and a son. John Honan of Hallett and R. Honan of Kooringa are brothers.
W.R. Lee recently brought in an inscribed plate from one of the ambulances presented by the Burra District people for use at the front.
Military Camp. 16 members of the 23rd Light Horse Regiment No. 4 Troop, B Squadron returned on Wednesday after eight days in camp at Gawler. They comprised one officer, Lieut. T. Fuller, and 15 rank and file. The local troop was very popular before the Great War and responded almost in its entirety to the call to arms. Today there is room for more recruits.
Burra Town Council
DC of Mt Bryan wrote desiring the formation of a northern District Fire Fighting Association. A decision was postponed until more particulars as to cost etc. are ascertained.
Sara & Co. wrote re removal of fencing to the proper boundary lines on lots 117, 118 & 119 between Taylor & Cooper Streets. Side fence to be moved 21ft out and the front 8ft nearer the main road. They wish to bring the lots under the RPA, but Council had been in possession so long it would use its own discretion as to granting of the application. A decision was opposed until inspection.
[The Main Road concerned is Watt Rd and lots are three that adjoin immediately south of Watt Rd.]
Trix Pearce Memorial Service. A special musical service was held in Kooringa Methodist Church arranged by G.E. Dane. The church was crowded for the occasion and included people from outlying parts of the district and many returned soldiers. The choir of 38 voices was led by G.E. Dane. [Details extend for 3⁄4 column.]
CWA annual meeting was held on Friday afternoon.
Mrs Warnes as President said they had been granted affiliation with the National Council of Women. This organisation will tender the Duchess of York a reception on 2 May in Adelaide and tickets are available. Sister Bottrill of the DTNS (District Trained Nursing Society) gave a talk.
The DTNS was begun in England in 1860 and started in SA in 1893 by Rev. B.C. Stephenson, Hon. Dr A. Campbell MLC and Miss Edith Noble (a pupil of Florence Nightingale) and was financed by Sir T. Elder & Mr R. Barr Smith. There were now 29 districts. It was primarily intended for the very poor, but nurses were welcomed in many other homes, many of whom responded generously. Branches now extend from Marree to Mt Gambier.
Cricket. Kooringa 190: Robertstown 3 for 107.
Tennis. Semi-Finals
‘A’ Grade At Aberdeen: Willalo 9-73 defeated Aberdeen 6-60
At Hallett: Hallett 10-79 defeated Copperhouse 5-56
‘B’ Grade At Willalo: Hallett 13-95 defeated Aberdeen 2-55
At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 8-76 defeated Willalo 7-80
Bowls. At Balaklava last Saturday Balaklava 87 defeated Burra 82.
Rev. J.C. & Mrs Oliver were farewelled at Booborowie Hall on 4 April. Details extend for just less than one column.
XXXXIX, 16, 20 Apr. 1927, page 1
Notice. SA Farmers’ Co-op Union has leased its store, but Mr Stan Kellaway will continue the following agencies in the adjoining office: Stock Department, Vulcan Motor Trucks, Wool & Stud stock, Corn Sacks, Land, Produce, Skins, Poultry, Binder Twine, Oils, Wheat, Executor Co., Merchandise, Producers & Citizens CIC, Machinery & Case Tractors, Superphosphate and Dairy Produce.
XXXXIX, 16, 20 Apr. 1927, page 3
Obituary. Harry W. Nayda aged 23 died at Burra Hospital 14 April. He was the son of Mr & Mrs P. Nayda of Booborowie. He was born at Hawker in 1904 and worked on various stations before coming to Booborowie with his parents in 1924. [Harry Walter Nayda born 5 March 1904.]
Mr & Mrs J. Black left Burra for Adelaide on Thursday. Mr Black had been manager of Mr J. Tennant’s Princess Royal Station for 25 years.
Croquet. A team from Northcote Club (Medindie) visited on 16 April and two singles and four doubles games resulted in a win for Burra overall.
Hallett Athletic Sports on Easter Monday were a success with record attendances. Results are printed.
Marriage. St Augustine’s Church Unley, 16 April
Frank Teare Marston, son of Ernest F. Marston & the late Mrs Marston, married
Floris Kinso Ewins, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Kinso C.H. Ewins of Wayville.
XXXXIX, 16, 20 Apr. 1927, page 4
Burra Children’s Playground – a grand afternoon of 27 events was organised for Easter Saturday by C.R. Bevan & T. Fuller and a very successful day was enjoyed by a large crowd of children. Prize winners are listed.
Mt Bryan Athletic Sports were successfully staged on 16 April. Results are printed.
The Seaside Trip Committee met on 13 April to finalise the 1927 trip. There was a loss for the year of £1-4-7. Thanks to Mr M.S. Edwards for taking over as Hon. Sec. from F. Harris. The bank balance with the National Bank is £109-12-0.
XXXXIX, 17, 27 Apr. 1927, page 3
Bowls. Alberton Oval Bowling Club visited on Anzac Day, arriving by special railcar at 10.35 a.m. with 45 in the party. Alberton 137 defeated Burra 132.
Croquet. On 25 April Mrs Dixon (Alberton) and Mrs Tullock & Mrs McColl (Woodville) visited. The home players were victorious.
Tennis. Burra District Open Tournament 16 April
Men’s Singles Championship C. Flower defeated N. Woollacott
Men’s Doubles Championship H. & S. Lomman defeated C. Flower & C.J. Williams
Men’s Singles Handicap C. Rofe defeated K. Stock
Men’s Doubles Handicap M. Tiver & C. Rofe defeated H. & S. Lomman
Mixed Doubles Handicap Sullivan & Miss McWaters defeated K. & Miss Stock
Ladies’ Singles Handicap Miss C. McWaters defeated Miss Stock
Ladies’ Doubles Handicap Misses Prior & Nickles defeated Misses Stock & Kellaway
‘B’ Grade Final at Hallett: Hallett 11-91 defeated Copperhouse 4-56
Marriage. St Mary’s Burra 20 April
Alfred W. Andrews of Burra, elder son of Mr A.E. & the late Mrs Andrews of Inglewood Victoria, married Annie M. Opperman, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs Albert Opperman of Redruth
Hanson Methodist Church special Easter Services were held to welcome the new circuit minister, W.O. Harris. A large congregation attended in the afternoon. Mr J.G. Sara took the evening service.
An Anzac Service was held in Market Square last Sunday in perfect weather. Returned men gathered under Lieut. L.M. Gordon, President of Burra RSL and Surgeon Major Steele, forming three sides of a hollow square. Many wore uniform with medals. The Ministers, Mayor and Councillors attended. The address was given by Rev. F.B. Hewitson. Bugler H. Jennison sounded The Last Post and Reveille.
Burra Rifle Club visited Gawler on Good Friday and Wasleys on Easter Saturday.
Burra 874 defeated Gawler 869.
Wasleys 888 defeated Burra 878.
XXXXIX, 17, 27 Apr. 1927, page 4
Burra Town Council, 21 April
Given that the cost was 10/- p.a. the Council agreed to join the Northern Fire Fighters Assoc.
E.V. Triggs asked permission to remove a pine in front of his new residence. Denied pending inspection.
Ramblers Football Club sought permission to use Victoria Park. The Victoria Park Improvement Committee asked that Victoria Park not be used this season or the new planting would be wasted.
After considerable discussion Cr Kellaway moved that no sporting bodies be allowed on Victoria Park during the winter. Carried.
Various minor road works approved.
Local Board of Health.
Mr D. Dollman applied to be excused from the prohibition of allowing waste water to enter the public gutter, as there was no practical alternative. He undertook to brush the gutter every morning. To be given two weeks trial.
Council will inspect the proposed site near the Fire Station for new lavatories.
Rev. W.O. & Mrs Harris were given a welcome social at Redruth Memorial Hall on Wednesday evening last. The report extends for 2⁄3 column.
XXXXIX, 18, 4 May 1927, page 3
Birth. On 29 April at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs R.W.J. Holmes a son, Murray Rupert.
Obituary. Fred Sleep died recently at St Kilda, Victoria. He was the second son of the late Mr & Mrs J. Sleep of Kooringa and was born in 1862. After school he was apprenticed to the late William Bruce Carpenter and worked for Sara & Dunstan, Aberdeen. When work was slack in SA he went to Victoria and remained there till his death. He married a Miss Heron. He died 20 April after a long and painful illness. [Frederick Sleep born 26 August 1862 at Kings Park SA.]
Paderewski played in Adelaide last week and many from Burra went to hear him at the Town Hall. Miss Patty Pledge and Miss Naidebaum [Nadebaum] couldn’t afford a ticket, but listened at the side entrance. After the concert Paderewski and his wife came out and shook their hands.
Croquet. Mrs J.G. Sara was defeated by Mrs Bert Finch in the Championship 18-26.
Bowls. Results at the end of the season.
Champion P.L. Rosman
Runner-up W.H. Sandland
Consistency Dr D.M. Steele
Singles Handicap W.H. Sandland
Pairs P.L. Rosman & S.R. Oborn
Obituary. Miss Jean McArthur, schoolteacher at Wheetelands School, was killed in a car accident last Thursday. She accepted a ride into Farrell’s Flat with a motor traveller Mr B. Winkley. With the car travelling at speed it hit a spoon drain and turned a somersault. Miss McArthur was thrown out and broke her neck. The driver suffered injuries to arms and legs and was taken to Clare Hospital. The deceased was 21. [Marjorie Jean McArthur born 3 March 1906 at Pt Pirie: died 28 April 1927 near Farrell’s Flat, residence Black Springs. Funeral reported XXXXIX, 18 May 1927, page 3.]
XXXXIX, 18, 4 May 1927, page 3
Obituary. Fred Sleep died recently at St Kilda, Victoria. He was the second son of the late Mr & Mrs J. Sleep of Kooringa and was born in 1862. After school he was apprenticed to the late William Bruce Carpenter and worked for Sara & Dunstan, Aberdeen. When work was slack in SA he went to Victoria and remained there till his death. He married a Miss Heron. He died 20 April after a long and painful illness.
Tennis. Final: 23 April
‘A’ Grade At Willalo: Hallett 8-69 defeated Willalo 7-69
Challenge Contest of Minor Premiers last Saturday:
‘A’ Grade At Hallett: Hallett 9-75 defeated Aberdeen 6-65
‘B’ Grade At Willalo: Hallett 11-87 defeated Willalo 4-58
Marriage. At Winnininnie Station 20 April
Harry C. (Pat) Lockyer of Mundi Mundi Station NSW, second son of Mr H.G. & the late Mrs Lockyer of Adelaide and Grandson of the late E.C. Lockyer of Kooringa, married
Imogen L. (Jean) Wade, only daughter of Mr & Mrs W.P. Wade of Winnininnie Station and late of Koonoona.
MUIOOF Adult & Juvenile Lodges combined for a picnic at Stone Chimney Creek on grounds lent by Messrs L. & W. Gallagher on 25 April.
Burra Rifle Club Championship:
Aggregate With Handicap
G. Herbert 308 349
C.W. Pearce 343 343
W. Woodman 328 348
L. Kellaway 325 336
H.L. Riggs 327 332
Capt. A. Kellock 316 318
J.E. Pearce 288 306
A.P. Harris 286 306
Burra Golf Club AGM 9 March. Elected were President, Dr Steele; Vice-President, Dr Steven; Secretary, S.G. Pickering.
It was decided to alter the course from 9 to 18 holes with professional advice. The popularity of the game is increasing.
XXXXIX, 18, 4 May 1927, Supplement
Sheep Dog Trials were held on 29 & 30 April. Despite showery conditions they went well. I.J. Warnes supplied the sheep and there were 74 entries. Winners:
Local Class H. McDonald’s Hope Lad
Maiden Stakes H. McDonald’s Hope Lad
Flock Dog Competition Mr O.C. Wills’ Wally O’Buchan
Puppy Stakes Mr G.A. Bishop’s Wilken
Blind Cast A.B. Kemp’s Red Hope
Open Class G.A. Noble’s Noble Pam
The picnic horse race on Saturday was very successful despite so many people being in Adelaide to celebrate the visit of the Duke & Duchess of York.
Northern Fire Fighting Association. Meeting at Gladstone on 26 April.
Mr R.J. Rose, Hon. Sec., said a number of Councils took no interest in fire fighting and amendments to the Bush Fires Act to compel attention are necessary. Some delegates did not agree with proposals involving compulsion while others said only Acts with compulsory clauses were enforced. Mr Rose said the proposed Board would not be a City or Central Board. He believed anything short of compulsion would not place fire fighting on a proper basis. Further consideration was deferred for six months.
XXXXIX, 19, 11 May 1927, page 1
Burra Town Council, 2 May
After inspection it was decided not to allow the removal of the tree requested by Mr Triggs.
The Mayor and Council were invited to attend Mothers’ Day service a Kooringa Methodist Church. Accepted.
Various footpath & road matters were dealt with.
XXXXIX, 19, 11 May 1927, page 2
Advt. Grand Fancy Dress Masquerade Carnival in aid of RSL Funds
Burra Institute, Thursday 12 May. Music by Murison’s Melody Masters.
Advt. The Fitch –four drive tractor will be demonstrated on the farm of Mr A. Scott at Springbank.
[i.e. 4WD]
Advt. Institute Dances will begin for 1927 on Wednesday 18 May and thereafter on alternate Wednesdays. Murison’s Jazz Band will play.
XXXXIX, 19, 11 May 1927, page 3
Notice. Copperhouse [Westbury] Methodist Church Anniversary, Sunday 15 May.
Rev. W.O. Harris. Social evening on 16 May at 7.30 p.m. Supper.
Horton Jennison gave several residents the pleasure of listening to the opening of the new Parliament Houses in Canberra by the Duke of York on Monday morning.
[He was the agent for the Gilfillan Neutrodyne Wireless.]
Burra Cemetery. Recently piped water was made available to people placing flowers on graves.
Obituary. C.W. (Wells) Walker died in Adelaide on 7 May. He was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs J.T. Walker of Adelaide and late of Kooringa and was born in 1875 at Mt Barker, but came to Burra with his parents as a child and stayed till old enough to look after a branch of his father’s business. He has lived for many years at Jamestown. He married Miss F.I. Eddy. Alfred & Oswald G. Walker of Kooringa are brothers. [Clarence Wellslie (Wells) Walker 4 June 1874 at Mt Barker: died as Clarence Wellesley Walker 6 May 1927 at North Adelaide, residence Jamestown.]
W.R. Lee showed a film of the manufacture of Ford cars at his garage on Monday night and over 100 attended, including a number of ladies.
Cpl H.O. (Bert) James was one of the bodyguards for the Duke of York in Adelaide and was picked to go to Canberra in the same capacity for the opening of the new Parliament House.
Mrs I.J. Warnes was presented to the Duke & Duchess of York at Adelaide Town Hall on 4 May.
Tom Parks met the Duke & Duchess of York at Myrtlebank Sanatorium where he is a patient.
Rev. F.B. Hewitson will move to Mt Gambier after six years here.
Bowls. Saturday last: Bowlers 117 defeated Cricketers 87.
Burra Rifle Club. 20th match for the Carraca Cup resulted in best scores from W. Woodman, A.P. Harris & P. Hogan. With this score A.P. Harris takes over the aggregate from C.W. Pearce.
XXXXIX, 19, 11 May 1927, page 4
Cricket. [There was evidently considerable disputation over who the premiers were for the year and just how that was decided. This emerges from a column of correspondence.]
W.M. Bednall, Captain of the Kooringa Cricket Club writes:
Soon after the semi-finals started Mr Weatherill, Secretary of the Mt Bryan Cricket Club said in his view the rules said Mt Bryan had already won the premiership regardless of the finals, due to a failure to alter one of last year’s rules when the new rules were made. I approached Mr Radford as Chairman of the Association and his opinion was that points counted in finals and semi-finals and so with Kooringa 3 points behind Mt Bryan a 4 point win over them would give Kooringa the premiership without the need for a challenge match.
[Bednall then goes on to complain of the spirit in which Mt Bryan played and lost the final match to Kooringa.]
E.M. Weatherill then wrote to Mr Radford saying Mt Bryan sought to play the challenge match at South Booborowie on 9 & 23 April.
Bednall points out the nomination of grounds and dates contravened Association rules.
Mr Radford then changed his former ruling, but by then some Kooringa members were engaged to play at Robertstown and others to go to Adelaide and so Kooringa suggested 23 & 25 April.
Mt Bryan objected to this as seeding operations would be in progress and they wanted 9 & 23 as before.
Kooringa replied that seeding operations appeared only to affect two players, neither of them prominent and Kooringa said they were not able to play on 9 April, despite which Mt Bryan travelled to Aberdeen and back again on that date and then wrote a letter complaining of the non-appearance of Kooringa and asking for this to be dealt with under Section IX of the Constitution – considering the match as forfeited.
The Kooringa Club accepts the Chairman’s rulings absolutely.
‘In our private views and in those of most cricketers technicalities and fine points in rules are not good cricket. The Mt Bryan Club therefore has the great honour of retaining the premiership on a forced forfeit, after having been very soundly and decisively beaten in the final game.’
W.M. Bednall, Captain of the Kooringa Cricket Club
XXXXIX, 20, 18 May 1927, page 3
Notice. Stockowners’ Association of SA.
The SAR have announced that they will pay a rebate of 2d per ton per mile for the road cartage of wool from the east of Burra only, to the Burra Railway Station for railing thence to Pt Adelaide. The rebate is on the road cartage only and not the rail freight charge.
Obituary. Jesse Byles died at Burra on 28 April aged 86.
Weather. Rain began falling on Monday evening to end our long dry spell and the total as we go to press is c. 75 points. It has not extended to the east.
Train Timetable. Winter.
Broken Hill express arrives in Burra 6.17 a.m. and departs for the south at 6.22 a.m.
The train departing Adelaide at 4.40 p.m. has been cancelled.
Broken Hill express departs Adelaide 5.55 p.m. instead of 6.45 p.m. and arrives in Burra 9.45 p.m.
Sgt J.R. Johns of Redruth has been transferred to Loxton from early July after six years here.
Croquet. The ladies visited Northcote Club, North Adelaide, recently. Mrs Sara was successful in two singles games, but the Burra pairs lost all three of their games.
Miss Jean Arthur who was killed on 28 April in a car accident near Farrell’s Flat was buried at Pt Pirie on 1 May. About 300 attended.
Redruth Court, 10 May
There is a series of cases related to the illegal supplying of liquor after hours involving people at the Booborowie Hotel, Hanson Hotel (Farrell’s Flat), and the Royal Exchange Hotel at Aberdeen. The police had mixed success.
Mrs E. McDonald, licensee of the Kooringa Hotel, sued E.T. Claridge for board, drink, motor hire, destroying sheets and a quilt and refreshments to the value of £26-11-7 and received a judgement for £8-6-10 with costs.
XXXXIX, 20, 18 May 1927, page 4
Burra Golf Club. The enlargement of the links to 18 holes was opened when Dr Steven, Vice-President, in the absence of the President Dr Steele, asked ‘Mr [sic] Maurice Collins to open the new links by driving off the first ball. Mrs Collins drove off, a very neat low drive for which she was loudly applauded.’ All that is needed now is a club house.
Annual RSL Masquerade Ball was held on 12 May at the Institute and was a great success with Murison’s Jazz Orchestra. About 100 came in fancy dress and many others did not don costume.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, 11 May
Miss Gladys M. Keys, 2nd daughter of Mrs & the late Mr Thomas Keys of Aberdeen, married
Gilbert P.S. (Jack) Harvey, son of Mr & Mrs S.G. Harvey of Hill River.
XXXXIX, 21, 25 May 1927, page 2
Notice. DC Burra calls for nominations for Councillor. Retiring Councillors are:
Kooringa Ward: William Humphrey Sandland
Baldina Ward: William Hedley McWaters
King Ward: Reginald Warnes
Auditor: Frank Treloar
XXXXIX, 21, 25 May 1927, page 3
Obituary. Ida Rule, wife of William Rule of Aberdeen, died 19 May at Burra aged 60.
[Born Ida Juliana Topperwein 10 October 1866 at Redruth.]
She was born at Redruth, the daughter of the late Mr & Mrs A. Topperwein and married William Rule, the son of the late James Rule, blacksmith of Aberdeen. She was a good worker for the Soldiers’ Aid Society during the Great War. She never fully recovered from the death of her son Lieut. Essen Rule in the conflict. She leaves two sons, Mr W. Rule of Hanson and Mr Philip Rule of Burra and a daughter, Mrs Les Hopcraft of Adelaide. There are four grandchildren.
M-C McDonald will come from Yorketown to replace Sgt J.R. Johns at Redruth.
M-C Hornibrook of Redruth goes to Pt McDonald to be followed here by M-C Roberts from Pt Lincoln.
Rev. & Mrs Alvey have arrived in England.
Alvide Bridges, the daughter of the Governor, writes to thank the town for the gift of a malachite brooch handed to he mother for her on the recent Vice-Regal visit.
Mrs I.J. Warnes is recovering in the Memorial Hospital North Adelaide from a serious operation.
Copperhouse [Westbury] Methodist Church held its Anniversary Services on 15 May. Mr E. W. Dunhill & Rev. W.O. Harris conducted services. [Personal interest: Mr R. Fuss provided two solos and was in a quartet on Sunday evening and at Monday evening’s social he was again part of the entertainment.]
Miss B. Nosworthy was given a farewell at Copperhouse School on 14 May. She had been the teacher-in-charge for about three years. She was given a xylonite brush and comb and mirror set. She is succeeded by Mr Beasly.
Obituary. Sarah Pearce, eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs T.W. Pearce of Ware St Kooringa, died at her residence ‘Burswood’ on 19 May after an illness of six years. She was born at Kooringa 14 March 1861 and was for long a teacher in the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School and a choir member. She leaves one sister, Miss Rose Pearce and a brother, Mr E.A. Pearce of Prospect.
XXXXIX, 21, 25 May 1927, page 4
The ‘Fitch’ 4WD tractor trial was held at the farm of A. Scott of Springbank on Monday and is reported in 1⁄2 column.
Mrs Foote was given a presentation of a ‘housewife’ for her purse and a stationery and stamp holder for her writing table (both in xylonite) at what reads like a farewell from the Soldiers’ Aid Society on 15 May.
XXXXIX, 21, 25 May 1927, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 16 May
There were various problems with trimming and removing trees. The Telephone Dept sought compensation for the cutting of 30 wires when a tree limb fell during removal. This will be contested.
E.J. Harris was granted permission to remove a nearly dead tree from in front of his shop.
T.H. Woollacott was given permission to make alterations to a house in Bridge terrace and to build an Isolation Ward for the Hospital.
Timber from tree removal is to be taken to the Council Depot. [Its fate after that is unclear.]
Trees are to be ordered on the Inspector’s suggestion.
Various road and path matters were approved.
Burra Rifle Club. 21 May
21st and final shoot for the Carraca Cup saw it go to A.P. Harris with 30 points ahead of C.W. Pearce with 29. On the day the best results were from P. Hogan and R. Woodman.
Bowls & Croquet. Closure of the 1926-27 season occurred on 21 May.
Championship: P.L. Rosman
Runner-up: W.H. Sandland
Consistency: Dr. Steele
Pairs Handicap: P.L. Rosman & S.R. Oborn
Singles Handicap: W.H. Sandland
Croquet Championship: Mrs Bert Finch
Croquet Doubles: Mrs H. Tiver & Mrs P.L. Rosman
Singles Handicap: Mrs P.L. Rosman
XXXXIX, 22, 1 June 1927, page 3
Mr E.S. Blunt, who was at the Hanson Railway Station for 30 years and 2 months, has retired to Aberdeen having bought what is known as West’s property [in St Just St]. When he first went to Hanson he came from five years at Terowie and it was then to a position of signaller. He brought up a family of seven children at Hanson and has been succeeded there by Mr Schumacher.
The Weather has been fine and very cold and in May only 134 points fell.
Institute Dances continue to be held fortnightly for the season.
Burra matron’s Dance was held at the Institute on 27 May. It was well attended and an Adelaide Jazz Band played. Reported in 11⁄4 columns.
Football.
Ramblers 2.3 5.6 5.7 6.8 (44)
Aberdeen 1.1 1.3 3.9 4.10 (34)
Mr H.L. Ellershaw, teller at the Bank of Australasia, has been sent to Broken Hill to be replaced by Mr M. G. Dobson.
Burra Croquet Club. The club ended the season with £28-0-10 in hand, up £10-6-5 on the start of the season. Elected: President, Mrs Ewins; Secretary, Mrs Marston; Treasurer, Mrs Clem Pearce; Captain, Mrs J.G. Sara; Vice-Captain, Mrs Finch.
Obituary. William Dunstan died on 30 May in the Queen St residence of his daughter. He was born in Chapel St in 1855 opposite the old Wesleyan Church. He was the third son of Mr & Mrs John Dunstan Sen. and was educated at Mr White’s school, after which he became a mason. He assisted at building the Gladstone Jail as an employee of Sara & Dunstan. Later he went to Broken Hill and Quorn where his wife died in September 1920. John Dunstan Jnr former Mayor of Burra and member of the late firn of Sara & Dunstan was a brother. He is survived by two sons and two daughters: Cyril & Victor of Broken Hill, Mrs G.H. Gosling (Kooringa) & Mrs J.W. Hill (Quorn). There are 27 grandchildren. The only surviving brother is B.H.K. Dunstan of Mt Bryan East and there are two sisters: Mrs S.W. Cherry of South Broken Hill & Mrs J. Caldicott of Pt Pirie.
[Born 27 August 1855.]
Obituary. Hilda M.M. Kakoschke, wife of George Kakoschke of Redruth, died 30 May aged 20. She was the second daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Harrison of Redruth. [Birth apparently not registered in SA.]
XXXXIX, 22, 1 June 1927, page 4
Mrs E.F. Beckwith celebrated her 90th birthday on 23 May at the residence of her son E.A. Beckwith. She was born in England in 1837 and arrived in Australia with her parents on the Nile in 1855. She married John Beckwith of Mt Bryan in October 1855. He died some years ago. There were 14 children and those surviving are: Mrs P. Henderson (Adelaide), Mrs J. Simpson (Belalie North), Mr H. Beckwith (Mongolata), Mr E.A. Beckwith (Aberdeen), Mr W. Beckwith (Broken Hill), Mr T. Beckwith (Mt Bryan). There are 27 grandchildren & 28 great grandchildren.
Burra High School. Council Meeting 26 May.
Mr Haese reported an enrolment of 18 boys and 22 girls. Four Leaving Certificates were gained in the 1926 exams and one exhibition. Proposed alterations to the High School are expected to begin at an early date.
XXXXIX, 23, 8 June 1927, page 3
Accident. A horse drawing a spring cart for H.C. Chambers bolted on Saturday morning at Redruth. The cart capsized at a corner by the Court House and Mr Chambers was thrown against the roots of a gum tree. His son landed on top of him. While the son was OK the father was unable to move and he is being treated in hospital. Their load of stores and rabbit traps was scattered about.
Football. Hallett schoolboys played Burra High School on 6 June.
Hallett 3.2 defeated Burra High 2.7.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.8 2.8 5.12 6.12 (48)
Hallett 1.0 3.7 4.7 6.9 (45)
Burra Rifle Club AGM. Trophies for the past season:
200, 500 & 600 yards aggregate R. Woodman from J.A. Riggs
300, 500 & 600 yards aggregate G. Woodman from A.B. Riggs
300, 600 & 700 yards aggregate J. Terry from H. Byles
800 & 900 yards aggregate J. Terry from A.P. Harris
Highest points in last 7 matches H. Byles
Mrs M.S. Davey appeals for donations on behalf of TB Soldiers to get a motor car for use at Angorichina Hostel to be opened by the Governor Sir Tom Bridges on 18 June.
Liberal Federation meeting of the Burra Women’s Branch 3 June.
Mrs F.R. Wigley took the chair in the absence of Mrs I.J. Warnes. Membership had jumped from 36 to 86 and meeting had been well attended. Mrs Warnes wrote saying she was getting better and she was unanimously re-elected President. Mrs C.D. Wilkinson was elected Acting President to assist. Miss Minnie Rogers is Hon. Sec. Mrs Hewitson who leaves soon for Mt Gambier was presented with a travelling rug and xylonite brush comb and mirror set.
XXXXIX, 23, 8 June 1927, page 4
YMCA. A delegation from Peterborough came to Kooringa on Thursday to make arrangements with the Provisional Committee for opening work in Burra. Rev. Lee took the chair. The delay in getting going was due to a delay in getting the building in Peterborough completed until two weeks ago. It was decided to organise classes in Burra at once, beginning 9 June.
E.J. Birbeck writes of meeting former Burraites in Sydney:
Johnnie Jordan is 82 and Mrs Jordan, nee Pollie Pearce, daughter of ‘tailor’ Pearce, is 80.
Mrs Edward Sanders, nee Maria Patterson of Copperhouse, is 77.
Willie ‘Forty’ Anderson, Bootmaker who finished his apprenticeship in Burra in 1871, is 72.
P.N. Collins for John Collins & Sons writes re heavy losses due to stolen lambs. They and their neighbours suffer this regularly – 200 in the last 3-4 months from their flock. Collins & Sons offer to subscribe £250 towards a fund if others will make it up to £2,000 to go towards prosecuting offenders. The informant to get £2,000 less costs for a successful prosecution plus £1 per head.
XXXXIX, 24, 15 June 1927, page 3
Birth. On 6 June at their residence, to Mr & Mrs John Kellaway a son, John Robert.
Birth. On 10 June at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs Oscar Oates of Kooringa a son, Brian Gilbert.
Burra Children’s Playground. Further equipment has been added to the area and the equipment has been painted.
Red Cross AGM 7 June.
£69-7-10 has been raised in the past year and quarterly meetings had been well attended. All officers were re-elected and Mrs W.H. Sandland was added as a Vice-President. A Jumble Sale is planned for 24 June in the Cheer-up Hall.
Redruth Methodist Church held its Anniversary 7 & 8 June. Stormy weather reduced attendance somewhat, though it was still good. Rev. W.O. Harris and Rev. R. Lee from Kooringa officiated. The Public Tea in the Memorial Hall was well patronised and was followed by community singing.
Burra High School Parents & Friends met at the school on 8 June to consider fund raising for equipment etc. The school needed 50 students to qualify for another teacher. It needed boarding places for out-of-town students. The building needed to be better lit and other changed to improve the study environment. A gramophone and wireless would be great assets. They needed better sports facilities and shelter sheds. The students would stage a concert and dance. Mr Radford suggested a target to raise of £70 p.a. and Rev. W.O. Harris thought much could be done if each person present set a target of £2 for themselves to raise.
XXXXIX, 24, 15 June 1927, page 4
Burra Rifle Club AGM (Continued) 4 June
The Mayor distributed the prizes:
Highest points for the year: Arthur Harris
Championship Clem Pearce
Championship Aggregate George Herbert
Top score in teams shooting Herb. Riggs
200, 500 & 600 yards aggregate R. Woodman
300, 500 & 600 yards aggregate G. Woodman
300, 600 & 700 yards aggregate J. Terry
800 & 900 yards aggregate J. Terry
Marksman’s Trophy Clem Pearce
Highest score last 7 matches H. Byles
Bull’s Eye Trophy Clem Pearce
Best 100+ with handicap L. Kellaway
Highest off the rifle L. Kellaway
Elected were Captain, A.L. Kellaway; Vice-Captain, C.W. Pearce; Treasurer, C.W. Pearce; Hon. Sec., A.P. Harris.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday
Hallett 1.4 3.5 4.7 4.9 (33)
Ramblers 0.0 1.4 4.7 4.8 (32)
XXXXIX, 24, 15 June 1927, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 7 June
An enlarged photograph of the Mayor was accepted.
Fire Brigade Board sent a refund of £10-16-4 for 1926.
Permission was granted to an application to remove trees from in front of their businesses from the following (at their own expense): Pederson & Son, E.J. Harris, W.H. Spier, G.C. Kuchenmeister and Walker & Son.
A silent cop is to be placed at the corner of Bence’s Cash and Carry.
[This seems to suggest Bence’s were at this time in the former SA Farmer’s Union building. According to an advertisement on 6 April Bence’s had bought all SAFU’s stock of drapery and hardware.]
Board of Health
O.G. Walker’s tender for the old lavatories [near the Fire Station] was accepted.
Price of £43-10-0 each was accepted for three new lavatories from N. Woollacott & F.M. Pearce.
Booborowie Bachelors’ Dance was held on 9 June at the Memorial Institute and is reported in 11⁄2 columns.
Burra Coursing Club had its annual meet last week for prize money amounting to £222. This was the best open coursing stake in SA for many years. It was run on Hon. Walter Duncan’s Gum Creek Estate. The report of the meet and the subsequent banquet at the Burra Hotel runs for over 3 columns. The winner was Just Bell of Mr T. Scovell of Saddleworth.
XXXXIX, 25, 22 June 1927, page 3
Advt. Red Cross Jumble Sale, Pearce’s Building 24 June.
Burra Hospital: Election of Board Members
E.J. Davey & F.W.G. Twist campaigned for election to retain the 12 member board with ratepayer elected representatives. S.H. Robinson & W.H. McWaters were in favour of reducing the Board to 7 members, namely the 7 representatives of the contributing councils.
Rev. & Mrs Hewitson had been farewelled by various bodies as time for their departure neared. Rev. Hewitson leaves this week, but the illness of two little daughters will keep Mrs Hewitson till next week.
Mr H.L. (Ron) Ellershaw of the Bank of Australasia was given a farewell social before he left and was presented with a gold cigarette case.
Mrs J.G. Sara took a seat on the Bench for the first time as a JP at a local court sitting at Redruth on 14 June.
Kooringa Masonic Lodge farewelled Wpl Bro. J.R. Johns on 14 June. Wpl Bro. Frank Treloar was congratulated on his 75th birthday and given an unbreakable thermos flask.
Weather. Good light rain fell in three lots totalling 64 points, but did not provide run-off for dams. To the east most falls were about half as much.
Golf. Clare golfers visited Burra last Saturday.
Football. At Aberdeen last Saturday:
Aberdeen 0.1 2.4 2.6 5.11 (41)
Ramblers 2.1 3.1 5.2 6.2 (38)
Mrs M.S. Davey’s appeal for the Angorichina TB motor car to date has raised £79-6-6.
XXXXIX, 25, 22 June 1927, page 4
Redruth Police Court
A. Ratcliffe was fined £5 + £1 costs for supplying liquor during prohibited hours.
Rev. Harry Alvey late of Aberdeen writes a letter from his trip to England dealing with the voyage from Fremantle to the Red Sea.
XXXXIX, 25, 22 June 1927, Supplement
Booborowie Coursing Club meet is reported. It was won by F.C. Humphris’ Leighton.
Burra Rifle Club. Stage one of 21 shoots saw best results from J.A. Riggs, J. Pederson, W. Woodman & A.P. Harris.
XXXXIX, 26, 29 June 1927, page 3
Advt. Land Sale from John Pearce’s Estate. Township properties in 6 lots.
Allotment 3 & pt 24, ‘Leighton House’ 8 rooms, laundry & cellar etc. (Old system title)
Allotment 72B Commercial St, Pearce’s Building (RPA)
Pt section 1Frontage 50’ to Chapel St & depth 175’5” to Bridge St West (Old system title)
Pt Allotment J 80’ frontage to Upper Thames St & 85’9” to Bridge St West (RPA)
Pt Allotment J 218’5” frontage to Chapel St & 171’7” to Bridge St West (RPA) except for pt SE corner 30’ x 70’
Pt Allotment J 68’7” to Chapel St & 155’ depth.
Mrs Hewitson & family left Burra this morning.
M-C Hornibrook was farewelled at the Parish Hall on 23 June before his departure for Pt McDonald. He was presented with a wallet of notes.
N. Hiles Pearse divined a stream of water on their Glenbower property and the Talbot’s boring party has found a supply of 3,000 gallons a day at 150ft.
Angorichina TB Car Appeal has reached £85-0-6.
Soldiers’ Memorial & Market Square Improvement Committee met on 15 June. It will require an expenditure of £450 to carry out the proposed scheme. It was decided to open a subscription list in the Record with a general appeal to be launched on 15 July.
Burra Hospital Board meeting 2 June
The outside walls of the Isolation Ward are nearly up. T.H. Woollacott is the contractor for £1,435. Cr Woollacott who was appointed Town Council representative asked if it were allowed, as he was the contractor for the Isolation Ward. The solicitor will advise.
The Maternity Wing is slowly gaining in popularity with about 16 cases this year.
Mr Warnes thought all ratepayers should have voting papers sent to them for the Board elections and not have to apply for them.
XXXXIX, 26, 29 June 1927, page 4
Burra Show Society. 20 June
The committee discussed carious organisational aspects of the show and considered the special trains. Last year the Adelaide train had cost them about £40 while the Terowie train made a profit. The arrangements are that if a train makes a loss the guarantors pay it, but if the train makes a profit the railways pocket the lot. In other states 10% of any profit goes to the guarantor. As an additional insult SAR carries stock on the specials, but gives no allowance for so using the train.
Charges are suggested for the sideshows of 1/- per foot of frontage instead of a flat rate and for the payment to be made in advance.
The Dog Trials ran at a loss of £33 compared with £35 the previous year. A long list of changes to the prize list was offered. Various changes to the sheep section will favour the smaller producer. In the ring horse-drawn vehicles are giving way to motor vehicles.
Burra Town Council, 20 June
The Local Government Department notified a subsidy of £212 on rates.
A.J. & P.A. McBride desired to demolish the house occupied by the late Mrs Annie Howell and to erect a new one on the site, but the allotment was too small – both the street and the ground were out of alignment and they asked the Council to sell them a portion facing the main road and a piece of lane to the side.
The Town Clerk was not sure that even then a house could be erected that would conform to the Building Act. The site will be inspected.
Various new street lights were approved. (At Kooringa Methodist Church and near Guy Tiddy’s) [A reference to a light in Graham is unclear unless that was Guy Tiddy’s.]
There were complaints about unlit street lights.
The Company said there were difficulties in getting globes. The matter was clearly unacceptable and the Company will be written to.
Dogs in the streets were a nuisance.
Local Board of Health
Cr Woollacott was appointed Council representative on the Hospital Board.
XXXXIX, 26, 29 June 1927, Supplement
The Red Cross Jumble Sale on 24 June raised £38-5-9 nett.
Sgt J.R. Johns was given a valedictory social in the Redruth Memorial Hall on 24 June. Speeches are reported by Cr Riggs, Rev. R.H. Lee & Rev. Fr W.H. Nesdale, [A rare instance of the Catholic priest being in a protestant building and sharing a platform with the Methodist minister.] Mr Radford, E.J. Davey and the Mayor who handed over a wallet with £20.
Sgt Johns looked back on his six years and listed the things indicating progress in the town in that time: the unveiling of the Soldiers’ Memorial, the visit of the Hon. W. Hughes PM, the installation of electric light, opening of the new showgrounds, opening of the Redruth Memorial Hall, the Maternity Wing, the building of the Railway Dam*, many beautiful homes built on ‘The Crest’, two visits by the state Governor and two by Prime Ministers (Hughes & Bruce), the Back to Burra celebrations. During his stay 200 people had received the pension. He said he would meet up again with a Burr boy as M-C Tom Rosewall was also going to Loxton. Rev. W.O. Harris ended the speeches and specifically welcomed Rev. Fr Nesdale to the gathering.
[* The building of the Railway Dam seems to have passed unreported in the paper for some reason and the reference to it at the social provoked laughter because locals had predicted accurately that it would never fill.]
Rev. F.B. & Mrs Hewitson were given a farewell in the Parish Hall. There were speeches by the Mayor, P.J. Pickering (People’s Warden), Mr Bryant (Minister’s Warden), Mr Haese (in charge of Burra High School), Mr A.G. Gebhardt, Mr Twist, W.G. Hawkes and Master George Hann on behalf of the choir. The formal part of the evening was followed by an hour or two of dancing.
The Kooringa Masonic Lodge presented Rev. Hewitson with an ornate inkstand during the week.
Rev. J.S.W. Coles of Norton Summit has been offered the position at Burra and we understand is likely to accept.
XXXXIX, 27, 6 July 1927, page 3
Notice. Valedictory Social for Mr & Mrs E.S. Blunt at Hanson Methodist Church 13 July.
Weather remains dry to the east with some light showers locally bringing 27 points in the last week.
YMCA. Burra group is now definitely constituted with the Mayor M. Collins as President and E.J. Davey as Secretary. 130 members have enrolled; young men and women and juniors. Physical culture classes are held Mondays at Kooringa and Tuesdays at Redruth.
Miss Elsie Daenke, daughter of the shipping representative of Elder, Smith & Co., and a friend flew up to Burra from Adelaide on Sunday to go to church at Kooringa Methodist Church and returned after lunch with friends. Elder, Smith & Co. have become the booking agents for Australian Aerial Services Ltd. and the trip was arranged by the Company’s agents in the Bell Bird, a DH 50 machine with a Siddeley-Puma 240 h.p. engine and accommodation for four. They departed Albert Park at 8.55 a.m. and arrived in Burra at 10.10 a.m. This was the first passenger aeroplane to arrive at Burra and at departure time 30-40 cars had arrived to see off the visitors in high wind with cold driving rain. Barney Rogers assisted in getting the plane airborne at 3.10 p.m. They arrived at Albert Park, 90 miles away, at 4.30 p.m. Aeroplane taxi work has become popular interstate, but is in its infancy in SA. Pastoralists are making greater use of such services daily. The cost is 2/- per mile and the plane can carry four passengers.
Arthur Richards has left Drew & Crewes after 9 years and gone to live in Adelaide.
Burra Hospital Elections: E.J. Davey 482
F.W.G. Twist 459
W.H. McWaters 215
S.H. Robinson 207
711
There are about 2,000 possible voters. The voting seems to indicate a continuing desire to see popularly elected representatives on the board.
Mr Vic Brougham of Burra State School was given a farewell at the Parish Hall on 30 June, as he has been transferred to Birdwood.
Angorichina TB Soldiers Car Appeal stands at £107-5-6.
Burra Golf Club Championship begins 9 July with Ladies’ Flag Competition 23 July and Handicap Competition 30 July.
XXXXIX, 27, 6 July 1927, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. 2nd stage of the trophy shoot over 300, 500 & 600 yards. Best were H.G. Oates, R. Woodman, G. Woodman, L. Kellaway, W.V. Bass, H. Byles & J. Pederson.
Football. At Hallett on Saturday: First Minor Premiership
Hallett 1.2 2.4 4.9 6.11 (47)
Aberdeen 2.2 2.4 2.4 3.7 (25)
XXXXIX, 28, 13 July 1927, page 3
Notice. The partnership of Alfred Andrew Nankivell, William Alfred Nankivell & Walter Henry Nankivell trading as A.A. Nankivell & Sons, Contractors of Kooringa, has been dissolved from 8 July 1927.
Mr Thomas Geach had a bad accident at Frank Reed’s property 5 miles north of Burra on Monday 4 July. He was working at the bottom of a 100ft deep well when a bucket-load of stone and tools fell from the top. He leapt to one side, but it caught his left arm severing two arteries and breaking it in three places. He got into the bucket and was hauled up and taken to the Burra Hospital where he is recovering.
Weather. Rain came locally last week in a splendid fall, but not to the east, though dams were filled at World’s End in a local storm and 85 points fell at Koo-owie. A narrow strip of the east gained some benefit from this.
Miss Lily Sara left Drew & Crewes for employment in Adelaide.
Burra Golf Club Stroke Championship first round was held on Saturday. Best six players were:
Score Nett Score
G. Sangster 80 76
M. Bednall 85 77
E. Mummery 93 79
W. Steven 81 81
E. Haese 85 81
M. Tiddy 85 81
Accident/Obituary
Arthur Killicoat was killed in an accident at Gepps Cross level crossing when run down by a train. He was the son of Mrs M. Killicoat of St Peters and the late Philip Killicoat of Abberton Park Redruth. He was born at Burra and educated at Burra School and St Peter’s College. Later he became an engineering apprentice at May’s Works, Gawler and then for BHP at Broken Hill. He was at a course in Greenock, Scotland, when the Great War broke out and he enlisted in Lord Lovett’s Scouts and then got a commission in the Royal Scots attached to the Irish Fusiliers in Mesopotamia. After the war he married a Scots lady, returned to SA and joined the firm of Silver & Killicoat in North Adelaide. His wife and two little sons only recently left for a holiday in Scotland. J.C. Killicoat of Kooringa is a brother and Mrs N.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ is a sister. The crossing is near the Abattoirs [Pooraka] and Mr Killicoat was in a closed Morris-Cowley car watching one train coming in and did not see one coming from the opposite direction. The car was completely wrecked.
[Arthur Lander Killicoat born 29 November 1887 at Redruth: died 12 July 1927 at Dry Creek, residence St Peters. His wife was born Helen McMaster Hutchison.]
Football at Aberdeen oval on Saturday:
Aberdeen 1.1 2.3 3.5 5.5 (35)
Riverton 1.1 2.3 3.5 3.8 (26)
XXXXIX, 28, 13 July 1927, page 4
Burra’s Early Days by Frank Treloar
In 1845 copper was discovered, but it took some time for the investors to raise the money required for the Burra Special Survey. The land grant was issued to William Allen and Samuel Stock Jnr. With bullock drays as the only means of transport there were many obstacles to be overcome. On arrival the miners made their homes in the banks of the creek. At first the ore was sent to Pt Adelaide by bullock dray – loose because there were no ore bags. It created excitement in England because of its richness. In July of 1848 a Mr Gregory Seal Walters arrived from England representing the Patent Copper Co. formed to acquire the ore from SAMA’s mine and either send it home in bulk or smelt it as they considered best. Having set up an office in Adelaide in September 1848 he hastened to Burra where he arranged to assay all ore and on that basis the ore should pass into the possession of the Patent Copper Co. for cash, which gave SAMA the capital for rigorous development. After another visit to Burra Mr Walters went to Port Wakefield to establish that as the port for exporting the ore and after that the bullock teams took their ore to the head of the gulf. This led to the blazing of the Gulf Road, along which bad creek crossings had to be eased by the company’s efforts and a bridge was built at Dunn’s which lasted till it was burnt down a few years ago. It went through Mintaro, Auburn, Skilly and Dunn’s to Pt Wakefield. Hundreds of teams were employed. On 30 June 1851 Mr Walters was in Clare for the first elections in SA for the Legislative Council when Mr Younghusband was returned, and for Burra Mr G.S. Kingston was returned. In July 1851 Mr Ewbanks succeeded Mr Walters to be followed in turn, I believe, by Mr Williams.
The discovery of gold in Victoria then led to the departure of most of the men and work in connection with the mine and smelting stopped. When the men eventually returned work was resumed. Paxton’s Square was built to provide accommodation for miners and was named after one of the directors of the company. When the railway reached Kapunda the Gulf Road was abandoned in favour of sending ore there. When G.S. Walters left for England in January 1852 Mr G.K. Horn went with him to get mules from Valparaiso. Captain Coleman arrived on 17 July 1853 with 70 mules from Montevideo – 180 had been shipped, but only 70 survived a very rough voyage. Other shipments followed. A Company Farm was established at Mintaro to grow hay for their horses and mules and as a spelling ground for both. This property is now Mr & Mrs Alex Melrose’s ‘Kadlunga’. The Auburn to Clare district began to supply Burra with fruit, vegetables and dairy produce. In 1860 copper was found at Wallaroo by a shepherd called Jimmy Boer, employed by Captain Hughes and not long afterwards another of his shepherds, Paddy Ryan, found copper at Moonta. These mines had the advantage of coastal locations.
Mr Treloar says in 1867 he had the opportunity of visiting the Burra Mine in working condition underground and seeing Morphett’s pump working to supply the launders serving jiggers, samplers, crushers etc. The town then was bustling with mule teams for Kapunda and boarded up wagons branded P.C.C., but before long it was possible to earn more at Wallaroo and skilled miners moved on to Yorke Peninsula. The mine at Burra closed in 1877. In its some 29 years of activity it paid £2,241,167 in general expenses, produced 234,648 tons of ore & 51,622 tons of pure copper at an average 22-23% copper per ton. When the mine closed people left the town for fresh fields and there was little sale for property.
Burra Town Council, 4 July
The Telephone Dept advises that on reviewing the circumstances it has dropped its claim for damages when a tree being topped broke wires.
T.H. Woollacott was granted permission for extensions at St Joseph’s Convent.
The Council inspected the late Mrs Howell’s property, but will have to do so again, being under a misapprehension about the alignment.
Cr Kellaway moved that five chains of kerbing be done in Graham. Frank Reed’s offer to supply 21⁄2 chains if he could get the stone from the Council Quarry was accepted.
Trees near Mr Blunt [in St Just St] will be topped.
XXXXIX, 29, 20 July 1927, page 2
Advt. Hallett Coursing Club Meeting – 16 Dog Stake – 3 & 4 August.
Advt. Foundation Stone for additions to St Joseph’s Convent will be laid 31 July at noon by the Rt Rev. Dr Killian with Mass at 11 a.m. and a hot luncheon in the Convent School at 1 p.m.
XXXXIX, 29, 20 July 1927, page 3
Parking in Kooringa on Fridays is chaotic. Cars are left at any angle and so close that it is frequently impossible for the inside car to be moved. People execute turns without signalling. Last Friday afternoon there were four collisions in Kooringa and one in Aberdeen and, though no one was injured, the damage was extensive. Three places are particularly dangerous due to the high speeds of vehicles: the SAFU Corner, the curve in Market Square by F. Harris’s shop and anywhere a side street joins the main road.
Fire. About 10.30 p.m. on Saturday a two-roomed cottage occupied by the hospital orderly was seen to be alight from end to end. The brigade’s efforts were concentrated on preventing the fire from spreading to either the hospital of the new Isolation Ward under construction. The building was over 70 years old. Mr Nelson, the porter, lost some money and all his clothes. It is thought the fire started from an incubator left alight in the building. Afterwards two tins of kerosene were found in the debris with the wood casings completely burnt, but the oil had not exploded.
The Season to the east has been dry. Lambing rates seem to have been high, but in parts of the northeast sandalwood is already being pulled for stock.
Unemployment is more or less severe all over the world. The paper reports a meeting of the unemployed in Ballarat.
Obituary. Arthur Lander Killicoat’s funeral in reported.
[The impression in the last issue was that his car was struck by a train while he was watching one coming the other way, but the account here suggests he simply drove into the train’s path without changing speed, which they put down to his being completely distracted. Reports in the metropolitan papers would no doubt clear this up.]
The article on the funeral also says he was nicknamed ‘Bowsers’. The accident occurred on 12 July and the funeral was on 13 July at the home of Mrs M. Killicoat, his mother, with the interment at the North Road Cemetery [Nailsworth] where there was a short service in the mortuary chapel. The funeral was largely attended. As well as friends and family his association with the firm of Silver & Killicoat of North Adelaide meant that nearly every motor firm in Adelaide was represented.
Burra Rifle Club. 3rd stage of the Abberton Park Trophy was fired on Saturday.
Best scorers were: W.V. Bass, R. Woodman & A.P. Harris.
Football. At Hallett on Saturday:
Ramblers 4.2 4.4 5.3 6.3 (39)
Hallett 1.0 3.2 5.7 5.9 (39)
The description of play bears out these scores, but despite that the article concludes that ‘Ramblers were thus the winners by three points’. One of the above must therefore be in error.
XXXXIX, 29, 20 July 1927, Supplement
Burra Burra Show Inc. Prize List for 1927 Show.
Soldiers’ Aid Society, 12th AGM at Redruth Memorial Hall 7 July
Heavy rain kept a number away. During the year 10 meetings were held with an average attendance of about 12. The strawberry fete raised £51 for the Royal Institution for the Blind. The total raised to date for them is thus £689-18-8. £13 was sent to the Red Cross for Christmas cheer for soldiers in hospital. Miss Bubb, President, Secretary & Treasurer, read her report and hoped someone would take over the position of Secretary & Treasurer. Miss Bubb announced a collection in aid of the Angorichina TB Soldiers Car and £5-5-0 was raised. Elected: President, Miss Bubb; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames M.A. Radford, F.M. Pearce Sen. & T. Turner; Secretary, Mrs Guy Tiddy * Treasurer, Mrs M.A. Radford.
XXXXIX, 30, 27 July 1927, page 3
Advt. Burra Institute 5 August: Maurice Gerald Dramatic Co. presents East Lynne. 2/5 & 2/-.
The Weather has been very cold and there have been good soaking rains with 108 points locally since the last paper and extending north, south and west. There was a light fall of snow on Thursday morning, but the fall was heavy from Devil’s Hole Creek along the Booborowie Road to Flagstaff, but it was soon washed away by rain. Monday morning brought a severe frost. The rain has not extended to the east.
Mr T.L. Wilkinson, son of C.D. Wilkinson, has passed his BSc at Oxford, acquiring many honours in the process and has accepted a good position in Rhodesia.
Car Accident. On Saturday midday Mr Gavin Gillen was driving down Morehead St from the Methodist Church and collided at Sara’s corner with a car driven by Mr R. Jesser of Drew & Crewe’s who was coming down Young St. Mr Gillen was rendered unconscious and sustained a broken collar bone, and toe and injuries to legs with bruises and abrasions.
The Fallen Soldiers’ Monument
After a number of failed attempts to beautify and complete the surroundings of the monument another meeting was called last week. A plan for the scheme has been on display in our window. Mr Crewes made an appeal on Friday 13 July in the street for the funds to complete the scheme. The Mayor presided. The Mayor thought that not less than £500 was needed, rather than the £450 estimated. He hoped that now the Honour Roll was completed this final stage of the memorial would receive support.
Mr Crewes recalled the gathering in 1915 when news came through that the first of the boys had gone ‘west’, having been killed at Gallipoli. The Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Fund had then been started. He said that at least £2,000 would be needed and this had been reached when the war ended. He believed the total cost of the memorial was £3,300 and though it was admirable it was incomplete and its enclosure etc. even if it cost £500, what was that in comparison with what the boys had done.
‘Let us not be weary in well doing.’ In a few days of canvassing he reckoned he has promises of between £100 & £200, which was encouraging.
The Golden Wedding of Johann Wilhelm Gottfried Mann and Carline Bertha Magen was celebrated on 9 July at Point Pass where they had been married by Pastor J. Stolz in 1877. In 1878 they moved to Baldina to farm and then to Hanson and later to Apoinga until this year when they took up residence in Point Pass. Of 17 children 3 died in childhood and one boy succumbed to typhoid aged 21. There are 58 grandchildren. The children are: H. Mann (Pyap), George Mann (Mildura), J. Mann (Parilla), R. Mann (Murrayville), Gottfried Mann (Mindarie), B. Mann (Jabuk), O. Mann (Loxton), Mrs T. Ottens (Brinkworth), Mrs A. Weckert (Kapunda), Mrs Arn. Weckert (Brinkworth), Mrs B. Heinrich (Apoinga), Mrs R. Menzel (Point Pass) & Miss A. Mann (at home).
Angorichina TB Soldiers’ Car Fund now stands at £136-13-6.
[Donations were acknowledged each week.]
XXXXIX, 30, 27 July 1927, page 4
Burra District Council, 15 July
Election results:
Kooringa Ward: Glen G. Hawkes
Baldina Ward: W. Hedley McWaters
King Ward: Reg. Warnes
Auditor: F. Treloar
XXXXIX, 30, 27 July 1927, Supplement
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Ramblers 3.1 7.5 8.5 9.5 (59)
Aberdeen 1.1 1.2 4.3 6.4 (40)
Burra Town Council, 18 July
Burra Electric Supply Co. says it has been having difficulty in getting replacement globes for streetlights.
There was considerable discussion of the problems of making good roads. The Mayor contended that it was done well when he kept an eye on it, but not otherwise. Cr Kellaway thought this was insulting to other Councillors. The Mayor said the results were there for any unbiased Councillor to see.
Cr Kellaway: ‘All Councillors are unbiased.’
Mayor: ‘That’s a matter of opinion.’
Cr Kellaway: ‘My opinion is as good as yours.’
Mayor: ‘That is also a matter of opinion.’
A committee was appointed to consider traffic in the town.
After considerable to-ing and fro-ing Council decided not to sell the land to Mr A.J. McBride that would perhaps have allowed him to build a replacement house on the site of the late Mrs Howell’s cottage.
Burra Rifle Club held a practice shoot on Saturday and best scores were by H.G. Oates & W.V. Bass.
Weather. Last Wednesday evening Hallett experienced a fierce hailstorm and at 10.30 a snowstorm. The snow seems to have endured till about lunchtime on Thursday.
XXXXIX, 31, 3 Aug. 1927, page 3
Obituary. Frank Tennyson Harcus of Millswood died recently. He was the son of Rev. William Harcus, one time editor of The Advertiser. He was born at Norwood 63 years ago and educated at St Peter’s College. He studied architecture, but changed his mind and joined the Bank of Australasia, serving in Adelaide and Melbourne before being appointed in 1904 as manager at Burra, where he was in charge for 15 years. He then went to Broken Hill and retired aged 60. In retirement he was secretary of the Kooyonga Golf Club. He married Miss Elizabeth Marion Knight of WA. They had one son, Frank L. Harcus of Millswood. [Born 16 June 1864 at Norwood: died 29 July 1927 at North Adelaide, residence Millswood.]
Weather. Rain in July totalled 304 points, but the east remains without significant rain apart from isolated falls at Quondong (69) and Oakbank (60) and Pine Valley (13).
Tennis. A meeting on 25 July decided to resuscitate the Hanson Tennis Club.
‘Curious’ Wonders about the brief appearance of ‘silent cops’ in the streets – apparently the Council found they were not in order and had to remove them. Shouldn’t they have found that out first?
D.I. McWaters queries the use of the term carelessness to describe the bad driving in the town. He was run into by a spring cart whose driver simply made no attempt to move to the left. He implies the ‘carelessness’ is often the fault of drivers of horse-drawn vehicles.
Maurice Collins has scored 2 Champions, 2 Reserve Champions, 9 first prizes, 4 second prizes & 6 third prizes at the Melbourne Royal Sheep show.
St Joseph’s Convent. Laying of the Foundation Stone for the New Wing
The accommodation for the sisters of Mercy has for many years been very inadequate and the Bishop of the Diocese Rt Rev. Dr Killian noticed this and it was decided to add to their building. The foundation stone was laid on 31 July. The visitors taxed the church’s accommodation for mass at 11 a.m. after which the congregation and other visitors including the contractors T. Woollacott & Sons went to the convent where the schoolchildren formed a guard of honour for Dr Killian. The stone was laid and blessed and the party moved to the shelter of the verandah due to the high wind.
Fr Nesdale welcomed the Bishop.
The convent presently was of four small rooms, one of which was a music room for students. Of the three remaining only one had a fireplace and this had been the case for 45 years without complaint. The parish debt had been reduced enough to enable the improvement to be contemplated. The Burra congregation comprised 50 families. The tender to Mr Woollacott was for two rooms, bathroom and septic tank for £613-8-0 which with furnishing would be c. £650. Frank Neagle had drawn up the plans and specifications.
The Bishop said that allowing work to start on such an expensive building without significant money in hand was unusual, but it was necessary this time.
Luncheon was set out in the convent schoolroom.
The Mother Superior of the Order from Adelaide also attended.
To date c. £200 has been raised.
XXXXIX, 31, 3 Aug. 1927, page 4
Burra Hospital Board, 25 July
Mr Hawkes was re-elected Chairman for the year.
The erection of the Isolation Ward is well advanced.
Mr Hawkes then made reference to Mr Melrose’s gift of £10,000 to the Waite Institute for Scientific Research. Mr Melrose objected to its being raised as being of no relevance to the Board. As to his generosity – he wanted to see the results of any donations he made and if anyone expected him to leave thousands in his will ‘they would draw a blank’.
The legal views on Mr Woollacott’s appointment were that it posed no legal problems and there would seem to be no ethical problem either, as the contract price [for the Isolation Block] had been fixed before his appointment.
Pigeons are still a problem at the Maternity Wing, though many had been destroyed. The Chairman said rumours that the Isolation Ward was to cost £2,000 rather than £1,452 were untrue and the Board had the money for the building.
He also reported that the Porter’s room had been gutted by fire. The investigation of the cause revealed the only likely thing was the explosion of an incubator lamp. The machine had been working for 10 days and was all right when inspected at 6.45 p.m. The building was insured for £200 and the contents for £70. Damage had been assessed by the Insurance Society’s inspector at £110 for the building and £65-8-0 for contents.
Income from patients’ fees was well up and the Board was c. £600 better off than at the start of the year.
XXXXIX, 31, 3 Aug. 1927, Supplement
Point Pass District Hall was opened last Friday and is reported in c. 11⁄2 columns.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.10 3.13 5.17 7.17 (59)
Hallett 0.0 1.8 2.9 4.10 (34)
In the half-time break handsome presentations were made to two prominent Aberdeen footballers in the form of wedding gifts from club mates and supporters: a dinner service and a 400-day clock to Capt. E. Jones (‘Scobie’) and a marble clock and mosaic tray to Jack Harvey, an ex-Captain.
St Mary’s. Canon W.G.M. Murphy of St Peters, a former Rector of St Mary’s, visited on 24 July. He was also given a social in the Parish Hall. He had been in Burra for five years, arriving some 25 years ago. Mrs Murphy asked to be remembered to old friends and especially to Mrs C. Fuss for her practical interest in keeping the Sunday school together. The Canon was a guest of Mr & Mrs W.G. Hawkes at Koonoona. He hopes to return soon to visit the Mission churches, having pioneered the one at Black Springs.
XXXXIX, 32, 10 Aug. 1927, page 3
Weather. Rain continues with 102 points since the last paper and some of it extended to the east enough to put water in some dams. The Burra Creek has been flowing strongly.
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church, 12 July
Kenneth Seigert, second son of Mr & Mrs D.A. Seigert, married
Margaret Grace Honan, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs John Honan, all of Hallett.
Marriage. At Wheetelands on Saturday
Jack Funch, only son of Mr & Mrs J. Funch of Farrell’s Flat, married
Miss N. Miller, second daughter of Mrs N. Miller of Wheetelands.
Farrell’s Flat Golf Links were recently opened. (18 holes)
Hanson-Booborowie Railway. Reprint of a report in the Register.
The Railways Standing Committee has decided it was not expedient to construct the line. In 1915 it had been recommended if it cost less than £163,000 and locals were happy to pay local rates. In 1916 the Bill passed the Lower House, but was shelved by the Legislative Council. By 1918 the cost had risen to £207,000 and the committee recommended deferral till costs settled. Investigation showed railway traffic was not as great as it would have been if there was closer settlement. If built it would mean that four lines served a strip of land 26 miles wide. (The distance from Yacka to Mt Bryan.)
The Northern Line (Adelaide to Terowie via Burra)
The proposed Booborowie line (branching from the Northern line at Hanson)
The Spalding line (from Riverton via Clare)
The line to Gladstone.
The cost is still put at £207,000 and the loss was estimated at c. £10,369 [p.a.?]
Instead Federal Aid for roads should be used to upgrade the district’s roads.
Larrikins. There are complaints about youths tearing along roads at night in the Leighton area spotlighting for hares, rabbits and foxes.
Burra Rifle Club. 4th stage of the trophy shoot last Saturday. Best shots were H. Culverhouse, W. Woodman, G. Woodman and H.G. Oates.
The Maurice Gerald Dramatic Co. presented East Lynne on 5 August before a full house. It was well done and much appreciated.
The Stockowners’ Association of SA, Burra Branch AGM was held at the Eastern Telephone Building on 5 August and was well attended. I.J. Warnes was elected President.
Angorichina TB Soldiers Car Fund had reached £142-10-6.
Hallett Coursing Club meet on 3 August is reported in over 3⁄4 column.
Burra Town Council, 1 August
Dr Earle Page sought to visit on 30 August and for a public meeting to be arranged. He is to be advised that the Institute Hall is engaged for that night.
The Automobile Association sends particulars re ‘silent cops’ and a model by-law required. A committee will investigate.
XXXXIX, 32, 10 Aug. 1927, page 4
Football.
Hallett 0.1 2.7 3.8 7.17 (59)
Ramblers 2.3 2.4 5.8 5.8 (38)
XXXXIX, 33, 17 Aug. 1927, page 3
Advt. Mah Jongg Ladies Toilet Salon, situated in the late Farmers’ Union Showroom.
Offers Shingling, Marcel & Water Waving, Face Massage, Head Massage, Beauty Clay Pack, Shampoo, Hot Oil Treatment for Dull, Thin or Falling Hair and Dandruff Treatment. Mai Hamilton, Joan Daniel.
Notice. Rev. J.S.W. Coles will be inducted into the pastorate of St Mary’s Burra on 24 August at 8 p.m. by Archdeacon Bussell.
Obituary. William Henry Reynolds, husband of Edith Amy Reynolds, died at Burra Hospital 11 August aged 48. [Born 31 October 1878 at Baldina.]
Mr Reynolds died of pleuro-pneumonia and was a well-known resident of Booborowie. He was a staunch member, officer and supporter of the Booborowie Methodist Church. He had married Miss Edith Work, a daughter of Mr T. Work of Aberdeen, late of Booborowie, who is left with six daughters, the youngest six years old. Some 60 cars formed the cortege.
Obituary. Charles Robert Cowper who was a prominent official of the Bank of Australasia and who died on 9 August at Coogee NSW was born at Kapunda and came as a child with his parents to Burra. His father was an early settler in the eastern country and he was educated at Mr Stanton’s School in Kooringa. He joined the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa in 1870 and has served in many places in Australia and New Zealand and was Superintendent at Melbourne when he retired in 1910. One of his brothers married Miss Marion Young, a sister of Mrs W.P. Barker of Baldina.
Mr H.W. Shillabeer, in charge of the Bank of Adelaide at Booborowie since its inception, has been moved to Woodside.
Burra Racing Club is now in a better financial position than for many years. Membership has grown from 78 to 158 and the last meeting made a profit of £150. This is due to the hard work of the committee and especially of the Secretary and Assistant Secretary, Messrs Symonds & J. Carpenter and the Chairman of the Committee, Mr P. Clarke. More members are needed as only 10 of the 158 turned up for the AGM a fortnight ago.
Burra Roll of Honour. The final little bit to complete the work is proving most difficult. A few pounds were needed for a guard rail and to complete the roll of those killed in action, requiring some 40 names to be written. The guard rail has been erected and in all some £20 is still required. About £70 of promises has not been redeemed and perhaps those people could forward at least a portion of their pledges.
British Imperial Oil have established local facilities for the bulk supply of ‘Cross’ Power Kerosene: welcome news for tractor owners.
Angorichina TB Soldiers Car Fund stands at £144-12-6.
[Personal interest: included £1-1-0 from R. Fuss.]
RSL Angorichina TB Motor Car Fund Dance was held in the Institute 11 August and was well attended, though some notable people were absent given the cause. Nett proceeds are expected to be c. £22.
Marriage. St Joseph’s 16 August
Marguerita A. (Rita) O’Keefe, only daughter of Mr & the late Mrs O’Keefe of Aberdeen, married
Charles Sylvester (Vesta) Preiss, eldest son of Mr & Mrs C. Preiss of Kooringa.
Wheeteland School Arbor Day was held 5 August and the children combined with Stony Gap students for a sports day in the afternoon.
XXXXIX, 33, 17 Aug. 1927, page 4
Liberal Federation AGM of Burra District Committee was held at Jamestown Institute 27 July and was well attended. M.A. Radford presided and was re-elected as President for 1927-28.
XXXXIX, 33, 17 Aug. 1927, Supplement
Football.
Aberdeen 5.5 7.5 8.9 11.11 (77)
Ramblers 2.0 4.0 6.2 7.7 (49)
Canon Murphy conducted the Eucharist on Sunday at the Church of the Ascension at Black Springs.
The YMCA is firmly rooted in Burra now with regular classes and monthly visits by Rev. W.A.E. Nankivell, President of the Peterborough Branch. M. Collins is local President and E.J. Davey the Hon. Sec. Clubs have been formed at Kooringa and Aberdeen in connection with the Methodist Churches and the Anglicans might get one with the arrival of the new Rector, Rev. Coles. About 150 are connected with the movement.
XXXXIX, 34, 24 Aug. 1927, page 3
Advt. Kooringa Service Station next to the Burra hotel is under new ownership.
Depot for Golden Fleece Motor Spirit. H. Trevorah.
Birth. 20 July at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs M.C. Smith of Farrell’s Flat a son, Brian Desmond.
Accident. On Wednesday evening last there was a collision between Mr N.J. Tiddy on a bicycle and Mr R. Fuss in a motor car near Frank Harris’s shop. A stationary bus had obscured the view of both. Mr Tiddy received a nasty fall and some severe cuts and abrasions necessitating several stitches. He will be confined to his rooms for two to three weeks.
[Personal note: Clarrie Fuss, a passenger in the car told me that they had just come from visiting Mrs R. Fuss in the Burra Hospital.]
Burra Racing Club, adjourned AGM was resumed on Friday at the Institute. The Secretary was absent, but he reported a profit on the last meeting of £150. This has largely allowed the debt to be reduced from £605-8-6 to £434-10-3. Membership has risen from 79 to 158. P.W. Clark was elected chairman and J.R. Barker is Patron. N. Hiles Pearse was elected President with B.L. Symonds as Secretary. (J. Carpenter is unable to continue as his assistant.) Mr John Tennant has donated 250 yards of hose towards watering the track. A.J. McBride has given half a mile of 11⁄2 inch water pipe towards irrigating the track. Both receive the club’s thanks.
Football. At Hallett:
Hallett 7.4 7.6 7.8 8.9 (57)
Aberdeen 0.1 3.6 5.8 6.11 (47)
XXXXIX, 34, 24 Aug. 1927, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. 5th stage of the trophy shoot. Best results were from A.B. Riggs, W. Woodman, J. Terry, R. Nutt & W.V. Bass.
Burra Town Council, 15 August
£200 advance on the 1927-28 Main Road Grant was received. The Highways Commission recommends all possible work begin at once on account of unemployment.
Permission was granted for Woollacott & Sons to erect a new house at Redruth for Mr F.H. Reed.
The Committee for traffic control reported back with recommendations.
From Drew & Crewes’ to Bence’s corner cars to be parallel parked with 6ft between cars.
Elsewhere cars to be parked at 35° to the footpath with 4ft between cars and front wheel to touch the kerb.
No standing within 25ft of a corner.
These recommendations were adopted.
The Committee also recommended six silent cops:
Three at Sara’s corner.
One at the SAFU corner
One at the intersection of Chapel St [and Commercial St].
One opposite Elder’s Shed in Market Square
This produced much debate. Cr Riggs thought three at Sara’s corner would provoke confusion and it was finally decided to begin with one at Sara’s, one at SAFU corner and one at Chapel St.
Cr Riggs sought an hour’s limit on cars standing in the street – perhaps only on busy days, but this was not seconded.
The Inspector reported that car No. 64459 had been driven on footpaths in Kooringa and under the Kooringa Hotel verandah. He also reported 14 cases of stray cattle which he would only take to court if owners refused to pay the 10/- fine.
Cr Kellaway said that 11 pines had been pulled out by boys.
Cr Riggs brought up the imbalance in ward funds and specifically the problem of North Ward’s greater length of roads with less funding and recently the railways had opened a new gate giving another road to maintain.
Cr Kellaway wondered whether placing metal in Market Square was economical if the monument arrangements were soon to be completed.
The Mayor thought there would be no likelihood of that soon.
The Electric Light Co. is to be asked the cost of a light between Lewis’s bridge and the hospital.
The Railways are to be written to re the terrible state of the road from the station gate to the station.
The Mayor thought that perhaps the Department should be asked to remove tie-up posts at the station. Other Councillors thought ‘the horseman was not yet quite out of commission’.
Local Board of Health
[There was a somewhat unseemly exchange over Cr Woollacott’s use of a few feet of second hand piping in fulfilling the contract for the new public lavatories with pointed exchanged between Crs Woollacott and Allen.
XXXXIX, 35, 31 Aug. 1927, page 3
Mrs M. Klaffus celebrated her 81st birthday on 27 August. Of a family of nine only two sons survive: Mr O. Framm of Adelaide and Mr W. Klaffus of Sydney.
[Oscar Frahm from her first marriage and Walter Charles Klaffus from her second marriage.]
Mrs Ann Jordan is 94 on 4 September.
Miss Doris Davey has given up her job at Drew & Crewes after seven years on the staff.
‘Ex-Digger’ writes expressing disappointment at the poor attendance at last Thursday’s concert in aid of the Angorichina TB Soldiers’ Motor Car.
The Angorichina TB Soldiers’ Car Fund now stands at £189-17-0. This included £10 from the recent concert.
Mr & Mrs H.W. Shillabeer’s farewell social from Booborowie runs for a full column. He was manager of the Bank of Adelaide there since its inception five years earlier.
Hallett Masonic Temple is nearing completion. It is a fine modern edifice.
XXXXIX, 35, 31 Aug. 1927, page 4
Miss E.M. Nobel was farewelled as teacher at Willalo 18 August.
Hanson District Coursing Club was formed at a meeting on Saturday night in the Council Chamber. The first meet is scheduled for 1 September.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Second Minor Premiership game.
Aberdeen 2.6 2.7 4.16 4.19 (43)
Hallett 0.0 1.2 1.2 3.4 (22)
Burra High School Concert was held on 18 August at the Institute Hall to raise funds for necessary equipment. Proceeds were over £50.
St Mary’s Church. The induction of Rev. J.S.W. Coles by the Ven. Archdeacon W.J. Bussell of North Adelaide was carried out in an impressive service on 24 August when the new Rector was introduced by Rev. A.M. Webb of Riverton. A welcome social in the Parish Hall followed.
[Details in 2⁄3 column.]
XXXXIX, 35, 31 Aug. 1927, Supplement
Salvation Army Self Denial Fund annual appeal took the form of a Bird & Butterfly Fair at the Cheer-up Hall in Pearce’s Building and was opened by Mrs W.G. Hawkes.
Tubercular Soldier A.S. Costume Party from Adelaide visited last Thursday to augment the appeal for funds for the Angorichina Hostel being made by Mrs W.J. Davey Jnr. Attendance was poor and even though it had only been advertised in the previous day’s paper it should have been better. The concert was excellent with every item a masterpiece.
Marriage. St Joseph’s Church 24 August
Timothy Hogan, sixth son of Mrs & the late J.Q. Hogan of Leighton, married
Dorothy (Dora) Canny, second daughter of Mrs & the late M. Canny of Booborowie.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 24 August
Miss Nell Herbert, second daughter of Mr & Mrs George Herbert of Kooringa, married
Mr Max Pearce, youngest son of Mr & Mrs Charles J. Pearce of Kooringa.
Rev. Harry Alvey writes from England of a 10-day motor tour through Devon & Cornwall.
XXXXIX, 36, 7 Sep. 1927, page 2
Advt. Famous Joybell Troubadours will perform at Booborowie 24 September.
Advt. Burra Show 7 & 8 October. Special trains from Adelaide 6.45 a.m. & Terowie 9.15 a.m. which will depart from Burra for Adelaide at 5.15 p.m. and for Terowie at 6.15 p.m.
£500 in prize money.
Advt. RSL Billiard Tournament.
XXXXIX, 36, 7 Sep. 1927, page 3
Advt. W.E.D. Young, agent for Chrysler reports a record trip to Morgan and back to Burra of 120 miles in 150 minutes at an average speed of 48 m.p.h. and a top speed of 72 m.p.h. – allow for 10 ramps that had to be negotiated at 10 m.p.h. Departed Burra 3.05 p.m. and arrived Morgan 4.20 p.m. Departed Morgan 5 p.m. and arrived Burra 6.15 p.m.
Advt. Will any person finding half top set of False Teeth in the Aberdeen Section of the Dressing Room on the Aberdeen Football Ground, September 3rd, please return same to Box 21, Aberdeen.
F. Varley, Hon. Sec.
Martin Pederson celebrated the 50th anniversary of his arrival in Burra on 1 September. He seems as hale and hearty as he was 20 years ago.
Cr Woollacott is recovering from a severe operation after visiting an ear and throat specialist in Adelaide. He is doing well and believes he will derive great benefit from the procedure.
Weather. Rain in quite variable amounts has fallen to the east. Some good falls reached 68 points at Canegrass, but Oakbank & Oakvale got only 13 & 15 points respectively.
Accident. A car, apparently travelling at considerable speed struck a post on the northwest end of the approach to the Bon Accord Bridge on Sunday evening. The post, about 3’ in diameter and embedded in the ground 3’6” was hurled aside and two more posts and a couple of rails were taken out and the car landed right-side up on the bank. Amazingly only one man needed a few stitches in his head. The car was destroyed. [Check the 3’ diameter post! Perhaps 3”?]
Angorichina TB Soldiers Car Fund has reached £194-9-6.
Lord Stonehaven, the Governor-General, will visit Burra arriving by train on 20 September and staying twenty-four hours. He has asked for no official engagements on the Tuesday, but wishes to see some of the sheep stations on Wednesday. The state Governor, Sir Tom Bridges, is expected to accompany him. This will be the first visit by a Governor General to Burra. A civic reception is planned for 12.30 on Wednesday.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 31 August.
Rosina A. [Alice] Williams, only daughter of Mr & Mrs D.E. Williams of Ironmine, married
Llewelyn M. [Mervyn] Dixon, second son of the late Mr & Mrs A. Dixon.
Burra District Lawn Tennis Assoc. AGM last Friday elected: Patron, Maurice Collins; President, F.M. Pearce; Vice-Presidents, H.W. Tiver & T.E. Richards; Secretary & Treasurer, E.V. Triggs.
XXXXIX, 36, 7 Sep. 1927, page 4
Dr Earle Page Commonwealth Treasurer paid a visit to the district accompanied by Mr Blesing MLC and Messrs Cameron & Carter MPs. The hall being engaged, a public meeting was not possible. The mayor entertained the visitors at lunch at Burra Hotel attended also by Crs Riggs, Kellaway, Harris, Woollacott & Allen and by Cr N. Hiles Pearse Chairman of the Burra District Council, Mr A.D. McDonald representing the Country Party and Mr M.A. Radford of the Liberal Union. The speeches that followed are reported in c. 31⁄2 columns.
XXXXIX, 36, 7 Sep. 1927, Supplement
Kooringa Methodist Church held a Swiss Fair in the Institute last Friday opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes. Proceeds were £195.
Football. Premiership Games last Saturday at Aberdeen Oval.
Aberdeen 1.1 4.3 7.7 7.7 (49)
Hallett 5.2 5.4 6.4 7.6 (48)
Burra Rifle Club. 6th stage of the trophy shoot. A.B. Riggs & L. Kellaway scored best. Progressive points so far for the trophy are W. Woodman 11 leading G. Woodman 8, while off-the-rifle H.G. Oates 19 leads W. Woodman 11.
XXXXIX, 37, 14 Sep. 1927, page 3
Notice. Civic Reception for Lord Stonehaven Governor-General, Wednesday 21 Sept 12.30 p.m. followed by a public luncheon at 1 p.m. at the Institute. Tickets for the latter from the Town Clerk, E.J. Davey. [Price not stated.]
Advt. Wirth Bros. Circus is coming by three special trains to Burra on Saturday 4 September.
Seats 8/-, 7/-, 6/-, 5/-, 4/- & 3/-. Zoo opens 4-5 p.m. 1/- & children 6d.
In All-New Snow White Waterproof Tents.
Advt. Kooringa Methodist Church, Sunday 18 September.
Unveiling of the Pearce Memorial Window by Rev. J.H. Nield.
Advt. Gymnastic Display at Burra Institute 19 September by Burra Physical Culture Classes – YMCA
Advt. Whyte Yarcowie Hall 16 September. Root’s Grand Operetta The Flower Queen.
Mr & Mrs Leaney of World’s End arranged a dance in their woolshed on 10 September and raised £4-1-6 for the Angorichina TB Soldiers’ Car Fund.
Football.
In the Booborowie Association Final North Booborowie 9.10 defeated South Booborowie 3.6.
Apoinga District Council held a public meeting at the Council Chamber in Emu Downs on 27 August to consider moving the Council Chamber to Robertstown. Those present voted 16 in favour and 20 against the proposal.
Joy-Rider. Last Friday night someone stole the car of Mr Gordon Leech of the Broken Hill Branch of the Bank of NSW from outside the Burra Hotel. The car was driven to Aberdeen where it failed to take Sara’s corner, sliced a length of kerbing from the footpath and collided with a tree about a foot in diameter, wrenching it out of the ground by the roots. Considerable damage was done to the car. The driver got away undetected.
Football. At Hallett last Saturday: North Booborowie 14.12 defeated Hallett 3.3.
George Trusler Sen. of Hallett turned 91 recently.
XXXXIX, 37, 14 Sep. 1927, page 4
Burra Town Council, 5 September
Local Government Dept forwards a further £200 for main roads.
The Mayor & Cr Harris are to arrange a button day for the Limbless Soldiers’ Association.
The Electric Supply Co. advises that a light near the hospital would cost £4-17-6 to install. Installation was approved.
Mr Oborn offered 60 sheoaks and a dozen other young trees to replace those killed by frost along the creek and offered to look after the same. The offer was accepted and he was voted £2-2-0 in appreciation.
Cr Riggs moved a change to the way money from rates is allotted to Wards: 5/14 to East and North Wards and 4/14 to West Ward. At present after deducting common expenses 75% of the rest of the rates is divided in proportion to the rates collected in each ward. The main problem was that in North Ward there are several roads that are practically main roads, but are not so designated and have to be maintained by the ward. The proposal would move about £41 from East Ward and £19 from West Ward.
The Mayor was sympathetic, but thought it needed further consideration.
Cr Bednall wanted ratepayer input.
Cr Kellaway was opposed – it should go to ratepayers. The cemetery road in East Ward was like the North Ward roads: used by the public generally.
Cr Harris said North Ward had had an opportunity to take in the new houses at Graham, but only a few voted to do so. Kooringa feeling was against the move.
Cr Allen was also opposed.
Cr Riggs said if North Ward had taken in Graham it would only have meant more roads to keep in order. The motion was lost.
It was resolved that no vehicle be allowed on any metal road with tyres on which were any metal bar, spoke or stud grips, without permission from the Mayor or Town Clerk.
The agreement between the Council and Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd had never been ratified. It was carried that this be done.
The owner of the car on the footpath previously reported agreed to pay a £2 fine and the matter will not proceed to court.
Kooringa Tennis Club AGM 7 September elected: President, P.J. Pickering; Patron, John Barker; Secretary, M.G. Dobson. An ‘A’ Grade team is to be entered in the Association.
XXXXIX, 37, 14 Sep. 1927, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club went to Riverton on Saturday where Burra 722 defeated Riverton 680.
Golf. Farrell’s Flat players visited Burra last Saturday and Burra defeated Farrell’s Flat 4 matches to 3 with 3 matches tied. [Personal interest: Miss [D.] Fuss beat Miss Clarke 5 up 89-91 over 12 holes.]
XXXXIX, 38, 21 Sep. 1927, page 2
Notice. Tenders called for the purchase of the wood and iron building at the Burra Hospital known as the Isolation Ward; by noon Tuesday 4 October.
Notice. RSL Smoke Social 22 September to farewell Mr S.M. Lane who is leaving the town.
[Note that the last advertisement for S.M. Lane appeared on 14 September.]
XXXXIX, 38, 21 Sep. 1927, page 3
The Governor General Lord Stonehaven arrived in Burra by the East-West Express at 4.30 p.m. and was greeted by the Mayor and Councillors. He was driven to Collins Park, Mt Bryan to see the run. In the evening he attended the installation of Bro. M.A. Radford as WM of the Kooringa Masonic Lodge. Today he will inspect the Booborowie District, returning to Burra at 12.30 for a civic reception and official lunch at the Burra Hotel. He will then inspect the Burra School and leave by the 3.45 p.m. train.
The Angorichina TB Soldiers’ Car Appeal has reached its target. The Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Society recently decided on a Chevrolet Utility car at a cost of £202 and this has been fully subscribed by Burra & District. The car will be a memorial to Signaller W.J. Davey whose widow organised the appeal. Mr Davey was publicity officer for the society for several years. The car will be formally handed over in Market Square on Saturday 1 October.
E.W. Crewes has been ill in bed for a fortnight, but is now much better.
The Booborowie Railway Committee met on 16 September. The Standing Committee’s report [previously noted] was accepted and the committee decided to disband, ending about 17 years of agitation for a railway. A small amount of cash in hand will go to the Booborowie Hall Committee.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Kooringa: Kooringa 8-63 defeated Hallett 7-62
At Willalo: Willalo 12-80 defeated Copperhouse 3-51
‘B’ Grade At Hallett: Hallett 11-85 defeated Mt Bryan 3-54
Willalo forfeited to Copperhouse.
Kooringa Methodist Church. A large congregation assembled on the afternoon of 18 September for the opening of the new organ donated by people of Burra and District to commemorate the service as organists of the late Mr John Pearce and his two daughters the late Misses Alice and Trix Pearce. The dedication was performed by Rev. J.H. Nield late of Kooringa and now of Adelaide. A memorial window erected by the family to the memory of their late parents, their brother Frank and the two sisters was unveiled by the eldest surviving son, Mr Edgar Pearce. A marble baptismal font and hymn book were also dedicated. They were given by Miss Rose Pearce in memory of her parents the late Mr & Mrs T.W. Pearce and her sister, Miss Sarah Pearce.
Five surviving daughters and four of the sons of John Pearce attended.
Mr John Pearce had been organist for 35 years and was succeeded by his daughter Alice for 10 years until forced to resign due to ill health. Miss Trix Pearce had then held the post for over 17 years till her death last March. The organ is a Sherlock-Manning Cathedral Organ containing 5 octaves, 12 sets of reeds and 21 stops. Rev. Nield also preached at the evening service.
Bowls. AGM was held 14 September. Results for the year:
Champion P.L. Rosman
Runner-up W.H. Sandland
Consistency Dr Steele
Singles W.H. Sandland
Pairs P.L. Rosman & S.R. Oborn
Elected were Patron, A.G. Gebhardt; President, M.A. Radford; Vice-Presidents, Dr Steele & E.F. Marston; Secretary & Treasurer, P.L. Rosman.
New Bore. N. Hiles Pearse divined a place for a second bore by Talbot Bros. on ‘The Gums’ and a flow of 4,000 gallons a day was obtained at 119ft.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School ‘Olde English Garden Faire’ last Friday was opened by the Mayoress Mrs M. Collins in the Burra Institute. Proceeds were c. £180.
XXXXIX, 38, 21 Sep. 1927, page 4
Kooringa Cricket Club AGM was held last Wednesday. Best performers last season:
Best batsman M. Bednall with average 48.9
Best bowler G. Hawkes with 7 for 36 and an average of 5.1
L. Kellaway took 34 for 177 at an average of 5.2
Elected were Patron, A. Gebhardt; President, Dr Steele; Vice-Presidents, M.A. Radford & J. Drew; Captain & Secretary, M.W. Bednall.
XXXXIX, 38, 21 Sep. 1927, Supplement
Golf. Burra visited Farrell’s Flat on Saturday last and Farrell’s Flat defeated Burra 8 matches to 3.
[Personal interest: Mrs Brown beat Miss [D.] Fuss 8 up (18) 140-154.]
Burra Rifle Club. 7th stage of the trophy shoot. Best results were from P.W. Hogan & J.A. Riggs.
Hanson Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held last Sunday when Rev. C.J. Penny of Clare officiated. [Corrected next issue to Farrell’s Flat Sunday School: Hanson’s Anniversary will be 2 October.]
XXXXIX, 39, 28 Sep. 1927, page 3
Advt. T.H. Pearse & Sons Ltd call tenders for the dismantling and cartage of c. 10 miles of telephone line from the junction of the Government phone, Aberdeen, to near Midwinter’s old hotel on the Morgan Road. Removal of posts, wires removed and coiled, china insulators removed and the whole delivered to ‘The Gums’.
Weather. There was snow on the ground before 6.30 a.m. last Saturday when rain obliterated it somewhat. Another light fall came with rain at 7.05 a.m. and there were severe frosts on subsequent days.
YMCA Gymnastics Show drew a large audience on 19 September to the Institute.
Burra Institute Committee met on 12 September.
A.J. McBride presented three oil paintings. It was resolved at the adjourned meeting on 14 September that intoxicating liquor be prohibited at any function at the Institute.
RSL Farewell Social for S.M. Lane.
About 50 ‘diggers’ assembled on Thursday evening last to bid farewell to S.M. Lane. The President of the Burra Sub-Branch Len Gordon proposed his health. Mrs Lane would also be much missed, as for years she had been the convenor of supper for the annual dinners and dances. He presented Mr Lane with a gold cigarette case and a brass decanter and cut crystal vase for Mrs Lane.
Mrs Lane was farewelled on 20 September by the ladies in the Parish Hall. She was presented with a case of cutlery.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 8-63 defeated Aberdeen 7-63
At Hallett: Willalo 10-71 defeated Hallett 5-63
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 11-91 defeated Copperhouse 4-45
Hallett 10 sets defeated Willalo 5 sets
Rev. W.O. Harris writes in support of the decision to ban liquor at Institute events.
YMCA Sports Afternoon at the Aberdeen Oval last Saturday. Cold threatening weather and the counter-attraction of Wirth’s Circus kept numbers down. Nevertheless the gate took £4-11-0. Results are printed.
Cricket. Burra Cricket Association AGM was held last Thursday and elected: Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, M.A. Radford; Vice-Presidents, L.W. Gebhardt & J. Denton; Secretary & Treasurer, M.W. Bednall.
The Premiership this year will be decided on points after two rounds of matches. The year’s program is printed.
Angorichina TB Soldiers’ Car Fund. Acknowledged donations reach £207-15-0.
XXXXIX, 39, 28 Sep. 1927, Supplement
The Visit of the Governor General.
41⁄2 columns are devoted to details of the visit. This covers in more detail what has previously been noted of his activities. The presentation to the Governor General was a malachite paperweight made by Mr F. Spencer.
XXXXIX, 40, 5 Oct. 1927, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Annual Off-Shears Sale on Friday 21 October will offer 20,000 sheep.
Notice. Hanson District Council calls a meeting of ratepayers to consider the formation of a Local Fire Fighting Association.
Don Halliday who has been at the post office in Kooringa for 21⁄2 years has been transferred to Cummins. Edward Morgan comes back ‘home’ to fill the vacancy.
Angorichina TB Soldiers’ Car
The utility car donated by the people of Burra and District was due to be handed over to the Tubercular Soldiers’ Association on Saturday 1 October at 4 p.m. in Market Square. No one had allowed for the boggy nature of the roads and when no car arrived by 5 p.m. people went off home, leaving the Mayoress, Mrs Davey and Mr Frank Harris to greet the advance car with Misses Cleggett & Alexander at 6 p.m. They said the utility car was still coming. It arrived at 7 p.m. and it was decided to do the handover on the Institute steps after the pictures. Mr Crewes explained the object of the meeting and the reasons for the delay and was glad that Burra and District was still prepared to do its bit for the soldiers. Mrs Collins then asked Miss Cleggett to accept the car.
Dr Steele spoke as a civilian, a soldier and a doctor and Miss Cleggett responded especially thanking Mrs Davey and said the committee had decided to dedicate the car to the memory of the late Signaller W.J. Davey. Mr E.J. Davey responded on behalf of Mrs W.J. Davey.
XXXXIX, 40, 5 Oct. 1927, page 3
IOR offered a scholarship worth £25 a year for two years at any school approved by the Director of Education and other lesser prizes. To be eligible candidates must get over 80% at the Temperance Examination and these marks are added to the Qualifying Certificate held in November. All ten candidates from Burra gained the certificate from the IOR and one is eligible for the scholarship: Phillip Oborn with 176 out of 200. [Independent Order of Rechabites.]
Tennis. 24 September
‘B’ Grade At Willalo: Hallett 10-83 defeated Willalo 5-63.
Obituary. Mrs M.J. Harris died at Aldgate 3 October. She was born at Camborne, Cornwall in 1833 and would have been 94 on Christmas Day. When 18 she married Ambrose Harris, a stone-dresser and builder and they came to Australia by the Sultana in 1851 and lived first at Bowden. In the gold rush Mr Harris went to Forest Range and sent gold back under police escort to Mrs Harris who was then living in a room in Rundle St Adelaide where John Martins now stands. On returning Mr Harris took a partner and erected Government buildings at Robe, Mt Gambier and Naracoorte. They came to Burra by bullock dray in 1856 where Mr Harris supervised the building of the engine-house. Mr Harris died in 1901 and Mrs Harris went to live with her youngest daughter. She leaves four daughters and one son: Mrs J.A. Watt (Adelaide), Mrs R. Horace Steele (Toorak Gardens), Mrs Charles Parks (Burra), Mrs John Greenwood (Aldgate) & Mr B.G. Harris (WA). There are 15 Grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. [Born 25 December 1833 as Mary Jane Bennett.]
Obituary. Mr Will G.F. Batchelor died at West Hindmarsh 29 September. He was once well known in Burra, being born in Kooringa in 1866 as the second son of the late Mr & Mrs W.H. Batchelor and educated at Burra Public School. He then went to Adelaide and worked for H.L. Vosz painter and decorator before joining the public service in 1888. He served for 37 years in the Customs Department, retiring in 1926 due to ill health. He visited Burra often and attended the annual reunions in Adelaide and was fond of sport. In 1887 he married Emily Jenkin, daughter of the late John Jenkin of Kooringa, who survives with one daughter and three sons. There are two grandsons. Mr H. Batchelor is a brother and Florence (Mrs R.L. Giles of Pt Augusta) & Maud (Mrs C.H. Hague of Kensington Gardens) are sisters. Mrs William Geake of Kooringa is a sister to Mrs Batchelor.
[William George Frederick Batchelor born 21 February 1866 in Kooringa.]
Obituary. Mrs P. Ellis of West Hindmarsh died on Monday. She was the mother of Mrs P.J. Pickering of the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa. [Mrs Priscilla Evelyn Ellis nee Mansergh died 2 October 1927 aged 66 at West Hindmarsh.]
Weather. Rain has fallen in light showers with some 56 points for the week. Some extended east with more in the south: 56 points at ‘The Gums’ and 23 at Koomooloo, but only 12 points at Ketchowla.
Burra Town Council, 19 September
Mr S.R. Oborn asked that his cheque for £2-2-0 [for the tree seedlings he grew] be handed over to the Angorichina Fund.
F.M. Pearce was granted permission to erect a verandah on a Taylor St premises.
Meeting of 3 October
Various minor road and path matters dealt with.
Gully’s Wharf swing Bridge is to be tightened because it is sagging.
Consideration of the assessment was again deferred.
Local Board of Health
The new lavatories in Aberdeen and Kooringa are almost completed.
XXXXIX, 40, 5 Oct. 1927, page 4
General Motors will show an array of their products at the Burra show. Their range includes Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Buick, Oakland, Pontiac, Vauxhall, La Salle & Cadillac cars and Chevrolet & GMC trucks.
Burra Rifle Club. 8th stage of the trophy shoot. R. Woodman, W.V. Bass & H.L. Riggs scored best.
Hanson Coursing Club’s meet on 1 September was a great success with a credit balance of £6-2-0. There will be a similar meeting next year.
XXXXIX, 41, 12 Oct. 1927, page 3
Fire. A small fire broke out on Friday morning in the new tar at the Council Depot, but it was soon extinguished.
Show Smoke Social
The President Mr I.J. Warnes entertained the committee, stewards, judges and visitors at the Show Luncheon Room on Friday night. This was the first such gathering in the show’s history.
In proposing the toast to ‘The Government’ Mr A.B. Riggs raised the question of the town name. Burra was on the maps, but in the telephone book or the postal guide it was nowhere – in either you found Aberdeen and Kooringa. He thought the official names now in use should be eliminated and the post offices be called North and South Burra.
Other speakers were Mr R.J. Carter MP for the district, Hon G.F. Jenkins MP & Commissioner of Crown Lands, Hon. George Ritchie MLC, Hon. W. Morrow MLC, Mr I.J. Warnes, Mr M.A. Radford, Mr P.J. Pickering, Hon. W.G. Mills MLC, Mr J.E. Pick, Mr S.H. Robinson & Mr E.F. Marston. The report extends for 33⁄4 columns.
XXXXIX, 41, 12 Oct. 1927, page 4
Mr Wilyliam Waymen Mosey [sic] aged 87 reminisces in about 3⁄4 column.
[Mr William Wayman Mosey of Robertstown died 16 December 1927 aged 86.]
He was born in Scarborough UK and is still classing wool. He came to SA aged 10 and started work at Tanunda as a shepherd for 2/6 a week with tucker. (Seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year.) Then he went minding cows at Pt Gawler for 7/- a week. He later took the first draft of sheep to Koonoona – poor Merinos – today’s sheep are worth three times the small Merinos then, with their indifferent fleeces. After three years there he took to bullock driving, carting wood for the Burra Mines and wool from the Burra District to Pt Wakefield. He remembers in 1860 using a sickle and getting 4/- a day for scything 1 acre of hay. He recalls when 12 or 14/- a week was good pay and shearers got 15/- to 20/- per 100 sheep and when best Merino wool got 6d a pound and wheat 1/6 a bushel. Two years ago he got 32d a lb for wool, though that was inflated.
XXXXIX, 41, 12 Oct. 1927, Supplement
The Burra Show on 7 & 8 October was a great success in glorious weather. Two changes were successful. The show was almost a month earlier and moved to the end of the week. Friday attendance was greatly up on last year’s first day. Saturday was very busy from before 9 a.m. This year the hillside has been terraced to allow cars to be parked behind one another without obstructing the view.
Sideshows were more numerous that ever.
The special trains from Adelaide and Terowie were well patronised and it is estimated that nearly 1,000 cars were parked.
Catering was in the hands of Mrs J.B. Rowe of Kooringa with an army of assistants.
The Point Pass Band under Mr J. Goedecke provided excellent music.
Agricultural produce made an excellent display.
Dairy produce was the largest for many years.
Poultry was creditable, but entries were down.
Draught horse entries were fewer, but quality was high.
Horses-in-Action drew entries that were well up to standard and good competition was seen.
Cattle numbers were very small.
Dogs were exceptionally good this year with 30 greyhounds and good competition in other classes.
The sheep show is fully realising its potential now with good entries in sections aimed at all sizes of producers. (< 250, 250-500, not >1,000 and not >2,000)
The Fleece Wool section was bigger than ever and entries have grown from 2 or 3 to 30.
There was a wide variety of agricultural implements on display.
General Motors brought along a whole convoy of their cars and trucks.
W.R. Lee showed the latest in Ford vehicles.
W.E.D. Young showed six of the latest in Chrysler models.
Horton Jennison displayed several wireless models.
Vegetables were excellent, but dominated by Bert Opperman and Mr W. Moxham and in Fruit Mr R. Hunter of Clare won all except for lemons when the prize went to A.J. McBride.
Flowers were hit by this year’s heavy frosts, but a good display was still evident.
Cooking entries were numerous and arts & Industries were commendable too.
Photography and Art was a small section.
School Class entries were very good, especially from the small Ayers Forest School and Baldina.
[Personal interest: R. Fuss was not represented in the prize list for flowers at all this year, though he was listed among the judges.]
XXXXIX, 42, 19 Oct. 1927, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. The Annual Off-Shears Sale will offer 20, 946 sheep on 21 October.
XXXXIX, 42, 19 Oct. 1927, page 3
Advt. Farrell’s Flat Horse Show, Wednesday 2 November.
Advt. St Joseph’s Convent: Blessing & Opening of the New Additions by Rt Rev. A. Killian DD.
Advt. Grand Strawberry Fete & Continental at Hanson 5 November 3 p.m. in aid of Hanson Memorial Hall Building.
Advt. RSL Annual Reunion & Smoke Social, Burra Hotel 29 October.
Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary was held 9 October when Rev. R.H. Davidson of Riverton officiated. The Monday evening social heard addresses by Rev. J.S.W. Colis (Anglican) and Rev. W.O. Harris (Redruth Methodist).
Alfred J. Temple of Broken Hill passed through Burra on Monday. He was once employed at T. Parks’ bakery, but left here in 1892. He is now in a bakery business in Broken Hill with Mr Hancock, the son-in-law of Mrs H. Brown of Kooringa.
Mr N.J. Tiddy turned 71 on 18 October. He is slowly recovering from his accident of a couple of months ago, but still needs crutches to get around.
Frank Harris has forwarded £27-3-0 to the Limbless Soldiers Fund from the sale of buttons, donations and a contribution from the Rifle Club.
Mrs W.J. Thomson of Bordertown was at the show on 7 October. She is the daughter of the late John Bagg who owned Springbank Estate before it was cut up for soldier settlement.
Weather. The hopes for a record season have been dashed by continued dry warm weather in the last two weeks and Tuesday was hot and windy with dust, doing further damage. To the east pastoralists are much worse hit and the position is serious. When rain has fallen out there it has been in thin lines of storms rather than generally. Grasshoppers have made matters worse by appearing in large numbers at Douglas, Baldina Downs and Thistlebeds.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 12 October
Raymond L. Jones of Snowtown, youngest son of Mr S.J. & the late Mrs Jones of Pt Pirie, married
Dorothy Pederson, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Martin Pederson of Kooringa.
Black Springs & stony Gap Schools held their annual picnic on Saturday 5 October followed by a dance in Black Springs Hall. About 20 couples attended.
Tennis. Last Saturday:
‘A’ Grade At Hallett: Copperhouse 8-72 defeated Hallett 7-57
At Kooringa: Aberdeen 9-73 defeated Kooringa 6-68
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 10-84 defeated Mt Bryan 5-65
Polo. Mid-North AGM was held at Leighton Hall 15 October. Elected were Patron, John Melrose; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-President, Rex Warnes; Captain, A.T. McWaters; Secretary, F.C. Humphris & Assistant Secretary, R. McWaters.
Emus have appeared around Hallett in groups varying from 3 or 4 to 50 or 60 due to drought to the east.
Hanson Hall. A meeting was held in the Council Chamber on Saturday 15 October and was well attended. Mr H.R.M. Schumacher (Hon. Sec. pro tem) advised that the Council is in favour and will try to resume a portion of land now a park. It was resolved after discussion to build a hall 60ft x 35ft in wood and iron and to call it the Hanson Memorial Hall. Elected were Patron, W.G. Duncan MLC; President, W.G. Hawkes; Hon. Sec. & Treasurer, H.R.M. Schumacher.
A strawberry fete will be held on 5 November to raise funds for the hall.
N. Hiles Pearce writes of the hardiness and vitality of pepper trees. He had cut some down 18 months ago and stacked the wood for firewood and today finds one log on the top of the heap has now burst into leaf.
XXXXIX, 42, 19 Oct. 1927, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club played Eudunda at Burra on eight Hours Day. Eudunda 905 defeated Burra 904. In a ladies match top scores were by Mrs F. Kitchenmaster [sic] 30/35, Mrs H.W. Kellock 29 and Mrs J.E. Pearce 28. In an Allcomers match C.W. Pearce did best.
Flight Lieutenant L.C. Shoppee of Australian Aerial Service Ltd is marking out suitable landing grounds for likely air routes and on Monday he called at Mr & Mrs N. Hiles Pearse at ‘The Gums’. The cost of the proposed service will be 2/- per mile whether 1 or 4 persons are carried. For four persons this is 6d per person cheaper than hiring a car. From ‘The Gums’ Mr Shoppee was to land at Mrs Brown’s near the Morgan racecourse and thence to Mildura and Broken Hill. The company carries the Adelaide-Broken hill mail. Mr Shoppee is also interested in Wings Ltd, a new flying company at Broken Hill which is opening a flying school there.
XXXXIX, 43, 26 Oct. 1927, page 2
Burra Town Council
By-law No. XXX, for the Regulation & Control of Traffic, is printed. It reflects regulations discussed [and noted] at the Council meeting of 15 August 1927.
XXXXIX, 43, 26 Oct. 1927, page 3
Notice. Hanson School Picnic will be held Saturday 29 October 11 a.m.
Notice. Booborowie & Spalding Methodist Circuit: First Circuit Rally 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Sunday 30 October in Booborowie Memorial Hall. Rev. W.O. Harris will preach.
Burra Town Council, 17 October
T.H. Woollacott was given permission to build for W.S. Field of Kooringa.
Retiring Councillors: Mayor, Crs Woollacott, Kellaway & J. Allen and also Auditor F. Treloar.
New Assessment. At present the rate is struck on 5% of improved value of land in the Corporation, which totals c. £480,000.
Cr Bednall moved the Town Clerk obtain from Land Tax Office the unimproved value of the land in the town, which he believed would be about £60,000 and a rate of 9d in the £ would bring in about the same as the present rate. Many experienced men, he said, favoured the unimproved land value system. The figures required would always be available from the Government when a new assessment was needed which would save money. A man would not be penalised for improving his land, while owners of blocks held in speculation would contribute their full share. A change to this system would need ratepayer approval.
Cr Riggs seconded, believing it was a fairer system because it would make absentee owners sell or improve. The system of more improvement leading to more rates seemed unfair.
Cr Allen moved an amendment that last year’s assessment be adopted. He could see no gain for the Council and some people would probably be hit who were not in a position to be hit. Cr Harris seconded.
Cr Riggs urged that it was not an amendment and the Mayor agreed that it was a different motion. The amendment was withdrawn.
Cr Bednall said it was too late to affect this year, but the facts and figures could be ascertained before deciding on the 1928 assessment. Motion carried.
Cr Allen then moved that last year’s assessment be adopted. Carried.
Cr Kellaway urged the removal of certain gum trees as they were drying off and becoming dangerous. A limb had fallen in Bridge St. Gum trees needed to be replaced by more suitable street trees. Seconded Cr Allen.
Cr Riggs thought that an inspection of the town was needed as approaches for tree removal were inconsistent.
Cr Kellaway pointed to problems with roots growing right under houses and the threat of others to phone lines. The motion was lost.
The police are to be asked to take action against noisy motor cycles.
Cr Riggs thought the hospital rate might be dropped now that the Government had paid all arrears of subsidy.
The mayor said that the Hospital needed renovation throughout, so such a move was premature.
Angorichina TB Soldiers’ Car.
A photo of the car is published. The car reached Angorichina on Sunday night 2 October. The party included the Mayoress (Mrs M. Collins) and Mrs W.J. Davey Jnr. Mrs Collins officially handed the car over the next morning. A bed has since been sent to fit the car so it can be used even by the very sick.
Cricket. Victoria Park has been much improved for this season, having been levelled and re-grassed.
15 October Ramblers scored 7 for 371 declared and the game resumed on 22 October when South Booborowie scored 143 & 4 for 112, resulting in a first innings win to Ramblers.
At Farrell’s Flat on 15 & 22 October Kooringa 7 for 290 declared defeated Farrell’s Flat 88 & 201.
At North Booborowie 15 October & at Mt Bryan 22 October Mt Bryan 116 defeated North Booborowie 72 & 32 by an innings and 12 runs.
Hanson Memorial Hall Committee met on Saturday and discussed quotes and plans. A start towards erection should be made before long.
XXXXIX, 43, 26 Oct. 1927, page 4
Black Springs, Stony Gap & Wheetelands School Picnic was held on 15 October on the property of Mr G. Rowan. Results of the sports are printed.
XXXXIX, 43, 26 Oct. 1927, Supplement
Bowling & Croquet Clubs season opened last Saturday. Greens manager J.H. Bryant is congratulated on the results achieved in spite of the frosts and long dry spell. The new President M.A. Radford welcomed guests endorsed by Secretary P.L. Rosman.
Mrs J.C. Ewins hit the first croquet ball.
Elders, Smith & Co. Off-Shears Sale disposed of 15, 673 sheep.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Aberdeen: Willalo 9-80 defeated Aberdeen 6-56
At Copperhouse: Kooringa 11-80 defeated Copperhouse 4-60
‘B’ Grade At Willalo: Willalo 10-84 defeated Aberdeen 6-69
At Mt Bryan: Mt Bryan 8-68 defeated Copperhouse 7-62
Polo. A practice game opened the season on 22 October.
Copperhouse [Westbury] Methodist Sunday School Anniversary 16 October. There are about 30 in the school and credit goes to Mr R. Fuss for giving his time to training this very young group. Rev. W.O. Harris officiated.
Mr & Mrs Roy Voumard & Nancy were farewelled from Copperhouse [Westbury] Church on Saturday. Mr Voumard has been transferred to Hallett. [Personal interest: speeches, songs and recitations included songs by Mr R. Fuss.]
St Joseph’s Convent Fund Bazaar was held at the Institute 21 October and is reported in 3⁄4 column. The sum raised was c. £130.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 19 October
Ebenezer Donaldson, third son of Mr & the late Mrs C. Donaldson of Cunliffe, married
Fanny Myra Cox, twin and second daughter of Mr & Mrs Herbert Cox of Redruth.
Burra Rifle Club 9th stage of the Abberton Park Trophy Shoot saw best results from F. Riggs & A.P. Harris. Aggregate points at this stage are R. Woodman 15 leading W. Woodman, W.V. Bass & A.B. Riggs each with 11.
Burra Town Council
There is a proposal to close and sell certain streets and to sell unclaimed allotments in the Corporation. Places concerned are:
North Ward: Short St lots 147-155 & 145-154
St Dye St lots 53-54 & 44
Fore St lots 116-117
Aberavon St lots 16-18 & 19-24
Morriston St lots 19-24 & section 2067
Old Road Between the Main Road & A.B. Riggs boundary Victoria Place
Anne St lots 55 -61 & 31-37
Grainger St lots 72-78 & 55-61
Jessie St lots 82-95 & 72-78
Taylor St lots 89-90 & 116
Road between section 2073a & 2073b
Also 33 other allotments with no known owners in North Ward [listed in the paper]
East Ward Whole of street running behind lots 327 to lot N
Spring St from Ayers St to the corner of lot P
Graves St from Spring St to Rymill St
Mitchell’s Flat from Allen St to Spring St
South Terrace from Thames St to Mitchell’s Flat
Roach St between lots 277-282 & 283-285 & lot K
Beck St part of
Jaffrey St part of
Elphick St lots 206-208 & 209-211
XXXXIX, 44, 2 Nov. 1927, page 3
Advt. Tenders called for the sole right to sell cool drinks, sweets and refreshments at the Boat Club’s ground at Porter’s Lagoon.
Brumbies. Two motor lorries with five wild brumby cattle were parked in Market Square on Saturday morning. They had roamed on Canegrass Station for many years and were caught by Messrs Faggotter & Talbot, well-known cattlemen and horse-breakers.
Hanson School & Methodist Sunday School held a combined picnic at Porter’s Lagoon on 29 October on the Boat Club’s grounds. The sports results are printed.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Hallett: Kooringa 10-76 defeated Hallett 5-67
At Copperhouse: Willalo 10-77 defeated Copperhouse 5-59
‘B’ Grade At Mt Bryan: Mt Bryan 10-77 defeated Hallett 5-66
At Willalo: Willalo 9-81 defeated Copperhouse 6-84
Leighton & Ayers Forest Schools held a combined picnic in Ayers Forest 20 October. Mr I.J. Warnes provided the quad and trailer. Results of sports are printed.
Marriage. Hanson Methodist Church 12 October
John H. Pattison, eldest son of Mr George Pattison & the late Mrs Pattison of Cape Willoughby Lighthouse on Kangaroo Island, married
Clara I. Dixon, second daughter of Mr & Mrs R.J. Dixon of Hanson.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 29 October
Harry C. Webster, second son of Mrs & the late H. Webster of ‘Shafton’ Ironmine, married
Grace J. Lloyd, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late W.H. Lloyd of Ironmine.
Weather. Rain has fallen at last and extended to the east where some dams have filled. Falls were uneven, varying from only 8 points at Pine Valley to 30 at Koomooloo and they were heavier in the northeast with 63 at Mallett, but further south ‘The Gums also did well with 55 points. On this side of the ranges Leighton received 65 and Kooringa 47.
Polo. Practice matches on Saturday were of a better standard that the previous week.
Leighton Croquet Club opened on Saturday. Among those present were Mesdames Flowers [sic], Warnes, McWaters, H. McDonald, A.D. McDonald, M. Hogan, R.W. Humphreys, S. Carter & E. Jettner. Mrs J.G. Sara & Mrs B. Finch came from Burra with hints for beginners.
XXXXIX, 44, 2 Nov. 1927, page 4
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club AGM was held at Farrell’s Flat Institute 25 October and was largely attended. There is a credit balance of £65. Advice from the Commissioner of Crown Lands is that if the land is vested in the Hanson DC then a long lease could be obtained from that body. This will be acted upon. Elected were President, H.C. Atkins; Vice-Presidents, W. Carter, E.B. I’Anson, H.P. Monaghan & S. Elliott; Hon. Sec. & Treasurer, George Pattullo. It was resolved to hold a sports day on 26 January 1928 and to erect swings at the site. The boats will be on the water by Saturday 29 October. Two lifebuoys are to be attached to each boat. Tenders are to be called for the sale of cool drinks, sweets and refreshments. The committee will inspect the site and decide on a jetty. 120 trees have been planted. Mr Pattullo has since said he is unable to act as Secretary/Treasurer and Mr E.G. Pratt is acting pro tem.
XXXXIX, 44, 2 Nov. 1927, Supplement
St Joseph’s Convent additions were blessed and opened by Rt Rev. Dr A. Killian on 30 October.
The original convent was built over 50 years ago and comprised the schoolroom and four small rooms, one of which was used as a music room for students. This left three rooms for three nuns’ accommodation. Rev. Nesdale saw this as unsatisfactory and permission was obtained from the head of the Diocese to enlarge the building. The additions are two nice lofty rooms built on the south side of the old building. One is a community room 14ft x 18ft with windows giving a beautiful view of Kooringa. The other is a dormitory 14ft x 17ft with two windows facing south and one facing west. A passage 37ft x 3ft connects this to the old building and at the end adjoining the dormitory is a bathroom and lavatory. The floors are polished jarrah. The exterior of the convent has been replastered, pointed and painted and necessary internal repairs have been done.
Bishop Killian celebrated Mass at 10.30 a.m. At noon the congregation moved to the convent where the Bishop blessed the new wing and the public inspected the building. The contractors were T.H. Woollacott and F.M. Pearce. Of the total cost of £641-7-6 already £296-4-1 has been raised and the appeal on Sunday added about £180 to this.
Mr & Mrs D.E. Williams were tendered a farewell social at Leighton Hall on 29 October. Mr Williams was a pioneer of the district and had been a teamster travelling to and from the Barrier. He settled first at Thistlebeds before coming to Ironmine where he had lived for 37 years. He had been a committeeman for the Leighton hall and the Burra Show, where he was also a steward. Mr Williams received a gold watch and chain and Mrs Williams a silver entrée dish.
RSL Annual Reunion & Smoke Social was held in the Burra Hotel last Saturday. Only about 42 diggers turned up. Dr Steele made a speech encouraging the work of the RSL and attacking barriers to returned men succeeding such as advertisements for jobs with age limits of 25 years. Mr Duggin, Vice-President of the RSL in SA also spoke.
XXXXIX, 45, 9 Nov. 1927, page 3
Advt. E.L. Steer, late with F.M. Pearce, Painter, Paperhanger & General House Decorator.
Morehead St, Aberdeen.
Advt. Miss Dulcie Scott has opened a Ladies Toilet Salon in Mr A.L. Bence’s Store in Kooringa.
Hanson Memorial Hall.
It is now some years since there was first agitation for a suitable memorial to the boys from the district who gave their lives in the Great War. Lack of support caused the abandonment at the time, but of late the need for a hall has been keenly felt and recently Mr Schumacher convened a meeting which decided to build the Hanson Memorial Hall on an enclosed reserve opposite the Council Chamber. A strawberry fete to raise funds was held on 5 November. This demonstrated the need for a hall, being held in the open with the Council Chamber used for tea and supper. Fortunately the weather was excellent. £100 was raised.
Marriage. Booborowie Methodist Church, 29 October
Eric Fuller of Hawker married
May Nayda, daughter of Mr & Mrs P. Nayda of Booborowie, late of Hawker.
Percy P. Carey, garage proprietor of Booborowie was shockingly burnt on Sunday morning when a bucket of petrol was handed to his by mistake for a bucket of water while he was doing a welding job at Andrews. He is in Burra Hospital in a critical condition. [See obituary in supplement.]
Burra Rifle Club. 10th stage of the Abberton Park Trophy drew best scores from H.H. Byles & A.B. Riggs.
Polo practice matches continue.
XXXXIX, 45, 9 Nov. 1927, page 4
Farrell’s Flat Annual Horse Show is reported in c. 11⁄2 columns. About 400 attended this 9th annual event that was a great success.
Guy Fawkes Day is reported to be a custom fast dying out at Farrell’s Flat.
XXXXIX, 45, 9 Nov. 1927, Supplement
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 12-92 defeated Aberdeen 3-60
At Willalo: Willalo 12-83 defeated Hallett 3-47
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 9-77 defeated Copperhouse 6-70
At Hallett: Willalo 9-81 defeated Hallett 6-70
Burra Town Council
In addition to vacancies caused by the effluxion of time Cr Bednall has resigned, as he is acting as legal adviser to the Council. This makes both West Ward seats vacant.
Obituary. Mr P. Carey whose accident is reported on page 3 died at 5 p.m. last evening leaving a widow and two young children. [Percival Preece Carey born 18 July 1881 at Kooringa, the son of F.J. Carey: died 8 November 1927 at Kooringa, residence Booborowie.] [Further details in next issue.]
Guy Fawkes Day in Burra was celebrated with huge bonfires and a fine display of fireworks. The writer considers this annual event effects a good clean-up of the town, removing all the refuse that could otherwise become a menace.
Weather. The dry season has brought kangaroos close in to the town and on Thursday night at 11 p.m. a big one was seen in Kooringa, which returned to the wild via Kangaroo St.
Cricket.
South Booborowie 102 & 4 for 244 declared defeated Farrell’s Flat 78 & 4 for 143, on the first innings.
North Booborowie 129 & 136 defeated Kooringa 100 & 8 for 164, on the first innings.
Ramblers 178 defeated Mt Bryan 176.
XXXXIX, 46, 16 Nov. 1927, page 3
Advt. Gymnastic Display by YMCA Physical Classes assisted by members of the Peterborough Brass Band at the Burra Institute 23 November.
Advt. Grand Ball at the Hallett Institute, Wednesday 23 November in aid of the Tubercular Soldiers Hostel Angorichina.
Willalo Methodist Church: tender for the erection of the church has gone to Mr E.J. Affolter of Booborowie. It is designed to seat 100. Mrs J.G. Hanlin, wife of one of the trustees, has been asked to lay the foundation stone on 31 December 1927.
Obituary. Percy Carey of Booborowie died 8 November from shocking burns received the previous Sunday at Andrews. He was a most popular resident of Booborowie. After sustaining the injury he drove his own car to Mr Thornton’s and maintained his usual cheeriness, but the injuries were such that there was never any hope of recovery. He was 38 and leaves a wife, and a young son and daughter.
The SA Budget is discussed in 3⁄4 column. Railway fares and freight charges rise due to the award of a 44 hour week to some employees and by Arbitration Court awards. General Revenue will also have to fund part of the cost of the developmental railways. There are heavy losses in revenue due to the previous Labor Government and prospects of an unfavourable harvest that will also reduce revenue. Water rates will rise by 25%. Amusement tax is doubled. The Government has reduced expenditure by £300,000. Railway staff will be cut.
Marriage. St Joseph’s Church 9 November
Ernest Ross of Kimba, second son of Mrs C. & the late Mr Ross of Mt Torrens, married
Kathleen A. Allen, second daughter of Mr & Mrs F.C. Allen of Aberdeen.
Hanson Memorial Hall. Collection Books have been issued.
XXXXIX, 46, 16 Nov. 1927, page 4
The Main Roads Question
A meeting of representatives from the surrounding DCs and the Town Council was chaired by the Mayor Mr M. Collins in the Council Chamber on 1 November. The object was to obtain more money for the maintenance of main roads. Bitumen roads had been put down in some places purely for pleasure, but here the producers of the State’s wealth were almost completely ignored.
Cr Kellaway (Burra Corporation) said roads to places like Victor Harbor or parallel to railway lines were constructed when feeder roads to country rail centres were penalised. Main road grants were decreasing and maintenance was impossible on the present allowance. The Labor Government had promised to recognise claims for more, but never delivered. Road traffic had risen 75% and road grants decreased by 25%.
Cr Pearse agreed with the sentiments, but thought it inopportune at this time when the Premier had just said there was little or no money available for main roads.
The Mayor distanced himself from the remarks of Cr Kellaway re the Labor Government.
Cr Thomas (Mt Bryan) endorsed what had been said and Cr Scholz (Hanson) also agreed and mentioned the construction of the Adelaide-Pt Augusta Road that competed with rail.
Cr Cousins (Booborowie) was sympathetic, but they had generally been well treated and favoured acting only through the Northern District Councils’ Association.
Mr Hogan, Booborowie District Clerk, supported Cr Cousins.
Cr Scholz thought Booborowie was so well treated because they were so far from a railway.
Eventually Cr Pearse (Burra DC) moved ‘That the District Councils’ Association and other bodies be written to suggesting that it would be wise for a convention to be called consisting of at least one representative from each Corporation and District Council outside the Metropolitan Area to confer as to some concerted method of obtaining moneys for the improvement of main roads and railway feeders. Carried.
XXXXIX, 46, 16 Nov. 1927, Supplement
Mt Bryan Strawberry Fete run by the Methodist Ladies’ Guild was held on Saturday and opened by Mrs Maurice Collins. It is reported in 3⁄4 column.
Ironmine Strawberry Fete in connection with the Methodist Ladies’ Guild was held at Leighton Hall last Saturday and proceeds amounted to £60-£70.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Kooringa: Willalo 10-75 defeated Kooringa 5-61
At Hallett: Hallett 11-79 defeated Aberdeen 4-58
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: [?] Hallett 8-78 defeated Aberdeen 7-72
At Willalo: Willalo 11-89 defeated Mt Bryan 4-63
Cricket. Ramblers 146, Kooringa 2 for 86.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club, 8 November
Mr A. Smith elected secretary to replace Mr G. Pattullo who retired due to pressure of business. The catering tender went to C.M. Pratt. Iron and timber has been bought to provide accommodation for catering and to house the boats in winter. Arrangements have been made to get timber for a larger and more substantial jetty and 50ft for seating. People have been enjoying the lake in the last two or three weeks with the water clear and free from weeds. The swing has been erected.
XXXXIX, 47, 23 Nov. 1927, page 1
Soldiers’ Aid Society Annual Fete was held in the Institute 18 November in aid of the Industrial School for the Blind and for Christmas cheer for sick soldiers in hospital and hostels. Mrs I.J. Warnes opened the fete. Gross takings were c. £83.
Burra Hospital.
The new isolation ward, built by T.H. Woollacott & Sons at an elevated site at the rear of the hospital is now complete. There are four wards for patients and a passage running through from end to end dividing the wards from a most convenient kitchenette and comfortable nurses’ sitting and bed room on the opposite side. There is bathroom and lavatory accommodation, a telephone and electric light. The whole is surrounded by a 10ft verandah which can be converted into additional accommodation in emergency. The rooms have French windows and attention has been given to fly-proof doors and windows. Furnishing is modern and generous. The total cost including furnishings is £1,750. About £650 of this comes from donations from James Gallagher and the late Henry Thomas who left a legacy for the purpose. There was a gift of £100 from W.G. Hawkes, various other donations and a £ for £ Government subsidy. Two of the wards will be named after the two largest donors. Carpentry work was by Edgar Pearce and final preparation of plans was by Mr Guy St-J. Makin: architect of Adelaide. [There was no official opening.]
XXXXIX, 47, 23 Nov. 1927, page 3
Mr W.R. (Ray) Chambers, late of Goldsbrough Mort & Co., visited Burra on Friday. He is now in partnership with Charles Whiting as grain, produce and seed merchants, and export and commission agents.
Kooringa Post Office will be closed on Saturday afternoons on and after 26 November.
Burra Town Council, Monday
Municipal Elections. Cr Bednall wrote resigning due to the changed relationship of the Council with his firm. Continuing as a Councillor could result in severe monetary losses.
His resignation was accepted and the fine remitted.
The Mayor expressed his appreciation of Cr Bednall’s service.
Cr Kellaway said he would not seek re-election.
The Mayor, Mr M. Collins, said he would stand again to beat the five year record of Mr Crewes.
We hear that Fred Collins will stand for Cr Bednall’s seat and J. Edgar Pearce for that of Cr Kellaway.
[Mr Collins needed to count Mr Crewes’ years in office again. Mr Crewes was Mayor for the six years 1914-19, but also for 1900, 1901, 1921 & 1922. In the end Mr Collins also served for six years in succession from 1923 to 1928.]
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 16 November
Frank Reed, only son of Mr & Mrs Richard Reed Jnr of Redruth, married
E. Dorothy Davey, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs Arthur Davey of Kooringa.
Cricket. Resumption of the game Rambles v. Kooringa. Won by Ramblers:
Ramblers 146 & 57 (203) and Kooringa 131 & 41 (172)
Mt Bryan 248: South Booborowie 168.
Farrell’s Flat 59 & 74 defeated by North Booborowie 196.
Obituary. George Nourse died at Burra Hospital 10 November. He was born at Hamilton SA in 1858 and when he was 14 his father took land in that district and he worked with his father until he married Miss Hannah Howe, when the couple went to Mannahill where he worked for three years on the permanent way. He bought land in the north, but failed in a series of bad seasons and then went to WA, returning after two years owing to Mrs Nourse’s health They lived at Yongala for six years and then at Broken Hill where Mr Nourse was a driver for McCullock Carrying Co. His wife died in 1918 and Mr Nourse then worked for H. Melvin Collins of Booborowie. He retired in 1926 to Broken Hill and speculated in property, but soon returned and was employed at Mackerode by A.G. Gebhardt. Two sons and three daughters survive [sic]: Mr Stanley Nourse (Mackerode), Frank Nourse (Adelaide), Mr Gordon Nourse (Broken Hill), Mrs L.W. Hardie (Wollongong NSW), Mrs W. Dobbie (Broken Hill) & Mrs W. Butler (Booborowie). There are 15 grandchildren.
Obituary/Drowning. Robert Dawson, son of Mrs E.J. & the late Mr Dawson of North Booborowie drove with Clem James of Booborowie (aged 14) to a waterhole on the property of Mr D.S. Craig on Sunday afternoon. Mr Dawson dived in and after a few seconds came to the surface waving his arms, but saying nothing. Clem James went to assist and twice tried unsuccessfully to get the deceased to the bank. He then got assistance from J.M.S. Webster’s place about half a mile away. The body was eventually found in about 8ft of water. Dr Steele attended. It is thought that the deceased either fainted or had a heart attack. Coroner E.J. Davey deemed an inquest unnecessary after hearing the police report. Mr Dawson would have been 22 today. [Robert John Dawson born 24 November 1905 near Strathalbyn: died 20 November 1927 at North Booborowie.]
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 11-81 defeated Kooringa 4-52
At Copperhouse: Hallett 8-71 defeated Copperhouse 7-63
‘B’ Grade At Mt Bryan: Aberdeen 10-84 defeated Mt Bryan 5-61
XXXXIX, 48, 30 Nov. 1927, page 1
YMCA Demonstration of Physical Culture at Burra Institute 23 November drew a large crowd. The program was lengthy with seven local classes and more advanced visitors from Peterborough. Details take about 1 column.
Aerial Service. On 11 November Mr & Mrs N. Hiles Pearse and infant, accompanied by his eldest son Mr Adrian Pearse and lady friend, flew from ‘The Gums’ to Adelaide by Australian Aerial Services ‘Bell Bird’ in charge of Captain Sutcliffe. They were in Adelaide within an hour. Captain Sutcliffe has travelled 500,000 miles without accident and carried 7,000 passengers.
XXXXIX, 48, 30 Nov. 1927, page 3
Notice. Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society AGM is called for 7 December at 3 p.m. at Burra Institute.
Weather. Rain has fallen to the east, but as usual in summer was very patchy with falls from 20 to 96 points. Falls over 90 points were recorded at Pualco, Sturt Vale, Faraway Hill & Pine Valley.
The Premier met with clergy of all denominations to discuss efforts to co-ordinate finding work for the unemployed in the present difficult times.
Mrs W.J. Davey Jnr has accepted a position on the nursing staff at Angorichina Hostel. Mrs Davey, nee Miriam Pearce, was a nurse before her marriage. She left on Monday.
Mr James Fitzgerald of Pert WA has written to Sgt McDonald of Redruth saying that in 1864-66 he was one of the four officers at Redruth together with Donally, McKeevor & Campbell. There was little country fenced at Hallett and Mt Bryan and northwards and very limited areas at Melrose & Pt Augusta.
Obituary. Mrs Tom Byrnes [sic: actually Byrne.] died at Burra Hospital on 29 November aged 68. Her daughters are Alice, Mrs Williams and Mary, Mrs Penns, both of Redruth. [Born Catherine Ann Morrison. See also next issue.]
Obituary. Andrew W. Wade of ‘Kimbo’ Leighton died on 28 November. He was born in Burra in March 1866, the eldest son of Mr & Mrs William Wade of Koonoona. Mr Wade has been employed by Koonoona Proprietors for some 35 years and was managing their property ‘Kimbo’ at Leighton. He was for a long time closely associated with the Sheep Dog Trials and was later a judge. He was a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge and Past Master of Kooringa No. 6 Lodge and of Mark Lodge and a member of the Royal Arch. In 1899 he married Miss Louisa Butler, daughter of Mr T. Butler of Black Springs who survives with one son and two daughters: Mr G.A. (Jack) Wade, Mrs Wilfred Nankivell (Kooringa) & Miss Mavis Wade. There are three grandchildren.
[Andrew William Wade born at Kooringa 24 March 1867.]
Obituary. Arthur Ockenden died in Adelaide last week. He was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs C. Ockenden of Kooringa. He saw active service in the Great War and his death at 42 is owing to injuries received there. At present only Mrs Ralph Hill and Mr O. (Twist) Ockenden of Redruth remain of the family in Burra. He was unmarried and was buried in West Terrace cemetery.
[Arthur Gordon Ockenden born 22 April 1885, Kooringa: died 25 November 1927, Southwark SA.]
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 19 November.
Mr John Venn of Henley Beach, second son of the late Mr & Mrs John Venn of Bordertown, married
Lily V. Riggs, youngest daughter of Mrs John Riggs & the late J. Riggs of Mullaby Station.
Hanson Methodist Sunday School strawberry fete on Saturday 19 November raised over £41.
Leighton Ladies Guild Strawberry Fete was successful in raising about £115.
Bores at Oakvale and Postmark have recently found water. The latter at 517ft found excellent drinking water.
Municipal Elections. Nominations
Mayor Maurice Collins
North Ward Thomas Henry Woollacott
East Ward John Edgar Pearce
West Ward John Allen
West Ward, Extraordinary Vacancy Frederick Henry Collins
Auditor Frank Treloar
All the above were elected unopposed.
XXXXIX, 48, 30 Nov. 1927, page 4
Burra Town Council, 21 November
A street-lighting account for was received for £178-15-0.
A lamp of the Bagot type is to be installed at the Court House.
G.C. Kuchenmeister has complained of vehicles blocking the lane at the rear of his premises. The inspector will take action.
Tenders for lease of various reserves were accepted.
Considerable discussion on road works and specifically on tarring the sides of roads not just the centre and various minor matters.
XXXXIX, 48, 30 Nov. 1927, Supplement
Cricket. At South Booborowie Kooringa 224 & South Booborowie 5 for 67.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Willalo: Aberdeen 10-81 defeated Willalo 5-62
At Kooringa: Copperhouse 9-75 defeated Kooringa 6-66
‘B’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 11-87 defeated Mt Bryan 4-58
At Aberdeen: Willalo 10-82 defeated Aberdeen 5-61
Unemployment. The Farrell’s Flat correspondent reports:
‘Unemployment appears to be rife in the city, but evidently is not confined to Adelaide only. A while ago here a gentleman advertised for a tradesman and in a very short time had about twenty applications from all over the country.’
An advertisement for a farm hand got ‘about forty enquiries’.
Bowls. Clare visited Burra on Wednesday and Clare 84 defeated Burra 83.
On Saturday Burra visited Balaklava where Burra 110 defeated Balaklava 94.
Burra Rifle Club. 11th stage of the Trophy Shoot saw best results from W. Woodman & C.W. Pearce.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church Anniversary on 19 November was very successful with Rev. G. Nesbit officiating. There was an associated concert the following Saturday. The church is in a sound financial position. Proceeds were about £20.
XXXXIX, 49, 7 Dec. 1927, page 1
Burra Hospital Board, 28 November
It was decided to auction the old isolation ward.
It was decided the wards should be painted and other areas kalsomined.
It was resolved to take legal action to recover fees from two former patients.
Of the £1,000 placed on the Government estimates for the Isolation Ward £700 had been previously paid and a cheque for a further £200 had now been forwarded.
Four Board members had visited the Jamestown and Clare Hospitals to see how they ran, but concluded they had few advantages. Clare’s buildings were scattered and did not accord with the Health Act, though they were very well kept. There was no town water supply, which could be a problem. They did care for children and they kept two cows to provide milk at a considerable saving. Being newer buildings there were no problems with steps as there were at Burra. Jamestown complained of the lack of interest shown by some members of their Board, which numbered 23. Walls were oil-painted and washed down periodically. They had a very useful portable X-ray machine. Jamestown like Burra was all steps and stairs. Clare was modern and its staff accommodation far superior and it had a washing machine and drying apparatus.
At the end of 1925 (the last year for which figures are available) the average cost per patient per year was: Burra £174-7-0
Peterborough £166-17-0
Jamestown £178-12-0
Clare £212-15-8
Eudunda £240-6-2
Kapunda £164-3-8
Renmark 1274-19-4
XXXXIX, 49, 7 Dec. 1927, page 3
Marriage. St Mary’s 26 November
Willie Voumard of Kooringa married Clara L.E. McLennan of Kooringa.
Obituary. Catherine Annie Byrnes [sic: actually Byrne.] died at the Burra Hospital on 28 November aged 68. She was the mother of Mrs Fred Williams of Redruth.
Mark J. Crowley of Paxton Square will be 81 on 9 December. He was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire in 1849 and came to Australia in 1880 in the Lusitania. He worked for John Hill & Co. of Adelaide and later went to the Peninsula for a while working on farms before coming to Burra.
Burra Motor Sports Club held its first AGM on Wednesday. Elected were Patron, N.H. Pearse; President, W.H. McWaters; Chairman, R.A. Lewis; Captain, Mr Zadow. A reliability trial is to be held on 18 December.
St Brendan’s Mt Bryan Strawberry Fete on 19 November raised £60.
Obituary. John F. Moore, formerly a manager of the National Bank in Kooringa, died in Adelaide last week aged 65. He was here relieving a few months ago and then appeared to be in ill health.
[John Francis Xavier Moore died 30 November 1927 at North Adelaide.]
Obituary. Mr Leonard J. Griffiths died at Alberton on 30 November after a long and very painful illness. He was born in Burra in 1872 and was a son of the late Mr & Mrs C.B. Griffiths of Aberdeen and lived here until about nine years ago. He was a mason by trade and worked for the late John Pearce. He leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Leonard, died on active service and another, Cyril, also served in the Great War. [Leonard John Griffiths born 3 August 1872 near Redruth: died 29 November 1927 at Alberton.]
Polo. Saturday saw a good practice match in preparation for Clare’s visit next Saturday.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 9-71 defeated Hallett 6-69
‘B’ Grade At Hallett: Hallett 9-82 defeated Aberdeen 6-60
Cricket. Resumption of game. Kooringa 224 & 2 for 298 and South Booborowie 131.
For Kooringa in the first innings L. Kellaway scored 130 not out and in the second innings M. Bednall was 112 not out and D. Campbell 133 not out.
Ramblers 158 & 8 for 131 and North Booborowie 151.
Burra Rifle Club. 12th stage of Abberton Trophy Shoot saw best scores from J.A. Riggs & R. Woodman. In the aggregate to date R. Woodman with 19 points leads W. Woodman 16. In the off-the-rifle contest H.G. Oates has 34 points, leading R. Woodman with 23.
Drought in the far north and the east in many places is said to be the worst ever. In the near east country there has been some rain, but it has been scattered and pastoralists say it is worse than in 1914, though more dams and bores have so far enabled them to cope better.
XXXXIX, 49, 7 Dec. 1927, page 4
Porter’s Lagoon. Visitors are coming in fair numbers and the carnival will probably be held on 30 January 1928. Some Adelaide swimmers and lifesavers will probably be present to demonstrate swimming, high & fancy diving and life-saving. Mr J. Denton of Farrell’s Flat has presented the Boat Club with a very fine Dietz streetlamp and it has been placed on the jetty and its light makes night boating much more pleasant. Lifebuoys have been installed on the boats.
St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held in the Institute last Friday and was very successful. Takings were c. £186.
Glendore Methodist Church [Black Springs] held its annual fete on 26 November.
XXXXIX, 49, 7 Dec. 1927, Supplement
Mayor’s Report for 1927
The year has been one of advancement and improvement. New buildings in the town to the value of c. £10,000 brought in £23-9-6 in building fees.
During the year the Governor-General and Lady Stonehaven visited with the SA Governor & Lady Bridges. There were also visits by the Premier of SA and the Federal Treasurer. All these were entertained by the Town Council.
Early in the year the handsome Roll of Honour was unveiled by Sir Tom Bridges and a public banquet was tendered him.
The Children’s Playground at Kooringa has been opened and is well patronised.
Finance. The year began with the general account in credit £149-5-6 and is now about £259 in credit, but this will be c. £100 less by the end of the year.
A new by-law has been passed controlling motor traffic.
An inspection of unused streets and unclaimed allotments has been made and the new Council will have to decide on selling or leasing unused streets and selling unclaimed allotments.
Parklands
600 trees were planted, but very severe frosts killed most of the gums, though the pines and shrubs are doing well. Many gums planted as street trees in the town need replacing with more ornamental varieties. Victoria Park has been used for sports this year [after its upgrading]. Much more needs to be done to make it what it should be.
The Cemetery is well kept.
The Local Board of Health had no outbreaks of infectious disease to deal with this year, but an up-to-date isolation ward has been added to the hospital.
Public lavatory accommodation has been provided at Kooringa and Aberdeen.
Street lighting has been very satisfactory. Extra lights have been added and another four are on order to bring the total to 50.
The Fire Brigade has been very effective this year.
The Main Roads are in good order. The Government grant is never enough to maintain them and the town has this year added £200 to the £400 of the Government grant.
General Rate 1927 £1855-12-10
Health Rate £499-11-11
Total £2355-4-9
Amount actually collected £2337-4-6
Not included in the above are arrears on unclaimed allotments in North Ward of £15-14-0.
[Detailed financial statements follow.]
The main problem is the continuing difficulty of North Ward’s income with lengthy roads to service.
Income Balance 30 November
North Ward £276 £10-5-4
East Ward £368 £219-8-2
West Ward £298 £166-16-2
Annual Meeting of Ratepayers
About 50 ratepayers attended on 28 November.
The writer wonders why the meeting is held after nomination day, as it would seem more logical if dissatisfactions arising from the report for the year were able to be expressed by nominating for election, but by the time of this meeting all positions were filled and the Council elected.
F.T. Sara was voted into the chair.
With respect to the cost of entertaining distinguished guests the Mayor said he had paid everything but the cost of the eatables – and his share was more than the ratepayers’.
In 1917 the assessment had been £9,455 while now it was £17,129.
Mr Radford thought the town was well cared for and looked good generally, but the town gardens had slipped and the one in North Ward was a disgrace. He favoured tree planting, but thought 100 well-tended trees would be a better investment that 600 allowed to die.
Mr Treloar was glad to see the town living within its means.
Mr Bednall thought the health rate could be reduced, as this year c. £500 had come in and £650 was expended, but a large part of that was on public lavatories. He thought the way in which money was allotted to the wards needed changing. North Ward needed more to maintain considerable lengths of what were practically main roads. The other wards were more compact requiring less upkeep and were more densely populated.
Cr Woollacott in referring to changes since 1917 mentioned by Mr Radford said day wages were now 14/6 compared with 10/- in 1917.
Cr Riggs supported changing the allocation to wards. He favoured no wards and working the town as a whole according to need. He also wanted to motorise the Council’s transport and do away with horses and drays.
There was a special vote of thanks to the Mayoress.
The Mayor was proud to be continuing for a sixth consecutive term, but he was appalled that the whole Council had been elected unopposed. He objected to Cr Riggs suggesting he was the only Councillor interested in lowering rates and also to Cr Riggs comments on the trees, which this year had died from severe frost and not lack of water or neglect: ‘he did not think Cr Riggs was a paragon of all the virtues’. He said the employees had been too busy and some of the gardens were in a dismal state. He rather favoured the changing of the town names to North and South Burra. At present as far as the post office was concerned Burra was not on the map, but then neither were Kooringa and Aberdeen as far as the railway was concerned.
Mr Treloar wanted a firmer hand taken to destroy horehound.
Cr Fred Collins (newly elected) said he was well aware of the need for economy given widespread drought and financial prospects that were none too bright.
Cr J.E. Pearce, newly elected for East Ward, said one of the problems needing addressing was the poor water supply. His ward was served by a 11⁄2 inch main and he could get no supply after 5 o’clock and some places could get none all day. He also favoured changing the town name to North and South Burra.
Cr Woollacott also objected to Cr Riggs claiming to be the only Councillor trying to reduce the rate. The gardens in Kapunda looked like those in Burra should be. He favoured tarring the road to Bewley’s Corner in Kooringa. [The ‘Cactus Farm’.] And the railway road and that to Abberton Park in Aberdeen. These were the busiest roads, but were not main roads. He wanted the Council to get more of the £4 the State Government collected on each of the 400 cars in the district – at least half of that sum. He favoured a motor lorry for scavenging, which could also cart screenings and wanted the footpath between Kooringa & Aberdeen to be asphalted because people endangered their lives at night by walking on the road.
Mr Neagle objected to stray stock in the town. ‘Many a night his slumbers had been disturbed.’
The Mayor said he often had trouble with cattle breaking his fences to get at his lucerne, but the Council could get neither a pound nor a pound-keeper.
The question of removing the guns in Market Square had kept the question of tar-paving the square in abeyance.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 30 November
Alma Mary Wicklein, only surviving daughter of Mr & Mrs L.L. Wicklein of Kooringa, married
James Sinclair Melville of Pt Augusta, eldest son of J.D. & the late Mrs Melville of Edinburgh, Scotland.
XXXXIX, 50, 14 Dec. 1927, page 3
Accident. Melva Woollacott, the young daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. Woollacott of Aberdeen, was struck by a car at the intersection at Best Place on Sunday afternoon. It is thought her head collided with a mudguard and she was thrown under the car which was driven by a stranger. Fortunately the car stopped before the wheels passed over her. She sustained a fractured skull and concussion, but is now doing well.
‘Kooringaite’ writes urging the Mayor to call a meeting of the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Committee to get on with the job of fencing the memorial and forming a garden.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Burra 107 defeated Kapunda 78.
Redruth Ladies Guild Strawberry Fete was held in the Memorial Hall 7 December.
[Personal interest: Mrs R. Fuss had not been able to carry out her duties as Secretary and Miss Lena Bartholomaeus had taken over, but Mrs R. Fuss was door-keeper.]
XXXXIX, 50, 14 Dec. 1927, page 4
YMCA Kooringa Classes held a social to mark the end of their first term and a social was also held at Redruth.
XXXXIX, 50, 14 Dec. 1927, Supplement
YMCA Sports Carnival on 10 December was preceded by a procession of decorated cars. The Peterborough Brass Band led the way from Market Square to Victoria Park. HMAS Dreadnought came first representing the Kooringa Dreadnoughts – junior girls’ team. Next came an English Cottage at Christmas, representing All Reds (Kooringa Senior Girls). Then came a Japanese car for the Pals, an Aberdeen Girls Team. The Kooringa All White Team of Senior Girls had a car representing ‘spring’. Senior Kooringa Boys ‘The Rovers’ had a car representing the Burra Record. Aberdeen Woodpeckers (little girls) appeared as the YMCA. Aberdeen Sports (senior girls) had a car representing cricket, tennis, golf and bowls. An undecorated 1828 Buick Sports Model followed and then the All Reds had another car representing Harvest Time. This was followed by a Christmas Tree Party, an oil steamer and finally the Rainbow by the ‘Invincibles’ (Kooringa Junior Girls). The sports results are printed.
Cricket. The annual Stockowners v. Burra Association match was held at Aberdeen on 10 December. Fred Collins led the Stockowners and George Sangster the Association Team.
The Association 5 for 220 declared defeated the Stockowners 105.
XXXXIX, 51, 21 Dec. 1927, page 2
Advt. O. McMahon wishes to notify he has just opened a cordial factory at Aberdeen. All kinds of soft drinks manufactured. Agent for XXX Lager, Boshter Beer and Mitcham Lager. Also at Hamley Bridge.
Advt. Burra Hospital Annual Christmas Tree 22 December, 7.30 p.m.
XXXXIX, 51, 21 Dec. 1927, page 3
Obituary. Gloria May, infant daughter of Mr & Mrs R.H. Garrard of Aberdeen died 1 December at Mareeba Hospital [Woodville]. [Born at Redruth 18 May 1927.]
Nurse Ellie West, youngest daughter of the late William West of Burra and Mrs E. West of Glossop and now of Renmark, has completed her four years as probationer and has the following certificates: Surgical Nursing 2nd Class, Medical 1st Class & General Nursing 1st Class.
Burra Hospital Tennis Court. A move is under way to construct a tennis court at the hospital for the use of off duty staff. T.H. Woollacott has offered to do the excavating and levelling at cost (c. £15). John Barker has offered certain material and donations to £22-6-0 are acknowledged. The total cost is estimated at £120.
A New Spalding Methodist Church is nearing completion at a cost of £1,700 and it will be dedicated on 1 February 1928.
Willalo Methodist Church foundation stone will be laid on 31 December by Mrs G.J. Hanlin, followed by a fete. Revs R.H. Lee, W.O. Harris & G.N. White will attend the ceremony.
Kooringa Methodist Church Strawberry Fete was held 16 December in the Cheer-up Hall. Results were satisfactory.
Leighton Christmas Party was held in the local hall on Saturday evening 21 December, sponsored as usual by Mrs Warnes. The children of Ayers School were included.
Obituary. John Farrelly of Booborowie died at the Burra Hospital recently. He was born at Saddleworth in 1855, the son of Michael Farrelly. The family moved to Booborowie and Mallala and there John married Mary Burke, from County Ennis in Ireland. The couple lived in Burra for six years before making their permanent home in Booborowie for 32 years. Mrs Farrelly died seven years ago. He leaves nine sons and two daughters: Michael, John & Maurice of Booborowie, Peter, James William & Edward of Adelaide, Joseph & Thomas of Farrell’s Flat, Mrs J. O’Brien of Booborowie & Mrs E. Lacey of Edwardstown with nine grandchildren.
[Died 2 December 1927. The birth does not appear to have been registered.]
Obituary. Mrs Joseph Pascoe died on 15 December at the residence of her eldest daughter Mrs Sam Davey at Broken Hill. She was 87. She was born at Redruth, Cornwall and came out to Australia in 1855. The family came directly to Burra by bullock dray. She married Mr Joseph W. Pascoe of Burra and they lived for many years in Chapel St, but like many others they went to Broken Hill in 1892. Mr Pascoe worked as a miner till contracting miners’ complaint. They returned to Burra for two years until Mr Pascoe died and then Mrs Pascoe returned to Broken Hill to live with her daughter. She became blind about 12 years ago, but still knitted socks and other comforts for soldiers. Mrs Pascoe is survived by two sons and three daughters: Mr Joe W. Pascoe of Broken Hill and Mr R.D. Pascoe of Kooringa, Mrs Davey of Broken Hill, Mrs S.J. Cox of Pt Adelaide and Ettie, Mrs P. Sampson of Broken Hill. Two sons, Frank & Tom, died some years ago and there are 16 grandchildren (including Alderman S.J.J. Davey of Broken Hill) and 13 great-grandchildren.
[Born Elizabeth Jane Delbridge 5 February 1840 at Redruth, Cornwall.]
Obituary. Harry James died in Adelaide on Friday aged 69. He had been in Adelaide for cancer treatment. He was the eldest son of Mr & Mrs Stapleton James of Kooringa. His first wife was a Miss Tralaggan and his second Miss Mary Reynolds of Kooringa who died a few years ago. There were no children. Mr W.B. James of Bleak House is a brother and Mrs Mills of Kooringa is a sister. [Stapleton Harry James was born 29 November 1858 at Redruth and died 16 December 1927 in Adelaide, but the death does not appear to have been registered.]
Obituary. William Wayman Mosey died at Robertstown aged 86. This year he classed the clip from his 4,300 Merino sheep and continued to work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. He lived at Brady Creek near Robertstown. He was born at Scarborough, Yorkshire and came to Australia when 10. He began working at Tanunda as a shepherd for 2/6 a week plus board. He then looked after cows at Pt Gawler for 5/- a week. Later he took the first mob of Merinos to Koonoona for Messrs Duffield & Barritt and worked there for three years. He also spent time bullock driving carting wood to the Burra Mines and wool from the Burra District to Pt Wakefield. Horses he said were then a luxury. He also told of ploughing in the 1860s with a single furrow plough and hand broadcasting the grain. Hay and barley were then reaped with a sickle and raked up with a hand rake. With a scythe an acre a day was good work for which a labourer got 4/-. When he got 32d a pound for wool in 1925 he recalled days when he had got 6d a pound and 1/6 a bushel for wheat. He left a widow, eight sons and six daughters: Messrs Albert, W.H., George, Walter (NSW), A.L., Leslie, Percy [which is only 7], Mesdames Jenkins (Broken Hill), Reynolds, J. Farley, Miss Mosey, Miss Irene & Miss Alice. Mrs H.G. Oates is a granddaughter. [Died 16 December 1927.]
[In the list above W.H. was William Hugh, A.L. was Arthur Levi/Levie, and Ernest Jubilee (Jube) was omitted from the sons. Miss Mosey was Mary Allen Steward Mosey. Mrs H.G. Oates was not a granddaughter. She was the granddaughter of William Wayman Mosey’s brother, John Steward Mosey.]
Weather. There has been a lot of electrical activity to the east and rain in very confined areas has filled a few dams. Thomas McBride of Redcliffe had had several dams filled and yet so limited are the storms in that area that the homestead only got 0.04 inches. Oakfield also had similar downpours and there Mr Claude McBride has two dams filled.
XXXXIX, 51, 21 Dec. 1927, page 4
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Farrell’s Flat: Aberdeen 1 rubber 10-68 defeated Farrell’s Flat 1 rubber 5-62
‘B’ Grade At Farrell’s Flat: Aberdeen 13-95 defeated Farrell’s Flat 2-36
XXXXIX, 51, 21 Dec. 1927, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 19 December
The Inspector reported finding seven head of stray stock by keeping a man employed for 12 nights for several hours a night.
The Town Clerk has written up the old assessment with alterations, showing an increase of £298 due to new buildings.
The Public Works Committee recommended various road works etc. retarring of bridges, rebuilding the guard fence at the Bon Accord Bridge, which is rotten, and tarring the footpath from R. Fuss’s to the Kooringa Post Office. Also work on Railway Terrace and purchase of a motor lorry. These recommendations are to be considered next meeting.
Silent cops are to be painted white for 2ft around them to make them visible at night.
Cr Collins moved the Kooringa Methodist Church trustees be asked to rebuild the wall at the back of the church which is dangerously overhanging the footpath. Seconded by Cr Allen.
Cr Harris said it had been like that for 20 years and was no danger. He moved for no action and was seconded by Cr Pearce. Carried.
The road which Mr Beckwith has asked to be opened will be opened. Mr Blunt had said that he had bought his block on the understanding he had a 99 year lease on the road. The Mayor said such a condition could not be correct.
Cr Pearce said the trees on the road were more of a nuisance than Mr Blunt’s fence. Directly opposite the approach were at least 39 big gum trees in the centre of the road. There were also 50 loads of rubbish.
[This discussion would seem to relate to the disposal of land in St Just St where the surveyed road is much wider than would be needed for traffic and had come to contain what was effectively a piece of parkland: a situation that still exists, if not perhaps in exactly the same form as in 1927.]
Cr Woollacott said the gate on the creek previously promised was quite sufficient for the convenience of Mr Beckwith. [Without further investigation this is not clear, but it may suggest access (perhaps to a road) in approximately the position of the modern walking/bicycle path.]
Various minor road and drainage matters were attended to along with weed destruction.
The road at the Bon Accord Bridge is to be inspected, as it has drainage problems and a dangerously abrupt shoulder.
Complaints have been made that the water supply in parts of the town, particularly in Paradise, is totally inadequate. A bigger main is needed. A letter is to be written to the Hydraulic Engineer’s Department.
Hanson Christmas Tree etc. was held at the local school on 17 December.
Burra Rifle Club. The 13th stage of the Abberton Park Trophy and the Christmas Shoot were held. For the Christmas shoot best results were from V.A. Riggs, H.G. Oates & C.W. Pearce.
For the 13th stage the best were V.A. Riggs, G. Herbert & H.G. Oates.
St Joseph’s Convent School held its annual break-up concert in the Institute last Thursday. Certificates were distributed by the Mayor and the concert and certificate lists extend for about 1 column.
The Institute Choral & Orchestral Classes gave a concert at the Institute on 14 December under Mr G.E. Dane. Many items were encored. The very successful evening is reported in 3⁄4 column.
Characteristics of the 1927 paper.
Page 1.
Large advertisements dominate: mostly local.
From 16 November some news items appear among the advertisements.
Page 2
Large local advertisements dominated by stock and other sales. Public notices and some smaller classified advertisements, though generally the pattern of page 2 extends for a column or two on page 3 and smaller items are generally found there.
Page 3
Once past the overflow of page 2 material, solid news occupies most of the space with a couple of larger advertisements. There are no editorials. Sport takes a large part, but the activities of the town are generally well covered. The Town Council gets good coverage.
Page 4
Larger advertisements dominate, especially for motor cars and radios, but others as well. A fluctuating, but significant amount of news is also found here. This may commonly run up to three columns and occasionally more.
Supplements.
In the first half of the year these were occasional, but from June they are common and from August it is unusual not to have one. They vary in size, often being about 70% the size of the paper and sometimes they are single-sided.
Overall the paper continues to give a good coverage of local news and reports closely enough on items being debated to give the tone of the discussion and a sense of the personalities involved.
Numbering of Issues in 1927
The year began with Volume XXXXIX Number 1 on 5 January 1927.
And continued to Volume XXXXIX Number 51 on 21 December 1927.
XXXXIXI, 1, 4 Jan. 1928
Page 1 Advertisements
Walker & Sons Shoe Store, Market Square
W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Clothier, Milliner, Kooringa
F. Spencer Jewellery & Gifts
C.J. Pearce & son Cabinetmakers & Upholsterers
D. Jones Painter & Decorator, Kooringa
Heath’s Golden Corn bakery, Burra
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder, Ironmonger
Luke Day Home-Grown Vegetables
R. Rogers Mt Bryan, Booborowie, Burra & Adelaide Carrying Service
K.B. Watts Quality Meat Store, Aberdeen
William Carpenter The Standard Bakery, Aberdeen
R.W. Bruce Burra Transport: Adelaide to Burra
G.C. Kuchenmeister Meat Store, Market Square
A.O. Lawrence Burra Hotel
H. Jennison Tyre Surgeon
H. Jennison Gilfillan Wireless
W.R. Lee Ford Dealer
Mrs E. McDonald Kooringa Hotel
Page 2 Advertisements
Hann & Button Auctioneers & Licensed Land Agents, Commercial St
Elder, Smith & Co. Wool & station Agents, Woolbrokers etc. Stock Sales, Merchandise & Agents for Commercial Union Insurance
Miss Dulcie Scott Ladies Toilet Salon in A.L. Bence’s Store, Kooringa
E.L. Steer Painter, Paperhanger & General House Decorator, Morehead St Aberdeen
Bence’s Burra’s Cash Drapery Stores
Bence’s Cash & Carry Department
Drew & Crewes Universal Providers, Kooringa, Mr Bryan & Hallett
O. McMahon Burra Cordial Factory, Soft Drinks
H. Trevorah Service Station
Fischer, Copley & McLachlan (H.G. Oates manager) Auctioneers, Land agents & Valuators
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. (With which is merged Bagot, Shakes & Lewis) Auctioneers, etc.
W. George Terry Practical Tailor
Page 3 Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Storekeepers, Aberdeen
Drew & Crewes Pty Ltd Cash & Service Department
Edwin J. Harris The Corner Store, Kooringa, Grocer, Fruit & Vegetables, Dairy Produce, Bacon & Ham
Page 4 Advertisements
Jeffrey & Byrne Quality Meat Store, Kooringa
W.R. Lee Ford Dealer
W.E.D. Young Chrysler Dealer
William Young Mechanical & Electrical Engineer, Chrysler & Austin Agent
Burra Motor Co. (Dodge Agent)
R.A. Lewis Cycle & Phonograph Dealer, Kooringa
T.H. Woollacott & Sons Builders & Contractors, Aberdeen
G.B. Martin AMP Representative
S.G. Pickering Manager for Queensland Forests Ltd for Burra & District
XXXXIXI, 1, 4 Jan. 1928, page 1
Burra Motor Sport Club
The opening competition of the club was held on 18 December 1928 when a reliability test was run. They appear to have gone to Black Springs, Robertstown, Point Pass, Eudunda, Bower, Mt Mary, Morgan, ‘The Gums’, and Burra. Most competitors rode motorcycles, though Mr Rooke drove a Baby Austin. Dick Moore had a minor accident and ended in Morgan Hospital and the Secretary also had a minor accident. Six competitors got through with full points: T. McWaters, H. Zadow, R.A. Lewis, Mr Rooke, H.E. Finley & W.E.D. Young.
XXXXIXI, 1, 4 Jan. 1928, page 2
Advt. Porter’s Lagoon Annual Aquatic Sports Monday 30 January 12.30 p.m.
Obituary. Mary Clara Ashby, nee Sandow died 2 January at Clare Hospital aged 38. She was the wife of Gilbert Stanley Ashby of ‘Claremont’ Farrell’s Flat and the mother of David, Beryl and Amy.
[Born 12 October 1889 at Upper Wakefield.]
New Year. New Year’s Eve was one of the worst days in Burra for many years. The town was engulfed in dust till a cool change in the afternoon. The New Year was ushered in with bell ringing and the firing of guns, but otherwise passed very quietly.
Sutherland & Morgan Sports. Successes were achieved by Herb. Byles, Stan E. Truscott and George Bass with collectively 6 firsts, 5 seconds and 5 thirds. They are members of the local YMCA classes.
XXXXIXI, 1, 4 Jan. 1928, page 3
Burra School. Break-up Day was 22 December. Exam results are printed.
Qualifying certificates went to:
Leslie Bourman Albert Davey Hubert Elliott
Alfred Gregor Rowland Hammond Alfred James
Archie Kellock George Kellock Malcolm Kellock
Richard Kearns Robin Morton Phillip Oborn
Harold Pearce Reginald Schwier Dulcie Bourman
Clara Fuller Mona Dulcie McDonald Edna McWaters
Elma Nelson Floris Quinn Mavis Riggs
Rita Satchell Joy Woollacott ______ Honan
Amy Jeffery Thora Jesser
[Personal interest: the best work in Grade 6 was by Eric Seeley, Edward Riggs, Clarence Fuss, Edna Allen, Thamar Bevan & Doris Thomas. In Grade 3 top marks in the exam went to Edward Fuss [sic: error for Edmund (Ted).]
Seaside Trip 1928. A meeting on 23 December decided to go to Glenelg on 11 February.
Burra Rifle Club. Some members competed in the match for the Clare Cup at Clare on 1 January. Auburn 213, Burra 212, Pt Pirie 210.
Baldina. Miss D.M. Miller was tendered a farewell dance and social at Mr G. Leaney’s woolshed on 17 December. She has been acting schoolmistress for some time, but the school has now been closed. For four years it has operated on the property of Mr Mann, but he has now decided otherwise.
Railway Timetable. Changes on and after 3 January 1928.
Departs Adelaide Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday at 7.15 a.m.
Departs Adelaide Tuesday & Friday 10 a.m. as the East-West Express
The afternoon train from Burra departs 4.05 p.m. Tuesday & Friday
On other days it departs at 3.40 p.m.
Fire. A chimney at Mrs H.H. Thomas’s on the Mt Bryan Road caught alight last Saturday and set fire to grass. Fortunately it was put out before reaching a crop. The chimney was extinguished with difficulty.
Fire. A grass fire in Ridgway’s Reserve was soon extinguished on Saturday.
Burra Hospital. The usual Christmas treat was organised on 22 December. The concert was held outside in perfect weather conditions. Mrs Collins and a group of helpers were responsible. After the concert and the inevitable speeches gifts were distributed in the wards. Supper was then served.
XXXXIXI, 1, 4 Jan. 1928, page 4
Burra High School
The annual break-up was held on 21 December in the Institute. There was a program of entertainment and then the headmaster’s report.
In February the enrolment was 38 and by September this had risen to 43. 39 were attending in December and so the average attendance is up. Last year three Intermediate and four Leaving certificates were gained, besides many individual subject passes. Wilfred Harris gained an Intermediate Exhibition and Patty Pledge was prominent in the honours list in the Leaving Commercial Exam.
The sports fund is doing well and the magazine editors have completed three further issues of typed copies. In sport we visited Clare in March and December and they visited here in July. We went to the Combined High School Sports at Kapunda in September. The tennis courts have been improved. The concert in August brought in £44. Tenders for the delayed remodelling of the school are now being called and the next step should be taken in January. On the 4 January the then Premier Hon. L.L. Hill visited and on 21 September the Governor-General Lord Stonehaven & Lady Stonehaven came. There are indications an enrolment of over 50 could be achieved for 1928, which would mean another assistant.
Dr Steele made an address as Chairman of the High School Council.
1927 Awards
First Year Dux Winifred Meers
Intermediate Dux Eliza Branford
Leaving Dux Doreen Oborn
Most Industrious Student Mora Killicoat
Head Prefects Constance McWaters
Edwin Pearce
XXXXIXI, 2, 11 Jan. 1928, page 1
Hanson Methodist Church Anniversary on 1 January when Rev. W.O. Harris preached.
Copperhouse [Westbury] Methodist Sunday School & Copperhouse Tennis Club held a combined picnic at World’s End Gorge on 31 December, arriving by bus before 10 a.m. Lunch was taken at 11.30 followed by cricket, rounders and other sports, the results of which are printed. The poor weather did not prevent people from enjoying themselves.
Porter’s Lagoon Aquatic Sports this year have a varied program. Members of the Royal Lifesaving Society from Adelaide will demonstrate resuscitation. A.W. Sampson, champion diver, is also expected to give an exhibition of diving. Mr Frank Spencer has given a trophy for the winner of the 75 yards race for competitors living within a 20 mile radius.
XXXXIXI, 2, 11 Jan. 1928, page 3
Marriage. At the residence of the bride’s parents 10 December
Daphne R. Hirschausen, second daughter of Mr & Mrs A. Hirschausen of Redruth, married
Allan D. [Donald] Sellars, son of Mrs Rose Kakoschke of Aberdeen.
Obituary. Charles (Charlie) Brooks died at Burra Hospital on 4 January aged 71. He was born at Poplar, London in 1856 and has lived in the Burra District for over 20 years. He has been almost blind for many years. Until falling seriously ill about a month before his death he had lived in Paxton Square.
Accident. Jack Williams of Hampton sustained a broken shoulder on the night of 2 January as he was riding his motor cycle home when it collided with a horse and he was thrown off.
Accident. Mr P. Kitschke is recovering from a fractured skull and severe bruising sustained on Christmas Eve in Commercial St when his horse reared and fell on him.
Salvation Army. Ensign G. Austin who has been in charge here has been transferred to Solomontown and Ensign & Mrs Shinn from there will come here.
Marriage. Pirie St Methodist Church, 31 December 1927
Netley E. Tiver, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs George Tiver of Rupara Station Hallett, married
Frank W. Sumner of Hallett, only son of Mr & Mrs W. Sumner of Goolwa.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 24 December 1927
Miss Effie Flower married Mr J.S.B. Holmes.
Tennis.
‘B’ Grade At Mt Bryan: Willalo 12-94 defeated Mt Bryan 3-46
Obituary. Mrs Penrose died at Kadina 16 December 1927 aged 81. She was the mother of Mr L.S. Penrose of Kooringa and lived in Burra as a girl. She was born in London in 1846 and left for Australia with an uncle and aunt in 1854, arriving early in 1855. Her guardians got a position on one of the eastern stations. Later they came to Burra where her uncle, Mr Francis Cross, was for some time caretaker and librarian at the Institute. She remembered well the arrival in Burra of the survivors from the Bourke and Wills expedition with the relief party. She first married Mr John Boundy in 1865 and one son John, and one daughter Mrs M. Johnson of Broken Hill, survive. She later married Mr Richard Penrose at Moonta in 1882 and one son Mr L.S. Penrose, survives. Mr Penrose died some years ago.
Obituary. Dr Tom Drew died in Brisbane Queensland on 9 January. He was the brother of John Drew and was born in Kooringa 10 June 1975, the third son of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Drew of Medindie and late of Kooringa. He was educated at Burra Public School and Prince Alfred’s College and Adelaide University, where he passed his medical and surgical course. In his 20s he was a well-known sportsman, especially for cricket. He leaves a widow and family.
[Thomas Mitchell Drew born 9 June 1875 at Kooringa.]
Bowls. At Clare last Saturday: Clare 105 defeated Burra 77.
XXXXIXI, 2, 11 Jan. 1928, page 4
Leighton School speech day was held on 22 December and is reported in 1⁄4 column.
Mr & Mrs George Webb were farewelled at a gathering at Koonoona Head Station on 27 December. Mr Webb is retiring to a property on the Waterloo Road. Details in c. 2⁄3 column.
Burra Rifle Club held the first stage of the summer shoot and best scores were by J. Schwier, O. Earle and H. Byles.
Willalo Methodist Church foundation stone was laid on 31 December 1927. The locals had held off on building, hoping to place the church at the terminus of the railway to North Booborowie, but when hope faded there they bought a stone reserve nearly a mile south of Willalo Hall. It was a bad day with wind and dust. Revs Lee and Harris of Kadina and Redruth drove out to assist Rev. A. Dyer the resident minister. Mrs G.J. Hanlin, President of the Ladies Committee, laid the stone. £55 was placed on the stone and the annual fete was then held in Willalo Hall. This raised a further £60 and considering the weather this was considered very satisfactory. The contractor Mr E.J. Affolter expects the church to be completed on time for dedication on 15 March and the opening service on 18 March.
XXXXIXI, 3, 18 Jan. 1928, page 1
Marriage. At St Brendan’s Mt Bryan 27 December
Walter Francis Cahill, only son of Mrs & the late Mr Cahill of Walkerville, marries
Kathleen Quinn, second daughter of Mr & Mrs W.H. Quinn of Mt Bryan.
XXXXIXI, 3, 18 Jan. 1928, page 3
Obituary. Master Home who died at Victor Harbor on Saturday after a deep dive is connected to Burra. He was the great grandson of the late Captain John Roach of the Burra Mine. His grandmother was Mrs William Haslem. He was a grand-nephew of Mr Harry Roach, late of Aberdeen and his mother, Miss Mabel Haslem frequently visited Burra in her childhood.
[Frederick William Fraser Home died 15 January 1928 aged 18.]
Obituary. Mrs Stella May Hamilton drowned at Semaphore on 12 January. She was a granddaughter of Mr & Mrs J.D. Jordan, late of Kooringa and Broken Hill. She was the second daughter of Mr Ern Jordan who went to school in Burra (where he was known as ‘Puddin’). [Born Stella May Jordan: died aged 19.]
Salvation Army. Adjutant G. Austin, his wife and family were farewelled from the barracks on Tuesday evening. They have been transferred to Solomontown. Rev. R.H. Lee took the chair. E.W. Crewes thanked the Adjutant for his interest in the meeting of the Fellowship of the Kingdom held on Saturday evenings and on alternate Sunday evenings after church in Market Square and Best Place, Aberdeen. The presentation was an inkstand and pen and a wallet of money.
[Personal interest: among the accompanying entertainment items were two songs by Mr Robert Fuss.]
On Wednesday evening Adjutant and Mrs Shinn were welcomed at the barracks and Mr E.W. Crewes took the chair.
Burra Rifle Club. At the second stage of the Summer Shoot best results were by S.G. Pickering, H.G. Oates and G. Herbert.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Willalo: Willalo 12-77 defeated Copperhouse 3-52
At Kooringa: Hallett 9-75 defeated Kooringa 6-59
Christmas Cheer Fund donations totalling £38-1-6 are acknowledged.
XXXXIXI, 3, 18 Jan. 1928, page 4
Burra Motor Sports Club ran a reliability test to Kadina 5 February.
On 18 February there was a speed test at Princess Royal Speedway. A busy bee was held at the ‘Speedway’ on 14 January and a few more are needed to get the track in good order.
There was a run to Clare last Sunday with details reported in c. 1⁄2 column.
XXXXIXI, 4, 25 Jan. 1928, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. 14th stage of the Abberton Park Trophy. A.P. Harris and C.W. Pearce had the best results. The aggregate leader is R. Woodman with 20 points and then three men have 18: W. Woodman, H.G. Oates & A.P. Harris.
In the off-the-rifle contest H.G. Oates is a long way ahead of R. Woodman.
XXXXIXI, 4, 25 Jan. 1928, page 2
Advt. Gillespie Gaieties at Burra Institute Wednesday & Thursday 1 & 2 February.
Advt. Demonstration of Fire Extinguishing Wednesday at noon & Friday at 3 p.m.
Adelaide Chemical Fire Extinguisher. On the vacant block opposite the bowling green and adjoining W.G. Terry’s residence.
XXXXIXI, 4, 25 Jan. 1928, page 3
Advt. Kooringa School of Music & Elocution (Misses E. & N. Milligan)
Exam Results for 1927 are printed.
[Personal interest: Trinity College Junior Grade: Clarence Fuss.]
Obituary. Teresa Ann Ellery died 4 January at Broken Hill Hospital, relict of the late James Ellery, late of Gum Creek & Burra. [Teresa Ann Ellery, formerly McMahon, born Collins 1854.]
Rollo Hawkes has just returned to Koonoona after a long trip to England and Europe. A revolution broke out while they were in Vienna and they had an anxious time getting out of Austria to Italy.
Richard Reed Sen. turned 91 on 22 January.
Weather. Patchy rain fell on Wednesday last with 14 points at Kooringa, but at Redruth falls of 56 & 62 points were recorded. Abberton Park got 100 points. There were very patchy falls to the east where Koomooloo got its dams filled, Quondong recorded 69 points and Pine Valley 35. Leighton & Booborowie received about 100, but often adjacent properties got nothing.
Cricket. Before Christmas at Terowie
Terowie 182 defeated Burra on first innings, 59 & 6 for 162.
Marriage. Kapunda Methodist Church 18 January
Eunice M. Oates, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Edward Oates of Kapunda late of Burra, married
Harvey A. Shearer, elder son of Mr & Mrs Shearer of Adelaide.
XXXXIXI, 4, 25 Jan. 1928, page 4
Burra Institute AGM 18 January. An unusually large number of 23 were present. The President F.T. Sara presided. Last year’s dances held in aid of Institute Funds had cost money: £39 had been paid for music and the gross takings were £37.
The number of books in the library at 31 December 1927 was 6,672.
The juvenile section had been well maintained.
12 free scholarships were given to scholars at the public school.
Membership on December 31 1926 Single 262
Double 31
293
Membership on December 31 1927 Single 264
Double 36
300
Over the year the financial position improved by £95-7-11. Funds held in banks 31 December 1827:
Savings Bank £134-9-10
National Bank £4-5-3
Interest and principal on the loan takes £120-0-6 yearly.
Choral and Orchestral Classes were in recess most of the year, but at the end of the year gave a very creditable concert.
In 1927 the beautiful Roll of Honour of Burra & District was placed in the public reading room.
A.J. McBride presented three very valuable paintings.
Elected were President, Guy Tiddy; Vice-President, Mr Bednall; Treasurer, Mr Bryant; Hon. Secretary, Mr E.J. Harris.
The old committee was re-elected. Mr Alf Walker and Mr M. Collins refused nomination and both objected to the way people were elected to the committee ‘who had been about three days in the town’ or ‘who only arrived about a day before the meeting’.
The Mayor congratulated the committee on banning alcohol at Institute functions.
XXXXIXI, 4, 25 Jan. 1928, Supplement
Burra Town Council,
The Hydraulic Engineer is considering the size of the mains in parts of the town.
Road Beacons Ltd was given permission to put up direction signs in the town.
Permission was granted for the erection of a wood and iron photo studio at the rear of F. Spencer’s shop.
There was debate over various minor maintenance matters and concern over the abnormally high crown of the road on the Bon Accord Bridge. The sides are to be shouldered with tarred metal.
Cr Harris said the idea of ranking in Market Square had been a failure. Considerable debate about parking in Market Square then followed.
Cr Riggs moved the by-law be enforced. Carried.
A rate of 2/6 in the £ was declared.
The cost of making Railway Terrace is to be borne by all three wards.
Council considered buying a motor lorry. Cr Pearce thought there were various problems. Some of the quarries were not accessible to motor lorries, nor were some private yards and a garage would have to be built. The matter was finally referred back to the Finance Committee for further consideration.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 9-74 defeated Aberdeen 6-71
At Hallett: Hallett 12-79 defeated Willalo 3-40
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: Copperhouse 10-75 defeated Aberdeen 5-62
At Willalo: Hallett 9-87 defeated Willalo 6-62
‘Contributor’ writes re a proposal to extend hospital rating to city and suburban areas and in favour of it.
XXXXIXI, 5, 1 Feb. 1928, page 1
Hanson. With the wheat now in about 50,000 bags are stacked in the station yard and about 10,000 have been railed away.
Cricket. Saturday at Farrell’s Flat a game was begun in which Ramblers 7 for 237 declared and Farrell’s Flat 46. To be concluded at Kooringa next Saturday.
XXXXIXI, 5, 1 Feb. 1928, page 3
Advt. Church of England Day School. Miss F. Orr, Head Teacher, will enrol students on 1 February at 9 a.m.
Seaside Trip. The trains to Glenelg will run as flows:
Train 1. Departs Hallett 5.20 a.m., departs Burra 6.01 a.m. and arrives Glenelg 10.13 a.m.
Departs Glenelg 7.30 p.m. and arrives Burra 11.50 p.m. and arrives Hallett 12.31 a.m.
Train 2. Departs Burra 5.35 a.m. and arrives Glenelg 9.31 a.m.
Departs Glenelg 8.00 p.m. and arrives Burra 12.25 a.m.
Fares from Burra 8/- adults and 4/- children.
The Public Holiday last Monday saw the town almost deserted. People flocked to the Aquatic Sports at Porter’s Lagoon or to the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Picnic at Johnson’s Creek, Princess Royal, or to Redruth Methodist Sunday School Picnic at Stone Chimney Creek on the property of Messrs Gallagher Bros. Both picnics were popular and very successful. Others went to World’s End Gorge.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 8-67 defeated Hallett 7-65
‘B’ Grade At Hallett: Hallett 11-92 defeated Aberdeen 4-59
At Mt Bryan: Willalo 10-81 defeated Mt Bryan 5-74
Farrell’s Flat burglary. Last Friday burglars broke into the hotel and stole a dozen bottles of beer, some port and 4/-. They also broke into Torreston Motor Co. and stole £2 and some petrol.
Burra Rifle Club. 3rd stage of the Summer Shoot. Best scores were from S.G. Pickering, H.H. Byles, A.P. Harris & A.L. Kellock.
Porter’s Lagoon Aquatic Sports on Monday were a great success. Over 3,000 people attended and the events were hotly contested. The results are printed. Main report next week.
Bowls. Balaklava visited Burra on Saturday and Burra 109 defeated Balaklava 94.
Jamestown visited Burra on Monday and in the morning Burra 52 defeated Jamestown 49. In the afternoon Burra 85 defeated Jamestown 78.
Croquet. On Saturday Burra defeated Balaklava by 11 points and on Monday Burra defeated Jamestown by 5 points.
XXXXIXI, 6, 8 Feb. 1928, page 1
Porter’s Lagoon Aquatic Sports – Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club
The third annual event was held on 30 January. The day was rather too hot, but that did not deter visitors. From early morning till 2 p.m. cars arrived in a steady stream and by then there were about 600 parked on the north side of the lake and over 3,000 people. Four years ago it was a useless strip of water, but for some time now it has acted like a magnet. Much is due to Mr Harold Atkins, President of the Club, who has spent both time and money in promoting the Club and its activities. He is of course aided by good helpers and a powerful committee. For such a large crowd there were deficiencies: notably a lack of adequate changing facilities, seats and toilets. No one anticipated attendance would double last year’s. Miss Pratt and her army of assistants coped with the luncheon and refreshments etc. and the couple of sideshows did good trade. Even the copper attendant handing out hot water collected £13. The Point Pass Band of 18 players enlivened proceedings.
The water is described as 2 miles by 1 mile ‘with ample and varying depths’.
The failure of the advertised hydroplane to appear was a disappointment. The craft, called the Missossi, was damaged the day before and held at Eudunda for repairs.
A.W. Sampson, State Amateur Diving Champion, gave an exhibition, as did H. Taylor, Australian Amateur Swimming Champion. The former dived from boards at 7’6” and 15’.
Captain P. Head’s dinghy overturned and caused some concern briefly.
The aquatic events are then described in detail. The local swim for Mr F. Spencer’s trophy was won by Mr Rollo Hawkes.
The northern side of the lagoon has now been fenced and trees planted, diving boards and a small jetty have been erected and a large swing, two change houses and luncheon sheds.
Gate receipts were £137-15-9. (Gross takings being c. £150.) Clear profit from this and other sources is expected to be about £100.
Perhaps some shore events and more sideshows and hurdy-gurdies etc. would be a welcome addition. There are moves to form an amateur swimming club.
[The report in detail extends for about 21⁄2 columns.]
XXXXIXI, 6, 8 Feb. 1928, page 3
Marriage. Mt Bryan Methodist Church, 9 March 1927 [sic]
Robert George Dixon, eldest son of Mr & Mrs R.J. Dixon of Farrell’s Flat, married
Edith Mary O’Brien, second daughter of Mrs & the late Mr H.J. O’Brien of Broken Hill.
Birth. On 29 December 1927 at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs R.J. Dixon [sic] of Farrell’s Flat a son, Douglas Robert.
[Of course, as the juxtaposition of the above pair of notices would suggest, the birth should read to Mr & Mrs R.G. Dixon; not Mr & Mrs R.J. Dixon.]
Obituary. Mr A.J. McBride has died in South Africa from influenza. He, with his young daughter Miss Betty and a niece Miss Louisa Waldeck, left on a world tour at the start of December. Rev. J.H. Nield was also with the party. The party headed inland from Durban and influenza struck at Middelburg, Cape Colony, 150 miles north of Port Elizabeth. At first no anxiety was felt, but quite suddenly pneumonia set in and Mr McBride died of heart failure.
Albert James McBride was the third son of R.J.M. McBride the noted pioneer pastoralist. He played a considerable role in developing the dry areas for pastoralism. He bought and redeveloped a number of the older properties, so increasing their carrying capacity by at least fivefold. His early training began on ‘The Gums’ then owned by R.J.M. McBride. After marrying he went to the city for a while, but soon returned and started again. He bought Faraway Hill, then Teetulpa, Braemar and then in the north, Thurlga, Yardea, Wilgena, Wooltana and others. Today A.J. & P.A. McBride control some 5,000 to 6,000 square miles of sheep country. He was born in Kooringa and educated at Prince Alfred College. He gained business experience working for Elder, Smith & Co. For many years he resided in Burra and did a deal of public work. For years he was a member of the Hospital Board and on the Town Council [December 1914-November 1919] and on many committees. In the war years he was a generous donor to patriotic efforts. He was a quiet benefactor to many more than was widely known. He was a skilled horseman, both at riding and driving. In later years he also kept race horses. He was one of the first men in Burra to get a motor car. He was as great a philanthropist as his father, though few of his generosities were made public. Mrs McBride was a wonderful helper in all his pursuits. Mrs McBride is the third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Philip Lane. The children are:
Mr Philip McBride of Glenunga
Mrs A. Waugh of Fullarton
Mrs W.H. Swift of Wooltana
Mrs E.C. Collins of Mt Bryan
Mrs C. Taylor of Wilgena
Mr Jim McBride of Wilgena
Miss Betty McBride of Fullarton
There are several grandchildren.
The party was hoping to catch the Ceremic at Cape Town yesterday to return to Australia. The remains were to come home, but this proving impracticable they were interred at Middelburg Cape Colony.
[Born Albert James McBride 4 July 1868 at Burra Creek: died 4 February 1928 at Middelburg South Africa.]
Burra Rifle Club. 15th stage of the Abberton Park Trophy. Best shots were H.H. Byles, R.J. Fairchild, S.G. Pickering, W.V. Bass & R. Nutt.
Obituary. ‘Sam’ Mr F. Treloar’s faithful sheep dog died during the week.
Burra High School. The headmaster Mr Haese reports the school opened on 7 February with a record 56 pupils and is expected to top 60. Last year the attendance was 40. The appointment of an additional teacher should follow soon.
Church of England Mission held a Fair at Willogoleche Station, Hallett and raised £150. The report extends for 11⁄3 columns.
Burra Motor Sporting Club will hold a speed meeting on 18 February on Roy Humphris’ ‘Blink Bonnie’ property opposite Mr Jim White’s house. The track, eight miles from Burra, is a natural speed track for speeds of up to 80 m.p.h. in safety.
XXXXIXI, 6, 8 Feb. 1928, Supplement
[The Depression.
There are hints in the 1927 and 1928 papers of the economic depression that was to be so devastating in the early 1930s. Unemployment in Adelaide is mentioned as significant and many applicants for available jobs had already been cited from rural Farrell’s Flat. In this paper the Robertstown correspondent writes of the many city people living beyond their means and makes reference to Promissory Notes and Cash Order Schemes. Extended payment for motor cars is cited as a problem as well. The apparent failure of the SAFU store in Burra may also have been a foretaste of declining consumer spending and cash flow problems. The report of the seaside trip in the next issue revealed conditions in the city were already a shock to the country visitors.]
Cricket. Conclusion of a match started previously.
Kooringa 78 & 8 for 236 declared defeated Mt Bryan 179 & 74.
The Farrell’s Flat team forfeited the second day’s play of their match which was consequently won by Ramblers.
At the end of the first round of matches the relative position of teams was:
Won Lost Points
Ramblers 5 0 17
Mt Bryan 3 2 11
Kooringa 3 2 11
North Booborowie 3 2 10
South Booborowie 1 4 3
Farrell’s Flat 0 5 0
Church of England Day School
A meeting of parents and others interested in opening a school was held at St Mary’s Hall 31 January. About 18 attended, drew up a constitution, and elected a School Council. The curriculum of the Public School from Kindergarten to Qualifying Certificate and on to the Leaving certificate, High School or College as is the parents’ desire, will be taught. Miss Florence Orr has been engaged as teacher. The Provisional Committee comprises: The Rector Rev. J.S.W. Coles & Mesdames A.L. Bence, F. Spencer & G.H. Dolman. 19 children are to be enrolled initially and the teacher is to receive £185 p.a. The school fee will be £6-6-0 per child. The Diocese will grant in aid £30 p.a. and £10 setting up costs. The school opened at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday 1 February in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress, parents, friends and the Rector. The mayor declared the school open.
XXXXIXI, 7, 15 Feb. 1928, page 1
The Seaside Trip to Glenelg took place last Saturday. The departure at 5.30 a.m. ensured a cool trip. The idiot who rang the Methodist Church Bell was not appreciated by those trying to get a little sleep before the early departure. The first train left on time and arrived punctually at 9.30 a.m. The second was half an hour later. The day began clouded, hot and sultry, but cooler at the coast. The afternoon was cooler and ideal for the beach with an absence of wind and sun. Those who wished to go to Adelaide transhipped immediately and were in the city by 10 a.m. Unlike the coast the city remained hot and humid. Many visited the Zoo and Art Gallery.
In the city there was a march of the unemployed to underscore the bad financial state of SA and in Victoria Square a lunch of bread and jam had been served to the hungry congregated there – conditions which to country visitors seemed appalling. Old Burraites now in the city joined the throng at the beach. The seaside amusement park was much enjoyed with its rides and sideshows.
The Mayor of Glenelg arranged to entertain twenty-four guests at 4 o’clock, but only Mr Will Lee the Honorary Secretary was present, as of the committee only he had made the trip. One accident spoilt the day. Mrs E. Hobby of Kooringa cut her head on the piles of the jetty and required four stitches. The first train left at 7.30 p.m. as scheduled, but many waited for the 8 p.m. train, which was therefore overcrowded. The trains reached Burra at 12.30 a.m. & 1.00 a.m.
Bowls. Burra visited Kapunda on 4 February where Kapunda 109 defeated Burra 75.
XXXXIXI, 7, 15 Feb. 1928, page 2
Advt. Fischer, Copley & Clachan Ltd is selling the farming plant of F.C. Williams on 29 February, as he has sold his farm and is giving up farming.
XXXXIXI, 7, 15 Feb. 1928, page 3
Birth. On 18 January at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs L. White of Aberdeen a daughter, Hazel Pearl. (Premature.)
Obituary. Mary Elizabeth Bagg died at her residence in Kooringa on 11 February aged 79. She was the relict of the late Frederick Bagg of Baldina and mother of Hector, Harold and Mabel.
[Born Mary Elizabeth Turley 23 May 1848, District of the Murray SA. See longer obituary in the supplement to this issue.]
Obituary. Ernest Sellers died 9 February at Burra Hospital aged 80. He was the father of Tom, Rachel, Will & Rose. [Born 1 January 1848. See longer obituary in the supplement to this issue.]
Theft. A wave of thefts seems to be extending from the city to the country towns. On Sunday four bags of chaff were taken from Sara & Co. Residents should take precautions.
Sailors. Jack Hann and Cyril Sedgman of the RAN left Sydney for England on HMAS Melbourne on 8 February. On arrival it will be dismantled and scuttled. Jack is the eldest son of Mr & Mrs George Hann of Kooringa and Cyril the second son of Mrs E. C. Sedgman of Aberdeen. They will return on the new battleship HMAS Canberra. They will travel to England via Suez and return via Panama.
Marriage. Gartrell Memorial Church Rose Park, [28 January]
Mary McKinnon Yates, daughter of Mr & Mrs Yates of Goolwa, married
Clifford H.K.D. Flower BSc, son of Mr & Mrs James Flower of Burra.
Weather. Rain began on 11 February and by midday on Sunday 85 points had fallen in the town, but even more importantly it was general to the east and northeast. Reports from the east are of falls from 70 to 80 points in general, though ‘The Gums’ reported 120 and Brenda Park 137 points and Balah got 100.
XXXXIXI, 7, 15 Feb. 1928, page 4
Burra Town Council
Permission was granted for alterations to the Royal Exchange Hotel.
The Town Clerk in answer to a question said the total cost of the recent traffic control experiments was £21-7-7.
The Town clerk and Police have suggested changing the by-law to eliminate ranking [parallel parking] and allowing only parking at 45°.
Cr Woollacott did not believe parking was safe around the Market Square curve.
Cr Collins thought all cars should be parked.
Cr Riggs thought parking needed a fair trial: it had only been in for a fortnight. Like Cr Woollacott he did not like parking between McKenzie’s [Drew Lane] and Bence’s [Mt Pleasant Rd].
The discussion went on for some time and is reported at length.
A letter of sympathy sent to Mrs A.J. McBride on the death of Mr A.J. McBride.
Various proposals to tar roads were discussed. Cr Collins was concerned about tractors breaking the surface. [This probably refers to activity in Morehead St, since Cr Woollacott said they had no alternative route unless they went over ‘Cowdung Hill’.]
The Town Clerk said it was not illegal if they had the correct tread.
Cr Allen moved that ratepayers be notified that St Just St was to be opened to Creek St. and Messrs Radford and Walker be requested to move their fences to their correct boundaries.
[Creek St does not appear on any maps I have seen. Perhaps it refers to a surveyed road on the line of the modern footpath and cycle track.]
The Mayor questioned the cost of the telephone.
The Town Clerk said the Council paid £25 p.a. for the Council Chamber and half the cost of the telephone and half the cost of the Post Office Box.
Did the District Council pay anything for the phone?
Cr Harris thought that District Council calls were paid for in cash by the clerk.
Each ward was allocated £300 from the rates.
XXXXIXI, 7, 15 Feb. 1928, Supplement
Rev. H. Alvey writes a letter from England describing Christmas there. He mentions at the end that they will be returning to Australia on the SS Esperance Bay, departing Tilbury Docks 28 February.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Kooringa: Aberdeen 11-77 defeated Kooringa 4-49
At Hallett: Hallett 10-73 defeated Copperhouse 5-56
‘B’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 10-89 defeated Mt Bryan 5-71
At Copperhouse: Hallett 9-81 defeated Copperhouse 6-66
Obituary. William Brown, till recently a ganger at Farrell’s Flat, died from a stroke at Riverton Hospital 10 February. [John William Brown aged 44 and therefore probably born 25 June 1883 at Warnertown.]
Burra Rifle Club visited Hamley Bridge on Saturday where Burra 865 defeated Hamley Bridge 839.
Burra Bowling & Croquet Club held a ‘Flannel Dance’ at the club rooms on 8 February. There was dancing on the green and bowling contests. The evening concluded at 1 a.m.
Obituary. Ernest Sellers of Redruth, who died at Burra Hospital on 9 February of dropsy and heart failure, was born in Hanover Germany in 1848 and came to Australia with his parents as an infant. They lived in Adelaide for some time before coming to live in Redruth. Mr Sellars first worked in the Burra Mine and later went to Broken Hill, leaving his family in Burra. Later he worked on a variety of station properties often as the ‘ringer’ of the shed. His wife died some years ago. A family of four survives: Tom Sellers of Dundas Tasmania, Mrs R.F. Gibbs of Norwood, Mr Will Sellers of North Adelaide and Mrs R. Kakoschke of Redruth. There are 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Obituary. Mrs Fred (Ted) Bagg, who died at her residence at Paradise Kooringa on 11 February, had had a stroke on the previous day. She was born in Adelaide 4 May 1848, the daughter of Mr & Mrs Turley, once of Kooringa. The family moved there when she was one month old. She married Mr Bagg in 1866 and lived at Springbank and later at Princestown before her husband took land at Baldina where they lived in the house now occupied by G. Leaney. Mr Bagg died four years ago. Only three of eleven children survive: Messrs Hector & Harold Bagg & Mrs R.W. Bruce (Mabel). There are three grandchildren. A son, Walter and a daughter, Florence (Mrs Nelson) died in recent years.
XXXXIXI, 8, 22 Feb. 1928, page 3
Obituary. Michael A. [Aloysius] Dowd died [unmarried] at Spalding hospital 17 February aged 57.
[Son of Andrew Dowd and born 3 June 1871 at Farrell’s Flat. More details in supplement to this issue.]
Redruth Methodist Choir and soloists performed the cantata Esther the Beautiful Queen in the Redruth Memorial Hall on 12 February. The performance was in aid of the new Methodist Church for Canberra. [Personal interest: R. Fuss & R. Fairchild took minor solo parts.]
Burra Rifle Club. 16th stage of the Abberton Trophy Shoot saw best results from W.V. Bass & H. Culverhouse. In aggregate R. Woodman, A.P. Harris & W.V. Bass each have 20 points.
Deputy Director of Posts & Telegraph, Mr Ramsay, visited Burra on 20 February together with the District Postal Inspector, Mr A.W. White. They were given a civic reception. Cr Woollacott raised the question of the town’s name. Burra was not known to the Post Office and yet only Burra was known to the railways. Mr Ramsay said the name of the town was not in his jurisdiction, but if the names were changed from Aberdeen and Kooringa to North Burra and South Burra there would be no objection as long as there were no other towns of that name.
Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Festival was held last Sunday and is reported in almost 1⁄2 column.
Floods. The rains reported last week continued and on Wednesday came reports of further falls to the northeast. Hallett and Mallett each received 1” and Ketchowla 56 points. Unknown to everyone over 2” had fallen at Glenora and Duffer Dam. Rain set in here again on Wednesday evening. On Thursday morning came news of 3.5” at Woolgangi and Oakbank and falls elsewhere of around 2”. Cars were bogged and creeks came down. Several groups of people were stranded at and near Glenora. W.R. Lee spent an arduous few days rescuing bogged vehicles and becoming bogged himself. Other people were in trouble at Bendigo Station where Jack Pens effected rescue with horses. [Pictures of the difficulties there appeared in Saturday’s Register.]
W.H. Quinn at Lower Wonna had a narrow escape when racing for home at Mt Bryan. Their Buick stopped half way up the bank of a creek crossing and started to slide back. With blocks and superhuman effort they got it up the bank just as the flood arrived, bank high.
The detailed report extends for 11⁄4 columns.
Rainfall figures for eastern properties range from c. 175 points to 435 points.
Trains for Broken Hill were disrupted and on Sunday 19 February the first one got through since the 15th.
XXXXIXI, 8, 22 Feb. 1928, Supplement
Marriage. Booborowie Memorial Hall, 8 February
Albert E. Schmidt, eldest son of Mr & Mrs S. Schmidt of Robertstown, married
Phillis Fairchild, only daughter of Mr & Mrs A.T. Fairchild of ‘Mingano’ Booborowie.
Marriage. Old Mt Bryan Church, 15 February
Gordon Maxted, only son of Mr & Mrs Maxted of Prospect, married
Daisy Jean Wardle, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr R. Wardle of ‘Warilda’ Mt Bryan.
Obituary. Mr M.A. (Mick) Dowd of Spalding, employed by Hawker Bros., died at Spalding Hospital on 17 February of severe head injuries following an accident with a team of horses at Booborowie. He was found by his brother Mr B. Dowd. He was a former member of the AIF and a brother to Miss M. Dowd and Mrs J. Lauritsen of Mt Bryan, Mr David Dowd of Canowie Belt, Mr John Dowd of Spalding, Mr B. Dowd of Andrews, Mr James Dowd of Adelaide and Sister Wilhelmina of St Joseph’s Convent, Adelaide. He was aged 57, the son of Mr & Mrs Andrew Dowd.
XXXXIXI, 9, 29 Feb. 1928, page 3
Advt. Burra Institute 1 March: The Hector Lightfoot Entertainers.
Music, Monologues, Eccentric Dances, Comic Songs & Sketches.
Advt. Burra Institute 5 March: Maurice Gerald Dramatic Co. presents Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Advt. D. Jones & Son, Painters and Decorators, are installing a Duco Finishing Plant for Motor Cars in our New Premises in Commercial Street next to Young’s Garage.
Mr William Terry, manager of Quondong Station, reports that the recent rains have produced a lake out there 11⁄2 miles by 11⁄2 miles and 8ft deep. Oakbank has a similar sized lake, only deeper.
M-C Thorpe of Redruth has been transferred to the foot branch in Adelaide and M-C G. Webster comes here from Pt Pirie.
The School Dentist will soon visit Burra, Ayers, Gum Creek, Hanson and possibly Booborowie public schools. Treatment will be given free of charge.
Burra Town Council, 20 February
Messrs Bennett, Campbell & Browne’s application for subdivision of Pt lot 70 was allowed.
The Deputy Postmaster-General, Mr E.P. Ramsay and District Inspector Mr A. White were welcomed to the meeting.
Changes were made to by-law 30.
Mr W.L. James was given permission to put a temporary fence at the end of Creek St with a gate.
Cr Woollacott moved that the Corporation fence Creek St from St Just St to join up with a fence south of a property known as West’s. Not seconded.
Tennis.
Saturday At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 11-86 defeated Ironmine 4-53
Burra Public School. The jubilee of the school’s opening occurred in January, but celebrations have been held over for April when it has been decided to hold a large sports program and other festivities.
XXXXIXI, 9, 29 Feb. 1928, page 4
Advt. E.C. Hammond has bought the whole of Mr S.M. Lane’s huge stock of sports goods, ironmongery, hardware, paints, farm oils, motor oils, saddlery etc. and will hold a huge sale commencing Friday 2 March.
RSL AGM 24 February. 22 attended.
President L.M. Gordon reported a good year in which the premises had been improved. The front wall was oiled and lined and a new ceiling erected in the billiard room, thanks to a donation from I.J. Warnes. The billiard table has new cloth and the balcony a new floor covering presented by Mr Con. Lynch. The Annual Ball in May was very successful with a profit of £31-9-1. Over 60 returned men formed a guard of honour for the unveiling of the Roll of Honour early in the year. At the Anzac Day service £6-9-10 was collected for the AIF Graves Fund. The smoke social in October was successful, but attendance was relatively small at 31, resulting in a financial loss of £1-3-6. Last year the sub-branch began considerably in debt, but this year there was a cash surplus of £16-12-7. Most enquiries for help have come from diggers passing through and seeking work. Elected were President, L.M. Gordon; Vice-Presidents, J.E. Hogan, F. Spencer & H.G. Oates; Hon. Secretary & Treasurer, G. Dow. The membership stood at 113. [Membership was open to returned men, rejects, members of the De-mobilisation Corps and the Fathers’ Association.]
Marriage. Woodville Methodist Church, 2 February.
Malcolm C. Tregenza, youngest son of Mr & Mrs George Tregenza of Woodville, married
Margaret Freda Lee, only daughter of Rev. & Mrs R.H. Lee of Kooringa.
Cricket. Saturday. In a match shortened to a one day game due to rain the previous week, South Booborowie 203 drew with Ramblers 2 for 60.
North Booborowie 145 & 6 for 82 and Mt Bryan 173.
XXXXIXI, 9, 29 Feb. 1928, Supplement
A.J. McBride. The institute Committee extended sympathy to the family of the late A.J. McBride. Not only had he been a subscriber, but a benefactor and most recently had given the Institute three valuable pictures. Rev. J.H. Nield returned to Australia with Miss Betty McBride and Miss Lou Waldeck, arriving in SA on Saturday.
Burra Motor Sporting Club held their first meeting on their new speedway at ‘Blink Bonnie’ on 25 February. (On what was once known as Wildotta Lagoon, 6 miles west of Burra.) The lake has water each winter till mid-summer, but provides an excellent race surface when dry of 11⁄2 miles circumference. £27 was taken at the gate. Patron N.H. Pearse attended. President Hedley McWaters was absent on a holiday in WA. The program didn’t start till 3 p.m., but then went without a hitch. The description of the races and results extends for about 11⁄2 columns.
The riders were:
M. Hall (Harley) B. Rogers (Norton) Treloar (Harley)
R. Moore (Norton) J. Williams (Calthorpe) H. Morrison (AJS)
M. Bowden (AJS) G. Spear (Norton) H. Donnelly (Ariel)
L. Campbell (Harley)
XXXXIXI, 10, 7 Mar. 1928, page 3
Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Festival concluded on 27 February with a musical evening by members of the Redruth Methodist Choir under Mr W.H. Gare, presenting Esther the Beautiful Queen.
Willalo Methodist Church will be opened on 15 March. Mr S. Mudge as secretary to the trust will open it and Rev. E.J. Piper, President of the Methodist Conference, will conduct the dedicatory service. Mr Curtis the pioneer missionary has been invited.
Burra RSL has received a picture of the landing at Gallipoli. It is a copy from the original pencil of Charles Dixon RI measuring 4’3” x 3’. Mr L.M. Gordon (President) arranged to obtain it from headquarters.
Vandals created havoc on Saturday evening. They tore down gates at St Mary’s Parish Hall and broke the top off the tank, wasting the water for the school there. Paintwork was scratched and marred. Seats from the postmaster’s verandah were thrown into the creek. A culvert was dragged up and willows along the creek have been destroyed.
Elias Wilks, who today is 78, was born in ‘Sunday Row’, long gone, but once on the hill behind where Alfred Riggs house now stands. Apparently they were an incomplete row intended for some smelters and when they arrived the buildings were completed on a Sunday. He went to White’s School and Stanton’s Grammar School and was for many years employed by the Corporation of Burra. He married Miss Edwards of Kooringa who since an accident a few years ago has been unable to get about. Only two daughters survive: Mrs Arthur Davey of Kooringa and Mrs S.R. Davis of Mannahill. [Actually Mrs S.D. Davis.]
Marriage. St John’s Church Toorak Victoria 21 April [sic]
Marcella Teare Marston, only daughter of Mr E.F. Marston & the late Mrs Marston, married
Alfred Douglas Burgoyne, son of the late Mr Mel. Burgoyne & Mrs Burgoyne.
XXXXIXI, 10, 7 Mar. 1928, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club. A team from Brinkworth visited on Saturday and Burra 867 defeated Brinkworth 806. In the 4th stage of the Summer Shoot H.G. Oates, W.V. Bass and A.P. Harris scored best. The aggregate now has H.H. Byles 302 leading H.G. Oates 298.
Obituary. [Reprinted from the Register.]
A.J. McBride passed away at Middelburg, Cape Colony on 4 February. They had arrived at Durban on 31 December, spent four days there before going to Pretoria where Mr McBride waited upon Gen. Kemp the Minister for Agriculture, at the Union Buildings, in a conversation on wool production, marketing etc. lasting three hours and visits to farms upon the Karoo were arranged and this led to the visit to Middelburg. The party then went to Mafeking, Bulawayo & Victoria Falls and then back to Bulawayo. A week was spent in Johannesburg where Mr McBride met many notable people. Then they went to Middelburg in Cape Province to a typical Karoo sheep farm and to the chief Agricultural College at Grootfontein. A day later Mr McBride caught a chill and influenza and then pneumonia followed and his heart failed on 4 February. On the following day a temporary interment took place. The rest of the party then drove to De Aar and took the train to Cape Town for the Ceramic and home.
Burra High School. The extra teacher justified by the increased enrolment arrived on Monday. She is Miss Ruth Batchelor. Rebuilding and renovations are in full swing. The Domestic Arts room is being done first and the science laboratory will follow and then the main room. Plans are being laid to raise funds for necessary equipment.
XXXXIXI, 11, 14 Mar. 1928, page 3
Advt. F. Spencer’s New Photo Studio Kooringa.
Birth. On 4 march at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs Roy Lloyd (nee Annie Morgan) a son, Colin Roy.
Obituary. Ellen Jane (Nell) Moore, wife of Albert H. Moore Jnr, died at Pt Augusta Hospital 5 March aged 42. She was the mother of Beryl, Jack, Cliff & Audrey.
[Born Ellen Jane Howe 1886.]
Advt. Ironmine Methodist Church Anniversary 18 March, Rev. Davidson DCM of Riverton will officiate. Tea meeting 20 March.
Advt. Salvation Army Harvest Festival next Sunday. Monday a concert by the Redruth Methodist Choir Members. Admission 6d, children 3d. Ensign & Mrs Shinn.
Rev. H. Alvey and his family are presently returning to Australia on the Esperance Bay, due on 3 April. Mr Alvey has been appointed to the Lameroo Circuit.
Jack Hann, who was travelling to England on HMAS Melbourne, has been put ashore at Penang suffering from pneumonia.
Burra Institute. A public meeting on Thursday night last, called by the Mayor, heard addresses concerning the University Tutorial Classes Movement delivered by Mr P.A. Wisewould & Mr A.G. Roberts. As a result an Economics class will commence on 12 April and meet fortnightly.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade At Aberdeen: Aberdeen 9-72 defeated Willalo 6-69
At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 11-91 defeated Kooringa 4-60
‘B’ Grade At Mt Bryan: Copperhouse 10-74 defeated Mt Bryan 5-70
Aberdeen forfeited to Willalo
XXXXIXI, 11, 14 Mar. 1928, page 4
Edward McClure a.k.a. Walter Edwards
About a month ago a man was admitted to Burra Hospital suffering a wound to the back of his head and a puncture wound in the neck. He claimed to have been hit by a car near the Royal Exchange Hotel. He had been noticed bleeding profusely near the hotel and Mr Murison drove him to the hospital after he had been assessed by Dr Steele. Police enquiries revealed no car had passed at the time. On 3 March, some days after leaving hospital he was arrested for having no means of support and for stealing a hospital blanket. He was sentenced to three months and six months on the charges, to be served concurrently. His swag held a series of photos of himself in various hospitals bandaged about the head. On investigation he had scars galore on his head. While being taken to Adelaide he was recognised at Riverton as having been admitted to hospital there posing as unconscious with two black eyes
XXXXIXI, 11, 14 Mar. 1928, Supplement
Burra Burra Show Inc. AGM 5 March
President I.J. Warnes reported on the year.
The death of A.J. McBride while on holiday in South Africa was a great loss to the society. Though not on the committee, his advice was of great help and his assistance valuable. He lent the equipment to get the show ring made and was an active member for many years.
Elections. There were three nominations for the three vacancies on the Finance Committee. There being no nominations for President, Mr Warnes assumed the society was willing for him to continue. The Sheep Dog Trials on 29 & 30 April were held in cold wet weather. Entries were good and the competition keen.
The show on 7 & 8 October was held in glorious weather. This was a month earlier and moved to the end of the week instead of the middle. Both moves were successful.
Changes to the wool section saw entries rise from 3 to 30 and changes to the sheep section to encourage small producers to enter were successful.
£217-19-11 is in hand to put against the president’s £250 £ for £ for a sheep shed, but the dry season has meant we decided not to worry members till things improve.
Mr Dixon has done a good gob as caretaker.
M.S. Edwards has given great support as secretary.
Improvements this year have been mainly to the kitchens, costing £58-15-0.
Once again the Adelaide train ran at a loss.
[The Terowie train is not specifically mentioned, so presumably it ran at a profit. The loss on the train guarantee was £57-14-0.]
Profit on the actual Show Day was £169-4-2 and the loss on the Dog Trials was £32-16-3, leaving an overall profit of £136-7-11.
XXXXIXI, 12, 21 Mar. 1928, page 1
Burra Town Council, 5 March
C.A. Smith, architect of Adelaide, applied for permission to erect a bathroom and lavatory on the north end of the second storey of the Burra Hotel. The Town Clerk said this would place them over a street. It would be different if this was a right of way. The building would be supported by a bearer wall and would be practically over to Mr Dower’s premises. Application denied.
J.S. Williams was granted permission to build a motor shed at Redruth.
Dying and rotten trees near the Rectory are to be removed.
Road matters were discussed and some works approved.
Cr Harris reported damage to willows along Burra Creek. (General opinion is that most of the damage has not been done by children.)
The Overseer reported that heavy timber 9” x 4” had been dislodged from the Avenue and thrown into the creek. Other acts of vandalism were reported.
Some drainage matters were raised.
Work to the Bon Accord Bridge concerning the banking up of the road is reported as having been done well.
[The Overseer’s comments indicate the Council was using the Hospital Quarry & Ford’s Quarry.]
XXXXIXI, 12, 21 Mar. 1928, page 2
Advt. W.J. Sullivan has opened a Private Hairdressing Saloon for ladies in Kooringa.
Advt. Speed meeting 24 March at ‘Blink Bonnie’
Advt. E.C. Hammond’s sale of S.M. Lane’s stock continues.
XXXXIXI, 12, 21 Mar. 1928, page 3
Advt. Burra Institute 28 March. Greatest Musical Event in Burra for 25 years:
200 Performers in Handel’s Messiah. Clare & Burra Choral Societies with full orchestra.
Advt. Burra School Jubilee Sports 2 April. Concert in the evening.
Advt. World’s End Methodist Church, Harvest Festival 25 March.
Rev. R.H. Lee will officiate.
Birth. 26 February at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs Maurice F. Humphrys of ‘Hassage’ Hanson a son, Peter John.
Weather. Rain fell in Burra on Monday – about 50 points locally. To the east good falls were general, ranging from 20 points at Oakbank to 88 at Caroona.
Bowls. 12 March Burra 109 defeated RSL 49.
15 March Liberal Federation 79 defeated Burra 58.
17 March Burra 128 defeated Clare 79.
A.J. McBride’s remains are expected to arrive in Port Adelaide on 25 March and interment at Kooringa is expected to be on Tuesday 27 March.
The Liberal Federation half-yearly council meeting was held in the Institute on Thursday afternoon. Reported in 1⁄2 column.
Accident. At Booborowie a car struck the off-side wheel of a sulky containing Mr & Mrs J.F. Madigan and child on Sunday, smashing it. The horse escaped and the occupants were not much hurt. The car was slightly damaged.
Tennis. ‘A’ Grade Semi-Final: Hallett 10-77 defeated Willalo 5-62.
XXXXIXI, 12, 21 Mar. 1928, page 4
Cricket. South Booborowie 0 for 191 declared & 6 for 113 v. Farrell’s Flat 135.
Kooringa 192 & 72 v. North Booborowie 114 & 6 for 100.
Tennis. Semi-Finals
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 8-70 defeated Aberdeen 7-71
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 10-76 defeated Hallett 5-73
Willalo 10-87 defeated Copperhouse 5-58
Next week’s finals ‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse
‘B’ Grade At Willalo
XXXXIXI, 12, 21 Mar. 1928, Supplement
Hon. R.L. Butler Premier of SA visited Burra in connection with the annual rally of the local branch of the Liberal Federation last Thursday. In the evening he addressed a crowded audience at the Institute with M.A. Radford in the chair.
Hon. R.L. Butler:
He addressed the need of the Government to raise taxes and other charges because the state could not go on living with deficits. The second year of the Labor Government produced a deficit of £800,000 and last year it was over £1,000,000. On taking office they had an enquiry and found the finances were seriously wrong. There was no alternative but to economise wherever possible. The Government had had to borrow to meet liabilities. Interest had increased by £60,000 p.a. The Butler Government had cut expenditure by £300,000. Primary producers were complaining of unfair treatment, but actually it was manufacturers that were hardest hit. Company Tax in SA was 3/3 in the £ and in Victoria it was 1/4 and SA needed relief. Even with increased rail freight charges and water rates the Government was not recovering costs. Increasing wages and falling hours of work were the cause of increased unemployment. Moonta Mines had closed due to costs of production. Increased efficiency in the SAR had seen a reduction in labour needs.
Mr C.A.S. Hawker spoke in support of the Premier and Hon. G.F. Jenkins, Commissioner of Crown Lands, did likewise.
Burra Hospital Board, 27 February
D. Jones won the contracts for painting the interior of buildings.
Willalo Methodist Church was opened and dedicated last Thursday afternoon in excellent weather. The Mayor & Mayoress of Burra attended and the ministers assisting were the President of Conference Rev. E.J. Piper, Rev. R.L.H. Tilbrook (Terowie), Rev. J.C. Oliver (Gawler South) & Rev. A. Dyer (Circuit Minister). The church commands a fine view of the valley. The interior is 22ft x 35ft, lit with mellow tinted leadlights. A porch leads to swing door [sic] to the church. The furnishings are in yellow pine. It is lit by four Aladdin hanging lamps. Mr S. Mudge opened the door. The building cost c. £1,000 and £800 had been raised. The contractor was E.J. Affolter.
Kooringa Football Association, First Annual Meeting was held in the Fire Station on 14 March. A.B. Riggs was elected President and Chairman. Patron is John R. Barker. The Secretary & Treasurer is F. Varley. It was decided to rename the Association the Burra Football Association.
Aberdeen and Rambler Clubs are to be asked to admit Farrell’s Flat.
Copperhouse [Westbury] Methodist Church Harvest Festival 26 February. Rev. W.O. Harris & Mr W. Woollacott officiated. The associated social on 13 March had been postponed because of the conference. W.O. Harris gave a talk on Broken Hill.
Cricket. On 3 March & last Saturday: Ramblers 7 for 159 on 3 March and then on to 178: Mount Bryan 9 for 156. Game drawn.
XXXXIXI, 13, 28 Mar. 1928, page 1
Burra Town Council, 19 March
The Hydraulic Engineer reports that 16 mains have been taken up and further investigations will follow on the poor pressure in parts of the town.
The Post Master General intends to remove the public phone from the station, as it is so little used. Council will urge its retention.
The police have a fair idea who was responsible for recent acts of vandalism, but have insufficient evidence to prosecute.
Cr Riggs moved that the Post Office and telephone exchange names be changed to North Burra & South Burra. Wherever one went the name Burra was well known, but not the names Kooringa or Aberdeen, but Burra had no post office. Burra was used as the name of the station, the Council and a host of sporting and other clubs, so why not for the town?
He wanted the idea debated rather than resolved too quickly. Cr Woollacott seconded.
Cr Riggs thought it unnecessary to consult the ratepayers, but the Mayor thought it essential and Cr Pearce supported asking ratepayers and moved an amendment that a poll be taken at the next election. Seconded by Cr Harris and carried.
The bridge near the cemetery is to be repaired.
Various other road matters and drainage concerns are reported along with questions over trees at the oval and elsewhere.
XXXXIXI, 13, 28 Mar. 1928, page 3
Sister Nellie Winnall, a former Burra girl, has been appointed Matron of the Maternity Wing of Burra Hospital. [Corrected XXXXIXI, 15, 11 Apr. 1928, page 3 to sister-in-charge.]
Cricket. Mt Bryan 8 for 241 declared v. South Booborowie 132 & 1 for 79.
Kooringa 232 v. Ramblers 188
Obituary. Sarah G. Simmonds, [sic] daughter of Mr & Mrs Simmonds of Ulooloo and granddaughter of the late Mrs Jones of Hampton, died on 26 March aged 26.
[Born Sarah Ada Gwendoline Simmons 6 October 1902 at Hampton: died 26 March 1928 at Ulooloo. Her grandmother was Mrs Evan Jones nee Ann Lewis.]
Sgt Hilton Grow, an old Burra Boy, with another officer achieved prominence in Monday’s papers for the clever capture in Adelaide of a gang of thieves.
Burglaries. In the early hours of Tuesday morning burglars broke into the Bon Accord Hotel and removed the safe bodily. They also entered Drew & Crewes’ Bulk Store and stole three tins of petrol. The safe held about £40 in silver and copper and a 10/- note. Also taken were a box of cigarettes, a box of cigars, a flask of whisky and a bottle of whisky. Two petrol tins were recovered from the Mt Bryan Road by Mr Bishop. The safe has been found near Kapunda. Oddly enough last Sunday at church Mr Crewes’ and Mr John Drew’s hats were stolen from the vestibule.
Vandalism. [As printed the report is somewhat confused.] S.G. Pickering broke his car’s axle on Flagstaff Hill on the night of 16 March and had to walk in with his suitcase and other valuables. Returning in the morning, he found the car stripped of everything movable including tools. The windscreen was smashed and the radiator dented and two new tyres worth £30 were slashed. On Monday two lads were charged with the offence of damaging the car and were charged £5 damages.
Burra Motor Sporting Club: speed meeting at ‘Blink Bonnie’
Rain threatened, but did not fall. Events were:
5-mile handicap for up to 350cc: won by J. Williams in 6.32.
Affiliated Clubs’ Handicap won by J. Williams in 6.33.
Match Race, S. Truscott v. A. Edgecomb won by A. Edgecomb in 1.39.
*5-mile Light Car Handicap won by H. Zadow in an Amilcar.
5-mile Open Solo Handicap won by R. Tanner in 6.32.
1-mile cycle race won by J. Rowe.
Match Race, B. Rogers v. Max Hall won by B. Rogers in 1.9 when only he finished.
Burra Club Handicap won by B. Rogers in 5.111⁄2.
Match Race, E. Landorf v. H. Truscott won by E. Landorf.
*5-mile Open Car Race won by H. Zadow in an Amilcar.
- In both the races won by H. Zadow, W. Young in his Chrysler was gaining steadily when he was stopped by petrol trouble.
Tennis. Association Finals
‘A’ Grade At Copperhouse: Copperhouse 9-68 defeated Hallett 6-68
‘B’ Grade At Willalo: Aberdeen 10-78 defeated Willalo 5-66
XXXXIXI, 13, 28 Mar. 1928, page 4
Burra Races, 21 March
The track was in fine condition and attendance was good and the totalizator turnover was up on last year. The races are reported and results are printed. The main race was the Burra Cup of £100 including a trophy. 2nd £15 and 3rd £5. It was won by Mr R.E. Hope’s Outram ridden by R. Medhurst.
J.F. Hogan writes saying the Kooringa Football Association is out of order in re-naming itself the Burra Football Association. The latter organisation comprising Kooringa, Aberdeen, North Booborowie & South Booborowie Clubs is simply in abeyance according to a minute moved and carried and the Kooringa Football Association is thus, to say the least, premature with tis name change.
Burra Rifle Club. At the No. 4 District Union Shoot at Gawler on Saturday:
H. Byles was 1st in the Wasleys Shoot (200 & 300 yards)
H.G. Oates was 2nd in the Forrest Shoot (600 yards)
H. Byles was 2nd in The Aggregate by one point.
Bowls on Saturday saw Kooringa beat Aberdeen by one point.
XXXXIXI, 14, 4 Apr. 1928, page 1
Burra Show Society, General Committee Meeting 27 March.
The Burra Sports Association has increased its charge for use of the racecourse for the dog trials from £1-1-0 to £3-3-0. As the trials made a loss the President considered the showground as good a place to hold them and it could also accommodate the polo and melon races held in conjunction with the trials. Mr A. Riggs agreed and so moved. Mr Dew seconded, saying it would eliminate only one race: the Mile Flutter.
Mr Pickering, Chairman of the Finance Committee, thought a larger crowd due to a better program could be drawn to the racecourse and he moved an amendment accordingly. Seconded by Mr Saunders. Mr Bednall thought the matter might be discussed with the Sports Association with a view to a lower charge. The amendment was carried.
The secretary threatened to resign over committeemen allowing sheep to graze the grounds without his permission and ordering expenditure without his knowledge. A vote of complete confidence in the secretary and an agreement not to infringe again saw him agree to continue.
XXXXIXI, 14, 4 Apr. 1928, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. are selling for the estate of the late E. Cox his house, property and furniture. A six-roomed stone house etc. on allotment 29 New Aberdeen.
XXXXIXI, 14, 4 Apr. 1928, page 3
Obituary. Mary Jordan died 29 March at her residence in Queen St. She was the mother of Hilda, Jean, Annie, Eileen, Will, Fred & Charlie.
Mrs W. Edgar Jordan died suddenly from heart failure. Her husband died some years ago. There are seven children: Will (Maitland), Fred (Riverton), Charles (Maitland), Mrs Roy Sellars [Hilda May] (Aberdeen), Mrs J. Carpenter [Florence Eugene] (Aberdeen), Miss Annie (Adelaide), Miss Eileen (Adelaide) and several grandchildren.
Accident. Ron Walker, son of A. Walker, was carrying Bob Allen (of Redruth) on the bar of his bike near Victoria Park when the front wheel (with a wooden rim) collapsed. Both were thrown heavily to the ground. Ron was concussed and gashed and his head required 15 stitches. Bob broke his nose and had a terrible gash on his forehead. Mr Les James took the pair to hospital.
Robbery. ‘Frank Lang arrested on suspicion with the above robbery appeared at Redruth Police Court on Monday last and was remanded in custody until 12 noon today.’
[There is no mention of any ‘above robbery’, but the paper of 11 April on page 4 makes it clear that this refers to the Bon Accord safe theft.]
Obituary/Funeral. A.J. McBride who died in South Africa on 4 February was buried in Kooringa Cemetery on 29 March. Flags flew at half mast and all businesses were closed to enable those attached to them to attend. The cortege of immense length departed from his brother-in-laws Mr E.F. Marston’s residence at 10 a.m. Rev. J.H. Nield, the deceased’s travelling companion, conducted the service assisted by Rev. R.H. Lee. Chief mourners are listed. The Salvation Army was represented by Major Melksham & Brigadier & Mrs J. Ward (Adelaide) and Ensign Shinn (Burra).
Obituary. Richard Blight died at Glenelg on 20 March aged 68. He was born at Gumeracha and moved to ‘Cartapoo’ Hallett when very young with his parents. The family took land and was devoted to agriculture and sheep. The sons took over from the parents and later secured a block at Yongala and a pastoral lease northeast of Hallett, named Bendigo Paddock. Richard, William & Frank Blight traded as Blight Bros. William died nine years ago and the two remaining brothers (all of them bachelors) retired to Burra and later to Glenelg. The business was managed then by Albert Blight [another brother]. On the occasions of Kooringa Methodist Sunday School’s anniversary tea the deceased used to provide the menu. He is survived by a brother Ernest at Port Pirie and also Ernest Blight at Peterborough [sic], Fred Blight at Terowie and the youngest brother Frank is at Glenelg. Mrs R. Maxwell of Clarence Park is a sister and another sister Mrs McL. Inglis of Henley died a few months ago.
[Richard Blight born 17 June 1859 at Gumeracha. The Port Pirie brother was Robert Elliott.]
Obituary. Mrs E. Cox of Aberdeen died 29 March. She was born in Hertfordshire 10 October 1850. The family left for Australia 10 years later in the Coldstream – a voyage of 10 weeks. Mrs Howse and the children came direct to Kooringa. Miss Fanny Howse became a dressmaker on leaving school and in 1873 she married Mr Edward Cox, saddler of Redruth, a native of Burra. Mr Cox died in 1906. Seven of eight children survive: Herbert Cox (Redruth), Mrs E. Bennetts (Ethel) & Mr Jack Cox (Adelaide), Mrs I. Simpson (Ida of Broken Hill), Mrs S. French (Florence), Mrs B. Attenborough (Gertrude) & Mrs R. Oates (Isabel of Adelaide). Clement Cox was killed in action in France in the Great War. There are 19 grandchildren & 5 great-grandchildren. Mrs George Parks of Pt Pirie is her only surviving sister. [Born Fanny Howse 10 October 1850. Two other sons died as infants.]
Burra Coursing Club AGM was held 29 March in the Institute Lodge Room. About 18 attended with Mr Ratcliffe in the chair. Mr Culverhouse was elected Assistant Secretary to aid Mr J. Carpenter who is in Adelaide in Hospital. Other officers were re-elected with some committee changes. The next meet is to be on 6-8 June. Financially the club is sound with £27 in hand. The Patron is G.W. Gallagher and President A. Ratcliffe.
Marriage. Chalmers Church, North Terrace Adelaide, 22 March
Mary Boath Scott, fourth daughter of Mr & Mrs R. Scott of Newstead & late of Delamere, married
Henry Bradford Gardner, second son of Mr & the late Mrs F. Gardner of Monteith.
Football. A letter from A.B. Riggs of the [New] Burra Football Association in reply to Mr Hogan. The BFA held a meeting on 18 March 1925 and resolved that the Association go into recess for 12 months and that South Booborowie would retain the shield for that period. The BFA met again 24 March 1926 and then resolved that the Association be wound up and the shield be returned and hung in the Burra Institute. The then secretary was to retain the books and office sundries until another Burra Association be formed. The Kooringa Football Association advertised its AGM for 1928 twice to enable all interested to be present.
‘Former Resident of Burra’ writes agreeing that the use of the name ‘Burra’ is preferable to Kooringa and Aberdeen and suggesting that many now address mail to Kooringa, Burra to avoid confusion with Koonunga, Koolunga & Koorine.
Mr J. Mulconroy of the SAR who has been living in Aberdeen for some years has been transferred to Morgan. He was farewelled from St Joseph’s Church and given a marble 8-day clock.
W. Satchell of the SAR has been transferred to Riverton after 15 years in Burra.
Miss Hazel Schmidt on the staff of Burra School left the service on Friday as she is getting married. She was given a salad bowl and servers.
Mr C. Hawkins, a deaf mute who is a well-known collector for the Blind, Deaf & Dumb Institution, sends in a letter of fulsome praise for the Burra Hospital where he has spent two weeks. It describes the hospital and its setting in rather quaint prose.
XXXXIXI, 14, 4 Apr. 1928, page 4
Handel’s Messiah.
Portions of the work have been presented at intervals since 1902 by the Burra Choral & Orchestral Societies and later by the Institute Choral & Orchestral Classes. In 1903 the Choral & Orchestral Societies combined with the Clare Societies (also trained by Mr Dane) to give a memorable performance in both towns. The forces were again combined this year. The orchestra of 18 local players was assisted by leading players from Adelaide. The chorus numbered 170 and was on a special platform. Mr Dane trained the Burra group and Mrs Charles Perry (nee Miss Muriel Day of Clare) trained the Clare group. Two of the principals were local: Mrs Max Pearce (nee Miss Nell Herbert) and Mr E.A.W. Haese, tenor. The bass was Mr E.F. Derbyshire of Adelaide. The detailed review runs for 11⁄2 columns. The performance was a notable success in all ways and was repeated the following evening in Clare. [Burra Institute 28 March.]
XXXXIXI, 14, 4 Apr. 1928, Supplement
Cricket. Arrangements have been made for the visit of the Port Adelaide team over Easter. There will be an Easter Saturday match at Kooringa and an Easter Monday game at South Booborowie. They will be two separate matches, though the teams chosen are substantially the same. There will be a smoke social on Saturday evening at the Burra Hotel and on Sunday a motor tour of the Mt Bryan District.
XXXXIXI, 15, 11 Apr. 1928, page 1
Burra Town Council, 2 April
There was a request from the Vacuum Oil Co. forwarding plans for the erection of an oil depot which the company proposed erecting on a block opposite the Bon Accord Hotel. Approved.
A petition was presented from Frank Treloar and 19 other ratepayers asked for horehound to be cut, the gutters to be cleaned out and other work to be done in Kangaroo & Queen Streets.
Cr Riggs thought it was not in order and should not be received.
Cr Allen was offended that the matters raised had not first been brought to the attention of West Ward Councillors.
The Mayor ruled the petition in order.
Cr Collins concurred with Cr Allen.
Cr Riggs said the petition was only able to be received when signed by a member [of Council] and presented by one.
The Mayor stood firm saying the Town Clerk had presented it and he was in a sense a member of the Council. Crs Woollacott & Pearce moved it be received.
The Mayor agreed that the petition was a slur on the Ward Councillors and those presenting it should have known that the correct thing was first to approach their representatives.
It was received on the casting vote of the Mayor.
A petition was presented signed by Mrs Sara and 17 ladies asking for the use of a certain portion of land to the left of Gully’s Wharf after crossing the creek from Aberdeen, for use as a croquet lawn.
Received.
The Mayor said he and Mrs Sara had inspected the block near Mrs Reed’s residence. The site was well suited and there was a little unclaimed block and the Council would have to close two bits of useless roads.
Cr Riggs thought the whole Council should inspect the site as it would involve two roads permanently and that could be awkward in the future.
Cr Woollacott moved the request be granted.
The Town Clerk said the Council could charge rental for a lease on the unclaimed allotment or collect rates on it. The roads had not been used for 70 years.
Cr Riggs continued to be concerned about the road closures and Crs Pearce & Collins were unsure about there being sufficient space.
An inspection was set for 7 a.m. the next day with the request to be granted if the inspection was favourable.
Mr Lomman of Aberdeen was permitted to erect a motor garage.
200 yards of metal are to be raised for the Railway Station Road to ease the unemployment.
XXXXIXI, 15, 11 Apr. 1928, page 2
Advt. Burra Burra Show Inc. Sheep Dog Trials 20 & 21 April at the Racecourse Aberdeen.
XXXXIXI, 15, 11 Apr. 1928, page 3
Advt. Ironmine [Methodist] Church Choir Concert, featuring over 30 voices in the Ironmine Church on Wednesday 18 April. 1/6, supper 6d.
Sister N. Winnall is sister in charge, not matron of the Maternity Wing as previously stated.
[Presumably this is Eleanor Manley Winnall.]
Hallett Sports on Easter Monday attracted 1,200 and £56 was taken at the gate. Results are printed.
Mt Bryan Sports results are also printed.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 17th stage of the Abberton Park Trophy Shoot R. Woodman and A.P. Harris scored best. Leading on aggregate now is R. Woodman 25 from A.P. Harris 24. In the off-the-rifle contest H.G. Oates with 50 leads R. Woodman 32.
Burra Tennis Association. Results of the Annual Easter Tournament are printed.
Women’s Singles Miss H. Sara
Women’s Doubles Misses P. & E. Angel
Women’s Singles Handicap Miss H. Sara
Mixed Doubles Handicap Miss H. Sara & M. Tiver
Men’s Singles Championship J.R. Pearce
Men’s Doubles M. Tiver & C. Rofe
Men’s Singles Handicap S. Lomman
Men’s Doubles Handicap M. Tiver & C. Rofe
Safe-blowers attempted to open the strong room at Drew & Crewes on 4 April. Almost every department was disturbed and theft and damage amounts to c. £200, but the safe was not opened, with only the handle blown off. The amount of gelignite found in the room was amazing. P.J. Pickering, manager of the Bank of Australasia, was roused and in switching on the bank lights seems to have scared off the intruders.
Redruth Court, 4 April
Frank Lang was charged with breaking into the Bon Accord Hotel and stealing the safe and money to £44-7-6 on 26 March. Bernard Leo Symonds proprietor and John Charles Smith manager gave evidence of the circumstances on the night and of the missing safe, money and other items stolen.
W.H. McCormick plain clothes constable told of finding a car, an Elcar, in damaged condition on 27 March in George St Stepney.
Ronald Charles Simpson of ‘Drive Yourself Ltd’ of Light Square told how the accused hired a car on 26 March under the name Langdon. He returned about 5.30 p.m. and exchanged it for the Elcar.
W.R. Lee, garage proprietor of Kooringa, gave evidence of having seen the car at 11.30 p.m. in Burra. He noticed it because it was an unusual vehicle and had noticed the number, but had not made a note of it.
B.H. Moran, bank manager of Lyndoch gave evidence of seeing the car near Kersbrook on 27 March. Its four wheels were in the air and three apparently drunken men were nearby. One was trying to ride a bicycle. He identified the defendant as one of the men and also identified the car. He had taken a note of its number. The defendant had denied to police that he had hired a car or been to Burra. Subsequently he admitted hiring the car at about 1.30 p.m. and said he had returned it about 11.30 p.m. He was committed for trial at the Criminal Sessions.
XXXXIXI, 15, 11 Apr. 1928, page 4
Burra Public School
Though the school opened in January 1878 it was more expedient to celebrate the jubilee in April. It was decided to hold a sports day to celebrate on Monday 2 April. A committee was formed and good prizes collected for the events. The day got underway at 1 p.m. Events and winners are listed.
[Personal interest: Girls’ race Grade IV won by Joan Fairchild. Boys’ race Grade II Jack Oates 2nd. Boot race Grade IV Mervyn Allen 2nd. Thread needle race Grade IV Joan Fairchild 2nd.]
There was an evening concert at the Institute which was crowded. The program is printed.
Mr Oborn gave a history of the school from the stone-laying by Thomas Bath on 27 February 1877 and the opening by Hon. Neville Blyth, Minister of Education in 1878. Philip Lane first Mayor of Burra was also first Chairman of the School Board of Advice. The first headmaster was Mr James Cater. There were 560 on the roll and 512 present on the first day. In the first year the school fees amounted to £304-13-1. School buildings and grounds occupy two acres and there were 12 large rooms. Two rooms were remodelled in 1900 and are now used by the High School and these and other rooms are currently being renovated. Headmasters have been:
James Cater 1878-86 J.F. Johnson 1911-16
A. Wittber 1886-93 C. Mundy 1916-20
J.A. Kennedy 1893-95 R. Hitchcox 1916-18 [sic]
W. Bennett 1895-98 R. Bromley 1918-20
R. McAloney 1898-1900 D. Murphy 1920-21
F. Fairweather 1900-03 J.S.G. Oborn 1921-28
G. Scott 1903-11
[According to Ian Auhl’s Centenary History of the School this list should be rather different, probably due to overlapping years on hand-over, but more significant differences occur as follows:
Charles J.W. Mundy 1916-17
Richmond T. Hitchcox 1918-19
Roy L. Bromley 1920
John S.R. Oborn 1921 to his death 7 September 1931]
He also gave a list of private school in Burra apart from St Joseph’s.
[The list is neither complete nor in order. Again refer to Ian Auhl’s book as above.]
Mr H. Pinch: first school in a dugout in Burra Creek
Others were: Dr J.R. Stephens, Mr Grasby (night school), Mr F.W. Holder, Mr Stanton, Mr R.F. White, Mrs Rowe, Misses A. & L. Josling, Misses Goss, Mrs Press, Mrs Gillespie, Miss M.E. Sleep, Miss Johnson, Mr Jones, Mr Matthews, Mrs Blaird, Mrs McLagan, Mr Davis and a branch of MLC.
In the past students could leave at any age once they had gained the Compulsory Certificate, now they had to stay to 13. The Mayor also gave a short speech in the evening – he said he had gained his Compulsory Certificate when 11 and had then left to work.
Mr E.J. Davey who had been present when the school opened said he had wandered down from home in the Mine Stores and could hardly wait for the speeches to end so he could get to the raspberries, lollies and other good things waiting for them. Like the Mayor he could not think of great men who had gone through the school, but they could claim Dr Fred. W. Richards, one of the Supreme Court Judges. He referred to the old feud between children of Kooringa and Aberdeen when lads threw stones at each other – the current lads affirmed that they still fought.
Farewell & Welcome Social. This combined event was held at the Methodist Lecture Hall on 4 April to farewell Rev. R.H. Lee after three years and to welcome Rev. & Mrs Lawson. A large number of friends also attended from Redruth Church, World’s End and the Salvation Army. Mr H.G. James, circuit steward, was in the chair and others on the platform were Rev. J.S.W. Coles (Anglican), Rev. W.O. Harris (Redruth) and Mr Arthur Riggs senior circuit steward.
The proceeding included speeches and musical items and are reported in 1 column of detail.
XXXXIXI, 16, 18 Apr. 1928, page 1
Golf at Farrell’s Flat. ‘A Golfer’ writes from Farrell’s Flat and comments on a report that the Wetherston Golf Club had put its holes in dangerous proximity to those of the Farrell’s Flat Club. He says the club applied to Council for permission according to a plan that was submitted and the holes were pegged out according to the approved plan. The Club was formed when Farrell’s Flat Club fixed its subscription so high as to preclude many intending players. The Wetherston Club wanted to approach the Farrell’s Flat Club and ask them to reduce their fees and so double their membership. They refused to entertain the idea and so Wetherston decided on a separate club with lower fees.
XXXXIXI, 16, 18 Apr. 1928, page 3
Rev. H. & Mrs Alvey paid a quick visit to Burra after their recent trip to England and a welcome back social was tendered them on 9 April in Redruth Memorial Hall. On Wednesday morning the family left for Lameroo.
T.E. Smith, Chief Inspector for SA places of public entertainment is quite satisfied with arrangements at the Institute and suggested only a few minor adjustments.
Hallett District has raised funds which have allowed the Angorichina TB Hostel to install a 3⁄4 h.p. super diesel engine for pumping water etc. A joint committee of the Hockey & Football Clubs was responsible for a ball that raised the money.
Obituary. Mrs James Boneham, nee Miss Annie Phillips of Burra, died in New Zealand on 1 April. She was born in Kooringa in 1872, the youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs James Phillips of Kooringa. Her father was a well-known building contractor. She was educated at Burra Public School and later joined the Education department and after training returned to Burra as one of the most popular teachers ever on the staff. She was later transferred to Penola where she met and married Mr James Boneham in 1902. They went to WA and about 8 years ago to New Zealand. She has long had heart trouble which finally caused her death. She is survived by a husband and three sons. Mary & Nell Phillips of Wodonga, Victoria, are sisters and Mr Joseph Phillips of Rose Park Adelaide [is a brother.]
[Born Annie Alice Phillips 5 July 1872 at Kooringa.]
Obituary. Mr W.H. Halford has died in WA. Some years ago he owned a portion of Kia Ora Station and was well known in Burra. The family left SA and trekked to WA where he successfully established Credo Station near Kalgoorlie. He was living in retirement in Dangin WA.
[Probably William Henry Halford born c. 1854.]
[See more at XXXXIXI, 21, 23 May 1928, Supplement.]
Frank Treloar writes expressing surprise at the Councillors’ reactions to the combined letter presented at the last meeting. Crs Allen & Collins gave the impression that it had come out of the blue and took offence at its sudden and unjustified appearance. In fact Cr Collins had seen it at Mr Treloar’s office and it had been explained that it intended in no way to belittle the Councillors. He promised to explain this to Cr Allen and a few days later Treloar met Cr Allen and explained the matter to him. He says that shortly after Cr Collins’s appointment they had inspected streets together and yet each Councillor had at the meeting denied any knowledge of it. The mayor’s remarks were entirely uncalled for. Apparently the correct procedure is to line up with kneelers en masse and ‘in a supplicating attitude; presented our letter and waited patiently through their deliberations until allowed to retire, glad to be alive’.
Lecture on Economics. About 40 people attended the Institute Lodge Room on Thursday for the first course of lectures by Mr P.A. Wisewould for the WEA in co-operation with the University Tutorial Class Department. The mayor introduced the lecturer.
Frank Byles, late of Leighton, has won the Warracknabeal Gift race in Victoria over 130 yards and the Dads’ Menin Road Sprint of 75 yards. His parents Mr & Mrs W. Byles now reside in Aberdeen.
The Soldiers’ Aid Society met for the first time in 1928 on 1 March, but a number of members were away and only six attended. Financially the society is flourishing.
Teachers’ Association. A meeting was held 14 April at Hallett to consider forming an association for teachers of schools from Burra to Terowie. It was decided to proceed and to hold meetings every three months and to have an annual sports meeting at Hallett.
XXXXIXI, 16, 18 Apr. 1928, page 4
Burra Easter Tennis Tournament is reported in 22⁄3 columns.
XXXXIXI, 16, 18 Apr. 1928, Supplement
The Country Party held a social at Leighton on 3 April. Addresses were given by Hon. A.P. Blesing & Me A.G. Cameron MP. Both addressed the difficulties of the Country Party having refused amalgamation with the Liberal Federation – they were happy for a ‘closer union’.
Booborowie Methodist Church, one of the town’s oldest buildings, reopened on Good Friday after being closed for several weeks of renovation. Mr L.J. Goodridge performed the act. A memorial pulpit to the late W.H. Reynolds was unveiled by his widow. Rev. W.O. Harris gave a thoughtful address.
Burra Rifle Club. 5th stage of the Summer Shoot produced best scores from W.V. Bass, G. Herbert & H.G. Oates.
Burra Motor Sports Club. The final meeting for the season was held at ‘Blink Bonnie’ Speedway last Saturday. There were a series of problems.
Only one entry was received for each of the two car races.
Harry Mangham, a leading Adelaide rider was unable to come at the last minute
The Open Solo Handicap had to be cut due to mechanical troubles with most of the bikes.
Five big cycle events were however worth watching.
Up to 350 cc won by M. Hall in 4 min. 48.2 secs
Up to 500 cc won by M. Hall in 4 min 55 secs
Match Race: Reg. Finch 1 min 28 secs defeated L. Taylor 1 min 35 secs
Match Race: B. Rogers 1 min 11 secs defeated R. Tanner
Open Solo Scratch Race won by B. Rogers in 5 min 6.66 secs
Affiliated Country Clubs Race won by M. Hall in 5.4
Car v. Bike & Side-car won easily by H. Zadow in his Amilcar
Burra Club Members Race won by Barney Rogers in 5.16
Bicycle Race won by J. Rowe.
Croquet. Ladies at Aberdeen have been seeking to form a club for some time. A group met on the old tennis courts on 12 April and decided to form a club. The Council has granted a site near the showgrounds, but the promoters are considering two other sites and have not yet made a choice. Elected were President, Mrs J.G. Sara; Secretary, Mrs H.E. Goble; Treasurer, Miss L. Bartholomaeus. Nearly 40 ladies have indicated interest and the club wishes to put down two courts.
Farrell’s Flat War Memorial. A general meeting was convened by Mesdames Denton, Blowes, Elliott & Borowsky in the Institute on Saturday night to form a scheme to raise funds for a soldiers’ memorial. G. Powell was elected President. R.A. Read is Honorary Secretary. Another meeting is to be called soon.
First Burra Wolf Cub Pack in connection with St Mary’s Church. This was organised under the leadership of Mr L.H. Miller and continued by Rev. F.B. Hewitson and then by Rev. J.S.W. Coles. Head officials have regarded this as a closed pack and desired it become open to anyone who wished to join. The present acting cubmaster has decided to open it to any lads of suitable age. On Easter Monday there was a camp at the Gorge for three days and they had a good time despite considerable rain.
Mt Bryan Sports on Easter Saturday raised c. £25.
Cricket. Port Adelaide visit. Port Adelaide 322 & 5 for 83 v. Burra Association 249.
On 31 March & 14 April Kooringa 265 defeated South Booborowie 183.
Ramblers 9 for 249 v. North Booborowie 185.
Hallett 24 & 81 v. Booborowie 126.
Robertstown 97 v. Farrell’s Flat 39 & 97.
M.W. Bednall writes to apologise for the cancellation without notice of the cricket at Kooringa on Easter Saturday. Only at the last minute had they been informed that the Port Adelaide players would return Monday instead of Tuesday and plans had to be changed accordingly.
XXXXIXI, 17, 25 Apr. 1928, page 2
Advt. Burra Catholic Picnic Races in aid of St Joseph’s Convent & School Building Fund.
Saturday 28 April on Burra Racecourse. 7 races and other events from 1.30 p.m.
Advt. Hanson Methodist Church. Laying of the Foundation Stone of the School Hall.
Saturday 28 April 4 p.m. High Tea at 5 p.m. 2/-. Grand Concert 8 p.m. 1/-, supper 6d.
XXXXIXI, 17, 25 Apr. 1928, page 3
An Anzac Service was held last Sunday near the monument to the fallen in Market Square. There was a good attendance and an unusually large number of returned men. Present were the Mayor, members of Council, Rev. S.J.W. Coles (Anglican), Rev. E. Lawson (Methodist) who took charge of the service, and Ensign Shinn (Salvation Army). The offertory aided the AIF Cemetery Fund by £14-17-3. J.H. Murison played The Last Post & Reveille.
Sheep Dog Trials. This year the trials were very successful and of great significance in deciding the championship of Australia. This year there were 110 entries of whom 87 finally took to the field. The trials ran from Thursday to Monday. The weather was good throughout.
Local Class won by H. McDonald’s Hope Lad.
Maiden Stakes won by T. White’s Delphi Gipsy.
Flock Dogs Competition won by W. Croser’s Tally.
Puppy Stakes won by A.B. Kemp’s Dean.
Open Class won by T. White’s Miss Dell.
Open Class Final Test won by O.C. Wills’ Peggy from T. White’s Miss Dell.
There was a series of horse events on Saturday afternoon.
Marriage. At Hallett Methodist Church 7 April
Doris Tiver, second daughter of Mr & Mrs Edgar Tiver of ‘Tiverville’ Hallett, married
Robert Honan, youngest son of Mr & Mrs John Honan of Hallett.
XXXXIXI, 17, 25 Apr. 1928, page 4
Burra Town Council, 16 April
Council granted the portion of ground requested as a croquet green at Aberdeen on Cr Riggs’ motion.
The Town Clerk said he did not like the piece of ground asked for and believed that a portion behind the site of the old White Hart Hotel was better. He believed another site – that of the old German Church was also being considered.
The number of stray dogs in the town was becoming a problem.
The Mayor said he had recently lost three stud sheep to dogs.
A petition from several residents in Redruth about the closing of streets was ruled out of order, as was one on trees to be removed from Victoria Park.
Various road questions took a good deal of discussion.
A light is to be placed at the entrance to the railway yard.
Burra High School Fete was held 19 April in the Institute to raise money for new equipment when the renovations are completed. It was opened by Mrs Steele, wife of the President of the High School Council, Dr Steele. Total proceeds were £78-10-8.
Burra Rifle Club. Best scores in the 18th stage of the Abberton Park Trophy came from J. Terry and A.B. Riggs.
XXXXIXI, 17, 25 Apr. 1928, Supplement
The Sheep Dog Field Trials Banquet was held in the luncheon rooms at the showgrounds and catered for 200 members. The speeches are reported at length in some 33⁄4 columns.
Burra Golf Club AGM elected President, Dr Steele; Vice-Presidents, Dr Steven & Mr J.H. Bryant; Secretary, S.G. Pickering. Play is to commence with the first rains.
Cr J. Allen for West Ward writes in response to Mr Treloar’s letter.
He says he was not aware of any petition until a Councillor called and informed him and he thought it cast a slur on West Ward Councillors.
Mr Treloar mentioned it to me on the day of the meeting and I said I would object as it amounted to a no-confidence motion, though Mr Treloar said it was not intended to belittle the Councillors. I was not aware he and Cr Collins had inspected the West Ward together and therefore was quite right to deny knowledge of it. When work needed has been suggested I have always brought the matter forward and there are not many cases where work has been shelved as suggested by Mr Treloar. Those now in office are doing their best for West Ward and the town generally.
XXXXIXI, 18, 2 May 1928, page 3
Advt. Burra Institute Wednesday next, 9 May: O’Donnell & Ray present Mother Goose Pantomime.
Advt. Leighton Hall, Wednesday 9 May: Big Dance in Aid of the Queen of Agriculture, Miss Beth Jettner. Pasty Supper. V. Fuss, Convenor. [Probably Vernon Fuss.]
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary on 29 April was one of the best for years. Rev. E. Lawson officiated. The public meeting was on 30 April with Mr J. Drew in the chair.
Weather. Rain has been minimal for April in agricultural areas and very patchy in the east where it has been dry except for good rains at a handful of stations.
Burra Rifle Club: Anzac Day Prize Meeting.
The Woolamba F.M. Fox, Reedbeds 33
The Kookaburra Dr H.F. Altman, Wasleys 35
The Riggs H.H. Byles, Burra 33
The Burra Aggregate H.H. Byles, Burra 97
Teams Aggregate Burra No. 2 team 365 from Reedbeds 349
The Blink Bonnie H. Bettess, Bute 24
Shooting Accident. A man named Johnson accidentally shot himself in the train bound for Adelaide on Saturday afternoon while handling his revolver. He was taken from the train at Hanson and admitted to Burra Hospital where the bullet was extracted. He is recovering.
‘AJAX’ of Farrell’s Flat writes bemoaning the lack of interest in sport there. Clubs are formed and matches arranged with enthusiasm, but those chosen for teams fail to show up for games.
Bowls Tournaments are finished and the results are:
Champion Dr Steele
Singles Handicap W.H. Sandland
Consistency Handicap W.H. Sandland
Pairs Handicap M.A. Radford & J.H. Bryant
Beginners’ Handicap S.H. Robinson
Obituary. Thomas Jeffery of Willalo died 29 April at Hallett, suddenly of heart failure aged 59. He leaves a widow (nee Miss Affolter) and a family of 12 children – 8 daughters and 4 sons. The youngest child is 6. [See further information XXXXIXI, 19, 9 May 1928, Supplement.]
XXXXIXI, 18, 2 May 1928, Supplement
Burra Catholic Picnic Races last Saturday drew a fair attendance and took £13 at the gate. Results are printed.
Hanson Methodist Sunday School foundation stone was laid on 28 April. Rev. W.O. Harris conducted a service prior to the ceremony, assisted by Rev. Lawson. A move for a hall had been mooted 25 years earlier, but nothing had come of it. There was a desire for it to be known as Flower Hall. Rev. Harris said Methodists were more accommodating than Anglicans and Catholics in allowing their churches to be used for other purposes, such as schools and other functions. He hoped at Hanson this would now cease. The new hall had some limits imposed on its use by the Methodist Conference. No dancing was allowed in a Methodist building: ‘the dancing of today was a menace to the young folk’. ‘Methodist halls were also distinctly prohibitionists.’
Mr E.S. Blunt the Trust Secretary deposited records under the stone – coins, newspapers and a program of the proceedings. Mrs Thomas Rogers performed the ceremony. The amount raised including the sum towards the piano was £639-3-2 in hand. Stone etc. had been placed on the ground and only labour had to be paid for. The price for the masonry and carpentry was £512-16-0 and the piano would add £66. Furnishing and lighting would amount to £110. In all they expected the total cost to be £923-2-3 and Rev. Harris hoped for the £283 balance that day. Proceeds for the day are expected to be c. £100.
XXXXIXI, 19, 9 May 1928, page 1
Liberal Federation, Burra Women’s Branch was addressed by Mrs E.W. Hawker from Adelaide on Friday afternoon 4 May. Her speech is printed in about 2 columns.
XXXXIXI, 19, 9 May 1928, page 2
Advt. RSL Masquerade Carnival & Fancy Dress Ball at Burra Institute, Thursday 17 May.
Murison’s Melody Masters will play.
XXXXIXI, 19, 9 May 1928, page 3
Notice. The Bishop of Adelaide Rt Rev. Dr Thomas will visit St Mary’s and the Missions attached for Confirmations and other Services 13-15 May:
Sunday 13 May St Mary’s 8 a.m. Holy Communion
Black Springs at 10.30 a.m. Confirmation
Booborowie at 3 p.m. Confirmation
St Mary’s 7 p.m. Confirmation
Monday 14 May Burra Church Day School 10.30 a.m.
Mothers Union Service 3 p.m.
Mt Bryan 7.30 p.m. Confirmation
Tuesday 15 May Hallett 7.30 p.m. Service
YMCA Combined meeting at the Institute 7 May. Attendance was satisfactory and the program displayed the skills of the four clubs – Junior and Senior from Aberdeen and Kooringa.
Football. The opening match for the season at Victoria Park on Saturday
Ramblers 2.6 2.9 3.17 4.18 (42)
Farrell’s Flat 0.1 2.4 2.6 5.8 (38)
XXXXIXI, 19, 9 May 1928, Supplement
Cricket. Last match for the season: Kooringa 72 & 115 v. Mt Bryan 241.
Premiership points:
Won Lost Drawn Points
Ramblers 7 1 2 25
Mt Bryan 7 2 1 25
Kooringa 7 3 0 23
North Booborowie 4 6 0 13
South Booborowie 2 7 1 7
Farrell’s Flat 0 10 0 0
Ramblers and Mt Bryan will play off for the premiership.
Farrell’s Flat Golf Club opened their new links last Saturday. Last year a few enthusiasts had sunk a few tins and did the rounds and now there is a properly prepared course which was opened by Mr E.B. I’Anson. Twenty-four players then took part in a mixed foursome stroke competition.
[There is no mention of the Wetherston Golf Club.]
Burra Bowling Club prizes were distributed. [The list has been previously noted.]
Marriage. Mt Gambier Baptist Church 9 April
Hazel Schmidt, second daughter of Mr & Mrs H. Schmidt of Mt Gambier, married
Melville James, youngest son of Mr & Mrs W.H. James of Aberdeen.
Obituary. Mr T. Jeffery who died on 29 April lived for many years in the Booborowie District. He was the fifth son of the late Mr Jeffery of Anlaby and was born there in 1873. He lived for several years at South Booborowie before being allocated a block of the north Booborowie Estate. After a long stay there he disposed of it to buy a large farm at Cappadola where he resided until his death. He was a much respected hard-working, honest man who called a spade a spade. He married Louisa Affolter, eldest daughter of Mrs A. & the late Mr J. Affolter of Booborowie in 1903. The widow survives with 12 children: Mrs C. Keys (Hallett), the Misses Louie, Nellie, Lorrie, Blanche, Joan, Patricia, Edna and Norman, Edward, Max & Morris.
XXXXIXI, 20, 16 May 1928, page 3
Obituary. Miss E. Mary Dodds died at her residence in Kooringa on 1 May and had been a resident of the district for about 16 years. She was born in South Africa in 1856 and the family came to live in Kensington SA when she was a young woman. About 16 years ago she and her eldest sister came to keep house for Mr Frank Treloar Jnr at Mongolata Station and when he enlisted for active service they came to Kooringa to live. She is survived by one sister, Miss Margaret Dodds, who is leaving Kooringa this week to reside for some time with Mr & Mrs Treloar of Toorak Gardens.
[Emily Mary Dodds.]
The Mine Bridge was considerably damaged in a motor accident. Part of the stone wall was knocked down and stones weighing 2-3 cwt ended in the creek.
F. Varley of the British Imperial Oil Co. has been transferred to the city. He has been secretary of the Kooringa Football Association and Burra Football Association.
Visit of the Bishop of Adelaide. The article adds little of substance to the notice of his activities except to report good congregations.
Burra Church of England Day School was visited by Bishop Thomas on Monday 14 May. The Mayor & Mayoress also attended. Though it was school holidays, most pupils attended. After a brief address Mrs I.J. Warnes moved a vote of thanks.
The Oddfellows Lodge held its annual picnic at Stone Chimney Creek, kindly lent by Gallagher Bros. on 25 April. The results of the sports are printed.
Obituary. Mrs Trusler, mother of Mr G. Trusler of Hallett, has died aged 78.
[Born Jane Wilzig Miller 1850. She was the wife of George Neiddale (or Needdale) Trusler.]
Burra Town Council, 7 May
M.A. Radford and others objected to Graham St being fenced off and to rubbish being deposited in St Just St.
J.E. Pearce was given permission to build a house in Chapel St for Miss L. Harris and E.J. Harris was given permission to erect a motor shed in the same street.
The Inspector has 15 cases on the books for infringements of by-law 30 and has been attending to stray horses and cattle. He (E.J. Davey) also complains of interference in his work by a Councillor ‘who so overstepped the mark and for a time forgot that he was a member of the Burra Town Council’.
The report then makes clear that Cr Woollacott had been caught infringing the by-law and subsequently when Mr Davey had parked in front of Messrs Bright & Bright’s offices, the Councillor had proceeded to measure the distance from the corner. Mr Davey said he was protected from prosecution while in the execution of his duty (he had been talking to M-C Geering). He declared Cr Woollacott’s action to be ‘an absolute insult, this sort of thing is bringing the council down, in the eyes of the public, to the level of a schoolboy class’.
Cr Woollacott asked how it was interfering with the Inspector’s work.
Davey said: ‘You impersonated an Inspector.’
Cr Woollacott wanted legal advice from the Municipal Association on the validity of asking people on the street to pay instead of going to court and whether, if they subsequently went to court and were acquitted, they would get their 5/- back.
Cr Woollacott said Mr Davey’s car was wrongly parked for a long time, though he himself only stopped two seconds. Mr Davey said it was half an hour.
Cr Woollacott did not believe it right that the Inspector should be breaking the very by-law he was handing out fines for violating. He had been parked 14’6” from the corner and it should have been 25’. The Town Clerk said the law refers to the near side wheel and not the offside as Cr Woollacott had measured and his position was legal.
The argument continued for some time.
The Mayor said at the sale he had heard a dozen men laughing about the matter, which makes a laughing stock of the by-laws.
Cr Pearce regretted that people had reflected on the Council as a whole, when the matter was between one Councillor and the Inspector.
Cr Harris said he was under his verandah when it occurred and the Inspector’s car seemed from there to be incorrectly parked and several ratepayers there had that impression. He saw Cr Woollacott go across, but did not see what followed.
The Inspector’s report was finally adopted except for the phrase which reflected on the Council as a whole.
The cemetery bridge has been repaired.
Cr Pearce said the bridge near Mr Finch’s past the cemetery was unsafe.
Cr Woollacott said in his opinion a single span concrete bridge would be the most effective and cheapest solution. Measurements and estimates of cost will be obtained.
The Local Government Department will pay for one side if Council will pay for the other, of the cost of extending the tar on the sides of the road between Kooringa and Aberdeen.
Football. At Aberdeen Oval
Ramblers 1.2 2.5 4.8 7.11 (53)
Aberdeen 3.2 3.5 4.6 5.7 (37)
At Farrell’s Flat
Farrell’s Flat 0.1 9.5 9.6 14.11 (95)
Hallett 2.7 2.7 4.12(?) 4.14 (38)
XXXXIXI, 20, 16 May 1928, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club. In the 19th stage of the Abberton Park Trophy contest H.G. Oates & H. Byles scored best.
Cricket. In the Premiership play-off the Ramblers emerged as Premiers.
Ramblers 185 & Mt Bryan 118.
F.W.G. Twist, Captain of Rambler Cricket Club writes a letter thanking all members for their support and Vice-Captain Fred Collins and Secretary Charles Hill and the ladies who supplied afternoon tea, especially their own and those of Mt Bryan.
Croquet results for the year:
‘A’ Grade Champion Mrs J.G. Sara
‘B’ Grade Singles Mrs H.G. Oates
Doubles Mrs F. Twist & Mrs F.H. Collins
‘A’ Grade Mallett Contest Mrs J.G. Sara
‘B’ Grade Mallett Contest Mrs H.G. Oates
CWA, AGM in Liberal Room 11 May chaired by President Mrs I.J. Warnes.
The Hon. Sec. Mrs M. Collins read the report and Mrs P.J. Pickering as Treasurer reported a balance of £7.
Mrs Warnes expounded on the objectives of the CWA for the benefits of some new members. The CWA was rapidly spreading from state to state. It had long been well established in Queensland. Mr & Mrs Wilkinson were thanked for the use of the room at the rear of their stationery business.
All officials were re-elected [as above plus Vice-Presidents Mrs E. Jettner & Mrs J. Tennant.]
The word ‘service’ was dropped from the title which now becomes the Burra Country Women’s Association.
Mrs Warnes has been approached to form an Association in Adelaide. Apart from other benefits it would give members a room in Adelaide. She suggested the new Governor’s wife, Lady Hore Ruthven be asked to be President. A city branch would be a great help for country women visiting Adelaide for reasons of sickness. Mrs J.E. Hogan said Spalding ladies were interested in the movement. The rest room at the rear of Mr Wilkinson’s will now be continued at a rental of 10/- a week.
XXXXIXI, 21, 23 May 1928, page 2
District Council of Burra: Annual Elections
Nominations are called by 9 June for the retirement of:
Cr Edwin Finch & Cr Harold Walter Tiver from Kooringa Ward
Cr John Kellock from Baldina Ward
Cr Norman Hiles Pearse from King Ward.
XXXXIXI, 21, 23 May 1928, page 3
Advt. Burra Benevolent Society. Meeting called for 29 May at the Institute.
Train Timetable Changes
The present 7.15 a.m. train from Adelaide to Terowie on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday is cancelled.
A new train will run Adelaide to Terowie at 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday.
The present 7 a.m. train from Burra to Adelaide will now depart Burra at 6.40 a.m.
The Adelaide to Broken Hill express will leave at 6.10 p.m. instead of 5.55 p.m.
Other changes notified by F. Gibson, Stationmaster:
On other mornings the Burra to Adelaide train will depart at 6.31 a.m. instead of 6.22 a.m.
The afternoon down train leaves on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday at 3.40 p.m.
and on Tuesday, Friday & Sunday (as the East-West) at 4.04 p.m.
Trains heading north on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday depart [Burra] 11.37 a.m. and on Tuesday, Friday & Sunday at 1.56 p.m.
Broken Hill Express Monday to Friday arrives [Burra] at 9.43 p.m. and leaves at 9.49 p.m.
Notice: changing the name of the Burra and District Country Women’s Service Association to Burra and District Country Women’s Association.
Burra Golf Club opened its season last Saturday. The course has been improved with the addition of bunkers. The club now desired to erect a club house and if they could not soon do that – at least a shelter shed. Mrs Collins drove off the first ball.
RSL Masquerade Ball was held on 20 May and eclipsed any of its predecessors. President L.M. Gordon & Mrs Gordon and Secretary G.H. Dow had prepared it all carefully with the aid of a splendid committee. The financial results were eminently satisfactory. As well as the usual range of costumes the event of the evening was the arrival of H.H. the Dato Gajah from the Federated Malay States complete with his Private Secretary and a harem. H.H. arrived on an Arab Steed and his three favourite wives came on giraffes. Nine other gorgeously clad wives followed on foot accompanied by native servants, a tiger on a chain and a giant slave ‘Hercules’.
A.L. Bence was the Dato of Gajah and Mr Steer the Private Secretary.
Burra Coursing Club will hold their 9th annual meet 5-7 June with a 48 all-aged dog stake at Gum Creek on the estate of Hon. W.G. Duncan. Prize money £165.
CWA. A meeting has been convened for 29 May at Spalding with the idea of establishing a branch there.
XXXXIXI, 21, 23 May 1928, page 4
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. L.L. Hill visited Burra on Friday 18 May and addressed a meeting convened by the ALP at the Burra Institute. He was accompanied by Mr M. O’Halloran. His speech concentrated on what he called the broken promises of the Butler Government – which had got in on promises of more employment, better wages, less taxation, better education facilities, migration and land settlement schemes, better housing and a fair deal for pastoralists etc. Business was stagnating and the Government had grabbed all in filling recent Senate vacancies caused by the deaths of two Labor senators. Increased taxation will yield a further £1,350,000 a year. He went into considerable detail to try to refute allegations of financial incompetence of the previous Labor Government. The report extends for c. 21⁄4 columns.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 4.3 4.6 5.8 5.10 (40)
Farrell’s Flat 1.2 4.4 4.6 4.8 (32)
XXXXIXI, 21, 23 May 1928, Supplement
Obituary. W.H. Halford died recently in WA. He had been doing missionary work near Bordertown and the River Murray before being allotted a block east of Burra. When he later sold the property he was one of the first to take cattle from SA overland to northwest WA. He got out of cattle country there and into sheep and the family finally prospered.
Burra Rifle Club. The 20th stage of the Abberton Park Trophy produced best scores from C.W. Pearce, R.J. Fairchild & W. Woodman. The aggregate to date is very close with R. Woodman & H.G. Oates on 25 points from A.P. Harris on 24 and W.V. Bass & W. Woodman with 22 each.
Farrell’s Flat. A meeting was held at the Institute last Saturday 19 May to discuss the proposed Soldiers’ Memorial Porch and cinema room. Plans were perused and specifications read and adopted. Tenders will be called once the Institute trustees agree.
XXXXIXI, 22, 30 May 1928, page 3
Advt. Fish shop opposite Sara & Co. Fresh and cooked fish daily.
Mrs William Geake turned 70 last Saturday. She was born in Kooringa, the daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Jenkin.
Jack Hann of the RAN, who was put off HMAS Melbourne with pneumonia in Penang, had made a good recovery and is expected in Melbourne this week.
Weather. Rain last week was quite useful with 35 points locally. Falls to the east ranged from 25 to over 80 points towards World’s End.
Tom Harrop [Harrap] of Aberdeen fell off his lorry on 22 May while moving furniture, when some of the load slipped. He sustained five broken ribs. He has also returned recently from Keswick [Military] Hospital.
Aberdeen Croquet. The proposed grounds at Aberdeen were busy on Saturday when a large pepper tree was removed and soon the busy bee engaged Mr T. Woollacott’s team, Sara & Co.’s lorry and Alan Kakoschke’s lorry too. Mr H.W. Tiver will cultivate the land, Mr Wardle will help erect a shed and Mr Steer will do the painting. [There was no indication here which of the three sites was decided upon, though it was the one near the old White Hart Hotel.]
Poison Baits have claimed a number of pets again lately.
Drew & Crewes were burgled for the sixth time in three months on the night on 19/20 May at their bulk store in Aberdeen. The firm is missing two cases of kerosene.
XXXXIXI, 22, 30 May 1928, page 4
Football at Aberdeen Oval
Hallett 5.4 6.1 7.8 8.9 (57)
Aberdeen 1.1 3.1 4.2 5.4 (34)
At Farrell’s Flat(?)
Ramblers 3.3 9.6 11.12 12.17 (89)
Farrell’s Flat 0.1 0.1 1.4 3.7 (25)
XXXXIXI, 22, 30 May 1928, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 21 May
The principal corners have been marked to show the 25ft from the corner. Cr Riggs thought that more, especially at the north end of town, should be so marked. The Inspector will investigate.
The Town Clerk is investigating people plying for hire with cars without a licence.
A draft letter drawn up by solicitors has been prepared to be sent to by-law breaking motorists who do not immediately make a subscription to Council funds.
The Superintendent of Railways says the road to the station has been repaired and a light will be installed at Railway Terrace.
The PMG is considering the withdrawal of the telephone at the Burra Railway Station. The Mayor thought it should be reinstated. The Town Clerk said it cost the Department £1 p.a. to collect the calls and the revenue did not amount to that much.
The Inspector reported various offences – notably that on 14 May Mr McKenna of Broken Hill had crashed into the Mine Bridge breaking the northeast corner. He has the name and address of the driver who asked that the account be sent to him.
The plan for a bridge near Finch’s (beyond the cemetery) was laid on the table. It will do so for a fortnight, as the Inspector of Roads and Bridges would have to approve and he was due about then.
Cr Riggs moved to rescind permission for W.O. James to fence off the north end of Creek St and a gate to be placed there. Fences to be placed on the proper boundary.
Cr Woollacott moved that fences concerned in the recent subdivision of Grahamstown be placed on the correct boundaries and tenders called for same. Carried.
Various minor works approved.
Concerning the croquet Ground:
Cr Riggs said Mrs Sara said that in all probability the club would be able to secure the adjacent blocks to that granted by the Council. The Club wanted to know if they could do so whether the Council would act as trustees for the property. He so moved and Cr Woollacott seconded.
Cr Pearce pointed out the Club would need a lease. Carried with the proviso the Council be put to no expense and the Club pay the rates and taxes.
Consideration of the Council buying motor traction was deferred indefinitely on account of lack of funds.
It was agreed to try as an experiment allotting each ward £300 instead of 75% of rates raised in the ward. Maintenance money to be allocated as needed. Carried.
The Cemetery Bridge cost was £21-7-0.
Local Board of Health
The Director of Education was notified of the very unsatisfactory state of the school toilets and surroundings.
Burra Rifle Club. Sixth & final stage of the Summer Shoot. Best scorers were W.V. Bass & C.W. Pearce. For the whole competition:
Aggregate with handicap H.H. Byles 311 won from G. Herbert 310.
Aggregate off-the-rifle H.G. Oates 291 won from C.W. Pearce 284.
XXXXIXI, 23, 6 June 1928, page 1
Booborowie’s Bachelor’s Ball in the Memorial Hall on 31 May was a great success and is reported at length. [13⁄4 columns]
XXXXIXI, 23, 6 June 1928, page 2
Notice. Tenders called for the erection of the Soldiers Memorial Porch and Cinema Room in front of the present Institute at Farrell’s Flat by Saturday 23 June 1928. R.A. Read, Secretary.
XXXXIXI, 23, 6 June 1928, page 3
Obituary. Melita Pizzo, daughter of Mr & Mrs D. Pizzo, late of Kooringa and now of Torrensville, died last week aged 12. [Melita Harriet Pizzo born Kooringa 2 April 1914: died Adelaide, residence Torrensville 29 May 1928.]
Obituary. Mr E. Birbeck, well-known baker of Norwood has died. He was born in Burra in the early 1860s and left here aged 6, but was a conspicuous visitor at the ‘Back to Burra’ celebrations.
[Edward James Birbeck born Kooringa 11 September 1856: died Millswood 29 May 1928.]
Accident. Mr Don Turnbull overseer at Walter Finch’s ‘Mullaby’ received concussion in a fall from his horse on Friday. He has slightly improved.
Burra Rifle Club. On the Monday Holiday Kapunda Club visited Burra and Burra won by 31 points.
Football. At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday:
Farrell’s Flat 9.3 (57) defeated Burra Wanderers 5.7 (37)
SAR. The northbound passenger train struck and killed a cow at the crossing three miles south of Farrell’s Flat last Wednesday morning.
Sir John Melrose
Mr John Melrose has been made a Knight Bachelor in the Commonwealth Honours. He was born at Rosebank SA on 12 January 1860 and educated at Prince Alfred College. He got experience for a year in a mercantile office before going to Franklin Harbour to assist in the management of Wangaraleedini Station until 1883. Early in 1884 he went to Ulooloo Station to manage it for his father and on the latter’s death he bought the station from the trustees. He later acquired, with the late Mr H. Dutton, the North Booborowie Estate and its flocks. He ahs built up a splendid stud and spent the greater part of his life at Ulooloo. In July last year he gave £10,000 to the Waite Institute. Those who know him acclaim his honesty of purpose and kindly disposition. When he lost his eyesight he continued to direct his enterprises. Among his other benefactions is the Maternity Wing of the Burra Hospital to which he gave £1,600. He has long been associated with the Hallett DC and is a member of the Burra Hospital Board.
Sir George Wilkins a.k.a. Sir Hubert Wilkins
George Wilkins who has been made a Knight Bachelor was born at Mt Bryan East in 1888 and spent his early years in the district where he went to school. He is now known as an Arctic Explorer and in the Great War was a distinguished member of the Australian Flying Corps where he gained a Military Cross and bar and was twice mentioned in despatches. His last meritorious expedition was a flight to the North Pole. [On being knighted he chose to be known as Sir Hubert Wilkins.]
XXXXIXI, 23, 6 June 1928, page 4
Redruth Court, 31 May
George Alfred Williams (engine driver) & William Clement J. Faulkner (cleaner) of the SAR were charged with having 17 fish in their possession on 24 May which might reasonably be suspected as being stolen. The informant was F.R.L. Gibson, stationmaster of Burra.
The case is reported at length running to 31⁄2 columns.
The stationmaster had found the fish in possession of the men at the railway barracks and had earlier noticed a slit in the bagging over a case of fish on the platform.
[Incidentally the barracks are described as being 200 yards south of the station and as comprising four bedrooms, a dining room, kitchen & bathroom, with a wood stove at the north end of the kitchen. The WC was a pit closet 20 yards from the barracks.]
William R. Ridgway, porter, gave evidence of the location of the box of fish, its condition and the whereabouts of the accused at crucial times. He had noticed the tear in the cover and that the box felt lighter.
M-C Geoffrey Webster gave evidence of the recovery of fish from various places at and near the barracks including the WC, amounting in all to 17.
The defence lawyer did his best to throw doubt on the validity of the evidence and the identification of the fish.
Sgt McDonald also gave evidence of the search for the fish and the discovery of fish scales in various places.
The defence counsel Mr Bright continued to object whenever possible. He also gave the statements of the accused which sought to explain that Williams had bought 4 or 5 fish from a person he could not identify. Faulkner had also bought fish. Mr Bright had advised them to plead guilty and said it appeared to him to be the result of a drunken spree which would blight the lives of two young men and was likely to lead to both of them losing their jobs.
Williams was 36 with one child and lived at Terowie. He had been in Government employment for 20 years. He said he had as a result lost both his job and his home.
Faulkner was 26 and employed as a cleaner. He lived at Terowie and was to have acted as a fireman that evening.
The railway authorities asked for imprisonment. Mr Bright asked for leniency.
Williams was fined £30 + court fees or six months.
Faulkner was fined £15 + court fees or three months. (Williams had previous convictions.)
They were allowed one month to pay.
XXXXIXI, 24, 13 June 1928, page 3
Mr Herbert Morgan was given a valedictory social at Mullaby Woolshed on 9 June. He has sold his Wildildie & Morgan Vale properties and will retire at least for now. Mr & Mrs W. Montgomery are also leaving the district. Speeches, a presentation and dancing are all reported in a 1-column article.
XXXXIXI, 24, 13 June 1928, page 4
Football at Victoria Park on Saturday:
Aberdeen 1.4 3.8 4.8 8.11 (59)
Ramblers 1.5 2.6 7.10 7.10 (52)
Burra Coursing Club. The 9th annual meet at Gum Creek on 5-7 June was a great success and is reported in 2⁄3 column.
Golf. On Saturday Clare beat Burra in the 2nd round of the Mid-North Group Association.
XXXXIXI, 24, 13 June 1928, Supplement
Notice. Burra Burra Hospital Board; Annual Elections 1928. All three were elected unopposed:
Maurice Collins, Stanley Kellaway & Herbert Morgan.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 21st stage of the Abberton Park Trophy Shoot the best scores were from R.J. Fairchild and H.G. Oates. This brings the aggregate to H.G. Oates 29 from R. Woodman 25 and A.P. Harris & W.V. Bass with 24 each.
Burra Liberal Federation, Women’s Branch AGM was held 1 June. Mrs Warnes was re-elected President and Miss Rogers Secretary. Acting President is Mrs C.D. Wilkinson.
Burra District Council. All candidates elected unopposed 11 June.
Kooringa Ward E. Finch
H.W. Tiver
Baldina Ward J. Kellock
King Ward N. Hiles Pearse
Auditor E.J. Davey
Advt. Burra Football Association & YMCA Sports, Victoria Park 23 June
Program of events is printed.
Obituary. Mr T. Frederic Robertson of Aberdeen died on 11 June after a long illness. He has been in business as a carrier for many years. He leaves a widow and a grown up family.
[See an extended obituary next issue.]
Obituary. John Parker, late of Morgan, but who has been living for some time with his nephew John Parker of Kooringa, died in Burra Hospital on 10 June after a long illness. He was 77 and for over 40 years worked for the Escott family, much of the time for Frank H. Escott of Morgan. He is survived by one brother, James Parker of Robertstown and one sister.
Luke Day’s corner is said to have been sold to Wright’s Motors Ltd who intend erecting there an up-to-date garage.
E.W. Crewes JP has been appointed a probation officer.
The weather has been very windy and wet. Of the 146 points for the month to 12 June, 84 fell on Sunday & Monday last.
Burra Red Cross AGM was held 5 June in the Eastern Telephone Buildings. Officers were re-elected: President, Mrs J. Tennant; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames C.D. Wilkinson & W.H. Sandland; Treasurer, Miss Coglin; joint Secretaries, Mesdames Marston & Wigley. A program of activities for the year was arranged.
Burra Coursing Club. The three-day meet ended with a fine banquet at the Royal Exchange Hotel on 7 June. Over 60 guests sat down to a sumptuous spread of roast turkey and other delicacies. Mr Leo Hodgens was the recipient of a tea and coffee service and a pair of slips, a gold medal and three fat cheques.
Cricket. Rambler Cricket Club celebrated the premiership with a social for members and wives and friends at the Burra Hotel on 6 June. Speeches etc. are reported in 11⁄4 columns.
Burra Town Council, 6 June
S. Baker was granted permission to erect a building in East St. (Cr Woollacott was the contractor.)
There was concern that some of the work in the Overseer’s report was poorly done and had not been seen by him. There was then a debate on the fact that Council provided the Overseer with no way of getting about the town and it was therefore hard for him to see all the work done.
Cr Woollacott expressed concern that people with horses did not want to see the roads tarred right across.
Trees from H. Rabbich’s to the station are to be lopped high enough for traffic to pass under them.
The Mayor said judging by the number of men asking for work there must be a large number unemployed in the town.
A good deal of road work and other jobs had been passed, but not done. Tenders are to be called for raising metal.
A silent cop is to be placed at the Kooringa Hotel corner.
The footbridge near the black bridge is to be attended to.
Telegrams of congratulation sent to Sir John Melrose and Mrs Wilkins as the mother of Sir George Wilkins.
Cr Riggs gave notice that he would move the clause calling for the Aberdeen Croquet Club to pay rates and taxes be rescinded on the grounds the arrangement made would virtually convert the grounds to parklands.
Allan Gebhardt won the tender for adjusting boundary fences in New Aberdeen.
The decision on a bridge near Finch’s past the cemetery was deferred, as the proposal from a city engineer was deemed too expensive.
There was quite a discussion on whose duty it was to run up the flag for the Council on appropriate days. The Town Clerk said it was not his. A motion was passed that the Town Clerk see that the flag was flown when necessary.
Hanson Memorial Hall. A block has been given to the Memorial Institute Committee. It is on the northeast corner of the township, which is an ideal spot for a hall and will be surveyed when the title deeds are to hand. It is probable building will commence this year.
Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society AGM was held in the Lodge Room last Tuesday. President James Thomas presided over a fair attendance. (Miss L.E. Coglin was Secretary and Mr E.J. Davey was Treasurer.) The society’s origins were a bequest of £500 from G.A. Gebhardt. As only the interest can be used it was decided to seek further assistance from charitably-disposed friends.
Bowls. Results of the Burra Indoor Bowls Association are printed. [There has been no previous mention of this organisation. The premiership table shows one round of games has been played, so it may have been a new organisation:
Played Won Lost For Against
Reds 1 1 0 20 12
Whites 1 1 0 20 18
Blues 1 0 1 18 20
Black 1 0 1 12 20
St Mary’s
XXXXIXI, 25, 20 June 1928, page 2
Notice. Dedication of the Chancel & Vestry of St Edmund’s Church, Booborowie on Sunday 24 June 3 p.m. Archdeacon Bussell will preach.
XXXXIXI, 25, 20 June 1928, page 3
Obituary. Theodore Frederic Robertson died at his residence Aberdeen 10 June aged 71. He had lived in the district for 51 years. He was born in Bristol, England in 1856, the fourth son of the late Dr & Mrs H.A.P. Robertson of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. He came to Australia with a friend, Mr Parker, of the Hoddart Parker Steamship Line on a health trip and their parents hoped they would return and follow the profession of medicine. Mr Robertson was so taken with Australia that he decided to stay and though he later wanted to visit England, he never managed to get away. For many years he was clerk for Treleaven & Brown, carriers of Burra whose business he later purchased and carried on successfully to the time of his death. In business he was noted for his strict integrity. He was prominent in the Oddfellows Lodge and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He married Miss H.M. Rogers, second daughter of the late Thomas Rogers of Kooringa. There are two sons and seven daughters: Fred (Aberdeen), Harry (Woodside), [Laura May] Mrs S. Cilento (Adelaide), Belle Mrs C.W. Muller (Croydon), Gertrude Mrs Thompson (Aldgate), Dorothy Mrs C.W. Ward (Kent Town), Daphne Mrs P.A. Fuss (Aberdeen), Gladys Mrs S.R. King (Aberdeen) & Miss Kathleen. There are 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
F.R.L. Gibson, stationmaster, has been transferred to Gawler. He was noted in cricket and golfing circles and well as in musical ones.
Sir George Wilkins (Sir Hubert Wilkins) was honoured by a gathering at Mt Bryan East School on Saturday. About 150 attended. A panel containing portraits of Sir George, his companion Lieut. Elson and their plane was presented. [From the Alaska-Spitzbergen flight of 1928.] Five of his brothers and his only surviving sister attended: Harry W. (Victor Harbor), Fred (Glenelg)
Frank (Malvern), Tom (Tusmore), Arthur (Goolwa) and Annie Mrs Cockshell (Forestville). Sir George was the youngest of 12. The family left for Victor Harbor about 25 years ago. Notables present were the Commissioner of Crown Land Hon. G.F. Jenkins, Sir John Melrose, Miss L. Melrose, Mr R. Carter MP, Mr Morley Bath of Rigleys Ltd [sic] [Perhaps Rigby’s Ltd the publishers?] The Chairman of the School Committee had been a schoolmate of Sir George at Mt Bryan East and in Adelaide. Other speakers were Hon. G.F. Jenkins, Sir John Melrose (who knew him slightly as a lad, but knew his parents well) and Mr H. Wilkins. Mr Wilkins said it was just 50 years since his father arrived at Mt Bryan East and 92 since his grandfather arrived in SA. His father was born in SA in 1836 (and Sir John Melrose’s in 1838). Fred Wilkins supported his brother’s remarks. Mr Bath presented the panel. Mr R. Carter also spoke. A lavish tea was then served in the supper room at the rear of the church. (Morley Bath is a nephew of Thomas Bath of Burra.)
XXXXIXI, 25, 20 June 1928, page 4
The Liberal Federation Burra Men’s Branch AGM was held at the Eastern Telephone Building 8 June with President Maurice Radford presiding. After formal business there was an address on the present political situation by the General President C. Hawker. M.A. Radford was re-elected President with Mr I.J. Warnes & Mr E. Jettner as Vice-Presidents.
Booborowie Coursing Club annual meet was held 13 & 14 June and was a great success. The Ellery Bros. won £45 and a beautiful clock with the run of their Fawn Billy.
CWA branch has been established at Spalding with Mrs E.E. George as President, Mrs Howley as Secretary and Mrs W. Campbell as Treasurer.
XXXXIXI, 25, 20 June 1928, Supplement
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 1.4 4.8 6.10 11.10 (76)
Hallett 2.2 3.4 4.7 5.7 (37)
At Duncan Park, Farrell’s Flat on Saturday:
Aberdeen 4.4 6.5 7.8 8.11 (59)
Farrell’s Flat 0.0 2.2 2.4 2.7 (19)
Golf. Gents Handicap was won by Rev. Coles 88-22 for a nett 66.
St Joseph’s Convent Dance at the Institute 13 June was very sociable and successful.
XXXXIXI, 26, 27 June 1928, page 3
Advt. Operetta Snow White at the Institute 19 July.
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Max Pearce (nee Nell Herbert) a daughter, Winsome Jill.
The Season’s outlook is very good with very promising rainfall so far. Seeding has been finished and green feed and early wheat is carpeting the ground. Pastoral outlooks are also quite good.
Liberal Federation. The Burra Burra District Committee annual meeting was held at Jamestown Institute on Wednesday 20 June and was well attended. M.A. Radford was elected President with G.F. Jenkins MP & F.T. Jettner MP as Vice-Presidents. The Secretary is Mr M.S. Edwards.
Burra Golf Club will submit plans for a Club House to the Burra Sports Syndicate. Greens will be oiled and re-sanded immediately.
St Edmund’s Church at Booborowie was dedicated 24 June by the Venerable Archdeacon Bussell, acting on the Commission of the Bishop. Bad roads deterred visitors from afar, but the church was filled with locals. The Rector of St Mary’s and Mr D. Keynes, lay reader, assisted. The nave of the church was completed four years ago and dedicated. This ceremony saw the dedication of the sanctuary. We understand that of the cost of the work of £270 less than £40 is outstanding. Contractors were Mr J. Frahm (mason) and Mr R. Fuss (carpenter).
Indoor Bowls continues with five teams in the competition.
Hanson Coursing Club held a meeting on 16 June and decided to hold a 32-dog stake on 1 & 2 August at Gum Creek. Prize money £80.
XXXXIXI, 26, 27 June 1928, page 4 & Supplement
Burra Town Council, 21 June
Harry W. Wilkins thanked the Council for its letter re Sir George Wilkins.
Graham Dow was appointed auditor in place of Boz Pearce on account of the latter’s ill health.
The Deputy Post Master General advises that the public phone at the station will be reinstated if the Council is prepared to make up any deficit below £16 – the recent average yearly takings have been between £1 & £2. Council will take no further action.
R. Fuss granted permission to extend a shed at the rear of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co.
Plans for the Vacuum Oil Co. Depot at Aberdeen were approved.
An enlarged photograph of Mr J. McLaren, former Mayor, has been received and will be hung.
The previous resolution agreeing for Council to be trustees for the Aberdeen Croquet Club if they paid rates and taxes was rescinded to enable the club to be put on an equal basis with other clubs in the town. The land will be treated as parklands.
Cr Riggs then moved the Croquet Club be granted a 99-year lease and they be responsible only for excess water rates. Carried.
Discussion on road metal supply followed and on the need for bags to ease the mud problem around new graves in the wet. Gravel is to be got for cemetery paths.
Local Board of Health
The Inspector of the Central Board is insisting that those with licenses to sell milk must have a properly paved shed and drainage. There was debate on how this would affect some poor people making a pittance from one or two cows, but dependant upon that little and unable to afford a proper shed.
The Town Clerk thought these people would have to get out of the business. He will write to the Central Board pointing out the problems and asking if any variation in regulation can be made.
Burra Hospital Board, 28 May
Final payment of subsidy on the Isolation Ward has been received.
Painting of the hospital is continuing and D. Jones & Sons are to be paid £75 progress payment.
CWA in Queensland has welcomed the Burra Branch with its new title into the Association as the first branch in SA.
XXXXIXI, 27, 4 July 1928, page 3
Obituary. Mr Harry Rabbich died at his residence in Aberdeen on Tuesday 3 July. He was the second son of the late Mr & Mrs W. Rabbich of Aberdeen. He was born at Salisbury, but came to Burra as a child in 1858. His father was a butcher in Aberdeen assisted by his sons, Thomas, Maurice and Harry. Thomas later went to WA. After his father’s death Harry Rabbich carried on the business for some time and then sold out. For some years afterwards he was employed by the late T.F. Robertson until failing health caused his retirement. He had a large circle of friends and leaves a widow, four daughters and one son.
Burra Hospital. The new Isolation Ward was used for the first time on Monday when four diphtheria cases were admitted.
Mr & Mrs C. Wesley Gare, Miss Gare & Miss Essie Bryce were farewelled from Mt Bryan East Church on Saturday 23 June. The family is moving to Kooringa to live.
Farrell’s Flat Soldiers Memorial. The tender of Mr T. Farrell was accepted. A supervisory committee has been appointed.
Burra Hospital Board, 25 June
Sir John Melrose was congratulated on his knighthood.
The Board decided on the level of the contributions from Councils for the coming year. Members for the coming year were elected unopposed: Maurice Collins, Stanley Kellaway and Herbert Morgan.
Marriage. St Joseph’s Church, 26 June
Gertrude Madigan, fifth daughter of Mrs & the late James Madigan of Booborowie, married
John Cousins, eldest son of Mrs & the late A.J. Cousins of Booborowie.
XXXXIXI, 27, 4 July 1928, page 4
Burra Benevolent Society meeting of 26 June. President James Thomas took the chair. Mr Thomas reflected on benevolent acts of his early life. He recalled a Mr Pike, a German who lived in the Paddock and made tops for children and fed hungry children on bread and dripping. Donations totalling £5-5-0 were acknowledged.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 3.3 10.7 12.11 18.12 (120)
Farrell’s Flat 2.3 4.3 5.6 9.9 (63)
Burra Rifle Club. Final shoot for the season.
Riverton Club visited on Saturday 30 June and Burra 769 defeated Riverton 751.
Abberton Park Trophy was won by H.G. Oates with 29 points from R. Woodman with 25.
Championship Cup & Shield went to H. Byles.
The Handicap Prize from the same matches went to R.J. Fairchild.
Marksman’s Trophy to H.G. Oates.
Bullseye Trophy to H.G. Oates.
SA Rifle Assoc. Silver Spoon to H.G. Oates
1st 10 matches of Abberton Park Trophy to R. Woodman
2nd 10 matches of Abberton Park Trophy to C.W. Pearce
Teams Trophy off the rifle to A.B. Riggs
Teams Trophy Handicap to P.W. Hogan
Handicap 200, 500 & 600 yards to W. Woodman
Handicap 300, 500 & 600 yards to W.V. Bass
Handicap 300, 600 & 700 yards to H.G. Oates
Handicap 500, 600 & 700 yards to G. Herbert
Handicap 800 & 900 yards to A.B. Riggs
Summer Shoot Handicap to H. Byles
Summer Shoot off the rifle to H.G. Oates
XXXXIXI, 28, 11 July 1928, page 3
Birth. On 1 July at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs L.M. Dixon (nee Rode Williams) a daughter, Audrey Mae.
Redruth Court.
Mr Bednall told Mr Nesbit SM that the name of the court was misleading and a more fitting mane would be the Burra Court. Mr Nesbit agreed and if Mr Bednall will write a formal letter to Pt Augusta he would bring the matter to the attention of the Attorney-General.
YMCA Classes. Moves are under way to form a wrestling class.
The Aurora Australis was visible in the southern sky on Sunday evening.
Obituary. Mr Isaac Goss died in WA on 30 June aged 81. Before going to WA Mr Goss had been for many years a carpenter and builder in Aberdeen. The family was prominent in the Methodist Church. A daughter (Gertrude) is Mrs Edgar Tiver of Hallett.
Obituary. Mavis Gallagher, child of Mr & Mrs George Gallagher, died at Burra Hospital on Saturday 7 July after a short illness. [Mavis Mary Gallagher: born 9 August 1922 at Redruth.]
Obituary. Paul Camp of Aberdeen died 4 July after a long illness aged 28. He was a son of Mr & Mrs Elliott Camp of Redruth. He leaves a young widow and family.
[Born 18 November 1899 at Copperhouse.]
Burra Co. Volunteer Forces. This company was formed under F.W. Holder (later Sir Frederick)
And the recent death of Harry Rabbich leaves only four of them alive: Messrs Adolph Lott, M. Pederson, R.D. Pascoe & Charles Parks.
Rev. W.O. Harris calls for aid for the family of the late Paul Camp and the Soldiers’ Aid Society has donated £2-6-0 as a start to the fund.
Burra Rifle Club. Annual meeting. 18 members attended with retiring Captain A.L. Kellock in the chair. It had been a very satisfactory year. The presentation of trophies is then reported as noted last issue. The ‘Abberton Park Trophy’ as it ahs been referred to all year is actually the ‘Collins Park Trophy’.
Elected: Captain, Clem W. Pearce; Vice-Captain, H.G. Oates; Hon. Sec. & Treasurer, Arthur P. Harris.
XXXXIXI, 28, 11 July 1928, page 4
Burra Show Society. General Committee meeting 2 July. A host of detail in preparation for the next show is reported in 2 columns. It was decided to run a special train again from Terowie and a railcar from Adelaide (capacity 60).
Mrs L. White of ‘Sutton Lea’ near Clare writes advocating the use of unfermented wine as a table drink in place of tea ‘as a lot of nerves are shattered through the use of strong tea’. A high duty would have to be imposed on tea. This would save rooting out valuable vines when prohibition comes in.
XXXXIXI, 28, 11 July 1928, Supplement
Football at Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 5.4 5.5 9.6 9.7 (61)
Ramblers 1.2 4.5 5.5 7.7 (49)
At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday:
Hallett 2.3 2.3 2.8 6.12 (48)
Farrell’s Flat 0.2 1.6 2.7 3.10 (28)
Redruth Court, 4 July
B.L. Symonds late licensee of the Bon Accord Hotel was fined £5 for having the bar door unlocked after hours. Associated fines to those present of £5 + £1 costs were imposed on J.J. Mortimer of Gawler, W. Pearce & P.W. Clark.
E. Wall tobacconist of Peterborough successfully sued Mrs E. McDonald of the Kooringa Hotel for money received for him as a [betting] agent, but not passed on. [The details are reported extensively.]
Soldiers’ Aid Society 13th Annual Meeting was held in Redruth Memorial Hall. President Miss Bubb reported four new members to boost the falling numbers. Average attendance this year was 13 as against 12 the previous year and 13 the year before that. They handed £15-17-0 to the Angorichina Car Fund, £10 having come to them from The Home League Society in Adelaide. The annual strawberry fete brought in £71 last November. Half they kept for their own needs and half went to the Royal Institution for the Blind. This enabled £20 to be sent to Red Cross for Christmas Cheer.
The State War Council has written saying we cannot donate to the Royal Institution for the Blind unless it can be shown that returned soldiers received the benefit. The manager of the Institution has written confirming the same.
Election: President, Miss Bubb; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames M.A. Radford, F. Pearce Sen. & T. Turner; Treasurer, Mrs M.A. Radford; Secretary, Miss Bubb.
XXXXIXI, 29, 18 July 1928, page 3
Birth. At Sister Villis’s 11 July to Mr & Mrs A.W. Andrews (nee Annie Opperman) a son, Bryan Alwyn.
Weather. Rain began to fall on Saturday with some 103 points in the last week. Less fell to the east, but many stations recorded falls between 40 & 60 points, though a few got less.
The Camp Relief Fund has reached £33-6-6.
No. 3 Civil Court before Mr Justice Piper
Kenneth Fryar Penrose Sawers pastoralist of Marryatville claimed £900 damages from Drew & Crewes Ltd. £600 for loss of a thoroughbred mare and £100 for loss of a filly foal plus £200 loss on the mare for stud purposes. A drew & Crewes employee had driven a car through a group of horses on 5 March 1927 and a piece of piping attached to it had so injured the mare that she lost the foal she was carrying and had to be put down on 9 April 1927. The defence denied any negligence and accused the plaintiff of driving horses uncontrolled and on the wrong side of the road etc. The judgement was for the plaintiff for £630 plus costs.
Obituary. Mr A.J. Godlee, storekeeper of Booborowie, was found dead in his residence on Sunday last with a shot gun nearby. He was aged 50 and leaves a widow and two young children.
[Born Alfred John Godlee 8 Sep 1881 at Murrapatirrina: died 15 July 1928 at Booborowie.]
Burra Golf Club. Clare visited on Saturday and in good weather Burra won 6 games to 2.
XXXXIXI, 29, 18 July 1928, page 4
W.H. McWaters writes a 1-column long letter concerning a petition to the Burra DC asking for commonage rights to be restored for six months of the year. He presented the petition on 6 July to the Council and moved that the wished of the ratepayers therein be granted. Despite the four men voted in by those same ratepayers being present, he could not get a seconder from either Baldina or King Ward. Cr Tiver of Kooringa Ward (which has no commonage available) eventually seconded it. There were no amendments and the motion was put and lost without discussion. Mr McWaters says that a few years ago he managed commonage for £90 and brought in nearly twice that in fees. Now they earn nothing.
E.T. Prior of Copperhouse writes that he was struck by a car being driven into Jennison’s Garage. It grazed his leg and he was lucky not to be a step further on. He could not see it coming as one eye was bandaged. The driver claimed he did not see the pedestrian due to his side-curtains. This is careless driving.
‘Ratepayer’ writes complaining of the way livestock wanders the Farrell’s Flat streets at night.
J.O. Hatter, Government Dairy Inspector, writes advising of a tour being organised to educate persons interested in dairying by visiting dairy premises in this district and elsewhere and in and around Adelaide.
XXXXIXI, 29, 18 July 1928, Supplement
Football at Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 7.3 7.4 11.5 12.12 (84)
Farrell’s Flat 0.0 1.2 3.4 3.7 (25)
XXXXIXI, 30, 25 July 1928, page 3
Birth. On 21 July at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs Carter of ‘Strathburn’ Leighton a son, Eric.
Mr Walter Finch has sold the valuable pastoral property of ‘Mullaby’ (including Mr J. Reed’s well-known farm and Nankivell’s block to Messrs E. & G.R. Finch of Kooringa.
Weather. The rain has continued with a further 109 points since last issue. Falls to the east averaged around 30 points.
Sgt G.E. McDonald of Redruth has been winning prizes in Victoria at the Poultry & Kennel Club Shoe for his Jacobin pigeons.
Obituary. June Jennison, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Horton Jennison, died suddenly of croup on Sunday aged 4. [June Myreen Jennison born 8 June 1924: died 22 July 1928.]
Obituary. Mr J. Fairbrother, brother of Mrs I.J. Warnes aged 42 was killed at Blackwood on Saturday night. [No other details given.] [Born Joseph Abraham Fairbrother 4 June 1882 at Fullarton: died Joseph Abram Fairbrother 21 July 1928 at Blackwood.]
Burra Benevolent Society met on 19 July. The society lacks the funds to satisfy demand and has established an ‘Investigation Committee’. This has been caused particularly as a result of someone gaining aid through duplicity. A call has been made for rugs, clothes etc. A number of aged and decrepit people need help and the feasibility of getting a district nurse will be investigated.
The Camp Fund now totals £42-11-0 and there will be a benefit performance of Snow White on 2 August in the Institute.
Burra Hospital Board, 23 July
W.G. Hawkes was elected Chairman for another year. The new Isolation Ward was in use and erection and furnishing had cost c. £1,800. Appropriately the family of the late James Gallagher were the first to use it (after he had donated so much towards it).
The interior of the hospital has now all been painted.
XXXXIXI, 30, 25 July 1928, page 4
Golf. Burra visited Farrell’s Flat where the Burra ladies lost to Farrell’s Flat 4-3 with the other halved. The Burra men won 6-2.
XXXXIXI, 30, 25 July 1928, Supplement
Burra Town Council
The Local Government Department has removed from the schedule of main roads the road to the station and that to the eastern boundary of Redruth. It has made the main road out of Redruth the one past Sara’s and the sale yards.
Texas Co. was allowed to erect three petrol pumps outside its business premises.
T.H. Woollacott was granted permission to erect a house on section 3334 for Mr H. Morgan. [This is a mistake, as there is no section 3334 and no allotment 3334 either within the Corporation area.]
Discussion on road maintenance dominated the meeting.
The main roads schedule was discussed and the Government will be asked to reinstate the road on the eastern boundary from the bridge to Abberton Park.
Local Board of Health
A letter from the Central Board of Health confirms that there can be no exception from the regulations for persons keeping one cow.
One case of TB was reported.
Snow White, the operetta, was produced to a large and appreciative audience on 19 July in the Institute. A deluge of rain on the night probably prevented a full house. The operetta was produced by Mrs P.J. Pickering (the wife of the manager of the Bank of Australasia). Nett proceeds were £48.
Burra Rifle Club. 1st stage of the Koonoona Cup on Saturday saw best results from H.G. Oates, C.W. Pearce, P.W. Hogan & S. Cordon.
Golf. There is more on the trip to Farrell’s Flat.
Burra Show Prize List for the 1928 show to be held 5 & 6 October is printed.
XXXXIXI, 31, 1 Aug. 1928, page 3
Birth. On 25 July at ‘Daydream’ Aberdeen to Mr & Mrs Guy Tiddy, a son, [Geoffrey Hiram].
The Camp Fund. Donations have reached £50-12-6 and the Burra Hospital has written off its account for c. £30.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Aberdeen 0.0 1.1 3.2 5.8 (38)
Hallett 2.3 2.5 3.6 3.7 (25)
At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday:
Ramblers 5.3 7.8 10.10 11.10 (76)
Farrell’s Flat 2.2 7.3 7.3 8.4 (52)
Old Collegians’ Smoke Social at Burra Hotel 28 July.
Dance at the Institute 26 July, organised by a small committee.
XXXXIXI, 31, 1 Aug. 1928, Supplement
Norman R. Ellery writes an account of driving sheep from East Bungaree to Gladstone.
XXXXIXI, 32, 8 Aug. 1928, page 3
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 1 August
William Nankivell, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Alfred A. Nankivell of Kooringa, married
Caroline (Carrie) W. Gebhardt, 5th daughter of Mr & Mrs F. Gebhardt of Kooringa.
Marriage. In Adelaide 4 July [Parsonage South Terrace]
Fred, eldest son of Mr & Mrs F. Gebhardt, married Frances Mansford of Adelaide.
Wrestling. Two world famous wrestlers were in Burra on Monday: Messrs Al Karasick and Tom Alley. They were met by P.L. Rosman and demonstrated wrestling at YMCA classes. The men & Mr Le Cornu, manager of Stadiums Ltd, had spent the weekend as guests of Mr Tom McBride of Redcliffe Station. They ended the evening at a dance at St Mary’s.
Mr F. Gibbon, stationmaster, was given a typewriter as a farewell gift on 1 August before his departure for Gawler.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.6 2.7 5.13 7.17 (59)
Ramblers 2.2 3.7 5.11 5.13 (43)
Snow White was presented again on Thursday 2 August before a large audience and was a great success for the Camp Fund, taking £55-0-6.
Mr W.A. Moulds, head teacher at Farrell’s Flat, has been moved to Pt McDonald after only four months there.
SA Stockowners’ Assoc. Burra Branch AGM was held 3 August in the Eastern Telephone Building. President I.J. Warnes took the chair. He was re-elected President of the District Committee. The branch’s activities are reported in 13⁄4 columns.
Camp Relief Fund has reached £65-5-51⁄2. It will close on 15 August.
XXXXIXI, 32, 8 Aug. 1928, page 4
McCormick-Deering Wheel Tractor - A list of 505 satisfied owners in SA.
Hanson Coursing Club reported its annual meeting held last Wednesday and Thursday. The winner was Mr J. Meek’s Boy Ben.
Fancy Dress (Masked) Social was held at Redruth Memorial Sunday School on 1 August to raise money for the forthcoming fete. Proceeds £10-12-0. [Personal interest: Ted Fuss went as a swagman.]
XXXXIXI, 32, 8 Aug. 1928, Supplement
Redruth Court
Spencer Gregory Pickering of Aberdeen was charged by Sgt George E. McDonald that on 11 June he falsely pretended to Theodor John Blucher of Waterloo that a company had been formed to make paper from straw and that for buying 50 shares in Central State Paper Ltd he would be appointed District Inspector at £6 per week and commission of 1/- per acre of straw bought, by which means he falsely obtained £12. In an allied case he was charged with obtaining £50 from Jacob Giles Wardle of Redruth. He was remanded to Riverton Police Court on 10 August.
Booborowie Spinsters & Matron’s Ball on 2 August in the Booborowie Hall is reported at length. It was probably the hall’s greatest success with between 450 & 500 persons present.
Burra Rifle Club. At the 2nd stage of the Koonoona Cup the best shots were A.B. Riggs, C.W. Pearce, G. Herbert, J. Williams & A.P. Harris.
XXXXIXI, 33, 15 Aug. 1928, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute Tuesday 28 August the film King of Kings will be shown.
It will include a Prologue & Incidental Music by a Special Choir & Orchestra.
XXXXIXI, 33, 15 Aug. 1928, page 3
Notice. The Dissolution of the Partnership trading as Telephone Construction Co.
A.A. Nankivell, W.A. Nankivell, P.G. Henderson, William Dixon Thompson & John James Thompson, by mutual consent.
Birth. At Sister Villis’s on 14 August to Mr & Mrs H.R. Collins of Spalding a son, Kevin.
Camp Relief Fund now £67-14-51⁄2.
Mr P.J. Flaherty has arrived as the new stationmaster.
Mr J. Byrne, butcher of Jeffery & Byrne, sustained concussion on 8 August when thrown from his cart when the horse suddenly moved on. He is recovering.
Obituary. Mr John Wise, late of Burra and Hallett district died at Barker St Prospect on Saturday 11 August aged 82. He was for years a farmer at ‘Cartapo’ near Hallett. After retiring to Kooringa he became Superintendent of the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School and an officer in the church. When the family moved to Prospect he became Superintendent of the Sunday school there. Mrs Wise died a few months ago. They were married in the Kooringa Methodist Church in 1871 and had a family of eight boys and eight girls. Mr Elliot Wise of East of Burra is the youngest son.
[John Wise born 9 June 1846 at Adelaide. Mrs Wise nee Susanna Margaret White died 31 March 1928 aged 80.]
Riverton Court, Friday last.
The defendant Spencer Gregory Pickering pleaded guilty to the charges of fraud brought against him and was committed to be sentenced. There is over a column of evidence detailing how he had obtained the money by pretending there was a company to make paper from straw. Among those giving evidence was Ernest Frederick Marston who had printed copies of application forms, receipts etc. for the defendant.
XXXXIXI, 33, 15 Aug. 1928, page 4
Burra Rifle Club held a practice shoot on Saturday. H.G. Oates & P.W. Hogan were the best scorers.
XXXXIXI, 33, 15 Aug. 1928, Supplement
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Hallett 0.1 4.3 5.10 8.13 (61)
Ramblers 0.3 1.6 2.8 3.12 (30)
At Farrell’s Flat:
Aberdeen 3.4 3.6 5.14 9.15 (69)
Farrell’s Flat 1.0 3.3 3.3 4.4 (28)
Burra Town Council
A.L. Clode applied to buy a small block of land near R. Fuss’s. It would straighten out the street and improve the appearance of the main road said Cr Woollacott, in moving the request be granted. Cr Riggs seconded: carried. The price to be paid was £2-10-0.
Various road matters occupied most of the time.
Three telephone poles in Aberdeen, not in use, are to be removed.
Cr Riggs suggested a small portion of the road above the railway station should be made one way. This to stand over for consideration.
Golf. Farrell’s Flat Club visited Burra on Saturday. The Burra men won all their matches, but Farrell’s Flat ladies won 4-2 with 2 games halved.
Captain Francis in his De-Haviland Moth flew into Burra on 1 August flying low over the town, looping the loop and nose diving. He is visiting places all over the country and reporting on the best landing grounds. He represents Lewis Coehn Co. [sic]. Mr Oscar Oates of Thames St Kooringa had a lucky ticket which got him a ride.
Violet Day was held in local Methodist Churches last Sunday. A large congregation heard Rev. W.O. Harris at Redruth, where Miss Reed was responsible for bowls of violets. A similar service in the evening at Kooringa Methodist church also had a large attendance for Rev. E. Lawson. There the masses of beautiful violets came from Mr J. Drew’s garden.
XXXXIXI, 34, 22 Aug. 1928, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will offer for sale on 31 August property in the estate of the late T.F. Robertson. Included in the list of freehold properties and plant are the following:
Pt Section 4 Hd of Kooringa comprising 14 acres.
Allotments 124-135 Main Road New Aberdeen comprising 4a 3r 31p
[i.e. Copperhouse St west of Duncan St as far as a closed road in the west and to the creek in the north.]
Allotments 108-110 & 119-123 comprising 3a 2r 35p
[The land bordered by Duncan, Holder, Lake and Copperhouse Streets.]
Allotments 111-114 comprising 13⁄4 acres with a stone house of 6 rooms, galvanised iron stable & sheds. [South side of Holder St.]
Plant: six horses, 2 Brockway motor lorries, Buick car, 4 trollies, tip dray, spring dray, harness, horse drawn hearse, hay & sundries.
Tenders called for the erection of a Motor Garage, Showroom & Service Station in Kooringa for Wright’s Motors. [Luke Day’s Corner.]
Tenders Called for the erection of a Methodist Kindergarten Hall at Hallett.
XXXXIXI, 34, 22 Aug. 1928, page 3
Obituary. George Blinko Watts died at his Black Springs residence 12 August aged 61. Husband of Francis and father of Alfred, Stanley, Leslie, Elsie & Mrs George Webb of Waterloo.
[Born George Blincker Watts 2 December 1866: died George Blanco Watts 12 August 1928.]
He was born at Steelton in 1867, the son of Mr Benjamin Watts, butcher of Steelton, with whom he worked for a time after leaving school before getting a mail contract Apoinga to Marrabel and Black Springs to Saddleworth for 18 years never missing a day. Later he worked for eight years for H. Collins & Co. ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan and three years with Mr A.G. Gebhardt of Mackerode. He was one of the first trustees of the Black Springs Hall. In 1890 he married Miss Francis Pickert of Waterloo who survives and a family of Mrs George Webb (Waterloo), Alfred & Sydney Watts of Broken Hill, Mr Leslie and Miss Elsie Watts of Black Springs.
Professor A.L.G. McKay MA, MEc will lecture at the Institute on Thursday night: The Present Economic Depression in SA and the Way Out. Arranged in connection with the WEA.
Progressive euchre evenings have become popular at St Joseph’s School.
Rev. William Shaw of Adelaide, one of the best known Methodist ministers in SA, is conducting a gospel mission this week in Burra.
George Lord died at Toorak Gardens on Tuesday. He was a former and much esteemed proprietor of the Burra Hotel. [Died 21 August 1928 aged 71.]
Mrs A. Seager writes as President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Ex-Naval Men’s Association, calling for donations towards a club to be erected for the Ex-Naval Men’s Association.
YMCA classes gave a demonstration on the evening of 13 August.
Copperhouse School Committee held an entertainment on 16 August to raise money for the school library etc. £5 was raised.
The Camp Fund. The money donated by subscriptions amounted to £88-8-111⁄2 and the operetta Snow White brought the total to £132-1-10. Last donations from hotel boxes brought the total to £134. It was decided to pay £5 now, and then £1 per week to the widow. A number of firms have also wiped out family accounts owing.
XXXXIXI, 34, 22 Aug. 1928, page 4
World’s End School Concert on 15 August raised £14.
Red Cross Society Jumble Sale on 17 August in the Cheer-up Room raised £37.
XXXXIXI, 34, 22 Aug. 1928, Supplement
Mr W.A. Moulds was farewelled as head teacher at Farrell’s Flat last Wednesday.
The 2nd YMCA & Burra Football Assoc. Sports were held on Saturday last at Victoria Park. There were only a few spectators and even the Farrell’s Flat & Ramblers Football Club were poorly represented. Results are printed.
XXXXIXI, 35, 29 Aug. 1928, page 2
Notice. A meeting is called at the Burra Hotel 31 August for the purpose of forming a Burra Polo Club.
Advt. All Seasons Fair at Burra Institute Friday 31 August in aid of the Kooringa Methodist Church.
Advt. Children’s Grand Fancy Dress Frolic. Thursday 30 August at St Joseph’s Schoolroom.
XXXXIXI, 35, 29 Aug. 1928, page 3
Obituary. Frederick Charles Baldock died at Burra on 23 August aged 54. He was the husband of Eleanor Inglis Baldock. [Born 12 September 1874 at Morphett Vale.]
Mr Baldock was an old resident of Booborowie. He was born at Noarlunga in 1873 and came to the Mt Bryan-Booborowie District when quite a lad. He later worked as a mail driver and a ranger for the Booborowie DC. For the last two years he has been butchering and farming at Bute. He had been in poor health since contracting pneumonia some months ago. He leaves a widow nee Eleanor White of Jamestown, but no family. Mrs E. Leighton of Booborowie is a sister. [He actually married Eleanor Inglis Moore in 1900.]
Obituary. Edward J. Winders died on 26 August at Burra Hospital aged 65. He was a brother to J. Winders and Mrs E.J. Lines. He was also a brother to the late Charles Winders of Baldina.
[Edward James Winders born 2 December 1863 at Pigeon Box, District of Burra.]
Accident. Last Thursday about midday a truck driven by Mr Stan Woollacott developed a steering gear fault as he slowed down to pick up Mr Les. White at the Mine Bridge. The truck struck the rails and rebounded onto the stonework of the bridge. Mr Plowright, a commercial traveller for Matthew Goode & Co. who was a passenger, was thrown out onto the parapet and badly injured his thigh. He was transferred to Hospital. The truck was also badly damaged.
Burra Institute Chess & Draughts Club got off to a good start on 22 August. Mr A. Walker was elected President and A.A. Davey is Secretary.
The Vacuum Oil Co. is installing two 6,000 gallon underground tanks for petrol and one 6,000 gallon tank for Voco Power Kerosene. This depot with its brick buildings and neat cyclone fence will be an asset to Burra and District. A case store capable of holding over 1,150 cases has been built to cater for case and tin requirements.
Burra Town Council, 20 August
There was a considerable discussion about whether the Councillors and specifically the Chairman of the Public Works Committee had authority to tell the Overseer what to do between meetings. The Mayor ruled the Overseer did not have to take orders from Councillors between meetings. Crs Woollacott & Riggs wanted a definite ruling from Council, but the matter seems to have been dropped with the Mayor’s ruling prevailing.
Ant-eaten wood on the Smelts Rd Bridge is to be replaced.
Local Board of Health
A letter from the Education Department said finances prevented the installation of a septic tank at the school. The Mayor said that the present arrangements were a scandalous disgrace. It was decided to write to the Department insisting that the recommendation of the Inspector of the Central Board be carried out.
Stock Owners’ Assoc. meeting on Friday in the Eastern Telephone Building.
Sheep stealing is reported to be a serious problem in the Eastern Pastoral Country generally. One owner recently claims to have lost 200-300 sheep and complained of little action or interest from police. In addition to large scale theft a good many trollies going through remove a sheep or two en route. One fellow with a trolly had a pen, disguised as a load of wood, which would hold 2-3 sheep. A motion was carried to get the executive to take up the matter with the Commissioner of Police.
Indoor Bowls 2nd semi-final Saturday 25 August.
Burra Burra Show Inc. Catalogues are out for the show on 5 & 6 October. The Governor will be invited to attend.
Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Player of Kooringa died last Wednesday 22 August aged 71, leaving a grown-up family. [Born Elizabeth Shaw in 1857.]
W.H. McWaters thanks the paper for the report of the World’s End School Concert and pays tribute to the teacher Mr H. Zadow.
Norman Smith writes that some of the criticism of the recent YMCA/Football Sports was unjustified. [The letter does not however, really clarify why so few footballers took part; merely stating that it was reasonable.]
XXXXIXI, 35, 29 Aug. 1928, page 4
Fracas in a Fish Shop. Mr N. Antonas who has recently begun business with a fish and chip shop in Young St was the victim of an unprovoked attack. Three men, John Patrick Bambery, Henry Morris and Arthur Henry Dowd came to the shop for a fish supper about 9.30 p.m. on Friday evening. They had been drinking and with little warning Bambery attacked Antonas with a chair and Morris joined in. When Antonas escaped out the back door Bambery and Morris set about destroying the property. The front window and every other were smashed, the furniture broken, a dresser pulled over and a large amount of crockery was broken. At Court J.G. Sara postmaster of Aberdeen gave evidence of the affray. Sgt McDonald gave evidence of the capture of the defendants and of the damage.
L.R. Fuss, contractor, gave evidence of the damage done to the building which he estimated at c. £10.
Bambery & Morris were remanded for sentence at the criminal sessions.
Dowd, who had not taken part, was charged with having no visible means of support and sentenced to 14 days in Adelaide Jail.
XXXXIXI, 35, 29 Aug. 1928, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club. At the 3rd stage of the Koonoona Cup on 18 August J. Williams and A.C. Aughey had the best scores.
Football. First Semi-Final at Hallett on Saturday:
Hallett 1.3 6.4 7.4 11.8 (74)
Ramblers 1.2 1.8 3.11 5.13 (43)
Farrell’s Flat Soldiers’ Memorial Porch & Cinema Room is under construction.
Obituary. John Wise died quite suddenly on 11 August. His wife died in March 1928.
He was born at Gumeracha 9 June 1846 to parents who had arrived in SA in 1836. He was connected to the Baptist Church at Kenton Valley, but when 21 took up land at Hallett where he joined the Bible Christians. On 2 May 1871 he married Susanna Margaret White of Gumeracha at Kooringa Methodist Church. They had 16 children and there are 62 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Their home at Hallett became the residence for pioneering ministers and John Wise was a local preacher there for many years as well as Sunday school Superintendent, circuit steward and Conference representative. Some years later the family moved to Burra where he served the Kooringa Circuit. 15 years ago he retired to Prospect and was there associated with the Prospect North Church.
XXXXIXI, 36, 5 Sep. 1928, page 3
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will sell for the owners Pt Allotment 500 [Eastern corner of Commercial & Chapel Streets] with frontage of 29’8” and depth of 66’ on which are erected brick and stone offices of four rooms with an iron roof. The two front rooms are leased to Messrs Fischer, Copley & McLachlan Ltd, expiring May 1929.
Advt. Wright’s Motors are clearing tyre stocks before moving to their new premises.
[Corner of Thames & Kingston Streets.]
Mrs H. Jordan of Chapel St was 95 on 2 September. Though blind she retains he other faculties and spent a happy day.
Burra District Lawn Tennis Association met at Bright & Bright’s offices and elected: Patron, M. Collins; President, F.M. Pearce; Vice-Presidents, J.R. Barker & John Collins; Secretary & Treasurer, E.V. Triggs and Assistant Secretary, George Sangster.
Aberdeen Croquet Club. R. McWaters, A.B. Riggs & R. Fairchild have erected an ornamental fence. Messrs Radford & F.T. Sara have put in jarrah edges for the lawns and a working bee has been preparing the ground. P. McBride presented three tables and two forms and R. Fuss a crockery cupboard. C. Jones has painted a notice board at the entrance.
The Camp Fund. Late donations conclude the fund at a total of £137-15-0.
Rambler Cricket Club AGM 23 August elected: Captain, F.W.G. Twist; Vice-Captain, F.H. Collins; Secretaries, C. Hill & Stewart. Best players last season:
Best batsman: F.H. Collins average 50.2 from 9 innings
K.M. Drew average 36.3 from 9 innings
Best bowlers: Abbott took 27 wickets for 24.7 at an average of 9.1.
Twist took 30 wickets for 309 at an average of 10.3.
Obituary. Mr George Lord who died a fortnight ago at Toorak Gardens took a keen interest in sport while resident in Burra and especially in the Rifle Club of which he may be regarded as the father. He was a great worker for the war effort and his practical support aided greatly the success of the great days then held. He was born in Devonshire in 1857 and migrated to Australia with his family when 9. After marrying he lived at Moonta, Broken Hill and Pt Germein before coming to Kooringa. He retired 10 years ago. He is survived by a widow and of a family of eight only three survive: Mrs W.H. Sandland of ‘Heathmont’ & Messrs Will & Cecil Lord of Adelaide. Mrs Ridgway of Prospect is a sister.
Obituary. Charles Bowman died suddenly 3 September. He was a former pastoralist of Mt Bryan. Though he had retired to Adelaide for many years, he was on a visit to Sir John Melrose at Ulooloo when he died. [Born Charles William Bowman 7 February 1857 at Enfield SA and died at Ulooloo, residence Victor Harbor.]
Film: King of Kings. The Cecil de Mille epic played to a crowded hall at the Institute on 28 August with accompanying choir, orchestra and soloists (all local). The production was soul stirring.
Marriage. St Joseph’s Burra 29 August
Norman Barrett Jeffery, eldest son of Mr & the late T.H. Jeffery of Willalo, married
Eileen Hopkins, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Hopkins of Hallett.
Marriage. St Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne 21 July
Doris Turner, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs A. Turner of Kooringa, married
Nicholas Anderson, only son of Mr & Mrs W. Anderson of South Melbourne.
Criminal Sessions, [Adelaide] Monday
Henry Morris (29) labourer of Burra (originally from WA) & John Patrick Bambery (26) labourer of Burra (originally from Queensland), who had caused £17 damage to Antono’s Fish Shop at Aberdeen in a drunken rampage, were each sentenced to six months in jail.
Spencer Gregory Pickering (43) an insurance inspector of Aberdeen was sentenced to 15 months jail for obtaining money by false pretences.
[See XXXXIXI, 32, 8 Aug. 1928, Supplement & XXXXIXI, 33, 15 Aug. 1928, page 3]
XXXXIXI, 36, 5 Sep. 1928, page 4
Kooringa Methodist Church. All Seasons Fair was opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes. Details occupy 11⁄2 columns. Proceeds were over £260.
Football. 2nd Semi-Final at Duncan Park Farrell’s Flat last Saturday:
Aberdeen 4.4 4.4 8.8 8.8 (56)
Farrell’s Flat 0.1 2.7 4.8 6.10 (46)
Copperhouse Fancy Dress Carnival at the church last Thursday taxed the room to capacity.
[Personal interest: among the list of those attending was T. (Ted.) Fuss as a swagman.]
XXXXIXI, 36, 5 Sep. 1928, Supplement
St Joseph’s Fancy Dress Frolic on 30 August is reported in 11⁄2 columns. It was to raise money for the children’s stall at the coming bazaar.
Aberdeen Tennis Club AGM was held 29 August and elected: Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, A.B. Riggs; Captain, F.M. Pearce; Vice-Captain, Guy Tiddy; Secretary, Noel Woollacott & Treasurer, Guy Tiddy.
Indoor Bowls final saw Whites 37 defeat Blacks 11.
XXXXIXI, 37, 12 Sep. 1928, page 2
Advt. Burra Show 5 & 6 October. Special trains from Adelaide (6.45 a.m.) and Terowie (9.10 a.m.).
Advt. Oriental Fair, Burra Institute 21 September.
Advt. Booborowie Memorial Hall, next Monday: Big Gymnastic Display
Kooringa Ladies Physical Culture Class, Assisted by Male Pupils, Dance to Follow
3/- including Dance. Murison’s Jazz Band.
XXXXIXI, 37, 12 Sep. 1928, page 3
Burra Chess Club recently formed at the Institute is progressing well.
Obituary. Mrs Richards, wife of T.E. Richards of Hallett, died [at Hallett] after a short illness on 11 September aged 63. [See further at XXXXIXI, 38, 19 Sep. 1928, page 3]
Obituary. Mr E. [Edwin] (Boz) Pearce died in Adelaide on 5 September. He was the third son of Mr & Mrs Fred Pearce of Redruth and was aged 39. On leaving school he worked with Drew & Crewes before going into business for himself in the store he later disposed of to Messrs E.J. McKenzie & Co. He then took up an estate agency and was secretary of the Oddfellows Lodge. His only sport was tennis. He married Muriel Tiddy, daughter of the late Mr & Mrs M. Tiddy of Maitland and a niece of Mr & Mrs N.J. Tiddy of Aberdeen. He died after a long and painful illness leaving a wife and young son and daughter. [Edwin Pearce born 22 August 1889.]
Burra Rifle Club. In the 4th stage of the Koonoona Cup the best scores were from A.C. Aughey & W.V. Bass.
XXXXIXI, 37, 12 Sep. 1928, page 4
Burra Cricket Association AGM. Last season the Ramblers and Mt Bryan were equal at the end and played off to give the premiership to Ramblers.
Best players:
Batsmen: Ramblers F. Collins Average 60.1 over 9 innings
Mt Bryan E. Weatherill Average 98.7 over 10 innings
Kooringa M. Bednall Average 37.8 over 15 innings
North Booborowie W. Ashby Average 28.1 over 12 innings
South Booborowie J. Clair Average 61.7 over 9 innings
Farrell’s Flat R. Williams Average 43.6 over 6 innings
Bowlers: Ramblers F. Twist 31 wickets for average 10
Mt Bryan E. Weatherill 45 wickets for average 10.3
Kooringa M. Bednall 31 wickets for average 14.4
North Booborowie T. Ashby 22 wickets for average 15.1
South Booborowie T. McInerny 21 wickets for average 20.9
Farrell’s Flat ?
Two Association matches were played against Terowie of which 1 was lost and the other drawn.
One match was played against Pt Adelaide. [Assuming it was decided on the first innings, Pt Adelaide won.]
Elected: Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, M.A. Radford; Vice-Presidents, Messrs L.W. Gebhardt & H.A. Mayfield; Honorary Secretary, M.W. Bednall.
Football. At Aberdeen on Saturday:
Hallett 4.3 7.3 11.9 14.11 (95)
Aberdeen 2.3 5.6 5.6 7.8 (50)
In the Booborowie Football Association Final Booborowie 7.10 (52) defeated Spalding 7.8 (50).
XXXXIXI, 37, 12 Sep. 1928, Supplement
Farrell’s Flat Soldiers’ Memorial Porch & Cinema Room walls are almost completed.
Accident. On Wednesday evening about a quarter of a mile south of the Hanson Station a bus with Clare High School students going home from Burra collided with a bus driven by Mr C. Attrill who was driving Hallett hockey girls home from Clare. The drivers’ vision had been blocked by heavy smoke from a passing train. Both buses were badly damaged and unable to proceed. Some minor injuries are reported.
Burra Town Council, 3 September
Cr Riggs reported creek erosion near Gully’s Wharf was endangering the new croquet lawn and a bit of work was needed. [Work was approved later in the meeting.]
Edgar Pearce was given permission to add to Mr Kellick’s house in Kangaroo St.
Mr R. Fuss was given permission to build a workshop in Graham. [I.e. at the former Opie’s Hotel.]
The meeting was largely concerned with various road works, drains etc.
Cr Riggs moved a set of charges for the use of Victoria Park. Passed.
Local Board of Health.
Education Department says it has no funds to install septic tanks.
Cr Woollacott says private individuals could not get away with such a reply. If a septic tank is required they have to find funds.
The recent action ordering widows with one cow to install milking sheds with concrete floors was an example.
Mid-North High School Annual Sports were held on Victoria Park on 5 September. It was a showery day. The participating schools were Riverton, Kapunda, and Clare & Burra. Winners have been Clare 1925, Clare 1926, Riverton 1927 & Burra 1928. Next year they will be held at Riverton. Results are printed.
Salvation Army Spring Fair was held in connection with the Self Denial Fund Appeal in the Institute 7 September. Mrs I.J. Warnes opened the fair in the elaborately decorated hall at 2.30 p.m. Captain Tippet, one of the officers in charge here [with Lieut. Johnson?] welcomed Mrs Warnes. The nett result was £50.
XXXXIXI, 38, 19 Sep. 1928, page 3
Notice. Ironmine Sunday school Anniversary, Sunday 23 September & Monday 24 September.
Rev. Lawson 2.45 p.m. & 7 p.m. Sunday. Monday Children’s Tea at 4.30 and Public Tea 5 p.m. Public Meeting 7.45 p.m.
Redruth Court/Burra Court
A couple of months ago Mr Bednall brought the question of changing the name of the court to the attention of Mr Nesbit SM. Information has now come to hand that henceforth the court will be known as the Local Court of Burra.
Cr Riggs has suggested similar changes for Kooringa post office to Burra PO and Aberdeen post office to Burra North PO. This is a good idea and would not affect local usage, nor would it require changes in title deeds.
J. Arthur of the Telephone Department here for some years has been transferred to Adelaide.
H.G. Jones accountant for Drew & Crewes Ltd for 16 years is moving to a similar position with Whiles & Ormiston, printers of Adelaide. He will be missed in church work and at the bowling green.
Aberdeen Croquet Club has seeded its lawn. With building stone excavated at the site Mr W.J. Thomas has promised to build a club shed. Mr G. Hann has promised a scroll to list foundation members, of whom it is hoped there will be about 40.
Weather has been dry and unseasonable with a light fall of 25 points last week, but a hot gale on Sunday did much damage.
Cricket. The season will open 29 September. Farrell’s Flat last season had to forfeit the end of the season due to lack of men. This year they have applied to join the Clare ‘B’ Association. Teams playing will be Ramblers, Mt Bryan, Kooringa, South Booborowie, North Booborowie and possibly Hallett.
Obituary. Mrs Richards, wife of T.E. Richards of Hallett, died 11 September. She was a life-long resident of the district and a very popular one, much sought after in cases of sickness or trouble. In earlier years she was organist of the Methodist Church and her musical services were in great demand at social functions. She was the daughter of the late A.J. & M. Williams and had first married the late Rev. J.M. Lucas. A husband and five children survive: M. Elsie (Mrs W.J. Bald), Mr A.G. Lucas, and Austil, Clarice & Thomas Richards.
Jack Rosewall, water diviner, has discovered water for Mr James Thomas of Aberdeen: 1,100 gallons a day at 192 feet.
XXXXIXI, 38, 19 Sep. 1928, Supplement
Horse Racing. There is a 3⁄4 column article reporting on the use of a battery at a Loxton race meeting.
XXXXIXI, 39, 26 Sep. 1928, page 2
Notice. Hallett DC calls a ratepayers’ meeting 13 October at the Institute to approve voting £500 to the Institute Committee for the erection of a Council Chamber for the sole use of the Council.
Notice. Hanson DC calls a ratepayers’ meeting at the Council Chamber 27 September 2 p.m. to consider permitting the Council to lease Section 28 Hundred of Hanson at Porter’s Lagoon for a recreation reserve.
XXXXIXI, 39, 26 Sep. 1928, page 3
Notice. Hanson Methodist Hall is to be opened by Mr James H. Rogers next Saturday 29 September at 4 p.m. High tea at 4.45 p.m. (2/-) Grand Concert 7.30 p.m. (1/-) & Supper (6d).
Sheep Stealing. John McIntyre (20) & Malcolm Murray McIntyre of Taylorville near Waikerie have been charged with unlawfully removing 22 sheep from a paddock. The sheep were agisted for Walter Finch of Kooringa. They pair were remanded at Waikerie on Friday to reappear on 6 October.
Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Society’s Costume Concert Party will give a concert at the Institute 12 October. The concert will aid distress and the Angorichina Hostel.
Jack Williams of Redruth had his hand badly cut last week when a bottle he was placing a cap on exploded. He is in Burra Hospital recovering.
Weather. Another fall of 24 points has not been enough to materially assist crops and dust storms are doing much damage to feed and bush to the east.
Vandalism, Sacrilege & Robbery
On Wednesday 19 September a trail of offences began at the railway station where rainwater tanks were drained of 2,000 gallons of water. A car was driven into a blind lane at Mr H.E. Finlay’s and the offenders may have intended from there to interfere with the waterworks. Next they turned their attention to an unoccupied shop owned by T.H. Woollacott where they smashed the windows. Probably since then other thieves have stolen four bags of cement from it. A window was then smashed in F.M. Pearce’s shop. Next £5 worth of damage was done to Sara & Co.’s petrol bowsers. Thomas & Co.’s flour mill was then broken into and the unlocked safe was opened and its papers scattered (it never contains money). A piece of hose from Sara’s bowsers was left in a desk there.
St Mary’s Church was then desecrated. Flower stands on the altar were overturned and the water has ruined a fine white linen altar cloth 2ft x 12et edged in lace, when dye from a red under-cloth ran into it. The linen cloth was the gift of a lady some 30 years ago. The cross was removed from the altar to the steps and the litany desk capsized and the porch window smashed.
The offenders then rang Dr Steele’s door bell before breaking into Drew & Crewes’ where the cash desk was ransacked, but no money had been left there. In the showroom drawers were opened. A Winchester rifle was stolen and the entire stock of sleeve links. From one of the firm’s vans they took its stock of women’s hosiery, men’s ties, 30 packets of cigarettes and matches and tobacco – and possibly more, as yet unchecked. Windows of the office at McKenzie’s were broken, but bars prevented entry and lastly a window at the Record office storeroom was smashed. The cards holding the sleeve links and some cloth (minus of course the links) were later found in the men’s urinal at the Kooringa Methodist Church.
Burra Rifle Club. The SA Rifle Assoc. meeting at Pt Adelaide on 17-22 September saw a Burra Team attend. At 600 yards they were 11th out of 30. S. Cordon came 3rd in the King’s Shoot. Altogether the Burra men collected £40-£50 in prizes.
Redruth Manse Trust Oriental Fair was held last Friday in the Institute. It is reported in 11⁄4 columns of detail and gross takings were £174. [Personal interest: Mrs R. Fuss & Miss M. Rogers were convenors of the Flower Stall and Mr R. Fuss erected stalls and assisted with cartage of goods.]
‘A Mother’ writes calling for wire to be removed from growing trees at the Aberdeen playground and for water to be made available there.
A.B. Riggs writes about changing the names in the town. He intends to rescind a motion of Council calling for North and South Burra post offices and instead to call for a poll of ratepayers to approve changing Kooringa post office and telephone exchange to Burra and to leave Aberdeen as it is.
Obituary. Mr Benjamin Harris died at Subiaco Perth on 11 September aged 54. He was the only surviving son of the late Mr & Mrs Ambrose Harris of Kooringa and was born here in 1874. After leaving school he worked for his brother-in-law J.A. Watt who owned a drapery business on the spot where C. Park’s shop now stands. He married Miss Harriett Cheynoweth of Kooringa and they later moved permanently to WA. Mr & Mrs Harris visited Burra last year and soon after returning he contracted a cold which led to lung problems which ultimately killed him. He leaves a widow, two married daughters and two sons, the elder of whom is married. He leaves five sisters: Mesdames J.A. Watt, R.H. Steele (Toorak Gardens), Charles Parks (Kooringa) & J.E. Greenwood (Aldgate).
[Benjamin George Harris born 31 July 1873.]
Obituary. Mr Alick Bailey, second son of Mr & Mrs George Bailey of Leighton, died at Burra Hospital 23 September aged 35.
XXXXIXI, 39, 26 Sep. 1928, page 4
Burra Town Council, 17 September
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. wrote that they had bought the blocks opposite the railway station from the estate of T.F. Robertson [presumably allotments 124-135] and sought the closed road between the blocks to consolidate their land. Council agreed to sell it at £16-10-0 per acre.
F. Pearce applied for permission to erect a garage for Wright’s Motors Ltd at the corner of Kingston & Thames Streets. The Mayor wanted to delay approval until Council had inspected with the possibility of resuming a few feet to widen the road and improve visibility down Thames St.
Cr Pearce agreed. The land on which Mr L. Day’s property stood jutted out 10ft beyond the line of Commercial St. Mr Wright said that 10ft was more value that the rest of the block because it brought the garage into view down Commercial St, otherwise it would be hidden from the view of people coming from the direction of the hospital or from the Institute.
The Mayor said that the narrowness of the bridge and the increased visibility given by the proposal meant he could not urge resumption.
Cr Pearce said he had spoken to Mr Wright who would not proceed with the development if the 10ft were resumed. An amendment to inspect the sight was passed on the Mayor’s casting vote and after inspection it was decided to approve the erection.
T. Woollacott & Sons were granted permission to build a house for W. Montgomery in Graham.
Ayers St is to be graded, scarified and metalled.
No reply has been received concerning a subsidy from the Local Government Dept. towards the cost of re-building Finch’s Bridge.
A meeting of the Memorial Committee decided not to go on with the full scheme at present due to the poor seasonal outlook, as an appeal for funds would likely fail.
Local Board of Health
The Mayor has met Mr McCoy, in charge of the Education Department and told him if the Department did not act on the septic tank for the school the Board of Health would.
XXXXIXI, 39, 26 Sep. 1928, Supplement
Farrell’s Flat Bachelors’ Ball is reported.
Chess & Draughts continue to be popular at the Institute.
XXXXIXI, 40, 3 Oct. 1928, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd will sell property for Mr H.G. James on 5 October as he is leaving the district.
Allotments 417 & 407, Paradise [between Paxton Terrace & Kingston St], including a 6-roomed stone house with dining room 16ft x 18ft, 3 rooms 12ft x 12ft, 1 room 15ft x 12ft, kitchen 13ft x 11ft, lobby, bathroom & cellar with electricity and telephone.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 19 October 20,000 sheep in their Annual Off-Shears sale of surplus sheep.
XXXXIXI, 40, 3 Oct. 1928, page 3
Weather. After a trying week ending in a very severe dust storm on Friday, rain began falling on Saturday morning and was light till after 7 p.m. when it rained heavily briefly and again about 10 p.m. 25 points fell in the first downpour and 22 in the second. This will greatly help crops as it was general and in the east falls were mostly from 40-75 points, though Chalk Cliffs got only 25, Thistlebeds 20 and Sturt Vale 34. Good rain fell at Terowie and heavy floodwaters passed through W. Roach’s Roachdale Estate. Boisterous conditions continued on Monday and at Burra a further 1 inch has fallen bringing the total to 13⁄4 inches. Phone lines to the east are down.
On Tuesday the wind in Burra blew down the large sign in front of E.J. Harris’s store, took the roof off Alf Walker’s garage in Kingston St, blew in a front window at P.L. Rosman’s, blew the large door off the goods shed at the railway station and across the railway line and demolished the fence around H. Jennison’s home.
Kooringa Freemason’s Lodge installed Bro. L.S. Penrose as Worshipful Master 25 September. A banquet followed in Pearce’s Building.
Burra Burra Show Inc. Over 1,800 entries were received by closing day on Friday.
Vandals. Nothing has been learnt of the identity of the perpetrators of the recent spate of destruction, but a number of sleeve lings were found in the creek alongside the residence of the late John Pearce.
Methodist Foreign Mission Services last weekend were preached by Rev. R.C. Nicholson late of the South Sea Islands and the film ‘Tonga To-day’ was screened in the Institute on Monday evening.
Wright Motors are having a large garage built on the corner block recently occupied by Mr Luke Day and the Iceworks.
Dalgety’s Building on the corner of Commercial & Chapel Streets, owned by Bright & Bright, has been purchased by the Commercial Bank. We understand a second storey will be added for the manager’s residence.
Mr J. Arthur was presented with a gold pencil from the Telephone Department in Kooringa before leaving for Adelaide on Saturday.
Marriage. Malvern Methodist Church 15 September
Lola Elizabeth Rodda, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs J.T. Rodda of Kimba, married
Hilton Claude Grow, son of Mr & Mrs L. Grow of Kooringa.
Farrell’s Flat Soldiers’ Memorial Porch & Cinema Room: the walls are now up.
‘Interested’ writes asking that cakes at the show be cut and displayed to show the middle.
‘Resident’ writes wondering whether changing the name of the post office to Burra will create confusion with Burra NSW.
Burra Court, 27 & 28 September
Defeated candidates attempted to have the seats of Crs Hawkes and Schuppan, who were successful at the last election for the District Council of Apoinga, declared vacant. The ground were purely technical in that notices concerning the elections were not displayed at the Emu Downs and Brady Creek post offices, also that certain names were incorrectly entered into the Assessment Book and the nomination paper of W.G. Hawkes did not confirm to the Act. The court dismissed both informations with costs against the informant. Briefly the reasons were that objections to the roll needed to be made in the prescribed manner on election day and the complainant had not shown the signatures on the nomination paper were not those of ratepayers of the ward.
Burra Rifle Club. 5th stage of the Koonoona Trophy was cancelled due to heavy fog.
Advt. Grand Concert by Adelaide’s Leading Concert Artists in Costume at the Institute 12 October in aid of Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Society.
XXXXIXI, 40, 3 Oct. 1928, Supplement
Aberdeen Croquet Club. A concert in the Redruth Memorial Hall on 26 September was held to aid the club.
Ironmine Sunday School Anniversary was held on 23 & 24 September and was a great success, though the weather reduced attendance on the Sunday. Rev. E. Lawson’s sermons were greatly appreciated.
Hanson Methodist Hall
Last Saturday even the rain could not keep locals away from gathering for the opening ceremony of the new hall. Families of long association represented included the Dixons, Rogers, Humphreys, Turners and Blunts. The rain held off for the open-air ceremony, though a thick fog enveloped the country. Rev. W.O. Harris was assisted by Rev. E. Lawson of Kooringa and Miss Avis Neill played the organ. The building cost £1,002-0-4, though donated stone, sand and labour was worth an additional £300. The outstanding debt is £264-18-5. The Methodist Loan Fund lent £150 to be repaid in yearly instalments of £30. Mr James H. Rogers, Treasurer of the Trust, declared the building open. The building is of stone and the interior is 40ft x 25ft and it is furnished with strong comfortable chairs. There is also a well-equipped kitchen 25ft x 10ft and the building is lit with electricity. High tea at 5 p.m. of turkey, ham, beef, lamb and salads with a variety of sweets followed.
XXXXIXI, 41, 10 Oct. 1928, page 1
Liberal Federation. The monthly meeting of the Burra Branch was addressed by Mrs E. Morris of Adelaide in Pearce’s Building on 29 September.
XXXXIXI, 41, 10 Oct. 1928, page 3
Obituary. Thomas Kellaway died at Burra Hospital 8 October after a long illness aged 70. He was born in Kooringa on 29 March 1858 and lived all his life in Burra. He was the second son of the late Mr & Mrs W. Kellaway of Kooringa. On leaving school he worked for seven years with Messrs W. Henderson & Statton Blacksmiths and then worked on tribute in the Burra Mine until forced to retire by ill-health. In his younger days he was fond of sport and also was associated with brass bands (now extinct) in Burra for 20 years. He was a worker for the Oddfellows Lodge and for some time was President of the Juvenile Lodge. His health has not been good for over 30 years. He married Eleanor Reynolds of Kooringa who died six years ago. Six sons survive: Tom, William, Jack, Stanley and Leslie Kellaway of Burra and Reginald of Yongala. Two served in the Great War: Pte Jack & Sgt Les. Kellaway MM with bar.
Obituary. Mrs John Kellock late of Burra and Douglas died at her daughter’s, Mrs Mudge of Baroota, on Wednesday 1 October aged 79 years 10 months, after a six-month illness. A family of two daughters and three sons survives. Bert Sugars is the only surviving son of a previous marriage and John & A.L. Kellock.
Obituary. King Harding Tiver, child of Mr & Mrs Lance Tiver, died from pneumonia last Thursday 4 October. [Born Harding King Tiver 1 May 1926 at Redruth: died King Harding Tiver 4 October 1928 at Redruth.]
Marriage. Booborowie Methodist Church 6 October
Emsley George Robinson, son of Mr & Mrs W. Robinson of Hornsdale, married
Eileen Mabel Butler, daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Butler of Booborowie.
Hallett & District Athletic Assoc. First Annual Sports Meeting 3 October attracted 900. Results are printed.
Burra Town Council, 1 October
Burra Electric Supply Co. quoted the cost of moving a light near the bowling green at £7-13-6. The matter was deferred as being too costly.
Burra Motors was permitted to install another petrol pump.
T.H. Woollacott was given permission to erect a motor garage for the Vacuum Oil Co. and a residence in Graham for A.S. Walker.
Cr Riggs gave notice to rescind his motion for a referendum to change the names of the local post offices to Burra South and Burra North in favour of a change only of Kooringa to Burra.
XXXXIXI, 41, 10 Oct. 1928, page 4
Federal Election. 13⁄4 columns of policy etc. from Senator Chapman & Maurice Collins.
XXXXIXI, 41, 10 Oct. 1928, Supplement
Burra Bowling Club AGM 3 October
The secretary reported a reduction of the overdraft by £16, but said the financial position was not as good as they would like. Results of competitions:
Championship Dr Steele from O. Finch
Singles Handicap W.H. Sandland
Consistency W.H. Sandland
Beginners S.H. Robinson
Pairs M.A. Radford & R. Bryant
The greens manager Mr Bryant had done an excellent job this season.
Elected were Patron, A.G. Gebhardt; President, E.F. Marston; Vice-Presidents, Dr Steele & S.H. Robinson; Secretary & Treasurer, P. Rosman.
The well has run dry and water in future will come from the town supply.
A new electric mower will be purchased.
Mr Robinson will manage the greens for the coming season.
Farrell’s Flat 4th Annual Spinsters’ Ball was held on 3 October in the Farrell’s Flat Institute and is reported.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club AGM 1 October in Farrell’s Flat Institute. H.C. Atkins presided. The last season was very successful. At the sports day on 30 January 3,000 people attended and more accommodation, especially for ladies and children is required. Of the trees planted 58 gums and 7 pines have survived. 76 further trees have been planted. There is 9ft of water in the lagoon, ample for swimming and rowing. The balance sheet was £106-16-2 in credit. Elected: Patron, W.G. Hawkes; President, H.C. Atkins; Vice-Presidents, W. Carter & E.B. I’Anson; Hon. Secretary & Treasurer, A.J. Smith. The Hanson DC has set aside the grounds as a recreation reserve. The club has offered to pay 10% interest p.a. on £20 lease for 21 years. A 1,000 gallon tank will be placed at the shed and a shelter shed and further lavatories will be erected.
Burra Hospital Board, 24 September
A cheque for £100 was received from the estate of the late Richard Blight.
Burra Show
Friday was very windy with afternoon rain, but on Saturday the weather was good. The Point Pass Brass Band was much appreciated. Mrs J.B. Rowe’s catering was excellent.
There were fewer sideshows this year.
Agricultural produce was better than the season gave cause to expect.
Dairy Produce gave an excellent indoor display – especially of note were the efforts of Mr & Mrs E. Finch of Wandillah.
Poultry was up to standard. Pigeons were a fair showing – well represented in some classes, but with few entries in others.
Draught and Blood Horses were of good quality, though few in numbers.
Horses in Action attracted nearly 300 entries and were the focus of keen interest.
Cattle. Jerseys were the only class well represented.
Dogs came in a wide variety, but the judge was disappointed in the greyhounds considering the number of coursing clubs in the area.
Sheep from small breeders were well represented, but the entries from larger and stud breeders were not as numerous as their importance would suggest. In the latter area Maurice Collins, Henry Collins & Co. and T.J. Bailey were notable.
Fat Sheep, Shorn. W.A. Swearse took most awards and also in the Fat Sheep section.
Fleece Wool had continued to expand as an exhibit and this year’s stretched almost the length of the long shed.
Implement made a good display.
Cars were displayed by Wright’s Motors Ltd, G.H. Dollman of Burra Motors, W.R. Lee (Ford Dealer) & H. Jennison showed a good display of Harrington’s Wireless.
The Vegetable Competition was dominated by B. Opperman & W. Moxham once more.
Fruit was barely represented following the boisterous weather which kept R.L. Hunter from Clare away.
Flowers. Boisterous weather of late had reduced some classes, but the display remained impressive. Roses, ranunculi and pansies were very good.
[Personal interest: R. Fuss was listed as a judge, but did not appear in the prize list.]
Cookery was very well represented as were home made sweets.
Arts & Industries seems to have been boosted by the decision to limit it to a radius of 60 miles, which gave locals a greater incentive to enter and win prizes.
Photography & Art was an interesting exhibition and an improvement on earlier years.
In the School Class Section Burra was not well represented, but other district schools made up for that. Ayers Forest with 58 entries scored 50 prizes and World’s End, Leighton, Copperhouse and North Booborowie were all well represented.
On Saturday President I.J. Warnes had an excellent luncheon for 100-150 guests which included several Members of Parliament. The speeches of the occasion are reported in 11⁄2 columns.
XXXXIXI, 42, 17 Oct. 1928, page 1
Maurice Collins: Country Party Candidate for Wakefield. There is a 1⁄3-column election article.
XXXXIXI, 42, 17 Oct. 1928, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council: Retiring by the effluxion of time on 1st Saturday in December:
Mayor Maurice Collins
North Ward Alfred Benjamin Riggs
East Ward Francis Harris
West Ward Frederick Henry Collins
Auditor Edwin Pearce (by death)
Obituary. George Brown, husband of Mary Brown, died 9 October leaving six sons and three daughters. [See more on page 3 this issue.]
W.G. Phillips of Mt Bryan East offers £20 reward for information concerning 200 ‘lost’ sheep. Other neighbours also report ‘lost’ sheep.
Weather. A thunderstorm on the night of last Saturday/Sunday brought 71 points. To the east falls were patchy. Crops have made a wonderful recovery.
Henry Collins of Mt Bryan turned 95 yesterday and drove into Burra with his daughter Miss Alice to transact business.
Len Oates, son of Philip Oates Jnr late of Burra District, is the managing director of Atkinson’s Motor Garages Ltd of Bloemfontein South Africa and conducts much of his business by aeroplane. He is a nephew of John & Edward Oates of Burra.
XXXXIXI, 42, 17 Oct. 1928, page 3
Obituary. George Brown of Hampton died at Burra Hospital on 10 October [though it says 9 October on page 2] aged 66. Six of his sons served in the Great War and we believe all returned. A widow and large family of grown-up children survive. [See also XXXXIXI, 43, 24 Oct. 1928, page 3 where it is corrected to five sons serving in the Great War.]
Burra Croquet Club AGM 13 October. Elected were President, Mrs W.J.C. Ewins; Captain, Mrs Hammond; Vice-Captain, Mrs Sandland; Treasurer, Mrs E.F. Marston. £15 was donated towards a new mower. The season will open 27 October. Shelter sheds are to be erected at the far end of the lawn.
Mr & Mrs H. Garfield James were given a farewell social in the Methodist Lecture Hall last Monday evening before they left the town. Mr James had been in the town for 16 years and had been a strong supporter of the church. (His father was Rev. W.F. James.) Mrs James was the daughter of Mr John Harry. Mr James had served the firm of Drew & Crewes during his time in Burra and was thanked by E.W. Crewes for his service to the firm. John Drew on behalf of the Sunday school spoke more directly to Master Alfred James. Mr James’ successor will be Mr Finlayson. Presentations were made.
The Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Society Concert on Friday drew a full house. The concert was 13⁄4 hours late due to engine trouble at Gawler. (They left at 4.30 p.m. which was scarcely enough time without delays – the bitumen extends 40 miles towards Burra. Various locals filled the gap with songs etc. The concert was excellent.
Tennis. Labour Day at Aberdeen: Aberdeen 9-71 defeated Kooringa7-78
At Booborowie 22 September: Booborowie forfeited to Hallett.
Last Saturday
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 11-84 defeated Hallett 5-54
Copperhouse 11-82 defeated Booborowie 4-46
Willalo 14-89 defeated Kooringa 1-55
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 10-80 defeated Booborowie 5-56
Willalo 10-84 defeated Mt Bryan 5-58
Aberdeen 10-80 defeated Hallett 5-70
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 9 October
Melva D. Longbottom, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Frank Longbottom of Kooringa, married
Frank P. Earle, eighth son of Mr & Mrs George Earle of Willalo.
Hallett DC ratepayers met on 13 October and approved the giving of £500 to the New Institute Building Committee for the construction of a Council Chamber by 39 votes to 7.
XXXXIXI, 42, 17 Oct. 1928, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. The Labour Day Shoot was in aid of the Limbless Soldiers’ Assoc.
Eudunda 710 defeated Burra 694.
In a ladies match Miss Zeilah Stringer came first ahead of Miss Ciss. Parks.
In the 6th stage of the Koonoona Trophy best scores were by G. Herbert & J.E. Hogan.
Porter’s Lagoon is already attracting visitors and last Saturday about 100 scholars and parents from Sevenhills District visited for a picnic sports day.
XXXXIXI, 43, 24 Oct. 1928, page 2
Advt. Important Land Sale: Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd in conjunction with Elder, Smith & Co. will sell Abberton Park of 3,542 acres Freehold adjacent to Burra. To be offered in 2 lots.
Lot 1. 3,122 acres freehold, Homestead Block with stone house of 10 rooms, garage, woolshed, shearers’ quarters, stables, sheds etc. Divided into 11 paddocks.
Lot 2. The Brewery Paddock of 420 acres freehold.
Possession on 10 February 1929.
Sold on behalf of Mrs Mary Killicoat and Bagots Executor Trustee Co., Trustees in the Estate of P.L. Killicoat.
Obituary. Thomas Parks died 22 October at his residence in Bridge Terrace, Kooringa aged 79. He was the husband of Hannah M. Parks. [See further on page 3 of this issue.]
Elder Smith & Co. yarded 18,000 sheep for their annual Off-Shears Sale on 19 October and sold all but 200 of them in 1 hour 45 minutes.
XXXXIXI, 43, 24 Oct. 1928, page 3
Obituary. The late Thomas Parks was born at Hindmarsh in 6 Sept 1849 and was brought to Burra when only a few months old by his parents Mr & Mrs Thomas Parks Sen. who founded the bakery business now carried on by his only surviving son Mr Charles Parks. On leaving school Thomas Parks was employed at Bath and Pearce and on their retirement he continued with Pearce Bros. He spent over 40 years with the former and another 5 with the Pearce Bros. till they ceased business. He then transferred to Drew & Crewes until ill health forced his retirement. He suffered from rheumatism for many years, but regularly attended the Methodist Church until unable to walk the distance. He was for 56 years a member of the Rechabite Lodge. He married Hannah Martha Newman on 25 December 1872. He is survived by a widow and one son, William Francis Parks of Kooringa and four daughters: Mesdames Alice J. Seymour (Pt Pirie), Florence M. Sugars (Kooringa), Hannah (Annie) Brown (Pt Pirie) & Edith M. Holwell (Pt Pirie). There are 14 grandchildren & 14 great-grandchildren.
Tennis. Saturday last:
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 12-82 defeated Willalo 4-61
Kooringa 12-90 defeated Booborowie 4-48
‘B’ Grade Mt Bryan 9-94 defeated Booborowie 6-68
Aberdeen 11-97 defeated Ironmine 4-75
Willalo 9-86 defeated Copperhouse 6-73
Burra Electric Supply Co. Annual Meeting 18 October.
12 stockholders attended with E.W. Crewes in the chair.
Operations began 27 March 1924 with 107 consumers
On 30 June 1924 there were 116 consumers
On 30 June 1825 there were 169 consumers
On 30 June 1926 there were 194 consumers
On 30 June 1927 there were 230 consumers
On 30 June 1928 there were 248 consumers
To 30 June 1925 there was a loss of £557-3-9
From 30 June 1925 to 30 June 1926 there was a profit of £600-11-3 without allowing for depreciation.
For the year to 30 June 1927 the profit was £568-6-3 after allowing £435 depreciation and tax.
For the year to 30 June 1928 the profit was £864-0-4 after allowing £450 depreciation.
Funds are being carefully conserved until the bank overdraft and loans are liquidated. The town is now well lit and interruptions to supply have been few.
E.W. Crewes and James Reed were re-elected as directors.
Obituary. George Brown who died 9 October was born in 1862 and his parents then lived at Canowie and then for some years at Jamestown. In 1898 Mr Brown went to work for Sir John Duncan at Gum Creek and later for the Hon. W. Duncan. Ill health forced his retirement about 6 years ago. He married Miss Mary Dunning of Leasingham who survives with six sons and three daughters: William (Jamestown), Tom & George (Burra), Harry (Gum Creek), Clarrie (Magill), Walter (Booborowie), Miss Dorothy (Adelaide), and Misses Maude & May (Burra). There are a number of grandchildren. Five of the sons not six saw service in the Great War.
‘Grazier’ writes saying that while no doubt sheep stealing goes on, it is often the case that the real answer is that sheep die in the scrub from being in paddocks without adequate feed and when this occurs the neighbours wear the undeserved odium of theft accusations.
E.V. Triggs, who carries on the Burra office of Bright & Bright solicitors, writes to counter the rumour that the firm is leaving the town. The business will carry on as usual.
Cricket. At Burra 13 October: North Booborowie 6 for 192 declared drew with Ramblers 3 for 65.
Ayers Forest & Leighton Schools combined for their annual picnic on 16 October. I.J. Warnes again provided truck and trailers to Ayers Pine Forest. Sports were held in the afternoon and the results are printed.
Burra Rifle Club. 7th stage of the Koonoona Cup with best scores from A.C. Aughey & C.W. Pearce.
XXXXIXI, 43, 24 Oct. 1928, page 4
Burra Town Council, 15 October [reported as 15 September]
A petition against changing the name of Kooringa was presented signed by 229 persons, and giving as reasons:
The petitioners were quite satisfied with the name the town had as Kooringa for over 80 years.
Since the name Burra applies to the whole Corporation area it is not appropriate for Kooringa alone.
The petitioners resented the statement that they were anxious for change. They were not.
A referendum is a needless expense, as your petitioners deem any change quite unnecessary.
After some fairly trivial technical arguments from Cr Riggs over whether the petition could be accepted and on the propriety of some Councillors having signed it, the petition was received.
Cr Riggs moved to withdraw his motion to rescind the motion asking for a change to North and South Burra Post Offices.
Cr Pearce then gave notice of a motion to rescind the motion calling for a poll.
George March wrote seeking to buy a piece of blind road that penetrated his property in Spring St Kooringa. Granted for £10.
A letter of sympathy was sent to Mrs Boz Pearce.
Tenders are to be called for repairing the shelter-shed roofs at Victoria Park and to place a 200 gallon square tank there.
Various road, drainage and kerbing work was approved.
XXXXIXI, 43, 24 Oct. 1928, Supplement
Court.
The case of Malcolm Murray McIntyre (19) & John Malcolm McIntyre (20) who were charged with stealing sheep belonging to Walter Finch is reported at length (11⁄2 columns), but was not concluded.
XXXXIXI, 44, 31 Oct. 1928, page 1
Fire. The Hallett-Copperhouse tennis match at Copperhouse on Saturday last was temporarily interrupted when fire broke out at the home of Mrs W. Edwards. She had encouraged a reluctant fire with a rather large dose of kerosene and flame had spread to the ceiling. Fortunately it was soon extinguished.
XXXXIXI, 44, 31 Oct. 1928, page 2
Advt. Re the sale of S. Carter’s ‘Camel Hump’ property.
Advt. F. Habib & Co. offer for 10 days only a big bargain sale of the latest fashions beginning Tuesday 6 November in the Cheer-up Hall in Pearce’s Building.
XXXXIXI, 44, 31 Oct. 1928, page 3
Obituary. Esther Emily McGowan, wife of Les. McGowan and daughter of Mr & Mrs T. Fuller of Redruth, died at her parents’ home on 25 October aged 25.
She died rather suddenly after a long illness. She came to Burra with her parents when 2 or 3, having been born 28 October 1902 and died three days before her 26th birthday. She had been closely associated with the Redruth Methodist Sunday School and Church. She married Mr Les. McGowan in 1922. [Her birth is actually registered as 21 October 1902 at Spalding.]
The Soldiers’ Aid Society held its usual monthly meeting in the Redruth Memorial Hall on the first Thursday in October. 14 attended. The first motion was to dissolve the society. Under current conditions it could not continue. Carried. A motion was then made that all monies belonging to the society after any outstanding debts go to sick soldiers at Keswick, Myrtle Bank, Bedford Park and Angorichina for Christmas Cheer. Carried.
Miss Bubb then moved the formation of a new society: The General (Late Soldiers’) Aid Society with the same objects as the late society. The officers of the late society were transferred to the new. A Strawberry Fete is to be held on 7 December to aid the Royal Institution for the Blind.
[The problem causing this change was not spelled out, but last year there was a hint of a difficulty in that under the rules of the formation of the original society money could only be given to the Royal Institution for the Blind if it went to blind soldiers and this seems to be a likely reason for this fairly technical change.]
Hon. G.F. Foster & Hon. John Verran addressed an election meeting in the Institute on 25 October.
Fire. At 4.30 a.m. on 24 October the alarm was raised of a fire at the shop of R.A. Lewis, cycle and phonograph dealer, next to Jeffery & Byrnes butchers. The front of the premises was well alight, but was soon put out by the Fire Brigade. The origin is a mystery. Residents returning well after midnight from a Masonic function at Spalding had noticed nothing. Joe Byrnes who was sleeping on the adjacent premises was awakened by the crackling of the fire and raised the alarm. The building is one of the oldest in Burra and is owned by S. Jeffery of Aberdeen. All the stock was consumed and is only partly covered by insurance.
Farrell’s Flat Soldiers’ Memorial Porch & Cinema Room was dedicated in a memorial service last Saturday, 27 October. Mr George Powell, President, opened the service and Rev. C.J. Perry of Clare delivered a stirring address as one who had served with the AIF. The memorial tablet was unveiled by W.P. Collins whose three sons served in the AIF. A public tea in the Institute followed.
XXXXIXI, 44, 31 Oct. 1928, page 4
Burra Bowling & Croquet Club opened the season on Saturday 27 October. The President E.F. Marston welcomed visitors and players.
Black Springs Public School annual picnic was held on 24 October in Mr Rowen’s scrub. The sports results are printed.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday at Burra: Burra 712 defeated Jamestown 696.
XXXXIXI, 44, 31 Oct. 1928, Supplement
Tennis. On Saturday:
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 10-81 defeated Hallett 7-75
Aberdeen 13-93 defeated Booborowie 3-61
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 10-78 defeated Booborowie 5-65
Ironmine 8-79 defeated Mt Bryan 7-78
Hallett 8-68 defeated Copperhouse 7-75
Mt Bryan Strawberry Fete 27 October to raise funds for a social hall for the old Mt Bryan Methodist Church raised c. £90.
Cricket. Saturday 20 [& 27?] October: Ramblers 81 & 95 v. Kooringa 78 & 8 for 122 declared.
A win to Kooringa by 25.
XXXXIXI, 45, 7 Nov. 1928, page 3
Burra Motor Sports Club season opens on 24 November at the Burra Racecourse.
Guy Fawkes Day was celebrated at Burra with gusto. Bonfires, rockets, crackers and bombs abounded.
Fire. The first fore of the season was reported on Thursday along the train line on M.A. Kellock & Sons property two miles from Kooringa. About 3 acres of wheat were burnt although the crop was fairly green.
St Joseph’s ‘Butterfly Fair’ was held in the Institute on 2 November and the nett profit was £145.
Burra Rifle Club. The 5th stage of the Koonoona Trophy was fired on Saturday. [This had previously been abandoned due to fog.] Best scores were by A.L. Kellock & W.V. Bass.
Copperhouse School held its annual picnic on 3 November at Sod Hut. Sports results are printed. [Personal interest: among the several people who helped with the transport were H.W. Tiver & R. Fuss.]
Cricket. (First half of a match) South Booborowie 99 v. Ramblers 6 for 85.
W.G. Phillips writes condemning the views of ‘Grazier’ on sheep stealing and saying the sheep he was concerned with were fed on purchased fodder and certainly did not graze on ‘stones and mallee scrub’.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School Anniversary on Sunday & Monday last was held in the Memorial Hall. Rev. E. Lawson of Kooringa officiated.
XXXXIXI, 45, 7 Nov. 1928, page 4
Willalo 5th Annual Tennis Tournament is reported at length.
Mrs E.T. Prior was given a surprise party at Copperhouse on 22 October for her 72nd birthday. She was born Elizabeth Owens at Redruth in 1856 and married on 15 March 1884 to E.T. Prior. Eight of nine children survive. Six are married and there are 12 grandchildren.
Sons: Arthur (Springbank), Charles (Belalie North), R.T. (Springbank), Gilbert (Springbank), Mabel Mrs J. Coon (Burra), Eva Mrs R. Honan (Kooringa), Clare Mrs W. Coon (Copperhouse) & Miss Elsie Prior at home. [R.T. was Richard Thomas.]
XXXXIXI, 45, 7 Nov. 1928, Supplement
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Hallett 11-94 defeated Kooringa 4-71
Aberdeen 9-71 defeated Willalo 6-63
‘B’ Grade Willalo 8-80 defeated Aberdeen 7-76
Hallett 11-86 defeated Mt Bryan 4-62
Ironmine 10-82 defeated Copperhouse 5-71
XXXXIXI, 46, 14 Nov. 1928, page 1
Maurice Collins. A biographical sketch supplied as part of his election campaign.
He was born the seventh son of Henry Collins of ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan who migrated from Devonshire over 80 years ago and the late Jane Collins who came from Cornwall over 80 years ago. He was born at Mt Bryan in 1878 and educated a private and public schools. He later lived at his ‘Mallett’ Station which he took over from Henry Collins & Co. in which he was a partner till June 1927. He was a member of the Terowie DC for 11 years. He came to reside in Burra in 1922 and was elected Mayor in 1923 and has been so ever since. He has been a member of the Burra Hospital Board from 1923, a past president of the Burra Bowling Club and has been a patron and president of most sporting clubs associated with the town. He owns a pure Merino stud of over 5,000 sheep founded in 1917 when he bought the ram Prince Charlie for 3,000 guineas and 60 ewes for 2,555 guineas, then a world record price. He has since taken Championship Prizes for Merinos throughout Australia at shows.
XXXXIXI, 46, 14 Nov. 1928, page 2
Advt. Federal election advertising is conspicuous, as it had been for some weeks, for both the election and the referendum on the Constitution Alteration (State Debts) 1928 to be held 17 November.
Advt. General Aid Society, Strawberry Fete 7 December in Burra Institute.
Advt. Leighton Hall Strawberry Fete 1 December.
Advt. St Mary’s Strawberry Fete 16 November in Burra Institute.
Advt. Booborowie. Opening of the Tennis Courts by I.J. Warnes with Bazaar and Strawberry Fete 17 November.
Advt. Hanson Methodist Strawberry Fete 21 November in the Sunday School Hall.
XXXXIXI, 46, 14 Nov. 1928, page 3
Notice. Felix Hugo Kuchenmeister will not be responsible for debts contracted by his wife from 6 November 1928.
Advt. Fischer & Copley Ltd. Sale of the household effects of R. Cock who has sold his farm and is leaving the district.
Silver Wedding. Arthur Albert Davey, youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs William Davey married Edith Wilks, daughter of Mr & Mrs Elias Wilks at Kooringa 9 November 1903.
W.G. Finlayson, who has come to Burra as accountant with Drew & Crewes, was manager of Murray Shipping Co. at Renmark till it closed following the completion of the railway to Renmark, after which he was canvasser and agent for T & G Insurance. He was active in the Renmark Methodist Church and a member of the Masonic Lodge there and he is a wireless enthusiast. Mrs Finlayson was a commercial teacher before her marriage.
Aberdeen Croquet Club lawn is coming on well. W.J. Thomas Jnr has begun to build the club room and shelter-shed. Play has commenced on the grounds near the Court House until the lawns are ready for play. Membership is presently 42.
Mid-North Croquet Club held its AGM at the Leighton Polo Ground 3 November. Out-going President Mrs E. Jettner took the chair. Elected were President, Mrs M. Hogan; Captain, Mrs E. Jettner; Vice-Captain, Mrs H. McDonald; Treasurer, Mrs Sidney Pearce & Secretary, Mrs A.T. McWaters. The club hopes to replace the earth court with a green.
Marriage. At St Mary’s Mintaro 8 November
Arthur Sedgman, eldest son of Mrs & the late E.C. Sedgman of Aberdeen, married
Florence Isabel Garrard, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs G.A. Garrard of Mintaro.
Burra Rifle Club. 8th stage of the Koonoona Trophy saw best scores from J.A. Riggs, P.W. Hogan & A.P. Harris.
XXXXIXI, 46, 14 Nov. 1928, page 4
Porter’s Lagoon is becoming a favourite picnic spot. Hanson School students and parents came last Saturday. Sports results are printed.
XXXXIXI, 46, 14 Nov. 1928, Supplement
Burra Town Council, 5 November
F. Treloar asked if they would sell pieces of unused road at the south end of Kangaroo St adjacent to Vineyard Terrace. Thr request was granted on payment of £5.
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. have accepted the offer of Council to sell closed roads near the trucking yards for £16-10-0 an acre.
Permission was granted to erect a bathroom at the Fire Station.
Wright Motors have with the Town Clerk’s approval removed three cedar trees from the front of their new garage. A telephone pole is to be moved too. These actions were approved.
The motion for a referendum on altering the names of the Kooringa and Aberdeen Post Offices was rescinded.
Cr Woollacott asked if there were to be an annual ratepayers’ meeting.
The Town Clerk said there was no Mayor’s Report.
Cr Woollacott said the Town Clerk always did that anyway.
The Town Clerk said he could not do so without the approval of the Mayor.
And he said Mr Collins was the first Mayor not to write his own reports.
And he said that there were only two corporations in SA which held annual ratepayers’ meetings.
Cr Woollacott moved the meeting be held 21 November. Carried.
Leighton Strawberry Fete held on 10 November raised £80-£90. It was organised by the Ironmine Methodist Ladies Guild in aid of manse debt. It is reported at length.
Cricket. Continuation of a game: South Booborowie 99 & 7 for 167 v. Ramblers 144. A win to Ramblers on the first innings.
On 3 & 10 November North Booborowie 97 v. Mt Bryan 164 & 6 for 190. A win to Mt Bryan on the first innings.
Tennis. Saturday.
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 13-98 defeated Copperhouse 4-78
Willalo 9-92 defeated Booborowie 8-88
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 10-87 defeated Mt Bryan 5-50
Willalo 8-81 defeated Booborowie 7-83
Hallett 11-90 defeated Ironmine 4-73
XXXXIXI, 47, 21 Nov. 1928, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. 9th stage of the Koonoona Trophy saw best scores from W. Woodman & P.W. Hogan.
XXXXIXI, 47, 21 Nov. 1928, page 2
Burra Town Council: Municipal Elections Nominations
Mayor Alfred Benjamin Riggs
Stanley Kellaway
North Ward Herbert Morgan elected unopposed
East Ward Francis Harris
Maxwell John Morton
West Ward Frederick Henry Collins elected unopposed
Auditor Graham Harry Dow
Alwin Trigg Pearce
Elections where required on 1 December.
Notice. S.R. King has taken over the carrying business recently owned by the late T.F. Robertson.
World’s End Methodist Church Anniversary was held on 11 & 14 November. The 14th was a ‘pleasant evening’. Rev. Lawson presided and mentioned that the first wedding at the church was 39 years ago of Mr & Mrs J. Parker of Kooringa who were present and had always attended the anniversary service.
XXXXIXI, 47, 21 Nov. 1928, page 3
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Anniversary on 18 November. Rev. W.O. Harris preached in the morning and Rev. E. Lawson in the afternoon and evening. All services were well attended.
Cyril Sedgman of HMAS Australia is home on leave after a wonderful trip to England.
E. Cleggett, Secretary of the Tubercular Soldiers’ Assoc. writes informing all that the recent concert party did not give its services free, but at half cost, it being impossible for the party to be maintained without charging a fee.
Burra Water Supply.
The local MPs Hon. G.F. Jenkins Commissioner for Crown Lands & Messrs Carter & Jettner visited on Monday and the Council informed them of deficiencies in the town water supply. In some parts of the town water could not be got at 2 p.m. and in the higher parts of town there was no fire fighting supply.
Cr Pearce said that beyond the Kooringa Hotel for instance for four nights last week there was no water. The Hydraulic Engineer has given only evasive replies.
Cr Woollacott said that to the Kooringa Hotel there is a 3” main, but beyond that only 11⁄2”.
Cr Allen said that the position was similar at the back of the hospital.
Cr Riggs added his quota of complaints.
Cr Harris said in Chapel St no water was available for gardens until after midnight.
The Commissioner undertook to pass the matters raised on to the Commissioner for Public Works.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 17 November
Ivon Edward Gare, second son of Mr & Mrs C.W. Gare of Kooringa & late of Mt Bryan East, married
Nellie Norma Reed, second daughter of Mrs James Reed of ‘Wandillah’ Aberdeen.
Bowls. The green will be officially opened for night play on 22 November.
Accident. On Saturday night Mr C. Attrill of Kooringa drove his charabanc into the wall of the home of the keeper of the refreshment rooms at the Burra Station when he went to meet the 10.50 p.m. train. The building was considerably damaged and the vehicle completely wrecked. Two passengers, Messrs M. Dobson & C. Waddy of the Bank of Australasia & the National Bank respectively, were thrown out and required stitches to head wounds. [A third passenger was unharmed or severely bruised, as described in two successive sentences.]
Mr Attrill fractured his skull and sustained severe lacerations to his head, but there are hopes he will recover.
Advt. Burra Institute 28 November. Burra Ladies Physical Culture Classes:
Physical Culture Fancy Dress Frolic. 2/6, 2/-
Mr Maurice Collins (Country Party) has won the local House of Representatives seat. [The Seat of Wakefield.]
XXXXIXI, 47, 21 Nov. 1928, page 4
Burra Institute Chess Club continues to be popular with 14 players listed.
XXXXIXI, 47, 21 Nov. 1928, Supplement
St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held last Friday and was opened by Mrs Warnes. Attendance was good. The Rector said that the money raised by the 1927 fete had been well spent. £100 went to Rectory debt; £45 in interest, and £33 in necessary Rectory repairs. It was hoped 1928 would see another £100 off the Rectory debt and the interest was due and the need for some necessary repairs was urgent. The fete raised just over £150.
Burra Schools. Mr W.T. McCoy, Director of Education, and J.H. Weston, Clerk of Works, visited on Monday with the Commissioner of Crown Lands Hon. G.F. Jenkins. He toured the building. Necessary improvements were pointed out. The High School has just been substantially remodelled and now just needs repainting, which is due in the coming vacation. The High School occupies the western side of the building and the one very large room has been converted into three: a first year room, a second year room and the Headmaster’s Office. The large classroom facing south is now a laboratory. The windows have been enlarged. Afternoon tea was provided by the first year girls. The Domestic Economy room has also been remodelled. The visitors then addressed the pupils at an assembly. The primary school was granted a half holiday on Friday and the High School one at the discretion of the Headmaster Mr E.A.W. Haese. The Mayor urged the necessity of improving lavatory arrangements.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Willalo forfeited to Hallett
Kooringa 11-88 defeated Aberdeen 6-68
‘B’ Grade Mt Bryan 8-66 defeated Aberdeen 7-71
Willalo 10-82 defeated Hallett 5-69
Ironmine 11-82 defeated Booborowie 4-63
Cricket. First day of the match at Mt Bryan: Ramblers v. Mt Bryan
Ramblers 8 for 169.
XXXXIXI, 48, 28 Nov. 1928, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. In the 1st stage of the Championship C.W. Pearce & A.B. Riggs did best.
XXXXIXI, 48, 28 Nov. 1928, page 3
Advt. Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club Annual Sports will be held 28 January 1929.
Burra Motor Sports Club 1st meeting for the season at the Aberdeen Racecourse on 1 December. Riders will arrive from around the state.
Mr Claude Attrill is making steady progress and the other two injured men have returned to work.
Roy Walker aged 8 the son of Mr & Mrs A.S. Walker of Redruth was burnt in the face when gunpowder taken from cartridges was ignited on Wednesday. With a friend he was intending to make fireworks. It is hoped damage to his eyes will not be permanent.
Mr & Mrs S. Jeffery and family have left Aberdeen and will live at Clarence Park, Adelaide. Miss Emily Jeffery who has been working at Sara & Co. has joined her parents.
Bowls. Cold weather prevented the opening of night bowling last Thursday.
Marriage. St Joseph’s Burra, 21 November
Mr George J. Faulkner, son of Mrs & the late Anthony Faulkner of Yarcowie, married
Miss Kathleen Hopkins, daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Hopkins of Hallett.
Marriage. St John’s Church of England, Laura, 12 November
Constance Hollis, only daughter of Mr & Mrs H. Hollis of Laura, married
Edward Morgan, elder son of Mr & Mrs Charles Morgan of Kooringa.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 11-79 defeated Aberdeen 5-63
Hallett 9-78 defeated Booborowie 7-62
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 8-84 defeated Aberdeen 7-77
Hallett 10-85 defeated Booborowie 5-63
Ironmine 9-82 defeated Willalo 6-70
Cricket. Conclusion of the match. Ramblers 177 & 5 for 77 defeated Mt Bryan 103: a win on the first innings.
XXXXIXI, 48, 28 Nov. 1928, page 4
The Mayor’s Report for 1928
The Mayor presents his last report (at least for now).
The town continues to be well kept and to be advancing.
North Ward.
Railway Terrace has been re-metalled ready for tar-dressing. Nine other streets have received considerable attention. The Bon Accord Bridge was tar-dressed and many minor works done.
East Ward.
Ayers St has been put in good order. 5ft concrete pipes have been ordered for the creek crossing near Finch’s and the Council will replace the old structure there which is quite unsafe after 60 years. This will cost c. £100. A new footbridge has been placed at the corner of Paxton Square. Eight other streets were placed in good order and footpaths tarred.
West Ward.
The full length of the western boundary road has been repaired, two new culverts placed in Commercial St, and one in each of Church St & Ware St and one near the hospital. Significant repairs were made to seven other streets.
Parks and streets have 245 assorted pines, 50 kurrajongs and 50 flowering gums planted. Mr E. Ford paid for 110 trees to be planted on the road at the northern edge of town. Many dead and dying trees were removed. The roof of the shed at Victoria Park was damaged in a storm and has been replaced at accost of £20.
The Cemetery is in good order.
The well and pump have been attended to.
The Fire Brigade has not been given much work, but just recently prevented the spread of a potentially serious fire.
The Burra Electric Supply Co. has not had a failure during the year and the town is well lighted.
Health. The town is clean and there have been no outbreaks of disease this year.
Main Roads are in good order and with a little more money for the coming year it is intended to extend the tar south past the hospital and soon all the main roads will be tarred.
Assessment for 1927-28 was £17,394. Rates at 2/6 in the £ were £2,174-5-0 and £2,155 was collected and of the £19 remaining £14-17-6 will come in by year’s end.
Finance. The North Ward ends £59-2-2 in credit
The East Ward ends £58-17-4 in debit
The West Ward ends £45-13-4 in debit
The General account is £263-4-8 in credit.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on 17 & 24 November
South Booborowie 94 and more than 173 v. Kooringa 114. A win to Kooringa on first innings.
XXXXIXI, 48, 28 Nov. 1928, Supplement
Ratepayers’ Meeting, 21 November at the Institute with M.A. Radford in the chair.
Cr Collins was in Adelaide and apologised. Cr Harris was unwell.
The Chair congratulated the Mayor on winning the seat at the Federal election – though as a representative of the Liberal Federation he had tried to defeat Mr Collins.
The Mayor read his report and congratulated the Fire Brigade at their recent successful effort at the fire at Mr Lewis’s shop.
He refuted allegations in a letter sent to the Fire Brigade Board that they were not doing their job. In his six years as Mayor the most significant events had been:
The opening of the new Showgrounds.
The Back to Burra Festival.
Visits of the Governor-General & Lady Stonehaven and of the State Governors Sir Tom & Lady Bridges and Sir Henry & Lady Weigall.
The visits of the Prime Minister Rt Hon. S.M. Bruce, the Federal Treasurer Dr Earle Page, the Bishop of Adelaide, the Premier of SA Hon. L. Hill & the Bishop of Pt Augusta.
The erection of some £50,000 worth of new housing.
The opening of Children’s Playgrounds at Aberdeen & Kooringa.
The great increase of tarred road from a quarter of a mile to several miles.
Mr Treloar seconded the adoption of the report and especially thanked Mrs Collins for her work over the years.
Election speeches of candidates followed.
Cr Riggs outlined his experience as a Councillor for six years. He thought asphalt and spremax were likely to prove superior to tar and thought a crusher for metal would be needed and would save money in upkeep sufficient to pay for the £45-£300 outlay. Bridges he felt should come from general funds and not ward funds. The Council presently had three horses (two past their prime). He felt the rate would have to stay at 2/6. He favoured each ward getting £300 as this year rather than the 75% of rates collected in it. As Mayor he would have the whole town’s interests at heart.
Mr Kellaway said he had been a Councillor for eight years and had experience as chair of all committees. He felt many old trees should be replanted with ornamental ones. He favoured the use of spremax on roads, but gravel for footpaths.
Mr Morton favoured solid work on roads that would last, but he is not reported on other matters of policy.
Mr Morgan thought too much was spent on roads and side streets needed attention.
Mr Wicklein asked about tarring Market Square. Mr Kellaway was for it and Mr Morgan would wait to see the finances. Cr Woollacott said it had been delayed by the monument scheme which was still undecided. Crs Pearce and Riggs felt that finances were against it.
On the question of unclaimed allotments the Mayor said the cost of getting title was more than the value of the land.
There was a question about a water cart for Fridays especially, but the consensus was against it.
Burra Town Council
The Town Clerk explained that he had been paid by the Mayor to write his report for the year because of Mr Collins’s workload. The Mayor had been hurt by the impression that he was not capable of writing the report.
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. wrote to say concerning the £16-10-0 per acre agreed to for the purchase of closed roads that they find there is no title and it will therefore cost an extra £10-£15. They therefore considered a reduction in the cost of the land was justified. After consideration the Council decided not to reduce the cost.
Wright’s Motors were given permission to erect three bowsers in front of their garage.
W.M. Heath was given permission to erect a new dwelling in Thames St.
Mr Villis offered to buy Reserve No. 6 comprising Creek Lands near the Vacuum Oil Co. works and No. 7 comprising Creek Lands from Bon Accord Bridge to the railway line. The Mayor was opposed and a decision was deferred pending an inspection.
Local Board of Health
The Mayor urged that pressure be kept on the Education Department to attend to the school toilets.
Cr Woollacott congratulated the Mayor on his election to the seat of Wakefield [in the House of Representatives]. He was following on from an earlier Mayor Sir Frederick Holder. He had defeated Mr Foster (Liberal) who had given 19 years honourable service.
This and appreciation for service during the Mayor’s six-year term was endorsed by Cr s Harris, Riggs, Allen & Pearce & the Town Clerk. Cr Riggs said he had set two records: continuous six years in office and being elected six times unopposed.
[The first actually equals E.W. Crewes 1914-19, but Crewes was opposed in his first election of this period.]
The Mayor responded for himself and on behalf of his wife.
XXXXIXI, 49, 5 Dec. 1928, page 1
Burra Town Council: Municipal Elections
Mayor: A.B. Riggs 260
S. Kellaway 168
East Ward: F. Harris 135
M. Morton 60
Auditor: Graham Dow 215
Alwin Pearce 210
The votes for the Mayoralty of 428 were a record said S. Kellaway.
[The previous record was in December 1878 when 377 votes were cast, but the record would be broken in December 1930 with 461 votes cast and again in December 1933 when 492 were cast.]
This year saw the last election for auditors. After this auditors would require a certificate and would then be appointed by the Council. [This was the consequence of a recent Act of Parliament.]
XXXXIXI, 49, 5 Dec. 1928, page 2
Advt. General Aid Society Strawberry Fete, Burra Institute 7 December.
Advt. Hann & Button Auctioneers will sell on 11 December the furniture and effects of George Gallagher who is leaving the town.
Advt. M.A. Radford calls tenders to erect about 130 telephone poles on the Eastern Road. Specifications at Eastern Telephone Building Kooringa.
Notices. Clarence Lomman & Jack Simcock both have notices warning certain people of Hampton to cease making false and insulting statements against their characters.
Obituary. Mrs Henry Pearce has died aged 94. She was the widow of Mr Henry Pearce a pioneer farmer of Mt Bryan and has lived for many years in Kooringa – first with her daughter Mrs W. Satchell and when that family went to Riverton, then with her other daughter Mrs Walter Bourman. She had been in good health with all her faculties until a recent fall.
[Born Sarah Moxey in April 1835 at Exeter, England: died 4 December 1928.]
XXXXIXI, 49, 5 Dec. 1928, page 3
Seaside Trip. A meeting to arrange the annual trip will be held tonight in the Institute at 8 p.m.
Hanson Methodist Strawberry Fete on 21 November in the Methodist Hall to aid Trust Funds raised c. £47.
Bowling. On Saturday Burra 104 defeated Clare 83 at Burra.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 12-76 defeated Booborowie 3-38
Hallett 8-84 defeated Aberdeen 8-81
Willalo forfeited to Kooringa
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 10-82 defeated Booborowie 5-83
Aberdeen 8-70 defeated Hallett 7-71
Willalo 8-87 defeated Mt Bryan 7-63
Accident. An accident occurred on the Adelaide Rd 3⁄4 mile south of Kooringa on Friday. Mr Wilfred Nankivell with his wife, three children and his sister Miss Olive Nankivell were in a buggy when involved in a head-on collision with a car driven by R.A. Lewis. The pole and swingle-tree were smashed and one of the two ponies had to be destroyed. The occupants of the buggy were thrown out. Mrs Nankivell sustained a nasty injury to her arm, the baby less than seven months old was shaken and strained its back, Mr Nankivell was cut about the eye, one other child was bruised and another unhurt. Miss Nankivell received minor scratches. The car was badly damaged. Mr Lewis and a lady passenger received minor injuries and Mrs Lewis was unhurt. A tin of petrol burst and soaked the baby and vegetables. All are now progressing satisfactorily.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club has erected two nice round shelter-sheds each with four cubicles and capable of seating c. 64 with a table in each cubicle. Lavatory accommodation has been improved. Visitors can enjoy a row on the lake for 20 minutes for a small charge.
Obituary. Stan W. Fitzgerald died at his parents’ home Angas St Adelaide on 27 November of pneumonia aged 29. He was the eldest son of Mr Will Fitzgerald, late of Kooringa and a nephew of Edward (Ned) Fitzgerald and Mrs M. Dawe of Vineyard Terrace. He was educated at Christian Bros. College and worked for the Department of Agriculture until ill health forced his resignation 18 months ago.
XXXXIXI, 49, 5 Dec. 1928, page 4
Hallett Institute. The old institute was erected in 1879 and although enlarged has become too small for the needs of the community. A scheme for a new one was launched some months ago and the new one to be built in the Main St will be of two storeys and more in keeping with needs. The foundation stone was laid 28 November by Miss L.M. Melrose accompanied by her father Sir John Melrose and her brother Mr A.J. Melrose of Mintaro. The architects are Messrs Davies, Wooldridge & Council. P. Findlay is the mason in charge. Mr T.E. Richards re-laid the stone from the old Institute. Tea was taken at the old Institute. The cost of the new building is expected to be c. £5,000. £2,500 has been collected. Sir John had been the originator of the scheme and offered £500. A concert was held in the evening. Proceeds of the whole effort were £112. [Details extend for c. 11⁄2 columns.]
XXXXIXI, 49, 5 Dec. 1928, Supplement
Burra Motor Sports Club first meeting for the season was held last Saturday and drew riders from many parts of SA. Results:
2-lap match race: K. Litchfield beat Jack Hansen in 1.143/5 for the mile
Burra Club Handicap: Hall beat Taylor
Match race: Hall beat Neidorfer
Final Open Handicap: Neidorfer beat Litchfield
Final Scratch Race: Litchfield beat Neidorfer
Leighton Annual Strawberry Fete on Saturday arranged by the Ironmine Ladies Guild raised over £100.
YMCA Physical Culture Fancy Dress Frolic last Wednesday at the Institute was quite well attended (but could have been better). A good performance was put on.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church Anniversary Services were preached by Rev. G. Nesbit White on 25 November to good congregations.
XXXXIXI, 50, 12 Dec. 1928, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. At the 10th stage of the Koonoona Trophy best scorers were E. Spackman, J.E. Hogan & R.J. Fairchild.
XXXXIXI, 50, 12 Dec. 1928, page 2
Advt. Pupils & Music Pupils of the Sisters of St Joseph Grand Concert Monday 17 December.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd will offer for sale at Abberton Park 1 mile east of Aberdeen on 11 January 1929 the whole of the furniture of Mr Maurice Collins who is leaving the district.
Advt. Wright’s Motors Official Opening Dance in their New Showroom
Saturday 15 December 8 p.m.
Obituary. Joseph Aloysius Lawler, second son of the late Edward & Elizabeth Lawler died at Burra Hospital 7 December aged 77. [See further page 3 of this issue.]
Obituary. Alfred Gillett died at Broken Hill. He was the husband of Sarah and brother of Mesdames T. Turner, E.J. Harris & J.E. Pearce and of Walter Gillett of Burra. He was 76.
[Born 22 May 1852 at Salisbury SA.]
XXXXIXI, 50, 12 Dec. 1928, page 3
Reg. Warnes has struck excellent water on his property three miles east of Burra at 180ft giving 12-14,000 gallons per day.
Fire. A fire in grass near the home of W.J.C. Ewins in Kangaroo St on Monday evening was speedily put out by the Fire Brigade.
Two weeks ago grass under the Black Bridge had to be extinguished as it threatened the Service Station and the Burra Hotel.
A few days later a train set fire to grass at the Showgrounds and about two acres of feed was burnt.
M.W. Bednall representing the firm of Bennett, Browne & Atkinson, solicitors, has now taken over the business and will conduct it in his own name.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 9-64 defeated Booborowie 6-54
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 10-87 defeated Aberdeen 5-65
Mt Bryan 9-83 defeated Booborowie 6-71
Advt. YMCA Inter-Branch Sports Carnival at Victoria Park Next Saturday 3 p.m.
Bowls. At Burra Saturday: Burra 94 defeated Kapunda 88.
Obituary. James A. Lawler who died 7 December at Aberdeen was born at Walkerville Adelaide in 1851 and came to Burra with his family when 11. Miss Mary Lawler his sister survives and like her brother is a devoted attendant at St Joseph’s. A brother John Lawler lives at Mile End.
[Birth apparently not registered.]
XXXXIXI, 50, 12 Dec. 1928, page 4
Cricket. At Victoria Park 1 & 8 December.
North Booborowie 6 for 73 (having only 7 players) & 7 for 33 (this time having 8 players)
Kooringa 185. A win for Kooringa by an innings and 79.
General Aid Society Strawberry Fete 7 December took over £80. Details in a 1-column report.
Burra Benevolent Society. Hon. Sec. Miss Coglin. In the year firewood was delivered in 5cwt lots at a rate of 30/- per ton. Clothing etc has also been placed. E.J. Davey as Treasurer has also done much.
Burra Town Council, 3 December
The First meeting of the new council extended congratulations to the Council’s new Councillor Morgan and expressed regret at the ill health of Cr Harris and his family trouble.
Aberdeen Tennis Club applied for permission to erect a shed 24ft x 8ft x 9ft high adjacent to the courts. Granted.
The mayoral allowance was set at £20.
It was resolved not to sell land at Aberdeen for which Mr Villis offered £16 per acre because it was used by sheep on sales days, though they had leased it for three years at £1 per acre to Mr Villis and as Cr Pearce observed, if it were fenced as a result they might well have sold it.
XXXXIXI, 51, 19 Dec. 1928, page 1
Mrs I.J. Warnes, President of the CWA in SA, has spent 30 years of her married life in the country and now lives on a property 12 miles from Burra and is well fitted to dealing with the destiny of the CWA. She is also a member of the National Council of Women, the Victoria League Travellers’ Aid and the League of Nations Union. Other interests include church work, music and sports.
XXXXIXI, 51, 19 Dec. 1928, page 2
Notices. Victor K.C. Gosling warns certain residents of defaming his wife’s character.
Charles S. Henry Gosling has a similar notice with respect to himself.
Thieves stole Mr E.W. Crewes’ car on Monday morning. Mr R.A. Lynch of the Commercial Hotel noticed it in the lane between Drew & Crewes’ and McKenzie’s with the engine running. It had been backed into McKenzie’s wall and had then run down the lane striking the wall of the office and crumpling both mudguards.
Weather. Rain has fallen in a part of the eastern country in a downpour that gave 1” at Bazentin, 71 points at Canegrass and 140 points at ‘The Bend’ on Balah.
A dingo that has plagued Oakbank for over 10 years was finally shot this week.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 10-86 defeated Aberdeen 5-66
XXXXIXI, 51, 19 Dec. 1928, page 3
Burra Town Council, last Monday
Recommended allotment of funds to Wards was North £390, East £390 & West £312. After considerable discussion this was referred back to the Finance Committee.
The Public Works Committee recommends forming footpaths and roadways in The Crescent in Graham (from the tennis courts to the corner near C.R. Bevan’s residence.
A whole list of works needed in each ward is printed.
The Government has given £50 for unemployment relief work if the Council will match it. Agreed.
Water is to be put on to Redruth Playground.
A plan of a subdivision into 22 large building allotments for land north and south of Victoria Park was approved.
Local Board of Health
Recently in the hot spell the Inspector E.J. Davey reported the water supply was so poor it impaired operation of septic tanks and made dealing with a fire, should one occur, practically impossible. The Water Supply Department is to be written to.
Cricket. On Saturday Ramblers played a General Motors Team, which was in town in association with the opening of Wright’s new garage. Ramblers scored 53 to General Motors 8 for 99.
Wright’s Motors were officially opened on the weekend on the corner recently occupied by Mr Luke Day and the Iceworks near the Black Bridge. The structure covers an area c. 60ft x 100ft deep. In front is a showroom 50ft x 30ft with a glass front and sides and a red concrete floor. There is an office to one side. Behind is a workshop 70ft x 60ft with a concrete floor. In front is a driveway and bowsers. Murison’s Jazz Orchestra provided music for a dance until 11.45 p.m. General Motors was strongly represented as Wright’s Motors is their local distributor. Mr & Mrs C.R. Wright greeted guests from 8 p.m.
XXXXIXI, 51, 19 Dec. 1928, page 4
Cricket. 1 & 8 December at South Booborowie
South Booborowie 69 & 94 v. Mt Bryan 6 for 228. (E. Pearce 113 not out.)
Cornish Dialogue. There is an article in dialect about 12⁄3 columns on reminiscences of the town and the modern scene – there is not much of real note, but a reference to Aboriginal corroborees near the old Smelts Chimney.
XXXXIXI, 51, 19 Dec. 1928, page Supplement
YMCA Sports Carnival to conclude the 1928 training course was held at Victoria Park 15 December in good weather. Although athletes were keen there was little public interest and only £6 was taken at the gate. Decorated vehicles and stalls etc. deserved a better turnout. Results are printed.
Mr George Patullo, Hanson DC District Clerk, is getting a new house at Hanson. He hopes to move in soon. A mixed store will be run in connection with the house.
Burra Rifle Club. At Riverton on Saturday: Burra 455 defeated Riverton 446.
Aberdeen Croquet Club. The lawn was cut for the first time on 8 December and it looked very good. A busy bee did good work. R. Fuss has now finished the pavilion and club rooms. E. Steer will now paint the roof red and the woodwork white. J.G. Sara will kalsomine the walls. J.G. Wardle will oil the shelter-shed. F.M. Pearce has carted to the place furniture bought recently from the Mine. Formal handing over to the Burra Town Council is fixed for the third Saturday in February.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church, 19 November.
Edward T. Williams, youngest son of Mr & Mrs D.E. Williams of Kooringa and late of Leighton, married Nellie E. Moxham, fourth daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Moxham of Leighton.
Marriage. At Moseley St Methodist Church, Glenelg 10 December
Marjorie Tiver, daughter of Mr & Mrs T. Tiver of Glenelg and late of Burra, married
Roy Jeffery, only son of Mr & Mrs S. Jeffery of Clarence Park and late of Aberdeen.
CWA. A General Meeting was held 14 December.
Mrs Warnes gave a report on her recent trip to Queensland where she alone represented SA at the annual conference of the CWA where over 200 branches were represented.
[Details extend for over 11⁄2 columns.]
XXXXIXI, 52, 26 Dec. 1928, page 1
Burra Benevolent Society met on 18 December and decided for its Christmas Fund to amalgamate with the Mayor’s Fund. Recipients were estimated at 39 and the amount allotted was £19-10-0.
XXXXIXI, 52, 26 Dec. 1928, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute Hall 14 January 1929. J.C. Williamson Ltd presents: Rose Marie.
5/-, 4/-, 3/-, Children 2/-
Advt. The premises in Market Square occupied by the Commercial Bank are offered for sale. The building contains five spacious rooms with a frontage of 38ft.
Birth. At Sister Villis’s 22 December to Mr & Mrs Bert Finch of ‘Horsleydene’ Kooringa a daughter, [Margaret Theresa]
Obituary. Mrs J. Brereton of Hanson died at the Burra Hospital on 20 December aged 30. Mr Brereton holds one of the blocks allocated to soldiers and the deceased was Miss Campbell of Mannanarie. She is survived by a husband and four young children the youngest two weeks old.
[Born Isabella Campbell 4 November 1893 at Mannanarie.]
Weather. There was a real brickfielder on 21 December.
Children’s Sports will be held at Burra Playground, Redruth 29 December. Mr George Gallagher has generously made this practicable.
XXXXIXI, 52, 26 Dec. 1928, page 3
Burra Hospital Christmas Party was organised by Mrs Collins this year and took place last Saturday. The entertainment was as usual in the open air before adjourning indoors for the distribution of gifts.
World’s End Public School break-up concert is reported in just over 1 column. The head teacher Mr H. Zadow reported an average enrolment of 29.1 and average attendance of 25.9. There are 28 now on the roll and a high for the year of 32. W.H. McWaters presided as Chairman of the School Committee. He presented the prizes.
Leighton School Speech Day was held on 20 December. A.D. McDonald as Secretary of the School Committee took the chair in place of I.J. Warnes who was in WA. Mrs Warnes presented the prizes. [Report extends 1⁄2 column.]
Ayers School Gala Day and break-up celebration was held on 20 December. Miss Crowhurst arranged an entertainment. Prizes were distributed and the prize list etc. is printed in a report of c. 2⁄3 column.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club met on 22 December and arrangements were made for the Regatta Day on 28 January 1929. Land and water events will be held. A large crowd is expected.
Burra Rifle Club. 11th stage of the Koonoona Trophy saw best scores from P.W. Hogan & A.C. Aughey.
XXXXIXI, 52, 26 Dec. 1928, page 4
Burra High School held its Break-up & Entertainment on 19 December in the Institute. Dr Steele as Chairman of the High School Council presided.
The Headmaster said the school opened with an enrolment of 59: 24 girls and 35 boys and soon reached 60. An additional teacher, Miss Batchelor, was appointed. Average attendance was much better than previously at c. 52. Miss Nield resigned to be replaced by Miss Parker as Domestic Arts teacher. This week Miss Robinson has been transferred to Mt Barker to be replaced by Miss E.M. Jones. Between March and the end of June there was great disturbance due to the rebuilding work. Painting inside is due to begin on Friday. Next year a woodwork centre will open. The school fete in April raised nearly £80 towards much needed new equipment. A shelter-shed will soon be erected. On 5 September at the Combined High School Sports Burra gained the shield. A trip to Clare on 13 December was the next sporting event. The Girls’ tennis lost 9 sets to 7. The cricket team lost by 10 wickets.
We note past scholars Clifford Flower, Gilbert Walker, Patty Pledge & Lillian Piggott are doing well at University.
There was a Chairman’s Address after Mr Haese’s report.
The Dux of School was Doreen Oborn.
Best Intermediate results for 1927 were by Philip L. Killicoat.
Best Leaving results 1927 came from Doreen Oborn.
The prize list is printed. [The total report extends for c. 2 columns.]
Burra Public School Break-up was held 20 December. Exam results were announced and prizes given out. Mr H.H. Daddow has been transferred to Pudnippie on the West Coast. Mr H.T. Brown comes to Burra. Patty Pledge, an old scholar, has been appointed to Clare High School and another, Dora Rosewall, moves from Terowie to Ascot Park. 31 gained Qualifying Certificates.
Marks are out of a maximum of 700.
Eric Seeley 611 Shirley Twist 535 Laurie Twist 466
Ray Thompson 598 Maisie Radford 528 Mona Taylor 465
Alan Phillips 595 Charles Jesser 518 Roma Flaherty 447
Doris Thomas 563 Ted Riggs 502 Raymond Flaherty 447
Jean Voumard 563 Clem Wilson 502 Shiela Fairchild 439
Shirley Harris 553 Daphne Irlam 484 Dorothy Allen 435
Edna Allen 552 Jack Finch 482 Ronald Walker 435
Clarence Fuss 551 Mavis Turnbull 482 Margaret Pearce 407
Audrey McDonald 551 Nellie Bentley 481 Mavis Fairchild 375
Stanley Thompson 545 Thamar Bevan 478
Dulcie McDonald 544 Rex Opperman 474
A full prize list is printed.
[Personal interest: In Grade IV Ted Fuss came 3rd and in Grade VII Girls Edna Allen came 1st.
Attending every day in Grade VII: Edna Allen & Clarence Fuss.]
St Joseph’s School Grand Entertainment 17 December at the Institute drew a large audience. On Thursday the annual picnic was held at Johnson’s Creek lent by J. Tennant and it was a delightful excursion.
Burra Chess Club continues to meet on Wednesday nights at the Institute.
Characteristics of the 1928 paper.
Page 1
Large local advertisements with occasionally a small amount of news.
Page 2
Some large local advertisements. A lot of stock and other sale notices, tender notices, public notices, entertainments and a few classifieds. News sometimes starts here, but more usually on page 3.
Page 3
A few advertisements, but mostly news.
Page 4
Often half news and half advertisements, but the proportions fluctuate considerably.
Supplements
These are common, but usually they are not full sized sheets. Most are 5 columns wide by about three quarter the normal height.
In all the coverage of local news coverage was good and quite comprehensive. Sports were well covered and the local Council reported in considerable detail. Editorials did not appear.
Numbering of Issues in 1928
The year began with Volume XXXXIXI Number 1 on 4 January 1928.
And continued to Volume XXXXIXI Number 52 on 26 December 1928.
Note the incorrect ‘Roman’ numeral adopted instead of L.
XXXXIXIII, 1, 9 Jan. 1929
Page 1 Advertisements
Ernest F. Marston The Burra Record & General Printing
G.C. Kuchenmeister Tea & Refreshments Rooms, Market Square (Late C. Parks)
H. Trevorah Kooringa Service Station
W. Malcolm Heath Golden Corn Bakery, Kooringa
A.O. Lawrence Burra Hotel
H. Jennison Tyre Service
W.R Lee Ford Dealer
R.W. Bruce Carrier – Adelaide to Burra Tuesday & Friday
Burra to Adelaide Monday & Thursday
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen
R. Rogers Mt Bryan, Booborowie Burra & Adelaide Carrying Service
Walker & Sons Footwear, Market Square
E.L. Steer Painter, Paperhanger & General House Decorator, Morehead St
_________ Burra Motor Co.
Jeffery & Byrne Quality Meat Store, Kooringa
W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Clothier & Milliner, Kooringa
C.J. Pearce & Son Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers & Undertakers, Commercial St
R.A. Lewis Cycle & Phonograph Dealer, present address Kooringa Service Station
T.H. Woollacott & Sons Builders & Contractors, Aberdeen
W.G. Terry Practical Tailor, Kooringa
K.B. Watts Quality Meat Store, Aberdeen
Page 2 Advertisements
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, Stock & Station Agents, Wool Brokers etc.
Mr Laybourne Smith Dentist, 1st Tuesday to Friday every month at Bence’s Cash & Carry Store
SAFU Farm Supplies
S. Mealor Quick Service Engineer, late with Vrai Ltd & Clutterbucks Bros. Tractors & Blackstone Engines, now working in the Burra District
Drew & Crewes Universal Providers
Bence’s Cash & Carry Drapery Store
H.G. Oates Manager for Fisher & Copley Ltd, Auctioneers, Land Agents etc.
A.L. Clode Carpenter & Builder, Aberdeen
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc.
S.R. King Successor to the late T.F. Robertson, Railway & General Carrier
Page 3 Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Store, Aberdeen
Pederson & Son The Quality Shoe Store, Kooringa
Edwin J. Harris The Corner Store, Kooringa
Luke Day Home Grown Fruit & Vegetables
Page 4 Advertisements
_________ Burra Motor Co., Dodge Dealers
Hammond’s Hardware Store
Wright’s Wright’s Motors, Kooringa
W.H. Spier Pontiac Cars
W.R. Lee Ford Dealer – the New Phaeton (with a Ford ‘A’ motor)
XXXXIXIII, 1, 9 Jan. 1929, page 1
Burra Racing Club met on Wednesday 19 December and disclosed a profit for the year of £26-16-4.
The Club’s guarantors had notified that they will no longer make payments after 1928. A meeting was called and the matter discussed and eventually they have guaranteed payments to £600 as long as the guarantors are a majority of the committee. The meeting of 21 March was most successful, though some fields could have been larger. Membership at 156 is only three below last year’s. Officers appointed were: President and Chairman, N.H. Pearse; Secretary, G.H. Dow & Patron, Sir John Melrose.
XXXXIXIII, 1, 9 Jan. 1929, page 2
Advt. Hallett-Semaphore Seaside Trip will be held on Saturday 2 February, the day of the Test Match.
Advt. A.L. Clode, late of F.M. Pearce, notifies that he has started business as a carpenter, builder etc. at Aberdeen next to K.B. Watt’s meat store.
Advt. From 1 January 1929 the Eastern Mail Service will be run by J. Allen & Sons.
Advt. Premises to let or for sale: presently occupied by the Commercial Bank.
W.J. Davey, Henley Beach.
Obituary. Thomas Henry Gilbert, husband of Maria Gilbert of Black Springs, died at Riverton Hospital 5 January. A wife and three sons survive. [See more on page 3 of this issue.]
XXXXIXIII, 1, 9 Jan. 1929, page 2-3
Editorial on the imminent departure of Mr Maurice Collins after a record six years continuous service as Mayor of Burra. Mr Collins has in that time given his best and Mrs Collins has done a great deal as a ‘silent worker’ assisting her husband. She has done much to assist the less fortunate in the town. Now Mr Collins has become a Member of the House of Representatives. At a meeting of Council on Monday it was decided to give them a public farewell and some small memento in recognition of their service to the town. The Council decided if it is convenient to have the ceremony on Wednesday evening 30 January.
XXXXIXIII, 1, 9 Jan. 1929, page 3
The Seaside Trip this year will be to Semaphore on 2 February. A test match will be played at the Adelaide Oval on that day, so get your tickets early. Sales must close on 25 January, as the second train will be cancelled unless booked.
The Gare Family had a gathering at World’s End on 31 December when eight cars took about 40 of them out for a picnic.
Gwen Humphrys, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Roy Humphrys of Ayers School has won an Exhibition in connection with the Qualifying Exam, for two years’ tuition at any High, Primary or Technical School with the approval of the Minister of Education.
Lillian Piggott has done well at University and has been appointed to Williamstown School.
Obituary. Thomas Henry Gilbert of Black Springs died at Riverton Hospital on 5 January. He was born at Finniss SA on 21 December 1864. He came to Black springs with his parents when aged 12. After his marriage to Maria Goodridge of Gum Creek he took land in the Black Springs area. He is survived by a widow and three sons: Horace, Clifford and Horace Gilbert. [Sic]
[Born 21 December 1864, Lower Finniss. The third son was actually Victor Charles.]
Obituary. Edward Statton of Hallett died suddenly at his residence on 6 January aged 72.
Mr & Mrs H.W. Tiver of ‘Flagstaff’ celebrated their silver wedding on 29 December and entertained a large number of friends.
Copperhouse School break-up concert was held in the [Westbury] Methodist Church on the evening of 19 December. Mr Hill the headmaster has been transferred after only a few months. Miss E. Prior will replace him. [Personal interest: Mr R. Fuss was among those giving a song at the concert.]
‘Motorist’ writes complaining that people continue to drive without lights and instances two cases recently – one of an unlit buggy and another of a car without lights.
Mrs Carter, teacher of toe, classical, fancy & national dancing and singing will be at the Cheer-up Hall one afternoon a week for several weeks.
Tennis. A match deferred from 29 September 1928
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 8-78 defeated Copperhouse 7-78
Petherton School’s Miss Mussell had excellent results at the Qualifying Exams recently with 4 students getting 580, 554, 535 & 462 respectively.
Mt Bryan East School break-up was held on 20 December and scholars were entertained at Mr Doyle’s homestead nearby in the afternoon.
Cricket. At Victoria Park 29 December
Stockowners 266 defeated District 185.
Burra Rifle Club. 12th stage of the Koonoona Trophy produced best scores from W.V. Bass & C.W. Pearce.
XXXXIXIII, 1, 9 Jan. 1929, page 4
Cricket. World’s End 1 January: World’s End 106 & 138 (244) defeated Ramblers 113 & 109 (222).
XXXXIXIII, 1, 9 Jan. 1929, Supplement
Church of England Day School
The first break-up day drew a large attendance to see the work done and to hear the report of progress made. The Rector reported good progress. The school was inspected and met with approval. The yard is to be smoothed: at the present being very rough for play. Secretary Mr J.F. Stephen read the report for Miss Orr. School began 1 February when 17 children were enrolled. The number is now 24. Desks were obtained like those used in Government schools. The Bishop visited on 14 May during the holidays, but most pupils came along anyway. The school put on the operetta Snow White in the second term. Mid-year exams were very successful. At the final promotion exam only 3 or 4 pupils with very broken schooling were not promoted. Numbers next year are expected to be 26. A pleasant program was rendered. Prizes were distributed and then Father Christmas came and a Christmas tree was revealed on the stage. Gifts were distributed.
XXXXIXIII, 2, 16 Jan. 1929, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Sale of 1,310 acres freehold 3 miles east of Mt Bryan on instructions from the trustees in the estate of Henry Pearce deceased. [Section numbers are cited.]
XXXXIXIII, 2, 16 Jan. 1929, page 3
Notice. The partnership of George Hann & Harold James Button carrying on business as agents under the style Hann & Button is dissolved from 7 January 1929. Each partner will carry on, on his own account.
Notice. Salvation Army. Ensign & Mrs Sutton, newly appointed, will conduct services next Sunday at 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. There will be a welcome social Monday evening at 8 p.m.
Obituary. Shrub Matilda Harris, wife of Francis Harris, died at her residence in Chapel St on 8 January aged 62. She was the mother of Mrs W.L. Pearce & Mrs W.G. Terry of Kooringa and of Hartley P. Harris of Lilydale Victoria and Arthur P. Harris of Kooringa. [Born Shrub Matilda Phillips 19 September 1866 Waterloo SA. Her name comes from her paternal grandmother who was born Ann Shrub.]
Burra Waterworks. The Mayor, Cr Edgar Pearce and Town Clerk E.J. Davey went on Tuesday as a deputation to the Water Supply Department to protest the poor water supply. People in Paradise cannot get water during certain hours of the day due to poor pressure. The department has not responded to repeated letters yet is happy to collect rates.
The Rose Marie Company that played to a packed audience on 14 January praised the accommodation at the Institute and its cleanliness. The performance was a resounding success and 85 cars were parked outside.
Mr Button advises he will carry on with two main agencies: International Harvester and Dalgety & Co. Ltd. He will occupy the front portion of the former partnership premises and Mr Hann the rear portion with access from Queen St.
St Joseph’s. Rev. Father W.H. Nesdale has been transferred to the Hawker Parish and Father Cullinan of Pt Augusta is to come here. Father Nesdale leaves in the second week in February.
Accidental shooting. Master Jack Tiver, son of Mr & Mrs T. Tiver of Glenelg, is visiting his sister Mrs R. Jeffery of Aberdeen and on Friday morning he and a friend went shooting rabbits in the Burra Mine. The friend accidentally shot him clean through the fleshy part of his leg. He stayed overnight in Burra Hospital.
Accident. Will Parks working on Quondong Station required several stitches in his leg at the Burra Hospital on Tuesday after gashing himself on Monday evening when killing a sheep.
Salvation Army. Captain M. Tippett and Lieut. E. Johnson who have been in charge of the local corps have been moved on. Capt. Tippett has been on sick leave at her home in Moonta for two months and goes to Jamestown. Her companion goes to Victoria. Ensign and Mrs Sutton come from Millicent.
Lewis Family visitors. Major & Mrs Gilbert Lewis & family and a son of Essington Lewis visited Burra at the weekend. Major Lewis has bought a large property in WA and is expected to move there from his residence at Bundaleer.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 26 December
Fred. A. Allen, younger son of Mr & Mrs John Allen of Kooringa, married
Edna P.P. Butler, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs W.G. Butler of Booborowie.
Burra Town Council, 7 January
Road signs are to be erected at G. Roger’s corner pointing to Adelaide, Clare etc. [Cactus Farm]
And also in Market Square, though funds did not permit one at Sara’s Corner.
[This follows the visit of an Inspector (of what is not stated) and the source of funds is not stated.]
Council was invited to the opening of the Aberdeen Croquet Club on Saturday 16 February.
Mr M. Collins submits his resignation as President of the Memorial Committee and Roll of Honour Committee.
The Inspector again referred to the inadequacies of the water supply.
Cr Woollacott moved that a deputation wait on the Minister.
Cr Woollacott then disputed the Mayor’s ruling that a Councillor could not bring forward any work at a Council meeting – it could only come through the Public Works Committee.
Cr Woollacott accused the Mayor of not putting the motion re the Finance Committee report ‘fairly and squarely’.
The Mayor insisted he withdraw. Cr Woollacott said he had ‘twisted the thing’.
The Mayor insisted he withdraw ‘twisted’.
Eventually Cr Woollacott withdrew.
The Town Clerk said Cr Woollacott had paid men on Christmas Cheer work £33-1-2, but had not put in the correct form for the Government to credit them.
(Separate orders from each man were required instead of one document with all their signatures.)
Cr Morgan said some teams coming over the Bon Accord Bridge seemed very heavily loaded and the road was being damaged.
The Mayor brought up the question of a farewell for Mr & Mrs Maurice Collins and a function was fixed for 30 January if possible.
XXXXIXIII, 2, 16 Jan. 1929, Supplement
Burra Local Court, 14 January
Following the accident at the Burra Railway Station on 17 November 1928 when C. Attrill drove his bus into the corner of the building severely injuring himself and less severely several passengers, he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
M.G. Dobson gave evidence of the trip to the station starting from the Commercial Hotel. At the vicinity of the post office they stopped and the four present consumed two bottles of beer and another was opened at the Royal Exchange. He couldn’t say if Attrill drank any there or at the Bon Accord where they also stopped, but they then drove to the station on the bottom road with one wheel on the footpath at 25-30 m.p.h. Dobson did not notice Attrill to be drunk and did not change his opinion later. It was not customary to approach the station on this road. The footpath was on the right hand side.
F.C. Waddy also said the driver seemed sober. But a statement he signed on 18 November was different. The defence objected to its use as evidence.
The police then changed the charge to negligent driving which he pleaded guilty to.
There had been a previous conviction and Sgt McDonald pointed out that the maximum penalty was £50. Mr Daly urged that the licence not be cancelled because it was Attrill’s means of livelihood.
He was fined £50 plus £5-7-6 costs or three months and have his licence cancelled and be barred from getting one for 12 months. The fine to be paid in instalment of £10 per month.
Mr Daly asked for a stay of proceedings for 21 days to allow for an appeal in regard to the licence.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 9-84 defeated Hallett 8-80
Booborowie 10-80 defeated Aberdeen 6-70
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 9-81 defeated Mt Bryan 6-61
Hallett 8-81 defeated Copperhouse 7-84
Aberdeen 10-87 defeated Booborowie 5-63
XXXXIXIII, 3, 23 Jan. 1929, page 3
Mr Richard Reed celebrated his 92nd birthday on 22 January. A large gathering of family assembled at the home of Mr & Mrs W.H. Gare.
Obituary. A Notice to Creditors and a Bereavement Notice reveal the death of David Kemble at Burra Hospital on 17 January. He was survived by a wife and family.
[David Kenneth Kemble born 17 July 1879 at Baldina. See further details in the supplement to this issue.]
Burra Water Supply. Last week the Mayor, Cr Pearce & the Town Clerk formed a deputation to the Commissioner of Public Works to point out the parlous state of the Town’s water supply. The town was growing, but the supply system (apart from a larger storage tank) was as when installed c. 40 years ago. The problem is the mains which are too small. In the last five years at least 40 new homes have been added and septic tanks provided. About 100 services have been laid on in that time. They thought that Kooringa required an 8” main with a 6” one possibly to Aberdeen and 4” reticulation in the main streets. Shortage of water at the hospital and larger businesses including hotels was stressed. The minister said that following approaches in November last a scheme had been designed by the Hydraulic Engineer and money provided in the estimates that allowed for a start to be made involving 66 chains of 6” main and 351⁄2 chains of 4” main.
We understand the 6” main is to run from the Royal Exchange Hotel to Kooringa and the new 4” main will replace existing corroded 3” and this will more than double the pressure.
Linden Riggs of Elder, Smith’s office has been transferred to Orroroo.
Fire at the Films. Last Saturday at the picture show at the Institute the film caught fire creating a mad rush to the exits in which several people received minor injuries. The panic was quite uncalled for, as the projection room is fireproof and in any case the fire was soon extinguished. The film soon continued.
Tennis. Match postponed from 29 September 1928:
‘B’ Grade Willalo 10-79 defeated Ironmine 5-52
XXXXIXIII, 3, 23 Jan. 1929, page 4
Burra Institute AGM 16 January. Guy Tiddy as President took the chair. E.J. Harris (Secretary) reported. Books in the library increased from 6,672 to 7,113 during the year. Membership fell slightly: At 31 December 1927 Double 36
Single 264
300
At 31 December 1928 Double 39
Single 250
289
They ended the year in credit £44-17-7 after paying £121-14-8 of interest and principal half –yearly.
The Chess & Draughts Club this year had been active after a lapse of some years.
Orchestral & Choral Classes have continued and the outstanding feature was a performance of Handel’s Messiah involving 200 performers (combining with the like organisation in Clare). Rehearsals are under way for a production of The Pirates of Penzance.
Elected were President, M.W. Bednall; Vice-President, J.H. Bryant; Secretary, E.J. Harris; Treasurer, J.H. Bryant.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club has improved facilities greatly with the provision of shelter-sheds with seats and tables. The lagoon has shrunk, but is still a huge sheet of water. The beach is clean. We hope for a wet winter to maintain water levels.
XXXXIXIII, 3, 23 Jan. 1929, Supplement
Miss Carter a former teacher at Mt Bryan East 14 years ago paid a visit. There is a 1⁄4-column article.
‘An Onlooker’ casts a different light on the recent letter about driving without lights, accusing the car that encountered an unlit buggy of travelling on the wrong side of the road and hinting at extreme speed.
Obituary. Nicholas Broad died on Sunday 20 January at Burra Hospital. He was born at Morgan near St Cullan in Cornwall in 1850 and came to Australia with his parents in the Lysander in 1851. They came directly to Burra where his father was a wheelwright and after a brief sojourn on the Victorian Goldfields his father took land at Sod Hut. Aged 12 Nicholas Broad was driving mules between Burra and Kapunda, but later took land at Baldina and was also a shearer etc. For some time Mr & Mrs Broad have lived with their daughter Mrs A.O. Lawrence of the Burra Hotel. There is a family of six: Mrs Lawrence & Mrs S. Dowling (Kooringa), Robert Henry & Leonard (of the West Coast), Lance (Victoria) & Frank. [Death registered as 19 January aged 79.]
Obituary. Mrs Flower Humphrys died at Kooringa on 21 January. She was born at Kooringa in 1868 the third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Rogers of Baldina and married Flower Humphrys of Hanson in 1888. They lived first at Kooringa and then Hanson before Mr Humphrys purchased an estate at Manoora. A few months ago they decided to retire and purchased a new house built by E.V. Triggs in Thames St Kooringa and they moved in only about three weeks ago. Mrs Humphrys was a fine and popular woman and a devoted Methodist at both Hanson and Manoora. She leaves a husband, four sons and four daughters: Messrs Roy Humphrys (‘Blink Bonnie’), Maurice Humphrys (Hanson), Jesse Humphrys (Booborowie), Alan Humphrys (Manoora), Mrs H.C. Atkins (Farrell’s Flat), Mrs Cecil Sangster (Balaklava), Mrs H. Crawford (Manoora) & Miss Rita Humphrys (Kooringa). Mrs Walter Pearce and Mrs Edward Oates are sisters. There are several grandchildren.
[Born Mary Rogers 26 July 1868 at Gum Creek.]
Obituary. David Kemble died at Burra Hospital 17 January. He had contracted influenza which led to pneumonia. He was the son of Mrs Kemble of Kooringa and the late George Kemble of Douglas and was born at Douglas 17 July 1879. He was educated at the Douglas School and then helped his father as a pastoralist and married his cousin Miss May [Selina Jane] Kemble of Chapel St in September 1902. He then took up contract work, dam sinking, excavating etc. Their children were educated by correspondence. Later he bought a home in Kooringa. He was a regular adherent of the Kooringa Methodist Church. The youngest child is only 7. He is survived by a widow and 8 children: Mrs J. Barber (Broken Hill), Misses Doris, Jean, Iris, Lillian & Gladys, Mr Arnold & Master Leslie.
Bowls. At Clare on Saturday: Clare 100 defeated Burra 89.
Aberdeen Croquet Club. Finishing work is being done. T.H. Woollacott & Son put a concrete floor in the club room and E. Steer painted it. J.G. Sara & J.G. Wardle oiled the fence and painted the gates and other work has been done to prepare for the opening day.
Porter’s Lagoon Regatta. There is a 1⁄2 column of further detail urging attendance at the regatta on 28 January.
Burra Rifle Club. 13th stage of the Koonoona Trophy saw P.W. Hogan & H.L. Riggs score best. Cumulative points so far have A.C. Aughey 20 leading C.W. Pearce 18.
XXXXIXIII, 4, 30 Jan. 1929, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will sell the furniture & effects of C. Parks who has leased his business and is leaving the district. 8 February.
Rev. Father W.H. Nesdale left on Monday for his new posting at Hawker after seven years at St Joseph’s. After Mass on Sunday a crowded congregation farewelled their priest. During his term a church was built at Mt Bryan and almost paid for. Also additions and great improvements were made to the Burra Convent. He was presented with a wallet of notes. The incoming priest is Father Cullinan. Miss Rita Nesdale who has been living with her brother accompanied him to Hawker.
Richard Reed’s 92nd birthday celebrations are further reported.
Tennis
‘B’ Grade Willalo 8-64 defeated Copperhouse 7-78
Ironmine 14-100 defeated Booborowie 1-54
XXXXIXIII, 4, 30 Jan. 1929, page 3
Fire destroyed the kitchen and another room at the home of Mrs T. Woollacott Sen. at Redruth on Monday about 11 a.m. The fire is believed to have started from the stove. Fire brigade work was much hampered by the lack of water pressure and water had to be carried from adjacent premises.
Hon. W.F. Finlayson JP is touring giving addresses on prohibition following a tour of Europe, Canada and the USA looking at the question.
[Page 2 advertisement lists services at Kooringa Methodist Church 11 a.m. 3 February
Ironmine Methodist Church 3 p.m. 3 February
Redruth Methodist Church 7 p.m. 3 February
Public Meeting in Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall 8 pm. 4 February.]
Weather. It has been dry and dusty. The majority of people are out of rain water. A few places around about received some relief from recent showers.
‘Ratepayer’ writes complaining about a great stench in Chapel St – coming from a southwest direction.
The Bowling Club Flannel Dance on Thursday was a success, though less well attended than expected due to a dust storm and an electrical storm earlier in the day which apparently deterred some.
Marriage. St Joseph’s Burra, 26 January
Sylvester Miller, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Miller of Farrell’s Flat, married
Amanda Buckley, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Martin Buckley of Hanson.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Annual Picnic on 28 January went to Johnson’s Creek lent by J. Tennant. New taxes enforced on lorries made it impossible to get sufficient lorries to take one lot to any spot outside town. The weather was good and the sports went well.
Mr George Rox, manager of Humphrey Bishop musical Comedy Co. playing at the Garden Theatre Adelaide has taken a long lease on the Bon Accord Hotel from Tuesday next. He is a keen sportsman. The Comedy Co. will come to Burra immediately after their Adelaide season. Bert Symons owns the Bon Accord.
Bowls. At Eudunda on Saturday: Burra lost to Eudunda by 1 point.
At Burra on Monday: Burra 91 & 145 defeated Jamestown 33 & 47.
Political Reform League. There is a 2⁄3-column article on this newly-formed organisation to work within the Liberal Federation and aimed particularly at young people.
Burra Town Council, 21 January
Minutes of a special meeting which agreed to purchase a bitumen boiler for c. £250 were read.
The contribution for the local Fire Brigade for 1929 was fixed at £72.
F.M. Pearce was given permission to build a shop in Market Square for Jeffery & Byrnes.
Town Clerk reported the re-written assessment showed an increase of £287 (£256 of it in East Ward).
The mayor asked the Town Clerk to read an extract of advice from the Municipal Association for work to be done which had occasioned dispute at a previous meeting.
Cricket. 19 & 26 January at Victoria Park:
Mt Bryan 189 & 8 for 103 v. Kooringa 8 for 286 declared.
The Kooringa score included M.W. Bednall 120 run out & W.L. Hann 108 not out.
XXXXIXIII, 5, 6 Feb. 1929, page 1
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club, 28 January. The annual sports were an unqualified success in ideal weather, though a bit cool for the water, which reduced entries in those events. About 1,200 people attended with 400 cars parked. There were a number of sideshows and the Point Pass Band played. A good luncheon was provided under Mr & Miss Pratt. As well as swimming and rowing events there were land races, sheaf tossing and throwing the weight. Gate takings were c. £80.
The sports results are printed.
XXXXIXIII, 5, 6 Feb. 1929, page 2
Advt. Alex Bevan on or about 21 February will start a passenger and parcel service between Kooringa and the railway station.
Master Jack Tiver who was shot in the leg accidentally in the Christmas Holidays has had complications set in and has had to return to hospital.
Mr & Mrs Charles Parks leave Kooringa this week. After a holiday they intend to live in Adelaide. The bakery has been leased to G.C. Kuchenmeister. Mr Parks was born here 64 years ago and he has been active in town affairs as a Town Councillor for West Ward and a practical supporter of the Coursing Club and has been president of the Cricket and Football Clubs over the years. Mrs Parks is also Burra born and is a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Ambrose Harris. In her youth she was keen on musical matters and prominent in the Kooringa Wesleyan Choir.
The Hon. W.F. Finlayson easily held the attention of his congregations and he addressed himself especially to the young.
Polo. Saturday 26 January saw a triangular game between Mid-North, Clare ‘A’ and Clare ‘B’ with the result: Clare ‘A’ 4, Mid-North 7 & Clare ‘B’ 5.
XXXXIXIII, 5, 6 Feb. 1929, page 3
The 1929 Seaside Trip. The weather on 2 February was perfect. The first train arrived at Semaphore at 8.45. The two trains carried over 1,400 drawn from an area from Hallett to Merilden. A train left Hallett at 5.09 a.m. and the Burra train left at the same time. Many visitors to Adelaide went to the Test Cricket match. Many old Burra residents came to meet friends at the beach. The return journey went without a hitch.
Rev. Father Nesdale was farewelled at Willalo 27 January with the presentation of a roll of notes after Mass.
Obituary. Nurse Agnes Morphett died from a rifle shot wound at Clare Hospital on 30 January. She had been playing with a Winchester small bore rifle just before the event occurred. Nurse Chinner was in the same room, but their beds are separated by a partition. Further enquiries are being made.
[Agnes Blyth Dawson Morphett born 21 July 1904 at Enfield.]
Burra High School. 1928 Intermediate Exam results.
Aileen L. (Molly) Walker passed 6 subjects with a credit in Shorthand
Robert P. Woollacott passed 6 subjects with 1 credit
Beryl L. Lawson passed 6 subjects
Lorna Harris passed 5 subjects
Beryl Harris passed 4 subjects
Moira Killicoat & Cliff Lucas each passed 4 subjects
[Added in the next paper of 13 February page 3:
Winnie F. Meers of Mt Bryan scored five subjects at the Intermediate Exams and Ken Kellock gained a certificate and also his Intermediate Commercial Certificate, taking 7 subjects.]
Frank Treloar wrote a letter concerning a piece of Burra malachite given as a gift to a visiting veterinary surgeon R.S. Crabb in c. 1850-57. It was neglected in his stable for many years and then exhibited in a glass case at the Paris Exhibition where it gained a special mention and was then returned to Mr Crabb in Adelaide, where the writer saw it.
Tennis, 26 January
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 10-80 defeated Willalo 7-75
2 February
‘A’ Grade Willalo 10-85 defeated Aberdeen 7-77
Mr & Mrs Maurice Collins’s Farewell at Burra Institute 30 January.
Mayor A.B. Riggs presided and on the platform were the Councillors (T.H. Woollacott, F. Harris, J. Allen, J.E. Pearce & F.H. Collins), W.G. Hawkes (for the Hospital Board), E.F. Marston (President of the Bowling Club), C.W. Pearce (Captain of the Rifle Club) and F. Treloar representing the citizens of Burra. His political life will compel Mr Collins to live in the city and he has given up his pastoral interests at least for the time being. He leaves after nine years in Burra, for six of which he was the Mayor. Speeches are reported from the Mayor, W.G. Hawkes, T.H. Woollacott, Frank Treloar, C.W. Pearce and E.F. Marston.
The Mayor then presented Mr Collins with a paper-weight of malachite and wood from the old mine and a malachite brooch for Mrs Collins, a silver mounted black oak tray and two silver vases for the Misses Jean & Pat Collins. Mr Collins responded. [Details extend for c. 21⁄3 columns.]
XXXXIXIII, 5, 6 Feb. 1929, Supplement
Cricket, 28 January: a return match. Ramblers 169 & 208 defeated World’s End 35 & 72.
Burra Rifle Club. At Brinkworth 26 January: Burra 892 defeated Brinkworth 852.
Aberdeen Croquet Club has preparations well in hand for opening day and the handover to the Burra Town Council 16 February.
XXXXIXIII, 6, 13 Feb. 1929, page 1
Prohibition Campaign. There is a report of a meeting held on 4 February chaired by Mayor A.B. Riggs and addressed by Hon. W.F. Finlayson. The Mayor had long advocated temperance, but thought that prohibition was unlikely to succeed at present and that other reforms should come first. He spoke in support of 1 o’clock closing on Saturdays. He regretted the demise of the local Bands of Hope. Finlayson’s address is reported in over 1 column.
XXXXIXIII, 6, 13 Feb. 1929, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. offer on 22 February the whole of the stock in trade of E.C. Hammond whose lease on his shop has expired.
Advt. Opening of Aberdeen Croquet Club, Saturday 16 February at 3 p.m. by Mayoress Mrs Riggs.
XXXXIXIII, 6, 13 Feb. 1929, page 3
Obituary. Richard Hill died at his Kooringa residence on 10 February aged 73. He was the husband of Mary Hill.
The late Mr Richard Hill who died at his home in Quarry St on 10 February was born in Upper Thames St on 4 August 1855 and his son Horace lives in the same house that looks little different after 75 years. He was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Ben Hill and was born soon after they arrived from England. He was educated at Mr Oakford’s School conducted in the building on Paxton Square nearest the Black Bridge, but went to work very young, first minding cows and then at the mine until it closed. He was then a labourer until his retirement from failing health. His hobby was poultry raising and he took many prizes at shows in Burra, Adelaide and elsewhere. In 1881 he married Mary White, third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John White, old retainers of Koonoona Station. He is survived by his wife, one daughter and three sons: Mrs John Quinn of World’s End and Messrs Benjamin, Horace & Charles. Three sons saw service in the Great War: Ben, Sam & George. Sam died in France and George of Wounds in England. [Corrected the following week to four who saw active service by the addition of Horace.] Three brothers survive: Sam (Semaphore), Steve (Melbourne), Charles (Kilkenny). Three sisters also survive: Mrs J. French (Yarcowie), Mrs F. Bertram & Mrs W. Plane (Broken Hill.
Dog Poisoners are about again in Redruth and Aberdeen. Several valuable pets have been lost.
Masonic Lodge members farewelled Bro Charles Parks last Saturday.
Cricket. A meeting was held 5 February in the Oddfellows Lodge Room with the object of re-forming the Aberdeen Cricket Club which has been out of existence for many years. Elected were President, M.A. Radford; Captain, A. Hirschausen; Vice-Captain, A. (Mick) Jones; Secretary & Treasurer, R. Motley and several Vice-Presidents.
Burra Town Council, 7 February
T.H. Woollacott was granted permission to build a residence in Aberdeen for H.J. Jennison. [Actually in Redruth.]
The Finance Committee recommended a rate of 2/9 (up 3d). Carried.
Cr Harris moved that tenders be called for Finch’s Bridge.
Local Board of Health
The Inspector reported that there was no stench in Chapel St as suggested in a letter to the Record and residents there said there had not been.
Discussions are proceeding re the removal of water from Howard St behind Mr Kuchenmeister’s butcher shop.
Burra Church of England Day School, AGM reported a financially satisfactory year. Academic results were also satisfactory. Needs at present are for a shelter-shed and a monitor to aid the teacher, Miss M. F. Orr.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Booborowie 11-78 defeated Willalo 4-59
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 9-80 defeated Hallett 6-73
Willalo 11-77 defeated Booborowie 4-70
Fire. On Thursday 7 February Frank Reed noticed fire near the woolshed on Hawker & Sons’ Mt Cone Station. Firefighters were soon coming to help. The ground was heavily grassed; in places over one foot high and the fire was not extinguished till 5-6 p.m., by which time some 1,500 to 1,600 acres of feed was lost. The properties of E.C. Collins & Messrs Reed & Sons were also affected. Mr Collins lost 300 acres of feed and fencing to the value of c. £400. Reed & Son lost over 100 acres of feed. Afterwards a swagman, George Brown was arrested for lighting a fire to boil a billy, which started the fire. He was fined £10 plus 15/- costs or one month jail. The feed burnt was valued at £1 per acre. The fire proved the worth of the Mt Bryan Fire Fighting Committee and their equipment.
Polo. Messrs Murray Bros. are retiring from the game and two of their horses have been bought by I.J. Warnes for his son Rex.
XXXXIXIII, 6, 13 Feb. 1929, page 4
Tennis, 2 February
‘B’ Grade Hallett 12-92 defeated Mt Bryan 3-64
Ironmine 12-97 defeated Copperhouse 3-62
9 February
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 11-90 defeated Kooringa 6-69
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 9-88 defeated Mt Bryan 6-80
XXXXIXIII, 6, 13 Feb. 1929, Supplement
Obituary. Mrs W.G. Steinke, late of Farrell’s Flat, died at Memorial Hospital Peterborough 3 February aged 83. She was born in Germany and came to Australia with her parents in the early 1850s and they settled at Nuriootpa. In 1865 she married J.G. Przibilla and they took land near Farrell’s Flat before going to Yongala in 1875. He husband died in 1902 and she returned to Farrell’s Flat and took land worked by one of her sons. She married W.G. Steinke in 1917 and he died in 1919. She only went to Peterborough a short time ago. She is survived by 8 sons and 4 daughters: Messrs G.J. Przibilla (Farrell’s Flat), H.A. Przibilla (Gawler), J.C. Przibilla (Leighton), John Przibilla (Farrell’s Flat), H.C. Przibilla (Jamestown), M.W. Przibilla (Riverton), Otto Przibilla (Walla Walla NSW), Edward Przibilla (Clare), Mrs W.C. McDonald (Adelaide), Mrs A.J. Wright (Peterborough), Mrs A.A. Brodtke (Melbourne) & Mrs S. Handorff (Burrum Buttock NSW). There are 56 grandchildren. [Many of the dates above are incorrect. She was born Johanne/Johanna Louisa/Louise Hemmerling and married Johann Gottlieb Przibilla 11 January 1866 at Light Pass. He died near Gum Creek Station, residence Yongala 9 May 1902. She married Gustav Wilhelm Steinke (or William Gustav) 21 April 1915 at the residence of the bride Farrell’s Flat. He died 12 July 1917 at Yanyarrie, residence Carrieton aged 75.]
XXXXIXIII, 7, 20 Feb. 1929, page 2
Advt. Fischer & Copley Ltd & Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd will sell for Mr J. Field of Leighton his farming property of 409 acres in Soldier Settlement Lease No. 629 comprising sections 463, 464 & 465 Hundred of Ayers with 4-roomed stone house etc.
XXXXIXIII, 7, 20 Feb. 1929, page 3
Advt. A Public Meeting of the Political Reform League is called at the Eastern Telephone Building Saturday 9 March.
Advt. Annual Catholic Picnic Sports at Burra Racecourse Saturday 2 March. Nine events.
Annual Burra Reunion in Botanic Park next Saturday afternoon. Mrs Riggs & Crs T.H. Woollacott & F. Harris will attend. (The Mayor A.B. Riggs & Cr E. Pearce will be representing Burra at Pt Adelaide Rifle Range for the Country Championships.)
Weather. In the last week it has been extremely hot and sultry with electrical storms. On storm on Friday was bad and fused an electricity pole near James Pearce’s house in Graham. Mrs Pearce, standing at the time in the passage, fell to the ground and has two scars on her right arm like steam scalds. Very little rain fell, but to the east a few places were lucky – 72 points at Thistlebeds and 45 at Wepara (Mt Bryan East), but most places only received very light falls.
Burra Institute Committee will form dressmaking classes if there is sufficient interest.
Cricket. Match started on 9 February: Ramblers 207 & 97 v. Kooringa 142.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 11-84 defeated Aberdeen 5-66
Willalo 9-76 defeated Hallett 7-65
‘B’ Grade Willalo 9-79 defeated Hallett 6-55
Ironmine 12-95 defeated Booborowie 3-66
Bowls. At Burra last Wednesday 13 February: Clare 98 defeated Burra 84.
At Jamestown Saturday 16 February: Jamestown 96 defeated Burra 91.
Polo. Clare ‘B’ 6 beat Mid-North ‘A’ [sic?] 5 in an extra chukka.
Clare ‘A’ 9 defeated Mid-North ‘A’ 1.
XXXXIXIII, 7, 20 Feb. 1929, page 4
Aberdeen Croquet Club Opening is reported in exhaustive detail in 23⁄4 columns.
The Mayoress Mrs A.B. Riggs opened the club on Saturday 16 February. The green is at the rear of the site of the now-demolished White Hart Hotel. It has been only nine months since it was first mooted and now there is a well-fenced grassed green with a garden and a well-built and commodious shelter-shed and a well-appointed kitchen. Ideal weather encouraged a large attendance. Mrs J.G. Sara as President welcomed members and visitors. Miss Len[a] Bartholomaeus, Treasurer, read a financial statement showing receipts of £192-14-9 and expenditure of £185-7-10.
Mrs J.G. Sara reported the first meeting and foundation of the club was 12 April 1928. Consideration was given to part of the playground site in Redruth. Then two lots near the railway line were offered, but the club decided one was too costly to level and the other was apt to be very dusty from saleyard sheep. By the second meeting the club had decided on the site and called a working bee for 26 May 1928 and a large pepper tree was removed. Enough stone was excavated to build the pavilion and club room.
[Exhaustive detail of who did what follows for 3⁄4 column and the main points have been previously noted.]
Mrs A.B. Riggs was then called on to open the grounds and perhaps she did so, but the report’s next paragraph details a speech by Rev. W.O. Harris.
Then the secretary Mrs Goble handed the deeds of the grounds to the Mayor who received them on behalf of the Town Council. The gift carried the proviso that the property not be used for sport of any description on a Sunday. The Mayor accepted and spoke, followed by Cr Woollacott. Then the President asked the Mayoress to declare the green open [and this time she is actually reported to have done so.] A sumptuous tea was then served followed by a number of competitions using the greens.
XXXXIXIII, 7, 20 Feb. 1929, Supplement
CWA Annual Meeting was chaired by Mrs I.J. Warnes, President. Secretary Miss Minnie Rogers reported a branch had been opened at Spalding and in the Metropolitan Area. Treasurer Mrs P.J. Pickering reported they were in credit £3. Mrs Warnes said she called the meeting early in the year because she was going to England on 7 March. She was pleased with the advance of the Spalding Branch. She appealed for the Association to support the Anti-Cancer Campaign. In England she would represent the National Council of Women at an International Conference for 10 days. All officers were re-elected.
Burra Rifle Club held a practice match where best scores were from A.C. Aughey and W.V. Bass.
Burra Croquet Club. Clare visited on Wednesday and won the match by 8 points.
50, 8, 27 Feb. 1929, page 3
[Note the change of volume and of numerals away from the pseudo-Roman system, which had for some time been becoming increasingly irrational.]
Weather. Rain has come at last with 88 points in 40 minutes at Kooringa, but it was very localised. Aberdeen got 40 points more, but at W. Finch’s near the cemetery only 65 points was recorded. The creek behind Mr Riggs ran a banker and that past the cemetery gates also filled, flooding Mr Kuchenmeister’s garden. At Leighton, Ironmine and Booborowie it was dry, but to the east some patchy heavy falls raged from zero to 2 inches.
Harold Rice (11), son of H. Rice the postmaster at Gum Creek, was seriously injured on Saturday evening when a horse in a dray started kicking. Harold was sitting on the shaft and received a compound fracture of the skull. He was operated on at Burra hospital, but there was little hope of his survival. Since then there has been a slight improvement.
Burra Croquet Club went to Kapunda on Saturday and Kapunda 71 defeated Burra 47.
Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving services were held on 17 February.
Obituary. Mrs Benjamin Harris of Perth WA died on Monday 18 February. She was born Harriet Chenoweth, the second daughter of Mr & Mrs James Chenoweth of Kooringa and lived here till marrying Mr Harris, the son of Mr & Mrs Ambrose Harris of Kooringa. Mr Harris died in Perth last year. There is a family of two sons and two daughters. The youngest lad is 14. Mrs L.L. Wicklein of Kooringa is a sister. [Born Harriet Chynoweth 24 May 1880 at Kooringa.]
50, 8, 27 Feb. 1929, page 4
Burra Town Council, 18 February
Mr Fairchild asked if the road going through his property could be closed. Cr Morgan said that would cut off another ratepayer and moved that the request be not entertained. Seconded.
The Mayor said there were two roads, one going through and he thought it might be entertained. Motion carried.
A letter from the Institute Committee advised that the rent on the Council Chamber would rise to £36 p.a. Cr Woollacott thought the rise unjustified as the room was so seldom used and moved that the Committee be asked to split the difference of £11. Cr Pearce said he did not think the change excessive. The Council used the room twice a month for meetings, but the Town Clerk used it three days a week. Motion lost.
Cr Pearce then moved the terms be accepted. Carried.
The deeds to the Aberdeen Croquet Club ground were received and the request that there be no Sunday use was granted.
With a tender from A. Nankivell for £100 for the bridge near W. Finch’s the Council decided to do the work itself. The Overseer’s estimate was £64.
J.E. Pearce was given permission to change the front of E.J. Harris’s shop.
The cemetery well needs to be deepened a couple of feet. Cr Morgan suggested it be done by ‘jumping’. He moved that the well be ‘jumped’. Carried.
[A jumper is a long iron chisel tipped with steel and used by masons or miners to drill holes in rock.]
Aberdeen Croquet Club met on 22 February and presented Mrs J.G. Sara with a Slazenger mallet with an inscription plate in recognition of her work to get the club established.
50, 8, 27 Feb. 1929, Supplement
Burra Court, 19 February
A case is reported in which John Peak of Hanson sued E. & T. Rooke of Hanson for £305-10-0 damages over breaches of a share farming agreement. There was also a counter-claim. Details run for 13⁄4 columns. [Find and report the outcome.]
Mr & Mrs Josiah Thomas of ‘Three Trees’ Diamond Wedding.
Mrs Thomas is the daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Henry Pinch of Pencarrow. [Often Pencarrow] Mr Pinch was the grandfather of Freemasonry in Kooringa. Mrs Thomas claims to be the first girl born in Redruth on 11 January 1851, where her father built the first house. Mr and Mrs Thomas were married 15 February 1869 in the old Church of England on Limestone Hill by Rev. Lionel Stanton. Mr Thomas was born at Forestgate in the parish of Whendron, three miles from Redruth in Cornwall and for the last 60 years has lived within three miles of Redruth, Burra. His parents Mr & Mrs John Thomas migrated in 1848 in the William Money. Mr Thomas was then less than three years old. His father proceeded to Burra where he was engaged as an underground manager of the mine. The family was left in charge of the eldest son aged 22, but he did not do his duty and the family had to tramp to Adelaide from Port Adelaide before getting a dray for Burra. On arrival they lived in a nice paling house in the mine. Mr Thomas recalls the brewery in the area of the present hospital. He recalls rather wild times when released convicts from Tasmania got together. (With names like ‘Hell-fire Jack’ and ‘Tosky’ Jones.) He learnt to play the harmonium from John Pearce – an instrument later placed in the Copperhouse Church. He received a little education from H.N. Thompson a clerk at the mine and at 10 years of age he was a cow-boy, a bullock-driver or a fencer as required. He recalls a large number of blacks were then about. There was a big camp of them on the western side of the mine at the old magazine where a clump of sheoaks stood and where a child died. They caused some consternation by running through the mine tunnels with the body saying that thus ‘Maldabbie’ (the Devil) would not be able to catch him now. The body was then placed on top of a Sheoak and covered with boughs.
Mr Thomas’s father died when he was 18 and left him the property where he still lives. Of a family of four only one survives: Maud, Mrs C.W. Gare of Kooringa and late of Mt Bryan East. There are 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Their only son the late H.H. Thomas, a well-known pastoralist, died in 1919. Mr Thomas still drives a horse drawn vehicle.
The Burra Reunion at the Adelaide Botanic Garden 23 February saw a gathering of about 300. A list is printed. Lady Holder attended and Harry Lihou (74) is said to have been about the oldest present.
Tennis on Saturday:
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 11-87 defeated Aberdeen 5-67
Booborowie 10-84 defeated Hallett 6-68
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 9-72 defeated Aberdeen 6-73
Willalo 8-78 defeated Ironmine 7-79
Hallett 12-101 defeated Booborowie 3-60
Copperhouse School has been taken over by the children again after improvements were made. The old school building was originally the Primitive Methodist Church and was bought by the Education Department from the Methodist Trust about two years ago. At that time they did up the internal walls. Last year lavatories were built and now alterations and improvements have been made. The porch has been removed from the south side and a large window put in place of the door. This with two other windows on the south side and two on the north side give good light. A new fibrous plaster ceiling and two 9” ventilators were added and a stove placed in one corner. There is a good wooden floor and 20 up-to-date desks. On the northern end of the building an enclosed shelter-shed 30ft x 12ft runs its entire length. Large windows have been placed on its north and west sides and a cement floor laid. Wire doors and screens have been hung. The grounds comprise 2 acres and adjoin the local tennis courts. There is a 1,000 gallon tank and they possess a nice organ. Mr J. Nickles is Chair of the Committee and Mrs Nickles the Secretary and Treasurer. There is a nice little library and £4 in the bank for other needed improvements. There are some fine trees in front and a garden at the rear. The flag pole is the gift of Mr H.W. Tiver. Miss E. Prior is in charge. While the alterations were made the school was held in the nearby [Westbury] Methodist Church.
Bowls. At Kapunda on Saturday: Kapunda 122 defeated Burra 75.
Burra Rifle Club. Participation in the Country Teams Championship at Port Adelaide last Saturday is reported. Langhorne’s Creek won with 1,772 while Burra score 1,677. The top ten Burra men were quite competitive, but the next ten need to do much better if the team is to improve its ranking.
Marriage. Prospect Methodist Church 9 February
Spencer E. Uppill, youngest son of Mrs Uppill of Torrensville and the late C.G. Uppill, married
Dora James, youngest daughter of Mrs James of Prospect and the late P.B. James of Hanson.
50, 9, 6 Mar. 1929, page 1
CWA Continental at ‘Wahroonga’ on 26 February was a success despite the downpour of some 72 points that day.
Catholic Picnic Races on Saturday last faced very hot conditions. Gate takings were £20. Results are printed.
The Ghost Train is being presented tonight by William Anderson in conjunction with E.J. Carroll at the Institute.
50, 9, 6 Mar. 1929, page 2
Notice. Cr Frederick Henry Collins has resigned as Councillor for West Ward. Nominations to fill the vacancy are called for by 16 March.
50, 9, 6 Mar. 1929, page 3
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Burra 110 defeated Eudunda 57.
Tennis, Saturday
‘A’ Grade Hallett 9-74 defeated Aberdeen 8-78
Copperhouse 10-75 defeated Booborowie 6-54
Kooringa forfeited to Willalo
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 8-77 defeated Hallett 7-75
Willalo 12-90 defeated Mt Bryan 3-54
Railway Accident. On Tuesday afternoon W. Wise fireman on a water train jumped off to try to halt a horse which had bolted while shunting at the Burra station. He seems to have got tangled in the chains and was drawn under the trucks. One leg was almost severed and the other was pulped. He was taken to the Burra hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
[There appears to be no follow-up on this story and I can find no record of a W. Wise dying in 1929 either.]
Harry O. Leaver contributes 2⁄3 column on the Political Reform League.
Rains and Floods. On 26 February no rain fell in the town, but in a strip from Black springs to near Booborowie a downpour dropped from 75 points to 2 inches in about an hour. A great flow of water came down the [Springbank] Creek which enters Burra Creek behind the Bon Accord. Much low-lying country was flooded. Floods stripped much country of dry feed. At Leighton falls were about 75 points and it petered out before Booborowie. A fall the same day at Mt Cone filled some dams.
50, 9, 6 Mar. 1929, page 4
Liberal Federation, Burra Women’s Branch met on 1 March and was addressed by Mrs E.W. Hawker of Adelaide. Reported at length in 11⁄4 columns.
50, 9, 6 Mar. 1929, Supplement
N. Hiles Pearse contributed a long article on a flight from ‘The Gums’ to Mildura, Broken Hill and back to ‘The Gums’. [Running c. 3 columns.]
Cricket. South Booborowie (with 9 players) 8 for 103 & 8 for 172 v. Ramblers 151
North Booborowie 229 & 3 for 132 v. Mt Bryan 2 for 377 declared.
In the latter’s innings E.M. Weatherill’s 207 not out was the highest score in the district for many years.
Burra Croquet Club on Saturday visited Eudunda and defeated the home team by 6 points.
Burra Rifle Club. Second stage of the championship was shot in very gusty conditions and best scores were from A.C. Aughey & H.G. Oates. In aggregate H. Byles & A.B. Riggs each with 167 lead H.G. Oates 166 & A.C. Aughey 165.
Burra Hospital Board. The Chairman reported completion of the purchase of Park’s block for £100. He was empowered to install fans in wards if thought desirable.
50, 10, 13 Mar. 1929, page 2
Advt. Humphrey Bishop Musical Comedy Co. one night only at Burra Institute Saturday 23 March.
Advt. Burra Racing Club. Annual Cup Meeting Wednesday 20 March.
Six Races: Main Race the Burra Cup, £90.
Special Trains depart Adelaide 8.27 & arrive Burra 12.35: depart Burra 5.57 & arrive Adelaide 9.49.
50, 10, 13 Mar. 1929, page 3
Burra Institute dressmaking classes are to start on Monday night next.
Mrs A. Turner of ‘Killarney Cottage’ Kooringa left on Thursday to live with her daughter Mrs F. Forrest in East Brunswick, Victoria. Mrs Turner is the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs P. Lally. She will be particularly missed at St Joseph’s where she was a great worker and supervisor of the supper room on many occasions.
Charles J. Pearce turned 73 on 2 March and also celebrated 53 years as Secretary of Rose of Sharon Lodge IOR. He is the only original officer of that lodge still alive. Meetings were originally held in the Baptist Church, now the Council Depot. He has also been Secretary of the Lily of the Valley Tent for about 45 years. He was born at Springbank in 1856, the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs William Pearce, tailor, who arrived in Burra in 1847. As a lad he was apprenticed to the late W.L.H. Bruse cabinetmaker, but has been in business for himself for 43 years. In 1882 he married Miss Agnes M. Thomas, daughter of Andrew Thomas FCS, City Analyst of Adelaide and had a family of five sons and five daughters of whom seven survive: Mrs P. Flint (Kingston), Miss A. Pearce (Kooringa), Mrs E. Howath (Williamstown), Sister M.A. Pearce (Kent Town Private Hospital), Lisle Pearce (who manages the business in Burra), Andrew Pearce (manager of Swan & Co. Melbourne) & Max Pearce (manager for Elder, Smith & Co. Burra). Andrew and Courtney who died about three years ago served in the Great War. A grown-up daughter Mrs T. James died in recent years. A sister Mrs J.D. Jordan of Ashfield NSW also survives.
Mrs I.J. Warnes left for England on Thursday.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 9-72 defeated Willalo 6-62
Booborowie forfeited to Kooringa
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 8-80 defeated Booborowie 5-71
Willalo forfeited to Copperhouse
Indoor Bowls Assoc. met on 6 March in the Foresters’ Lodge Room and decided to continue this year.
Burra Croquet Club went to Clare on Saturday and were beaten 3 games to 1.
Burra Rifle Club visited Jamestown on Saturday where Jamestown 864 defeated Burra 842.
50, 10, 13 Mar. 1929, page 4
Boy Scouts. For some time a group of boys has been working in Burra as a Wolf Cub Pack under Rev. J.S.W. Coles. Having reached scout age they have been formed into a Scout Troop with D.T. McBain as Scoutmaster. His warrant was presented as a meeting at St Mary’s Hall on 7 March by Commissioner for St Kilda District, Victoria, Mr A. Valentine Soul. Mr McBain had been a scout since the age of 13 in Colchester England and had risen to Assistant Scoutmaster when he left England in 1926. The Mayor was proposed as Patron and Mr J.H. Bryant as President. F.W.G. Twist is Treasurer and Mrs Hann is Secretary. Rev. Coles is the Chaplain. The committee is to see about the use of the Scout Hall.
Burra Town Council, 4 March
Cr Collins tendered his resignation as his business was taking him away from Burra.
Accepted and the fine remitted.
50, 10, 13 Mar. 1929, Supplement
Burra Burra Show Inc. AGM 1 March
The overall profit for the year was £124 despite losses on the Dog Trials and the special train for the show.
Mr Riggs said the balance sheet made no allowance for depreciation of property.
The President’s report noted the death of Boz Pearce, one of the auditors, during the year and sympathy was extended to the family.
The committee was re-elected unopposed.
The Sheep Dog Trials on 20 & 21 April at the racecourse sustained a loss of £26 which was about average for some years. The horse races had not helped this loss.
The Northern Country Show Assoc. now had Clare as a member and works well to unify rules etc. and to arrange dates.
The annual show on 5 & 6 October was held in good weather and entries were good all round except for cattle. Sheep and wool in particular were good and benefited from the decision to classify by district. The sheep-shed question was deferred till better times.
The caretaker is doing a good job.
In the last year improvements cost £44-14-9.
The train from Adelaide was a rail-car and this cut the loss from £57 last year to £17 this year.
The show made a profit of £151-16-7 and the Dog Trials a loss of £26-17-3.
Elected were Patron, Charles Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, M.A. Radford & S.H. Robinson. The auditors are A.B. Riggs and W.J. C. Ewins (replacing Boz Pearce).
The Political Reform League meeting gets almost the whole of a page for its report, beginning with 1⁄4 column on page 3. At the end of the meeting the Mayor was elected President and Horace Oates the Secretary of the Burra Branch. The aim was to improve things generally by working through the Liberal Federation – working to reform the Liberal Federation by its adoption of suggestions from the Political Reform League.
50, 11, 20 Mar. 1929, page 2
Obituary. Clara Gare, widow of the late Charles Alfred Gare, died suddenly 17 March at the residence of her daughter Mrs C.W. Dare of ‘Pinehurst’ Mt Bryan East, aged 65. She was the mother of Will, Myrtle & Gwen. [Born Clara Phillips 14 July 1863 at Apoinga.]
Tubercular Soldiers’ Assoc. will benefit by £9-7-6 from sales of badges on Friday last.
Burra Rifle Club. 15th stage of the Koonoona Trophy was fired last Saturday with best scores from E. Spackman & R. Nutt.
Burra Coursing Club met at the Royal Exchange Hotel with the intention of asking the National Coursing Club to run the Waterloo Cup at Burra this year. A reply says all clubs are to be asked to apply with dates and other requirements and the Burra Club will meet tonight to consider the application further.
The RSL AGM was held 7 March in the Club Rooms.
Elected were President, Horace Oates (replacing L.M. Gordon); Vice Presidents, L.M. Gordon, A.L. Bence & J.E. Hogan; Secretary, Graham Dow (re-elected).
It was resolved that the committee make Anzac Day arrangements and there be a Masquerade Ball on a date to be fixed and a rifle match v. the Rifle Club. A presentation was made to D. McSweeney who is leaving the district.
50, 11, 20 Mar. 1929, page 3
Cricket. 9 & 16 March: Kooringa 142 & 8 for 135 defeated South Booborowie 94 & 75.
9 & 16 March [though the paper says 9 February]: Ramblers 95 & 224 v. Mt Bryan 227.
Tennis.
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 13-96 defeated Mt Bryan 2-42
Mr & Mrs T.A. Pearce were farewelled from Mt Bryan after 57 years residence.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held its Harvest Thanksgiving services 10 March.
50, 11, 20 Mar. 1929, page 4
Seaside Committee met 27 February and reported a credit balance of 171/8 (£8-11-8). Mr Marston in the chair suggested a longstanding deficiency of £10 due to C.J. Pearce on the Honour Roll be paid off and Mr Fuller so moved. Carried. £3-6-4 paid by Mr F. Harris for cleaning the [Kooringa] playground is to be reimbursed. [It is not clear how £8 was going to do all that!]
Burra Institute Committee. The President will wait on the Burra DC regarding increased rent. A meeting of subscribers is called for 8 April to consider raising subscription charges.
50, 11, 20 Mar. 1929, Supplement
Frank Treloar writes a 1-column article looking back to the 1890s and earlier.
He recalls going to Penwortham Mill which was built in 1856 with his father, to have wheat ground there from property that is now the Springvale Vineyard at Watervale, which his father selected in 1852. It had been reaped with a sickle, threshed with a flail and cleaned with a sieve. His father bought the district’s first stripper and winnower in 1857. After a short time Mr Roach bought Berry’s and later Mr Medcalf’s interest in the Penwortham Mill and it worked until it burnt down in the 1870s. He then built the Burra Mill and worked till his death, when his family kept on for some time. Then leased by Messrs Norman & Co. in bad times for farmers. Many farms went to mortgagees.
[Treloar cites one example in some detail.]
Drill and manures were introduced in Norman & Co.’s time and they arranged a practical test on 20 acres of each of five farms with 40lb of seed and 100lb of manure to the acre and with a practical farmer Thomas H. Bailey to do the work. (Chosen farmers were T.H. Bailey, W.J. Langsford, Samuel Pearce, William H. Fields and Tom Fairchild, of whom only T.H. Bailey survives.) The results were very good and encouraged the new mode of farming. Bailey got c. 25b/acre. Treloar said he took advantage of the drill to sow 20 acres of lucerne on Gum Creek where he was manager. It was the first tried on it and was very successful. Land worth only 50/- an acre before the drill and manure now sells for £12 an acre, but good times encourage expensive habits and many are little better off and the pernicious credit system undermines farming.
Marriage. Farrell’s Flat Methodist Church, 14 March
Matthew McC. Jettner, eldest son of Mr & Mrs E. Jettner of Leighton, married
Gladys Rasmus, second daughter of Mr & Mrs A.J. Rasmus of Porter’s Lagoon.
50, 12, 27 Mar. 1929, page 1
Burra Racing Club, Cup Meeting 20 March
There was good racing though the fields were small. In the main race the Burra Cup there was a dead heat. Attendance was the smallest for many years reflecting the financial depression of the times. The Burra Cup paid £90 for 1st, £10 for 2nd place and £5 for third. The dead heat was H.E. Gregory’s b.g. Little Gun ridden by C. Selby and C.L. Gardiner’s c.m. Orixa ridden by R. Fleet.
50, 12, 27 Mar. 1929, page 3
Birth. To Mr & Mrs G. Webster at Sister Villis’s on 8 March, a daughter, Joan.
Hallett Methodist Kindergarten Hall foundation stone was laid on Wednesday 20 March by Mrs S.C. Seigert, [Siegert] nee Miss Elsie Statton. Drought and the war had long delayed the building which had been needed since the kindergarten started in 1915. Funds in the town had then gone to a memorial porch and window and then to a new Institute. They had 40 children and had first used the old Institute and now the new Masonic Temple. A knife and fork spread followed at the Institute with a concert in the evening. [Details occupy 11⁄3 columns.]
Burra Rifle Club. 11th stage of the Koonoona Trophy saw best scores from R. Nutt, J. Wade and A.C. Aughey. The aggregate now stands at A.C. Aughey 22 leading J.E. Hogan 20.
50, 12, 27 Mar. 1929, page 4
Boy Scouts. The troop now numbers 20. At a meeting on 18 March it was decided to approach Mr James Reed and place a proposition to him to take over the Scout Hall. The Scout Master was authorised to buy uniforms for the troop.
Girl Guides. A meeting early in April will be addressed by Mrs H.H. Dutton the Girl Guide Commissioner for the North with a view to forming a company in Burra.
50, 12, 27 Mar. 1929, Supplement
The General Aid Society met after its summer recess on 7 March. Letters of thanks were received from Red Cross and the Royal Institution for the Blind, Keswick Hospital, Myrtle Bank Home & the Tubercular Aid Soc. for Christmas and other aid sent. Aid has also been sent to Burra Hospital and Burra Benevolent Society.
Ivor P. Francis of Ulooloo writes condemning the high charges by dentists for extractions in the country where the charge per tooth has been 5/-. He had two double teeth drawn painlessly in Adelaide a few months back for 2/6 each.
Burra Croquet Club went to Leighton on Thursday and the Burra ladies won by 7 points.
Cricket. At Hallett 23 March
Hallett Colts 154 defeated Aberdeen 85.
50, 13, 3 Apr. 1929, page 1
Tennis, 23 March
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 9-65 defeated Booborowie 7-61
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 10-76 defeated Booborowie 5-64
Hallett 11-85 defeated Copperhouse 4-59
Ironmine 12-94 defeated Mt Bryan 3-60
Burra Institute Dressmaking Classes have about 16 enrolments at £1-5-0 a term for 13 lessons. It is hoped to start next week. The teacher is Mrs Hayhurst from Gawler who is also a milliner.
50, 13, 3 Apr. 1929, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. announces the sale of the assigned estate of F.C. Humphris comprising Soldiers’ Block 87 in the Hundred of Ayers of 224 acres on 18 April.
(Money due to the Crown is £3,167.)
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. is selling the live and dead stock of Blight Bros. who have sold their farm and dissolved their partnership. ‘Johnson’s’ 31⁄2 miles south of Hilltown and one mile north of the Old Cattle Station on 11 April.
50, 13, 3 Apr. 1929, page 3
Obituary. Annie Coles, 4th daughter of the late John Coles of Jamestown and sister of Mrs J. Cumming (Maylands), Mrs H. Healey (St Peters), Mrs W. Giles (Clare), Mrs E. Lawson (Kooringa) and Messrs J.E. & H. Coles (Adelaide), died 27 March at Kooringa Methodist Manse aged 57.
[Annie Louisa Coles born 27 August 1860 at Woodberry.]
Martin Pederson departs for Denmark on the Ceramic on Saturday 6 April. This is his second visit to his homeland, having made one seven years ago. He is well past his 70th birthday, but is looking forward keenly to his trip.
Burra Local Court, 26 March
Arthur H. Harrison [Harold Arthur Harrison, known as ‘Mick’] was charged with stealing two bags of chaff from Sara & Co. on 18 March. He pleaded not guilty and defended himself.
Sgt McDonald and PC Geoffrey Webster found a full bag and two half bags of chaff at the defendant’s on 18 March. The defendant claimed to know nothing of them. There was a quantity of chaff on the floor of a Ford car in the yard. Harrison Sen. also claimed no knowledge of the chaff, but later admitted he knew it was there.
Laurie Johnson said that Harrison Sen. had said that Mick (the defendant) had got two bags of chaff from McKenzie’s. The sergeant then showed he had discovered footprints at the rear of Sara’s shop that matched those of the defendant. The samples of chaff at Sara’s and the defendant’s were alike in cut, grain and colour.
John Harrison, labourer of Redruth and father of the defendant, gave evidence of not knowing for certain where the chaff came from, but having assumed Mick had bought it from McKenzie’s, with a suggestion it might have been planted to get Mick into trouble.
E.J. McKenzie swore he had not sold the chaff and J.B. Crawford chaff merchant of Riverton could swear the bags were from his business.
Harrison was found guilty and sentenced to 6 months in jail.
Burra Town Council, 18 March
The Town Clerk reported the election on 16 March of W.R. Lee unopposed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Cr Collins in West Ward.
A memorandum of transfer of land from Charles Park to the Town Council for hospital purposes was received for signature.
Various minor works were approved.
The land required by Mr Fairchild is to be inspected on 20 April.
Boy Scouts. The first parade with uniforms was on 27 March. On Saturday a very full day of outdoor scouting activities was held at Baldina Creek on the property of Mr John Barker. The scouts took over the Scout Hall from 1 April thanks to Mr James Reed. The cost will be the interest on the capital which amounts to x. £14 p.a. A syndicate of supporters has paid the first six months interest.
Cricket. At Aberdeen Oval on Good Friday: Aberdeen 99 & 102 defeated Hallett 43 & 83.
Humphrey Bishop Comedy Co. played to a packed audience at the Institute on 23 March and delivered an excellent program and a return visit is promised in about four months.
Burra Hospital Board, 25 March.
Mr Warnes moved that the Chief Secretary approve the incorporation of the hospital under the Hospital Incorporation Act 1926.
He further moved that Mr Bednall obtain the Council’s consent for the transfer of the hospital from the Council to the hospital.
Fans are to be installed in the hospital.
Glendore [Black Springs] Methodist Church held its anniversary 24 & 27 March. Rev. E. Lawson presided.
Burra Easter Tennis Tournament
Men’s Doubles won by N. Woollacott & T.K. McWaters
Women’s Singles won by Miss H. Sara.
(Remainder of results held over.)
50, 13, 3 Apr. 1929, page 4
N. Hiles Pearse writes a letter as President and Chairman of the Burra racing Club pointing out that townsmen failed to support the recent Burra Races. Why, he asks, were 98% of the people at the meeting from out of town? It was so noticeable that the sporting fraternity now jokes that the Burra Racing Club was a meeting for visitors. Even allowing for ‘conscientious objectors’ and those without funds it was poor. A leading townsman has said: ‘Surely you know there are more ‘wowsers’ to the square foot in Burra than in any other town in the world?’
The annual race meeting brings in a lot of outside money so why is the club completely ignored by the tradespeople of Burra? We only ask for a square deal, or the time may come when the ‘Men on the Land’ who support the town [and run the race meetings] may withdraw their sympathy and support for the town.
50, 14, 10 Apr. 1929, page 1
Ironmine Methodist Church celebrated its 58th anniversary on 24 March. Rev. H.J. Pointon of Saddleworth preached to a good congregation.
50, 14, 10 Apr. 1929, page 3
Burra Electric Supply Co. suffered a blackout on Monday evening about 7.30 p.m. for about 15 minutes. Such events have been rare since the supply began.
Burra Rifle Club went to Kapunda on Easter Monday where Burra 607 defeated Kapunda 596.
Last Saturday the 16th stage of the Koonoona Trophy was fired with best results from H.G. Oates & G. Herbert.
Tennis.
‘B’ Grade Hallett 11-97 defeated Mt Bryan 4-64
Ironmine 10-85 defeated Copperhouse 5-62
‘Citizen’ writes in reply to N.H. Pearse querying the use of the term ‘wowser’ and apparently believing that horse racing does not improve the lot of the businessmen in the town.
‘A Methodist’ also takes up the question of ‘wowsers’ and reminds readers that Mr N. Hiles Pearse’s parents were active in the Methodist (formerly the Bible Christian) Church at Hallett, so presumably he does not mean Methodists.
Tom Canny of Gum Creek post office also replies to Mr Pearse and says the officials of the Racing Club were conspicuously absent from the Catholic Picnic Races on 2 March – perhaps on that occasion he was a ‘Conscientious Objector’. He does however agree that both meetings suffered from a singular absence of townspeople.
[Rev.] W.O. Harris also takes up the issue of who are the wowsers. Mr Harris pushes the line of individual liberty. Those who favour a pastime are at liberty to pursue it and equally those who do not are free to abstain. Despite objecting to the letter, Mr Harris acknowledges Mr Pearse’s courage in signing his name.
Frank T. Sara takes issue with the particular criticism of Mr Pearse’s of the storekeepers who did not attend and of the term ‘wowser’. The stores closed on race day at 12 noon and he and other storekeepers have other interests – he does not recall seeing Mr Pearse at the sporting events he (Mr Sara) is interested in.
Ernest Lawson Hon. Sec. of Burra YMCA writes to explain the changed circumstances of the Association. Methodists at Aberdeen [Redruth] were on the point of starting physical culture classes in May 1927 when the YMCA representatives from Peterborough visited and they decided to affiliate with that body and for two years things have worked well. In the first year the Burra Committee paid the Association for actual services rendered only, but last year they agreed to pay two fifths of the cost of this department, leaving two fifths to be paid by Peterborough and one fifth by Jamestown. At the end of the year the Peterborough Committee was unable to continue on this basis. The breakdown is entirely due to the financial position of the Peterborough Committee. The scheme is now continuing locally under the direction of the [Redruth] Sunday School Department with Miss Jones of Burra High School as instructress.
Cricket. At North Booborowie 23 March & 6 April
Kooringa 53 & 5 for 184 v. North Booborowie 112 & 55
At World’s End 6 April
World’s End 32 & 63 v. Aberdeen 36 & 90
Aberdeen Croquet Club is aiming to have an electric lawn mower by the end of the season.
Mrs J.G. Sara has been made a life member.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 3 April
Walter Morgan, elder son of Mrs & the late Walter Morgan of ‘Glenmoor’ Ironmine, married
Julia E. Williams, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs T. Williams of ‘Buckland Hills’ Ironmine.
50, 14, 10 Apr. 1929, page 4
Tennis. Burra Tennis Association Easter Tournament winners:
Men’s Singles Handicap D.E. Tiver
Men’s Doubles Handicap R. Nickles & H.W. Tiver
Women’s Singles Handicap Miss D. Kotz
Women’s Doubles Handicap Miss M. Sandercock & Miss J. Wilson
Mixed Doubles Handicap N. Woollacott & Miss M. Sandercock
Boys’ Singles Championship G. Mosey
Girls’ Singles Championship Miss J. Mosey
50, 14, 10 Apr. 1929, Supplement
Tennis. Copperhouse 9-78 defeated Brady Creek 6-63
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 9-74 defeated Hallett 7-72
Hallett Annual Sports were held on Easter Monday 1 April and attracted the largest attendance for some years. Results are printed.
50, 15, 17 Apr. 1929, page 1
Burra Institute. Last Monday a very poorly attended meeting of subscribers was held to consider increasing subscription rates. The proposal was to raise an extra £100 p.a. by increasing the rate from 12/- to 16/- p.a. Double subscriptions are to remain unchanged. Carried.
The new dressmaking class on Monday had 17 members in the afternoon and 10 in the evening.
The committee on 8 March [error for 8 April] decided to increase the rental charge for the Burra District Council by £2-10-0 instead of the proposed £5-10-0.
50, 15, 17 Apr. 1929, page 2
Advt. Fischer & Copley Ltd are selling for W.A.H. Peak his wood yard and chaff shed opposite the Kooringa Hotel, fronting Kingston St with a storeroom, cellar, stable & cart shed along with a Hames & Co. weighbridge, chaff cutter, saw bench, etc.
Advt. Aberdeen Tennis Club Concert in the Institute Wednesday 24 April.
50, 15, 17 Apr. 1929, page 3
N. Hiles Pearse replies to his critics in a long letter extending for over 11⁄2 columns.
In response to ‘Citizen’ & ‘A Methodist’ he defines a wowser in several ways – basically as a hypocrite: ‘A man who, though as full of original sin as his neighbour yet affects to despise that neighbour whilst descending to the same transgressions by stealth.’
He does not think wowsers are confined to Methodism, but are ‘self-sufficient’.
Perhaps with his tongue a little in his cheek he writes: ‘I have always found Methodists a quiet unassuming crowd, clannish perhaps, and lacking that modicum of dare-devil element necessary for the accomplishment of doughty deeds of dareing do [sic] (referring not to their war records, but to civil life) doing quite a lot of good according to their lights and rather circumscribed outlook.’
He says he has helped the Catholic sports in Morgan for years, but the first he knew of the picnic races was in Mr Canny’s letter to the editor. He has been a judge at meetings at Robertstown, Manoora and Eudunda as well as at Burra and of motor cycle events locally too. He has also contributed to dog trials, shows, racing clubs, tennis, football and cricket clubs as well as the Salvation Army and all church fetes.
Rev. Harris’s letter he regarded as fair and measured, though a suggestion that it is perhaps unbecoming to patronise races at the present time might reflect disloyalty on H.M. the King.
He goes on to compare money raising for local causes in the poor and small centre of Morgan with Burra – to Burra’s considerable disadvantage. He accuses Burra of lacking unity and co-operation and of being afflicted by cliques. All he was asking for was some co-operation.
Mr Sara he berates for clerical errors, want of style and inaccuracies. He says to Mr Sara: ‘we must not always think in terms of money; that is too sordid’.
He admits he may not attend all the small events, but he does give financial support and after all he has a 60 mile journey each time he attends.
[His letter is a fine example of a good humoured response written in good, easily read plain English.]
M.A. Radford writes in support of Mr Pearse, at least in part. His support is not so much on account of non-attendance, as he thought people were living beyond their means, and racing is a luxury that could well be curtailed. But he agrees that the psychology of the Burra Public is a mystery. If Mr Pearse can explain their absence from almost every other function he might have an explanation for the races. Mr Radford does not think the wowser is to blame. If the regular church goers turned up at the races it would hardly increase the numbers! People will give money for specific causes, but they won’t turn up for football, bowls, literary societies, WEA classes, special lectures, gymnasium clubs etc. There is often a little initial enthusiasm and then stagnation.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Willalo 8-70 defeated Aberdeen 8-62
Kooringa 9-71 defeated Copperhouse 7-77
Booborowie 12 sets defeated Willalo 3 sets. [The paper of 24 April adds details:
including that Booborowie 12-78 defeated Willalo 3-43]
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 10-88 defeated Mt Bryan 5-66
Ironmine 8-80 defeated Hallett 7-73
Willalo 9-87 defeated Booborowie 3-54
Marriage. At St Lawrence’s North Adelaide 30 March
Catherine Martha (Katie) McNamara, only daughter of Mr & Mrs T. McNamara of Prospect & late of Hanson, married Ernest Edward Klei, third son of Mrs Klei of Norwood & the late Mr H. Klei of Quorn.
Marriage. At St Andrews Walkerville, [30 March]
Harold Marr, eldest son of Mrs & the late H.E. Marr of North Walkerville, married
Eileen Jordan, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Edgar Jordan of Kooringa.
50, 15, 17 Apr. 1929, Supplement
Sheep Dog Trials were held last Friday 12 April at the Showgrounds.
Entries were good in all except the local class and attendance overall was a record. Winners were:
Local Class R. Vernon Nicholl’s Glen
Maiden Stakes A.B. Kemp’s Lightfoot
Flock Dog Competition A.B. Kemp’s Robin
Puppy Stakes F.R. Dinning’s Rajah
Open Class O.C. Wills’s Black Cloud
There were also four horse events and over 100 guests attended the banquet at the invitation of the President I.J. Warnes on 12 April at the Showgrounds. Mrs J.B. Rowe catered. This is reported in exhaustive detail running to c. 52⁄3 columns.
Burra Rifle Club. 17th stage of the Koonoona Trophy saw best results from R.J. Fairchild and H.H. Byles.
Indoor Bowls continues with eight teams in the contest.
50, 16, 24 Apr. 1929, page 1
Burra Town Council
A special grant of £200 was given by the Local Government Department for the Kapunda-Peterborough Road. [For the section from Sara’s Corner to the northern boundary of the Corporation.]
The Mayor wanted the road to the station declared a main road. Cr Woollacott agreed. Three roads led to the station and included the Bon Accord Bridge. They were all maintained as local roads. It was resolved that a letter be sent to the Highways and Local Government Assoc. asking for the road to be rescheduled.
The Mayor, Town Clerk (E.J. Davey) & Cr Woollacott were appointed to the High School Council.
W.L. James applied for the closure of a piece of road in section 2067 and for the purchase of the same if closed. Granted.
Council agreed to hand over the Burra Hospital deed, as it is now an incorporated body.
Cr Pearce gave notice to rescind the decision on the roads sought by Mr Fairchild. Cr Woollacott 2nd.
Cr Allen said Finch’s bridge was most creditable.
The Peterborough Band was given permission to hold a concert on the evening of 28 April.
Cr Woollacott asked that a light be placed in the Rotunda. It would also help to light a dangerous corner. Prices are to be obtained.
Cr Lee complained of ugly hoardings around the town.
50, 16, 24 Apr. 1929, page 2
Advt. Redruth Methodist Choir will render the Cantata Daniel in the Redruth Memorial Hall
Thursday 2 May at 8 p.m. In aid of Trust Funds.
Football. Burra Football assoc. met on Monday and arrangements were made for the start of the season. Mt Bryan, Hallett, Ramblers & Aberdeen will comprise the Association.
Mr Riggs who had been President and Chairman decided that this year as he was Mayor he would not stand again as Chairman and Max Morton will take that position. Mr Riggs was presented with a silver cake dish in appreciation of his service.
‘Citizen’ writes praising Mr Pearse’s literary skills in his recent long letter, but finding the argument nonetheless unconvincing.
‘Fairplay’ takes issue with Mr Pearse. Combining his definition of wowser with his assertion that 98% of Burra people were not at the races, he concludes that Mr Pearse is asserting that 98% of Burra people are a bad lot. [Actually Mr Pearse said that 98% of those present were not from Burra.]
He doubts if Mr Pearse is broadminded when he suggests boycotting Burra businesses. Does Mr Pearse give a half holiday on full pay to all his men and maid servants on the day of the races each year?
50, 16, 24 Apr. 1929, page 3
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 12-93 defeated Hallett 4-56
Copperhouse 8-68 defeated Willalo 7-64
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 8-77 defeated Willalo 7-77
Hallett 8-77 defeated Ironmine 6-77
Advt. MUIOOF Annual Juvenile Picnic will be held at Stone Chimney Creek 25 April.
Aberdeen Croquet Club held a gymkhana on 20 April at the lawns.
Football. On Saturday: Hallett 7.7 (49) defeated Mt Bryan 4.7 (31).
Booborowie School. A meeting at the Booborowie Memorial Hall on 11 April discussed the present inadequacies of the school and what is best to be done. There is a detailed report of 13⁄4 columns.
Anzac Service. On Sunday 21 April there was a service in Market Square at the Soldiers’ Memorial. A large crowd assembled and a number of returned soldiers formed a square on the north side of the monument under Lieutenants H.G. Oates & L.M. Gordon (President and Past President of the local RSL sub-branch.) RSL Secretary G.H. Dow made the arrangements. Rev. J.S.W. Coles took the service assisted by Rev. D.C. Harris (Peterborough), Rev. W.O. Harris & Ensign Sutton. The Mayor and Council attended. Rev. D.C. Harris gave the address.
Boy Scouts. The Hall is being renovated, being painted inside.
50, 16, 24 Apr. 1929, Supplement
Marriage. At St Joseph’s 15 April
John M. (Jack) Preiss, second son of Mr & Mrs C. Preiss of Kooringa, married
Dorothy N. Allen, third daughter of Mr & Mrs F. Allen of Aberdeen.
Marriage. Booborowie Methodist Church [3 April]
Renie Willmott, daughter of Mr & Mrs George Willmott of Booborowie, married
Clair Goodridge, son of Mr & Mrs I.J. Goodridge of Booborowie.
Mrs Will Peak was given a farewell on Wednesday 17 April at the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School and a presentation was made of silver cake forks and a silver-mounted oak tray.
Burra Church of England Day School is holding a series of dances to raise funds. The first was on 11 April and the next on 2 May.
Burra Golf Club AGM was held on 15 April and Elected were President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-Presidents, Dr W.E. Steven & Mr J.H. Bryan; Secretary, F.W.G. Twist; Assistant Secretary, W.R. Lee. Interest in the club has been sustained and the greens are in good order.
Burra Benevolent Society has drawn up a fairly lengthy list of names to receive 5cwt of firewood.
Women’s’ Christian Temperance Union Central District Convention was held at Methodist Church Kapunda on 10 April.
50, 16, 24 Apr. 1929, Supplement
Football
E.F. Brady [Edward Foster Brady] writes from Perth WA regarding the jubilee of the Burra Football Club which played its first match at Clare on 24 May 1879. Brady says he does not know who to write to and has not corresponded with the Record since F.W. Holder was editor and George Dawson mechanical manager. He says he has a photo of 20 footballers with Dr R. Brummitt as President that was presented to him in token of seven years as captain at a meeting held at Richardson’s Commercial Hotel presided over by Vice-President Mr John Finlay Duff. Jack Warnes took his place as Captain. He recalls one match at Aberdeen when Clare invited George Giffen of Adelaide and his friend Tom Green to play for them, but they were dismayed when on arrival Giffen & Green donned Burra’s colours. Giffen would put his hand in his opponent’s face: ‘caused quite an upset of that player’s intentions’. He recalls practice games on Brewery Flat when they took on Allcomers – like employees of Henderson’s (blacksmiths) and were sometimes outnumbered 3 to 1. The SA Mining Association came up with the land for an oval and Bill Phillips & Jimmy Launder built the stone wall. There were memorable games against Norwood and Port Adelaide. During the war he had a haemorrhage and lost most of his sight and made him an invalid. He mentions his five sons who fought in the Great War.
Edgar who worked with Billy Pearce in Kooringa was killed at Gallipoli.
Ernie who was born in Burra in Dr Steven’s home was killed in France
Three other returned of whom Rex has since died of malaria. He was born at Terowie, when his mother died. [Harriet Ann Brady nee White died 17 June 1893, just one month after the birth.]
[Ernest was a son by his second wife nee Ellen Adelaide Wood and one of the remaining two unnamed sons who served was Essington.]
He also has a photo of some 12 Burra Club members taken at the German School ground at the back of Roach’s Mill. He says he did the ironwork for the home of Charles Drew on Limestone Hill for which F.W. Holder was the architect. [The Editor adds that this was now the home of W.H. Sandland. The reference is to ‘Heathmont’.]
50, 17, 1 May 1929, page 2
The Eudunda Competitions reflected credit on the Misses Milligan as teachers of music. Rowland & Harold Hammond came second for piano duets. Nancy Voumard of Copperhouse aged 7 tied for second place in the under 10 group.
Walter S. Murray of Cappeedee Station Hallett survived a fall of 40ft down a well when a wooden cover gave way. He is recovering in the Burra Hospital.
Mr O. Trestrail teller at the National Bank for 21⁄2 years has been transferred to Renmark and will be replaced by Mr M.H. Carne from Prospect.
Tennis. Finals.
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 13-93 defeated Copperhouse 3-57.
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 9-84 defeated Hallett 6-75.
Girl Guides. Before a company can be formed we need officers and an appeal for the same is being made.
Obituary. Mrs J. E. Sullivan (Bridget) of Booborowie [of Willalo on page 3] died 26 April at Burra Hospital from pneumonia. She was the daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. Cousins of Booborowie. She was 28. [Page 3 adds she was survived by a husband and three young children.]
[Born 1 June 1901 at Booborowie. Further at 50, 19, 15 May 1929, Supplement.]
50, 17, 1 May 1929, page 3
Burra Local Court, 26 April
William Harding licensee of the Booborowie Hotel was fined 50/- + £1 costs for having the bar door open during prohibited hours.
E.O. Hogan & B.C. Mannion were each fined £5 + £1 costs for being on the premises.
29 April
Philip John Rule was charged with being at the Royal Exchange Hotel on 27 April for the purpose of betting, but after the presentation of evidence the bench ruled that the evidence of betting having occurred was insufficient and the case was dismissed.
Ernest Wohling was fined £2 for carrying on a billiard saloon without a licence. He got a minimum fine after explaining that the money was late in arriving in Adelaide, but only by a few hours.
Kooringa Methodist Church held a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon and raised £10 for the Adelaide Lord Mayor’s Unemployment Fund.
Bowls. Last Saturday Dr D.M. Steele won the Championship from A.G. Gebhardt. Other winners:
Singles Handicap A. Davey
Consistency O. Hodgson
Draw Shot F.W.G. Twist
Beginners’ Handicap A. Harris
Pairs Handicap D.M. Steele & O. Hodgson
Farrell’s Flat Picnic Races on 27 April were very successful. Results are printed.
50, 17, 1 May 1929, page 4
Liberal Federation Annual Rally, Social & Dance was held at the Institute 26 April. The main speaker was the Premier of SA Hon. R.L. Butler. Mr C.A.S. Hawker, President of the Liberal Federation also spoke. The report extends for over 41⁄2 columns with the Premier addressing the question of the depression.
50, 17, 1 May 1929, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club. Anzac Day Open Prize Meeting.
‘The Kookaburra’ over 300 yards won by J. Harris of Port Broughton.
‘The Glen View’ over 500 yards won by W.V. Bass of Burra.
‘The Riggs’ 5 shots at 600 yards won by A.L. Brice of Orroroo.
‘The Burra Aggregate’ won by A.L. Brice of Orroroo.
‘The Toolunka’ continuous 300 yards won by P.W. Hogan of Burra.
The Teams Competition was won by Port Broughton No. 1.
Boy Scouts. A pack of Wolf Cubs is being formed with Rev. Coles as Cub Master.
MUIOOF Annual Picnic was held at Stone Chimney Creek Baldina lent by Gallagher Bros. It was thoroughly enjoyed despite the bleak conditions. Transport was provided by Messrs T.H. Woollacott, F.M. Pearce, R. Fuss & F.T. Sara. Cricket and other games were played and sports held after dinner.
[Personal interest: Boys Race 11 & 12 years E. Fuss (Ted) 2nd.
Boys Potato Race 9-10 years M. Allen 1st, E. Fuss 2nd.]
‘Steel Beak’ writes again on the Burra races issue. He understands people like Mr Pearse who grow up with sheep, horses and dogs are keen on races. The supporters of the sheep dog trials must be equally disappointed when others fail to endorse their enthusiasm. [He then digresses onto reminiscences of the last meeting he attended, in 1890 he believes.]
He says the cap of wowser seems to fit the church people after reading their replies: ‘ a true follower of our Saviour [who] has truly the love of God in their heart can go on to a racecourse or any other place on God’s earth and this will not defile him if his heart’s right with God. On the other hand a man or woman having the devil in them all the week and going to church on Sunday this does not make either him or her a follower of our Saviour.’
N. Hiles Pearse responds again saying ‘Fairplay’s’ letter was neither intelligent nor logical. ‘Fairplay’ infers that 98% of Burra people were wowsers which ‘I have yet to be shown they are’.
Mr Pearse denies being egotistical – or he would have been much more involved in Public Life. The Burra Show and the Races are not comparable. The former is essentially educational and the second purely sporting. He also takes issue with the implied complaint of storekeepers paying half a day’s wages for no work. ‘Had I all the money I have paid to employees in the past for doing nothing I would be quite financial.’
As for his own employees, not only does he not keep them at home, ‘Why man, most of them are paying members.’ They not only get a paid holiday on race day, but also for the dog trials – with a motor car to use on each occasion. Finally if ‘Fairplay’ lived up to his name he would emerge from behind the nom de plume.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its 30th Anniversary on 21 & 25 April. Services were by Rev. D.C. Harris of Peterborough. The tea meeting on 25 April was well attended and the report on the Sunday school showed it to be in a very healthy state.
Burra Coursing Club this year will run the Waterloo Cup – the biggest meeting in SA.
Elected at the meeting on 26 April were: Patron, R.A. Lynch; President A.N. Ratcliffe.
50, 18, 8 May 1929, page 2
Notice. George Hann auctioneer has moved to new premises next to Jeffrey & Byrne, Butchers of Kooringa.
Birth. At Sister Villis’s on 14 April to Mr & Mrs T.H. Evans of Hallett a son, Harold Keith.
Salvation Army. Brigadier & Mrs Slattery will conduct Mothers’ Day Meetings on Sunday 12 May at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Public Meeting on Monday night at 8 p.m. with a ‘Hot Pea Supper’.
[Perhaps ‘Hot Pie’?]
Messrs T.H. Woollacott & Son have recently made a ford across Firewood Creek on the main road for the Burra District Council.
Weather. Rain fell lightly on Sunday & Monday and in all some 57 points was registered. It has not extended to the east.
Tennis. Kooringa Tennis Club Tournament results:
Ladies Handicap Doubles Mrs & Miss Nickles
Gents Handicap Doubles M. Dobson & G.C. Sangster
Mixed Handicap Doubles H.W. Tiver & Mrs Twist
Mr O. Trestrail received a presentation at the National Bank on Saturday of stainless steel cutlery and a silver cake dish. He goes to Renmark. His successor Mr M.H. Crane was welcomed.
50, 18, 8 May 1929, page 3
Burra Town Council
J.H. Smith sought to buy a small section of road at the side of his mother’s house in Ayers Street and offered £5. An inspection will be made before any decision.
R.J. Fairchild offered £1 for the portion of Fore St in Redruth between allotments 116 & 117 and desired also to exchange part of allotment 117 for part of allotment 118 which would straighten out a street. He also sought permission to enclose about 10ft of Illogan St opposite blocks 115 & 116 to plant a row of trees. The offer was accepted and the request granted.
H. Morgan was allowed to erect two verandahs on lot 23 Redruth.
The lighting of Market Square was poor, but a light in the Rotunda was being considered.
Redruth Methodist Choir performed the Cantata David by G.F. Root in the Memorial Hall on 25 May to aid Trust Funds. They were assisted by a few friends from Mt Bryan. Reviewed in 2⁄3 column.
Burra Rifle Club. 18th stage of the Koonoona Trophy. Best results were from E. Spackman & J. Terry. In aggregate A.C. Aughey with 22 leads C.W. Pearce 21 and J.E. Hogan 20. Aughey has been stuck on 22 for the last 5 matches.
Tennis. Burra Tennis Assoc.
In the challenge match on Saturday Kooringa 11-91 defeated Copperhouse 6-76 to take the Premiership and the ‘Spencer’ Shield.
In ‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 9-83 defeated Willalo the Minor Premiers 6-84.
50, 18, 8 May 1929, Supplement
Burra District Council
The Department of Lands proposes to resume the travelling stock route in the Hundreds of Baldina & King. This proposal was not approved.
Councillors retiring on 30 June:
Kooringa Ward: G.G. Hawkes [Glen Gaskell Hawkes]
Baldina Ward W.H. McWaters [William Hedley McWaters]
King Ward R. Warnes [Reginald Warnes]
The election will be on 6 July if required.
Burra Institute was prepared to accept a rental of £15 in lieu of the proposed £18 as per the letter of 12 February. Cr McWaters gave notice of a motion to accept this offer.
Burra Hospital Board
Plans and specifications for the transformation of the Nesbit Ward into private rooms and for the reconstruction of the lavatory and bathroom were laid on the table.
Messrs Noel Woollacott & Pearce tendered £247 and £106-13-0 for the two changes above.
The plans were approved with some small changes and the tender was accepted if lowered accordingly by £24 for the Nesbit Ward and in the case of the lavatory & bathroom increased by £16 for fitting of a flush pan and cistern. The whole cost to then be £345-13-0.
Hallett & District Schools Athletic & Exhibition Assoc. 2nd Annual event held at Terowie 26 April. Results are printed.
C.W. South hon. Sec. of the Peterborough Band writes to explain that they did not play on the return from Eudunda Competitions because they received no reply from the Burra Town Clerk in response to seeking permission.
50, 19, 15 May 1929, page 2
Obituary. Emily Ryder, widow of the late James Ryder, died 8 May at Aberdeen aged 64. She was the mother of Sarah, May & Florence. [She was born Emily Turner c. 1865, but the birth is not traceable in SA. See more on page 3 of this issue.]
Mothers’ Day was observed with special services in Redruth & Kooringa Methodist Churches and at the Salvation Army Barracks where Brigadier & Mrs Slattery assisted local officers, Ensign & Mrs Sutton.
Redruth Wesleyan Church. A copy of receipts and expenditure for 1879 has come to hand.
Building partly opened 20 September 1874 cost £1,460.
Cash raised up to the final opening service of May 1876 was £550
Anniversaries raised: 1877 £120
1888 £200
1879 say £90
Total £960
Debt in May 1879 was £500.
50, 19, 15 May 1929, page 3
Frank Treloar: ‘Looking Back’
Reminiscences of the old mine. In the past 52 years that the mine has been closed it has been stripped of anything of value except the well-built stone buildings and a few oddments. He recalls the fire a few years before, which had burnt out Morphett’s Shaft and Engine House. Johnny Green was to have been erected again, but so far nothing has come of it.
On the side of the rise was the ‘Lovers Seat’ now gone, from where many a conversation by ‘Echo’ was held with Johnny Green, but today it has lost its charm. Further on are the dumps from the open cut – said to be valuable for their copper content. To the left is Graves Shaft with its never-equipped engine room. Across the gap in the hills are the Smelts and the conspicuous brick chimney up which a lad (Arthur Jordan) climbed years ago for bird’s eggs. The bricks on the outside of the stack were made in Burra. On the hill behind the ornate residence of the present Mayor [A.B. Riggs] there used to be a row of brick cottages known as Sunday Row because the need for them was so strong the men worked on Sunday. Elias Wilks was born in Sunday Row close to 80 years ago. Beyond to the left the fire brick kiln stood and alongside a good well that supplied water for Martin’s crushing works some 30 years ago.
Mr Treloar then talks of the very beginning of the mine when bullock carts could handle only 21⁄2-3 tons. Among the first officers sent up were Captain John Roach and Captain Bryan with S.W. Humble as storekeeper and H.M. Boswana who later gave way to Mr Burslem as surveyor and draughtsman. Early houses were wattle and daub with paling roofs. Kooringa was surveyed early. People desiring an allotment applied to the resident accountant and if the Directors approved a block was allotted on 7, 14 or 21 year leases with a rental from £3 to £5 p.a. The cost [of drawing up the] lease £2-2-0 to be paid by the applicant. Business sites were dearer and never was freehold granted. Consequently premises were makeshift until years later when they were glad to part with the fee simple.
In December 1846 land allotments were made to 20 applicants among them block 4 & 23 to the Wesleyan Church, 3 to Turton Diprose & 56 to Daniel O’Leary.
No. 3 is now owned by the daughters of the late John Pearce where before their home was erected could be seen traces of brick floors etc. [Site of Leighton House in Chapel St.]
[Allotment 56 is the west corner of Hill St and Commercial St.]
Football. At Victoria Park
Ramblers 5.1 7.4 10.8 13.9 (87)
Aberdeen 0.2 1.5 4.5 6.5 (41)
At Hallett 11 May: Hallett 11.11 (77) defeated Mt Bryan 3.3 (21)
Golf. Hallett Golf Club has received council approval to lay down a 9-hole course in the northern parklands of the town.
Obituary. Mrs James Ryder died suddenly at her residence in Aberdeen on 8 May. She was born Emily Turner in Booborowie District in 1865. Her sister was the first Mrs John Morgan of Baldina. She only returned to Burra about a month ago after living for some years with her daughter Mrs E. Eddy at Alberton. She had a stroke about 12 months ago. Her son-in-law Mr T. Villis, his daughter & Mrs Bevan were present when she died. Her eldest daughter Mrs Nickles of Copperhouse was sent for, but arrived a few minutes too late. There are three daughters: Sarah, Mrs J. Nickles of Copperhouse; May, Mrs E. Eddy of Alberton and Florence, Mrs C. Dickenson of Alberton. Another daughter Mrs Thomas Villis died some years ago. There are eight grandchildren: Mrs W.G. Lord nee Nickles (Broken Hill), Doris & Ron Nickles (Copperhouse), Lester & Ral Dickenson (Alberton), Norman, Eileen & Sylvia Villis (Burra). There are two great-grandchildren. [Her birth as Emily Turner at Booborowie in 1865 does not seem to have been registered.]
50, 19, 15 May 1929, page 4
A Political Meeting at Point Pass is reported at length.
Speakers were A.G. Cameron MP & M. Collins MHR.
Mr Collins when he spoke expressed his disenchantment with Canberra and the Government. He was against the expenditure taking place on Canberra – he would have scrapped the whole city. Now £250,000 was to be spent on the War Memorial. He also spoke against the poor attendance of members at sittings. He said it was a pity to see good legislation turned down because it was put up by the Labor Party – though they would do the same thing if they were in power. He wanted to see the abolition of State Parliaments and have the states run by a commission of half a dozen clever businessmen. Neither Liberal not Labor will do anything for the producers. A Country Party is essential.
50, 19, 15 May 1929, Supplement
Golf. Opening day has been delayed by the absence of rain, but lately the greens have been progressing and the season will now commence on 18 May.
Bowling & Croquet Club. The season closed with the presentation of prizes:
Championship Dr Steele
Singles Handicap A.A. Davey
Singles Consistency O. Hodgson
Beginners Handicap Arthur P. Harris
Draw Shot F.W.G. Twist
Pairs Handicap Dr Steele & O. Hodgson
Pairs Handicap runners-up E.A. Mummery & A.G. Kellock
Croquet
Championship Mrs P.L. Rosman
Singles Handicap Mrs S.H. Robinson
Handicap Doubles Mrs S.H. Robinson & Mrs Twist
Night Tourney Mrs A.G. Kellock from Mrs E.C. Hammond
Mallett Competition Mr E.J. Davey
Obituary. Mrs Bridget Sullivan wife of James E. Sullivan of Willalo died at Burra Hospital recently. She was the second daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. Cousins and is survived by a husband and three children the eldest aged 6. [Previously reported at 50, 17, 1 May 1929, page 2]
Booborowie Methodist Church Anniversary 5 May is reported.
50, 20, 22 May 1929, page 2
Advt. George Hann will sell under instruction from the mortgagee the farm of George Shattock, in the Cheer-up Room on 7 June. Located between Mt Bryan & Hallett and occupying Hd Hallett sections 382 & 283, Hd Kingston section 190 (lease 13588) and section 536 Hd Hallett (Covenant to purchase No. 458.
Obituary. Josiah Thomas, the husband of Mary Thomas and father of Mrs C.W. Gare and the late H.H. Thomas, died at ‘Three Trees’ 14 May. [Further details in the Supplement to this issue.]
Burra Institute Chess Club started for the new season on 15 May.
Burra Waterworks. Laying of new 6” mains has almost been completed. The job provided welcome work for a number of men.
50, 20, 22 May 1929, page 2-3
Burra Town Council
On 25 May the Council decided to act on The Guns.
Cr Harris gave notice that next meeting he would move to motion previously carried to move the guns to opposite the Institute be rescinded.
The Mayor said this was so old a motion that he deemed it had lapsed and he was prepared to accept a new motion.
Cr Harris then moved that one gun be placed in Lane Garden and the other in Holder Garden. He said the President and Secretary of the RSL were in favour. Cr Pearce seconded. He said most people believed the guns were an eyesore.
Cr Woollacott said it was a delicate matter and a number of influential people were opposed. He was opposed.
Cr Morgan thought it a disgrace to move them and a slur on the men who fought.
Cr Lee said in most towns with guns they were in parks, which he regarded as a safer position.
Cr Allen supported Cr Lee. Peterborough had just moved their guns to a park.
The Mayor thought the guns should be where they were. They had been there for ten years without causing an accident. He did not see they were detrimental to Anzac Services. If they needed fencing off the ratepayers could have moved to do so and they had not acted. The motion was carried.
Council agreed to J. Smith’s offer to buy a small area of land at the rear of his property for £5.
E.J. Blunt offered £1 for a piece of road enclosed on his property. To be inspected.
W. Short had approached the Town Clerk and offered £1 for 1⁄4 acre near Mr Short’s property.
The swing bridge is to be tightened.
50, 20, 22 May 1929, page 3
Farrell’s Flat Methodist Church held its Jubilee Anniversary Services last Sunday. Rev. H.F. Lyons officiated.
Boy Scouts. Last Friday afternoon the first parade of Wolf Cubs was held.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 1.1 3.1 3.3 4.4 (28)
Hallett 1.2 2.5 3.8 3.9 (27)
At Mt Bryan: Aberdeen 7.8 (50) defeated Mt Bryan 2.4 (16).
50, 20, 22 May 1929, page 4
Frank Treloar: Looking Back. Another long article.
In December 1847 the directors of the mine Messrs Beck, Peacock, Graham & Waterhouse came by Chambers’ conveyance to the mine on a periodic visit. They appointed Mr Thomas Burr as general Superintendent. Captain Roach was to attend to the mining operations and the handling of ore. Mr Burra would attend to accountancy etc. The powder magazine was built. The smelting operation established by Mr Dreyer who claimed smelting experience in Germany, was well advanced when Burr arrived. It was a small furnace with a large pair of bellows to provide blast by use of a horse whim. It was supposed to put through 8cwt of copper per day, but after 22 hours it produced only 4cwt of rough copper and needed repairs. A second trial had similar unsatisfactory results with damage to the bellows etc. and distressing the horses. The attempt was a costly failure. The mine badly needed bags for ore despatch and called for 120-150,000. They were loading 30 bullock drays a day and sometimes many more – up to 100 some days. Three fresh wells were sunk in Kooringa for drinking water. There were complaints that sheep with scab were offered for meat. SAMA erected slaughterhouses and yards. In September 1848 Mr Challoner replaced Mr Burr and thing improved. He proved a very methodical officer. In 1848 Mr Elphick was appointed assayer and Mr Burslem surveyor and draughtsman. Building blocks were being allotted. For building, local pines were used and SAMA sold bricks, palings and small lots of sawn timber. SAMA had also let contracts for 35 cottages for £45 each and for 10 at £30 each. 66 horses were in use at the mine for whims and drays and six new ore jiggers. The Captain set prices for tributers such that he expected the men to earn an average of £2 a week. Ore carters were paid 25/- a week, labourers 25/-, whim boys 12/- and ore picking boys 8/-. Carpenters, blacksmiths and sawyers earned £2 a week. The directors then believed that men, especially miners on tribute were getting too much and cut wages. They announced that from 2 November 1848 miners were to get 30/-, labourers 21/-, whim boys 10/-, ore picking boys 6/- and carpenters, blacksmiths etc. 38/-. This caused the first strike in SA. The workers were quite willing to continue at the old rates. Ore loading stopped for a fortnight. The mine management at the top showed a vindictive spirit.
Burra Benevolent Society. Members at a meeting on 16 May urged that Johnny Green’s figure be placed in a prominent position to revive memories of the mine as well as being something of interest to visitors.
Golf. The President Dr D.M. Steele welcomed members to a new season last Saturday and called upon Dr Steven as winner of last year’s championship to drive the first ball.
50, 20, 22 May 1929, Supplement
Booborowie Bachelors’ Ball on 15 May is reported a great success with over 500 attending. There are c. 11⁄2 columns of details.
Burra Rifle Club. The 19th stage of the Koonoona Trophy saw best scores from J. Wade, G. Herbert & A.B. Riggs.
A Band of Hope meeting was held at Redruth Memorial Hall on 7 May with Rev. W.O. Harris in the chair. R.W. Bowey, Australian President of the Bands of Hope Union gave an address.
Obituary. Josiah Thomas who died at ‘Three Trees’ near Burra on 15 May had lived in the area continuously for 81 years. He was born in the parish of Whendron at Forestgate near Redruth, Cornwall on 6 March 1845, the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs John Thomas. They migrated to SA in 1848 on the William Money. Though not quite 3 when they arrived Mr Thomas had a hazy recollection of being carried ashore by sailors. Mr Thomas Sen. had an engagement as an underground manager at the Burra Mine and they went directly there by horse dray which was rather quicker than a bullock dray. They lived first in a paling house at the mine and he was educated by Mr H.N. Thompson, a clerk at the mine. At 10 he went to work and at 18 his father died leaving him ‘Three Trees’. He was always a great reader. He was a successful grazier and farmer despite the setbacks of droughts, fires etc. Mr & Mrs Thomas celebrated their diamond wedding on 11 January 1929. [An error: see below.] They were married in the old Church of England near where Mr G.H. Dow’s residence now stands in 1851 [sic: clearly an error because they were married 15 February 1869.]
Mrs Thomas (Mary) was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs H. Pinch of ‘Pencarrow’ near Burra. He is survived by his wife, but of their four children only Mrs C.W. Gare of ‘Mt Pleasant’ Kooringa is still alive. A son Mr Henry H. Thomas died in March 1919. There are 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
50, 21, 29 May 1929, page 2
Notice. Mayor A.B. Riggs calls for discarded clothing for the unemployed – both for Port Adelaide men, women and children and for the local unemployed.
Trinity College Musical Exams results are printed.
[Personal interest: Clarence Fuss passed Theory of Music, Junior.]
Weather. It remains dry generally. Some light showers have fallen and 25 points fell on the night of 21 May, but the season is very dry and the total for the year so far is less than 3 inches.
A Fancy Dress Social was held in the Memorial Hall Redruth 21 May to aid the cake and fancy stall at the forthcoming fair.
Best Pair Dos. Thomas & Nell Bentley (Dad & Mum)
Best Dressed Miss E. Bryce (Draughts)
Most Original Miss Mavis Fairchild (Danger)
Best Girl Miss Margaret Carey (Dutch Boy)
Best Boy Mervyn Allen (Harlequin)
St Mary’s Mothers’ Union gave an afternoon tea for Mrs [C.] Fuss of Aberdeen who has been a member for many years and a Sunday school teacher and who is leaving for 12 months holiday in New Zealand. She was given a travelling suede cushion and a tortoise-shell brush and comb and a writing companion from her Sunday school boys.
Will Bass left last Monday after nearly 10 years with the Record.
50, 21, 29 May 1929, page 3
‘Ex-Dig’ writes regarding ‘The Guns’ saying the appearance of the monument and also one of the approaches to the town was much improved by the change.
‘Ratepayer’ writes saying that despite the motion passed in Council both guns were placed at the south end of Commercial St ‘to the astonishment of the council and to the great sorrow of the relatives and friends of the brave boys who gave their lives for King and Country’. Who was responsible? The writer then calls for their return to Market Square.
Burra Rifle Club. 14th stage of the Koonoona Trophy saw best scores from H. James & J.E. Hogan. In the aggregate now J.E. Hogan and R.G. Nutt have 12 points, leading H.G. Oates & E. Spackman both with 11.
Football. At Victoria Park 25 May:
Ramblers 1.0 3.6 8.7 13.11 (89)
Mt Bryan 0.1 0.2 0.2 1.3 (9)
50, 21, 29 May 1929, page 4
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
Negotiations were taken up with the Patent Copper Co. for smelting. They sent out Gregory Seal Walters to investigate the feasibility of setting up a smelter. He arrived in September 1848. He came back to Burra in November and then went to the head of Gulf St Vincent to seek a practical route to export the copper. Gavin Young, surveyor, was engaged to mark a suitable track for bullock teams and this was done by mid-November 1848. The route and loading area at the port were both successful and in late November 1848 arrangements were completed for smelting at Burra once the furnaces had been built. In the meantime it was arranged that the Patent Copper Co. would buy SAMA’s copper on an assay basis for transhipment via the Gulf. The Smelting Works were erected on a site with a 99-year lease which was later bought outright. The route was through Mintaro, Auburn, Skilly’s Creek, Hurd’s Hill, Hope’s Plain, Devil’s Garden and Dunn’s (Balaklava) to Pt Wakefield. Hundreds of bullock teams were ultimately involved. A bridge was built at Dunn’s across the Wakefield River. Mr Henry Pinch was the blacksmith on the work and R.H. Bruce of Kooringa’s father was in charge of the company’s stock yards and looked after the interests of teamsters. SAMA was busy erecting small cottages for miners. Treloar thinks these were on the block of land opposite the hospital used recently (1929) by Mr Parks for dog kennels. Others were built on the top side of Paxton Square. The good stone cottages forming Paxton Square were put up later and will be mentioned in a later article.
The Smelting Company took bricks from John Bagg who was well advanced in supplying bricks for mine use. Goats were being kept for milk and by this stage there were 600 in the town and they were teaching people to swear. They wandered freely over the hills.
Steam was needed to replace the horses. Mr Spraggs was appointed chief engineer. In preparation SAMA contracted for 50 loads of firewood at 12/6 for a 30cwt load of mixed sheoaks and gum. Soon after contracts of 200 and 100 tons were let for 7/- a ton. The engine and boilers arrived and began work on 21 October 1849. SAMA then explored for copper on what became Koonoona Estate. 100 tons of good ore from a promising show was sent away in 1849 and it was called Karkulta Mine, for which great hopes were entertained. In Burra the hopes for growth caused the survey of Aberdeen, but its sale in September 1849 was not a success and only about £608 worth was sold and a few blocks were sold later. Long poles came to the mine from White’s Forest and sawn timber from J. Hour, David Davis, John Thomas & Wright of Penwortham, Skilly & Watervale. Hay was brought in from as far as Gawler. A boy was killed underground. Dan O’Leary applied for a block to start a tannery and Joseph Ford asked to lease 40 acres to start a market garden, but these were refused because the land might be needed for mining. The Bible Christian Trustees were granted a block to erect a place of worship in a corner of Paxton Square (now [1929] occupied by Mr Luke Day). Up to 300 tons of ore was now weekly being sent to the Gulf.
50, 21, 29 May 1929, Supplement
The State Finances. There is a long article reporting Sir David Gordon’s address in the Legislative Council. Despite rising revenue during a three year run of good seasons and expanding industrial development the rate of increase in expenditure had been much greater leaving a heavy deficit for the Government. The Government had planned to pay off this debt over 52 years. They now planned to effect economies and curtail non-paying services. In the railways freight charges and fares would rise. Water costs would have to rise. In the last seven years loans have risen 70% and population by 18 %. The interest bill had doubled as had state taxation. Other states will soon confront similar conditions.
Golf. Burra played its first and last match in the Mid-Northern group premiership for the season and lost to a visiting team of 10 from Clare. The visitors won every game.
RSL Masquerade Ball of 22 May is reported in 11⁄3 columns.
50, 22, 5 June 1929, page 2
Advt. George Han will auction for Mrs Eleanor Baldock who is leaving the district, sections 676 & 677 Perpetual Lease 12575 at Booborowie.
‘Bewildered’ cannot understand why anyone should regret the removal of unsightly guns from Market Square.
Burra Rifle Club. Championship final on Saturday last:
A.B. Riggs 130 led H.G. Oates 127.
In aggregate the results were A.B. Riggs 297, H.G. Oates 292 and H.H. Byles 290.
Redruth Methodist Church held its 73rd Anniversary on 2 & 3 June. It was a success despite a dust storm on Sunday and boisterous wind and rain on Monday. Rev. J.J. Brown of Melbourne officiated.
Captain Roberts the aviator visited on Tuesday last week. He landed in a paddock nearly opposite Copperhouse, but a little nearer Aberdeen, owned by M. Collins MHR. The party comprising Capt. Roberts and Mr Long of Louis Cohen Wireless Ltd were met by the Mayor, Cr Lee & Mr C.R. Wright of Wright Motors who had arranged the visit and by Mr Smith the local manager of Vacuum Oil. Louis Cohen Wireless & Vacuum Oil are considering sending their representatives around by air and are now locating landing fields. Capt. Roberts said the Burra strip was practically ideal. He presented the Mayor with a wind ‘stocking’ to be flown at the field. The Mayor was taken for his first flight, which he said he enjoyed enormously. Two or three others also went for trips.
50, 22, 5 June 1929, page 3
Sheep Mauled & Killed. M.J. Marchant had 35 sheep mauled by dogs on his property at Hanson last Wednesday morning. Four sheep had to be killed at once and five more are likely to follow. Two large lambs also died. The destruction amounts to at least £50 worth. Last year he lost 7 and the previous year 5. He has reluctantly laid poison (reluctantly because he is near a stock route). Further lambs are expected to die.
Empire Day was celebrated at Burra School on 31 May as the correct date fell in the holidays. Speeches are reported in 2⁄3 column.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 7.6 7.7 8.9 9.13 (67)
Aberdeen 0.1 1.4 2.5 2.6 (18)
50, 22, 5 June 1929, page 4
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
From 1850 wells were sunk along the Gulf Road and the road kept in repair and arrangements improved at the port. Brick cottages were erected at the smelting area in anticipation of the arrival of skilled workers from England. The mine was doing well at extracting ore. Logs for underground timbering were in constant demand. They wanted them 4’9” x 10” diameter. Thousands were got at 14/9 per hundred. Sawyers’ logs were also needed in great number. Sawn hard wood was obtained from Penwortham, Watervale and Skilly which employed many pit sawyers. Poles came from stringybark beyond Watervale and from White’s near Mt Remarkable. Firewood was also needed in vast quantity. Some 300 tons of hay a year was needed for over 70 horses and had to come from afar – Clare, Watervale and Auburn as well as Gawler. It was all cut by scythes. To keep up the supply of candles a chandler set up operations near the slaughterhouse below the cemetery. SAMA supplied the tallow and wicks and the chandler made, strung and boxed the candles, delivering them to the mine for 11⁄2d per pound. Tallow was bought from any station around and from Vickery’s Boiling Down Works on property owned today by A.G. Gebhardt. Some tallow came from Adelaide. A half a ton of candles were needed weekly. Once the mine came within three days of closure due to the shortage of candles and on another occasion it had to send spring carts out to meet the teams to get supplies. In 1851 the first [Legislative] Council was sworn in and in 1852 came the discovery of gold in Victoria. Virtually all the men left Burra. Some went overland by bullock dray or on horseback or even walked. Many took ship to Melbourne. By mid-1852 work at Burra was virtually stopped. The Smelting Works bought all the bullocks they could, knowing they would be needed once the rush was over. Inspector Tolmer was appointed to head the gold escort bringing SA miners’ gold back to Adelaide. Some men did well, some badly and some of the former wasted their gains. After some time they began to return. Many of the careful winners bought land and settled in the Clare-Auburn district. Others returned to Burra. In June 1852 Mr G.S. Walters of the Copper Co. returned to England and with him went G.K. Horn to buy mules at Valparaiso, which they had decided to use in their work. As a result of the excitement it took a while to settle down, but eventually it did so with wages higher, more money in circulation, building blocks more commonly applied for and miners’ cottages sprang up in all directions.
50, 23, 12 June 1929, page 3
Obituary. Eli Jones, husband of Eliza Jones, died on 7 June at Kooringa aged 72, leaving a wife, three daughters and four sons.
Eli Jones died at Burra Hospital on 7 June. He was born at Canowie on 11 November 1856, the eldest son of Mr & Mrs Jacob Jones, early colonists. His early life was spent around Point Pass and later he was a carter between Burra & Broken Hill before the railway reached there. In 1882 he married Miss Eliza Midwinter at Point Pass. They settled at Baldina where he farmed for c. 35 years. He recently retired to Kooringa. He leaves a wife, four sons and three daughters: W.E. & E. Jones (Meribah), B. & C. Jones (Bambill Victoria), Mrs J.R. Rooke (World’s End), Mrs W.S. Delamere (Wanbi) & Mrs H. Schmidt (Kooringa). There are 9 grandchildren. Four sisters survive: Mrs E. Rowe (Kooringa), Mrs G. Bevan (Yunta) and Mrs D. Wilks & Mrs Evans (Broken Hill). A brother is Mr Isaac Jones (Broken Hill). [The paper of 19 June adds another sister: Mrs W. Erikson of Broken Hill.]
Obituary. Mrs Allen relict of the late Alfred Allen died at her residence in Aberdeen on Tuesday 11 June aged 79. [Born Mary Smith 24 May 1851 in England.]
Football. At Morgan on Saturday Ramblers 4.12 (36) defeated Morgan 4.4 (28).
On Saturday evening the team went to a dance at Cadell and on Sunday enjoyed a trip on the River Murray.
Elizabeth A. Ward of Hill St sent in a poem in reply to ‘Bewildered’ re The Guns – entitled ironically Let Us Forget.
Mrs Mary Warnes writes from London where she has been attending the Rural Conference at the International Council of Women in April and May. She lists the aristocracy with whom she has been spending evenings. She had a weekend with Lady Forster.
Burra Rifle Club. 20th stage of the Koonoona Trophy saw best scores from E. Spackman & P.W. Hogan. In the aggregate now J.E. Hogan leads with 24 from A.C. Aughey & P.W. Hogan 22 and then E. Spackman, C.W. Pearce, G. Herbert & H.G. Oates each have 21. Any of these have a chance of winning at the next and final round.
Burra Town Council
Burra Electric Supply Co. advises that the Rotunda light would cost £7-17-6 p.a. for 100 c.p. and £6 for 50 c.p.
Council agreed to take an annual rental on the Council Chamber for £36.
The Council decided not to sell the land requested by either Mr Blunt or Mr Short.
Mr Blunt will be given a 20-year lease at 5/- p.a. with the lease terminable by either side on three months notice.
A motion to rescind the decision placing the guns in Holder & Lane Gardens was carried.
It was resolved to confirm their present location on either side of Lewis’s Bridge. [Commercial St.]
Mr Collins MHR will be asked to give a lease on land to enable an aerodrome to be established where Captain Roberts landed recently.
‘Fox Trot’ writes in wishing Booborowie’s old-time dance craze all success, bur apparently a little concerned at ‘the extravagant display of lingerie’.
Red Cross Burra Branch AGM. President Mrs John Tennant presided. The main money raising effort had collected £36-0-10 from a jumble sale.
Dispersements were: £10 to Camp Fund
£12 to Angorichina Hostel for Christmas Cheer
£10 to Adelaide Red Cross
£15 to Christmas Cheer at various hospitals
There was £17 in hand and of this it was decided to send a further £10 to Angorichina.
Elected were President, Mrs J. Tennant; Treasurer, Mrs F.R. Wigley; Secretary, Mrs E.F. Marston; Vice-Presidents, Messrs P.W. Clarke, C.D. Wilkinson & W.H. Sandland. A jumble sale will be held on 16 August.
50, 23, 12 June 1929, page 4
St Joseph’s Annual Dance was held on 5 June and was very successful despite the wet weather. Murison’s Melodie Masters played. There was a sumptuous sit-down supper.
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
The Victorian gold rush placed a great deal more money in circulation in SA. Early in 1852 the men left and it was well into 1853 before enough returned to restart the mine. In the meantime further cottages had been built in Paxton Square to house miners brought out from England. They were solidly built and many years later when SAMA was selling their properties the late John Lewis purchased the square of 33 cottages and at his death they were left in trust to house the poor and needy of Burra. To start the mine the horses were brought back from Clare where they were being cared for by Mr E.B. Gleeson. Development work at the Smelting Works was resumed. Horse feed was dear and remained so – even in 1855 up to £20 a ton was paid for it.
The first mules for the Smelting Co. arrived in July 1853, but only 70 of 180 purchased survived the voyage. Firewood rose from 7/- to 12/6 a ton and other timber was also dearer. Captain Roach told the directors that a pump was needed at the mine and that when operating the water could be made to drive much of the machinery. Carting of ore to Pt Wakefield gradually fell off as the Smelting Works overcame problems and by 1854 they could handle all the ore delivered. The arrangements with the Smelting Co. changed and they now delivered the assayer value of ore in ingots or tile of pure copper to the Mining Co. which disposed of it as it saw fit.
The Patent Copper Co. (Smelts) now became a large buyer of firewood and also of feed for horses. They established a farm at Mintaro to grow hay because it was thought then it would not grow near Burra. This Patent Copper Co. Farm is now known as Kadlunga, home of Mr & Mrs Alick Melrose. Mr & Mrs Sam Baker of Redruth are a link with this time. Mrs Baker came with her parents when her father was engaged to work in the smelters in 1848 when she was 3 years old. They moved into Sunday Row after a makeshift home at first. She remembers the Smelts under the management of Mr Williams. Mr Baker was born in Adelaide close to [Holy] Trinity Church in 1840 and came to Burra in 1852. He has worked in both the Mine and the Smelts and carted on the roads too. He went to the Snowy River diggings in 1859, but was not fortunate.
50, 23, 12 June 1929, Supplement
Liberal Federation: Burra Women’s Branch AGM. As President Mrs Warnes was in England Vice-President Mrs F.R. Wigley presided. Elected were President, Mrs Warnes; Acting President, Mrs C.D. Wilkinson; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames E. Jettner, F.R. Wigley, W.H. Sandland, G.G. Hawkes, E.F. Marston, H.G. Oates & A.G. Gebhardt; Hon. Sec. & Treasurer, Miss Annie Rogers.
The address was given by C.A.S. Hawker President of the Liberal Federation in SA and this is reported in c. 11⁄2 columns.
50, 24, 19 June 1929, page 2
Notice. N. Pavlon advises he has opened a Fish Shop at Aberdeen on 14 June opposite Sara & Co.’s with Fresh & Cooked Fish at all times.
Captain Stanley Brearley of WA Airways Ltd flew into Burra in a Moth aeroplane with D.C. Butterworth of the Vacuum Oil Co. Ltd on Monday.
Liberal Federation: Burra Men’s Branch AGM was held at the Eastern Telephone Building last Friday afternoon. President M.A. Radford presided. Elected were President M.A. Radford; Vice-Presidents, I.J. Warnes & E. Jettner.
S. Sutton writes from Norwood Salvation Army Boys Home stating that they can for a modest fee take boys from the country who need to stay in Adelaide for schooling.
50, 24, 19 June 1929, page 3
Burra Town Council, 17 June
The local RSL protested the removal of the guns without advising them first and objecting to a Councillor’s use of a private opinion as official RSL approval.
Various road works were approved.
A move to place the guns on concrete stands was deferred to the next financial year as it was estimated to cost £7-10-0.
50, 24, 19 June 1929, Supplement
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
Schneider’s was the first shaft fitted with an engine and boiler. The boiler and engine were carted to Burra by Joe Freeman. Later he kept the Pig & Whistle [Hotel] which stood on the allotment in Thames St opposite Alf Gebhardt’s new house. Later it was found that a main water shaft with a powerful engine was needed and Morphett’s Shaft was sunk. For this Ambrose Harris built the chimney stack at 11/6 per yard (demolished some years ago for building material in the town). Thomas Paynter built the engine room. The jinker to carry the machinery to Burra came out from England with it and William Woollacott got the contract to transport it to Burra – I believe for £500. Two poles were fixed to the jinker so that four bullocks could work abreast and they started with 32 bullocks, but later used 40. A plentiful supply of fresh bullocks was also needed to share the work. Three bullock drays with accessories also came along. The team for the boiler required four and sometimes six drivers. The negotiation of the numerous creeks and gullies was a perpetual worry and cause of delay. The eventual arrival had everyone turn out to see the event. Of those who witnessed it few survive today: Mr & Mrs Sam Baker, Mr Elias Wilks, Mr Richard Reed and perhaps a few others. William Woollacott was the grandfather of the present generation in the town. The site of Morphett’s Shaft was chosen to drain the mine, but also to allow the water from it to be reticulated all over the mine by wooden overhead launders to drive waterwheels which would then power all the equipment to prepare the ore for delivery to the smelters. There were six men employed just to keep the shaft in order (3 on and 3 off). The late John Snell worked there for years and later his son Joe. At its maximum it could pump eight strokes a minute, but it was rarely worked at more than six – each stroke raised 400 gallons. For a 24 hour day of work it consumed 14 tons of wood: about 100 tons a week. There is little wonder the area was stripped of timber. There must be enough timber buried in the mine to keep the town in firewood for 25 years. Morphett’s engine and pump allowed the mine to enter its period of greatest prosperity.
From the start there was a club and doctor’s fund to which men contributed 1/- a week and boys 6d. It gave in return medical attention at 14/- a week. A hospital was built opposite the Mill and Dr Mayne was the first medical man. A reserve of 3,000 tons of firewood was built up and sawn timber was constantly arriving. Henry Solly of Leasingham received £10 for delivering a special log for Morphett’s engine house and £14 for two very large stones.
The Fred Collins Family received farewells from the Masonic Lodge and Kooringa Methodist Sunday School that are reported.
Elizabeth A. Ward writes again expressing her dismay at “Bewildered’s” attitude and outlining her view that the guns that were so hard fought for represent the sacrifice of the men in the AIF and need to be kept and maintained.
‘On Guard’ also writes saying that the captured guns were placed by the monument to honour the fallen as they were captured from the enemy in those dark days and are now moved to a place of no importance. The writer regards this as ‘a mockery to that silent figure’ on the monument.
Burra Rifle Club. Riverton visited on Saturday and Burra 828 defeated Riverton 810.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.3 4.7 4.14 4.15 (39)
Mt Bryan 0.3 1.3 2.5 4.5 (29)
Golf. On Saturday Burra went to Clare with 12 players and was again badly beaten. Only Dr Steven won his match.
The new golf links at Hanson were opened 14 June when the President Mrs H. Bishop drove off the first ball. It is a 9-hole course.
J.F. Hogan writes in response to ‘Foxtrot’. It is a rather overly serious rebuttal of the latter’s comments, but among the somewhat laboured points he says: ‘What is the use of paying 8/11 for a pair of stockings and only showing 7/3 worth of them?’
‘more especially if a dinky pair of jazz garters with three rosebuds on them (and usually worn between the 7/6 and 8/11) are part of the scheme. Echo answers, “Why, indeed?”’
‘Old-timers’ simply wish to enjoy themselves in their own way and question if the ‘cranky’ dances of today will stand the test of centuries as some ‘old-time’ dances have. The writer also considers that modern ‘jazz’ dancers expect 10d of every 1/- they spend to come back in expensive bands and decorations etc. Old-timers come to dance.
50, 25, 26 June 1929, page 2
Advt. Original Vivagraph All electric Talkies
Domestic Troubles & Twin Beds
Farrell’s Flat Wednesday 26 and Booborowie Thursday 27 June.
Advt. South Australian Coursing Club: The Waterloo Cup to be held at Burra,
Tuesday 9 July and following days. The governor will attend the second day.
Prize Money totals £362: Winner £165 and a Sterling Silver Cup.
Advt. Waterloo Cup Carnival Ball at Burra Institute, Wednesday 10 July at 8 p.m.
Come in Fancy Hat, Cap or Mask. Murison’s Melodie Masters. Supper Specially Catered.
Tickets 7/6 Double, 4/- single.
50, 25, 26 June 1929, page 3
Burra Basketball Assoc. held a practice match last Thursday in the Institute and two good games resulted. In the first game Laurenti’s team Axford’s 83 to 38 and in the second Bass’s team beat Byles’.
Mr George Holland lessee of the Jamestown Pictures is bringing the Vivagraph to Farrell’s Flat and Booborowie on 26 & 27 June. He will also show On Our Selection.
Johnny Green. Where is Johnny Green? The Benevolent Society has enquired of the Council. We understand the late A.J. McBride said he would attend to it when he came back.
W.F.E. Smith, a commercial airman now living in Burra, said he is making arrangements for a plane and pilot instructor to come to Burra so that a Flying Club can be established and pilots trained, but a fair number are needed to justify the expense. Forward names and addresses to him at Box 58 Kooringa. Mr Maurice Collins has been written to about the use of his Copperhouse paddock. Flying Membership fee of the club would be £3-3-0 and 10 hours of instruction £25.
Kooringa Masonic Lodge had a large group of visitors from two city lodges on Saturday last. After the meeting refreshments were taken in Pearce’s Buildings.
Obituary. Mr Edwin Henry Morgan died at North Adelaide Private Hospital on 20 June. He was born at Burra 17 October 1885, the son of the late Mr & Mrs John Morgan of Thistlebeds. He was educated at Douglas School and then worked on Princess Royal Station for Mr Alex McCulloch. Later he went to White Cliffs and then dam-sinking north of Broken Hill. With his brothers with whom he went into partnership in 1907 as Morgan Bros. They carried on for 20 years, owning Morgan Vale Station. He served for three years in the AIF in Egypt and illness contracted there was the primary cause of his death. Two years ago the brothers dissolved their partnership and sold Morgan vale. The deceased then went to Adelaide. He was a member of the Rechabite Lodge for many years. In December 1928 he married E. Gertrude Robertson, daughter of the late T.F. Robertson of Aberdeen. He leaves a widow, six sisters and four brothers: Mrs W. Byles (Aberdeen), Mrs D.E. Williams (Kooringa), Mrs H.R. Motherall (Kooringa), Mrs H.A. Byles (Kooringa), Mrs W.H. McWaters (World’s End), Mrs W. Morgan (Quorn), Messrs J. Morgan (Broken Hill), H. Morgan (Aberdeen), Will Morgan (Adelaide) & G.B. Morgan (Mongolata).
Unemployment is high as can be gauged from the 70 tenders received for 8 road contracts recently for Burra District Council.
Weather. Rain has fallen and it has turned very cold. About 40 points has been a useful fall, but not enough to penetrate the subsoil. Falls have not extended to the east where conditions are becoming serious and 3-4” are needed there. Wind last week caused dust storms.
Golf. Farrell’s Flat visited last Saturday with six ladies and 12 gentlemen. Burra won overall by three games, but Farrell’s Flat did well winning three of the six ladies’ games, three of the men’s and drawing three.
Burra Benevolent Society is down to £2-12-0 in hand. (£12-10-0 is due in August) In May and June £18-4-0 worth of firewood has been distributed to 26 people.
Burra Rifle Club. The final stage of the Koonoona Trophy saw best results from W. Woodman & W.V. Bass. Only one of the men in the running scored any points in this round, so on aggregate the trophy went to J.E. Hogan with 24 points, 2 points ahead of H.G. Oates, P.W. Hogan & A.C. Aughey.
50, 25, 26 June 1929, Supplement
‘Steel Beak’ writes again re the guns. The writer takes a very religious view. Killing is against God’s commandment and if men were forced to take up arms and kill then why do we want guns to remind us of this sad fact. There is enough all around us to remind us of the boys who are gone and we do not need more. We are drifting further from God’s path. The guns would be better placed at the bottom of the Mine Pool.
Marriage. Roman Catholic Church Mannum 3 June
William (Aughie) Pohlner, eldest son of Mr & Mrs A. Pohlner of ‘Tooralie’ Hallett, married
Kathleen Bock, eldest daughter of Mrs M.A. & the late F.C. Bock of Mannum.
Booborowie Coursing Club. The meeting on 12 & 13 June was successful, though 16 dogs took part rather than the 32 on previous occasions. Winner was Ellery Bros.’ Another Beautiful.
Burra Show Society Committee Meeting 21 June
The Governor advises he could possibly attend. The railcar from Adelaide will leave 30 minutes ahead of the ordinary train. There will also be a train from Terowie.
The Dog Trials were not a financial success, but fulfilled other aims of the society in aiding breeders of dogs. Other arrangements for the show are reported.
‘Fairplay’ writes in reply to J.F. Hogan [but really says little].
‘Old Time Dancer’ thinks Mr Hogan should have and could have easily justified old-time dancing without resorting to an appeal to our sensual natures.
L.J. Kesting head teacher at Booborowie wonders why one form of dancing has to be ‘versus’ another anyway. Old Time dancing has stood the test of time. The new is like most things new, subject to merciless and unreasoning criticism. He develops this point with reference to other innovations and then returns to ask if critics have actually seen really good exponents of modern dance – the real steps of the One Step, the Fox Trot, Modern Waltz, Yale Blues etc. are most skilful and should not be judged by ‘the push-pull’ sort of walk so frequently seen on a dance floor. Crude imitations should not be held up as modern dancing. Our young people could be doing far worse things than having a happy time ‘even though they are not employing the steps of any known dance’. Old Timers are to be congratulated on bringing back their dances, but youth should not be condemned.
‘Fox Trot’ also writes again on the subject of dances, dancers & observers.
Football. Saturday 22 June at Victoria Park:
Aberdeen 0.0 5.3 5.4 10.4 (64)
Hallett 2.6 2.5 4.13 6.13 (49)
50, 26, 3 July 1929, page 3
Mr J.H. Bryan manager of the Savings Bank has been moved to Balaklava after 51⁄2 years here. Golf, Bowling and tennis clubs will be losers as will St Mary’s Choir, the Institute and the Institute Choral & Operatic Classes. Major R.C. Sexton from Adelaide will fill the vacancy.
Accident. A car driven by Harold Bagg accompanied by T. (Bonny) Rosewall rolled over at the foot of Breakneck Hill while turning onto the Baldina Road on Friday. The cause was sand and loose earth rather than excessive speed. Mr Bagg and Mr Rosewall were badly shaken and bruised and suffered abrasions. A young lady with them was not injured. The two men are still in hospital, but are improving.
Burra Town Council, 1 July
Mr M. Collins requested further information re the aerodrome paddock, as it was leased to his brother who would want all possible returns from grazing. Captain Roberts will be asked for details.
M.W. Bednall acting in the estate of Mary Allen asked the Council to sell a small piece of land (a dead end) of St Dye St adjoining the deceased’s property. Granted on the payment of £1.
A letter from the Burra Benevolent Society urged the erection of Johnny Green at some suitable place.
The Town Clerk knew where the effigy was, but it had lost an arm and a leg.
Cr Woollacott said the missing parts could be welded on.
Crs Harris, Allen & Pearce are to inspect ‘Johnny’ and report back.
Woollacott & Sons were given permission to build an office for Vacuum Oil Co.
Edgar Pearce was given permission to build a garage for Goldsbrough, Mort & Co.
A letter of sympathy was sent to Cr Morgan on his recent loss. [Death of his brother.]
The Town Clerk’s letter of Sympathy to Cr Allen was endorsed. [Death of his mother.]
The Governor will be given a civic reception if it is convenient during his visit to the Coursing Carnival or the Burra Show.
Local Board of Health
Cr Woollacott was elected to represent the Council on the Hospital Board.
Hallett Golf Club was opened on 29 June by Sir John Melrose who presented the Patron E.C. Baker with a ball for the first drive.
J.F. Hogan writes in criticism of L.J. Kesting’s letter on dances, accusing him of chasing his own tail: of going round in circles to no purpose, but later he descends to personal comment and seems to miss Kesting’s point about the real skills of modern dance. Hogan also attacks ‘Fox Trot’ and reaffirms his belief that ‘jazz’ dancing will price itself out of existence. Eventually he probably gets to the heart of the problem when he says ‘I am not opposed to jazz dancing as a pastime . . . but “we old timers” strongly object to the consummate conceit and cheek of the younger generation who stated openly that we had no right to hold a dance without providing some ‘jazz’ dances for them.’
He concludes with what is clearly another source of resentment. ‘At the last Bachelors’ Ball the only ones attending the tables were elderly ladies, who did not have a dance and further did not attend to have a dance.’
L.J. Kesting submits another long letter, this time turning his focus on ‘Fox Trot’s’ objection to the use of the Bible to support argument in this matter. But Kesting considers it would be hypocritical to limit the Bible’s use only to Sunday – but his letter is tediously protracted.
‘On Guard’ takes issue with ‘Steel Beak’ saying perhaps the latter would also consign the monument to the Mine Pool.
50, 26, 3 July 1929, page 4
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
The mid-1850s was the period of greatest prosperity for the mine with Morphett’s Engine installed, ore prices high and the smelters going satisfactorily. Above ground operations were simplified though the organisation of wood supply, hay, wheat and bran to feed the horses (at least 100) and candles still needed attention. There was a good ford to the Smelting Works. Increasingly some of the hay needed was grown closer to Burra.
[He then details the assay arrangements between the mining and the smelting companies.]
Woollacott delivered wood at 17/- a ton. He had a series of contracts, one for 2,000 tons at 16/9. (At the rate of 300 tons per month.) A year later James Pascoe and W. Holmes got contracts at 16/9 a ton for 700 tons and W. Woollacott for 10,000 tons at 17/3 a ton. In July 1860 there was a contract for 400 tons at 17/6.
The Smelting Co. in 1860 paid 20/- a ton for the supply of 600-800 tons per week. Wood was obtained under licence. (Costing £5 for 12 months on Crown Land.) Woollacott for instance sought a protection order for 8 squ. miles near Ulooloo Creek. Wood had to be weighed and it was not unusual to see teams lined up 50 deep north and south of the Mine Bridge waiting their turn. In 1860 wood licences were sought by Josiah Thomas, James Thomas, Luke Teddy, William Holmes & Henry Collins, of whom only Henry Collins of Mt Bryan survives today. [He died 18 October 1929]
[Treloar then goes on to give prices for fodder from 1857 to 1860.]
Tallow was also a problem and in short supply especially in 1857-58. In February 1858 the stocks of candles ran down to 7 days reserve and in 1859 they also got down to a few days. In 1860 the candle maker asked SAMA to erect a shed for him 3-ft x 17ft x 6ft and when they refused he gave a month’s notice. Wilson had been very satisfactory and when his successor arrived he had to be retained to initiate him into the mysteries of the office.
The Karkulta Mine kept giving occasional pockets of good ore, but they always petered out. Most of it was 3-4%. This was of use as flux and hundreds of tons were sent to the Smelters. In June 1858 Tiver & Pickering applied for a lease for 21 years on 1 acre of land near the cemetery for brick making and it was later granted for £10 p.a. and they made good bricks at 65/- per 1,000. The good years for the mine were: 1857 11,105 tons raised
1858 12,486
1859 14,094
1860 13,860 at about 22%
50, 26, 3 July 1929, page Supplement
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday
Ramblers 2.0 4.4 6.4 8.6 (54)
Aberdeen 2.2 4.3 5.5 8.5 (53)
50, 27, 10 July 1929, page 2
Birth. On 5 July at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs Roy Lloyd of ‘Hill View’ Aberdeen a daughter, [Mary Jean.]
John Newbold on the staff of the Bank of Australasia for 2 years has been transferred to Broken Hill. He is succeeded by K.L. Partridge of Adelaide.
Special thanksgiving Services were held in all churches last Sunday for the recovery to health of King George V.
Obituary. Murcdoch Morrison aged 85 died at his residence in Mitchell Flat Kooringa on 4 July. A widow and family survive. [See more at 50, 28, 17 July 1929, page 2.]
‘Steel Beak’ writes regarding the guns. He recalls 16 strong young men he was working with out east when war broke out. Of them 3 enlisted at Peterborough, 3 at Willaston, 8 at Burra and 2 at Booborowie. 5 did not return, 3 he has not seen since, 2 returned in a sad state. 8 of these lads’ names appear on the monument and the writer knew more than half of those whose names are there. For these reasons he respects it very much, though he does not need to go and look at the names nor at the guns either to remind himself of them.
50, 27, 10 July 1929, page 3
Burra district Council, 5 July
Cr N.H. Pearse was re-appointed Chairman for the year. Elected were
Kooringa Ward G.G. Hawkes
Baldina Ward W.H. McWaters
King Ward Reg. Warnes
Football. At Burra on Saturday:
Ramblers 3.3 4.4 7.9 9.10 (64)
Hallett 2.3 3.4 4.10 5.12 (42)
Basketball. First matches for the season are reported. Matches were played indoors at the Institute. Teams were White, Brown, Blue, Old Gold, Red & Green.
[This seems to be the first mention of Basketball other than as a school sport.]
50, 27, 10 July 1929, page 4
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
The Burra Mine reached its height in production in 1860 after which production shrank. The water shaft (Morphett’s) could only maintain a water level and work had to be confined to land above that. Some economies were possible and savings of £10,000 p.a. were identified. To work to a depth of 50 fathoms the engine had to work continuously with 5,000 tons of wood p.a. plus wages. The extension of the railway to Kapunda in the late 1850s enabled some savings. For the workers it was fortunate that as Burra began to fade discoveries of copper were made at Kadina and soon after at Moonta and over the ensuing years hundreds left Burra for Yoke Peninsula.
Logs for underground timbering got scarcer and dearer – increasing to 22/6 per ton and sawn logs to 24/9. In February 1862 W. Woollacott and John Thomas undertook to supply 4,000 tons of wood at 500 tons per month at 11/3 green and 13/3 dry. Later in the year the prices rose to 12/6 green and 14/6 dry. In 1861 hay reached £5 a ton. In 1861 11, 470 tons of ore were raised, down 2,400 tons: the assay value remained at over 20%. In 1864 an untreatable cattle disease (pleuro-pneumonia) killed working bullocks and milch cows. Men with three teams were reduced to one, two teams to part of one and men with one team were wiped out. Horse teams largely took their place as a result. By September 1864 incoming supplies of wood were only half the amount needed and the reserves were largely exhausted. The mine got down to between 600 & 700 tons. Prices rose, but the lack of bullocks forced arrangements to be made to mix coal from the Copper Co. with the wood. Underground timber needs also ran into trouble. The directors had to seriously consider allowing the mines to be flooded. In January hay had been £2-15-0 a ton, but by December it was £4-10-0 and in February 1865 £6. By November 1865 it cost £7-10-0 a ton for 26 tons obtained from Clare and by May 1866 the price hit £10 a ton. 1865-66 were years of the ‘Big Drought’. Ore raised continued to fall: 1862 9,490 tons
1863 8,819
1864 7,432
1865 6,393
1866 5,772 representing a fall of 8,090 tons in six years.
In October 1866 there was an order from Adelaide to inspect all of SAMA’s assets including the smelting works and for a careful report to be sent to the city. With hindsight this looks like preparation for a possible closure.
The probability that good ore lay at lower depths caused the directors to consider helping Morphett’s Shaft and work on a new shaft, later known as Graves’ was begun. It was in hard rock and proved expensive. Soon it was costing £55 to £65 a fathom to dig and by 50 fathoms it was costing £70 a fathom. The shaft was beautifully timbered and them Thomas Paynton and Ambrose Harris set about building the engine house.
Advt. Shell Oil & Spirit advertise the first ‘Round Australia’ solo flight by Captain Grosvenor in a Moth plane using Shell Oil & Spirit. (A map is included.)
50, 27, 10 July 1929, Supplement
L.K. Kesting writes a very long letter on dancing at Booborowie, running to c. 3 columns. He makes some pertinent remarks in response to J.H. Hogan, but overall adds little to what has already been said – and adds that little at great length.
Burra Rifle Club AGM was held last Saturday in J. Allen’s rooms. The club is still going strongly after over 20 years with young members replacing old. Captain Pearce regretted various absences and referred to the death in the year of the former Club Captain Mr George Lord. For much of the year the average attendance was 15. He then reported on various matches throughout the year. The balance sheet showed a credit of over £23. The Mayor A.B. Riggs presented trophies after Captain Pearce presented the former with the Championship Trophy, the Marksman’s Trophy and the Consistency Trophy. Other awards were:
Koonoona Trophy J.E. Hogan
Highest points in 1st 10 matches A.C. Aughey
Highest points in last 11 matches E. Spackman
Highest in teams’ shooting H.G. Oates
Highest in teams’ shooting with handicap R.J. Fairchild
Highest aggregate 200, 500 & 600 yards P.W. Hogan
Highest aggregate 300, 500 & 600 yards G. Herbert
Highest aggregate 300, 600 & 700 yards E. Spackman
Highest aggregate 500, 600 & 700 yards G. Herbert
Highest aggregate 800 & 900 yards H.G. Oates
Secretary A.P. Harris received a silver cup in appreciation of his services.
Mr Pearce received a silver sandwich dish in appreciation of his services.
Elected were Captain, C.W. Pearce; Vice-Captain, H.G. Oates; Secretary, A.P. Harris; Assistant Secretary, W.V. Bass; Treasurer, A.B. Riggs.
50, 28, 17 July 1929, page 2
Obituary. Maria Bridget Hogan died at her residence at Leighton on 10 July aged 64. She was the wife of Francis Hogan.
Mrs Frank Hogan died suddenly and unexpectedly from heart disease. She was born at Mallala 64 years ago and came to Leighton aged 20. She leaves a husband, three sons and one daughter: J. & W. Hogan of Leighton, James Hogan of Booborowie and Mrs Greenfield of Farrell’s Flat. There are seven grandchildren. P.J. & T. Farrelly of Booborowie are brothers and Mesdames E. Hogan & J. Robinson are sisters. Mrs T.G. Tohl is a sister-in-law.
[Born Maria Bridget Farrelly 1 July 1865 near Riverton.]
The Waterloo Cup.
This is the most important coursing event in SA and when it was announced that it would be ‘run by’ the Burra Coursing Club for 1929 local men interested in coursing were thrilled. President of the Burra Club Alex Ratcliffe and Honorary Secretary J. Carpenter and local representatives on the SA Coursing Club R.A. Lynch and S. Carter all worked hard to get the meeting here and to make arrangements to make all work smoothly. The official card issued in the city made no reference to the local club and when SACC officials arrived for the meet the locals were snubbed. Local officials it was made plain were not desired or required, nor even treated with common courtesy. When H.E. the Governor attended on the second day there was not a local official at his table – neither Mr Ratcliffe nor Mr Carpenter was even invited to the luncheon. When SACC asked for three complimentary tickets to the Ball run by the Burra Coursing Club they were refused. The Burra Coursing Club spent some £60 for the privilege of having the cup run in the district. The coursing itself was wonderfully successful and was won by R.K. Kitto of Moonta with his dog Tiger Sydric.
Obituary. Murdoch Morrison who died on 4 July was a resident of the district for 73 years. He was born at Inverness Scotland in 1844 and came to SA aged about 11 with his parents in the Royal Albert. They lived in Adelaide for about a year and then at World’s End where his father tended sheep. From World’s End Mr Morrison came to Burra and worked as a lad for several business people and then as a horse driver at the Mine. From there he went to Baldina Station and remained for 18 years working for Mr William Barker, during which time he had many varied experiences with natives who were common out there. At one time a group from the north camped near Chalk Cliffs and held a corroboree. Mr Barker and Mr Morrison were invited and enjoyed themselves until the natives started throwing spears at each other. They were advised to leave and found out later that the group was on its way to attack the Murray natives, but police stepped in and stopped it. Later he and his brother Norman bought Westbury Farm just behind Flagstaff Hill and farmed it for a number of years. While there he lost his first wife and his eldest son, Donald, who were accidentally drowned. They sold eventually to W.H. Field and went to farm at Booborowie. He retired to Burra in 1895. His hobby was horses and racing and he trained and raced horses at picnic race meetings in his youth. His first wife was Miss Jane Lambert and of four children only Christina, Mrs H. Schultz of Salisbury survived. [This statement was corrected 50, 29, 24 July 1929, page 2 by adding John Morrison of Wilgena.]
His second wife was Emma Talbot who survives with three sons and two daughters: Albert Morrison (Kooringa), Murdock Morrison (Adelaide), David Morrison (Kooringa), Mrs D. Turnbull (Mt Gambier) & Mrs W. Young (Kooringa). On son, William, predeceased his father. There are 13 grandchildren. [This was corrected 50, 29, 24 July 1929, page 2 to 21.]
Two brothers, Norman & Donald are dead as are his sisters the late Mrs F. Gebhardt, the late Mrs D. Blair and Miss Mary Morrison.
Obituary. Mrs Toschach of Queensland nee Miss Ethel Bruse who was born in Kooringa and lived here before marrying the Rev. Toschach, an evangelist has died suddenly. She was the daughter of the late Mr H. Bruse. [The marriage registration gives the surname as Tosnach. Ethel May Bruse was born 5 October 1877.]
Obituary. Mrs Frank Smith nee Miss Mary Blott of Burra has died.
[Born Mary Julia Blott 28 September 1858 at Adelaide and died 9 July 1929 at Norwood.]
Obituary. Mrs W. Glasson who was a resident of Kooringa with her family for many years has died aged ‘well over 80’. [Despite the initial this is almost certainly Catherine Glasson nee Goods who died 12 July 1929 aged 84 and the wife of James Glasson. She had 4 children at Kooringa and three at Black Springs. A Mrs William Glasson died 26 May 1929 but aged only 75 and her children were not born at Burra.]
Golf. Burra went to Farrell’s Flat where 9 of 12 Burra Men won, but only 4 of 8 ladies.
[On the Supplement page the Farrell’s Flat correspondent says 4 of seven Burra ladies won, but somehow Burra won 12 and Farrell’s Flat 7 of the games.]
Mrs J.H. Bryant was farewelled at ‘Attawa’ Kooringa, the residence of Mrs L.M. Gordon. She is going to Balaklava. Her children Beth & Dean were given a farewell at St Mary’s Sunday School on 13 July and a social will be held at St Mary’s Hall for Mr & Mrs Bryant on 19 July.
Mr Roy Pollard formerly the accountant at the National Bank here has been now appointed manager at Riverton.
50, 28, 17 July 1929, page 3
Mt Bryan Athletic Club has erected a building to serve as a refreshment pavilion or two roomy dressing rooms and shelter shed. Last Saturday it was opened by the Chairman of the Mt Bryan DC Mr I.J. Warnes. A fancy dress football match preceded it. Secretary T.J. Quinn said the total cost of building including voluntary labour was £115-10-2. £34-16-1 has been received from the Athletic Club. Temporary loans of £55 from individuals leave about £37 to be found. Events on the day and donations raised almost £31 leaving only a small sum outstanding. [50, 29, 24 July 1929 adds another £1 donated by Edlie Thomas.]
50, 28, 17 July 1929, page 4
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
1867-68 saw economies practised. Wages were cut as far as possible, but returns were falling. The cost of the big engine was a problem in lean years. The directors decided on getting advice from a mining engineer from England to make a thorough examination of the mine and then advise on what methods could keep the mine working. A careful record was kept of Morphett’s engine every week and for six months it averaged 59, 254 lifts. In 1867 there was a bushfire north of Aberdeen and also the stables, horse traps harness, hay and stockyard of the Burra Hotel (later the hospital) were burnt and the hotel and brewery were only saved with great difficulty.
In July the Big Drought ended with 4 inches of rain in June and the creeks ran high right through July. It was the best season in 14-15 years. Signs of creeps in the mine occurred for some considerable time. The mine was then employing 217 men, boys and officers. Copper was at £75 a ton and Morphett’s Engine was using 100 tons of wood a week. In April 1868 two of the reserve boilers were out of order and boilermakers had to come from Adelaide for repairs that were worrying and costly. Early in 1868 Captain Roach resigned after 22 years service and as far as I know Captain Saunders took his place with Captain Paul second in charge [sic: for Sanders & Paull.] In May 1868 news came that Mr Darlington was on his way from England to examine the mine. On arriving in Adelaide he perused the plans and about mid-July 1868 began his investigation of the mine. He began at Karculta with two inspections and as a result all future work was condemned and demolition work started, including the engine and boiler. The land was later sold to Mr Duffield and is now part of Koonoona Estate. Mr Darlington then made a detailed examination of the overground workings at Burra followed by the underground. I do not know exactly what Darlington reported, but in September 1868 the mine stopped buying firewood and relied on its reserves. At Morphett’s the 20” and 14” lifts were ordered dropped to 40 fathom level and water was allowed to rise to the 50 fathom at once. As soon as pumps were fixed at 40 fathoms water to be allowed to rise to 30 fathom level until tributers had cut out their contracts. At Graves the men working on a drive south at 50 fathoms were called out and paid off although within about 4ft of their destination. The whole effort at Graves: shaft, engine house, timbering and drive was wasted. In October at Morphett’s the water rose to 40 fathoms in three days. Half the shaftsmen were paid off and the engine slowed to 4 strokes a minute while tributers cleared up underground. And in December 1868 Morphett’s engine stopped and was overhauled ready for a restart at some time. 50 horses were sold off in Adelaide. To simplify management Mr Challoner was appointed overall manager. All stores and equipment not likely to be used in the new working was to be returned to Adelaide and Wallaroo Mines became a large purchaser thereof. Many men drifted to Wallaroo Mines which were booming.
Tons of ore raised:
1857 11,105 1863 8,819
1858 12,486 1864 7,432
1859 14,094 1865 6,293
1860 13,861 1866 5,772
1861 11,470 1867 3,838
1862 9,491 1868 3,842
A.B. Schoenberg writes complaining of some sneak thief who has been operating for the past two years at Mt Bryan, stealing firewood, hay, chaff, turkeys and geese, etc.
‘On Guard’ writes again about the guns, but adds nothing to the debate.
Stan Kellaway writes to correct some statements made about a football match on 29 June. Though no official complaints about his umpiring were received the Association decided to dispense with his services. But for the match of 29th he had been appointed and had received no notice that his services were not required. He had not had the courtesy of being asked to the meeting despite 18 years service, neither was he given the opportunity of resigning. Monday following the 29 June he tendered his resignation and has since heard nothing of either acceptance or any other notice.
50, 28, 17 July 1929, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club, Saturday. Stage 1 of the Woollacott Trophy drew best results from J. Terry & C. Dixon.
Waterloo Cup Carnival Dance [Organised by the Burra Coursing Club]
This was held on 10 July and organised by A.L. Bence. The evening went off very successfully with a dainty supper provided by Mr & Mrs J. Allen.
Obituary. Miss Kate Quigley died in the Burra Hospital 11 July. She was born in County Cavan in Ireland over 80 years ago and came to SA as a girl and settled in the Martindale district and later at Mintaro. She has lived at Farrell’s Flat for over 50 years.
[Death registrations show no female Quigley died in SA in 1929, however on 11 July 1929 Catherine O’Neil did die at Kooringa and her residence was Farrell’s Flat and she was aged 80. She was the wife of James O’Neil.]
50, 29, 24 July 1929, page 2
Obituary. Joan Marie Harris, eldest daughter of Doris & George Harris of Booborowie died 18 July aged 3 years 2 months. [Born 19 May 1926 at Kooringa.]
The Editor writes on the series by Frank Treloar which was based on old books left in the Mine Office and from a diary kept by his father and other sources. There is an idea of having the material printed in pamphlet form and we would be pleased to hear of anyone interested in having a copy and who would be willing to subscribe to the cost. Any old photos of the mine would be welcomed for inclusion.
Ulooloo Gold. On Tuesday there was a report of a rich find of gold at Ulooloo and numerous residents have motored up and some claims have been pegged out. It was made by Mr W. Rawlings of Mt Bryan about 20 miles northeast of Mt Bryan in Government leases. We understand on a lease held by Mr Talbot.
Burra Town Council, 15 July
Cr Allen reported on the inspection of Johnny Green and said they found it practically scrap iron, full of bullet holes and he thought the Council would be ridiculed if they erected it.
Cr Pearce agreed and thought it would have to be placed 60-80ft up.
The figure was produced and was in a bad way with his pick and gad and an arm broken off, though not lost. It was resolved to place it in the depot and anyone interested in mending and erecting it be allowed to do so.
The Governor’s Aide-de-Camp writes agreeing to a civic reception on Show Day.
Cr Harris moved to rescind the motion that had resulted in all works going through the Public Works Committee and no works being able to be moved for at the Council table.
Cr Harris thought this resulted in one Councillor only being able to raise matters at a Public Works meeting, the other having no say in the matter.
[Presumably this means only one Councillor from each ward.]
The Mayor thought the system worked well.
Cr Woollacott seconded the motion and thought the consequence of the present system was that Councillors not on the Public Works Committee lost all interest and came to Council practically only to pass accounts.
Cr Morgan seemed happy with the present system.
Cr Pearce had received no complaints from ratepayers.
Cr Lee thought it better to make no change at present, though he thought probably matters should be raised at Council and referred to the Committee rather than the other way around. The motion failed.
Burra Benevolent Society met on 19 July and reported having only £4 in hand. There were 27 on the present list and it was suggested they reduce wood deliveries from 5 cwt to 21⁄2 cwt, but Miss Coglin has offered to collect funds and the society will continue for the time being with 5 cwt deliveries. The Red Cross and General Aid Societies will also be approached.
50, 29, 24 July 1929, page 3
Mr & Mrs J.H. Bryant left on 23 July for Balaklava after 51⁄2 years here. A public farewell was tendered them at St Mary’s Hall on 19 July. They had interested themselves in the church, town and sporting activities during their stay. P.L. Rosman spoke as People’s Warden of St Mary’s. Dr Steele spoke on behalf of the Golf Club and also because he was on the Institute Committee and President of the Boy Scouts. E.F. Marston represented the Bowling Club and Mr Bednall also spoke for the Institute Committee. Other speakers were Mr Twist, Rev. J.S.W. Coles and Rev. E. Lawson.
The Humphrey Bishop Co. will appear in Burra on the night of 2 August on their way from Perth to Melbourne.
Obituary/Accident. Mr Lloyd Tolley solicitor of Adelaide was killed when a car driven by Harold W. Wells of Nailsworth failed to take a curve near Stony Gap about 5 a.m. on Sunday morning 21 July. The driver was not hurt and roused Mr Andrew Tennant at ‘The Gap’ who sent for the doctor and police. An enquiry will be held next Friday. [Born 25 February 1899 at Unley Park.]
[See more at 50, 31, 7 Aug. 1929, page 3.]
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 2.4 8.9 8.12 13.18 (96)
Mt Bryan 2.1 2.1 4.4 4.5 (29)
At Hallett on 20 July: Hallett 10.14 (74) defeated Aberdeen 6.6 (42).
Advt. Joybell Hawaiian Troubadours will appear at the Institute Monday 29 July.
50, 29, 24 July 1929, page 4
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Concluded)
Darlington’s report led to drastic changes in both the management and operation of the mine. Controlling management was handed over to Messrs John Darlington and Co. of London to whom the Directors sent monthly reports. Mr Challoner had full control locally and sent reports on via the Directors. It was decided to work the mine by open cut and accordingly machinery was sent from London. Almost all work was stopped except for preparations for the new machinery. Water rose to its natural level. The central area of the mine that had been covered by whims, shafts and a series of buildings was completely cleared. The general body of men were either unemployed or sought work elsewhere. By now some of the early leases on land in Kooringa, taken for 21 years, were expiring and on enquiry applicants for renewal were offered 31 years at a rental to be arranged after inspection or they could buy the fee simple. The blocks in Market Square area were re-surveyed and then Kooringa. In every case as properties were inspected the rents were raised. Many now chose to purchase their blocks, but always mineral rights were reserved.
Among the first, if not the first, to purchase was Mr W. Batchelor who bought the property now owned by R.D. Pascoe and Philip Lane’s house and land in Kangaroo St.
1869 was very quiet. The mine activity was mostly clearing, stocktaking and sorting out unwanted material for sale. Mr Swansborough was being sent out to erect the new machinery and superintend operations. He was expected in October. A new dressing tower was among the main jobs.
Captains White and Paull resumed duties and in December 1870 the machinery was ready to start the open cut. Morphett’s Engine was started to lower the water to 30 fathoms. After pumping for 57 hours and making 20,621 strokes or 6 per minute and raising 4,165,442 gallons and forking 24’ 10” the bottom clack of the 20” at the 30 fathom level went off, but it was later found something more serious had happened. The 14” lift was set to work by itself with 18ft of water to fork which was expected to take nine days at 8 lifts per minute (the safety limit of the engine). After a day’s pumping they reached a stage where the pump was making no impression on the water level. They had to put down a 20” lift alongside to help it. This took several weeks and then another start was made at 7 lifts per minute and no further problems were encountered. Trials followed of the hauling portion of cables and tracks worked off Peacock’s and Morphett’s Shafts. It took some time to regulate the speed to allow the long cable time to run the trucks safely over the line, but eventually it all worked well. Material passed over by tributers was worthless now showed 30% ore under the new system. In six months to October 1871 29,330 wagons of stuff weighing 36,762 tons were tipped; an increase from the 15,000 of the previous six months.
In 1871 W.H. Challoner resigned after 24 years in the mine, having come in 1847 as a clerk and rising through accountant to manager. His family necessitated his return to England. Mr Furniss, who later was manager of the National Bank in Kooringa, replaced him for three years. Mr W. West replaced Furniss after three years and stayed to the end. The new machinery certainly shifted large volumes of material, but failed to find much more than small quantities of ore missed in the earlier working. Captain Roach had not missed much above the 30 fathom level. The management in London allowed the mine to continue while it paid expenses, but by about 1876 the end was in sight and further development would require the input of capital. The Directors refused to raise capital and this brought about the closure of the mine in November 1877. Shortly afterwards a 2 or 3 day sale got rid of horses, plant, etc. for over £5,000.
During the period of the Darlington scheme care was taken to let or sell as many blocks in Kooringa as possible. When the mine closed few people wanted to buy land in Burra and the town entered upon some of its darkest days. Farming and pastoral interests were also struggling and things drifted until the introduction of drills and manures in the late 1890s, when agricultural returns began to increase wonderfully. Burra once more became prosperous and eventually the Mining Association saw their chance to sell and in the end a clear-up sale was held at which Messrs A.J. & P.A. McBride bought the mine property and still lease it.
I have often been asked if I think the mine still has workable copper and secondly if it will work again.
[Treloar then disclaims any expertise before giving his opinion.]
To the first question he thought that there was workable ore below the controlled water level, possibly in sulphide form. To the second question he thought the answer was yes in the sweet bye and bye. In the time of mining operations copper to the value of almost £5 million was taken and the ore assayed at an average of over 22%.
[Note. Treloar’s statement about the sale of the mine property is at best misleading. In 1901 an Adelaide based syndicate floated the Burra Burra Copper Co. and this bought the mine from the South Australian Mining Association. The company was under capitalised and managed to do relatively little of either mining or exploration of the resource and after several abortive attempts to find a buyer the Burra Burra Copper Co. (in liquidation) sold its properties in 1916. There were various buyers, but after the auction the mine block itself of 262 acres was sold to A.J. Mc Bride for £3,000. See XV, 486, 2 Oct. 1901, page 2, XV, 495, 25 Dec. 1901, page 2 and XXXIII, 1984, 2 Feb. 1916, page 3.]
50, 29, 24 July 1929, Supplement
Burra Show Society. The Prize List for the Show on 4 & 5 October 1929 is printed.
50, 30, 31 July 1929, page 2
Notice. Maria Friederike Moller of German nationality, resident in Australia for 72 years and living at Farrell’s Flat intends to apply for naturalization.
Diamond Wedding. On 29 July 1869 at the residence of the bride’s parents John Dawson Jordan, only son of the late William Jordan of Kooringa, married Mary Pearce, second daughter of the late William Pearce of Kooringa. Their present address is ‘Kooringa’ Dougan St Ashfield, NSW. They are formerly of Clare, Kooringa and Broken Hill. Colonists of 80 years.
[See further at 50, 31, 7 Aug. 1929, page 3.]
Obituary. Louis O.A. Pohlner died at Burra Hospital on 29 July aged 24 as the result of an accident. He was the son of Mr & Mrs A. Pohlner of Hallett. [See further details on page 3 of this issue.]
[Louis Otto Albert Pohlner was born at Hallett 26 May 1905.]
50, 30, 31 July 1929, page 3
Accident. Lindsay Thomas, only son of Mrs H.H. Thomas of ‘The Pines’ had an amazing escape from death when his car was struck by the afternoon passenger train to the city at the Bon Accord crossing on Thursday afternoon. Fortunately the iron guard rails broke, letting the car through. It was dragged about a dozen yards, turning onto its side. Mr Thomas escaped virtually unscathed. The train was drawn by two engines and the leading one had to be taken off at the station.
[Rumour had it that he had been racing the train.]
Weather. It has been very cold with Monday morning down to 30°F. Feed and crops are being affected.
Mrs I.J. Warnes is enjoying a holiday in England after her strenuous duties at the conference in London.
Miss Hilda Nicholls has left the staff of A.L. Bence after more than three years there.
Obituary. Mr Louis Pohlner of Mt Bryan East died on Monday following an accident at home. He struck his head against a telephone post while kicking a football. Some time later he felt unwell and was brought into Burra hospital where he was found to have fractured his skull. Although an operation was performed he died. He was only 24 and a fine athlete, being prominent in tennis, cricket, football, cycling and pedestrian events. He was the 5th son of Mr & Mrs August Pohlner of ‘Tooralie’ Station. He is one of ten children, having five brothers and four sisters.
[See also 50, 31, 7 Aug. 1929, page 3.]
Marriage. At Mt Bryan Methodist Church 27 July
Norman Dodson [sic], second son of Mr & Mrs J.C. Dodson [sic] of Peterborough, married
Rita Bell, second daughter of Mr & Mrs W.T. Bell of Mt Bryan.
[Note. Despite the above there is a heading reading Dodman and the registration details confirm he was Norman William Dodman and she was Reta Alma Bell.]
Burra Rifle Club. 2nd stage of the Woollacott Trophy saw best scores from W.V. Bass & W.G. Woodman.
50, 30, 31 July 1929, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 4.5 6.7 11.16 13.19 (97)
Aberdeen 0.0 2.3 2.3 2.6 (18)
The Masonic Lodge held a very successful social and dance at the Institute last Thursday. Details extend for just over 1 column.
50, 30, 31 July 1929, Supplement
Violet Day. Next Sunday Rev. H.F. Lyons of Clare will hold a memorial service at Farrell’s Flat Institute.
50, 31, 7 Aug. 1929, page 2
Weather. Rain totalling 38 points has fallen. It was useful, but not nearly enough.
Mr A. Duell of Kooringa was 76 on 27 July. He is the youngest of four brothers: Thomas was 90 on 1 august, William of Kooringa is 84 and Henry of Gawler is 82. The youngest of the family is a sister aged 74.
G. F. Foster, headmaster of Leighton school for some years, has been promoted to Norwood Central School as an assistant. He will be followed at Leighton by Mr Holland.
Hedley Bishop late AIF and formerly of Hanson and now at Fullerton, had an operation on 23 July at Keswick Hospital in which a shell fragment the size of an acorn was removed from his kidney. It was embedded there 13 years ago. He is recovering satisfactorily. He is the son of Mrs A. Bishop of Hanson.
The Humphrey Bishop Musical & Comedy Co.’s return visit on Friday played to a full house and is very favourably reviewed.
50, 31, 7 Aug. 1929, page 3
Mt Bryan Old Methodist Church. On 3 August the Ladies Guild opened a new wood and iron supper room 16ft x 20ft. Rev. S. Jew officiated. £91-15-0 has already been raised towards the £103 cost and the evening itself raised a further £9.
Copperhouse School Arbor Day was held 2 August. The school grounds have been enlarged by the purchase of two acres from Mr Heinrich. 18 trees were planted – one for each family at the school.
Burra Basketball Assoc. On Thursday evening Peterborough 41 defeated Burra 40. A dance followed. [This was men’s basketball.]
Inquest/Obituary. An inquest was held into the death of Lloyd Tolley at Burra Court House on 26 July before M.A. Radford JP.
Andrew Tennant gave evidence of seeing the body by the car and after an adjournment to visit the site Dr Steele gave evidence too of seeing the body at the site with the car upside-down close to a fence on the left hand side of the road. After examination of the body in the hospital at 12.30 a.m. [sic: possibly p.m.] he decided death was due to suffocation due to compression of the chest. He believed Wells, the driver, was perfectly sober.
[The evidence as reported then becomes difficult to follow with the date of the accident and that of the day before are both given as 21 July in some places, but with Dr Steele giving the date of the accident as the 20th. The lack of a.m. & p.m. is also confusing. The sequence of events appears to be:
Owen Smythe spent the afternoon of Saturday 20th with Tolley and when Smythe had mentioned catching the train to Burra Tolley offered to drive him up. (At c. 5 p.m.)
They engaged Harold William Wells to drive them from the Pirie St stand in Adelaide and left for Burra about 10.30 p.m., arriving there about 3.15 a.m. on Sunday morning 21 July.
In half an hour they had two small wines at the Burra Hotel and started back for Adelaide about 3.30 a.m.
At Stony Gap the car hit a big bump, swerved left and overturned.]
Wells said he had not been speeding. There were three passengers in the back seat. Wells said that after the accident Tolley was behind the front seat, but nothing seemed to be pressing on him. Wells thought he had been killed instantly.
There is then further evidence of actions relating to the accident and of Wells’ eyesight. He said the only alcohol he had was a small whiskey given to him after the accident by Mr Tennant.
Mr Tenant confirmed that the car was not resting on the deceased. He believed the car had skidded on loose gravel. He knew Wells and had confidence in him as a driver. Sgt McDonald said Wells was sober and answered all questions rationally. The coroner accepted the evidence that the road was poor and that there was no evidence of excessive speed. The verdict was death by misadventure.
Diamond Wedding. Mr & Mrs John Dawson Jordan of 5 Dougan St Ashfield NSW and formerly of Kooringa celebrated their diamond wedding on 29 July. Mrs Jordan was the second daughter (Polly) of the late Mrs & Mrs William Pearce, tailor, of Kooringa and Mr Jordan the only son of the late William Jordan, watchmaker of Kooringa. He arrived in SA 80 years ago in the Harry Lorriquer and Mrs Jordan came in the David Malcolm. They both arrived in 1849. They are living with their eldest daughter. Six of ten children survive. There are 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Obituary. Louis Pohlner died on 29 July. [See report of accident 50, 30, 31 July 1929, page 3.]
He was born at Tooralie Station 26 May 1905, the fifth son of Mr & Mrs A. Pohlner. He was educated at Mt Bryan East and Banbury Schools and later at Christian Bros. College, after which he returned to the farm. He was a great athlete being prominent as a cricketer, footballer, tennis player, cyclist and pedestrian. Mr C.W. Dare writes of his attendance at Mr Bryan East Methodist Church of which he was a prominent member, recently being elected assistant Sunday school superintendent. The funeral was the largest ever seen at Hallett and was conducted by Rev. Jew. Hallett Football Club formed a guard of honour. An estimated 100 cars were at the funeral.
50, 31, 7 Aug. 1929, page 4
Aberdeen Croquet Club AGM was presided over by President Mrs J.G. Sara. The report details various donations and assistance given in the year. The club raised £6 at a gymkhana on 20 April and on Anzac Day provided lunch at the Rifle Club, netting £11-5-1. She also makes reference to the clay courts at the Court House where beginners received instruction. Elected were President, Mrs J.G. Sara; Secretary, Mrs H. Goble, Treasurer, Miss L. Bartholomaeus; Vice-President, Mrs A.B. Riggs and Captain, Mrs G. McDonald.
Football. At Victoria Park:
Aberdeen 5.6 5.8 6.11 7.13 (55)
Mt Bryan 0.0 2.3 3.4 4.7 (31)
Ramblers 7.4 (46) defeated Hallett 6.7 (43).
50, 31, 7 Aug. 1929, Supplement
Hallett Methodist Kindergarten Hall was opened last Thursday afternoon. Rev. W.A. Dunn President of the SA Methodist Conference attended. The expenditure was £590-8-111⁄2 of which £442-5-1 had been raised. The opening was performed by Mrs Charles McDonald. The day raised £36 and Sir John Melrose had promised 5/- for every £1 raised to bring this to £45. The Methodist Loan Fund has lent £100 to be repaid in annual instalments of £20. [Which left just £3-3-101⁄2 owing to the bank.] [Details occupy some 2 columns.]
50, 32, 14 Aug. 1929, page 3
Weather. After some of the most severe frosts for years there have been some fair falls of rain with 28 points locally and to the east falls of from 10 points at Quondong to 29 at Old Koomooloo and 35 at Faraway.
Obituary. William George Phillips, grazier of Mt Bryan East, died at Burra Hospital on 8 August aged 68. He was a widower.
A.B. Riggs writes concerning a decision to buy a reproduction of Captain Longstaff’s famous painting of the Menin Gate at Midnight, the original of which hangs in the Australian War Memorial. It costs £10-10-0 and public subscriptions are sought. When a centre buys one of the limited reproductions the names of those from the district who died in this battle are listed on the back. The four Burra names on this picture are Harris, Finch, Hawkes & Fuss. [It would seem that the deceased were Horace Harris (died 20 September 1917, William George Finch (died 6 October 1917 and Waldemar Robert Hawkes (died 29 October 1917), but the Fuss is a mystery, as none of the locally enlisted Fuss soldiers seems to have died in WWI.]
Political Letters especially relating to taxes and freight charges for rural produce were sparked by the address of the President of the SA Liberal Federation to the Women’s Branch AGM at Adelaide 7 June and reported in the Burra Record in 50, 23, 12 June 1929, Supplement. They may be found if desired in:
50, 28, 17 July 1929, page 4 (A.D. McDonald)
50, 29, 24 July 1929, page 2 (C.A.S. Hawker)
50, 31, 7 Aug. 1929, page 3 (A.D. McDonald)
50, 32, 14 Aug. 1929, page 3 (‘SINCERE’)
50, 34, 28 Aug. 1929, page 3 (A.D. McDonald)
50, 35, 4 Sep. 1929, page 3 (‘Not a Pastoralist’)
Burra Rifle Club. 1st stage of the Championship saw best results from W.V. Bass, P.W. Hogan & R.J. Fairchild.
Booborowie Coursing Club. Winner at the recent meet was E.B. Hancock’s Prophets Beauty.
Rev. A. & Mrs Dyer received a surprise visit from well-wishers on the eve of their departure to reside at Spalding. [Reported in 3⁄4 column.]
50, 32, 14 Aug. 1929, page 4
Basketball Teams have been reduced from 6 to 4 by the elimination of Green & White teams and players have been redistributed accordingly.
Burra Town Council, 5 August.
James Thomas President of the Benevolent Society has taken ‘Johnny Green’ in hand.
Captain Roberts of the Landing Grounds Campaign replied, but the letter did not give definite answers to questions and the Aero Club and Controller of Aviation will now be approached.
Council decided not to purchase a copy of the picture of the Menin Gate.
Council considered the need for a by-law to licence and control fresh fruit hawkers in the town.
Membership of the Automobile Assoc. was renewed, as it was believed they would place a guide in the town.
50, 32, 14 Aug. 1929, Supplement
SA Stockowners’ Assoc. Burra Branch AGM. Re-elected was: Chairman, I.J. Warnes. The matters discussed are reported in two columns.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Hallett 4.2 8.4 9.7 10.9 (69)
Aberdeen 1.0 4.2 4.2 6.6 (42)
50, 33, 21 Aug. 1929, page 2
Marriage. 14 August St Mary’s Burra
Edna Jean Edwards, only daughter of Mr & Mrs H.H. Edwards of Mt Bryan, married
Alfred John Clark, second son of Mr & Mrs C.E. Clark of Auburn.
Influenza is common in Burra at present. Among the sufferers are Messrs E.W. Crewes, W.S. Field and S.R. Oborn, the headmaster of the Primary School. The last named has just recovered.
Tom Halls has placed an order for a new International Bus and it is expected within two or three weeks.
50, 33, 21 Aug. 1929, page 3
Burra Golf Club
The final round of the Championship saw victory go to George Sangster.
Mr & Mrs Foster were given a farewell at Leighton Hall on Saturday. Mr Foster has been transferred to Woodville School. (Mrs Foster was unable to attend due to illness.) Mr Foster was also farewelled at Ironmine Sunday School on Sunday.
Burra Rifle Club. The 4th stage of the Woollacott Trophy saw best scores from A.C. Aughey & J.H. Schwier.
Burra Show Inc.
Final preparations are in hand for the show on 4 & 5 October. The Governor will attend and has expressed a desire also to see the school children and the hospital and will attend a civic reception. The President said in view of the Governor’s visit he would give a luncheon again this year. Automobile Assoc. guides will operate both days. Mr Oborn, the headmaster, wrote to say the Society had ignored suggestions about the school class section at the show and the teachers will not now act as stewards. The President said the suggestions had come in late when the prize list was practically completed.
Burra Benevolent Society. The General Aid Society gave £5 and a supply of clothes has been collected and with £2 collected by Miss Coglin the society can distribute another 5 cwt of wood to each on the list. It was decided to open a subscription list in the Record.
Red Cross held a jumble fair on 16 August and raised over £36, which is considered very satisfactory.
Booborowie Matrons & Spinsters’ Ball on 14 August drew 500 people and was very successful.
50, 33, 21 Aug. 1929, page 4
The Liberal Federation meeting on 6 August was addressed by Messrs A.P. Hillam & P.A. McBride. [The report extends for 13⁄4 columns.]
St Joseph’s Children’s Fancy Dress Frolic was held in the schoolroom at the convent on Thursday evening and was very popular. An adult dance followed.
The Baldina Spinsters’ Ball was held on 10 August in G. Leaney’s woolshed in aid of the world’s End Basketball Club.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 1.4 5.7 6.8 7.8 (50)
Veterans 0.0 3.2 4.7 5.15 (45)
50, 33, 21 Aug. 1929, Supplement
Basketball. Burra visited Peterborough last Wednesday night when two teams played. In the first game Peterborough 18 defeated Burra 5. In the ‘A’ Grade match Peterborough 47 defeated Burra 20.
50, 34, 28 Aug. 1929, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Sale of land at Copperhouse by order of the Mortgagee.
Southern portions of allotments 24 to 30 in Copperhouse and also allotment 31.
50, 34, 28 Aug. 1929, page 3
Mrs Ann Jordan of Chapel St turns 96 next Tuesday. Although blind, she is otherwise well, cheerful and loves to converse with her friends. She is cared for by her youngest daughter Miss Louie Lavoun.
Obituary. Mrs Mary Cooke of Paxton Square died in Adelaide last Sunday. [Born Mary Eglinton Forrest 25 January 1862 at Gumeracha and died 25 August 1929.]
Obituary. Rev. T.M. Flood died suddenly at Nailsworth last Sunday. He was formerly a popular Bible Christian minister in Burra. [Thomas Marwood Flood died 25 August 1929 at Newstead, residence Sefton Park aged 71.]
Mr B.S. Crewe BSc of Vacuum Oil Co. will give a lecture on oil production, refining and distribution at Burra High School on Wednesday 4 September. It will be accompanied by several moving pictures illustrating the topics.
Football. In the Booborowie Football Association last Saturday North Booborowie 11.5 defeated South Booborowie 7.11 in the premiership game.
Burra Golf Club. On Saturday Farrell’s Flat paid a visit and the Farrell’s Flat ladies won 6 to 1, but Burra men won 10 to 2.
Obituary. Mr Ernest William Crewes died on Sunday 25 August at the Burra Hospital [aged 70]. He had been admitted on Friday suffering from influenza and complications on Saturday caused the family to be sent for and he died Sunday evening. His family except for his youngest daughter in NSW were all present. He was born at Bridgwater, Somersetshire and lived in London till aged 9 when his father died and he went to Cornwall. When aged c. 19 he sailed for Australia with his mother and only sister (Mrs Hetty Richards) in the Heperus. He came to Burra and stayed for the rest of his life except for three years at Eurowie near Broken Hill. He worked first in Aberdeen for H. Gartrell & Co. (in premises now those of Mr Tiddy) for a few months before joining Samuel Drew & Co. After a few years he took charge of a store they had started at Eurowie and while there was made a JP, often having to marry or bury people. He returned to Burra and Messrs Charles, John and Thomas Drew retired and in April 1889 he joined John Drew Jnr as a partner in the firm of Drew & Crewes. This became later a limited company and in 1912 Drew & Crewes Pty Ltd with Mr Crewes as managing director. He interested himself in many aspects of the town and district life. He was Mayor for 10 years. Firstly 1901-02, secondly 1914-19 and thirdly 1921-22; holding office through the Boer War and the Great War. In both struggles Burra was at the forefront of the patriotic effort and especially in the Great War Mr Crewes was indefatigable and much of the town’s effort was due to his enthusiasm. His renown as a speaker and an appealer for funds went far and wide and he travelled to many places and even to other states. He was a member of virtually every society or committee that worked for the welfare of the town or district. He was greatly respected as a JP and as a local Methodist preacher. He had virtually retired from public life after the war, but was prevailed upon to return to complete the erection of the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial.
On 16 June 1882 he married Miss Eliza Tickle, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Tickle of Yongala who survives. Of eight children one daughter Evelyn and one son Ernest predeceased him. He is survived by: Mesdames J.L. Sandland (Peterborough), J. Statton (Lower Mitcham), J.P. Steele (Westbourne Park), P.a. McBride (Glen Osmond) J. Bishop (Grenfell NSW) & Mr K.R. Crewes (Burra). There are several grandchildren. His sister Mrs P. Richards lives at Prospect. Over 100 cars took part in the funeral on Tuesday. RSL members in uniform acted as bearers: Lieut. L.M. Gordon, G.H. Dow, J.H. Murison, W.R. Lee, F. Spencer & J.F. Stephen. Rev. E. Lawson officiated aided by Rev. Ralph Lee. Rev. W.O. Harris gave a moving address. Businesses in the town closed for an hour to allow employees to attend.
Obituary. Mr Kinso C.H. Ewins died in Adelaide on Thursday evening. He left Burra about 30 years ago, but visits to his parents and subsequently to his brother maintained his contacts with the town. He was the second son of the late Mr & Mrs C.H. Ewins of Kooringa. And was born in England in 1876 and came to SA with his parents in 1882. He was educated at Burra Public School after which he entered the Record office to learn his trade. Later he went to the Times at Peterborough and about 25 years ago to the Advertiser in Adelaide where at the time of his death he was assistant supervisor in the composing department. When young he was a member of St Mary’s Choir and later sang for St Augustine’s Choir at Unley. He was an enthusiastic shooter and a member of the Advertiser Rifle Club. He was also worshipful Master of the Commercial Lodge (Freemasons) and a member of St Peter’s Mark Lodge. He was a promoter of the Burra reunions held annually in the Botanic Gardens in Adelaide and a mover of the Back to Burra celebrations in 1926. His early death at 53 followed an operation for appendicitis. In 1901 he married Miss Floris A. Coxell of Adelaide who survives with a daughter Mrs Frank T. Marston of Eudunda. There is one grandson. Will J.C. Ewins of Kooringa is a brother. [Kinso Charles Henry Ewins died 23 August 1929 in Adelaide, residence Wayville.]
50, 34, 28 Aug. 1929, page 4
Football. First Semi-Final at Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 1.4 1.7 3.9 7.10 (52)
Aberdeen 1.3 2.5 5.6 6.12 (48)
Burra Town Council, 9 August
There was further concern about fruit hawkers in the town.
Cr Allen moved a by-law be framed to charge hawkers 10/- a year. Cr Woollacott pointed out it would take some years of revenue to pay for drafting it. The Town Clerk said it would cost c. £5. The motion was withdrawn.
The Mayor said he had ordered a copy of the ‘Menin Gate’ painting and had collected about half the money in donations.
M. Collins MHR wrote saying he had passed on the request that the Geophysical Survey Party should visit Burra and look over the mine site.
The Minister of Defence would give all advice re an aerodrome, but the Government had no money to spend on such.
J.S.R. Oborn writes saying that suggestions re school work at the Show were forwarded to the secretary as soon as the annual meeting was advertised. Various committee men have told us that a meeting of teachers would be called to revise the prize list. It was not done and we have taken the stand we have as the only means of bringing our requests prominently before the committee.
Burra Rifle Club visited Eudunda on Saturday.
Burra 603 drew with Eudunda 603.
50, 34, 28 Aug. 1929, Supplement
Booborowie Methodist Church 38th Anniversary was celebrated on 18 August and the report runs for some 12⁄3 columns. It includes considerable historical material on the church, drawing on material prepared for the 10th Anniversary in 1901 when Rev. W.F. James preached.
Nearly 13 years ago (from 1901) spare land near the famous Booborowie Station was thrown open for working men’s blocks and many families settled in the district. Methodist services began in Mr Wall’s dining room for c. 21⁄2 years. Income for the circuit fund averaged £1-10-2 per quarter. On Christmas Day 1890 a blockers’ picnic was held to raise funds for a church that could double as a day school. £8-9-0 was raised. Two allotments were purchased for £10-10-0. A meeting in Mr Tohl’s house decided to erect a stone building 25ft x 15ft. In due course the materials were delivered by voluntary labour. C. & A. Fuss began building the church in mid-September 1891 and finished it within two months. The cost including land etc. was £194. £100 was borrowed at 7%. A Sunday school with 23 scholars began in 1892 and trees were planted around the yard through the kindness of James Loudon. The Education department used the church in the daytime as a school for 50 scholars. Within four years £50 had been paid off and in the fifth year with a generous gift from Messrs Brown, owners of Booborowie Station the remainder was cleared away. In the first 10 years the church’s income was £439 or an average of £44 for all purposes. For some time there were only two members. Gradually the number increased to five and then remained static. For some months the church was the site for unsectarian Literary Society meetings. Many Band of Hope meetings were also held.
Basketball matches are attracting quite large crowds of spectators.
50, 35, 4 Sep. 1929, page 2
Obituary. Henry Boulton died at Broken Hill on 30 August aged 52. He was the father of Teddie and the husband of Edie and brother of Maggie Bevan.
Mr Boulton was an old Burra boy. He has been in indifferent health for some time. The family is among the oldest in Burra. Mr A. Boulton of Kooringa is a brother.
[Born 26 June 1877 at Kooringa.]
50, 35, 4 Sep. 1929, page 3
Don Weston of the National Bank in Burra for three years has been transferred to Wallaroo.
Augie Brandt Jnr is seriously ill. He served through the Great War in the Third Light Horse.
Walter Pearce has severed his connection with Drew & Crewes by retiring after thirty years with them. Mr John Drew made a presentation.
Mrs I.J. Warnes of ‘Wahroonga’ Leighton is returning from six months in England on the Chitral due on 14 September.
Mr M. Pederson of Kooringa left England last week for Australia by the Maloja due in the last week of September after a visit to his brother in Denmark and also to England.
Weather. Since the last issue conditions have been extreme. Friday morning saw extremely windy and dusty conditions with a couple of heavy showers later about 9 p.m. On Saturday it was cold and boisterous with driving showers followed by steady rain overnight mixed with some snow around midnight. About 50 points were recorded. On Sunday night there was a severe frost. To the east Friday and Saturday brought hellish dust storms which were blood red in places and browny-black elsewhere. At Ketchowla a large lorry, in gear and with the brakes on, was blown 200 yards into a tree.
Out of doors the dust was suffocating and was only modified indoors where it lay thickly on everything and lights were needed all day. Old and experienced pastoralists reckon these two days were the worst dust storms in 50 years. Saturday was worse than Friday. Mr & Mrs W.H. Sandland left Balah at 9 a.m. for the journey to Burra that normally takes 11⁄2 to 2 hours. They arrived at 5.40 p.m. A following motor lorry kept bumping into them, its driver unable to see in the dust. At one stage they could not hear the engine of the lorry nor the horn and were forced to stop for three hours, unable to see past the bonnet of the car. When they started it was with difficulty that they were able to confirm they were still on the road. Further on they were delayed for a further 11⁄2 hours. In a slightly clearer moment Mr Sandland found a lamb almost buried in dust, but when extricated it was still alive. Shearing began at Redcliffe recently and Mr McBride will lose much of the value of the wool with the dust deeply embedded in it. Rain is badly needed and efforts to move stock also produce heavy losses. Freezing conditions have also caused big mortality among flocks in the ‘inside country’. To the west and south the rain has been welcomed, but hail and snow will result in sheep losses. Snow in gullies persisted on Sunday around Ulooloo and Mt Bryan. Mt Bryan East recorded 86 points and part of Koonoona (Minnipa) received 110 points. At both Burra and Booborowie the total was about 90 points, but not enough rain fell to the east to settle the dust.
Burra Hospital. It was decided to rent Parks’ paddock for 12 months for 2/- a week. Sufficient space for the requirements of the tennis courts will be reserved.
Kooringa Tennis Club AGM was held on 27 August at the Institute. Secretary Mr Dobson reported on a successful past season when Kooringa were premiers. Rent was paid of £13 for the court across the creek and bringing it up to standard would be costly. Elected were Patron, L.W. Gebhardt; Vice-Patron, John Barker; President, M.W. Bednall; Vice-Presidents, P.J. Pickering & H.W. Tiver; Honorary Secretary, G.H. Dow & Assistant Secretary, M. Dobson.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held a memorial service to Louis Pohlner on 25 August.
50, 35, 4 Sep. 1929, page 4
Football. In the Booborowie Football Assoc. the final match for the year was held on 24 August and drew 400-500 who saw North Booborowie 11.5 (71) defeat South Booborowie 7.11 (53).
Annual Mid-Northern High School Sports were held at Riverton on 30 August. Riverton, Clare, Burra and Kapunda competed. Riverton won the shield with 106 points from Kapunda with 76. Burra & Clare scored 39 points each. Results are printed.
50, 35, 4 Sep. 1929, Supplement
Obituary. Mr Peter Millane, a bachelor of Farrell’s Flat, was taken to Burra Hospital on 27 August and died there on 30 August. He was born in the district 59 years ago and lived there all his life. He was the only child of Mr Martin Millane (a centenarian) who survives. Mr Millane was for a time secretary of the annual St Patrick’s Day Sports. [I cannot find the birth registration, but Martin Millane died 4 April 1933 aged 102.]
Salvation Army. The annual fair this year was called a Golden Bell Fair and was held in the Institute on 30 August. It was opened by Mrs W.G. Hawkes introduced by Brigadier E. Slattery, Commander of the Peterborough Division. Organisation was by local officers Ensign R. & Mrs Sutton. It raised £51.
50, 36, 11 Sep. 1929, page 2
Obituary. Elizabeth White of Sun Set Lodge Unley and late of Farrell’s Flat died on 9 September. She was relict of the late John James White of Farrell’s Flat and mother of L. White of Aberdeen.
[Born Elizabeth Louisa White 2 January 1865 at Cobbear near Black Springs.]
50, 36, 11 Sep. 1929, page 3
Obituary. Henry Seaford an old Burra resident died on 6 September. He was born in Burra in December 1868, the son of the late Henry Seaford. He is survived by his mother, Mrs John Goldsworthy aged 93. For many years he worked for E.J. Harris. He leaves a widow, nee Miss Alice M. Eig and seven children: Mrs Jackson, Harry Seaford (Kooringa), Fred Seaford (Kooringa), Master Bob Seaford, the Misses Gladys and Dorothy and the infant Myrtle.
[Birth registered as Henry Sievert 30 December 1868 At Kooringa.]
Obituary. Fred Field died in Sydney NSW last week. He was the son of the late Mr & Mrs Richard Field of ‘Monovea’ near Burra. Mr John R. Field of ‘Monovea’ is a brother. Brothers George & Arthur Field live in Adelaide. The late W.H. Field was another brother.
[Frederick Arthur Sydney Field was born in Victoria in 1863 and died in Sydney 31 August 1929.]
Obituary. Mrs H. Hamp died suddenly of heart failure at Baldina last Tuesday evening 3 September. She was born in Burra 3 January 1863. Her father was French and on his death her mother remarried a man called Russell. She has a sister in South Africa and a brother near Pt Augusta. She was first married to a Mr Ettridge and married Mr Hamp in 1902 and they came to Baldina in 1905. She leaves a husband and two daughters by her first marriage: Mrs J.L. Cleary (Pt Augusta) & Mrs S. Stacey (Albury). There are six grandchildren. [Born Mary Ann Austrey.]
Mrs Ann Jordan celebrated her 96th birthday on 3 September and there was a gathering of well-wishers at her daughter’s Miss Lavoun, among whom were the Mayor A.B. Riggs and Cr F. Harris.
Red Cross. The recent jumble sale raised £37. A meeting on 2 September resolved to send £10 to Mr Augie Brandt who is a returned soldier too ill to work. A further £10 went to a local needy case.
Bill Hann, son of Mr & Mrs George Hann of Burra, who won a scholarship in the Intermediate Class at Burra High School three years ago has been doing well at St Peter’s College where he is captain of house football and cricket, a member of intercollegiate sports, tennis, football & cricket teams and a house and school prefect. He has also been gaining academic honours.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 5th stage of the Woollacott Trophy the best scores were by E. Spackman & J.E. Pearce.
Burra Local Court, 6 September
John Harrison was charged with unlawful possession of COR kerosene believed stolen from the COR depot at Aberdeen. The tin in question was found at the defendant’s home. Harrison offered no real explanation for its presence, supposing ‘the old woman’ had got it. Mrs Harrison said she didn’t know where it had come from. Harrison suggested it might have been left behind by boarders about five or six weeks ago. He mentioned a George Ki (who left after his marriage on 17 July). Police said that no store in Burra sold COR kerosene. Harrison was fined £3 or one month in jail and was allowed one month to pay.
Arthur Harold (Mick) Harrison was charged with unlawful possession of COR petrol which M-C Webster had seen him putting into his car at Burra Station on 5 September. Harrison claimed to have bought it from a man with a motor lorry between Lilydale and Mutooroo, but was unable to give a receipt or to describe either the man or the lorry. The defendant elaborated on this story of getting the petrol while on a rabbiting trip. He was found guilty and fined £3 plus costs of 15/- or one month in jail, with one month to pay. He was fined a further £1 and 15/- costs for having an unregistered firearm and the weapon was confiscated.
50, 36, 11 Sep. 1929, page 4
Kooringa Methodist Church Floral Fair was held last Friday at the Institute in aid of Trust and Circuit Funds. Perfect weather prevailed and the fair was opened by the Mayoress Mrs A.B. Riggs. Proceeds amounted to over £163.
50, 36, 11 Sep. 1929, Supplement
Australia First Party. There is almost a column of propaganda for this new political party.
Football. Premiership match at Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 5.1 8.7 10.8 12.12 (84)
Hallett 4.3 4.4 5.6 7.7 (49)
Medal Winners: Most improved player W. Broad
Most improved junior J. Kellaway
Most serviceable player J. Hill
Fairest & most gentlemanly player D. Axford
Best back man J. Allen
Burra Town Council, 2 September
Council held a mark of respect for the late E.W. Crewes and a letter of sympathy was sent to the family.
There was a prolonged debate about removal and/or the lopping of various trees in town streets.
The Aero Club wrote to say an air service is contemplated between Adelaide and Broken Hill and Burra was a likely landing place.
The Finance Committee recommends getting advice about the old ambulance and of its being turned into a runabout.
50, 37, 18 Sep. 1929, page 3
Cricket. Prospects for the season are not good owing to the apathy of last year when only seven players turned out for the final match. Two of the best players are changing to tennis or bowls.
The Menin Gate picture has arrived and is to be presented to the Institute Committee.
Miss Gladys Riggs was given a farewell social at the Kooringa Methodist Schoolroom on Monday evening. She has decided to become a nurse and has taken an appointment at Gawler Hospital.
Mrs I.J. Warnes arrived home from her trip to England and Europe at the end of last week.
The Golf Club Ball was held at the Institute on 11 September and was most successful.
Burra Town Council, 16 September
The civic reception for the Governor will take place at the show at c. 11.30 outside the luncheon pavilion. School children will be asked to assemble at that time and the Board of the Burra Hospital.
The Aviation Dept. advises that the Government has no intention at present of establishing an air route that would include Burra.
The Burra Institute Committee advises that it intends publishing Looking Back by Frank Treloar – as published recently in the Record. It will cost 1/-. Any profits will go to the Benevolent Society.
Council will donate £5 towards the cost.
The Community of Girl Citizens which is associated with the YWCA has established a group in Burra at Redruth Methodist Church. The Chief Counsellor is Miss E.M. Jones of Burra High School staff. On Sunday morning there was an impressive inaugural service in Redruth Methodist Church.
Indoor Bowls has reached the second semi-final stage.
Basketball continues to draw good crowds to the Institute.
50, 37, 18 Sep. 1929, Supplement
Mt Bryan East School staged a concert at the Methodist Church on 7 September followed by a dance in the adjacent school. £15 was raised towards modernising the school library. Many old scholars came to the event.
Burra Rifle Club fired a match on Saturday between the club and the RSA.
RSA 687 defeated Burra 639. A.C. Aughey & S. Cordon top scored for the RSA while P.W. Hogan & A.B. Riggs did so for Burra.
50, 38, 25 Sep. 1929, page 2
Advt. Burra Show 4 & 5 October. £550 in prizes. Special Trains on the Saturday.
Point Pass Brass Band will attend. Pictures on both nights.
Advt. Federal Elections. Wakefield Division
SA Liberal Federation. Mr C.A.S. Hawker will address electors at Kooringa
Thursday 26 September 8 p.m.
Advt. Wirths Bros. circus & Menagerie is coming by Three Special Trains for one night:
9 October. Near the Railway Station. 3/-, 4/-, 5/-, 6/-, 8/- (plus tax)
50, 38, 25 Sep. 1929, page 3
Advt. Federal Elections. Division of Wakefield. Country Party.
The Hon. P. Paterson MHR, Minister for Markets & Migration and Mr Maurice Collins MHR
Will address voters at Kooringa on Monday 30 September at 8 p.m.
Obituary. Charles Henry Gosling died at Burra Hospital 18 September. He was the husband of Elsie Sarah Gosling and father of Lancelot, Victor, Stella, Mona, Raymond, Ivy, Doreen & Eric. There is one grandchild. He was aged 48. Late of Broken Hill.
Mr Gosling of Thames St died after a long illness. He was born at Mitcham near Adelaide 13 September 1881, the son of the late Mr & Mrs W. Gosling. The family was an early mover to Broken Hill in 1886. After school Mr Gosling worked in the mines, but later left to be a butcher. He later returned to the mines until his health failed. In May 1906 he married Miss Elsie S. Dunstan, daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Dunstan of Broken Hill and late of Burra. Six years ago the family moved to Sandy Creek for three years before coming to Kooringa. Mr Gosling has been in poor health for 17 years as a result of an accident and ‘miners’ complaint’.
Obituary. Mrs John Berryman died at Glenelg 21 September. She was born in Burra in 1863, the eldest daughter (Annie) of the late Mr & Mrs John Snell who for many years had a business in premises now occupied by A.L. Bence. She was a strong Rechabite and a member and officer in the Lily of the Valley Tent. She married John Berryman of Glenelg, late of Springbank, Burra in 1922. She is survived by her husband, three sisters and one brother: Mrs Ralph (Adelaide), Emily Mrs White (Adelaide), Florence Mrs Scanlon (WA), Fred Snell (Adelaide).
[Born Elizabeth Ann Snell 10 February 1864 at Kooringa.]
Ironmine Methodist Sunday School 57th Anniversary Sunday & Monday 15 & 16 September. There was a good attendance both days.
Leighton Hall. At the annual meeting it was decided to put down a bowling green of two rinks and a croquet lawn. Mr Holland, teacher at Leighton School will be caretaker.
50, 38, 25 Sep. 1929, page 4
Birth. To Mr & Mrs A.W. Pearce a daughter, Heather June.
Football. At Victoria Park, Saturday:
North Adelaide ‘B’ Grade 2.6 2.9 6.13 11.10 (76)
Burra Association 3.1 4.2 5.4 5.5 (35)
50, 38, 25 Sep. 1929, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club. 6th stage of the Woollacott Trophy saw best scores from C. Dixon & J. Terry.
50, 39, 2 Oct. 1929, page 2
Martin Pederson returned home on Saturday after an enjoyable trip to Denmark and England. Though over 70 he is remarkably well and fit.
Cricket. Though meetings for the coming summer season have been called, lack of attendance has meant nothing could be done.
Cr Frank Harris has returned from a three-week holiday in Melbourne with his eldest son Hartley Harris. He has a large apple orchard at Lilydale, Victoria.
Freemasons. The Kooringa Lodge installed Bro. James Bentley as W.M. for the next year on 24 September. A banquet followed at Pearce’s Building.
C.A.S. Hawker. James Martindale provides a biographical note for the candidate in the lead-up to the Federal Elections. Mr Hawker was the local Liberal Candidate.
Mr Hawker is aged 35 and has an MA from Cambridge. He is the grandson of the late Hon. G.C. Hawker who was the first settler at Bungaree and then went into politics. He was Speaker of the House of Assembly. The Hawker Stud and flock are known throughout the world. Charles Hawker is the son of Michael S. Hawker of North Bungaree and was born at Bungaree near Clare. He was at Cambridge when war broke out and immediately obtained a commission in the Somerset Light Infantry. He was twice severely wounded, losing an eye at Ypres in 1915 and sustaining other injuries in 1917. He has been active in the Returned Soldiers’ Sailors’ & Nurses’ Imperial League of which he became a Vice-President. He was elected President of the Liberal Federation two years ago. He is a powerful speaker. At his property near Hallett he has been associated with the scientific cultivation of wheat, lucerne and fodder with improved breeding of livestock.
Weather. 41 points fell on Thursday night with more on Friday & Saturday to total 77 in all. This makes prospects good if some more falls in October. Rain to the east was patchy.
50, 39, 2 Oct. 1929, page 3
Redruth Methodist Church held a Bush fair on 27 September in the Burra Institute. It was opened by the Mayor and proceeds were c. £140.
50, 39, 2 Oct. 1929, Supplement
Federal Election. Mr Hawker addressed a meeting at Kooringa on Thursday last week supported by Hon. G.F. Jenkins, Commissioner of Crown Lands, and Mr P.A. McBride. Hon. W.G. Duncan was also present and the Mayor A.B. Riggs introduced the speakers.
Mr McBride spoke to introduce the candidate and spoke of his family and his history in the Liberal Federation.
Mr Hawke rose to speak as a heavy shower rattled on the roof. He thanked Mr McBride and Mr Jenkins for their support and went on to describe the precarious state of the primary industries and the need to free Australia from the ‘rotten Arbitration system’. Last year little wheat was grown at a profit and this year most wool production will make a loss. Arbitration must be scrapped. Any Federal system would be bad. He also spoke against the system of many different awards for workers employed in the same factory, but insisted his views were not an attack on the standard of living of workers. He saw State based awards as less pernicious. He could not under the present circumstances support either child endowment or national insurance, though he was not opposed in principal at the right time. He spoke of SA’s disadvantaged position with respect to Federal grants. He disagreed with the more extreme form of protection offered to industries like sugar, peanuts and bananas as supported by the Country Party. He went on to accuse the Country Party of rejecting proposals to amalgamate the conservative interests in their fight against Labor and explained why as a result he was contesting a seat with Mr Collins.
Mr Jenkins then spoke in support of Mr Hawker.
A summary of the correspondence between the Liberal Federation and the Country Party over unity proposals in their opposition to Labor is then printed.
Whyte Yarcowie back-to-school celebrations are reported from last Friday & Saturday in c. 1⁄2 column.
Obituary. Mrs Eileen Robertson, daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Butler, died at Jamestown Hospital after a short illness. [Actually Mrs Eileen Mabel Robinson died 29 September at Jamestown residence Hornesdale aged 22. Birth not traced in SA.]
50, 40, 9 Oct. 1929, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council. Retiring by the effluxion of time on 1 Saturday in December:
Mayor Alfred Benjamin Riggs
North Ward Thomas Henry Woollacott
East Ward John Edgar Pearce
West Ward John Allen
Auditor Frank Treloar
Nominations close 9 November 1929.
50, 40, 9 Oct. 1929, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. A team of five attended the Annual Prize Meeting of the SA Rifle Association and came 4th. Six members attended the meet and C.W. Pearce & A.C. Aughey figured in the prize lists.
Boy Scouts. On 5 October the Scouts formed a guard of honour for H.E. the Governor on his visit to the Burra Show.
The Governor’s Visit. The Governor came to Burra on Saturday at the invitation of the Burra Burra Show Inc. The President I.J. Warnes met the Governor at the station. The official party then visited the hospital where they were met by the Matron, Sister G. Seigle and the Hospital Board. They toured the facility. They then went to the showgrounds where school students and staff were assembled and Boy Scouts formed a guard of honour. A civic reception followed. The Mayor A.B. Riggs welcomed the Governor who then responded. Mr Warnes then entertained the official guests at luncheon.
Burra Bowling Club AGM was held last Thursday with President E.F. Marston in the chair. The club has reduced its overdraft by a moderate amount from £160-10-9 to £145-12-4 and membership is up to 43 from 37. The club won the Clare-Burra Challenge Shield this year, but the Burra-Kapunda Cup went to Kapunda. Elected were Patron, A.G. Gebhardt; President, E.F. Marston; Vice-Presidents, Dr D.M. Steele & S.H. Robinson; Secretary & Treasurer, P.L. Rosman.
50, 40, 9 Oct. 1929, page 4
Federal Elections. Apart from advertisements page 4 is entirely given over to a report of the speeches of Hon. T. Paterson, Minister for Transport and Mr Maurice Collins MHR, Country Party candidate for Wakefield.
50, 40, 9 Oct. 1929, Supplement
Burra Show 1929
The show was held last Friday & Saturday. His Excellency Sir A. Hore Ruthven visited on the Saturday. Friday’s weather was good and Saturday was close and dusty without interfering with the program. Despite the influenza epidemic the show was a great success. Mrs Rowe handled the catering excellently.
Agricultural produce had a good display despite its being a dry year.
Dairy produce was well presented again, especially the nearly 40 exhibits staged by Mr & Mrs E. Finch of ‘Wandillah’ near Burra.
Poultry entries were down, but quality predominated.
Pigeon entries were up and though Burbidge Bros. had pride of place, local enthusiasts were well represented.
Draught horses have fallen off with the introduction of tractors, but there were some excellent entries.
Horses in action drew many entries as usual.
Cattle were in low numbers, but good in quality.
On the whole the judges were not impressed with the dog entries.
Sheep showed a further increase and the quality did not reflect the harsh conditions of the year.
Fleece wool exhibits took the whole length of the building and were of an excellent character.
Pigs were few in number.
Implements and cars were well represented and of great interest.
Vegetables were down due to the season, but of good quality. B. Opperman & W. Moxham dominated the prizes.
Fruit as usual was poorly represented. Clare exhibitors were absent and instead D. & E. Armstrong of Waikerie did well in apples and oranges, though Mrs H. Swift from P. & A. McBride’s ‘Wooltana’ Station beat them for lemons.
Flowers were fair considering the dust storms, late season and high winds.
Cookery was of a high standard.
Fancy Work was very good and Miss Bentley did particularly well.
Photography & Art were fairly well represented.
School Class work was better displayed than ever and there were many entries from the district schools as well as Burra.
[Personal interest: R. Fuss is listed as a judge in Flowers, but apparently was not an exhibitor, as he does not appear among the prize winners.]
M.A. Radford writes a political letter on the Liberal Federation and their decision to stand a candidate against Mr Maurice Collins of the Country Party. He supports that position strongly.
50, 41, 16 Oct. 1929, page 2
Obituary. Harriet Keys, wife of the late Thomas Keys, died on 10 October at Aberdeen aged 71. She is survived by one son and three daughters. [Born Harriett Hutchins.]
[See more in the Supplement to this issue.]
Editorial on the coming Municipal Elections, expressing the hope that the Mayor will stand again and praising the Councillors for their selfless investment of time and careful consideration in the interests of ratepayers.
50, 41, 16 Oct. 1929, page 3
Federal Election. Up to Monday night the votes counted in the seat of Wakefield showed that Maurice Collins had been defeated and that C.A.S. Hawker (Liberal) would be elected when Collins’s preferences had been distributed. About 2,900 votes were yet to be counted.
M. Collins (Country Party) 8,501
C.A.S. Hawker (Liberal) 11,338
S. McHugh (Labor) 11,652
Influenza still has the town in its grip.
Henry Collins of ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan is 96 today. He continues to be in fairly good health and was an exhibitor at the recent Burra Show.
Miss F. Byles has left the staff of E.J. Harris’s store due to her approaching marriage.
R.D. Pascoe has added a splendid photo of the ram David of Dalkeith to his collection. This ram was recently sold by Mr F.D. McMaster of Dalkeith for 5,000 guineas to Messrs F.F. Falkiner & Boonoke of NSW.
Bright & Bright, solicitors, have closed their Kooringa office and Messrs Shierlaw & Frisby-Smith, solicitors, have opened a branch in the offices just vacated. Mr E.V. Triggs who managed to local office for Bright & Bright continues with the new firm.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 7-79 defeated Kooringa 7-74
Willalo 9-85 defeated Hallett 8-77
‘B’ Grade Kooringa 9-78 defeated Aberdeen 6-68 (perhaps - though listed as ‘A’ Grade)
Mt Bryan 8-71 defeated Copperhouse 7-71
Ironmine 10-83 defeated Booborowie 3-67
Burra Croquet Club AGM elected: President, Mrs W.H. Sandland; Hon. Secretary, Mrs E.F. Marston; Assistant Secretary, Mrs Clem Pearce; Treasurer, Mrs L.S. Penrose; Captain, Mrs H.W. Tiver; Vice-Captains, Mrs P.L. Rosman & Mrs H.G. Oates.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 14 October
A. [Arthur] Coverdale, late of England & Canada and now of Kooringa, married
Florence Edith Byles, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs H. Byles of Kooringa.
Obituary. Thomas Hill of Exeter died on Sunday aged 35. He was born at Kooringa, the son of Mr Steve Hill and a nephew of Ralph Hill of Kooringa. He spent his early childhood in Kooringa. In the war he served on HMAS Australia and afterwards worked for the Adelaide Electric Supply Co. He leaves a widow and six children, three of whom are triplets born last June.
[Born at Kooringa 21 May 1894 and died 13 October 1929 at Adelaide, residence Exeter.]
Obituary. Jabez Copley died at Broken Hill last Monday. He was manager of SA Farmers’ Union store in Kooringa before it was bought by Mr Bence. [Appears to be the Jabez Copley born to James & Elizabeth nee Redfere at York (Adelaide) 6 August 1868 and who married Mary Stark Kirkwood 26 March 1894 at the Baptist Church Orroroo.]
50, 41, 16 Oct. 1929, page 4
Mrs Warnes writes of her trip to Europe and England, of the conference she attended in England and of visits to Holland, Germany and Austria.
50, 41, 16 Oct. 1929, Supplement
Burra Basketball Assoc. Semi-finals were played last Thursday.
Blue defeated Brown 35-29
Red defeated Old Gold 32-21
On Monday in the Final: Red defeated Blues 25
On 24 October Minor Premiers Old Gold will challenge Red for the Premiership.
Burra Town Council, 14 October
F. Treloar sought the removal of two large pine trees in front of his property.
Crs Lee & Allen had inspected and agreed they were damaging the property. Council will inspect.
A special meeting is called to consider the purchase of a motor truck.
Cr Woollacott complained that work approved in north Ward had not been done and with the year near its end the Ward was still £200 in credit. If the Council could not do the work it was the duty of Council to call tenders.
Cr Allen raised objections that work approved in West Ward 12 months ago was just being done.
Cr Pearce said it was suggested that Main Road work be let to contract, as that was delaying other work, but their own men did a better job – even if Ward repairs had to wait.
Burra Rifle Club. Eight Hours Day Meeting with Eudunda.
Money raised will assist limbless soldiers and although only £5-18-0 it is a useful reminder of their sacrifice. Eudunda 894 defeated Burra 877.
In the open handicap match for Limbless Soldiers best scores were by A.C. Aughey, J. Oliver & J. Terry.
General Aid Society AGM was held on Thursday at Redruth Memorial Hall with Rev. W.O. Harris in the chair. President Miss Bubb reported.
The State War Council had restricted the use of the Soldiers’ Aid Society funds resulting in the reconstruction of the Society as the General Aid Society on 4 October 1928. Money already collected by the Soldiers’ Aid Society was sent for Christmas Cheer: Angorichina Hostel £7 and the Returned Soldiers Hospitals at Keswick, Myrtle Bank & Bedford Park got £6-15-8 each. The General aid Society then started with nothing and now has £24-18-1 in the bank.
We held the usual strawberry fete and then went into recess till 7 March. This provided funds for Christmas Cheer to the blind, useful articles for Burra hospital patients and a donation to the Burra Benevolent Society. Easter gifts went to Soldiers’ Hospitals and the electric fan fund of Burra Hospital. A dance in August raised £7-3-0. We sent £5 to Augie Brandt in his time of sickness. Major donations have been £35 to the Royal Institution for the Blind and £15 to Burra Benevolent Society. Mrs Warnes gave an address on the holiday portion of her overseas trip.
Elected were President, Miss Bubb; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames F.M. Pearce Sen., T. Fuller & T. Turner; Treasurer, Miss Bubb; Assistant Treasurer, Mrs A.S. Field and Secretary, Mrs H. Chambers.
35/- was collected for the Brandt Fund.
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Keys who died on 10 October had been thought to be getting better when another heart attack supervened. She was born at Bungaree near Clare on 7 April 1858, a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs T. Hutchins who in 1880 came with their family to Redruth. She married Thomas Keys on 5 December 1889. Mr Keys died some years ago. She was an earnest Methodist and is survived by one son and three daughters: Cyril Keys (Hawthorn), Mrs C.L. Temperly (Queensland), Mrs J. Harvey (Aberdeen) & Miss Dorothy Keys (Aberdeen). There are three grandchildren.
50, 42, 23 Oct. 1929, page 2
Obituary. Henry Collins died at ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan 18 October aged 97. [Born 1832 in Devon, UK. Further details see page 3 of this issue.]
Obituary. M.A. (Minnie) Morgan, relict of Walter Morgan of Ironmine, died at her son-in-law’s ‘Hill View’ on 18 October aged 62. [Born Mary Ann Bullen 8 October 1867 in Cornwall. Further details see page 3 of this issue.]
The Mayoralty. A.B. Riggs has announced he will stand again.
Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd complained that a number of street lamps had been broken and that this is by no means uncommon. It was a result of vandalism by young boys. The directors have a shrewd idea of who is to blame and have decided to take drastic action. At the annual meeting of the company on Thursday E.F. Marston took the chair. The company is gradually overcoming the problems initially caused by insufficient capital. Customers have so increased that the capacity of the engines is now reached on Friday night peak load. This is preventing people from buying electric washing machines, carpet sweepers etc. In the present economic circumstances expanding the plant would be difficult. Mr W. Lee was appointed a director in place of the late E.W. Crewes and E.F. Marston replaces M. Collins who resigned. W.H. Sandland & J. Edgar Pearce were re-elected for a term of two years.
Rev. J.C. Jennison has taken services at Kooringa Methodist Church for the last two weeks while Rev. E. Lawson was on a Prohibition Campaign on the West Coast.
50, 42, 23 Oct. 1929, page 3
Accident. Lewis Gare was driving his young son to his father’s house on Mt Pleasant a few days ago when a bullet from a pea rifle passed through and shattered the side glass windscreen and apparently went out the other side of the car. The escape of the pair from death or injury was very lucky indeed.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 16 September
Arnold Hefron, elder son of Mr & Mrs J. Hefron of Adelaide, married
Emily Carpenter, fifth daughter of Mrs & the late William Carpenter of Aberdeen.
Burra Town Council, 22 October
Minutes of a special meeting revealed that the Council had deferred consideration of the purchase of a motor lorry to next year.
It was decided not to allow the removal of two pines outside F. Treloar’s property.
The Premier wrote asking if any work could be done to absorb the unemployed if the Government co-operated with the Council in providing finance.
R. Fuss was given permission to remove a small cedar tree which obstructed the entrance to his newly erected workshop.
Maurice Collins regrets his efforts to get a Geophysical Survey Party to Burra had failed.
Lee’s Garage was given permission to erect a petrol pump.
Mr Treloar wrote appealing for reconsideration of the decision on the pine trees.
The letter to lie on the table for further consideration.
The Public Works Committee recommended telling the Premier, in regard to the unemployed question, that the cemetery needed cleaning up and two miles of main road and one mile of Ward roads needed to be re-metalled.
A letter of sympathy was sent to the Collins Family through Mr Maurice Collins following the death of Henry Collins.
Obituary. Henry Collins of ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan died on 18 October aged 97. He was born in Devonshire, England and migrated with his parents when aged 7 on the Isabel Watson in 1839. They spent several years in the south of the colony. His first occupation was as a shepherd boy near Adelaide and later as a milk boy in the mid-north district. The family then came to Burra where they resided in the dugouts in the Burra Creek. He worked in the Burra Mine and when his father went to the Victorian goldfields he was the sole support for his mother. He got together a bullock team and began carting goods to and from Port Adelaide. By the time his father returned he had two bullock teams, though he was so small he needed a stool to yoke them. [Note that by then he must have been over 20 years old.] Henry then went with a party to the Victorian goldfields, but they were unsuccessful and he returned. He then married Miss Jane Thomas, daughter of Mr Thomas of ‘Three Trees’. He contracted to deliver iron stone from Iron Mine to the Burra Mines [presumably to the smelters] and he and his wife lived in a tent at Iron Mine. With his savings from this he bought two 80-acre sections a mile from where Mt Bryan now is and a little over 70 years ago came to live at ‘Lucernedale’. Parts of the original homestead survive. He began with a pine and daub room and added another room when he brought his family there. He contracted to move the surveyors engaged then in surveying work north of Mt Bryan. He also had timber carting contracts for the Burra Mines and after that contracted for stone walls on Canowie Station for Dr Browne. Sixty years ago he began farming. Farmers were then using single furrow ploughs drawn by eight bullocks. After eight years wheat prices were so low he turned to sheep and laid the foundations for his stud flock in 1884 by buying rams from John Lewis and Pewsey Vale Estate and age stud ewes from then well-known studs. The first lucerne was grown on fertile Mt Bryan Flats 53 years ago – believed to be the first large scale attempt north of Adelaide. He then bought land in the Mt Bryan East district and properties near his homestead. He briefly held Waurkongaree, part of Chewing’s Estate, before selling it to Sir John Melrose. One of his sons found a gold-bearing stone at Twigham, but they were unable to trace the reef. It was not until recently that another attempt was made. He then leased eastern country and concentrated on breeding sheep. In 1913 he bought the ram Dandie Dinmont from John Collins & Sons of Collinsville who had got him from James Richmond of Haddin Rig. His enthusiasm for breeding sheep persisted to the end. He attended the recent Burra Show and gained several prizes. He was a foundation member and trustee of the [Mt Bryan] Bible Christian Church built in 1871. He was known for his hospitality. Unusually for such an aged parent 12 of his children were at the graveside and the eldest son of Alfred (of Queensland) represented his father. Of 16 children 13 survive. Those present at the funeral were: John Collins (Collinsville), Dan Collins (Adelaide), Joseph Collins (Unley), Eddie Collins (Prospect), Maurice Collins (Glenunga), Arthur Collins (Jamestown), Horace Collins (Lucernedale), Mrs J. Rundle (Subiaco WA), Mrs N.W. Martin (Peterborough), Mrs G.J. Hanlin (Willalo), Miss Alice Collins (Lucernedale), Mrs T. Moore (Poochera) and many other relations.
Obituary. Mrs Walter Morgan of Ironmine died at the residence of he son-in-law Mr Roy Lloyd of ‘Hillview’ on 18 October. She was born in Cornwall in 1867, the eldest daughter Minnie of Mr & Mrs William Bullen. The family came to SA in c. 1875 in the Lady Jocelyn and came directly to Kooringa. She married Walter Morgan, son of the late John Morgan of Baldina, in September 1888 and after a short time at Douglas they moved to Ironmine where Mr Morgan took up a successful farm. They took a keen interest in the district and church. Mr Morgan died 10 October 1924. Six children survive; four daughters and two sons: Olive Mrs D. Bailey (Adelaide), Ethel Mrs N. Day (Plympton), Mary Mrs R.T.F. Rogers (Hanson), Annie Mrs Roy Lloyd (‘Hillview’ Flagstaff), Walter Morgan (Ironmine) and Alfred Morgan (Ironmine). There are ten grandchildren.
She was the eldest of 12 sisters and two brothers, of whom eight sisters survive and six were at the funeral: Mesdames T. McBride (Redcliffe Station), A.D. Jordan (Gawler), Will Morgan (Adelaide), A. Gravestocks (Renmark), C.T. Wallis (Cowandilla) and A.E. Wise (Toorak).
Obituary. Alfred Bennetts of Prospect died aged 64. He was an old Burra boy, son of the late Mr & Mrs James Bennetts’ He carried on business for many years in the premises now occupied by McKenzie & Co. before moving to Adelaide where he acquired a small business. He leaves a widow nee Emily Parks of Kooringa, two sons and a daughter: Charles, Bert & Elsie.
Obituary. Ronda Betty McBride only child of Mr & Mrs Clement McBride of Redcliffe Station died recently aged 7 while undergoing an operation on her throat for tonsils.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 11-87 defeated Willalo 5-60
‘B’ Grade Willalo 12-89 defeated Copperhouse 3-52
Mt Bryan 10-92 defeated Ironmine 5-70
Hallett 8-81 defeated Aberdeen 7-88
On 12 October
Hallett 8-75 defeated Willalo 7-73
50, 42, 23 Oct. 1929, page 4
St Joseph’s Bazaar was opened on Friday 18 October by Rev. Father D. Sullivan of Manoora accompanied by Rev. Father Cullinan, priest in charge of St Joseph’s and Father W.H. Nesdale of Hawker, formerly of St Joseph’s Burra.
50, 42, 23 Oct. 1929, Supplement
Cricket. On 9 October: Ramblers 6 for 129 (Dec.) & 0 for 10 defeated Aberdeen 63 & 71
Burra Benevolent Society has a shortage of funds needed for the unemployed here and elsewhere and for the approaching Christmas season. It has been decided to ask hotel keepers to place boxes on their bars and on the counters of some of the leading businesses. There will also be a Mayor’s Fund appeal closer to Christmas.
Farrell’s Flat. The walls of the new supper room at the Institute are almost complete.
50, 43, 30 Oct. 1929, page 2
Notice. St Mary’s Burra. Celebrations in connection with the Jubilee of the Present Church and the 80th Year of the Parish. Festivities begin 3 November.
Sunday 3 November: All Saints Day Festival with The Rector –
8 a.m. Holy Communion
11 a.m. Holy Communion
7 p.m. Evensong
Thursday 7 November
8 a.m. Holy Communion & Intersession for Confirmees. (The Rector)
3 p.m. Mothers’ Union Service: Address by the Bishop
7.30 p.m. Confirmation & Thanksgiving Service for the 80th Year of the Parish
Friday 8 November
7 a.m. Holy Communion: The Bishop
Notice. St Edmund’s Church Booborowie
Friday 8 November
2.30 p.m. Confirmation: The Bishop
7.30 p.m. Consecration of St Edmund’s by The Bishop, Ven. Archdeacon Bussell and visiting clergy.
Marriage. ‘Myrtle Home’ Redruth 19 October
(Nurse) Martha A.L. Woollacott of Redruth married Alexander B. Feltus of Belalie North.
Birth. On 18 October at their residence, to Mr & Mrs John Kellaway, a daughter, Verna Florence.
Obituary. On 24 October Alexander G. [George] Kellock died. He was the husband of Florence M. Kellock and only son of F.E. & the late George Kellock of Kooringa. [Born 30 December 1883 at Baldina.]
St Joseph’s Bazaar recently raised £152-5-0.
Members of the Advertiser linotype staff, E.J. (Ted) Thomas, Harry Foster, Jack Jordan, F. Williams and Mr Dawe paid a visit to Burra this week. Teddy Thomas is a son of the late Police Constable D. Thomas and an old Burra boy who learnt his trade at the Record. So did Harry Foster who lived with his widowed mother in Paxton Square until going to Adelaide. Jack Jordan is a son of Ern (Pudding) Jordan who was born in Burra.
50, 43, 30 Oct. 1929, page 3
Miss Mary Bentley who is going into nursing at Mareeba Hospital, Woodville, was farewelled by Redruth Methodist Girls’ Club on Wednesday 23 October and from the Sunday school on the previous Sunday.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Anniversary last Sunday. Rev. Harry Lyons of Clare preached to good congregations.
Frank Harris has installed a Copeland electrical refrigerator capable of keeping 800 bottles of drinks below 50°F. It is 15ft long and allows for the preparation of ice creams and serving of drinks on a counter at the back of it. 10ft of the cabinet is refrigerated and it can hold 10 gallons of ice cream.
[A detailed description of the item follows.]
Advt. Harry Winkley of Aberdeen has opened a Motor Garage on premises next door to Mr R. Fuss.
Advt. Opening Thursday 31 October: Modern System Tailors of Hanson St Adelaide.
To mark the opening of their Burra Branch in Market Square opposite the Burra Hotel they will give a free suit to every purchaser of one of their £6-15-0 made-to-measure suits.
50, 43, 30 Oct. 1929, Supplement
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 19 October
Alwin Trigg Pearce, eighth and youngest son of Mr & Mrs Fred Pearce Sen. of Redruth, married
E. May Bowman, only daughter of Mrs Giles Wardle of Redruth and third daughter of the late John Bowman of Gum Creek Station.
Marriage. At ‘Myrtle Home’ Redruth on 19 October
Alexander Belfour Feltus of Belalie North married Martha Ann Lenton Woollacott (Nurse) of Redruth.
Federal Election. C.A.S. Hawker was declared the winner of the Seat of Wakefield at Kadina on 23 October. At the declaration Mr Hawker (Liberal) and Mr McHugh (Labor) thanked voters. Mr Collins (Country Party) viewed the actions of the Liberal Federation as contemptible. He congratulated Mr McHugh of a clean fight, but deplored the dirty tactics employed by the Liberal Federation using half truths and mutilated telegrams. He could not congratulate Mr Hawker because the fight had not been clean.
Bowling & Croquet Clubs. The 1929-30 season opened on Saturday 26 October. The President said it was the 11th anniversary of the opening of the club in 1918. The club had not progressed as much as the district warranted. Some new members were however noted. He wished that like the Aberdeen Croquet Club they could have opened free from debt. The club’s pennant was lowered to half mast in respect to the late A.G. Kellock, one of their best members. Mrs W.H. Sandland opened the croquet green by hitting the first ball of the season.
Cricket. At Mt Bryan 26 October: Aberdeen 84 & 4 for 98 v. Mt Bryan 38.
Elder, Smith & Co. Annual Off-Shears Sale on 18 October yarded 23,641 sheep and sold 22, 747.
Burra Rifle Club. 7th stage of the Woollacott Trophy. R. McKinley, J. Terry & R.G. Nutt had top scores and in the aggregate at present A.C. Aughey & J. Terry with 13 points lead C. Dixon with 9.
Tennis
‘B’ Grade Kooringa 9-89 defeated Ironmine 6-71
Hallett 9-86 defeated Copperhouse 6-62
Burra Basketball Association. Final match on Thursday.
Old Gold, the minor round premiers, played Red, the second round winners.
Old Gold 37 defeated Red 25.
Obituary. Mr Alex Kellock died 4 October after a severe illness. He was the only surviving child of Mrs F.E. Kellock and the late George Kellock of Kooringa and was born at ‘Thistlebeds’ in December 1884 and after leaving school he carried on grazing pursuits with his father and later acquired Woolamba Station. He came to live in Kooringa in the last two years due to failing health. He was an enthusiastic member of the Bowling Club. Unfortunately he caught influenza a few weeks ago and pneumonia supervened with complications. In 1910 he married Miss Florence Atkinson of Yacka who survives with one daughter, Miss Gladys Kellock and twin sons Masters Archie & George.
Obituary. Mrs Joseph Lee died rather suddenly on 28 October after influenza leading to pneumonia. Mrs Lee was aged 70 and was born at Anlaby as Miss Ellen Charles and married Mr Joseph Lee of Marrabel and they went to World’s End to live. They retired to Kooringa a few years ago. She is survived by her husband three sons and two daughters: William & Walter R. of Kooringa, Mrs B. Mayhew of Adelaide and Miss B. Lee of Kooringa. There are several grandchildren. Two sons Walter and Albert served in the Great War and Albert died as a POW in Germany.
50, 44, 6 Nov. 1929, page 2
Advt. George Hann offers for sale by auction on 15 November on instructions from the estate of Harriett Keys allotment 131 Taylor St Aberdeen on which is erected a 6-room stone & brick house.
Marriage. At Yongala 16 October
Mildred Venetta Harding of Yongala married Ernst Hammerling of Kooringa.
M-C Geering who has been stationed at Kooringa for some years has been transferred.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School celebrated its Anniversary on 3 & 4 November when Rev. Eric Ingamells of Rose Park took the three services and for the evening service the Memorial Hall proved inadequate.
Fire broke out on Friday night last in the premises of Harvey & Tiver Aberdeen when some fireworks in the window ignited, among which a ‘Jumping Jack’ did a thorough job. It was soon put out with little damage done.
50, 44, 6 Nov. 1929, page 3
Cricket. At Aberdeen 2 November: Aberdeen 159 defeated Mt Bryan 84.
Fire. August H. Hoffrichter, insurance agent for United Fire Insurance Co. was driving a new model single seater Ford car from Mt Bryan to Burra on Saturday when it caught alight and in attempting to get to a house for water the driver had an accident at the railway crossing near the house owned by W.H. Sandland on ‘Wandillah’. Here the flames burst out to a height of the telegraph wires and put some out of action.
Fires. ‘Ratepayer’ complains that illegal fires lit to clear the Booborowie School area destroyed some young trees in the Booborowie Parklands and it was only luck that prevented more serious loss.
Burra Rifle Club sent a team to Riverton on Saturday where they defeated Riverton by 18 points.
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church Saturday 2 November
Frank Reed, second son of Mrs E. Reed (Peterborough) and fourth son of the late A.W. Reed of Terowie, married Alison Elsie Tiver, third daughter of Mr & Mrs Edgar Tiver of ‘Tiverville’ Hallett.
Marriage. Yongala Methodist Church Wednesday 16 October
E.H. Hammerling, only son of the late Mr & Mrs J.E.H. Hammerling late of Baldina, married
Mildred Venetta Harding, only daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. Harding of Yongala.
Ironmine Ladies’ Guild Strawberry Fete was held at Leighton Hall last Saturday and raised c. £70.
Advt. Bence’s offer suits at half price:
£7-19-6 suits for £3-19-6 and £8-19-6 suits for £4-9-6 with a matching tie thrown in.
Advt. W.G. Terry will supply two suits for the price of one. Prices from £6-15-0 for the two.
50, 44, 6 Nov. 1929, page 4
Advt. A large advertisement covering over half the page for the Modern System Tailors’ offer of two suits for the price of one: £6-15-0.
50, 44, 6 Nov. 1929, Supplement
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 14-92 defeated Hallett 2-38
Willalo 10-77 defeated Booborowie 6-67
‘B’ Grade Willalo 11-90 defeated Booborowie 4-61
Ironmine 9-78 defeated Copperhouse 6-66
Mt Bryan 8-77 defeated Aberdeen 7-78.
Kooringa 10-89 defeated Hallett 5-71
Boxing Tournament on Thursday 31 October at the Institute was well publicised, but poorly attended.
Jack Honan (Peterborough) 9.7 defeated Harry Neill (Peterborough) 9.4
Alby Walker (Adelaide) 9.0 drew with Norman Woods (Peterborough) 10.0
Les Brooks (Peterborough) 10.0 defeated Jack Murray (Burra) 9.5
Main Bout
Norman Smith (Burra defeated Fred Johns (Adelaide) in the 4th of 10 rounds when Jones had to retire with an injured wrist, having started the fight nursing an old injury there.
Liberal Federation, Burra Women’s Branch welcomed back its President Mrs Warnes from her overseas trip.
50, 45, 13 Nov. 1929, page 2
Weather. The long dry spell since the promising falls in September means there will not be much hay this year. From Leighton to Hill River the crops are good. Oats has failed in most places. On Tuesday patchy showers brought up to 40 points to some areas, but to the east most falls were below 20 points, although ‘The Gums’ managed 36 and Glenbowie 40.
St Mary’s. The jubilee celebrations saw the return of former incumbents Rev. S.J. Bloyd from St Mary’s South Road and Rev. H. Hopton of Maylands as well as the Bishop of Adelaide Rt Rev. Dr Nutter Thomas.
50, 45, 13 Nov. 1929, page 3
‘Citizen’ writes urging the planting of trees at the showgrounds.
Burra Rifle Club. 8th stage of the Woollacott Trophy drew best results from R. McKinley & E. Spackman. The trip to Riverton resulted in Burra 462 defeating Riverton 444.
Burra Town Council, 4 November
Wright’s Motors were granted permission to erect another petrol pump.
Mr Bednall solicitor advises that the piece of land along sections 333-338 owned by Mrs Smith has not been gazetted as a road and so Council has no power to close it. The Town Clerk is to ascertain who owns it and have it deleted from the plan as a road. [This was a strip south of George St on the eastern side of the allotments on the eastern side of Ayers St.]
Cr Lee asked if Mr Treloar had redress if the pines were damaging his property. The Mayor said he had, if he could prove it.
Cr Allen gave notice he would move to rescind the motion refusing to allow their removal.
The Inspector reported on the problem of starving stray stock. The pounds in the district had been closed as poundkeepers had been running them at a loss. Owners found the cheapest way of getting rid of starving stock was to let them be impounded.
There was discussion about reporting owners to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
A letter of sympathy was sent to Cr Lee on the death of his mother.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 10-69 defeated Copperhouse 5-59
Booborowie 8-75 defeated Aberdeen 8-66
‘B’ Grade Kooringa 8-83 defeated Copperhouse 7-69
Aberdeen 12-89 defeated Booborowie 3-56
Ironmine 9-81 defeated Hallett 6-67
Willalo 11-92 defeated Mt Bryan 4-55
Advt. St Mary’s Jubilee Fete Friday 15 November at Burra Institute.
A Dance will follow at 9.15 p.m.
Advt. Opening of the New Institute at Hallett, Wednesday 20 November by Sir John Melrose
Sports Carnival 2.45 p.m. at the Oval. Knife and Fork Tea at the New Hall at 5 p.m.
Grand Concert at 8 p.m. with a Dance to Follow.
50, 45, 13 Nov. 1929, page 4
Mt Bryan Methodist Fete on 9 November at the Mt Bryan Institute. Proceeds were over £72.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet monthly at the Redruth Memorial Hall. The speaker on 6 November was Rev. W.O. Harris.
Aberdeen Croquet Club opened its season for 1929-30 last Saturday. The club has been raising money for an electric lawnmower and was £20 short, but two members lave loaned £10 each free of interest until August 1930. The Mayoress opened the season.
50, 45, 13 Nov. 1929, Supplement
St Mary’s this year celebrated the 50th anniversary of the present church and the 80th of the parish, though there are some records of priestly ministrations in a building in Kangaroo St in January 1847 and after a short period St Mary’s on the hill was erected, just above the present residence of G.H. Dow. SAMA donated the site. There was a proposal for another church at Redruth and the foundations of St Luke’s on the triangular block on the road to Hampton can still be seen. The desire for a more central location in a larger building resulted in the present church being erected in 1879 and later Old St Mary’s on the Hill was demolished. Two stained glass windows from it were transferred and the altar table now in use in the vestry and an iron cross which adorned the west end of the old church. St Luke’s was abandoned. Mr A. McLagan was the architect for St Mary’s which cost c. £4,000. Later the Parish Hall was erected for Sunday school use. St Mary’s is notable for its symmetrical proportions and its wealth of stained glass commemorating well-known families in the parish. There are 12 windows including two large ones of seven and five lights respectively. Many of the furnishings are gifts and memorials. Over the years the rectors have given much to the outside districts. As far back as 1847 long journeys took the ministry to bush families. A Mission District was established to be overseen from St Mary’s Hallett and Black Springs were established in 1895 for regular services and Gum Creek in 1898. Mt Bryan, Booborowie and Farrell’s Flat came later. The list of Rectors: Revs Bagshaw, Fulford, Pollitt, Hibbottson [sic: for Ibbetson] Stanton, Howitt, Wayland, A.G. King, W.G.M. Murphy, Whittack [sic: for Wightwick], H. Ebbs, S.J. Bloyd, H. Hopton, F.B. Hewitson & J.S.W. Coles. [Fulford actually followed Ibbetson.]
The commemoration services began on Sunday 2 November conducted by the Rector. On Thursday 7 November the Bishop of Adelaide Rt Rev. Nutter Thomas arrived by the midday train and attended a meeting of the Mothers’ Union and confirmed 14 candidates in the evening. On Friday there was Holy Communion at 7 a.m. celebrated by the Bishop assisted by Archdeacon Bussell, Rev. S.J. Bloyd, Rev. J.S.W. Coles & Rev. H. Hopton. Later there was a confirmation at St Edmund’s Booborowie and in the evening St Edmund’s was consecrated. Ven. Archdeacon Bussell preached at St Mary’s on Sunday at morning and evening services.
Cricket. At Aberdeen on 9 November Farrell’s Flat 131 defeated Aberdeen 127.
Black Springs & Apoinga Schools held their annual picnic on Mr J. McNamara’s property on 2 November.
Burra Basketball wound up the season with a smoke social at Pearce’s Building on 9 November with President Mr S. Dowling in the chair. Secretary J. Pocock said the Association was c. £6 in credit. L. Laurenti won the cup for most consistent.
[Was this Otto Lawrence Laurenti born New Parkside 19 May 1908?]
Booborowie Experimental Farm held a visiting day 31 October when over 100 farmers and other visitors attended. Crops were doing fairly well considering the dry year. The most outstanding varieties were Caliph, Defiance and Carrabin. After a tour of the farm luncheon was served and then ideas were exchanged before adjourning to the woolshed for an address by J. Thomas Chairman of the local branch of the Agricultural Bureau and also by Professor Perkins the Director of the Agricultural Department and Mr Scott of the same department. There was then an inspection of other blocks before afternoon tea.
50, 46, 20 Nov. 1929, page 2
Advt. Hanson Tennis Club. Opening of new courts Saturday 23 November by I.J. Warnes JP.
Obituary. August Robert Brandt late of 3rd Light Horse AIF died at his residence in Kooringa on 18 November aged 40. He was the husband of Beryl and father of Fred, Betty & Nell. He was the youngest son of Albert & Catherine Brandt and a brother to George & Henry. [See more on page 3 of this issue.]
Birth. On 10 November at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs P. Cousins a son.
Weather. Rain set in on Saturday last and extended to the east. Falls of over 2 inches were recoded though it was patchy and falls reported varied from 30 points to 267. The watercourse that starts near Yunta came down through Sturt vale half a mile wide in places – the first time it has flowed since 1921. Over 1 inch fell at World’s End. Feed will come on well for many pastoralists and dams have filled. Gardens will benefit and it is thought that wheat will not be damaged unless excessive heat follows.
50, 46, 20 Nov. 1929, page 3
Obituary. August Brandt died on Monday after a long illness. He was the youngest son of Mr & Mrs Albert Brandt and was born in August 1889 and spent his whole life in Burra except for his long war service. He enlisted with the 3rd Light Horse in 1914. He had a very honourable record of service in Egypt and Palestine. He worked until weakness forced him to stop a few months ago. In 1924 he married Miss Beryl Goldsworthy who is now left with three children.
[August Amos Robert Brandt was born at Kooringa 9 August 1889 and died there 18 November 1929.]
‘Steel Beak’ writes from East of the River Murray where he says that although rain has been falling and continues as he writes, the season has been so bad that few farmers will get their seed wheat back this year.
‘Booborowie’ writes to explain that the fire at the Booborowie School grounds was believed to be legal, as it was before the last day for fires in the open, but they did not know there was an earlier date for grass firing. As for the loss of trees: some were already dead and the seven lost will be replaced.
50, 46, 20 Nov. 1929, page 4
St Mary’s Jubilee Strawberry Fete last Friday in the Institute was opened by Mrs F.R. Wigley. The drive this year was to try to reduce the Rectory debt which is still c. £600.
Total receipts were £137-19-7. After the fete Mr P.J. Pickering (People’s Warden) announced that Mrs W.P. Barker had given £500 towards the liquidation of the debt.
Burra Rifle Club. The second stage of the Championship Shoot saw best scores from A.P. Harris & S. Cordon.
Hanson Strawberry Fete was held on 13 November by the ladies of the Methodist Church and raised £54 towards the Sunday school debt.
50, 47, 27 Nov. 1929, page 2
Obituary. Albert Edward Scroop died on 22 November at Adelaide Hospital aged 57, late of Pt Pirie and Burra.
Weather. From Thursday to Tuesday is has been boisterous. Friday was very dusty with a cloud from the far north denser than winter fogs. On Monday the east suffered the worst dust storm in the history of many properties. William Dearlove of Ketchowla said it was the worst he had ever seen. On Tuesday the dust had to be shovelled from doorways and windows.
M-C Geering who has been a number of years at Kooringa has been moved to Mt Pleasant. He and his wife were given a farewell and presentation at St Joseph’s on Sunday and other friends farewelled him yesterday. M-C Provis of Cockburn takes his place.
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Drew of ‘Woonona’ Medindie died at home on 23 November. She was born in Kooringa 21 August 1848 and lived in Burra till her husband retired from Messrs Drew & Co. She was the second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Frank Symons of Kooringa. A family of seven survives: John Drew (Kooringa), Hedley Drew (Unley), Dr Charles Drew (Hindmarsh) and four daughters. The late Mrs John Pearce of Kooringa was a sister as are Mrs T.C. Simpson (Solomontown) & Mrs C. Bosomworth (St Peters).
Hanson Tennis Courts were opened on Saturday last by Mr I.J. Warnes. [The report extends for 1 column.]
Cricket. At Booborowie: Aberdeen 127 v. North Booborowie 5 for 174.
50, 47, 27 Nov. 1929, page 3
Mr & Mrs C.E. Baker, who came to SA from Scotland in 1925 to live with their only daughter Mrs George S. Melrose of Willogoleche Station, celebrated their golden wedding on 20 November. They were married at the United Presbyterian Church, Palmeston Place, Edinburgh, Scotland 20 November 1879, the first wedding celebrated there. Mr Baker is the eldest surviving son Charles of the late Sir C. John Baker of London and his wife was Miss Janet Tereaphlena Duncan, daughter of William Duncan of Danevale Park, Castle Douglas, Kirkudbrightshire. There was a fine spread and a handsome three-tiered cake weighing nearly 100lb, made by Mrs F.G. Lewis of Hallett.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 9th stage of the Woollacott Trophy on 23 November and leading scorers were Capt. Pearce, W. Woodman, F. Richardson, George Herbert & E. Spackman.
Burra Town Council, 16 November
A letter from the RSL Burra asked why Council had not responded to a request for the reasons for moving the guns from Market Square.
Cr Lee moved a reply be sent regretting any feelings the RSA has that a slur had been cast by the lack of a reply, but the Council had not arrived at a decision on the subject matter.
The Council reserves the right to deal with its own property as it deems to be in the best interests of the town.
Council received a letter about land adjacent to Mr J.H. Smith’s. The Council had sold it under the belief it was a gazetted road. It is not and the contract will have to be cancelled and the money returned.
The Town Clerk said he remembered it being used as a road and believed the Council had a claim.
The Public works Report was submitted for work to be adopted.
Cr Woollacott objected to its inclusion of metalling from Young St. [The report as printed says tar-dressed from Young St to the Racecourse Gate.] He said it shouldn’t be approved in the dying hours of the Council without North Ward Councillors being consulted.
The Mayor demanded he withdraw this, as Cr Morgan was at the committee meeting and anyway the matter was a Main Road concern, not a Ward concern.
A very heated altercation ensued, but the motion was ultimately put with Cr Woollacott against.
Cr Allen moved to rescind the motion denying Mr Treloar the right to have pine trees removed from in front of his property. This motion was lost.
Bowls. 12 bowlers went to Jamestown last Saturday where Jamestown 77 defeated Burra 52.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 8-75 defeated Copperhouse 7-77
Hallett 12-80 defeated Booborowie 4-66
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 13-100 defeated Willalo 2-64
Aberdeen 10-81 defeated Copperhouse 5-70
50, 47, 27 Nov. 1929, page 4
The New Hallett Institute was opened Wednesday 20 November. The foundation stone had been laid 28 November 1928 by Miss Lily Melrose, daughter of Sir John Melrose. The old Institute was constructed 50 years ago and was too small for the needs of the town and district. The building is of blue stone with brick facings and is a fine two-storey building. One enters a fine doorway to a lofty entrance hall 35’ x 10’6” and to the right there is a committee room 18’ x 14’ and a ladies cloak room. To the left is a reading room 16’ x 14’ and library 12’ x 14’. The main hall beyond is 60’ x 40’ with a ceiling of fibrous plaster and seating 370 with a floor of jarrah. The stage 22’ x 22’6” has dressing rooms on either side. The supper room is downstairs (underground) and is 20’ x 43’ with a kitchen off it 12’ x 20’. From the main entrance jarrah stairs with blackwood handrails lead to the second floor Council Chamber 14’ x 18’6” and an adjoining billiard room 25’ x 30’ and a fireproof cinema room. Mr Peter Findlay was the mason and Mr H. Dunneman the carpenter. The Honorary Treasurer Mr Statton said the approximate cost was £6,225 of which £5,718-3-2 had been paid. Sir John Melrose performed the opening and his speech and those of others are reported in detail. Takings for the day inclusive of Sir John Melrose’s gift of £200 were about £540. F. Gaskell has been appointed librarian and caretaker.
50, 47, 27 Nov. 1929, Supplement
CWA half-yearly meeting was held in the Liberal Room on 22 November. President Mrs Warnes was in the chair. Mrs Warnes gave a lengthy report on her personal impressions of the ICW Conference in London and this is printed in c. 3 columns.
Consecration of St Edmund’s Booborowie
There is a 1-column report on the ceremony which was conducted by Rt Rev. Dr Nutter Thomas, Bishop of Adelaide on 8 November. Other occasions are recalled:
The laying of the foundation stone.
The dedication of the nave 20 July 1924.
The dedication of the sanctuary 24 June 1928.
The church is of local freestone and the nave is 36’ x 23’6”. The contractors were Messrs Whitehead of Auburn and Robert Fuss of Aberdeen. The furnishings are in Tasmanian blackwood. The altar is beautifully hand carved. The chancel was dedicated in 1928 and contractors for that were Messrs J. Frahm and R. Fuss, carpenter.
In 1914 a decision was made to build the church at a meeting presided over by Rev. S.J. Bloyd. Services were then being held in B.H. Beaven’s home and were until 1921 – 16 years in all.
In 1921 the Memorial Hall was used for services.
The cost of the church was £1,610 and substantial assistance came from Mr A.S. Browne, Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes and Messrs Hawker Bros. Mrs F.R. Wigley gave a memorial window of St Barnabas in memory of her father the late William P. Barker of Baldina. Mr F.C. Catt was organist for the past 16 years and gave a beautiful chancel chair of Tasmanian blackwood.
50, 48, 4 Dec. 1929, page 2
Advt. Tenders are called for the erection of a galvanised iron fence around Leighton Bowling Green.
Jack Allen Jnr was presented with a case of cutlery by fellow employees of Drew & Crewes on the occasion of his marriage last Saturday.
William Way of Wallaroo is visiting Burra after an absence of 68 years. He was born in Kooringa in 1852, his home being in Kangaroo St near the present home of O. Earle. His father worked for the Smelting Works. He clearly remembers the opening of the Black Bridge at Aberdeen and its christening with a bottle of wine and the firing of a shot.
Major H.J. Copley delivered a very interesting address in the Cheer-up Hall on Saturday evening on a car trip from Adelaide to Darwin and back through Queensland and Broken Hill.
Weather. Dust on Sunday plunged the town into gloom by 11.30 a.m. and unfortunately power is cut in the town till 4 p.m. on Sundays to allow for maintenance on the engines. At 3 p.m. the sky was a seething cauldron of red, brown and black clouds and lights were needed. The Electric Supply Co. had fortunately started early. From 4 p.m. it rained mud and water from the roofs looked like tomato sauce. About 30 points fell. More rain followed on Monday and Tuesday to total about 87 points. The dust was widespread in SA and rainfall in the east was lower with falls from 15 to 40 points generally.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club AGM was held at the boat shed 23 November. President H.C. Atkins took the chair. The balance sheet shows a credit of £70. Elected for 1929-30 season were: Patron, W.G. Hawkes; President, H.C. Atkins; Vice-Presidents, E.B. I’Anson & C. Carter; Hon. Secretary & Treasurer, A.J. Smith. The annual sports on 27 January will be land based only, as the water level has fallen too low for aquatic events.
Tennis.
‘B’ Grade Hallett 12-91 defeated Booborowie 3-58
And outside of competition Copperhouse 12-91 defeated Hanson 3-50.
Burra Hospital Board
It was decided to put the tennis court on the Maternity Wing block.
Fans for the hospital have arrived and installation costs are to be obtained.
Bowls. Balaklava visited on Saturday and Burra 91 defeated Balaklava 82.
50, 48, 4 Dec. 1929, page 3
Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting was held in the Institute on Monday of last week. F.T. Sara was voted into the chair. The Mayor read his report.
This year funds were allotted to Wards according to the length of roads and paths to be maintained. S. Kellaway asked for Councillors views on this.
Crs Lee, Morgan and Woollacott were in favour, but Crs Allen, Harris & Pearce were opposed, believing generally that money should be spent where it was raised.
Mr Kellaway asked if Councillors favoured asking the Fire Brigade authorities for a faster vehicle for the fire reel – at present it could do about 15 m.p.h. The Mayor said yes.
Mr Hall queried the posts and rails in the centre of the road off Ludgvan St leading to his place. He considered it dangerous in an unlit street. They wouldn’t be needed if the culvert went from pavement to pavement.
The Mayor said cost was a factor and the extra width of road would never be used.
Cr Woollacott thought it dangerous, but it was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor. The saving had been a paltry 24/-.
There was then some discussion about lopping and/or removing trees.
There was a question about a road to the school. Apparently there wasn’t one, though there is some agitation to have one proclaimed.
Mr Riggs said he endeavoured to carry out his duties according to standing orders and believed the present method of deciding on Public Works was the best. He favoured the method of allocating funds to Wards as used last year. The town should be worked as a unit not as three wards.
Last year East Ward had a deficit because of the large sum needed for Finch’s Bridge.
Cr Pearce opposed the present system of Ward funding. East Ward needed more money. It had about 8 bridges to keep going and more heavily used roads than North Ward, even if North Ward had a greater length of roads.
Cr Woollacott thanked ratepayers for his re-election, but had hoped for opposition and hoped to see more at the meeting. He considered the conducting of the Council to be unsatisfactory and the principle on which the Public Works was run was the most vicious he knew of in any Council. It amounted to one Councillor being sooled against another. Nearly all motions were carried on a block vote on the casting vote of the Mayor. He had worked with the Mayor amicably for eight years as Councillor, but as Mayor he would have his own pet way of having work done. Members who were not on the Public Works Committee had practically no say and £500 worth could be put through in half an hour. He compared it to the Hospital Board where Mr Hawkes allowed each member a fair chance and business took 21⁄2 to 3 hours, whereas the Council disposed of its business in less than half an hour. He was gagged over the tarring of the road from Gully’s Wharf. The road to Bevan’s had to be maintained, but East Ward picked up all the rates in that quarter. [The new housing area of Graham.]
North Ward had to maintain the Station Road and the one from the racecourse along which all the wheat came. The road in front of the Redruth Memorial Hall was a disgrace. They needed proper plant and they had horses which no one would take for their hides. The Council needed new blood.
The value of the houses and property had shrunk 25 to 50% and he wanted a cut in rates. He knew a house which cost £400 rated at £900.
The Mayor said no work in North Ward was put up to Committee except by a North Ward Councillor and he denied either unfairness or ill-will. Cr Woollacott was hard of hearing which had led to misunderstandings.
Burra Town Council, Monday
Cr Allen moved the suspension of standing orders to demand an apology from Cr Woollacott for remarks made at the Ratepayers’ Meeting. They had constituted a slur on the Mayor that Councillors could not express their opinion. Carried.
Cr Woollacott wanted Cr Allen to put in writing what he objected to.
Mayor: confine yourself to the motion or apologise.
Woollacott: What have I to apologise for? If I hurt anyone’s feelings I am sorry.
Cr Woollacott said he cast no reflection on the personal honour of the Mayor; I criticised certain public actions.
The Mayor said Cr Woollacott refuses to apologise. Eventually Cr Woollacott said:
‘I will apologise for anything I said that was untrue.’
With that Cr Allen was satisfied and moved acceptance. Carried.
[Note that all retiring Councillors had been re-elected unopposed.]
50, 48, 4 Dec. 1929, page 4
Copperhouse Annual School Sports were held 21 November. Results are printed.
Cricket. At Victoria Park the game ended in a draw. Kooringa Colts 50 v. Aberdeen 50 & 83.
Mayor’s Report 1929
Despite a generally bad year for the state building operations in Burra continued to the value of c. £9,500 from which fees of £26-15-0 were raised.
The general account started in credit £112-17-8 and finished in credit £146-16-1.
Regrettably nothing has been done towards enclosing the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial, but such seems to be the wish of the people.
For the Parklands about 60 trees were purchased from Mr Oborn.
The Fire Brigade is doing good work and fortunately calls have been few and the fires small.
The cemetery is well kept.
The Main roads are in good condition and we completed 48 chains from Young St to the Racecourse Gate. It is now ready for sealing in summer. 40 chains from the Hospital have been metalled and may be ready for sealing by April.
We received the deeds of the Aberdeen Croquet Club in trust.
Public Works
A lot of approved work is on the books. Major items:
Bituminise the new road near the railway station.
Footpath from National Bank to Post Office.
New road near Burra Children’s Playground to be completed. [Graham perhaps?]
Road near the Police Station.
Road leading to F.H. Reed’s.
A Civic reception was extended to the Governor on the occasion of his visit to the show.
We note with regret the death of the war-time Mayor the late E.W. Crewes.
Public Works this year come first to the Public Works Committee siting monthly at 7 p.m. and the Chairman of Committee is the Advisory Officer to the Overseer. This has resulted in more expeditious execution of work and kept the Council in touch with the men. This has caused some misunderstanding and irritation with a minority of Councillors. The Finance Committee recommended the allocation of funds according to maintenance needs and this was accepted by Council.
[Accounts then follow.]
Wards accounts presently: North Ward £105-13-1 in credit
East Ward £6-10-9 in debit
West Ward £46-7-9 in credit
50, 48, 4 Dec. 1929, Supplement
Leighton Strawberry Fete run by members of the Ladies Guild in aid of Hall Funds last Saturday raised over £100. Over the years the Hall has been added to as funds allowed and now besides the main hall there is a fine stage with handsome curtains and a valuable piano. At the rear are dressing rooms, committee room, large supper room and a large kitchen. The committee with I.J. Warnes as President decided a few years ago to secure the lease of a block of land some two miles from the hall and this is now leased by the Mid-North Polo Club and Mid-North Croquet Club. There is a tennis court and last, but not least a bowling green has been laid out and planted. It is watered from a well with a windmill and engine attached. Tenders have been called for a galvanised iron fence. Mrs A.B. Riggs Mayoress of Burra opened the fete. The remaining debt on the building is only about £30.
M-C Geering left with Mrs Geering for his new station at Mt Pleasant after 41⁄2 years at Kooringa. The congregation of St Joseph’s presented him with a case of pipes and a silver entrée dish for Mrs Geering. A travelling rug was given by ‘the business community’ and a silver cake dish was also given to Mrs Geering. These latter presentations were made by the Mayor.
Mid-North Polo held their first practice match for the season on 23 November.
Mid-North Croquet Club AGM was held 23 November. Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Vice President, Mrs A.D. McDonald; Hon. Secretary, Mrs A.T. McWaters; Treasurer, Mrs S. Pearce; Captain, Mrs E. Jettner; Vice-Captain, Mrs Hogan.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held its Anniversary 23 November. Rev. E.S. Jew preached.
Marriage. St Edmund’s Booborowie
Violet Pettit, eldest daughter of Mr W. Pettit of Melbourne, married
Jack Allen, eldest son of Mr & Mrs J. Allen of Kooringa.
Obituary. Mrs Madigan of North Booborowie died 1 December. [Born Hanora or Honora or Norah Hannan.]
[See more details next issue page 4.]
50, 49, 11 Dec. 1929, page 2
Raymond Flaherty, eldest son of P.J. Flaherty the stationmaster, injured his eye in a private chemical experiment at Burra High School last Thursday. It was feared his eyes were permanently damaged, but the doctor is now hopeful of saving the sight.
Burra Town Council, 2 December
The Minister of Local Government offers a loan repayable in 5 years at 31⁄2% to be used to give employment to the unemployed on works that would otherwise not be carried out this year. 50% of men are to be drawn from those on Government rations – the others may be single men. All are to be employed half time. This was referred to the Finance Committee.
A further letter from Frank Treloar expresses surprise at the Council’s underhanded dealings on the matter of tree removal.
The Burra School Committee wrote about the dangerous road to the school.
Council found there was no road from the north except to Mr Oborn’s house. The school council was advised to approach the owner of the land with the idea of purchase so that a road could be made.
The mayoral allowance was left at £20.
Salvation Army held the Young People’s Anniversary on 1 & 2 December.
50, 49, 11 Dec. 1929, page 3
Bowls. A team visited Kapunda on Saturday and Burra 103 defeated Kapunda 86.
Cricket. At Farrell’s Flat: Aberdeen 181 defeated Farrell’s Flat 80.
Tennis.
‘B’ Grade Kooringa 9-82 defeated Mt Bryan 6-66.
50, 49, 11 Dec. 1929, page 4
General Aid Society. The Annual Strawberry Fete to aid the Royal Institution for the Blind was held on the first Friday in December and was opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes. Mr R. Fuss erected the stalls at the Burra Institute. Proceeds were c. £83.
Burra Rifle Club. 10th stage of the Woollacott Trophy saw best scores from F.S. Richardson & J.E. Hogan.
Burra RSL Sub-branch has set up a Brandt Relief Fund. Donations totalling £142-2-6 are acknowledged. Also local businesses have written off accounts to the value of £46-15-7.
Red Cross has donated £15, Burra Wounded Soldiers’ Fund has given £10 and the RSA Poppy Day Fund has given £1-10-0.
Red Cross. Quarterly meeting was held 3 December.
The Secretary reported sending £15 to the Brandt Fund. Christmas Cheer of £5 each was allotted to Angorichina Hostel, North Terrace Consumptive Home and Burra Hospital. £2-10-0 each was sent to Keswick & Bedford Park Hospitals. Mrs Augie Brandt will receive £5 in the form of 10/- worth of groceries a week.
Obituary. Mrs Hanorah [sic] Madigan died 1 December aged 66. Her husband died some four years ago. They had previously lived at Carrieton. She was a staunch supporter of the Catholic Church and an ardent worker for it.
50, 49, 11 Dec. 1929, Supplement
Burra Full Court, 4 December dealt with 8 debt cases.
H.J. Button v. G. Hann. This was a claim for £100 allegedly lent without interest in 1925 to the defendant.
Originally the defence was a denial of the debt and if any such did exist it should have been taken into consideration only when partnership accounts were settled, but this was amended to say the plaintiff had promised the defendant £200 if he went into partnership and the £100 claimed was part of that promise. The defendant counter-claimed £100 allegedly due on the agreement.
Harold Button, Commission Agent, said that in 1925 he was manager of Bennett & Fisher in Kooringa and in September started as a commission agent and was engaged to the defendant’s daughter, a typist in their office. He then explained lending Hann £100 so that Hann could leave the employ of Bright & Bright and they went into partnership. Nothing was said of £200, though Hann wanted to borrow another £100 in April 1926. The partnership was dissolved on 7 January 1929. He had married Hann’s daughter in July 1926.
George Hann said he was an auctioneer and commission agent and had been eleven years, but for one month, clerk for Bright & Bright solicitors. He had spoken to Mr Button often about a partnership for some weeks before leaving Bright & Bright. Hann said Bright & Bright paid him £7 a week and other positions brought it up to £10-10-0. Hann said Bright & Bright had also promised that his son would get his law articles. When the question of leaving Bright & Bright arose Hann said Button had offered him £200 and had told him that if the partnership warranted it he could get from it what he had been getting from Bright & Bright. Button had given him £100 and said the other would come later: he could draw on the partnership account. Han then gave Bright & Bright notice. The partnership did not begin until the notice had expired. Button was not at that time a prospective son-in-law. The £100 was not a loan.
In 1926-27 actual work done was £800 by Hann and £400 by Button. (Gross). In the next year it was £1,100 by Hann and £350 by Button. [He then gave details of income which seem to be confused in the report.]
Hann admitted he had drawn amounts that were not recorded in the cash book – to a total of c. £235 over 18 months. He did this he said in accordance with Button’s undertaking that he could top up his income to what Bright & Bright had paid him. He had never claimed the second £100 and did not consider any of the £235 to be part of that £100.
The verdict was for the plaintiff in the amount claimed and the counter-claim was disallowed.
Mr [Guy] Dollman sued Mrs Meers for £65-6-4 for materials and labour on a car. Mrs Meers counter-sued for faulty workmanship.
At the end of March 1929 he and his then employee Mr Winkley had discussed the work to be done on an Overland car and Mr Winkley said it would cost about £35 for labour. Mr Meers gave the go ahead. They were waiting for an oil pump when Meers insisted on taking the car and they patched up the old pump, but warned Meers they could not guarantee the job without the new pump. The old pump failed twice in a period of a couple of weeks. More work was done in July and he wanted then a new camshaft. They asked for part payment of the account rendered – then £50 odd. The plaintiff had received no money by the end of July.
Henry Winkley gave evidence detailing the damage to the car and gave an exhaustive account of the work done on it. He corroborated the plaintiff’s statements.
Barney Hilton Rogers also had worked for Dollman at the time and also corroborated the evidence of Dollman & Winkley.
Thomas Warhurst of North Adelaide gave expert witness evidence as an employee of Overland’s Ltd.
The defendant’s counter-claim was dismissed, but the defence of excessive charges was upheld and the verdict for the plaintiff was for £51.
Farrell’s Flat. The opening of the new supper rooms at the Institute last Saturday is reported at some length. Mr R. Fuss, the contractor, was congratulated for having erected such a fine structure. Mr H.P. Monaghan was handed the key and unlocked the door to open the new rooms. The new rooms also include a ladies dressing room, a gent’s dressing room and a library.
50, 50, 18 Dec. 1929, page 2
Advt. The Burra Mine: Reminiscences of its Rise and Fall
Published by the Burra Institute Committee
A reprint of articles written by Frank Treloar and published in the Record. Price 1/-.
Notice. Burra electric Supply Co. Ltd. Christmas Eve Lighting. Important Notice.
ALL Consumers are informed that on NO account must Electrical Energy from the Company’s mains be used for POWER purposes between the hours of 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve; and as much care as possible should be exercised in consumption for lighting purposes. A disregard of these conditions may result in the whole town being plunged in darkness. The Directors confidently anticipate the kind co-operation of all concerned to prevent inconvenience at such an important period. G.E. Dane, Secretary.
Advt. Mrs S. Carter announces she has started a Home-made Sweets depot in premises opposite Mr George Ridgway’s Aberdeen – light luncheons, home-made cakes and cool drinks.
Cricket. A meeting to form a Leighton Cricket Club was held on 7 December at Leighton Hall. Elected were Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, E. Jettner & Secretary, D.H. Davis.
I.J. Warnes has given the use of the cricket pitch on his property adjoining the hall.
The Brandt Fund has reached £150-8-6.
Burra Seaside Trip. A meeting on Thursday attracted about 25 and it was resolved to go to Semaphore on the first Saturday in February despite Henley & Grange Corporation offering shelter-sheds, hot water and prizes for youngsters and other facilities and their being no word from Semaphore.
Croquet. Clare ladies came on 11 December with their bowlers and Burra 48 defeated Clare 41.
Tennis. Burra Association 17-112 defeated Clare 1-31.
Burra Racing Club. A General Meeting is called for 20 December. The last such was called a few months ago and failed to get a quorum. Time is running out to receive instructions from members and to formulate plans for the coming year.
50, 50, 18 Dec. 1929, page 3
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Strawberry Soiree last Friday in the Cheer-up Hall. The profit was £24-6-0.
The General Aid Society resolved last week to send £25 to the Royal Institution for the Blind and that £25 be divided between Myrtle Bank, Bedford Park and Keswick Hospitals and Angorichina Hostel and the Brandt Fund. £5 would also go to Burra Benevolent Society for the old and needy and £5 to Rev. Lawson’s appeal for a destitute case in Kooringa. £3 would go for trays for use in Burra Hospital Wards.
Ayer’s School marked the end of year at Leighton Hall on Saturday evening when scholars under Miss Crowhurst put on an entertainment that raised £17. Other people also assisted. Miss Mary Longbottom opened proceedings with a piano overture followed by Mr R. Fuss who sang The Admiral’s Broom before the scholars appeared.
50, 50, 18 Dec. 1929, page 4
Girls’ Citizen Club was formed in September under Miss D. Jones of Burra High School and a member of YWCA associated with Redruth Methodism. There is a senior and a junior section. On 11 December a fellowship banquet was organised for a visiting member of YWCA Miss Yuli Kamuri, but ill health forced her to cancel on Monday, though the banquet went ahead with Mrs J.S.W. Coles, Mrs E. Lawson & Mrs E.A. Haese as guests. The induction service for the club was carried out by Miss Glasson representing the National Board of the YWCA from Adelaide, who conducted the Sunday evening service at the church.
50, 50, 18 Dec. 1929, Supplement
J.F. Hogan writes about a Back to Booborowie School held recently and incorrectly described as the Annual Prize Giving. The function was advertised as free whereas a charge was made. Mr Kesting took it upon himself to organise it, but the widely scattered former students are probably wondering why they were not given time and opportunity to attend. With under two score old scholars attending the affair was an inglorious failure. The middle of harvest is no time for such an event. “Unfortunately the stupid attempt to hold a ‘Back to School’ on a few hours notice will, to some extent, take the gloss off any genuine and well organised effort to hold a ‘Back to Booborowie District’ movement.”
Burra Rifle Club held a shoot versus Burra Light Horse and with uneven numbers in the teams it was resolved that the winning side would be decided on the average per man and on that basis Burra won.
Booborowie Visiting Day & Back to School. A small scale back to school and prize giving was held on Friday. Some came dressed in school togs. Old scholars were welcomed. Rev. Dyer thought this taste of the real thing might stimulate the desire for a Back to School on a larger scale. A procession was formed from the school to the hall where each class had a stall to show off their work. A knife and fork tea was provided with old scholars being served first and then the present ones. A short concert by scholars followed after which prizes were distributed. The prize list is printed.
50, 51, 25 Dec. 1929, page 2
Birth. To the wife of Harrold Button on 20 December at Kooringa, a daughter.
E.C. Hammond was given a farewell by the RSL on 20 December at a smoke social. His children Roland & Harold were given a farewell on Tuesday 17 December at St Mary’s Parish Hall by St Mary’s School and Burra High School friends.
The family left on Saturday last. Mr Hammond had been a prominent bowler and a member of the Institute Orchestral Class. He had also been a Councillor [December 1923-November 1925]. Mrs Hammond will be missed from the Croquet Club. She was a Burra girl, the daughter of Mrs & the late J.R. Edwards, who was for years on the clerical staff of Samuel Drew & Co.
Christmas Tree
Mrs Sidney Dowling of the Burra Hotel organised a Christmas tree at the Institute attended by nearly 400 of the town’s children and their parents. Her idea at first envisaged a treat for about 40, but it grew and grew. Admission was by invitation only. The overture was played by Messrs Rosman & Murison at 7.45 p.m. with Father Christmas due at about 8.05 p.m. Ten little girls entertained them in the interim. When Father Christmas arrived presents were snipped off the tree and distributed as the name of the recipient was called. They also received a bag of lollies, some fruit and an ice cream. A sprinkling of adults was included in the process. Refreshments followed. Thanks were expressed on behalf of everyone by Father Cullinan & Rev. Lawson.
Burra Public School broke up on Thursday with a relaxed afternoon of class parties. The prize list and exam results are printed.
[Personal interest: Best homework book Grade 5 Alma Thomson & Mervyn Allen (tie). In Grade 5 Boys Ted Fuss was second and in Grade 5 Girls Joan Fairchild was third.]
Qualifying Certificates to the following (with marks out of 700):
Jean Voumard 607 Robert Lee 520 Bruce Morton 496
William Kearns 587 Cecil Rogers 515 Beryl Oates 472
Frank Griffiths 581 Melva Kakoschke 515 Clem Davey 469
Ron Morrison 570 Walter Williams 515 Melva Bourman 456
Jean McDonald 555 Pat Steer 510 Wilma Phillips 442
Harold Hammond 553 Dorothy Pearce 509 Joyce Lewis 372
Dorothy Bevan 545 Malcolm Thompson 499 Melva Hill 351
Joffre Hill 538
50, 51, 25 Dec. 1929, page 3
Burra Hospital Annual Christmas Tree
It is well over thirty years that this has been held and the festivities on 19 December surpassed all previous efforts. Between 500 & 600 people attended the festival in the Hospital grounds. This year arrangements were taken over by Mrs J.R. Barker & Mrs G.H. Dow assisted by Hospital Secretary Mr G.H. Dow. There was generous financial support from the public. The Institute Orchestral and Choral Classes provided the musical entertainment and seating for c. 350 was provided. The decorations and lighting by Les. Pascoe of the Burra Electric Supply Co. were perfect. The Mayor and Hospital Board attended. [The musical presentations are then described.]
On behalf of Burra Red Cross Mrs W.H. Sandland handed over a cot and Miss Bubb for the General Aid Society presented 12 electro-plated trays for use by patients with egg cups, spoons and vases. Gifts were then distributed to patients and staff.
Ayers School Break-up on Thursday is reported in a 1-column article which includes the prize list. Jean Williams was dux of school.
The Church of England Day School broke up on Thursday with a concert and prize giving. 16 of 18 students examined were promoted. The highest marks were obtained by Frances Spencer in Grade 1 with 97%. Special mention is made of Leonard Bence who missed three months schooling this year, but still managed 89% in Grade 2. Details occupy 1 column.
Burra High School had its annual break-up with a concert and prize giving etc. at the Burra Institute on Thursday evening. Dr Steele, as Chairman of the High School Council presided. The entertainment included music, elocution, drill and dance. Mr Haese presented his report for the year. Enrolments had been a record 61 with an average attendance a record 53. A woodwork centre has been established under Mr Robinson. Clare visited in April and the girls were equal in tennis, while the boys had a first innings win in cricket. The return visit to Clare in June saw the boys badly beaten in football, but the girls were not inferior in basketball. In the combined High school Sports we tied with Clare in third place. Girls from Peterborough visited in September and tied with us in basketball. A small Grade 7 at Burra will see next year’s enrolment drop.
Dux of the school is Beryl Lawson.
Best exam results in 1928 were by Mollie Walker.
Intermediate Certificates in 1928 went to:
Aileen Laurel Walker, Beryl Lyda Lawson, Kenneth Arthur Kellock & Robert Pearson Woollacott.
Domestic Arts Certificates 1n 1928 went to:
Edna Allen, Sheila Fairchild, Roma Flaherty, Audrey McDonald, Elma Nelson, Margaret Pearce, May Bruff and Mavis Riggs.
[Personal interest: in a scene from She Stoops to Conquer, Clarrie Fuss played Marlow and ‘spoke and acted his part well’.]
[Details fill 21⁄4 columns.]
50, 51, 25 Dec. 1929, Supplement
Booborowie. The closing of the school year is reported along with Christmas tree prizes etc. Qualifying Certificates went to: Edna Reynolds, Edna Shattock & Eric Clapp.
The foundations of the new classroom are complete and the walls are going up.
Accident. A landslip at a sandpit about 6 miles from Hallett totally buried John Seigert (25) son of Mr G. Seigert of Hallett except for a hand. He sustained severe bruising and a compound fracture of the leg. It was feared he had permanent spinal injury and he was admitted to Burra Hospital in a critical condition. Good progress has been reported.
St Joseph’s School prize giving etc. and Christmas tree was held on Thursday night at the Convent School. Father Cullinan presided and 70-80 children attended. The children gave a musical program. The prize list is printed. A qualifying Certificate went to Nancy Killicoat.
Koonoona. On Friday Mr & Mrs W.G. Hawkes entertained tenants and employees and their families and c. 70 assembled at the homestead to enjoy tennis on the court below the terraced lawn, races for the children, a treacle bun contest, putting the eye in the pig, the distribution of gifts and a bountiful afternoon tea. There is a description of the homestead area with its mass of briar roses which border the creek for some distance almost to Springbank Estate, making the air redolent with perfume.
Burra Town Council, 16 December
The Railway Department will put the Station Road on the 1930-31 estimates.
An invitation to the Burra High School break-up was accepted.
H. Winkley was given permission to erect two bowsers.
The Town Clerk sent a memo pointing out that as Council revenue had reached a total of £3,000 (actually £3,033) he had to be considered a full-time officer for 1930 and the salary would be (under the award) £295.
The assessment for 1929 was a reduction of £50 on last year [sic].
North Ward East Ward West Ward Aggregate
1928 5062 7313 5246 17621
1929 5079 7288 5304 17671
[Which would seem more like an increase of £50!]
Tennis. Copperhouse 14-96 defeated Hanson 1-29.
Cricket. On 21 December Aberdeen 96 & 103 (199) defeated Hallett 131 & 63 (193).
Burra Benevolent Society, 19 December. Boxes from hotels and businesses yielded £1-16-8. The General Aid Society sent in £5 to make £20 for the year.
Bowls. Clare visited on Wednesday and Clare 116 defeated Burra 81.
Leighton Christmas Tree was again given by Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes at the hall on Saturday. A large crowd and children from Leighton & Ayers School attended. Gifts were distributed to children by Father Christmas followed by a modern dance program and cards in the smoking room.
Characteristics of the 1929 paper.
Page 1.
Normally this has large advertisements for local businesses. Small amounts of news sometimes found their way here.
Page 2.
This is usually full of a couple of large advertisements from Bence’s and Drew & Crewes’ along with a host of smaller advertisements, Local Government notices and classified advertisements. News rarely starts on this page, but occasionally a little may be found in column seven.
Page 3.
This is the main location for news of the town and district with a few large advertisements.
Page 4.
This has a fluctuating ratio of news to advertisements.
Supplements
These were included more often than not. While generally they are the smaller 5-column width format, full sized sheets are not uncommon.
Photographs are fairly common, but very few are local and they normally accompany items of interest from overseas showing things like an airship over Washington DC for instance.
In general the paper carries a lot of local news and is quite a good record of the year’s events in the town. Editorial comment while not entirely absent, is rather minimal.
Numbering of Issues in 1929
The year began with Volume XXXXIXIII Number 1 on 9 January 1929.
And continued to Volume XXXXIXIII Number 51 on 25 December 1929.
Even by the logic of the pseudo-Roman numeral used for 1928 XXXXIXIII is anomalous for 1929
51, 1, 8 Jan. 1930
Page 1 Advertisements
Ernest F. Marston Commercial Printing, Commercial St
G.C. Kuchenmeister Ice Cream, Drinks & Refreshments
Walker & Sons Shoes
E.L. Steer Painter, Paperhanger & Decorator, Aberdeen
T.H. Villis COR Agent, Aberdeen
W.J.C. Ewins Draper, Clothier, Milliner, Kooringa
C.J. Pearce & Son Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer & Funeral Director, Commercial St
T.H. Woollacott & Sons Builders & Contractors, Aberdeen
Jeffery & Byrne Quality Meat Store, Kooringa
K.B. Watts Quality Meat Store, Aberdeen
Guy Dollman Burra Motor Co.
W.R. Lee Ford Dealer
[Kooringa Service Station] Golden Fleece Motor Spirit, Summit Oils & Kerosenes
H. Jennison Tyres, Batteries, Radios & Accessories
W. Malcolm Heath Golden Corn Bakery, Kooringa
Luke Day Home Grown Vegetables
W.G. Terry Tailor, Kooringa
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder, Ironmonger, Aberdeen
Page 2 Advertisements
Alex Bevan Kooringa to Railway Station Passenger & Parcel Service
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Stock & Station Agents, Auctioneers
R.W. Bruce Carrying Service, Adelaide-Burra
Drew & Crewes Pty Ltd General Merchants, Kooringa & Mt Bryan
Bence’s Cash Drapers, Kooringa
H.G. Oates Manager for Fisher & Copley Ltd, Auctioneers, Livestock & Land Agents
F. Spencer Watchmaker & Jeweller, Kooringa
Harrold J. Button Land Agent, Valuator & General Commission Agent
R. Rogers [Advises the sale of his carrying business to M.J. Lock.]
A.L. Clode Carpenter, Builder & Contractor, Aberdeen
Page 3 Advertisements
D. Jones & Son Car Painter, Kooringa
Pederson & Son Shoe Store, Kooringa
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen
Page 4 Advertisements
S.R. King Successor to the late T.F. Robertson, Railway & General Carrier
Mr Laybourne Smith Surgeon Dentist, Friday & Saturday at Mr Bence’s Store
Wright’s Wright’s Motors: Chevrolet Agents
51, 1, 8 Jan. 1930, page 2
Advt. Seaside Trip, Saturday 1 February 1930
Tickets (Return) Hallett – Semaphore 10/- or Burra – Semaphore 8/-. Children half price.
Advt. Porter’s Lagoon Aquatic Sports 27 January. Sheffield Handicap and Races.
Boat Races, Swimming, etc. [Earlier statements had said the water was too low for boating, but rain on the 25 & 26 December had increased the depth.]
1929
This was one of the worst years in SA. For most of the state it was the driest year on record. In the pastoral country many stations have had to be abandoned and the winds accompanying the dry conditions have resulted in sand and dust storms that have killed and buried the bush. Heavy monsoonal rains on 26 December broke the dry spell. Christmas Day was hot, dusty and boisterous, but rain on the 26th was heavy with one shower alone bringing 40 points. On 27 December 75 points fell in half an hour and news from the northeast country began coming in with reports of falls higher than in Burra. Two flood waves came down the Burra Creek and its tributaries for the first time in two or three years. The racecourse was completely submerged. J. Allen, mail contractor, returned last Sunday 5 January and said some of the watercourses had been running until Saturday and there were miles and miles of water lying about in some places 6ft deep. He thinks it will be a couple of weeks before a normal mail run with motor vehicles will be possible. Aldeman’s, The Lagoon and Sturt Vale are cut off and mail could only be delivered by buggy. Whether this is a real breaking of the drought will depend on follow-up rains. Annuals will now come on, but perennials like salt, blue and black bushes will take two to three years to recover. We understand that standing wheat was little damaged
Burra Racing Club met on 20 December and elected N. Hiles Pearse as President and Chairman. The depression in the country led members to decide there would be no registered meeting in 1930, but a picnic meeting will be held on 19 March.
Number Plates. From 1 January 1931 registration numbers on SA motor vehicles will be prefixed with SA and a hyphen.
Burra Town Council, 6 January
The road from Best Place to the railway station gate and the road from there to the western boundary were declared main roads and the road from Young St to the north was removed from that schedule.
The Municipal Assoc. advised that concerning the road sold to Mr Smith that under Section 157 of the Act of 1923 if it could be shown the road had been dedicated it would be a public road.
Cedar trees outside the National Bank are to be lopped to allow signage to be read and to keep berries from falling into spoutings. John Weston’s application to build a four-roomed house in Stock St was approved.
51, 1, 8 Jan. 1930, page 3
Porter’s Lagoon benefited from the close on 4 inches of rain in the district on 25 & 26 December and the usual aquatic sports will now be possible.
L.J. Kesting writes to say that J.F. Hogan’s recent outpourings against the Back to Booborowie School were not only incorrect, but the people directly concerned consider the remarks grossly unfair.
Cricket. At Aberdeen 4 January: North Booborowie 235 v. Aberdeen 6 for 88.
Honey-eaters. There is 1⁄2 column on local honey-eaters.
51, 1, 8 Jan. 1930, page 4
Willalo. There is a report of a School Concert and Christmas tree and a bazaar in aid of the Methodist Church on 1 January which with previous social evenings raised £87-8-5.
Burra Rifle Club. 11th stage of the Woollacott Trophy resulted in best scores from J. Terry and F. Richardson. The aggregate position was then J. Terry with 20 points leading A.C. Aughey on 16.
H.G. Oates won a gold medal at the New Year’s Day Shoot at Clare and the first cash prize. In the teams match Burra won by 4 points from Wallaroo.
Tennis. On Saturday Copperhouse 12-91 defeated Hanson 3-46.
51, 2, 15 Jan. 1930, page 2
RAA. Free road service will soon be available in Burra, probably within a month. The RAA is also preparing a new map.
Beryl Lawson, only daughter of Rev. E. & Mrs Lawson, has excelled at the Leaving Examinations, getting into the Special Honours List for Modern History and Maths I. She got two credits for Maths and passes in English Literature, Latin, Ancient History, Economics and Arithmetic.
Darcy Dane, second son of G.E. Dane, gained a credit in Arithmetic and passes in English, Mathematics & Mathematics Part I, Physics and Chemistry. He attends Prince Alfred’s College.
Miss Millie (Aileen) Walker, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs A.L. Walker, passed in four subjects: Ancient History, Economics, Book-keeping and Shorthand.
Weather. There was a heatwave from 5-10 January with temperatures over 100°F.
Lucerne. The December deluge has brought on magnificent lucerne crops from E. Finch’s Wandillah country to Mt Bryan and on the Booborowie Flats.
M-C Provis, recently appointed to Kooringa brought charges against 10 youths and boys. Four were charged with offensive behaviour for letting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Three boys were apprehended for spitting on L. Wicklein’s windows. This is not the first time this has been done on these and other windows. Two other were charged with disturbing the peace and one for drunkenness. The fines were nominal and costs exceeded the fines.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School Beginners’ & Kindergarten Classes had a Christmas tree on Saturday 21 December for about 50 children.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Hallett 9-79 defeated Willalo 7-62
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 11-84 defeated Booborowie 4-62
Copperhouse 10-81 defeated Mt Bryan 5-69
Aberdeen 8-77 defeated Kooringa 7-79
51, 2, 15 Jan. 1930, page 3
Bowls at Clare on Saturday: Burra 91 defeated Clare 79.
51, 2, 15 Jan. 1930, page 4
Overland to Melbourne by motor car. Part 1 of a six part series.
51, 3, 22 Jan. 1930, page 2
Advt. The Seaside Trip to Semaphore 1 February
Train departs Hallett 5.09 a.m., departs Burra 5.52 a.m. and reaches Semaphore 9.43 a.m.
Train departs Burra 5.09 a.m. and reaches Semaphore 8.46 a.m.
Train departs Semaphore 7.29 p.m., reaches Burra 12.05 a.m. and reaches Hallett 12.45 a.m.
Train departs Semaphore 8.00 p.m. and reaches Burra 12.26 a.m.
[Note the 5.09 a.m. departure from Burra and the 8 .00 p.m. departure from Semaphore were subsequently cancelled due to low ticket sales: 51, 4, 29 Jan. 1930.]
A.C. Aughey farmer of Springbank injured his big toe badly a fortnight ago and on 14 January caught his right arm in the thresher injuring it badly. He was able to stop the machine, but was trapped in a painful position for half an hour before help came. The wounds are mending, but sinew repair will be slow.
Richard Reed turns 93 today. He remains healthy, takes a daily walk and maintains an interest in pastoral activities. He maintains his old Cornish ways and last year when his son brought up a huge Cornish pasty from Gawler said: ‘he was very good too, I had a piece of ’un.’
Croquet. Eudunda ladies visited on Saturday. [The names suggest the local ladies won by 6 points.]
Institute Classes. At the annual meeting of Institute subscribers E.J. Davey queried whether the cost of the Choral & Orchestral Classes was covered by receipts from their entertainments. Mr Radford said they generated £40 per annum which more than covered the lighting expenses and as every member also had to be a subscriber the Institute benefited that way too.
Obituary. George Bailey of Leighton was riding home from the Burra Market on 17 January when he had a seizure and fell dead from his horse. When his horse reached home a search was made and he was found lying dead on the road. He was aged 70. The exertion of halting a bolting team a few days earlier may have hastened his end. He was a farmer and all his life was noted for his high class horses and other stock. He was the youngest son of the late John Bailey Sen. T.H. Bailey of Gum Creek Hanson is the only surviving brother. He is survived by a widow nee Miss Boyd, one son and five daughters: Wilfred Bailey (Farrell’s Flat), Mrs C. Schultz, Mrs White, Mrs T. Schultz, Miss Hazel and Miss Greta Bailey and several grandchildren. [Born 8 Jun 1859 Gum Creek.]
51, 3, 22 Jan. 1930, page 3
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Manse 15 January
Anton Gotthelf (Tom) Heinrich, fifth son of Mr & Mrs G.W. Heinrich of Point Pass, married
Melva M. Riessen [sic], second daughter of Mrs H. Mann of Baldina & the late W. Reissen [sic] of World’s End.
Marriage. St Mary’s Kooringa 16 January
Maurice Francis Pritchard, second son of Mr & Mrs W. Pritchard of Tothill’s Belt, married
Linda Doris Leighton, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs E. Leighton of Booborowie
Marriage. Booborowie Methodist Church 15 January
Joyce E. Willmott, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs George Willmott of Booborowie, married
James Duffus of Broken Hill.
Burra Institute Annual Subscribers’ Meeting 13 January
Mr Radford took the chair in the absence of the President M.W. Bednall through indisposition. The balance sheet showed a deficit of £58 on the tear’s work.
F.J. Fairchild said the Chess Club and dressmaking classes had been of great service. The Chairman said the purchase of a sewing machine and other preliminary expenses concerned with dressmaking would not recur. Elected were President, E.J. Harris; Vice-President, C.D. Wilkinson; Treasurer, G.E. Dane; Secretary, L.S. Penrose.
Bowls. Eudunda visited on Saturday when Burra 126 defeated Eudunda 75.
Polo. On Saturday Mid-North played a triangular game in which the results were: Mid-North 9, Clare Blues 4 & Clare Reds 3.
A.W. Farley writes about voting for the Apoinga DC. The problem he describes concerns the number of votes that Koonoona Estate is entitled to. Koonoona originally exercised 2 votes, then 3 and last year it is alleged they had 5. It is a legal question of tenants, part-owners and a public company or body corporate and requires clarification and a proper legal resolution.
51, 3, 22 Jan. 1930, page 4
Mr & Mrs Meadocroft were farewelled from Booborowie after residing there four years. [There are references to “Bob’s” occupation without saying what it was.]
Overland to Melbourne by motor car. Part 2 of a six part series.
51, 3, 22 Jan. 1930, Supplement
Burra Institute Annual Report
In the year Vice-President J.H. Bryant was transferred to Balaklava and the position was not filled. Also one trustee E.W. Crewes died to be replaced by G.E. Dane.
The library held at 31 December 1929 6,909 books. 383 books and some magazines were withdrawn and either sold or sent to Angorichina Hostel.
12 free scholarship tickets have been allotted to Public School students. Membership had fallen by 21 due to the depressed times.
1928 1929
Double 29 57
Single 250 211
289 268
The Chess & Draughts Club had been successful.
Financially the year began in credit £44-17-7 and ended in debit £13-4-9.
40 students had taken advantage of the dress-making classes.
Orchestral & Choral Classes have been rehearsing The Pirates of Penzance which is expected to be presented early this year.
The classes also performed at the annual Hospital Christmas Tree.
The committee had received a copy of the picture Menin Gate and has recently published The Reminiscences of the Burra Mine which appeared in serial form in the Record last year.
The Institute is in good repair and the librarian and caretaker Mr Davey has carried out his duties in an excellent way.
Burra Rifle Club. 12th stage of the Woollacott Trophy saw best scores from L.H. Dixon & F. Richardson.
Advt. T.H. Thomson of Kooringa has taken over the workshop in Commercial St previously occupied by C.R. Bowey and will undertake repairs to cars, trucks, motor-cycles, push-cycles, tractors, engines, wireless sets etc.
[C.R. Bowey continued as an agent selling a wide range of cars & farm machinery & accessories and his two-column advertisement listed his agencies.]
E. Weatherill of Mt Bryan School has been transferred to Cummins and was given a farewell at a cricket match v. Terowie on 18 January at Mt Bryan.
Cricket. 11 January Aberdeen 57 & 3 for 45 v. Mt Bryan 87.
18 January? Robertstown 198 v. Aberdeen 4 for 76.
Tennis. 18 January
‘A’ Grade Booborowie 9-84 defeated Kooringa 8-75
Copperhouse 9-71 defeated Willalo 7-64
‘B’ Grade Willalo forfeited to Copperhouse
Hallett 11-76 defeated Aberdeen 4-58
Ironmine 12-95 defeated Mt Bryan 3-60
51, 4, 29 Jan. 1930, page 2
Notice. Seaside Trip Saturday 1 February: ONLY ONE TRAIN
Departs Hallett 5.09 a.m. and departs Burra 5.52 a.m.
Departs Semaphore 8 p.m. arrives Burra 12.26 a.m.
Notice. Mr Bednall reports that all his papers were rescued from the fire in Pearce’s Building. He thanks all who helped, especially Miss Motley and M-C Webster. Mr Button has offered the use of two rooms in his offices immediately opposite Pearce’s Buildings pending renovations.
Obituary. Mary Wilks died on 24 January at Burra aged 70. She was the wife of Elias Wilks of Kooringa.
Mrs Elias Wilks of Kingston Terrace [?] died at Burra Hospital on 24 January. She was born at Kooringa on 20 August 1860, the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs David Edwards, pioneers of Burra. She was a Red Cross worker and adherent of Kooringa Methodist Church. She is survived by Mr Wilks and of a family of four only two daughters remain: Mrs A.A. Davey of Kooringa and Mrs S. Davies [Davis] of Mannahill. There are 8 grandchildren.
[She was born at Kooringa 3 august 1859.]
Advt. Kooringa Hotel is under new management: W.F. Osborn late of Wilmington.
Salvation Army. Ensign R. Sutton in charge of the local corps has been transferred to Moonta Mines and Ensign M.F. Fielding has taken his place. In a few days the Ensign is expecting Captain E. Ritter and the two young ladies will then be in charge here.
Richard Reed’s 93rd birthday was celebrated at Mrs W.H. Gare’s on 22 January when 43 family members were present.
Croquet. Jamestown ladies visited and in the end the visitors won by 7. [Though the scores would seem to me to add up to 45 v. 40.]
W.G. Hawkes writes saying the ‘wanderings’ of A.W. Farley are a regular occurrence ‘and there does not appear to be any improvement in the health of the patient.’
Obituary. Thomas S. Robins, late of Copperhouse, died somewhat suddenly on 24 January. The deceased had appeared to be recovering from sunstroke sustained on 7 January but took suddenly ill and died. He and his wife had only moved into Aberdeen on the previous Tuesday. He was born at Woolshed Flat SA in 1861, the son of Mr & Mrs John Robins of Craddock. For 21 years he worked for SAR and until 1918 was stationed at the 240 mile Cottages near Mannahill. On retiring he went to Copperhouse. In 1883 he married Miss Clara Arbery of Quorn who survives with three sons and five daughters: T. Robins (Adelaide), Jack & Joseph Robins (Aberdeen), Mrs M. Cousins (Booborowie), Mrs W. Pearce (Morolana Station near Quorn), Mrs A.J. Davidson (Olary), Mrs J. McCarthy (Adelaide) and Mrs P.W. Hogan (Aberdeen). There are 32 grandchildren.
[Thomas Sevanus Robins was born 16 September 1861 in Hundred of Alma and married Leah Clara Arbery 12 November 1887.]
51, 4, 29 Jan. 1930, page 3
Fire. Pearce’s Building was gutted by fire in the early hours of Monday. Mrs J. Kellock of Queen St raised the alarm. She had been awake awaiting a bus to take a passenger from the house. Mr Kellock phoned the post office and the fire brigade was alerted. By the time the brigade arrived it was impossible to save the building and efforts had to be directed towards saving Horton Jennison’s motor garage and tyre retreading plant and service station to the west and the Bank of Australasia to the east. The service station was alight, but Mr R. Brinkworth of Elder, Smith & Co. played Mr Jennison’s own hose on it till the brigade arrived and the building was saved. The fascia of the bank also caught alight, but the brigade was able to save the building.
Pearce’s Building is two stories and the front portion comprised eight offices, four on the ground floor and four on the upper, with a vestibule and landing. The lower rooms were occupied by Mr M.W. Bednall solicitor and Mr E.A. Mummery dentist. The upper rooms were occupied by Mr Mummery, Miss Alice Wilson dressmaker and Miss N. Sorensen dressmaker. On the second floor at the rear of the building was a large hall 30ft x 20ft known as the Cheer-up Room. The fire appears to have started on the western side of the ground floor as Mr Mummery’s rooms and Miss Wilson’s are completely gutted and also Miss Sorensen’s on the top floor eastern side.
The offices of Mr Bednall were not ablaze, but fire was eating through the ceiling and doors. M-C Webster forced his way through the front window to save what was possible. Recognising that he would not know what was important to save, Miss Motley (Mr Bednall’s stenographer) pluckily entered the room through the window and defying the threat from burning rafters helped to rescue about £500 worth of Mr Bednall’s professional library. The office also held the greater number of the pamphlets of the History of the Burra Mine written by Mr Frank Treloar and these were mostly destroyed by water. Mr Bednall was in Kadina at the time, but being notified was back by 8.30 a.m.
Losses:
Miss Sorensen who had two rooms on the top floor was uninsured and lost machines, fixtures, equipment, materials and all her personal wardrobe. (She was a boarder at the Commercial Hotel opposite.)
Miss Alice Wilson had a room opposite Miss Sorensen and was insured, but lost many things that are irreplaceable. She lost machines, fittings, frocks and material.
Mr Mummery lost his workshop and machinery on the upper floor and the contents of his rooms on the ground floor. He is believed to be insured.
The Cheer-up Room was also destroyed along with seating and seven large tables.
The whole building was insured and the walls appear sound. The fire appears to have started on the ground floor on the western side in Mr Mummery’s back room. The building was constructed by the late John Pearce in 1914 and is part of his estate owned by his daughters. It was notable in the war years as the home of the Cheer-up Society, formed early in 1915. Mr Pearce placed the hall at their disposal rent free for the war. The Red Cross and League of Loyal Women also had it rent free and till his death in 1927 Mr Pearce never made a charge for patriotic or charitable uses. The origin of the fire is a mystery. Damage is estimated at £2,000.
Burra Rifle Club visited Brinkworth on Saturday where Burra 704 defeated Brinkworth 664.
Bowls. Jamestown visited Burra last Monday and Burra 128 defeated Jamestown 73.
Burra Local Court, 24 January
Max Pearce of Kooringa was charged with speeding in Market Square on 17 January. The case was dismissed on a series of somewhat legalistic arguments, but one of them is somewhat curious: ‘That there is no rate prescribed within the Corporation of Burra.’
Walter Finch was fined 10/- plus court fees for the same offence.
E.A. Bristow was fined 10/- + costs for parking without lights in Commercial St.
E.T. Williams was fined 5/- + court fees for parking without lights in Bridge St.
Overland to Melbourne by motor car. Part 3 of a six part series.
51, 4, 29 Jan. 1930, page 4
Burra Town Council, 20 January
Cost for the Fire Brigade for the year: £78.
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. is willing to give the Council the piece of land required for a road to the school and the land between the proposed road and the school if the Council pays the transfer fees and legal costs. These would be about £10. The offer was accepted.
Cr Morgan and the Mayor were given power to buy a new horse. One of the present horses is too old to be used safely.
51, 5, 5 Feb. 1930, page 2
Notice. Mr E.A. Mummery has taken the premises lately occupied by Mr Stanley Lane in Market Square where he will resume business at an early date.
Miss May Buff of Burra High School was the only one of the High School students who came through the exam. She is the daughter of Mr & Mrs Buff of Mt Bryan.
Pearce’s Building Fire. Our first report suggested a 10 minute delay before the siren blew, but we have now found only three or four minutes elapsed and in that time all the firemen had been notified. Only eight minutes elapsed before the first hose was secured to the plug in front of Pascoe’s shop. The new mains provided wonderful pressure.
Rev. Father R.F. Cullinan of St Joseph’s has been transferred to Whyalla after only 12 months here.
Weather. It has been very hot with temperatures over 100°F for days. A thunderstorm dropped 20 points in Aberdeen and 12 in Kooringa on Monday and there are scattered reports of falls in the east as well. To the north there have been heavy falls. The Flinders Ranges report falls from one to two inches and above, while Yunta got 2.05”. Heavy falls at Riverton and Saddleworth were especially welcome at the former where seven large haystacks in the heart of town had been burning for some days.
Marjorie Riggs was given a farewell at Kooringa Methodist Sunday School on Thursday 30 January prior to her marriage. She had been a teacher in the Primary Department and for the past three years acted as pianist. She had been a choir member for the church and on the death of Miss Trix Pearce she and Miss Jean Herbert had filled the position of organist.
Seaside Trip. On 1 February about 1,000 people between Manoora and Hallett made the journey to Semaphore. One train was sufficient this year, perhaps because the Exhibition opens in March. One of the big engines drew the train to Dry Creek where a lighter one was substituted. Trains ran to time. Many of course went to the city for the ‘Talkies’ or to Victoria Park, but the majority enjoyed the beach and many old Burraites met friends at the seaside. The secretary Mr Will. Lee did his part well.
51, 5, 5 Feb. 1930, page 3
Polo. On Saturday at Leighton two Clare teams visited.
Mid-North ‘A’ 7 defeated Clare ‘A’ 2 while Clare ‘B’ 9 defeated Mid-North ‘B’ 0.
Burra Burra Show Inc. The General committee met on Monday and decided that neither the two day show nor the move to the first Friday & Saturday in October had been successful. They resolved to revert to a one day show on 4th Wednesday in October subject to the consent of the Northern Shows Association.
Mayor’s Christmas Fund & Benevolent Soc. enabled 43 residents to receive 10/- each towards Christmas cheer.
Cricket. Aberdeen 86 & 2 for 43 v. North Booborowie 62.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club held its third annual meeting on Foundation Day 27 January. Although the lake was fairly shallow it was a very successful meeting. The improvements made were much appreciated and upwards of 1,000 people and 400 cars attended. In addition to the athletic and aquatic events there were sideshows and the Point Pass Brass Band, but they did not play frequently enough with an hour or so between items. Officials were: Patron, W.G. Hawke; President, H.C. Atkins; Vice-Presidents, E.B. I’Anson & W. Carter and Hon. Sec. & Treasurer, A.J. Smith.
Mr Smith will be greatly missed in the future, as he is about to leave the district. Mr Hawkes of Anama brought over his hydroplane and did some fast runs around the lake. Results are printed.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Burra 96 defeated Kapunda 84. Burra now holds the cup.
Tennis, 25 January.
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen forfeited to Willalo
Kooringa 9 defeated Hallett 6 [Though listed at the end of ‘B’ Grade.]
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 9-78 defeated Hallett 6-66
Ironmine 10-88 defeated Kooringa 5-66
Aberdeen 11-95 defeated Willalo 4-69
Booborowie 10-11 defeated Mt Bryan 5-75
1 February
‘A’ Grade Willalo 11-85 defeated Booborowie 5-57
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 13-93 defeated Mt Bryan 2-33
Ironmine 9-88 defeated Copperhouse 6-75
Booborowie 10-15 defeated Willalo 5-24
51, 5, 5 Feb. 1930, Supplement
Overland to Melbourne by motor car. Part 4 of a six part series.
51, 6, 12 Feb. 1930, page 2
Advt. Burra Picnic Race Meeting Wednesday 19 March at the Racecourse in Aberdeen.
Main event the Burra Picnic Handicap over one mile: 1st Prize £6.
Notice. Burra Town Council declaration of rates: General Rate 2/6 in £.
Obituary. Robert (Bob) Bell, third son of Hugh Bell of Kooringa, died 6 February at Rockhampton Queensland aged 40, late of Yalpunga NSW.
Rev. Father Morrissy succeeds Father Cullinan and arrived at take charge of the parish last week.
Mr & Mrs G.W. Heinrich of Point Pass and late of World’s End celebrated their golden wedding on Wednesday 5 February.
Weather. In the last two weeks several days in succession have been over 100°F and Sunday reached 110°F. There were scattered thunderstorms on Friday and a terrific downpour on Mr George Tiver’s Rupara Station dropped over 3 inches and a number of places recorded falls between 42 points and 1 inch. Newikie and Dust Hole Creeks ran bankers and Burra Creek came down, but the ground was so parched that it only got about two miles on this side of Mt Bryan.
Burra School. A grey snake entered the junior room on Monday. The 90-100 students were told to stand on their desks by Miss Olah Pearce, the teacher-in-charge. There was no panic and the headmaster Mr Oborn quickly despatched the reptile.
51, 6, 12 Feb. 1930, page 3
Burra Town Council, 3 February
Cr Morgan reported that having inspected two horses on offer to the Council both were so good that they decided to buy both and the Overseer had tried them out and agreed.
The Council’s grey horse was now 21 and horses of that type were no longer bred in great numbers. The action was endorsed.
Local Government Dept. is unable to accede to a request for a special grant to cover recent flood damage.
There was discussion about how best to get the most economical work from the Town Clerk now that he had to be a full-time officer.
Cr Pearce said if he was a full-time Town Clerk they would have to appoint other officers for inspector and ranger.
Cr Woollacott thought that if they gave him £36 extra and let him have the same hours as before and to do all his outside work it would not be legal.
The Mayor disagreed.
Cr Woollacott felt it unfair that they were paying a full-time salary for two days work a week.
In the end the town Clerk’s duties were laid down as in the past.
The rate was moved by Cr Allen to be 2/6 instead of 2/9.
The Mayor said it would reduce the rate income by £315 and if carried the Town Clerk would not be a full-time officer next year. Carried.
Cr Pearce moved that ward allocations of funds by 4/14 for North Ward, 6/14 for East Ward and 4/14 for West Ward (out of £1,148).
Last year’s allocations based on length of road and footpaths he deemed unfair, as among other objections it failed to take into account East Ward’s numerous bridges. In the last two years actual amounts spent had been East Ward £651, North Ward £663 and West Ward £520, while the actual rates collected were East Ward £1,866, North Ward £1,319 and West Ward £1,389. North Ward had also had a local road put in order from the Main Road funds – at not less than £275.
[Presumably because of recent changes to the main roads schedule.]
North Ward had more than its fair share in the last four years.
Cr Woollacott moved as an amendment that the question of allocations be referred back to the Finance Committee. He countered Cr Pearce’s arguments with ones that North Ward had greater lengths of local roads which are used by everyone, whereas East Ward has only the cemetery road of that sort. Also they had roads on hills that were cut out every rain. Further North Ward funds had been used to help pay for bridges near W. Geake’s & W. Finch’s and the ford at the Pig & Whistle. The Mayor said no to the ford.
Cr Morgan supported Cr Woollacott and said North Ward’s roads were the worst in the town.
The Mayor said last year the allocation worked out at 5/14 for West Ward, 5/14 for East Ward and 4/14 for North Ward. The current proposal gave East Ward an extra 1/14. The amendment was lost.
Ayers St Bridge is being repaired. (Its walls are being attended to.)
The RSL will have a regular article in the paper. The AGM is due on 7 March.
Marriage. At Kooringa Methodist Church 5 February
Marjorie Riggs, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Arthur Riggs of Kooringa, married
John William Marsh, third surviving son of Mr T.N. & the late Mrs Marsh of Spalding.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 10-88 defeated Booborowie 6-64
Copperhouse 11-91 defeated Kooringa 6-67
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 8-78 defeated Booborowie 7-82
Mt Bryan 12-89 defeated Willalo 3-39
Burra Rifle Club. In the 13th stage of the Woollacott Trophy the best scorers were R. McKinlay and J. Terry.
51, 6, 12 Feb. 1930, page 4
Oakvale Station. Mr & Mrs Billing were farewelled on 1 February. Mr Billing has secured a lease over some 70,000 acres in the Wilcannia District of NSW. He has been a resident of the east for about 22 years and has managed Oakvale for over 20 years. Mrs Billing has spent most of her married life on the station. Presentations of a mahogany clock and travelling bag were made.
Miss Phyllis Ireland was farewelled from Oakvale station on 1 February, having been practically reared there. Suitable presents were given and dancing to the wee hours followed.
Overland to Melbourne by motor car. Part 5 of a six part series.
51, 6, 12 Feb. 1930, Supplement
Booborowie School. Carpenters began work on the new classroom on Monday with six men on the job.
Mr D. Keynes’s right arm was badly hurt when his sleeve caught in the belt of the winnowing machine at his home. He is being cared for by Mrs Keynes who served as a nurse at the front in the Great War.
51, 7, 19 Feb. 1930, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Clearing sale at the late residence of Mrs Boz Pearce on the corner of St Just St and The Crescent opposite the Aberdeen Tennis Courts on 28 February. Mrs Pearce has left the state.
Advt. Tenders are called for the purchase of the Old Institute at Hallett.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its postponed picnic at Johnson’s Creek on Princess Royal Estate last Saturday. Sports and games preceded a fine spread.
Cr Frank Harris resigned from Council at the meeting of the Town Council on Monday. After 9 years’ service he has found ill-health has the decision. He has given service to the town for many years and in the Great War he was, with the late Miss Trix Pearce, organiser of the Cheer-up Society.
51, 7, 19 Feb. 1930, page 3
Seaside Trip 1930. A special railcar leaves Burra at 7 a.m. on Saturday for Semaphore and departs Semaphore at 7.30 p.m. The fare is 7/6 return. Apply to Mr N. Drummond at the railway station.
Thelma White, niece of Mrs E. Lawson and resident of Kooringa for two years, has decided to take up nursing and was given a farewell social in Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall.
Burra Institute. Committee Meeting 10 February
Mr Bednall will report on the question of incorporation at the next meeting. Mr Bednall reported the loss of the majority of the booklets The History of the Burra Mine in the recent fire at Pearce’s building.
Porter’s Lagoon is again receding, but many patrons are still spending time there on Sunday evenings. The recent sports meeting produced a profit of c. £28 which under the circumstances is very acceptable.
Bowls. Alberton Oval team visited on Saturday by special railcar and Alberton Oval 156 defeated Burra 133.
Burra Rifle Club. 14th stage of the Woollacott Trophy. R.G. Nutt & C.H. Dixon scored best, but the aggregate to date has J. Terry 25 leading F. Richardson 22.
Burra Basketball Assoc. AGM 11 February. The Association is in credit £6-10-6. Elected were Patron, L.W. Gebhardt; President, S.S. Dowling; Secretary, J.E. Pocock & Treasurer, L. Laurenti.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 9-87 defeated Hallett 9-84
Kooringa 10-83 defeated Willalo 6-76
Copperhouse 15-93 defeated Booborowie 0-43
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 9-86 defeated Booborowie 6-74
Kooringa 9-86 defeated Willalo 6-70
Ironmine 12-92 defeated Aberdeen 3-67
Hallett 8-79 defeated Mt Bryan 7-65
Kooringa Methodist Church Thanksgiving Services 16 & 17 February produced a record offertory of £35-10-0.
Burra Court, 13 February
G.A.E. Kakoschke was charged with allowing a cream horse to stray in St Just St and for a case that was dismissed it is reported in remarkable detail extending about 2⁄3 column.
Herbert Morgan was charged with allowing a cow to stray in Creek St Graham. Creek St has no motor traffic and abuts onto St Just St. Case dismissed on the inability to identify the cow with sufficient precision.
RSL Notes. The objectives of the League are listed.
M.J. Marchant is in Burra Hospital after an operation.
‘Pat’ Aughey is recovering from a serious accident.
51, 7, 19 Feb. 1930, page 4
Mr & Mrs G.W. Heinrich’s golden wedding was celebrated at Point Pass on 5 February 1930 and is reported at length in c. 12⁄3 columns. Mr Heinrich was born at Hallett’s Valley near Tanunda in 1854, the son of T. Heinrich. He took up land at Baldina in 1876. Four years later he married Miss A.E. Hetzell of Hallett’s Valley. They relinquished farming six years ago and settled in Point Pass. There are six sons and four daughters: J.A., O.W., C.A. & B.E. Heinrich all of Black Springs, Tom of World’s End, H. of Oulnina Park Station Mannahill, Mrs H.A. Niemz of Bower, Mrs E. Kotz of Emu Downs and the Misses A. & B. of Point Pass.
[Gottlieb Wilhelm Heinrich married Anna Emilie Hetzel or Hatzel.
The boys were: Johannes Alwin, Oswald Wilhelm, Carl Alfred, Ewald Beno, Anton Gothelf & Herbert Theodore.
Mrs Niemz was Meta Sophie Elisabeth, Mrs Kotz was Laura Emilie and the two Misses Heinrich were Anna Alwine & Bertha Rosina.]
Overland to Melbourne by motor car. Part 6 of a six part series.
51, 7, 19 Feb. 1930, Supplement
Cricket. At Aberdeen 8 February North Booborowie 178 v. Aberdeen 8 for 71.
51, 8, 26 Feb. 1930, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council calls tenders for the erection of two yards for use as a pound on a site situated in Kooringa. Tenders are also called for the position of pound keeper. Applicants are to sate the remuneration required.
Seaside Trip. About 70 Burra residents took advantage of the special railcar to Semaphore on Sunday 23 February. Residents of Manoora had arranged the excursion, but were unable to guarantee the necessary numbers. Burra railway staff got busy and soon obtained the necessary passengers.
Jim McBride, son of Tom McBride of Redcliffe Station broke his right leg on Saturday evening when the horse he was riding slipped on the railway line at Aberdeen and fell on him.
Brigadier & Mrs John Ward of the Salvation Army have been visiting Burra. The Brigadier is well known in the town, having lived here as a youth with his aunt and uncle Mr & Mrs J. Ward, fruiterers, who had a business on the spot where W.R. Lee’s garage now stands.
Father J.F. Cullinan left Kooringa for Whyalla last Friday. He was a broad-minded young man with a genial personality and had endeared himself to the whole community. He recalled memories of the late Father Reddan who died some years ago whilst in charge of the parish and whose influence raised the tone of football, being one of Kooringa Club’s most prominent players. Father Cullinan was farewelled on 16 February and presented with a wallet of notes. Dr Killian, the Bishop of the Diocese was also present. Father Morrissey has had to take sick leave and until he can take up the parish Father Hentschke from Jamestown will oversee it.
[James Patrick Redden died 1 June 1910 aged 40 at Pekina, residence Kooringa. He was away on sick leave for long periods after 1906.]
51, 8, 26 Feb. 1930, page 3
Burra’s Annual Reunion at Adelaide Botanic Gardens took place on Saturday. The deaths of K. Ewins and J. Harry removed two of the familiar faces from last year. A list of those present is printed. [Of personal interest those present included: Mrs M.B. Greenwood (nee Alwine/Elvine Fuss), Mrs A.B. Riggs nee Myrtle Fuss, Mrs A. Fuss nee Emmaline Rabbich and her husband August Fuss and Mrs C. Fuss nee Robertson. This last name is probably an error for Mrs C. Fuss nee Rumball. There was a Mrs P.A. Fuss nee Robertson, but she was married in 1925 and less likely to have been of the age group attending this reunion.]
Croquet. Burra visited Clare on 12 February where Clare 46 defeated Burra 35.
Burra visited Eudunda on 22 February where the paper says the visitors won by 14 points, but the scores seem to suggest a win to Eudunda by 14 points.
Kooringa Police Court, 18 February
Nine young men were each fined 2/6 for being unlawfully on the property of A.J & P.A. McBride – it being a portion of the old brewery.
CWA. Lady Stonehaven the wife of the Governor-General has consented to becoming the Patroness.
Obituary. A.C. MacDonald died on Friday morning. [Alexander Cornfute MacDonald died 21 February 1930 at North Adelaide, residence Macclesfield aged 68.]
Bowls. At Clare on 12 February Clare 105 defeated Burra 87.
At Eudunda on Saturday Eudunda 107 defeated Burra 78.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Hallett 13-90 defeated Booborowie 3-66
Copperhouse 9-77 defeated Aberdeen 6-66
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 9-83 defeated Aberdeen 6-70
Hallett 11-90 defeated Booborowie 4-65
Ironmine 11-87 defeated Willalo 4-75
Booborowie School. The new classroom is nearly finished. Plastering remains to be done.
51, 8, 26 Feb. 1930, page 4
Burra Town Council, 17 February
A.J. Potter requested the demolition of the old cottage opposite his residence in Commercial St be hurried up as it was a camping ground for undesirables. [Mrs Howell’s.]
Cr Woollacott said he was the contractor and it would be done at once.
Cr Frank Harris’s resignation due to ill-health was received and accepted with regret and a minute of appreciation was recorded. The fine was waived.
The Inspector complained that the attitude of the Bench re proof of an animal’s ownership was quite contrary to the meaning of the Act and 11 cases were recently withdrawn as a result. Apparently all anyone has to do is say they are not the owner and the bench will rule in their favour. It would seem that a public pound is the only solution.
Cr Woollacott said the Inspector had his sympathy in trying to put a stop to stock straying, as only recently as only recently he had £20 damage done to his garden by stray stock.
[But he then launched into an attack on the Inspector for his inadequate identification of livestock amid attempts by the Mayor to get him to stick to the motion which was the receiving of the Inspector’s report. Other Councillors then got in on the act. They all agreed that straying stock was a nuisance, but some joined Cr Woollacott in attacking the Inspector’s actions. One might be excused for doubting Cr Woollacott’s bona fides in this matter given the number of times he had been fined over the years for straying stock.]
Cr Pearce appeared to hint that Cr Morgan visited people in Kooringa who had received summonses and that such visits might not be serving the Council’s best interests.
The Mayor said that Cr Morgan can refuse to answer that question.
Cr Pearce: ‘One of the men summonsed had come straight and told him what Cr Morgan had suggested to him.’
A committee was appointed ‘to go into this matter to bring something concrete to go on with’.
[Presumably this referred to the wider question rather than Cr Morgan’s alleged activities.]
Sgt McDonald had approached the Mayor concerning the unemployed to see if Council could employ them in connection with the Child Welfare League. [They would be working in return for rations.]
Cr Woollacott didn’t like the scheme. He felt men were asked to do more work than the rations were worth.
The Mayor said they would not be so asked.
The Sergeant’s problem was not knowing who to hand rations to unless there was some scheme devised.
Other Councillors saw it as a way of cleaning up the town.
The Mayor undertook that they would get 15/- worth of rations for 15/- worth of work and a motion in favour of the scheme was passed.
The Mayor proposed to set in motion the process for selling about 30 unclaimed lots in North Ward so they would generate rates.
51, 9, 5 Mar. 1930, page 2
Arthur Sedgman who recently went to Peterborough to manage a cash-and-carry business for Mr E.J. McKenzie of Kooringa is recovering from an operation for appendicitis.
Air-Pilot F.C.R. Jacques of Parafield arrived in Burra on Saturday afternoon in an Avro and landed at Maurice Collins’s paddock near Copperhouse. A number of people took flights on Sunday.
Salvation Army. Adjutant Dulcie Bruse, formerly of Burra, has been appointed Chief Women’s Side Officer at the Training Garrison in Melbourne. She is the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Bruse Jnr and spent her childhood here.
Weather. We have had another heat wave with a week of temperatures near 100°F. Some thunderstorms have dropped considerable falls in confined patches.
Light Horse Notes. [References to the local Light Horse have been very few throughout the 1920s. Some years they are mentioned going to their annual camp.]
Lieut. M.T. Fuller & Cpl R. Jeffery attended a voluntary week-end camp on 22 & 23 February.
There will be a military sports program next Anzac Day in the city, with a camp at Keswick and an encampment in the Easter Holidays at Gawler from 18 to 21 April. The local troop has vacancies for 8 recruits at present.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 9-80 defeated Booborowie 6-76
Copperhouse 12-91 defeated Mt Bryan 3-63
Aberdeen 8-68 defeated Kooringa 7-65
‘B’ Grade Hallett 11-89 defeated Willalo 4-70
Aberdeen 9-84 defeated Kooringa 6-69
Kooringa Police Court, 3 March
John Hemson Hicks who came to Burra some five weeks ago was fined £1 or seven days in jail for drunkenness and sentenced to 1 month in jail for being an idle and disorderly person and a concurrent 14 days for riotous behaviour in the police cells.
Ironmine Tennis Club which has fine courts at Ironmine recently held a bazaar and dance to raise money for a shelter shed and netted about £23.
Croquet. Leighton ladies visited on 27 February and won by 2 points.
Clare ladies visited 1 March and won by 11 points.
51, 9, 5 Mar. 1930, page 3
Bowls. Clare visited on Saturday and Clare 91 defeated Burra 83.
Cricket. 15 February: Aberdeen 44 & 127 (171) defeated Mt Bryan 43 & 64 (107).
Burra Rifle Club. In the third stage of the Championship best scores were by R.G. Nutt & W. Woodman.
51, 10, 12 Mar. 1930, page 2
The Seaside Trip Committee has reported a profit of £25-13-0 on the trip and it was decided to donate £5-13-0 to the Kooringa Children’s Playground.
Redruth Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival last Sunday & Monday in the Memorial Hall. The offertory was £27. [Details in 3⁄4 column.]
51, 10, 12 Mar. 1930, page 3
RSL, AGM was held 7 March in the Club Room with President H.G. Oates in the chair.
The President’s Report stated that despite the bad economic conditions membership had increased by 18. Though the year had operated profitably to the degree of £2-15-8 the bank balance had actually fallen from £67-13-7 to £27-4-8 due to paying off old accounts that were carried forward from previous years. The nett profit on the dance had been £30-12-1. Several successful smoke socials were held. Major Copley gave an interesting lecture on his overland trip to Darwin. A successful fund was established to aid the late Augie Brandt. Cash donations totalled £154-19-0. Accounts for £68-5-7 were written off. Patriotic Societies contributed £21-10-0 and the SA Soldiers’ Fund made a substantial weekly payment, a smaller part of which continues to his widow. The total benefit was about £300. The President thanked all for the splendid attendance of 30.
Elected were President, H.G. Oates; Vice-Presidents, R.C. Sexton, W. Anderson & L.M. Gordon; Treasurer, J.F. Stephen of the Commercial Bank; Secretary, G.H. Dow.
A motion was passed to get the quorum at general or special general meetings reduced from 20 to 10.
On the question of forming an Employment Bureau the matter was not of great importance in Burra at present. Of the 66 members 32 were in primary production, 20 were engaged in business, 14 were labourers and 2 were unemployed. Of non-members on the Honour Roll a rough count suggested that 6 were in business, 33 in primary production and 31 were labourers. A number of the last group were unemployed. If we have another bad year the question will arise and he suggested a sub-committee to deal with unemployment and to form an Employment Bureau if possible.
Mr Carpenter said 2,000 returned men were on unemployed lists in the city at the Labour Bureau.
The suggestion was carried.
The Burra Rifle Club wrote asking if the RSL objected to their having an all-day match on 25 April. No objection was raised.
J.H. Hogan raised the question of ‘The Guns’ now moved to either side of Lewis’s Bridge in the Council Gardens. When they arrived he didn’t like them, but considering the fuss made to get them and with the passage of time he now felt their removal was symptomatic of how some folks treat the digger – pushed to one side. He moved that the Council be asked to return them. When they were moved it was done hurriedly and apparently on advice from the RSL, but actually only on the private views of a few members.
Mr Spencer mentioned the mortar first sent and how Mr Hughes had been prevailed upon to send the pair of larger guns. Their subsequent treatment was a disgrace.
Mr Jennison moved an amendment that they be placed on either side of the entrance to the Institute where they would be enclosed. The amendment was lost and the motion carried unanimously.
Burra Town Council, 3 March.
S. Kellaway was elected to the extraordinary vacancy caused by the resignation of Cr Harris.
(The nomination of G.C. Kuchenmeister was invalid.)
Cr Kellaway had previously represented East Ward.
H.J.B. Jennison was permitted to install a Texaco petrol tank.
The Mayoress advised she was willing to undertake the sale of Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Soc. badges again this year.
The Committee on Stray Stock recommended:
Two yards be erected as a pound at the Corporation Depot.
H. Cullen’s application as keeper be accepted at 7/6 a week.
R. Woodman’s tender to erect yards be accepted at £2-10-0.
Cr Woollacott objected to this being handled by committee instead of by the whole of Council. He objected to the tender notices going out before the whole of Council had approved the moves. Council now had no say on where the pound was to be. Such moves would not be tolerated by Parliament or even the Hospital Board – ‘the whole business was rotten and had been ever since the present Mayor had occupied the chair’.
The Mayor declared Cr Woollacott out of order and unfamiliar with Council procedure. The cost of the procedure so far had been perhaps 15/-. Committees must get Council approval to spend over £20. If recommendation 1 fails, then 2 & 3 fail. If 1 is passed then 2 & 3 might reasonably be expected to pass and therefore save Council time.
Cr Pearce took exception to Cr Woollacott’s attack as did Cr Allen.
Cr Woollacott persisted with his views.
Cr Lee thought Cr Woollacott misunderstood the role of the committee.
The three recommendations were accepted.
Other minor works were approved.
Cr Allen said there was dissatisfaction about Child’s Welfare Department rations. Some said they had received half rations for a day’s work.
The Mayor said this was due to a misunderstanding by the men of the regulations. A fortnight had to elapse between issues and some men had received rations before the Council work and Sgt McDonald had not the power to issue full rations again. The Mayor would in future see that all men were treated fairly.
There was then discussion about commodities that were supplied. Some of which (like rice and sago) were not wanted, or not wanted in the quantities given. Commodities were inflexibly laid down by the Government. The Mayor believed Drew & Crewes might exchange commodities if approached in the right manner.
The top road to the station had been tar-dressed. He suggested it be made one way because the lower road owned by the Government was in such a bad state that all traffic would otherwise use the top road.
The Town Clerk was instructed to get particulars needed to declare it a one-way road.
The Government had undertaken to repair their road, but would not do so before 30 June and perhaps not for 12 months.
51, 10, 12 Mar. 1930, page 4
State Elections
Liberal candidates spoke at Burra on 3 March before an almost full Institute. Hon. G. Jenkins & Messrs R. Carter & P.A. McBride. The depression seems to have awakened interest, as 50-100 would previously have been a good audience. M.A. Radford took the chair.
Mr Carter said the Butler Government had come in facing large loans taken out by the Labor Party and also other commitments. It had faced the problems and increased taxation had been essential. He discussed changes in the Crown Lands Department and denied the Government had been harsh. Drought and frost relief had cost £250,000 a year. Subsidies had been paid to allow stock and fodder to travel at half rates on the railways. The country had received more than its share of help over the period. The candidates naturally spent a good while on the economic problems of large debts and excessive increases in imports not balanced by growth in exports. They also attacked the arbitration system for wages. It was often said all road money went on the city, but actually it had received £345,465 and the country got £2,154,872. All the candidates favoured a referendum on the closing of liquor bars on Saturday afternoons.
51, 10, 12 Mar. 1930, Supplement
Burra Show Society, AGM
President’s Report 1930
Two valuable committee members died in the year: E.W. Crewes & A.G. Kellock.
The old committee was re-elected.
Sheep Dog Trials were held 12 & 13 April and good entries were received with the local class being the neglected one.
The Governor had attended the show held on 4 & 5 October. We wondered how the bad season would affect the show. Day one was a good day, but on day two there was a dust storm most of the day and this had resulted in a loss on the show of £22-7-1, but we did pay out more in prizes that ever. Patronage was good and all classes of entry except cattle were good. In the year £68 was spent on improvements. With the grounds now in order the committee do not consider a caretaker necessary.
Finance this year is not as satisfactory. Last year a profit of £151 compared with a loss this year of £22. This year the pictures showed a loss and the previously profitable Terowie train also made a loss. The Adelaide train about broke even. The General Committee has recommended for 1930 a one-day show at the later date of 22 October. The catering by Mrs Rowe gave satisfaction to all. All things considered: the depression, the drought and the bad weather on the show day, they had done well.
Mr Radford said he thought the loss on the dog trials of £20-14-3 did not take into account the number of members who joined only because of them. He also thought it time depreciation on assets was taken into the accounts. Some subscriptions and advertisements totalling c. £100 had not been paid for and when they came in the financial position would be better.
Mr Warnes said the balance sheet was to 31 December 1929 and a good deal of money had come in since and it was possible there would be no loss. They would have to consider the cost of the Terowie train which had been affected by the growing use of motor cars and the cost of the band.
Elected: Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, M.A. Radford & S.H. Robinson.
CWA. Mrs Warnes reported to a recent meeting in Adelaide on the Rural Conference held in conjunction with the International Council of Women. This was the first International Conference of Country Women in London 30 April to 3 May 1929. Her report on work being done for country women in other countries is printed in over 5 columns.
Catholic Picnic Races were held on 6 March at the Burra Racecourse. They went off very well. J. Callary’s horses won the two main races. In the President’s Handicap R. Hawkes’ Happy Jack ridden by T. Kenny started bucking at the barrier and put on a fine show eventually unseating his rider and delivering a kick to his ribs and another to his chin which rendered him unconscious and placed him in hospital, but he is expected to be himself again in a few days.
Croquet. At Leighton on 6 March Burra visited and won by 23 points.
At Burra on 6 March Aberdeen visited and won by 11 points.
Burra Rifle Club. 15th Stage of the Woollacott Trophy was fired 8 March and best results were by E. Spackman, A.C. Aughey and H.H. Byles.
51, 11, 19 Mar. 1930, page 2
Weather is keeping very dry and some people are beginning to run out of rain water. Thunderstorms to the east have dropped some good falls in patches falls range from 20 to 150 points.
SAR is running an excursion to Semaphore on 23 March for 7/1 and if patronage demands it will run excursions monthly next summer.
Gilbert E. Leaney, recently convicted in the Kooringa Police Court is not the Gilbert E. Leaney of ‘Sandalgrove’ near Kooringa.
Burra Indoor Bowls Assoc. AGM was held 4 March with Mr J. Allen in the chair. It was decided to continue the association for 1930 and Mr S. Kellaway was elected Chairman. P. Rule is the secretary. Teams entering are to be finalised 18 March at 5/- per team.
Cricket. At Burra on 8 March Burra High School 157 defeated Clare High School 101.
Tennis. At Burra on 8 March Clare High school Girls 9-75 defeated Burra High School Girls 3-56.
Obituary. Mr [M.J.] Griffen late of the 27th battalion died last week as the result of an accident.
[Born Martin Joseph Griffin (Mat.) 1882 probably in Victoria: died 13 March 1930 in Kooringa, residence Mt Bryan. More details this issue page 3.]
Obituary. Archibald William Scott late 9th Light Horse died at Keswick 13 March as the result of war injuries. He was an early settler on the Springbank Estate. [Born 4 April 1896 at North Kensington: died 13 March 1930 at Keswick, residence Kensington.]
51, 11, 19 Mar. 1930, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. At Eudunda Burra 674 defeated Eudunda 666.
In the Ladies Match Burra 173 defeated Eudunda 116.
Bowls. At Burra: Burra 160 defeated Laura 65.
Miss Edith Bubb writes in support of the RSL members who wish to return the guns to the monument. She says that untidiness should not enter the minds of those ‘who remembered the gallant deeds done by our boys in the world’s greatest (and cruellest) war. Boys who gave life, health, limbs and saddest of all, reason, while capturing those (or similar) guns, which are now uncared for and placed away out of sight of the inspiring memorial standing in the Market Square in memory of our gallant dead, instead of “keeping guard” as they should for all time.’
‘Shall we dishonour their memory by forgetting the heroic deeds they did? Our returned men wish the guns returned and replaced they should be and as speedily as they were removed.’ [Sic]
Croquet. At Burra on 12 March Aberdeen won by 23 and at Aberdeen, Aberdeen won by 7.
Obituary. Mat. J. Griffen of Mt Bryan died in the Burra Hospital on Thursday 13 March after a very short illness. He was the son of the late Pat Griffen of Victoria and Mrs W. Dare of Mt Bryan East. He was born at Dunstown Victoria in 1882 and came to SA 30 years ago and resided with his mother and step-father. In 1916 he enlisted with the 27th Battalion. Apart from a slight gassing he came through unscathed and was among the last to return home. Upon his return he took up land at Mt Bryan. He is survived by three brothers: Jack & T.P. Griffen of Birkenhead SA and Mick Griffen of Claretown Victoria. [Born Martin Joseph Griffin (Mat.) 1882 probably in Victoria: died 13 March 1930 in Kooringa, residence Mt Bryan.]
Marriage. At Glendore Methodist Church [Black Springs] 6 March.
Harold Hersey of Adelaide married Delphie Dunn, daughter of Mr & Mrs H.J. Dunn.
51, 11, 19 Mar. 1930, Supplement
Election Meeting. On Friday the Institute was well filled to hear speeches by Hon. J. Jelley and Hon. T. Butterfield & Mr S. McHugh.
Hon. J. Jelley said Mr Butler painted a very grim view of SA, but there were ample assets to cover the admittedly substantial debts. The Liberal & Country Party had promised more employment, bigger wages, less taxation, more educational facilities etc., but in fact many charges had risen. He denounced the Railways Rehabilitation Scheme which had thrown 8,000 men out of work. Unemployment was the most serious problem they had ever faced. As for unions making it worse, he referred to a number of factories etc. where men had come forward and asked to be put on shorter hours and had taken unpaid holidays to maintain men in work – when the Government was asked to do this at Islington Railway Workshops they had refused. He would get rid of the Legislative Council, open up more land, especially in the South East that was now in sheep walks. He attacked the Government on a number of fronts including interference in the Police Department.
Hon. T. Butterfield also condemned the pessimism of Butler in talking down the state. SA is far from bankrupt. Attempts to close the hotels at 1 p.m. on Saturday were a diversion – ‘a tin pot affair’ – anyway too many in the Upper House own breweries for it to get through. The West Coast had been shamefully treated. Men were still waiting for the Tod River Scheme after 35 years. The Government’s settlement policy is a shambles. He attacked Hon. Jenkins for allowing dagoes to be employed in the sandalwood industry.
There were repeated interruptions throughout his speech.
Mr McHugh spoke also on hotel closing and rural policy, but as he speaks again on 31 March his views will then be published.
Ayers School Parents Meeting reported on the end of the biennial period. Ayers School opened four years ago and has a present enrolment of 30 with good attendance. In the last two years promotions matched enrolments to within one or two. A new shelter shed had been erected in the last two years. Miss Crowhurst gave an interesting talk on educating children on morals in life and on discipline etc. A new committee was then elected: Chairman, R.W. Humphrys (re-elected); Secretary & Treasurer, Mr J. White.
51, 12, 26 Mar. 1930, page 2
Registration Numbers on cars. The new system of plates bearing SA and a hyphen before the last three numbers applies to all re-registrations on or after the 1 January 1929. The change to the new system requires all cars to be re-registered on or before 31 March 1930.
Kooringa Police Court.
T. Halls Jnr, K. Gebhardt & G. Lines were each fined 5/- + 16/8 for damage to Kooringa Public Pound.
C. Lee was fined 5/- + £1 fees + 10/- damages for tampering with a motor vehicle [in a practical joke that went sour.]
51, 12, 26 Mar. 1930, page 3
Tennis, 15 March
‘A’ Grade Willalo forfeited to Aberdeen
Copperhouse 11-82 defeated Hallett 6-70
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 10-85 defeated Willalo 5-70
Copperhouse 8-82 defeated Hallett 6-80
Booborowie 7-57 defeated Mt Bryan 4-54
22 March
‘A’ Grade Hallett forfeited to Kooringa
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 10-88 defeated Copperhouse 5-67
Aberdeen 15-99 defeated Mt Bryan 0-37
Hallett 11-94 defeated Kooringa 4-69
Copperhouse School. Biennial Meeting. W.H. Lloyd presided. In the period the school had been completely renovated and extra ground bought. Miss E. Prior was thanked for her work as teacher and the meeting elected: Chairman, W.H. Lloyd; Secretary, G. Prior & Treasurer, Mrs R. Voumard.
51, 12, 26 Mar. 1930, Supplement
Burra Racing Club. Picnic Race Meeting. The meeting was a success and the results are printed.
Burra Rifle Club. 16th stage of the Woollacott Trophy. Best results were from C.F. Provis, A.C. Aughey, S. Cordon, H. Byles & C. Dixon.
Bowls at Balaklava on Saturday: Balaklava 116 defeated Burra 71.
Burra Light Horse. Six light horsemen & two cadets have enlisted. Visitors from Clare & Kybunga Troop came on 22 March and fired a match with the Burra Troop. Burra Troop is listed as comprising on this occasion:
Lieut. M.T. Fuller Cpl R. Jeffery Sgt R. Bernhardt
Rec. E.J. Landorf Cpl C.J. Fuller Rec. J. Voumard
Rec. F. Parnell Tpr M. Gniel Rec. H. Seaford
Cadet A. Landorf Tpr N. Villis Tpr K. Walker
Booborowie School. The new building is complete except for two coats of paint.
Marriage. At Gartrell Memorial Methodist Church Rose Park 15 March
Frank Riggs, youngest son of Mrs & the late John A. Riggs of ‘Hughendon’ Kooringa, married
Clarice Usher, second daughter of Mrs & the late Mr B. Usher of Meadows.
Polo. At the annual tournament at Birkalla Mid-North 9 defeated Adelaide ‘B’ 4 in the first round of the Melrose Cup on Monday.
Cricket. At Leighton on 22 March: Aberdeen 154 defeated Leighton 28 & 60.
51, 13, 2 Apr. 1930, page 2
Burra Institute. Dressmaking Classes presently lack the numbers to continue. We believe they need only six more to make the quota.
Obituary. Mrs Amelia Lewis of Hampton died on Saturday evening 29 March aged 81.
[Born Amelia Cullen 16 April 1848. First husband William Leaver died c. 1874. Second husband Frederick Lewis died 1888. Another entry on 16 April adds she was the mother of John Lewis and gives an extended obituary.]
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 9-79 defeated Booborowie 6-71
Kooringa 8 defeated Copperhouse 7
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 8-78 defeated Kooringa 7-77
Aberdeen 11-79 defeated Booborowie 4-62
Hallett 8-77 defeated Ironmine 7-74
51, 13, 2 Apr. 1930, page 3
State Election. The Labor candidates addressed a meeting at the Institute on Monday: J.G. Critchley, E.E. George & S. McHugh for the house of Assembly and J.M. Beerworth & H.R. McHugh for the Legislative Council. The report runs to c. 22⁄3 columns.
51, 13, 2 Apr. 1930, page 4
Polo. The Mid-North team went down to the leading Victorian team in the Melrose Cup final at Birkalla on 28 March. With a minute to go scores were locked at 9 each when Stonnington scored and then scored again right on the bell. The Mid-North team comprised A.T. McWaters, E.R. McWaters, K. Broad & R.C. Warnes.
51, 13, 2 Apr. 1930, Supplement
Burra Rifle Club sent representatives to the No. 4 District Rifle Club Union Shoot at Gawler last Saturday.
‘The Wasleys’ over 200 & 300 yards: H.G. Oates 1st.
‘The Barossa’ over 500 yards: R.J. Fairchild 3rd.
‘The Forrest’ over 600 yards: R. Nutt 2nd & S. Cordon 3rd.
The Grand Aggregate: H.G. Oates 2nd.
51, 14, 9 Apr. 1930, page 2
Obituary. Augusta Henrietta Hirschausen died at Broken Hill on 13 March aged 93. She was the widow of William Hirschausen late of Burra. 8 of 13 children survive: L. Hirschausen, T. Hirschausen, F. Hirschausen (Broken Hill), H. Hirschausen, A. Hirschausen, Mrs H. Wahlert (Adelaide), Mrs J.G. Dreyer (Griffiths NSW) & Mrs W. Carpenter (Redruth). There are 60 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren & several great-great-grandchildren. She was a colonist of 80 years. [Born Augusta Henrietta Bertram.]
Indoor Bowls Assoc. This year six clubs will compete: Manchester Unity, Oddfellows, Foresters Red, Foresters Blue & St Mary’s.
51, 14, 9 Apr. 1930, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. 17th stage of the Woollacott Trophy saw best results from A.G. Heinrich & G. Herbert. The Anzac Day Shoot has been cancelled due to the numerous alterations to the range being requested by the military authorities. Neither sufficient funds nor time were available to comply.
Tennis Semi-finals.
‘A’ Grade Willalo 10-85 defeated Copperhouse 8-82
Kooringa 12-84 defeated Aberdeen 5-58
‘B’ Grade Hallett 8-82 defeated Kooringa 7-78
Ironmine 10-90 defeated Aberdeen 5-75
51, 14, 9 Apr. 1930, page 4
Football. At a recent Association meeting Hallett dropped out for 1930 and Farrell’s Flat came in. The teams for 1930 will be Kooringa, Aberdeen, Mt Bryan & Farrell’s Flat.
Elected were Patron, M.A. Radford; President, J.R. Barker; Chairman, S. Kellaway; Commissioner, M. Bednall & Deputy Commissioner, A.B. Riggs.
51, 15, 16 Apr. 1930, page 2
Obituary. Mabel E.A. Piggott, eldest daughter of L.H. & Annie Piggott of Porter’s Lagoon, died at Rua Rua Hospital North Adelaide aged 25. [Born Mabel Evelyn Annie Piggott 29 January 1905: died 9 April 1930 at North Adelaide, residence Brady Creek. More details in this issue on page 3.]
Weather. Rain in March was only 27 points, but so far in April light drizzling falls have totalled 59 points.
Tennis. Finals in the Cavandale Association were played last Saturday.
‘A’ Grade Porter’s Lagoon 10-86 defeated Farrell’s Flat 5-65
‘B’ Grade Farrell’s Flat 12-88 defeated Black springs 3-67
51, 15, 16 Apr. 1930, page 3
Marriage. At Redruth Methodist Church 8 April
James Stanley Williams, youngest son of Mrs & the late W.J. Williams of Redruth and late of Ironmine, married Sylvia Irene Rogers, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs George Rogers of Kadina.
Burra Town Council, 7 April
A request was received from RSA to restore the guns to the memorial site in Market Square.
Cr Allen moved the request be not granted and Cr Pearce seconded. He said no arguments were advanced other than that the RSA was not consulted. The memorial was a beautiful tribute to the memory of our fallen soldiers. The guns would be like erecting ‘a monument to the devilish ingenuity of mankind’. He would be agreeable to going to the expense of mounting them where they were.
Cr Woollacott took exception to Miss Bubb’s letter in the paper. He felt it was an insult. He then proceeded to attack her personally for not volunteering for the front as a matron.
Cr Kellaway moved an amendment that they be put in the rotunda enclosure on suitable foundations. Cr Morgan seconded this, but the Mayor ruled it out of order. The motion was carried.
The Mayor and the RSA had sold buttons for the Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Society on 21 March to the value of £19-1-6.
Various minor works were approved.
Obituary. Miss Mabel Piggott, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs L.H. Piggott of Porter’s Lagoon who died on 9 April was born at Booleroo Centre district some 24 years ago and came to Porter’s Lagoon with her parents when aged 7. She was a pupil of Burra High School who later joined the Education Department and taught on the West Coast at Bunoora and latterly was in charge of the Brady Creek School. She retired from teaching last Christmas on sick leave and it was hoped her illness would respond to an operation.
Obituary. Mrs Amelia Lewis who died 29 March 1930 was an old colonist, having lived in SA for nearly 80 years. She was born 16 August 1848 in the district of Barham in Kent and was the daughter of Mr & Mrs William Cullen. She came to Australia with her parents when 2. She married William Leaver of Hampton 31 July 1867 and when he died in 1874 she was left with three young daughters. In April 1881 she married Fred Lewis of Redruth who died in 1898 [1888] leaving two sons. She lived at Hampton until the last few years. Her eldest daughter Amelia, Mrs Dunning, died some years ago as did her second Sarah, Mrs George Sampson. Edith, Mrs J. Trevilyan of Brighton, survives as do the sons Fred & J. [John] H.J. Lewis of Burra. There are 21 grandchildren & 14 great-grandchildren. One brother William Cullen of Hawthorn and late of Terowie also survives.
Obituary. Mr William Taylor died 10 April after a short illness at the residence of his sister Mrs John Rosewall of Kooringa. He was the eldest son of the late Mrs James Taylor of Paxton Terrace and was born in Dalby Queensland in 1866, coming to Burra with his parents when 3. He was educated at Burra and spent his working life as an employee of A.J. & P.A. McBride on Faraway, Braemar & Teetulpa Stations and for the last ten years on Wooltana vis Copley.
Obituary. Horace S. Stephens of Marryatville died 12 April. He was the only son of the late Dr J.R. Stevens [sic] of Mongolata Station, a property later worked by his son who was only 68. He had retired some years ago to the city. He married Miss Pascoe of Clare, a sister to Hon. Thomas Pascoe. She survives with four daughters and one surviving son. One son, Lindsay Stephens was killed in the Great War. He was the only brother of Lady Holder and was born at Burra. [Horace Steele Stephens born 27 October 1861 at Kooringa: died 13 April 1930 at Rose Park, residence Marryatville.]
51, 15, 16 Apr. 1930, page 4
Rev. W.O. & Mrs Harris were given a valedictory social at Redruth Memorial Hall on 8 April. Rev. Harris has been appointed to Maylands. A well-filled wallet of notes was presented and a series of other presentations were made. The speeches are reported in c. 13⁄4 columns.
Burra Athletic Club. This is a recent formation. It seems hard to keep an athletic club going in Burra, but we hope this effort breaks the rule. Elected: Patron, J.R. Barker; President S.S. Dowling; Hon. Secretary, N. Drummond. The first meeting was at Victoria Park on 12 April. Misty rain rather spoilt the occasion and kept spectators away, but more came in the afternoon and c. £7 was collected on a 7d admission. [240 people.] Results are printed.
51, 16, 23 Apr. 1930, page 2
Adelaide Exhibition. Over the Easter holidays many local residents went to the Exhibition. The Misses Griffiths secured two bronze medals from three entries. Mrs Motley gained a certificate of merit for a fine woollen rug. Les. Pascoe of the Burra Electric Supply Co. exhibited a model oil engine.
Hanson Golf Club. AGM elected: President, Mrs J.E. Hogan; Hon. Secretary, Mr J.C. Boehm; Treasurer Mrs W. Rule.
51, 16, 23 Apr. 1930, page 3
RSL Masquerade Ball is set for 15 May.
Bowls. About 20 bowlers from Broken Hill visited on last Monday. One visitor was Mr E. Kitchen whose father had a business for many years on the site of Pearce’s Building. The visitors came out very much on top. [Apparently so much so that the scores are not given!]
CWA AGM was held 11 April. Mrs Warnes reported the growth of the movement with a branch being formed now at Mt Gambier. She also spoke of the work of similar organisations overseas and of a recent visit to the Spalding branch. Elected: President, Mrs Warnes; Vice-Presidents, Mrs J. Tennant & Mrs E. Jettner; Secretary, Miss Rogers & Treasurer, Mrs P.J. Pickering.
Edith R. Bubb writes expressing her astonishment at Cr Woollacott’s finding her letter insulting. She can still find nothing insulting in it and has as much right to a view as the Councillor and hers was not meant as a slur on anyone.
‘I might ask Cr Woollacott why he did not volunteer for war service sixteen years ago and his reasons might not compare equally as reasonably as mine.’
‘It was not lack of courage or desire to assist in nursing the wounded that prevented my going to the front.’
I agree with Crs Kellaway & Morgan that ‘the guns should be there’.
Anzac Commemoration Service. There was a good attendance at the memorial in Market Square last Sunday 20 April and returned soldiers were well represented. Mr H.G. Oates was unavoidably absent, but Lieut. L.M. Gordon took charge of the men who formed a hollow square on the north side of the monument. The Boy Scouts also attended. Mr M.W. Bednall took charge of the service and Rev. E. Lawson gave the address. The weather was windy and dusty and rain started to fall which hastened the conclusion somewhat. Mr J. Murison played the Last Post and Reveille.
Hallett Sports on Easter Monday were a great success. (The presence of four Aboriginal athletes from Pt Pearce Mission is noted. One was R.T. Wilson.) Results are printed.
Obituary. Richard Reed died on 17 April at the residence of his daughter (Clara) Mrs Will. H. Gare at Redruth, after a brief illness. He was 93. He was born at Lostwithel [sic] in Cornwall in 1837 and came to Australia with his parents when 10. They lived first in a dugout in the Burra creek at Kooringa and his first job was as a boy ore picker. He rose then to whim driver and finally to tributer. He went to the Victorian goldfields, but was unsuccessful and on his return bought a team of bullocks and carted wood for the mine. In 1863 he took up land at Wandillah near Burra, still held by his youngest son, James. He started sheep farming in one of the worst droughts, but hung on and was eventually successful. He retired almost 30 years ago. Three sons survive and two daughters: Richard Reed (Redruth), John Reed (Gawler), James Reed (Aberdeen), Mrs C. Bartholomaeus (Glenelg) & Mrs W.H. Gare (Aberdeen). Another daughter Mrs G. Sara died some years ago.
There are 27 surviving grandchildren & 25 great-grandchildren.
[This was corrected in 51, 17, 30 April, page 2 by saying that Mrs George Sara also survives.]
[Born 22 January 1837 Lostwithiel Cornwall.]
Obituary. Mrs Frank Fairweather, who was accidentally killed in King William St Adelaide last Thursday evening, was the wife of a former headmaster of Burra Public School. Prior to the marriage she was a teacher. Mrs Clem Pearce of Kooringa is a sister. [Francis Fairweather was headmaster 1900-02.
Tennis. Burra Tennis Association Easter Tournament
Men’s Championship Singles S. Lomman
Men’s Championship Doubles N. Woollacott & T. McWaters
Women’s Championship Singles M. Sandercock
Men’s Handicap Singles G. Brandon
Men’s Handicap Doubles C.A. & R.K. Stock
Women’s Handicap Singles J. Johnson
Women’s Handicap Doubles J. & B. Johnson
Handicap Mixed Doubles K. Stock & Miss L. Hobbs
Boys’ Championship Singles Ted Riggs
Girls’ Championship Singles J. Mosey
51, 16, 23 Apr. 1930, page 4
Mt Bryan Annual Easter Sports were a great success last Saturday though high wind and dust were a problem. The profit was c. £25 which will aid the Recreation Ground. Results are printed.
General Aid Society, April meeting.
Letters of appreciation were read from recipients of Christmas donations.
[April was the first meeting after three months recess and the failure to get a quorum in March.]
Easter cheer donations were sent £3 to each of Myrtle Bank, Keswick & Bedford Park Hospitals and to TB Soldiers’ Aid Society. £2 to Dr Swann in trust for W. Brown a returned soldier formerly of Burra and £2 to Burra Benevolent Society and various items to the Burra Hospital.
Croquet. At Leighton last Saturday: Leighton defeated Mid-North by 26.
Farrell’s Flat Picnic Races were held on 5 April in J.H. Torr’s paddock in ideal conditions and were a great success. Results are printed.
Elizabeth A. Ward writes expressing her anger at Cr Woollacott’s ‘unmanly and disgusting attack on Miss Bubb.’
‘Cr Woollacott may have his opinion about the most suitable position for the guns, but he is not at liberty to attack a woman of more ability and usefulness than himself.’
51, 17, 30 Apr. 1930, page 2
Don Axford of the Commercial Bank has been transferred to Adelaide. He has been Hon. Secretary of the Burra Tennis Assoc. and a member of the Basketball Association as well. Norman Pearse of Adelaide succeeds him.
Weather. Rain has fallen in the last week in thunderstorms. Burra got c. 60 points and falls to the east were widespread, but varied greatly from 13 points at Hogback to 120 at Pine Valley.
51, 17, 30 Apr. 1930, page 3
Burra Golf Club AGM 24 April. Dr Steele took the chair. The club was in credit £18-4-3. Elected: President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-Presidents, Dr W.E. Steven & J.R. Barker; Joint Secretaries, G.C. Sangster & M.W. Bednall. Oil and slag to be procured to prepare the greens.
Burra Tennis Assoc. Finals
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 9-81 defeated Willalo 6-71.
‘B’ Grade Hallett 9-90 defeated Ironmine 6-82.
Oddfellows Juvenile Lodge Sports were held on Anzac Day at Stone Chimney Creek by permission of Mr T. Villis. [Personal interest: Boys 11 & 12 foot race M. Allen 2nd and three-legged race for boys 11 & 12 won by Allen & Thompson.]
Bowls. Championship final on Saturday
Dr Steele 25 defeated Mr Rosman 22. In the Consistency contest Steele defeated O. Oates.
Burra Rifle Club. 18th stage of the Woollacott Trophy. A.C. Aughey and S. Cordon had the best scores. In aggregate to date A.C. Aughey with 29 points leads J. Terry 27.
51, 17, 30 Apr. 1930, page 4
Burra Town Council, 23 April
F.H. Kuchenmeister permitted to build a 5-roomed house at Paradise.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its 31st anniversary on 27 April and it was very successful. The services were taken by Rev. F.J. Barnes who is newly appointed to the Redruth circuit.
Tom Canny writes from Gum Creek PO querying why the RSA was not consulted over the guns. As for Cr Allen’s statement that the RSA had three years to do something: they had no authority to do so.
Cr Pearce sees the guns as monuments to ‘the devilish ingenuity of mankind’. ‘[N]ext time I visit the Burra I expect to see the figure of the soldier on the top of the monument minus the rifle and bayonet.’
[He also has a shot at Cr Allen for suggesting the returned men should pay for the mounting of the guns: perhaps out of their deferred pay or their pensions!]
51, 18, 7 May 1930, page 2
Burra Tennis Association. Challenge Matches
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 9-73 defeated Copperhouse 7-76
‘B’ Grade Hallett 9-87 defeated Ironmine 6-78
Bowls. Winners for the 1930 season were:
Championship Dr Steele from P.L. Rosman
Singles Handicap F.W.G. Twist
Consistency Handicap Dr Steele
Pairs Handicap O. Finch & W.F. Osborne
Beginners Handicap A.L. Kellock from Reg Davey
Obituary. Mrs Ambrose Edwards of Mt Bryan died rather suddenly on 3 May. She was born Miss [Mary Ann] Ind at Pt Gawler in 1857 [5 September] and married at Mt Bryan on 24 June 1880. She was an ardent supporter of the Methodist Church. Of a family of 11 nine survive, three sons and six daughters. There are several grandchildren. [Died at Kooringa, residence Mt Bryan.]
51, 18, 7 May 1930, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. The Annual Sheep Dog Trials were held last Friday & Saturday in ideal weather. Attendance was not large, but interest was keen. Entries were down. Results:
Local Class J.B. Laidlaw’s bitch Bonny II
Maiden Stakes A.T. Bennett’s Clifton
Flock Dogs Competition A.T. Bennett’s Tally
Puppy Stakes A.T. Bennett’s Clifton
Open Class O.C. Will’s Peggy
Booborowie School. The new classroom was opened on 30 April by Mr S. McHugh MP. This opens out from the one previously used. In the evening a concert was given by the school children. [Details run for just over 2 columns.]
51, 18, 7 May 1930, page 4
Hallett & District School Athletic & Exhibition Assoc. The 3rd Annual Sports & Exhibition was held at Hallett 2 May. It outstripped previous efforts (last year’s was held at Terowie). School involved were: Yarcowie, Terowie, Booborowie, Hallett, Mt Bryan, North Booborowie, Ulooloo, Petherton, Willalo, Mt Bryan East & Sunny Brae. [Details exceed 31⁄2 columns.]
51, 19, 14 May 1930, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. 19th stage of the Woollacott Trophy drew best results from A.G. Heinrich, S. Cordon & C.H. Dixon.
51, 19, 14 May 1930, page 2
Mr H. Hamp of Baldina who was overseer of a property owned by T. Williams has retired to Magill.
Miss Crowhurst who has been in charge of Ayers School for the past four years has been transferred to McLaren Vale. She is to be succeeded by J. Murray.
Miss Mary Morrison, eldest daughter of Mrs J. Morrison of Kooringa, has been transferred to Gum Creek School.
Mr & Mrs W.P. Wade passed through Burra after three weeks at Victor Harbour. Mr Wade has worked for forty years for Koonoona Proprietors and currently manages Winnininnie Station for them. His father, the late William Wade, served the firm for 36 years and his late brother Andrew was also long employed by them. Mr & Mrs Wade have been married for 29 years and before that Mrs Wade lived at Koonoona for 10 years. Their eldest son Bruce is working with Mr Hawker at Booborowie, but started with Koonoona Proprietors for 8 years. Their second son Colin served them for 5 years and is now overseer of Nalbarra Station in WA, owned by Mr Nelson Pearse. Mr H.C. Lockyer, son-in-law of Mr Wade, is the manager. He is a son of the late Harry Lockyer of Kooringa. The youngest son Ken is at Winnininnie with his father.
Mr Martin Pederson is recovering from a serious operation performed at Burra Hospital last week.
Rev. F. Barnes the new Redruth Methodist minister has been welcomed to the circuit.
Mr H.A.W. Birchell of the Bank of Australasia was farewelled prior to his move to Pt Pirie. He will be succeeded by Mr K.M. Parton from Adelaide.
Weather. Rain has fallen at last and though not enough falls of over 1 inch were registered in the Leighton-Booborowie area and a little less at Burra. Little fell to the east where most places recorded less than 20 points, though a few had up to 45 points.
I.C. Hall, baker of Aberdeen, [Redruth] found a young lad on his premises last Friday night about 10 p.m. When questioned he seemed dazed, but said he got in to take some money he had seen there. He gave no other explanation and as he was previously of good character he was given a good behaviour bond of £20 until he was 18.
51, 19, 14 May 1930, page 3
Wedge-tailed eagles are worrying sheep owners due to the lack of rabbits. 52 have lately been trapped on L.W. Gebhardt’s Mokota property. Some were seven feet from wing tip to wing tip. 43 have been destroyed on Koonoona.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Ramblers 5.4 5.6 9.9 13.11 (89)
Aberdeen 0.3 3.5 6.6 9.9 (63)
Farrell’s Flat 4.14 (38) defeated Mt Bryan 4.11 (35)
[Details of this match were given in 51, 20, 21 May 1930:
Farrell’s Flat 2.3 2.5 2.10 4.14 (38)
Mt Bryan 0.4 3.6 4.9 4.11 (35)]
Burra Bowling Club. The end of season was held last Saturday. Prize winners were as previously noted. Dr Steele took the championship for the fourth time and for the third time in succession.
Burra Croquet Club. Championship to Mrs F. Twist and Handicap Singles to Mrs S.H. Robinson.
Obituary. A. Scott Martin, who was manager for Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd at Kooringa for 10 years from 1916, was killed instantly on Saturday when his car collided with a tram on Magill Road. When in Burra he was a keen supporter of the Bowling Club and the Burra Racing Club. His first wife was Miss Ida Pearse, only daughter of T.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ who died several years ago. Three years ago he married Miss U.M. Paddon of Prospect who survives. In May 1926 he transferred to Adelaide as manager of the [Stud and Store Stock] Department of Elder, Smith & Co. He was aged 45 and was born in Adelaide. [Archibald Scott Martin born 13 April at Glanville: died 10 May 1930 at Tranmere, residence Toorak East.]
Leighton School Concert in Leighton Hall last Monday is reported. A dance followed with supper. Funds raised will aid school facilities.
51, 19, 14 May 1930, page 4
Booborowie Bachelors’ Ball of last Wednesday is reported.
Burra Town Council, 5 May
Burra Electric Supply Co. was given permission to shut down street lights if necessary while one engine is overhauled – a period of about one week.
Various minor works approved.
Tennis. Kooringa 5-51 defeated RSA 5-44.
51, 20, 21 May 1930, page 1
Miss Crowhurst was farewelled on Thursday evening at a social held at Ironmine Church after being in charge of Ayers School for about 4 years.
Burra Rifle Club. 20th stage of the Woollacott Trophy saw best scores from P.W. Hogan, A.G. Heinrich & Capt. Pearce.
51, 20, 21 May 1930, page 2
M-C Horace Kuchenmeister, who is in charge of Wirrulla Station, is home on leave.
Advt. Pearce’s Buildings, devastated by fire in January, have now been thoroughly re-instated and are ready for occupancy.
Fatal Accident/Obituary. Alfred A. Reynolds of Maylands Adelaide was riding a motor cycle to Peterborough on Sunday afternoon. Fred Harvey & L. Ledger were on another motor cycle travelling with him. Reynolds appears to have hit a pair of potholes opposite Flower’s old farm at Stony Gap and he was thrown off. Mr Rollo Hawkes drove the injured man to the Burra Hospital, but he was dead on arrival. He was aged 28. [Born Alfred Aurious Reynolds 16 October 1901 at Petersburg: died 18 May 1930 near Burra as Alfred Aurius Reynolds.]
RSL Annual Masquerade Ball was held in Burra Institute last Thursday evening.
Burra Town Council, 19 May
The RSL again wrote about the guns, calling for a private meeting between the Council and three members of the RSL executive and a representative of the trustees of the guns, to reach an amicable conclusion.
Cr Woollacott said he was tired of the issue, but as long as no side issues were allowed he would support such a meeting. Seconded Cr Kellaway.
Cr Pearse asked who the trustees were.
The Town Clerk said: E.W. Crewes, M.A. Radford, E.J. Davey & S.M. Lane.
Cr Woollacott said he believed Mr Radford held the position as a Councillor and that therefore he had succeeded to that position and similarly E.W. Crewes had been succeeded by the Mayor and the Town Clerk continued in that capacity.
The Mayor held that the trustees had been permanently appointed.
Cr Pearce moved an amendment that the letter lie on the table for a fortnight. Carried.
Burra Golf Club opened its 1930 season last Saturday.
51, 20, 21 May 1930, page 4
Scouts. The Scout Bazaar at the Institute last Friday took over £30. It was opened by Rev. Coles who said when he came to Burra he found a small troop of cubs that had been started by Rev. F.B. Hewitson and about twelve months ago he had managed to get a Scout Troop going with Mr D.T. McBain as Scoutmaster. Membership was now c. 20.
51, 21, 28 May 1930, page 1
CWA President Mrs Warnes is going to Mt Gambier this week to address a public meeting in the Town Hall there on 29 May convened by the committee of the CWA.
The Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet regularly in the Memorial Hall Redruth.
Aberdeen Croquet Club held a gymkhana on 17 May on their grounds.
51, 21, 28 May 1930, page 2
Burra District Council, retiring Councillors:
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch
Harold Walter Tiver
Baldina Ward John Kellock
King Ward Norman Hiles Pearse
Nominations called for 14 June 1930.
Miss C. Prior, in charge of the Copperhouse School, has been transferred to the Correspondence School Adelaide.
Wedge-tailed eagles are a problem also around World’s End where poultry has been taken. Mr J.G. Rooke of Baldina has lost fully 100 turkeys.
Hanson Golf Club has almost completed its 18-hole course.
51, 21, 28 May 1930, page 3
Obituary. George Anthony Ridgway died on 26 May after a long illness. He was the only son of the late Mr & Mrs William R. Ridgway and was born at Apoinga in 1857 and educated at Kooringa. He learnt blacksmithing from Mr Haskard on the premises now occupied by the Burra Motor Co. Later he joined the Police Force for some years and in 1895 left to become a partner with his father in their general store in Aberdeen. He carried this on after his father’s death until illness forced his retirement. He was a member of Redruth Methodist Church and in 1893 married Miss Annie Whitbread of Salisbury who survives with a family of three sons and four daughters: Mr W.R. Ridgway (Aberdeen), Jack Ridgway (Adelaide), Joe Ridgway (Kapunda), Miss Ruth Ridgway & Rhoda Mrs H. Wilson (Melbourne), Nell Mrs M. Dormer (Clare) & Miss Maude Ridgeway (Aberdeen). There is one grandchild. Mrs Clark of Unley is the only surviving sister. Two sons served in the Great War. [Born 26 April 1857 Apoinga: died 26 May 1930 Burra.]
Football. Saturday: Aberdeen 19.9 defeated Farrell’s Flat 2.4.
Hanson Golf Course was opened by Mr Jack Peake last Saturday.
Burra Town Council, 19 May
The Local Government Department wrote saying payment by rations had been discontinued. The Government was prepared to pay in cash for work done by otherwise unemployed married men only in destitute circumstances. Jobs were to be such as would not interfere with normal routine work and had to be approved in advance.
R.W. Bruce’s request for kerbing at Paradise was not entertained.
Cr Pearce moved a notice be placed in the Burra Record advising that consideration would be given those who desired to work out their rates. (Raising road metal.)
Cr Woollacott gave notice of a motion that the Government be asked to approve Council raising a loan to be expended in unemployment relief.
American Singers. A short paragraph (of about 9 cm) attacks the pernicious influence of American singing on records: ‘whining American men and women, singing songs through their noses’ and this follows the attack on musical taste already done. ‘The jazz orchestra has done its worse.’ [Sic]
White Australia. There is an amazing 1⁄4 column article on the wonderful qualities of the white race – strengthening mental and physical purity and helping to avoid problems like divorce and suicide. Surprisingly the prejudice does not seem to extend to the ‘better types of coloured races . . . of the East’ and the writer envisages the possibility at some distant time of the migration of suitable labour – ‘in the meantime we must keep this policy free from colour prejudice and raise the nation to a level of patriotism where its racial purity would not be affected by the presence of coloured citizens.’
Unemployment in the first quarter of 1930 has reached unprecedented levels. When Labor came to office last October it was 12.1% and by year’s end it was 13.1% and is now 14.6%.
51, 21, 28 May 1930, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 4.10 9.15 11.18 15.21 (111)
Mt Bryan 1.0 4.0 4.3 4.5 (29)
51, 22, 4 June 1930, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.2 6.5 7.5 11.7 (73)
Kooringa 4.6 5.6 7.12 9.15 (69)
[The headline claims that Aberdeen wins by 3 points.]
At Farrell’s Flat: Mt Bryan 13.21 (99) defeated Farrell’s Flat 3.1 (19)
51, 22, 4 June 1930, page 2
For Sale: Premises in the heart of Market Square now occupied by Mr Watts, butcher. 28ft frontage 39ft deep, together with five rooms and a photographic studio under the RPA. Apply W.J. Davey, Henley Beach.
Pastoralists are before the Federal Arbitration Court seeking a 50 % reduction in the station hands award or a suspension of the same and a 30% reduction in the shearing award and suspension or cancellation of the Federal Pastoral Award.
51, 22, 4 June 1930, page 2-3
Burra Town Council, 2 June
The Town Clerk reported on ‘The Guns’ correspondence etc.
In the first instance a trench mortar was sent to the Council, but on a protest the Government accepted an exchange of the mortar for a field gun and this was accepted by the Town Council on behalf of the town. The agreement called for four trustees to be appointed to see the proper care was taken till the machine was taken over by the Council. E.W. Crewes, S.M. Lane, Mr Radford and the Town Clerk were appointed. The gun was formally received and handed over to the Council to be placed in a park within the town. Mr Crewes approached the Prime Minister for a second gun and was successful. It was forwarded with advice that it was unnecessary to appoint further trustees. The trustees had only to see the guns were properly placed in the town.
The Mayor said this all clearly showed the Council had complete control of the guns once they were handed over and so the RSA request came down to a meeting between Council and RSA. Since the letter had been received certain members of the RSA had appeared at a ball in costumes which contained markings ridiculing the Councillors*. This was uncalled for and discourteous. The League should officially repudiate any connection with the matter. Council will receive a deputation.
- The report of the ball in 51, 20, 21 May 1930, page 2 says that the award for most original man went to J.E. Hogan & Mr Tom Canny of Hanson who went as ‘The Guns’. The colour and camouflage resembled the town’s guns and one bore the description: ‘This gun was captured by the Burra Town Council after heavy bombardment by Major Pearce with eggshells.’ The other bore the words: ‘This gun was captured by the Burra Town Council during a bayonet charge led by Corporal Allen.’
Cr Woollacott moved that the Council try to devise means of helping the unemployed through winter. Borrowing £500 would be an honest attempt at relief. Other towns were taking similar action.
In Adelaide there were various funds. He thought it would give 25 men 8 days a fortnight to see them over the worst of winter. Some married men were too proud to go to the police station for rations. There was any quantity of work that needed doing: painting bridges or pointing the cemetery walls.
Cr Kellaway though six days a fortnight would make it go further.
Cr Pearce said a poll of ratepayers would be needed and before that a definite scheme would have to be devised to put to them. Some men in the past had not done a fair day’s work for either rations or money.
The Town Clerk said they already owed the bank £700 which was 25% of the annual rate, which was all they could borrow. They might ask the Local Government Department for an advance of £200 or £300 on the Main Road Account.
Cr. Lee wanted a special meeting of Council to consider it.
Cr Allen wanted to defer the matter for a fortnight.
Cr Morgan favoured borrowing with ratepayer approval.
Cr Woollacott said the present overdraft would be wiped out by the rates now due and ratepayers’ approval was therefore not needed.
The Mayor said a special Act was passed last year appropriating a certain amount which could be borrowed by Councils without approaching ratepayers. Particulars could be got from the Highways Board.
The Town Clerk said it would be Christmas before they got a loan.
In the end it was resolved to write to the Highways Board about a loan and to the Local Government Department about an advance.
Cemetery Desecration. Recent vandalism at the cemetery included the breakage of glass domes over everlasting wreaths, breakage of a cross belonging to the family of W.G. Hawkes and two or three other stones had been pulled down.
Cr Woollacott raised the matter and Cr Kellaway said the tap on the tank had been left on to drain the tank on several occasions and the curator’s barrow had been dumped in an open grave.
Burra Institute Chess Club met and decided to continue meeting on Tuesday evenings.
51, 22, 4 June 1930, page 4
Empire Day was celebrated at local schools on Friday 31 May with the usual patriotic speeches and a half-holiday. [Reported in 3⁄4 column.]
Burra Rifle Club. The last stage of the Club Championship saw Sid Cordon win with 341 from H.G. Oates 336. On handicap A.P. Harris 352 led Sid Cordon 346.
51, 23, 11 June 1930, page 1
Liberal Federation Women’s Branch AGM 6 June. The President Mrs I.J. Warnes took the chair. While in Mt Gambier recently for the CWA she had also spoken at a local Women’s Branch of the Liberal Federation there. All the old officers were re-elected, but Miss Bubb resigned from the committee due to her removal to Sydney and was eulogised by Mrs Warnes for her work. Miss Bubb thanked her for her remarks.
Obituary. Sam Ford, well known in past years in Burra, passed away in a private hospital in Adelaide last week aged 73 and was buried in Burra. [Samuel Ford born 29 December 1855 District of the Murray: died 5 June 1930 in North Adelaide, residence Adelaide.]
C. Leslie Phillips BDS late of Verco Buildings Adelaide has taken rooms in Pearce’s Buildings lately occupied by Mr E. A. Mummery and may be consulted on and after 13 June.
Booborowie Coursing Club has had to postpone its meeting of 10 & 11 June due to dry ground and lack of nominations.
Miss E.R. Bubb who has been a resident for 14 years is leaving Burra at the end of the month to live in Sydney. She came to Burra as Matron of the Redruth Girls’ Reformatory and held the position till it was closed. She then purchased ‘Owenyilla’ in Kooringa which she has run as a guest home. She has also been busy in patriotic, philanthropic and church affairs. She was President of the Soldiers’ Aid Society, later the General Aid Society and has headed a loyal band of workers aiding the Royal Institution for the Blind. Unless some public spirited lady comes forward the General Aid Society is likely to be disbanded.
Dan Davis was given a farewell at Leighton before his recent departure to start a business in the city. He was secretary of the local cricket club and a member of the Burra Institute Choral Class.
51, 23, 11 June 1930, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. Final stage of the Woollacott Trophy. Best results were by W.V. Bass, C. Dixon & T. Heinrich.
The winner on aggregate was A.C. Aughey with 31 points from C. Dixon with 29. The consistency trophy went to H.G. Oates ahead of P.W. Hogan.
Red Cross AGM was held last Tuesday.
In the year some £50 has been sent to soldiers’ institutions and private cases of need in Burra. Elected were President, Mrs F.R. Wigles; Secretary, Mrs E.F. Marston; Vice-Presidents, Mrs J. Tennant, Mrs C.D. Wilkinson, Mrs C.J. Pearce, Mrs P.W. Clark, Mrs W.H. Sandland & Mrs G. Herbert.
Burra Town Council, 2 June
The cost of the Fire Brigade for the year was £62-18-6 and accordingly the Board has refunded £11-1-6.
22 ratepayers were approved to work out their rates.
Various minor street maintenance jobs were approved.
Football. At Victoria Park on Monday:
Peterborough 3.2 8.3 11.7 15.10 (100)
Burra Assoc. 2.4 4.7 5.7 10.7 (67)
51, 24, 18 June 1930, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park, Saturday:
Aberdeen 0.0 5.3 6.4 7.13 (55)
Mt Bryan 1.4 1.4 3.5 3.5 (23)
General Aid Society
At the monthly meeting on 5 June at Redruth Memorial Hall the Secretary & President Miss Bubb announced her resignation, as she was moving to Sydney. No one was willing to take over. Miss Bubb proposed that after all debts were cancelled the books be sent to the Auditor General and that part of the balance be forwarded to the RS Hospitals of Keswick, Bedford Park, Myrtlebank and the Angorichina Hostel, to be held in trust for Christmas cheer next December. Also £2 to be sent to W. Brown of Jamestown, a former Burra soldier now sick. Carried.
A final meeting will be held 1st Thursday in July to allow Miss Bubb to read the balance sheet on its return from the Auditor General.
Burra Rifle Club. Riverton visited last Saturday when Burra 871 defeated Riverton 855.
51, 24, 18 June 1930, page 2
Advt. ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan will be offered by auction at the Burra Market 18 June.
875 acres freehold adjacent to Mt Bryan: sections 79, 80, 125 & pt 91 of Hundred of Kingston of 589 acres in 15 sheep-proof paddocks with improvements including a homestead of 18 rooms with all conveniences. Underground tank 66ft x 24ft x 12ft. Stone Woolshed 84ft x 66ft with lean-to 51ft x 15ft and galvanised iron woolshed 51ft x 30ft with two leans-to 51ft x 21ft each.
Large store room 81ft x 21ft, men’s room, blacksmith’s shop, galvanised iron bull shed 24ft x 15ft, petrol bowser and large tank.
Plus Pt Block B Mt Bryan subdivision of 159 acres about 4 miles northeast of Mt Bryan, sheep-proof fenced and suitable for lucerne.
Plus Block 490 of North Booborowie subdivision of 127 acres in two sheep-proof paddocks with two-roomed stone cottage.
51, 24, 18 June 1930, page 3
Miss Rita Humphrys was given a farewell by friends prior to her departure for the city where she will enter the nursing profession.
Burra District Council. Nominations for Council. The old Councillors were elected unopposed.
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch
Harold W. Tiver
Baldina Ward John Kellock
King Ward Norman H. Pearse
Football. At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday
Kooringa 3.4 4.5 6.8 9.9 (63)
Farrell’s Flat 0.1 2.1 2.1 3.2 (20)
Golf. Clare visited on Saturday and Burra defeated Clare 4 games to 3.
Ronald Hirschausen, son of Mrs A. Hirschausen of Redruth, won the prize offered by the Mayor A.B. Riggs for the best essay on Empire Day.
Tom Canny writes disassociating his dress at the masquerade ball from the local branch of the RSL. He takes personal credit for it and considers that judging from reports in the Record the Mayor ‘considers being elected to the Town Council gives one the privilege of immunity from criticism and ridicule, if one chooses to be ridiculous.’ He also wondered if the guns were in the place now approved by the Council minute.
The editor clarified this by pointing out that the original motion placing one gun in Lane Garden and one in Holder Garden was rescinded and replaced by one that they be placed where they are.
Mr Henderson, supervisor for the architects Wood, Bagot, Jory & Laybourne Smith of Adelaide, came to inspect the restoration of Pearce’s Building and was much impressed by the perfect wood graining on doors, skirtings etc. This was done by David Jones the painter and decorator of Burra who is 75.
51, 25, 25 June 1930, page 1
Burra Town Council, 16 June
SAR says nothing can be done about the Station Road until after 30 June.
Road signs from the Vacuum Oil Co. have come to hand.
Deputation from the RSL led by H.G. Oates & Dr Steele concerning the guns.
Mr Oates said they had come neither with demands nor cap in hand, but with some suggestions. If these were not followed then he hoped the Council would take steps to preserve these interesting relics of war. When they arrived they were greeted with acclaim, but today they are being allowed to deteriorate. The recent AGM had expressed a view that they should be returned to the square to be mounted on a low mound between the Rotunda and the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. While some individual diggers opposed this they were not representative of the RSL. Dr Steele felt that the diggers had been overlooked in making the decision. He then gave a résumé of the history of the guns. Had there been any funds to carry out the original scheme this question may never have arisen. A plan devised when Mr Collins was Mayor came to nothing because the Mayor thought the funds would not be forthcoming. The subsequent move of the Council ignored the committee of Council and RSL which had ceased to function. It was undertaken quickly and without consultation. He thought they should not have been moved. Such weapons he thought would thrill rather than horrify those to come. Matters such as the guns came to mean more as the men got older. The RSL President Mr Oates said the League would be prepared to help in the cost involved.
Cr Kellaway moved the site suggested by inspected and costs be gone into. Carried 4 to 2.
Local Board of Health
The Inspector said 16 cases of chicken pox and one of whooping cough had been reported in the town.
51, 25, 25 June 1930, page 2
Obituary. Olive M. Parnell died on 17 June at the hospital in Katanning WA. She was the daughter of Mrs & the late W.H. Lloyd of ‘Roadview’ Braefoot Burra.
[Born Olive Maria Lloyd 28 October 1886 at Erskine SA.]
P.J. Flaherty Burra stationmaster has been appointed a JP.
51, 25, 25 June 1930, page 3
H.P. Wardle who lives with his niece Mrs Clem Sampson of Kooringa was critically injured on Monday night when he stepped from the train as it was pulling into the Riverton Station and fell between it and the platform. There are internal injuries, broken ribs, an arm broken in three places and a leg in two. [See obituary 51, 26, 2 July 1930, page 3.]
Andrew R. Bartholomaeus, second son of Charles Bartholomaeus of Glenelg and late of Burra, who has been manager for Elder, Smith at Broken Hill now replaces the late A.S. Martin as manager of the Stud and Store Stock Department in Adelaide. He started as junior clerk at Burra in 1914, saw active service 1915-19, resumed his position, went to Broken Hill in 1923 and became manager there in 1925.
Golf. Hallett played Burra ‘B’ on Saturday last and Burra ‘B’ won 13 games to 3.
Farewell to Mr & Mrs W.G. Hawkes
Stockowners gathered at the Eastern Telephone Building on Friday afternoon under President I.J. Warnes to farewell Mr & Mrs W.G. Hawkes. Mr Warnes regretted the departure and said he understood Mrs Hawkes’ health was a main reason for their retirement to Adelaide. The credit for Koonoona Stud being known from Darwin to Brisbane and from Perth to Mt Gambier was Mr Hawkes. He had been a good master over many employees and a good townsman for many years. He had been chairman of the Burra Hospital Board for many years. He had faced bad times as well as good ones. He had worked with Mr Warnes on the Pastoral Committee of the Royal Show. He was an excellent speaker. He presented Mr Hawkes with a magnificent Onkaparinga rug with an inscribed leather tag.
The Mayor Mr A.B. Riggs also spoke as Mayor of Burra as well as a pastoralist. He endorsed Mr Warnes’ remarks and said the RSL would also lose a staunch supporter.
Mr A.G. Gebhardt recalled earlier days of polo playing and Mr Hawkes’ ponies Barbett & Pierrot and wished the couple well in their future life.
Chesters Sandland of Koo-owie spoke for the Apoinga DC saying Mr Hawkes had been chairman there for 30 or 40 years except for one year which he spent in England when the speaker’s father took over. He had been a prudent and economical director of the Council’s affairs. He had virtually created Black Springs, having been behind the establishment of everything there.
Walter Murray of Cappeedee spoke in support of Mr Hawkes’ generosity with breeding advice.
Sir John Melrose recalled meeting Mr Hawkes 46 years earlier when he had few grey hairs in his moustache and walked with such a determined air that he was dubbed ‘Lord Hawkes’ (and the name stuck). He found Mr Hawkes a good fighter for his causes and a pleasure to do battle with – and such a good speaker that ‘even if he knew nothing about it, he would tell the story alright’. He praised him for his professional skills as a pastoralist and for his generosity.
Other speakers were: Fred Raynor of ‘The Bluff’ Hallett, Mr J. Thomas of Aberdeen and Mr F. Treloar. Apologies were received from L.W. Gebhardt and M.A. Radford.
Mr Hawkes said there were three events in his life of outstanding importance. The first was leaving England, the second was his courtship and marriage and the third was facing him now. He came to Australia as a young lad of 151⁄2. His father was a barrister with 14 children and there was never much money about – whether because his father had few clients, or failed to live up to the profession’s reputation for fleecing them he didn’t know. He had landed in SA on 14 January 1879 by the Lusitania. He had courted and married Isabella, the daughter of the late J.M. McBride. [He recounts an anecdote about asking McBride’s permission.] Leaving the district after over 50 years and Koonoona after nearly 40 years continuous residence would be difficult. He did not however fear spending his time sitting on the verandah and expected his life to continue its busy routine. His first experience with sheep was as a lad when he found one ‘Tup’ and six ‘Tegs’ in an English lane without an owner and made money out of yarding them and advertising for an owner. In Australia he first took 150 rams to Parnaroo for Mr John Sandland just 50 years ago. Later he left Koonoona and found a billet on a Darling Station. That was the 1880s when after a period of prosperity and inflation following the Franco-Prussian War with good seasons and high wool prices, things were going down with low wool prices, dingos, drought and rabbits all at once. In the good season of 1887 he had the supervision of over 200 rabbiters working on the NSW Government’s scalp bonus system, but it was like trying to empty the sea with a bucket. Rabbits were the greatest scourge to the pastoralist. He returned to Burra in the late 1880s in bad times. Pastoral leases had expired and chaos reigned. Managers and overseers were 2d a dozen. Fortunately the late Hon. John Lewis picked him up and made him sub-manager at their Burra Branch.
Mr & Mrs W.G. Hawkes were also given a farewell from ‘Millipa’ the residence of Mr & Mrs Glen Hawkes on 21 June. About 50 people were present – employees of Koonoona Pty Ltd including Mr & Mrs W.P. Wade, manager of their Winnininnie Run near Peterborough. Tennis was played and afternoon tea taken in the dining room. Mr Wade had been asked to speak for all and made a heartfelt speech instancing many kindnesses of Mrs Hawkes over the years and of Mr Hawkes as a role model. Mr A.T. Butler endorsed his remarks. The employees presented Mrs Hawkes with a porcelain tray and morning tea set and Mr Hawkes with a handsome clock. Mr Hawkes made a suitable response.
51, 25, 25 June 1930, page 4
St Joseph’s Annual Dance took place in the Burra Institute 17 June and was the best for some years. Schwerdt’s Orchestra from Hamley Bridge played.
Burra Benevolent Society met on 19 June and reluctantly accepted Miss Bubb’s resignation due to her moving to NSW. Members resolved to join the General Aid Society in a farewell social for her in the Memorial Hall on 3 July at 3 p.m. She was also voted a life membership of the Society.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Farrell’s Flat 3.1 3.1 5.5 5.5 (35)
Aberdeen 0.2 3.5 3.6 4.8 (32)
51, 26, 2 July 1930, page 1
Burra Burra Hospital Board, Meeting 23 June
Resolved to interview the Chief Secretary with a view to having the subsidy increased to the old figure of £1,500.
Resolved to object to moves to relieve Suburban Councils from contributing to the Adelaide Hospital – any more than country ratepayers who are rated for the purpose of contributing to country hospitals.
An automatic ironer is to be purchased.
Chairman W.G. Hawkes advised he would be resigning from 30 June and an acting chairman would be needed until the new board takes over. He thanked all for their support over the years.
Mr Warnes moved a vote of appreciation which was seconded by Sir John Melrose. Other members of the board spoke in support. Dr Steele regretted an emergency case prevented his attendance, but had voiced his appreciation of the chairman’s work.
Liberal Federation. Men’s Branch AGM was held last Friday with President M.A. Radford in the chair. Elected were President, M.A. Radford; Vice-Presidents, I.J. Warnes & E. Jettner.
Burra Rifle Club. Trophy winners for 1929-30 season:
Woollacott Trophy A.C. Aughey
Championship S. Cordon
Championship with Handicap A.P. Harris
Consistency H.G. Oates
Winners of aggregates over various distances were: J. Terry, C.H. Dixon, A.G. Heinrich, A.C. Aughey & P.W. Hogan.
51, 26, 2 July 1930, page 2
Frank Treloar severed his connection with Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. after 30 years last Monday morning. Mr K.M. Drew, local manager, presented him with an Onkaparinga travelling rug.
51, 26, 2 July 1930, page 3
Mrs W.G. Hawkes was given a farewell at Pearce’s Building by representatives of the Liberal Federation, Red Cross, St Mary’s Mothers’ Union, CWA & Burra Benevolent Society and was presented with a handsome silver slaver.
Redruth Recreation Club was formed 5 June. Elected were President, M.J. Morton; Vice-Presidents, Rev. Barnes, R.J. Fairchild & Sgt McDonald; Secretary & Treasurer, J.G. Tiddy.
The club opened on Tuesday in the Redruth Junior Sunday School. Two table tennis tables are available and a third will soon be ready. The Hall is open for play any time to 11 p.m. except Sundays and on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Golf. Burra visited Farrell’s Flat and the meeting resulted in a draw 9 games each.
Harrold J. Button writes about Rev. Lawson’s nomination for a seat on the Burra Burra Hospital Board. Button considers it inappropriate for a minister of any denomination or religion to be so involved. In any case he may well leave the district in April so why is he so keen to take the position?
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 1.1 3.5 5.7 8.10 (58)
Aberdeen 2.4 2.4 5.5 5.6 (36)
Obituary. Mr Henry Pierce Wardle who was critically injured when he fell between as carriage and the platform at Riverton on 23 June died at Riverton Memorial Hospital 26 June. Mr Wardle was unmarried and was the third son of the late Mr & Mrs Ralph Wardle of Hawker and was born at Hindmarsh Valley SA 21 September 1862. With his brother Jacob he went when young to the far north. When they got older they were teamsters together and then farmed at hawker and later at Pt Wakefield for a while. He secured a portion of Koonoona Estate near Porter’s Lagoon when that was cut up and farmed it successfully until retiring about four years ago when he came to live in Kooringa with his niece Mrs Clem Sampson. Five brothers and one sister survive: Mr Michael J. Wardle (Brim, Victoria), Jacob Giles Wardle (Redruth), Thomas A. Wardle (WA), James A. Wardle (Wyalong NSW), W.A. Wardle (Broken Hill) & Mrs H. Wright (Malvern). The late Mr R. Wardle of Mt Bryan was also a brother.
51, 26, 2 July 1930, page 3-4
Mr & Mrs W.G. Hawkes Public Farewell
A large gathering at the Institute on Friday evening showed the esteem in which Mr & Mrs Hawkes are held. The Mayor A.B. Riggs presided.
The Mayor said though not Burra born Mr Hawkes was one of the oldest sheep breeders in the district. As a citizen he (Mr Riggs) had worked on many committees with Mr Hawkes and well knew the value of the latter’s help in advancing the district. His eloquence in patriotic causes in the Great War was of immense value. The Burra Hospital had particularly benefited by his efforts.
Cr T.H. Woollacott spoke on behalf of the Hospital Board. Mr Hawkes had been a member for some 20 years and chairman for 8 or 9. The Hospital, after some years of trouble was now so well run people came from as far away as Pt Augusta.
H.G. Oates spoke on behalf of the RSL acknowledging Mr Hawkes’ contribution to the war effort and to the League and its members.
Cr K.C. Sandland spoke for Apoinga DC. It was Mr Hawkes who had pushed for closer settlement and prevailed on Koonoona Proprietors to cut up the land, despite which Koonoona had almost as many sheep as before that. The existence of Black Springs was due to him and the Anglican Church and the public hall were due to his energy and generosity. He had been a great stud breeder without treading on others’ toes and had been Chairman of the Apoinga DC for 30 years.
Rev. J.S.W. Coles spoke for the Anglican Church, for St Mary’s and the District. Mr Hawkes had taken a great interest in the Black Springs mission and in the church at Booborowie (St Edmund’s). The Hawkes’ window in St Mary’s was equal to any in the state with but one or two exceptions. Mr Hawkes’ charity had extended the inscription on the window to encompass all those lads who had sacrificed their lives as well as his own son.
Mr M.A. Radford spoke for the pastoralists and said what a role model Mr Hawkes was for young men starting out at the bottom rung of the ladder.
Mr F. Treloar spoke for the residents of Burra.
The Mayor then presented a beautifully illustrated address drawn up by Mr George Hann.
Mr Hawkes’ Response
He was humbled by the honours showered upon him. He was both proud and humbled. Proud to have been able to live among people of good purpose and great loyalty to the Empire and humbled by the awareness of so much undone that should or could have been done. He was happy to accept the beautiful address.
He had come to Koonoona first in February 1880 and had stayed about 21⁄2 years before going to the River Darling. He returned to Burra in 1889, though he had remained in touch. He referred to his marriage in 1887 as repairing some defect in his life. Looking back over fifty years he referred to two outstanding doctors, Sangster & Brummitt, preceded he believed by Drs Cave, Nesbitt and Dashwood. To Dr Brummitt the town owed much of its foliage. The legal profession was represented by the upright and just Daniel Packard and the Beau Brummell of the town Mr Akhurst who later went to Mt Gambier. He thought that then Mr Hall managed the Bank of Australasia and Mr Rosman the National Bank, though Mr Hall was a bit hazy. The two stock firms were then Liston, Shakes & Co. and Goodchild & Duff. Although the Hon. John Lewis was the power behind Liston, Shakes & Co. his name did not then appear. Mr Duff, the resident representative of his firm was of military appearance like a Colonel of the Lancers. He recalled a match for £50 between Duff & Lewis for a drive to Kapunda – he believed it took c. 4 hours.1 The Corporation officers were Mr Bartholomaeus as Town Clerk followed by Mr Davey, father of the present Clerk – both thorough and exact. J.R. Gray was the Inspector – he would ‘meet one in the street, touch his hat, ask after your health, hand you a summons for some stray horse or cow and leave you with the benediction – ‘God Bless You.’ Mr Coglin was the outside Ranger, a good Irishman of sporting instincts and brother to the legislator Patrick Boyce Coglin.
In Aberdeen the businessman were Messrs Ridgway, Tiver & Roach – all British to the core.
Bath & Pearce in Kooringa occupied the premises where Mr Allen now lives. Mr Lipsett had a progressive drapery. He was very tall and wore a tall hat making him even taller and was spotlessly attired. Mr Wilkinson was where the shop still stands. He was a good botanist who co-operated with Dr Brummitt. Philip Lane, saddler and ironmonger nearby was of punctilious courtesy and affability. Drew & Co. founded the present business of Drew & Crewes. Its members were John, Charles and Thomas Drew. Pearces there were in legion. Also Thomas Parks and C.L. Williams who was, I think, in partnership with Mr Builder. Jimmy Doe the hairdresser, Mr Walker the Bootmaker across the street where tailoring is now carried on. Mr Walker did well under great physical disability. The two leading hotels were run by brothers Richardson and E.C. Lockyer the brewer was a courtly gentleman with a white waistcoat and a heavy gold chain. Messrs Rosewall, Pat Lalley, Bill Rodda, the Fitzgeralds and the Tobins were less prominent, but equally honourable. Mr Wilson the hospital porter was a veteran soldier.2 The farmers of the district were represented by the good names of Flower, Humphrys, Escott, Dew, Bailey, Field, Finch, McWaters, Duldig, William Heinrich, Gillett, Collins, Fairchild, Oates, Peak, etc. Pastoralists of note included Alexander McCulloch of Princess Royal and wider interests. Mr Thomas Warnes who lived near him had eastern interests as well. The Austins held Ketchowla, managed and subsequently owned by W. Dearlove. Henry Dawson, retired saddler, owned Caroona, Joseph Ford had Sturt Vale and Henry Scott owned Quondong and later Braefoot. There were Thomas, John & William Cockrum of great courage and integrity, the Killicoats – Captain & his sons Philip and William. William Barker had Baldina and J.M. McBride owned The Gums and Pine Valley. The Riggs held Mullaby and Murkaby while there was also John Bagg and Richard Berryman of Springbank, Mr Gebhardt of Mackerode and Markaranka on the Murray. The Bowmans owned Wandillah and acquired Mt Bryan Station about that time from Mr Gilbert. John Dow managed Gum creek for the Duncans and John Armstrong managed Booborowie for the Brownes. John Sandland managed Koonoona for Mr Duffield and Mr Richard Reed.
It was not a surprise that the sons of such men responded so robustly to the call of Empire in 1914.
He was glad to be leaving the Burra Hospital with a splendid Board of Management. He was optimistic that they would get through the present hard times. He thanked them all for their wonderful farewell.
Musical items were interspersed throughout the evening.
[1 V. 260 (2). 31 August 1883, Page 2
J.F. Duff & J. Lewis arranged a trotting match in the past week. Mr Duff conceded an eight-mile start to Mr Lewis’s pair and a handicap of 3cwt in the trap. Mr Lewis accomplished his distance, Sod Hut to Kapunda, in 3 hrs 45 mins, starting at 6.00 a.m.
Mr Duff’s pair refused to trot till Marrabel and so he was completely out of contention and he reached Kapunda at 11.15 a.m., having made a 15 minute stop at Waterloo and another at Marrabel, as well as 30 minutes at Hamilton. He covered the 48 miles in 4 hrs, not including stops.
2 William Reed Wilson born 10 May 1831 St Albans England: died 19 July 1919
Entered 49th Foot Regiment 1 Nov 1848 and served for 6 years 83 days. He saw service at Alma Sebastopol and Inkerman in the Crimean War. Wounded the day before charge of Light Brigade and later discharged as a result. Arrived in Australia in 1864 in the “Duchess of Northumberland”.]
51, 26, 2 July 1930, page 4
Burra School held its Arbor Day 26 June. 18 lilacs and 4 oleanders were planted. David Radford fell and broke his leg playing football in the yard on Thursday afternoon.
51, 27, 9 July 1930, page 1
Mr & Mrs Hawkes were farewelled from Black Springs at a social held in the Black Springs Hall 26 June. Speeches were interspersed with musical and elocutionary items. Horace Dunn took the chair. Mr & Mrs Hawkes had been great supporters of the Anglican Church and prime movers in the erection of the Hall. Mr Hawkes had always been active in public affairs and was one of the most prominent stud Merino breeders in Australia.
K. Chesters Sandland also spoke of the family’s contribution to the district, of the sacrifice of Robert Hawkes, their son, in the Great War and of Mrs Hawkes’ role as a Christian helper and comforter and of Mr Hawkes’ courage in migrating at 151⁄2 to start a new life.
Cr J.A. Heinrich spoke of the Hawkes’ wide circle of friends in the district and of their help in establishing a school at Apoinga. Mr Hawkes had given the land and helped financially as he had done so frequently in other causes, especially during the Great War. Mr Hawkes had first entered the [Apoinga] Council in 1894 and except for the period 1910-16 when he retired from Council, he had been Chairman for 30 years. He would like to thank Mr Hawkes on behalf of ratepayers for sacrificing so much of his time for the district.
H.C. Atkins spoke on behalf of the Hanson District for Mr Hawkes’ financial assistance over the years and for his work on the Burra Hospital Board and his financial support for the Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club.
Howard Turner spoke of Mr Hawkes’ gift for public speaking and his fine Christian character and of the parallel support from Mrs Hawkes.
Rev. J.S.W. Coles said the knowledge he had of Mr Hawkes extended for only three years, but it supported all that had been said by others.
Mr A. Heinrich spoke of Mr Hawkes’ contribution in the cutting up of Koonoona for closer settlement and his public contribution on the Apoinga Council and the Burra Hospital Board and of his wife’s great kindness and generosity to all.
Mr A. Butler said he would add his contribution representing the church that Mr Hawkes had been a prime mover in establishing 38 years ago.
Horace Dunn then presented an illuminated address – the work of George Hann.
Mr Hawkes then spoke at length about those prominent in the district 50 years ago.
[Except for a reference to old Granny Low who used to walk from Black Springs to Burra with butter and eggs for the market, this speech is not reported.]
Mrs Hawkes also made a brief response and supper concluded the evening.
51, 27, 9 July 1930, page 2
Notice. Methodist Home Missions Anniversary
The deputation Rev. E.J. Piper, General Superintendent of Home Missions, will preach next Sunday at Redruth 11 a.m. & Kooringa 6.45 p.m.
The Film Work on the Back Blocks and Across Australia will screen at 7.30 p.m.
Monday: Kooringa Lecture Hall
Tuesday: Redruth Memorial Hall
Wednesday: Hanson Sunday School
Thursday: Ironmine Church
Friday: World’s End Church
Mr & Mrs George Hann have recently taken over ‘Owanyilla’ from Miss Bubb.
Weather. Rains have come generally in the last week with falls to the east mainly between 50 and 100 points, but a few places got less. Mongolata had a localised thunderstorm that deposited up to 2 inches in places, but 50 points in others.
51, 27, 9 July 1930, page 3
The Mayor of Pt Adelaide Mr Lewis visited Burra in connection with the Rechabite Lodge and visited the Council meeting on Monday.
Unemployment. A petition to the Town Council on Monday was signed by 52 married men and 30 single men who were unemployed and on rations. While these prevent starvation they do nothing for the clothes and boots for them and their children. They respectfully ask that some work be provided.
Cr Woollacott pointed out this petition involved 104 parents, 150 children and 30 single men.
The petition was forwarded to the Government via the District MPs.
Council resolved if possible to borrow £500 that the Government is offering for three years interest free and then at 3%.
Fire. At 12.45 a.m. on Sunday fire broke out in G.C. Kuchenmeister’s refreshment rooms (owned by Charles Parks of Semaphore and late of Burra) on the corner of Chapel and Commercial Streets. R. Brinkworth of Elder, Smith & Co. raised the alarm and the brigade soon had the fire under control. Damage was c. £500. The cause seems to have been the fusing of an electric wire.
General Aid Society met at Redruth Memorial Hall on the afternoon of 3 July to farewell Miss E.R. Bubb. Members of the Benevolent Society and RSL also attended. Rev. E. Lawson presided and after his speech of appreciation for Miss Bubb’s work others also spoke. Mr James Thomas spoke for the General Aid Society and Rev. J.S.W. Coles. Mrs Brown an old member of the society spoke of Miss Bubb’s fine efforts and then presented a handsome gold-mounted malachite brooch. Miss Coglin presented a beautiful bedroom clock from the Benevolent Society and Mrs James Thomas presented a sea-grass chair from the Royal Institution for the Blind in appreciation of the work Miss Bubb had done for them. On behalf of the RSL Mr H. Oates spoke of her work for returned men and especially for the TB funds and the annual reunion. He presented Miss Bubb with a handbag. Guy Tiddy thanked Miss Bubb for the annual dinners she had organised.
Miss Bubb thanked them all and hoped the work of the General Aid Society would go on. She referred to her work over 14 years in Burra as Matron of the Reformatory and since. She had also been Matron in various Girls’ Industrial Schools in Victoria and SA. She asked that the society, if it continued as she had heard it would, keep the sea-grass chair in memory of her office as President.
Burra Burra Hospital
Elections for the Board resulted in the return of the old members Messrs Kellaway, Woollacott & Morgan. During the election campaign Rev. Lawson, one of the candidates, had used an advertisement implying that the Hospital Board had a policy of not employing local girls as nurses.
The Board interviewed the late Chairman W.G. Hawkes who left them with the impression that such was departmental policy and they inserted this in the paper and said it was to preserve the patients’ privacy. Mr Lawson approached the Board last Friday with the threat of legal proceedings unless they distributed printed leaflets withdrawing this statement. Rev. Lawson had sent a telegram asking the Chief-Secretary if such was in fact departmental policy and if so whether it was also Government policy. The reply was that no such instructions had been sent and it was neither departmental nor Government policy. The editor publishes the text of both telegrams and apologises.
W.G. Hawkes also wrote a letter saying that the paper was justified in saying that they got the impression from him that the non-employment of local girls as probationers was a rule of the department. It has never been laid down as such by the Chief-Secretary, Inspector General of Hospitals or the Hospital Association. It is a rule made by the local Board of Management in common with many others formulated by the Board for the good management of the Institution. The office of the Inspector-General of Hospitals, frequently referred to as ‘The Department’ was aware of the rule and has approved of it.
Harrold Button said that Rev. Lawson had complained that it was unfair to have his letter published too late for a reply. In return Button asks why Lawson published his advertisement only the week before. In fact Button’s letter was written on Tuesday 24 June and handed in for publication that week, but space prevented its inclusion that week. He apologises for thinking Rev. Lawson was leaving in April when clergy are usually asked to extend their term.
Basketball Assoc. Peterborough visited on 3 July when Burra 57 defeated Peterborough 23.
Marriage. Mt Bryan Old Methodist Church, Saturday 28 June
Alick W. Best, second son of Mr & Mrs C.W. Best of Bury St Edmunds Suffolk, married
Emma Rose Wardle, fifth daughter of Mrs & the late Ralph Wardle of ‘Warildin House’ Mt Bryan.
51, 27, 9 July 1930, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.4 6.11 8.13 9.15 (69)
Farrell’s Flat 1.3 4.5 4.8 7.8 (50)
RSL farewelled W.G. Hawkes at the club rooms on Saturday 28 June.
President H.G. Oates gave a speech in appreciation of Mr Hawkes and especially of his work for the community and his generosity financially in many projects. Dr Steele supported the chairman’s remarks. Other speakers were: L.M. Gordon, G.H. Dow, J. Thomas, W.D. Thompson & J.E. Hogan.
The president presented Mr Hawkes with a pipe.
Mr Hawkes responded with a notably patriotic speech in support of the stand taken in the war, the British Empire and British culture. He related stories of the patriotic appeals in Burra during the war and of the work of E.W. Crewes. He was asked for some words of advice. He urged industry and thrift, but thrift was not meanness. ‘The meanest person was he or she who dissipated all they earned. They could never help others, and finally had to receive help.’
51, 28, 16 July 1930, page 1
Burra Rifle Club AGM was held 5 July at J. Allen’s rooms with C.W. Pearce in the chair.
Over 20 members attended. The club had received valuable assistance with trophies from T.H. Woollacott & Sons and Messrs G.G. & Rollo Hawkes, Frank Spencer and various club members. They were also under obligation to Messrs Warnes & C.W. Gare for use of lands for the ranges and to The Record for reporting their activities. A new target had been erected in anticipation of the Anzac Shoot, which had later been cancelled.
[Extensive details of prizes follow and these have mostly been noted previously.]
Elected were Captain, H.G. Oates; Vice-Captain, J.A. Riggs; Treasurer, A.B. Riggs; Secretary – held over.
Miss Bubb was farewelled at the monthly meeting of the Women’s Branch of the Liberal Federation and presented with a gold ever-sharp pencil suitably inscribed.
51, 28, 16 July 1930, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council calls tenders for:
Painting of the flagpole at Sara’s corner.
Painting the Rotunda.
Painting the Mortuary Chapel at the cemetery.
Miss E.R. Bubb left Burra this morning to stay for a fortnight with Mrs E.L. Bertram at Henley Beach before sailing to Sydney per S.S. Katoomba.
Weather. Rain has been good this month with 126 points so far. The wheat is coming on well. The east remains dry and dusty despite some falls of rain.
Theft. People in the Gum Creek-Leighton-Ironmine area are having their poultry raided. The birds are tied up in a bag and left in secluded spots, apparently to die. Residents have a shrewd idea of the culprit who if caught will be summarily dealt with.
51, 28, 16 July 1930, page 3
George Allen of the local Savings bank for the last fourteen months has been transferred to Adelaide. He was given a farewell in the Cheer-up Hall on Saturday. He is replaced by Mr Fletcher from Adelaide.
Rev. R.H. Davidson Superintendent of the Young People’s Department of the Methodist Church visited Burra 5 & 6 July and a series of meetings was held:
Saturday afternoon he addressed Sunday school teachers and there was a teachers’ tea.
Sunday morning he spoke to a well-attended gathering of parents.
Sunday afternoon a combined Sunday school demonstration in the Institute was one of the biggest religious gatherings in Burra for many years. The children came in procession from Market Square and Rev. Davidson’s address was on the words: What you plant will grow.
Sunday evening he preached at Kooringa Methodist Church.
Yakilo School opening celebrations are reported. C.A.S. Hawker Esq. performed the opening on 9 July. The report extends for just less than 1 column.
Leighton Hall AGM was chaired by President I.J. Warnes.
In the year Mr Holland replaced Mr Foster as caretaker. The strawberry fete was a great success. In the year the bowling green and croquet lawn were laid out and planted: a well was sunk, a mill and tanks erected, all for a cost of £164-19-3. The overdraft has risen from £28-18-11 to £134-14-3, against which there are improvements worth £164-19-3. The lease of the polo ground is to be transferred to Leighton hall and A.T. McWaters replaces the late Mr Field as a trustee. The position of caretaker was dispensed with. Elected were President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-President, D.E. Williams; Treasurer, A.D. McDonald; Secretary, Rex Warnes; Assistant Secretary, M.S. Edwards.
Albert District Order of Rechabites gave an entertainment at the Kooringa Methodist Hall 8 July. Prominent officers from Adelaide attended.
51, 28, 16 July 1930, page 4
Burra Rifle Club held a practice match last Saturday. Clarrie Dixon did extremely well for a lad with only 12 months experience and scored 102 out of a possible 105 over double 200 & 500 yards.
Burra Town Council
A letter from the RSL stated they had inspected the area between the Rotunda and the Memorial and there was not room for a mound, but a concrete structure was suggested.
Mr Hirschausen has done some unauthorised road work near his house. On inspection it was found to be needed work and was done well. He is unemployed and the Council resolved to pay him £3-15-0 if he completes six chains, though Cr Kellaway was opposed to setting such a precedent and so was the Mayor.
People camping at Victoria Park were destroying seats and doing other damage. The gates are to be locked.
General Aid Society met 10 July to finalise financial matters. The balance sheet having been audited was adopted. Miss Bubb took the chair and it was resolved to re-organise the General Aid Society. Elected were President, Mrs Helen Rowe; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames F. Pearce Sen., J. Turner & A.S. Field; Treasurer, Mrs R. Chambers and Hon. Secretary Mrs R. Voumard.
Miss Bubb wished the re-organised society every success. Meetings will be held in Redruth Memorial Hall on first Thursday in each month.
51, 29, 23 July 1930, page 1
Football. Saturday
Kooringa 3.4 10.10 13.17 19.20 (134)
Mt Bryan 1.2 1.5 1.6 1.9 (15)
Burra benevolent Society has been unable to supply firewood to all on the list and women will be supplied with 5 cwt each. Means of raising money were discussed. An American Tea is to be held at the home of the Mayoress 6 August. A small clock was presented to Miss Bubb on her departure recently.
Aberdeen Football Club held a Blue & White Dance on 15 July in the Institute in aid of club funds. Results were satisfactory.
RSL Notes. [This was part of a continuing series of short articles. I have not noted the previous ones, as they were of a general nature, but this one is of local significance in that it lists four common causes of failure of soldier settlers.]
Major factors leading to failure are:
Want of capital.
Want of home maintenance area. That is the property is too small to generate enough income to support a family.
The unsuitability of the settler due to a large extent to war service and lack of training.
The drop in the value of primary produce.
With respect to (1) soldiers were allotted land and charged the full purchase price, plus advances for improvements, stock and implements. This amounted to a mortgage on 100% of assets charged at 51⁄2% to 61⁄2%. Even a capable and practical farmer could scarcely borrow more than 66% of the value of the land plus improvements and he can usually barely scrape along on that. To add to the problem improvements were often overvalued.
51, 29, 23 July 1930, page 2
G.C. Kuchenmeister is carrying on his refreshment room business in rooms at the rear of the premises until the front room is refitted after the fire. The new room will be modern with plate glass window etc.
Obituary. Mrs O.W. Heinrich died 1 July at her home at Apoinga aged 41. She was Elsa, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs F. Schuppan of Emu Downs and was born at Lyndoch in 1889. The family moved to Emu Downs when she was young and in 1917 she married O. Will. Heinrich, son of Mr W. Heinrich late of World’s End and now of Point Pass. A husband and a young family of four girls and one boy survive. [Born Edweg Elsa Schuppan 30 June 1889 at Lyndoch: died Hedwig Elsa Heinrich.]
Golf. Farrell’s Flat visited on Saturday and Burra defeated Farrell’s Flat 12 games to 3.
Burra Town Council
The Town Clerk revealed the financial position of the Council:
Receipts to 7 July £2737-10-11
Expenditure to 7 July £2233-4-2
Credit balance £504-6-9
Expected receipts to 30 November will bring the balance to: £743-6-9
Probable expenditure £881-15-5
Expected deficit for the year £138-8-8
Ward accounts are all currently in credit:
North Ward £36-17-8
East Ward £315-16-3
West Ward £19-13-5
Metal raised and at quarries: Aberdeen Quarry 193 yds
Hospital Quarry 147 yds
340 yds
This is almost sufficient for the year’s needs.
Government Grants Scheme has provided 49 days work at a cost to the Council of £34-19-7.
Work for the rest of the year must therefore be done in East Ward.
51, 29, 23 July 1930, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. Thanks to Mr R. Reed for providing the main trophy for the year. The first stage of the Kookaburra Trophy saw best results from F. Spencer, J. Schwier & C. Dixon.
Stockowner’s Assoc. Annual Meeting of the local branch was held last Friday at the Eastern Telephone Building. President I.J. Warnes reported on the year’s activities. I.J. Warnes was re-elected president.
51, 29, 23 July 1930, page 4
Football. At Farrell’s Flat on Saturday
Farrell’s Flat 6.0 7.2 9.6 10.10 (70)
Aberdeen 2.2 3.5 4.9 6.10 (46)
Apoinga DC. There is a report of the Council meeting of 28 June at which W.G. Hawkes was farewelled as Chairman.
51, 30, 30 July 1930, page 1
Unemployment
Mr S. McHugh MP spoke to a gathering of the Burra unemployed at a meeting on 21 July presided over by Mr S. Dowling. Members of the Town Council and a number of businessmen attended. Mr McHugh said such a state of affairs had never before existed in Australia. Never before had debt been as high or unemployment so numerous to say nothing of the long drought. Australia had borrowed heavily since the war but now the London markets were closed to Australian borrowers. People had been living beyond their means. The current Government loan would be allotted for relief purposes. Victoria owed SA £150,000 through the Railway Border Agreement, but had paid only £57,000. He thought the local council should borrow £1,000 not the £500 they had sought. They were all hoping for great things from the visit of Sit Otto Niemeyer. Mr McHugh then went on to hope the mining industry might come to our aid. The Government was spending £1,000 a day on relief. There were hopes for more settlement in the South East of the state and for a timber industry there. He did not want the dole in SA. Big wages must come down. Mr F. Sara asked if there was anything moving at present. The loan would have an effect three months away and in the meantime people were in a bad way. Mr McHugh said that just at present there was not anything.
There was talk about mineral prospecting, but no definite answer.
Rev. Lawson moved a vote of thanks which the Mayor seconded. The Mayor said the Council had done what it could. In the Burra Burra Division there were three Corporations and 14 District Councils and none had more unemployment than Burra. The town was well kept and it was hard to spend £500 without detracting from the work for the permanent staff. He thought relief would have to come from mining and men could be put on at the Burra Mine.
Cricket. The presentation of Aberdeen Cricket club trophies was made at the interval in the films on Saturday 19 July.
Highest number of catches 1929-30 season E. Fuller
Most improved fielder J. McDonald
Best improved all round G. Rogers
Highest number of runs (464) E. Scroop
Highest number of wickets (38) P.J. Flaherty
Of the 17 games played 8 were won, 5 were lost and 4 were drawn.
51, 30, 30 July 1930, page 3
Editorial. There is a leading article on Sir Otto Niemeyer’s verdict that money from London was the only hope. An article calling for real leadership from Australian politicians and calling upon patriotism as the answer to the problems of the nation.
YMCA combined social of Kooringa and Aberdeen members was held in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on 22 July was a great success.
The Season looks good with 210 points of rain this month, but falls to the east have been light. Mt Bryan East did best with 35 points this week.
Obituary. Thomas [John] O’Leary, a member of the old and well-known family of butchers of Queen St, died on Monday morning 28 July aged 74 after a long illness. He was the last surviving member of the firm. He is survived by the Misses Margaret and Mary O’Leary.
51, 30, 30 July 1930, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday
Kooringa 1.5 7.12 12.16 20.21 (141)
Aberdeen 1.1 1.4 4.5 4.5 (29)
Burra Burra Show Inc. General Committee meeting 21 July.
Money allocated for Sheep Dog Trial prizes was £31-4-0, down £6-2-0. The trials resulted in a loss of c. £16.
The meeting on 21 July decided to have a railcar from Adelaide for the show, and to cut out the train from Terowie, but get a quote instead on a railcar. The rest of the report deals with the prize list for the annual show and other arrangements for that as well as a report from the Northern Shows Association. Burra was allocated the date 22 October.
51, 31, 6 Aug. 1930, page 1
Aberdeen Croquet Club held its AGM 30 July at the Club Room. Mrs G.E. McDonald presided. The interest free loan of £20 is due in August. A meeting will be held 14 August to receive membership fees of 30/-. For two years running the lawns have had to be watered into June. Thanks to Mrs Camp for doing so much of this work. The electric mower has been a great success. A social in the year at the Memorial Hall was also a success. Elected were President, Mrs J.G. Sara; Vice-President, Mrs A.B. Riggs; Treasurer, Miss L. Bartholomaeus; Secretary, Mrs Goble and Captain, Mrs E. McDonald.
Football. At Duncan Park on Saturday
Farrell’s Flat 0.4 2.7 2.7 5.11 (41)
Kooringa 0.0 0.0 2.4 2.4 (16)
51, 31, 6 Aug. 1930, page 2
Football. On Saturday the Mt Bryan v. Aberdeen match was abandoned due to heavy rain and hail.
51, 31, 6 Aug. 1930, page 3
Jack Dowling of the Burra Railway Station staff has been moved to Mile End and was given a farewell on Monday evening at Mr & Mrs Ern Wohling’s.
Weather. Magnificent rainfall totals have been recorded in the last week in two falls of 74 and 27 points on Friday and Saturday respectively. The fall of hail on Saturday was the heaviest for some time. The near country to the east got falls of about 50 points to 85, but further east falls were light.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 4 August
Dorothy M. Rowe, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs J.B. Rowe of ‘Comrie’ Kooringa, married
Eric L. Scroops, second son of the late Mr & Mrs E.A. Scroops of Pt Pirie.
Burra Rifle Club. The Kookaburra Trophy shoot on Saturday was cancelled due to rain and hail. A practice shoot was fired over 200 & 300 yards with best scores from P.W. Hogan, J. Schwier & H.G. Oates.
Burra Hospital Board has elected I.J. Warnes as Chairman.
51, 31, 6 Aug. 1930, page 4
Salvation Army held its Sweet Pea Fair at the Institute last Friday in aid of its annual appeal for the Self Denial Fund. Items were presented in the evening and a number of the Clare Salvation army Corps braved the elements to assist.
51, 32, 13 Aug. 1930, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday
Farrell’s Flat 1.2 3.4 4.6 7.8 (50)
Aberdeen 0.3 2.4 5.7 5.7 (37)
Copperhouse School held its Arbor Day on 1 August when trees were planted under the supervision of the teacher Miss Seidel and the Chairman Mr W.H. Lloyd. Rev. F.J. Barnes gave an address. On Thursday evening 7 August a concert was arranged in the Methodist Church in aid of school funds and £4-15-0 was raised. [Personal interest. Among the performers Mr R. Fuss gave a ‘splendidly rendered’ song.]
51, 32, 13 Aug. 1930, page 3
Birth. On 3 August at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs H. Brown of Gum Creek a son.
The General Aid Society, which was re-formed and starts from scratch financially, met for the first time on Thursday and had a good attendance.
Weather. Rain in the last week extended to the east, but was very variable with reports ranging from 17 to 81 points.
Mr M. Pederson has substantially recovered from his serious operation and expects soon to be about again.
Clare High School visited Burra last Saturday.
Football: Burra H.S. 10.9 defeated Clare H.s. 5.3
Girls’ Basketball: Clare ‘B’ 15 defeated Burra ‘B’ 10
Burra ‘A’ 11 defeated Clare ‘A’ 6
A.B. Riggs writes appealing for clothing for those in distress. A call last year was a failure, but the need this year is even greater. (From ‘Kabymure’ Aberdeen)
SA Wheat Producers Freedom Assoc.
A meeting of the local branch of the Association was held in the Institute on 5 August and attracted c. 50. The Mayor took the chair and said that the meeting had been called to protest the Federal Budget’s heavy taxation and lack of retrenchment.
The speaker was Mr A.L. McEwin of Hart (near Blyth). He outlined the problems facing the wheat industry where the producer was confronted with deflation, falling income and drought. Over 4,000 of the 14,000 wheat producers were carrying on under drought relief. Increased tax will be counterproductive. Stringent economy is essential. Wages and incomes must fall by 121⁄2% to 15% to match reduced national income. Government expenditure must fall as private income falls. Problems for wheat farmers are that wheat prices are at the 1913 level, but costs of inputs have risen dramatically. Plant has increased by 74%, material by 41% and labour by 95%. The cost of production has therefore risen 22/- to 25/- per acre and taxes have risen per head of population 473%. The resolution passed reflected the two points made by the Mayor in his introduction.
51, 32, 13 Aug. 1930, page 4
Burra Town Council, 5 August
Cr W.R. Lee resigned as Chairman of the Public Works Committee, as he was unable to attend to the duties. Accepted with regret.
Police advise they are unable to act on the damage at the cemetery due to lack of evidence.
The Finance Committee recommended that owing to the financial position of Council the three permanent employees (Voumard, Hill & Wilson) be employed for the rest of the year three weeks out of four.
Cr Woollacott thought the Town Clerk should have his salary cut to the 1929 level. The Mayor said the award prevented that.
Cr Woollacott wondered how other Councils managed to do so. Later he appears to answer his own question by saying other Councils had cut the amount of rates collected and the Town Clerk’s salary was related to the amount of rates.
The mayor said nothing could be done on those lines till November.
The Town Clerk said that in fact in other Councils the office expenses had been cut back, but not the Clerk’s salary. The Finance Committee’s report was adopted.
The question of ‘The Guns’.
Cr Woollacott moved the matter be deferred to the first meeting in the New Year on account of finances.
Cr Kellaway amended this to Council voting £10 towards the RSL scheme.
Cr Pearce said he opposed both ideas. The RSL had advanced no reasonable argument for the move back to Market Square. Most people were not in favour of moving the guns. He wanted it left to be an issue at the next elections. Cr Allen agreed with Cr Pearce and the amendment was lost.
Cr Pearce then moved an amendment that the RSL be informed that the Council had no intention of moving the guns. Not seconded.
The motion was put and lost, meaning that absolutely no decision was reached.
It was resolved to send a letter protesting the recent imposition of 1⁄2d on every sheep yarded and sold at country yards. This was a step towards centralisation and a detriment to country towns.
The Mayor said that as time goes on our sales get smaller and smaller.
No Councillors available to do so would consent to sit on the Hospital Board.
[Three of them were already members by election and the other three were businessmen who could not attend at the times the Board sat.]
Women’s Christian Temperance Union AGM at Redruth Memorial Hall on 5 August re-elected all outgoing officers.
The American Tea to raise funds for the Burra Benevolent Society was held at the home of the Mayoress Mrs A.B. Riggs of ‘Kabymure’ Redruth last Wednesday afternoon. It was well attended. Each person arriving placed a gift on the ‘stall’ in the hall and their sale later raised a nice sum. The Mayor and President Mr James Thomas gave speeches supporting the work of the society. About £6 was raised.
51, 33, 20 Aug. 1930, page 1
Red Cross held its annual jumble sale fair on 15 August in the Cheer-up Hall and realised £30, which in the present financial climate was considered satisfactory. The Mayor opened the fair.
Leighton Rifle Club. A meeting was held recently to disband the old Leighton Rifle Club of which the secretary was T. Hogan and the Captain was S. Cordon. The meeting however, decided to form a committee to consider re0opening the range and to discover new members.
Burra Rifle Club. The 3rd stage of the Kookaburra Trophy saw best results from H.G. Oates, W. Woodman and A.P. Harris.
51, 33, 20 Aug. 1930, page 2
Notice. Burra Corporation. The Rubbish Depot about one mile north of Redruth is closed, having been sold.
Obituary. Horace Thomas Gilbert died 14 August at the Burra Hospital aged 29. He was the son of M. [Maria Frances] & the late H. [Henry Thomas] Gilbert of Black Springs.
[See more this issue page 3.]
Editorial. The leading article is concerned with mobilising the individual citizen to oppose the Prime Minister’s proposal for further taxation burdens on the general public.
51, 33, 20 Aug. 1930, page 3
Parker Wardle of Mt Bryan has sold his 602 acre farm to H.F. Saunders & Co. of Hanson. Mr Wardle has taken up a large farm at Moora, WA.
Obituary. Horace Gilbert aged 29 died on Thursday [14 August] in Burra Hospital after a short illness. His father died about 18 months ago. His mother is the daughter of the late T. Goodridge of Gum Creek. The deceased was unmarried and is survived by two brothers, Cliff & Victor Gilbert of Black Springs. [Horace Thomas Gilbert born 19 February 1901 at Redruth. See also 51, 34, 27 Aug. 1930, page 4.]
Unemployment in Burra
The Mayor A.B. Riggs called a public meeting at the Council Chamber on Thursday evening to devise a scheme to aid our unemployed. It was poorly attended. About 20 unemployed men were present. The Mayor said he had been approached by a number of men drawing rations, but who wanted to give a return in work. The Council had no funds available. J. Carpenter & Mr Lawn agreed there was no point in forming a committee given the level of interest shown.
Cr Kellaway suggested a joint committee of the unemployed and others to work with the Benevolent Society.
The Mayor said the Benevolent Society had an income from £500 capital, which was largely expended in supplying old age pensioners with firewood. There were c. 20 subscribers.
Mr Lawn moved the formation of a committee of two representatives from each end of town with power to add and with the Mayor as chair. Carried.
The particular aim was to watch how the money to be collected by a Bill now going through to tax salaries to benefit the unemployed, was dispersed. It might otherwise all go to the city.
Elected: Crs Kellaway & Woollacott with C.R. Bevan & G. Lewis. Various means of raising both interest and money were discussed. The committee met on 18 August and decided on a button day on 5 September and a gala day to be held in September.
Tornado
Last Wednesday between 7.30 and 8 a.m. a tornado took a path through the district. The first place reporting damage was J.G. Hanlin’s at Willalo where part of the woolshed roof was torn off with the timbers reduced to matches and the iron twisted. The Booborowie hotel lost its verandah, a chimney and a windmill. At Leighton the old homestead of Steward McWaters lost old almond trees and large gum trees, while at Wahroonga Mr I.J. Warnes’s trees were on the edge of the wind and escaped with having their leaves stripped from them. Douglas Keynes lost the roofs from his implement shed, chaff house and harness room. The gables were torn off the walls. Alf Morgan at Ironmine lost shed roofs and trees. T. Williams at what is known as Fairchild’s Farm had trees snapped off and one of them was driven through a 1,000 gallon tank 15 ft off the ground, as if it were a skewer. He also lost shed roofs and the flying iron badly punctured the house roof. At ‘Blink Bonnie’ Roy Humphrys was able to tie down the big stable roof with hay ropes just in time, but the chaff shed went and the air was full of iron, timber and trees. At Westbury Farm the residence of the late W.H. Field the verandah and part of the roof went along with some grand old trees. Roy Lloyd at Flagstaff Hill lost a windmill and fowl house. At Pincarrow sheds were unroofed with the iron carried a quarter of a mile. At Mr A. Gebhardt’s Mackerode a 60ft gum was torn apart and fell on the woolshed. The wind there had been preceded by hail the size of moth balls, some of which went straight through the shearing shed roof. In the town Kooringa escaped with strong winds, but at the north end of town trees, telegraph and electricity poles fell like ninepins. The iron fence at the showgrounds was flattened in four sections. Several sheds lost roofs and one or two chimneys were demolished. The Police Station lost two big gums. Mr Jennison had his wireless poles, each held by six stays, demolished. A.B. Riggs’s dog kennel, a heavy wooden structure which was wired down, simply disappeared. At Basin Farm Alick Ford lost 100-year-old trees and shed roofs. About 9 a.m. just after the wind there was a heavy hail storm followed by showers throughout the day that brought 71 points in Kooringa since the last paper. To the east dust storms continued, but there was very little rain.
51, 33, 20 Aug. 1930, page 4
Football. Saturday
Aberdeen Old Buffers 5.2 5.3 6.4 6.4 (40)
Aberdeen 1.0 2.2 3.3 5.7 (37)
Marriage. Holy Angels Church Farrell’s Flat 13 August.
Eileen Wilson, second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs R. Wilson of Pt Pirie, married
Stan Wayman, third son of Mrs & the late Mr F. Wayman of Sevenhills.
51, 34, 27 Aug. 1930, page 1
Burra Football Association
A special meeting of delegates was held 19 August with S. Kellaway as Chairman. He was disgusted at the way one club had sabotaged the picking of a team to go to Peterborough so that with excuses and refusals to go the team had to be picked three times involving hours of work and also the difficulties with transport. There had also been defamatory remarks about the sobriety of the team and as a result one parent refused to allow her son to go. As a father of two of the players he strongly objected to the remark that the team picked was a ‘pack of drunks’. Mr Rosewall said the whole trouble of a weak team and the transport had been due to the Aberdeen Club not fulfilling its obligations. No one could cast a reflection on the team’s sobriety.
Mr Morgan of Aberdeen said that he had promised two cars, but when their own team had turned down the trip he kept his cars at home.
Mr Rosewall said that except for G. Grubb all the other Aberdeen players had turned the trip down due to injuries, but they thenal took part in a match on the same day at Kooringa against the Old Buffers.
The general feeling of the delegates was that Aberdeen had served the Association poorly.
There was a letter from the Secretary of the Aberdeen Club refusing to play again under Umpire Harris and complaining of the roughness allowed in their last match.
The Chairman said that Mr Harris had been appointed to umpire and according to the rules the appointment had to stand. He agreed that as a spectator he had judged the game to be rough.
Mr Read of Farrell’s Flat said his side disagreed and was quite satisfied with the umpire.
After much discussion the opinion was that if Aberdeen refused to play they would have to pay the fines etc. as per the rules.
It was also stated that Aberdeen had no wish to forfeit.
Mr Bevan an Aberdeen delegate said he would try to get his club to reconsider. They did not allege Umpire Harris was unfair, but that he allowed players too much latitude.
The letter was received, but the contents were not entertained.
Football Semi-Final at Victoria Park Saturday
Farrell’s Flat 8.2 12.5 15.11 19.14 (128)
Mt Bryan 0.2 1.3 2.4 4.6 (30)
Booborowie Coursing Club 24 dog stake on 13 August
The winner was J. Spackman’s Eliza Wackles from G. Thornston’s Silver Gift.
51, 34, 27 Aug. 1930, page 3
M-C Provis of Kooringa is reported to have bagged nearly 100 kangaroos on his annual leave at Mutooroo.
Weather. Rain last week was not only useful locally, but also extended to the east with falls generally in excess of half an inch and as high as 1.33 inches at Braemar and 1.32 inches at Mulga Hill.
Burra Golf Club concluded its championship last weekend and Dr Steven won the ‘A’ Grade ahead of M.W. Bednall. K. Kellock won the ‘B’ Grade in his first season of golf, from J. Pederson.
Burra Benevolent Society. Limited funds mean that again we could only supply the women on the list with 5 cwt and this will be the last wood for the year.
Burra Town Council
Cr Pearce hoped the paper would correct an error in the report of the last meeting. It was Cr Woollacott and not he who wished ‘The Guns’ to be an election issue.
MPs advise that the Government cannot grant a loan until certain matters are finalised.
F.H. Reed was allowed to rent an unused road adjacent to his property for 5/- a year.
J. Turner offered to buy several pieces of unused road at Hampton, being parts of Victoria Road, East St and Quarry St. This was approved.
It was decided to have a photo of the whole Council taken.
CWA meeting of 22 August
Mrs Warnes reported that the Mt Gambier branch now had over 100 members. Spalding was doing well and the Metropolitan Branch was active and had a new rest room at Craven’s.
It received a £135 grant from Amy Johnson and the cheque was used to relieve distress of women and children in the mallee.
A Jumble Tea is to be held in Pearce’s Building 26 September. (Bring a gift and buy a gift.)
51, 34, 27 Aug. 1930, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. The second stage of the Kookaburra Trophy saw best scores from F. Spencer & J.H. Schwier.
Tennis. Kooringa Tennis Club AGM elected: Patron, W.L. Gebhardt; President, Mr J.R. Barker; Vice-President, P.J. Pickering; Secretary, M.W. Bednall; Assistant Secretary, A.L. Bence.
Cricket. Saturday Kooringa 34 & 5 for 52 v. Aberdeen 85.
Burra Local Court, 21 & 22 August
C.W. Nourse fined 10/- and £1 costs for driving a car without a licence.
Mrs E.D. McDonald of the Kooringa Hotel was fined £1 + £1 costs for permitting a drunken man on the premises.
Rev. E. Lawson sued E.F. Marston for £99 for libel.
The action arose out of comments published about an advertisement inserted by the plaintiff on 2 July. Rev. E. Lawson claimed his reputation had been injured. The plaintiff’s counsel considered the defendant’s comments imputed a charge of falsehood on the plaintiff.
Mr Bednall for Marston argued that the comments were not capable of libellous meaning nor could they be so understood by any reasonable person and asked for a non-suit. The magistrate decided to hear evidence.
Mr Shierlaw presented arguments for the plaintiff. The defence presented no arguments.
Judgement was for the defendant with costs against the plaintiff.
Obituary. The sudden death of Horace Gilbert shocked friends and associates. After a few days illness at home he was sent to hospital on 12 August and died on 14 August. He had been born at Black Springs on 16 February 1901 and had always lived in the district. He was a member of the Methodist Church. Among his many virtues was his faithfulness to his widowed mother.
[Registration of birth says 19 February 1901 at Redruth.]
51, 35, 3 Sep. 1930, page 1
Football. Second Semi-Final at Victoria Park, Saturday
Kooringa 1.1 4.5 5.8 8.12 (60)
Aberdeen 4.3 4.6 5.7 5.9 (39)
Burra Hospital Board, meeting 25 August
The Chairman reported that the windmill and well supplied adequate water of good enough quality for the garden. Water softening apparatus for hospital use of mains water seemed troublesome and he could not recommend it. He recommended putting the rain water system into order and capturing the water from the Maternity Wing that was currently going to waste.
51, 35, 3 Sep. 1930, page 2
Mrs Ann Jordan turns 97 today. Rev. E. Lawson has collected a birthday gift of 97/- which will be presented today. She is still quite alert, though a little deaf and nearly blind.
51, 35, 3 Sep. 1930, page 3
Sir Douglas Mawson passed through the town last Thursday. He has been with a party criss-crossing the eastern country and stopped for pies at Mr Kuchenmeister’s while the hood of one of the cars was repaired. He said he had made many interesting finds to the east, but not of an economic nature. He asked where the local Vanadium Mine was and no one could tell him. He said it was found at Burra in a form found nowhere else and as such specimens would be valuable. It is said to be located in section 1 Hd of Apoinga. He also wished to inspect one of the old copper prospects at World’s End in the hope of finding interesting fossils.
Local Unemployment Committee, meeting on Monday
Cr Morgan and Cr Woollacott have donated 500 buttons each to be sold next Friday.
Burra Athletic Club offered to work with the committee on a gala day for Eight Hour Day.
S. Kellaway as Chairman of the Burra Football Assoc. said he hoped to work in a football match, perhaps v. old veterans and a sub-committee was formed to organise it.
The Citizen Girls Club will have a night to raise funds.
Mesdames A.L. Walker & Geo. Herbert will have a bridge afternoon or evening.
E.A. Haese of Gladstone Dramatic Club offered a three-act play if locals will add some items.
Mrs J.G. Sara has dressed two young girls.
Mrs Luke Day has offered to give two or three children dinner each day.
Edwin Harris has sent 900 oranges to the state school and Frank Harris sent a 7lb sultana cake which is being judiciously distributed to certain children.
Burra Golf Club
In the Ladies Handicap Miss Blight & Mrs O. Pearce tied.
In the Men’s Handicap Mr Wright & Mr Wedd tied.
Ayers School Arbor Day was held on 28 August. Mrs Warnes and each child planted a tree and a sumptuous afternoon tea followed.
Football. In the Booborowie Football Association Premiership on 30 August:
Spalding 5.11 defeated South Booborowie 5.5.
Burra Indoor Bowls Assoc. First Semi-Final: Oddfellows 21 defeated Foresters Blues 19.
Burra Rifle Club. No. 4 District rifle Club Union Prize Meeting at Gawler last Friday & Saturday.
In the Aggregate H.G. Oates was 6th (£1), A.C. Aughey was 7th (£1) & C. Dixon was 31st (10/-).
51, 35, 3 Sep. 1930, page 4
Booborowie Matrons & Spinsters’ Ball was held 27 August and is reported in c. 11⁄4 columns.
SAR. Latest detailed passenger timetable is printed for the Terowie-Adelaide services.
Trains to Adelaide
Perth Train
(Transcontinental)
Tuesday Monday Monday Tuesday
Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday
Saturday Friday Friday Saturday
Depart Burra 6.24 a.m. 7.07 a.m. 3.02 p.m. 3.24 p.m.
Arrive Adelaide 10.00 a.m. 10.36 a.m. 6.00 p.m. 6.58 p.m.
Trains from Adelaide
Perth Train
Saturday Tuesday Monday Monday Tuesday Saturday
Only Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Only
Friday
Depart Adelaide 7.25 a.m. 9.30 a.m. 10.05 a.m. 5.55 p.m. 5.55 p.m. 6.50 p.m.
Arrive Burra 11.09 a.m. 1.03 p.m. 1.38 p.m. 9.21 p.m. 9.45 p.m. 10.28 p.m.
51, 36, 10 Sep. 1930, page 1
Football. Burra Football Assoc. Premiership drew a crowd of about 350 to Victoria Park on Saturday.
Kooringa 5.2 5.4 10.12 12.12 (84)
Farrell’s Flat 1.1 2.5 3.8 9.10 (64)
Burra DC. The Council was notified that Glen G. Hawkes now occupies all lands formerly occupied by W.G. Hawkes.
‘Roseate Ribbon’ writes agreeing with the Federal Government’s wish to cut civil service pay only as a last resort. Civil servants get a steady, but modest pay. It does not go up in good years. A civil servant can see his whole life laid out before him. He is only better off in bad years. In good years he falls behind, so the Government is right to see cuts in civil service pay as a last resort.
51, 36, 10 Sep. 1930, page 2
Advt. Burra Girls Clubs Night at the Institute 15 September 7.45 p.m. World’s Fellowship Pageant.
Girl Citizens’ Play. Collection to relieve local distress.
Advt. Grand Blue and Gold Ball, Burra Institute 22 September, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Music: Clare Jazz Orchestra. Organised by Kooringa Football Club.
Advt. Grand Gala Carnival Labour Day 8 October at Victoria Park. Proceeds to benefit local unemployed. Organised by unemployed Relief Committee and Burra Athletic Club.
Advt. Fischer & Copley will sell on 19 September by instruction from N.J. Tiddy, who is leaving the district, his furniture and household effects.
Advt. To Let One Large and One Small Shop and dwelling of six rooms.
Available from 20 September. Rental of Whole of Premises 30/- a week
Large Shop & dwelling 22/6 a week. Small shop 10/- a week.
Leases available. Sale of premises would be considered.
[This is the premises previously occupied by N.J. Tiddy at Aberdeen.]
Mrs W.J. Davey Jun. (nee Nurse Miriam Pearce) left for Angorichina Hostel on Friday to do relieving work there for a period. She has previously spent a term there.
Jack Seigert of Hallett who seriously injured his leg nearly twelve months ago is now able to get about on crutches.
51, 36, 10 Sep. 1930, page 3
Weather. Sunday brought a dust storm and a dry thunderstorm. Monday blew a gale and on Tuesday there were driving showers with 23 points to midday. To the east there have been devastating dust storms.
Button Day for the Unemployed Fund raised £20-2-1.
Sellers included the following girls from the High School: Sheila Fairchild, Margaret Pearce, Melva Hill, Wilma Phillips, Shirley Twist, Mavis Riggs, Edna Allen, Beryl Oates, Melva Bourman, Molly Walker & Doss Thomas.
The money will largely go to buy clothing and the recipient will have to work for what he or she gets.
St Joseph’s Dance at the Institute on Monday last was a pronounced success. Music was by Schwerdt’s Orchestra from Hamley Bridge.
Cricket. Aberdeen Cricket Club met at the Royal Exchange hotel on Monday and elected: Patron, G.E. McDonald; President, A. Ratcliffe; Secretary & Treasurer, E. Scroop; Captain, E. Scroop, Vice-Captain, E. Schumacher.
The club will join the Burra Association.
Golf. At Farrell’s Flat: Farrell’s Flat 10 matches defeated Burra 4 matches.
Burra Rifle Club. At the 4th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy the best scorers were R. Nutt, A.C. Aughey & C.F. Provis.
Burra District Council has a new assessment.
Harrold Button delivered the new assessment with a lengthy explanation that in a time of depression he had to base the valuations on the earning capacity of the land and that in turn was dependent not on local markets, but on international markets. Since the last assessment in 1923 there has been a decline in wool to about 50% and in wheat to 40%, when costs of production have been soaring. These changes had not been anticipated when the 1923 assessor increased assessments by 46%. Now it seems reasonable to think that conditions will improve from the present. Wool prospects seem brighter. Wheat futures are less certain. A return to 1923 prices or conditions seems unlikely. Taking all into account Mr Button decided on a 20% reduction on the 1923 assessment. The lands in his opinion had retained their comparative values and so the 20% could be applied across the board.
Red Cross. At the quarterly meeting on 2 September Vice-President Mrs J. Tennant took the chair and reported that the jumble sale had raised a nett £31-12-0. £20 of that will immediately be sent to Angorichina Hostel and the balance kept for Christmas cheer.
Obituary. Mr Mark Crowley died at Magill Old Folks Home on 3 September. He was one of Burra’s old residents and went to the home a few months ago due to failing health. He was 83. Roy Bunney of Kooringa Post Office was the only person besides the priest at the funeral.
[Registered as Mark James Crawley]
Bible Christian Church
71 years ago on 29 September the foundation stone of the Bryanite or Bible Christian Church was laid as adherents had found their small chapel inadequate. When the mine closed the church gradually became too big for requirements. It could comfortably accommodate 600 and was well furnished with three blocks of seats. An immense gallery on the back wall alone could hold 200-300. Many important gatherings of the Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists used it because of this capacity, especially for major Sunday school functions. When the Methodist Union took place some 30 years ago this huge building was closed and eventually dismantled. Some years later it was decided to demolish the structure, as the western wall was leaning out and a couple of Broken Hill miners* tried to blow it up. Despite strong charges only the back and side walls fell leaving the front intact. Last Saturday the present owner Mr W.H. Sandland decided to demolish it and a large charge razed it to the earth. The foundation stone was located and this historic stone weighing about a ton was dislodged on Monday to reveal important papers including a perfectly preserved parchment.
[This is printed in full in the paper.]
This lists the trustees in 1859 as:
Joseph Toll George Morris, John May, Thomas Richards, John Trurthick, James Stephens, Henry Hill, Philip Goodfellow Cundy, John Sampson, John Francis, George Morecombe, William Trenboth, Frederick Hank, Samuel Jones, John Potter, William Curnack Humphries, Thomas Rowe Tonkin, William Davey and William Kellaway.
James Way was then the Kooringa minister.
Places in the Kooringa Mission in 1859 were listed as:
Bethel – Kooringa
Salem – Karkulto
Zion – Hampton, Nelson’s Town
[Karkulto is near Black Springs and Nelson was a subdivision just beyond Hampton to the north.]
A variety of coins were found [and these are listed.]
The foundation stone measured 3ft 6 ins x 2ft 6 ins x 2ft 2 ins deep.
Of the trustees ‘Georgie’ Morris owned premises where E.J. McKenzie now is and it is said his voice could be heard 500 yards away. It is believed Mr Sandland intends to hand the relics to the Burra Institute – meanwhile they are in our window.
When the gallery was first erected it suffered a partial collapse* while those on it were singing A day’s march nearer home. They came down on the words Nearer home, nearer home, but although a scene of confusion followed no one was seriously hurt.
[*These two points are corrected in 51, 37, 17 Sep. 1930, page 2.]
51, 36, 10 Sep. 1930, page 4
Kooringa Methodist Church annual Spring Fair at the Institute on Friday last, aided by their world’s End Friends, raised a wonderful £102-1-8.
Burra Town Council, 1 September
The Treasurer advises that unnaturalised foreigners must not be used on relief works.
Cr Woollacott said the Government had advised it would be reducing both the main roads grant and the subsidy and that only Councils already promised money would have a chance of getting any of the proposed loan.
The MPs are to be asked to clarify the town’s position.
Council considered whether to rewrite the assessment or to have a new one.
Cr Woollacott thought it would not be right to spend £30-£50 on a new one.
Cr Kellaway moved for a rewriting and then to adjust the rates downwards.
The Mayor thought a high assessment and a low rate was poor policy.
Cr Woollacott [in apparent contradiction of his earlier stance] said he believed in a correct assessment. House values had dropped 40% and the assessment was 4 years old.
The Town Clerk said the assessment was on rental and not capital values.
Cr Woollacott then moved that the assessment be rewritten with a 20% all round drop.
The Mayor said that Corporations were not allowed to do that.
Cr Pearce moved that the matter be given some thought and a decision be postponed to the next meeting and that amendment was finally carried.
Local Board of Health
The Inspector recommended A.J. & P.A. McBride be instructed to remove the remains of the late Mrs Howell’s residence as it was an eyesore. Adopted.
Mid-Northern High Schools Combined Sports were held on 3 September at Clare. A bus, a lorry and seven cars took students to Clare, leaving at 9 a.m. The lorry got bogged halfway between Hanson and Farrell’s Flat and there was a lengthy delay while it was extricated. The journey continued at 11 a.m. Results for Burra students are printed. In the aggregate scores Kapunda led with 1075/6, followed by Burra 557/12, Riverton 51 and Clare 457/12.
51, 37, 17 Sep. 1930, page 1
Burra Rifle Club visited Riverton on Saturday where Burra 497 defeated Riverton 489.
J.S.R. Oborn head teacher of Burra Public School writes saying that there are poorly nourished children at the school. For the past two weeks he has been receiving contributions of food, mainly soup and as a result has been able to supply lunch to up to 30 a day. He appeals to people willing to supply two gallons of soup once a month. Twenty people would allow 30 children to be fed five days a week with a cup of soup.
51, 37, 17 Sep. 1930, page 2
Bible Christian Church. Correction to last week’s article.
The church was originally blown up by the late Messrs William Harris & Richard Hill of Kooringa and not by Broken Hill miners. The gallery that fell was a temporary structure and not the permanent one.
Salvation Army. Captain Price, who has been relieving here for a few months with Captain Ritter, has received orders transferring her to Pt Pirie. Ensign Fielding who has been on sick leave is expected to resume her duties this week.
A.B. Riggs writes about the Burra DC Assessment. He says that Mr Button stated that the 1923 assessment was too high, having been made in a peak period for wool and wheat. It was an increase of 46%. He now says that despite the bad state of affairs currently it is reasonable to suppose things will improve and he therefore reduces the assessment by 20%. Mr Riggs says that to be consistent the assessment should have been reduced by 35%. The 1923 assessment might have been increased by 20% instead of 46%, i.e. it was 26% too high. The 1930 assessment might be 26% lower than 1923 then another 20% on present prices and anticipating a gradual return to normal this would be raised 11% leaving the present assessment 35% lower than 1923. As it stands on Mr Button’s reasoning the 1923 increase was based on seven good years and the new assessment is based on seven normal years, but no consideration is given for the period of slump. Also from an assessor the Council should expect more than a % assessment. He says that ratepayers are not producing sufficient income to balance their budgets. He admits that the 1923 budget was too high and wool is down 50% and wheat 40% and yet his assessment drops only 20%. The fee simple value today is 50% lower than in 1923.
51, 37, 17 Sep. 1930, page 3
Burra School Woodwork Room
There is an article on the school woodwork room describing its 10 carpenters’ benches, tool stands and racks and other equipment and also descriptions of some of the projects like knife and soap boxes, coat and trouser hangers, rosewood mallets etc.
Burra Girls citizens Clubs (YWCA)
The Aberdeen Club has been going for some time, but the Kooringa one only this year. Last weekend the clubs met in one big gathering and Kooringa Girl Citizens were formally enrolled and initiated at the Redruth Memorial Hall. The initiation was conducted at a service in the Redruth Church and Miss R. Bachelor was received as Counsellor. Miss Welbourne from Adelaide gave the address ‘Play the Game’. There was a Sunday Church Parade at Kooringa Methodist Church. Rev. F.J. Barnes of Redruth preached at a community service in the evening when Mrs W. Hutley from Adelaide took charge. On Monday evening the girls staged an entertainment for women and girls to raise money to relieve unemployment distress. £5 was raised by voluntary donation.
Ironmine Methodist Sunday School held its 58th anniversary on 7 & 8 September in rough and dusty conditions. Rev. F.J. Barnes officiated. Monday children’s tea was well attended. There are currently 54 scholars and 12 teachers. Average attendance is 25 at Kindergarten and 31 Seniors. Proceeds of the anniversary were £9-11-0.
Redruth Recreation Club.
Farrell’s Flat table tennis team visited on 10 September and Redruth 39 sets defeated Farrell’s Flat 4 sets.
51, 38, 24 Sep. 1930, page 1
Marriage. Manoora Methodist Church 11 September
Phyllis Kelly, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs R.F. Kelly of ‘Glenholmes’ Manoora, married
Jesse Humphrys of Leighton, youngest son of Mr F. Humphrys and the late Mrs Humphrys of Manoora & Kooringa.
Burra indoor Bowls Assoc. final was played 9 September on the Oddfellows’ mat. Manchester 23 defeated Oddfellows 22. As Oddfellows were minor premiers a play-off took place 16 September on Oddfellows’ mat and Manchester were the victors. The final ranking of teams was: Manchester, Oddfellows, Unity, Foresters Blues, St Mary’s & Foresters Red.
Burra Town Council, 15 September
Radford Bros. sought permission to replace a private telephone line from near the eastern bridge on the main road Penclawya St. Granted. [This is a complete mystery. The only street with anything like this name is Penglawdd St.]
A.J. & P.A. McBride advise that T.H. Woollacott will remove the material from the site of Mrs Howell’s house.
A.A. Nankivell offers to rent the old road crossing the creek from Morrison’s to Thames St and the road between Messrs Clark’s & Treloar’s blocks. To lie on the table.
After considerable discussion it was resolved to use the 1929-30 assessment for 1930-31 with necessary changes.
The stock salesmen are to be written to concerning opening the stock road near James.
Aberdeen Croquet Club. The 1930-31 season was opened by the Mayoress Mrs A.B. Riggs on Saturday last. The proceedings took the form of a gymkhana. The loan of £20 for the electric mower has been paid off.
51, 38, 24 Sep. 1930, page 2
Advt. Milton J. Tiddy announces he is commencing business in part of the premises recently occupied by his father. Stocks of general drapery will be carried. Opening 1 October.
Advt. CWA Jumble Tea. Bring Something & Buy Something. Friday 26 September.
Pearce’s Assembly Room 2.30-5 p.m.
Arthur Davey gave an organ recital at Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday last in aid of the Local Unemployment Fund.
Weather. Rain fell last Wednesday and extended to the east, though with falls only ranging from 23 to 60 points.
51, 38, 24 Sep. 1930, page 3
Harrold J. Button replies to A.B. Riggs’ criticism of his assessment for the Burra DC. As the new assessment has not yet been adopted it would be improper to argue the point publicly, but he objected to any insinuation that primary producers had fallen between two stools and were being exploited by the assessors. Mr Riggs, he says, seems to be casting reflections on the intelligence of the Burra DC Councillors: ‘It seems to me that I was not the assessor a certain section of the community wanted, and this opinion has been further impressed on me by the utterances of certain gentlemen before the assessment was made.’ He says that since his new assessment was made various others in SA have been announced and the most drastic cut among them is 25% for Crystal Brook.
Kooringa Football Club’s Blue and Gold Dance in the Institute last Monday night is reported.
Mr & Mrs N.J. Tiddy were given a presentation of an envelope of money at the close of the morning service at Redruth Methodist Church last Sunday. Mr Tiddy had been an officer of the Church & Trust for many years and Mrs Tiddy an active worker and sick visitor and active in the WCTU.
Mt Tiddy was given a farewell on Monday morning at Mr Frank Harris’s restaurant in Kooringa by residents and businessmen. The Mayor Mr A.B. Riggs presided. He said Mr Tiddy had been a familiar businessman among them for 42 years and was a well-known figure on his bicycle and at tennis and bowls despite his 70-odd years. Mr Dane referred to Mr Tiddy’s conversion from tennis to bowls at 72 and spoke of his constant attendance at choir practice, singing with a fine tenor voice.
P.L. Rosman spoke for the Bowling Club. Edgar Pearce spoke for the Kooringa Methodist Choir where he had been greatly appreciated ‘and but for his accident some three years ago he would have still been in his old place at Kooringa.’
[He was struck by a car driven by R. Fuss while riding his bicycle in Market Square.]
W.J.C. Ewins had worked with Mr Tiddy 42 years earlier at Bath & Pearce’s. A.L. Walker also supported the above sentiments. The Mayor handed over a wallet of notes from the town and also one from Kooringa Methodism. Mr Tiddy responded.
[R. Fuss was among a long list of people apologising for their absence.]
Burra Rifle Club. The 5th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy was fired on 20 September. H.G. Oates scored 101 off scratch (the handicap limit). Next best were O.J. Oates & J.H. Schwier.
Weather. Rainfall figures by the month are given for the period 1888-1929, except for 1918-21 for which only the annual totals are available.
51, 39, 1 Oct. 1930, page 1
Burra Rifle Club has had a drive to increase membership and has just completed negotiations to enrol members of the Light Horse Troop in the club. It is hoped in the drive to double membership which is a direct financial benefit to the club of from 21/- to 25/- per man in free ammunition and the efficiency grant. On Saturday Burra 720 defeated Light Horse 669.
At the SA Rifle Association Meeting at Pt Adelaide last week S. Cordon, H.G. Oates & J. Schwier attended. In the Kings’ Shoot the winner scored 317 and H.G. Oates was 3rd with 315. S. Cordon scored 300.
Aberdeen Football Club Dance in the Scout Hall last Thursday is reported.
CWA Jumble Fair in the Cheer-up Hall is reported.
Tennis. World’s end 14-110 defeated Kooringa Methodists 9-96.
51, 39, 1 Oct. 1930, page 2
Advt. Clare Show Saturday 18 October.
Advt. Burra Show Wednesday 22 October. Special Railcar from Adelaide departs Adelaide 7 a.m.
Arrives Burra 11.02 a.m. Departs Burra 5.45 p.m. and arrives Adelaide 9.30 p.m.
[Note there is no mention of a railcar from Terowie, which was reported earlier as being considered.]
Advt. Gladstone Amateur Dramatic Players will present the three act play A Regiment of Two on Labour Day 8 October in Aid of Burra Unemployment Aid Funds. [Presumably at the Institute?]
Advt. Salvation Army Jumble Sale, Pearce’s Building, Friday 3 October.
M. Fielding, Ensign & E. Ritter, Captain.
51, 39, 1 Oct. 1930, page 3
Tennis, Saturday
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 13-86 defeated Aberdeen 3-44
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 9-85 defeated Mt Bryan 5-76
Hallett 8-67 defeated Willalo 7-62
Ironmine 10-87 defeated Kooringa 5-66
Football. At Eudunda at the weekend Aberdeen defeated Eudunda by 3 goals.
Kooringa Freemason’s Lodge held its annual Installation Ceremony 23 Sept when Bro. H.S.T. Warnes was installed as W.M. A banquet followed at Pearce’s Building.
Hallett Freemason’s Lodge held its Installation Ceremony 22 September when Bro. D.C. Seigert was installed. The ceremony was followed by a ball.
Harrold J. Button writes that he is now free to comment more fully on the Burra DC assessment. Something more than mere mathematical reasoning is involved. Button also points out that Mr Riggs’ own Council [Burra Town Council] has decided to make no reduction in the assessments at all – which he says is truly remarkable in view of Mr Riggs’ attack. He points out his experience as overseer of Carriewerloo Station, Pt Augusta West and agricultural experience at Wilmington and that the judgement must be on average not based on the difficulties of cases of individual landholders going broke.
SAR has just erected a sheep yard and race at the Hanson Railway Station.
51, 40, 8 Oct. 1930, page 1
Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Frances Beckwith died 5 October at Aberdeen aged 93. She was relict of the late James Beckwith who died 20 years ago. She was born in Devonshire, the daughter of the late Gabriel Cockrum and arrived in SA in 1855 aged 18 and married John Beckwith the same year. They lived in Burra and then in various places before settling at Mt Bryan and five or six years ago she came to live with her son in Aberdeen. Of 13 children six survive: Harry (Mr Bryan), Edward (Aberdeen), Will (Yancannia), Thomas (Mt Bryan), Mrs Henderson (Torrensville), Mrs J. Simpson (Belalie North). There are 27 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren & 2 great-great-grandchildren.
[Despite the confusion of John & James above, her marriage is registered as Eliza Frances Cockrim 4 October 1855 at St Mary’s Burra to John Beckwith.]
51, 40, 8 Oct. 1930, page 2
Advt. Annual Catholic Fete at Burra Institute Friday 17 October.
Burra Record was printed in a slightly smaller format this week due to a serious breakdown in the machinery, forcing the paper to be re-cast.
Burra Croquet Club AGM 4 October elected: President, Mrs Tiver; Hon. Secretary, Mrs Marston; Treasurer, Mrs Robinson; Captain, Mrs Finch and Vice-Captain, Mrs Rosman.
The annual subscription was lowered from 30/- to 25/-.
Prior Family Reunion. Recently the children of the late James & Jane Prior gathered for the first time for five years. James arrived from Cornwall in the early 1850s. Mrs Prior, nee Jane Rasdell, came from Belfast and worked at the original Burra Hotel (now the hospital). The reunion of their children took place at Mr Collins’s ‘Billamori’. There is a photograph of Mrs C.A. Collins of ‘Billamori’ via Cowra NSW (aged 74), Mrs John Honan of Hallett (aged 71), Mr E. Prior of Hallett (aged 66) and Mr E.T. Prior of Copperhouse (aged 69).
Weather of late has been hot and sultry and though rains in the year have been timely none has penetrated the subsoil and so crops seemed to be visibly wilting when a thunderstorm on Sunday brought good falls. Burra got 99 points and Leighton 120, but although falls extended to the east, they were patchy and varied from 35 to 160 with most in the range 40-90 points.
51, 40, 8 Oct. 1930, page 3
A.B. Riggs writes again on the Burra DC assessment. He says that Button has missed the point at issue. Riggs was merely pointing out the inconsistencies between the % reduction and the words used in the explanation. The manner of Mr Button’s appointment or what people said had nothing to do with either Riggs or his letter – which was also written before the Town Council had considered its assessment. In any case unimproved land values in the DC offer a very different basis for assessment from annual rental values that are used in the town’s assessment. These have been kept high by: ‘High wages, the result of iniquitous Arbitration Court Awards.’ The municipality could not reduce rental values by a fixed %.
Burra Bowling Club AGM elected Patron, A.G. Gebhardt; President, E.F. Marston; Vice-Presidents, Dr Steele & S.H. Robinson and as Secretary & Treasurer, P.L. Rosman. The annual subscription was reduced to £3-3-0.
‘Mr Tiver indicated that he objected to the consumption of alcoholic liquor outside the clubhouse. After some discussion Dr Steele moved that members be requested to confine the consumption of alcoholic liquors to the club room. Seconded by Mr Weston and carried. Mr Oborn moved that hock and claret be not considered alcoholic liquors under the previous motion. No seconder and the motion lapsed.’
Cricket. At Booborowie 27 September & 4 October:
Aberdeen Colts 83 & 117 (200) v. North Booborowie 163 & 1 for 26 (189)
Burra Rifle Club. 6th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy saw best scores from A.B. Riggs & A.C. Aughey.
Hallett Institute Carnival on 1 October produced nett proceeds of c. £148. The Institute is anxious to reduce its overdraft, which is in excess of £2,000.
51, 40, 8 Oct. 1930, page 4
A Wheat Growers Deputation to the Premier that sought the reduction of freight and other charges on 12 September is reported at length.
Tennis. Weather caused most matches to be abandoned.
‘B’ Grade Kooringa 9-85 defeated Hallett 6-75.
51, 41, 15 Oct. 1930, page 1
The Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet monthly at Redruth Memorial Hall.
Burra Town Council, 6 October
F. Treloar’s objection to A.A. Nankivell’s leasing the road adjacent to the latter’s property was adjudged reasonable and was upheld.
Mr Lomman offered £1 for a piece of road adjoining blocks 6, 7, & 8 at Hampton and £5 for two adjacent blocks owned by the Council. To lie on the table.
The main road grant for the year will be little more than half last year’s.
Retiring Councillors this year are Kellaway, Morgan & Lee.
Local Board of Health
The Health Inspector reported that Kuchenmeister’s slaughterhouse was in very good order and the new piggery was in keeping with the Health Act and an improvement on the premises vacated.
A.A. Nankivell is keeping 48 pigs on an adjacent lot without a permit and the premises there do not comply with the Act. He said he had an application in for a position in the Burra Mine, which is before this Board of Health tonight. Inspector E.J. Davey said unless these premises met the requirements of the Health Act he could not pass them. Approval was granted on condition the Health Act be complied with.
51, 41, 15 Oct. 1930, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council Elections. Members retiring 1st Saturday in December:
Mayor Alfred Benjamin Riggs
East Ward Stanley Kellaway
North Ward Herbert Morgan
West Ward Walter Robert Lee
Frank Treloar has decided to move to Adelaide to be nearer his family, in part due to the continuing ill health of his wife. 49 years ago he was appointed manager of Gum Creek Station, which he retained for 18 years before moving into Burra. For 27 years Mr Treloar was DC Hanson Clerk and Secretary of the Burra Hospital as well as being active in all town movements.
Rev. E.S. Jew preached at Redruth on Sunday evening. He was riding his motor bike home to Hallett when about three miles outside of Hallett his lights failed. Soon after that he collided with another motor-bike with a sidecar that was also unlit. He was thrown off violently and fractured his jaw. Mr E. Thomas, on his way home from church, found him and took him to the Burra hospital where he will be for several weeks. It is believed he told the other driver he would be all right and taking Mr Jew at his word he went on his way.
[This last sentence was corrected in the next issue: he remained with Rev. Jew until help arrived.]
Obituary. Lester John Jarmyn aged 2 died 8 October after eating sheep dip powder. He was one of a family of 10 of Mr & Mrs W.J. Jarmyn of Mt Bryan. Mr A. Southall JP of Renmark who was on a trip to Burra held a coronial inquiry and deemed an inquest unnecessary.
51, 41, 15 Oct. 1930, page 3
Burra Basketball Assoc. challenge match for the Premiership at Burra Institute last Monday.
Whites (minor premiers) 40 defeated Browns 31. A dance followed.
Labour Day Grand Gala Carnival under the auspices of the Athletic Club and the Unemployment Relief Committee. The weather was good, but attendance was poor. Arrangements were excellent and competition was keen. The results are printed.
Harrold Button replies to A.B. Riggs and among other things suggests that in the town rental values have fallen by at least 20% and the drop in capital values is far greater.
Gladstone Amateur Players presented A Regiment of Two at the Institute 8 October with some vocal items by local artists. The vocal items are reviewed at some length and the play was said to be one of the finest productions in a long time. Gross takings were c. £29.
51, 41, 15 Oct. 1930, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. On Eight Hours Day Eudunda visited Burra.
Eudunda 727 defeated Burra 695.
There was also an Allcomers Match in which B. Lutz, A.C. Aughey, P. Oliver & F. Spencer all reached the limit of 68. B. Lutz had the best score off the rifle with 68 and the other three then had a shoot-off for handicap honours which went to A.C. Aughey. In the Ladies Match Mrs H.G. Oates and Mrs F.H. Farley tied and in a five shot play-off Mrs Oates scored 23 to Mrs Farley’s 22.
Mr Michael Buckley of Manoora turned 100 and there is an article of 3⁄4 column on him.
[He died 3 November 1931 at 101.]
Weather. The monthly rainfall figures for Burra are printed for 1880-September 1930, although only the annual totals are available for 1918-21.
Tennis on 4 October.
‘B’ Grade Willalo 8-71 defeated Mt Bryan 6-73.
51, 42, 22 Oct. 1930, page 2
Notice. Burra Brass Band. The Committee calls for the return of all Instruments and Music Stands belonging to the Band. J.T. Pascoe, Honorary Secretary.
Obituary. Catherine Brandt, wife of Albert Brandt and mother of George & Henry, died at Kooringa 16 October aged 78. [Born Catherine Williams.]
The Rt Rev. Dr Thomas Bishop of Adelaide will visit the district this weekend to conduct a confirmation service at Booborowie 3 p.m. Sunday. He will conduct Holy Communion at Mt Bryan at 9 a.m. and Hallett at 11 a.m. and preach at St Mary’s at 7 p.m. On Monday he will conduct Holy Communion at St Mary’s at 7 a.m. and visit the day school at 10 a.m. before preaching at Black springs at 7.30 p.m.
A.T. Fairchild lost about 9 goslings to a thief last week and thefts of poultry are becoming frequent.
James Pearse, second son of the late Mr & Mrs Jeffery Pearse of Kooringa, is visiting Burra from WA after an absence of 40 years. He is visiting one of his sons Norman Pearse who is on the staff of the Commercial bank in Kooringa.
Accident. A car driven by Rev. W.J.C. Coles collided with Mr I.C. Hall’s baker’s cart driven E. Scroop at the corner of the Black Bridge near L. Day’s Shop. The driver was thrown from the cart against the stone wall and the horse bolted towards the Kooringa Hotel where it was stopped by Trooper Provis. Mr Scroop was only slightly hurt and continued on his rounds. Rev. Coles was not hurt. Pepper trees make visibility bad at this corner.
[Day’s shop was in the southwest corner of Paxton Square in the original Bible Christian Chapel.]
Weather. Useful rain fell on Monday with 93 points in Burra and falls of between 20 & 90 points to the east.
51, 42, 22 Oct. 1930, page 3
Burra Brass Band has been defunct for many years, but a number of enthusiasts gathered at J. Allen’s rooms on the evening of the 14 October with the idea of reviving it. President, P.W. Clarke; Secretary, J.T. Pascoe and Committeemen, W.J. Lee & Lisle Pearce were asked to continue in the offices they held when the band went into recess, with the addition to the committee of A.W. Andrews, J. Allen & L. Blott. J.H. Murison was elected bandmaster. About 30 names of potential members were taken.
St Joseph’s Annual Bazaar was held in the Institute last Friday and drew a good crowd. Results were considered satisfactory.
The Church of England Day School under teacher Miss Orr was inspected recently by Inspector W.B. Docker who deemed it very satisfactory.
Obituary. Mrs Albert Brandt who died 16 October was born at Redruth in 1852 and spent all of her life in the town. In 1873 she married Albert Brandt who came from Germany aged 2. She was a prominent worker in the Bible Christian Church, but relaxed her efforts after Methodist Union, as she felt keenly the closure of the church she had loved. Of her six children only two survive: George Brandt (Adelaide) and Henry Brandt (Broken Hill). There are 13 grandchildren. Augie Brandt of the 3rd light Horse who died recently was her youngest son.
Cricket. On 11 & 18 October Kooringa 184 v. Aberdeen 18 & 20.
18 October (1 day game) Mt Bryan 155 v. North Booborowie 8 for 145.
25 September & 4 October Ramblers 94 & 5 for 102 dec. v. Mt Bryan 53 & 27.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 14-89 defeated Willalo 1-30
Copperhouse 9-76 defeated Hallett 7-69
‘B’ Grade Kooringa 10-92 defeated Mt Bryan 5-64
Booborowie 8-80 defeated Willalo 7-73
Hallett 11-87 defeated Aberdeen 4-64.
51, 43, 29 Oct. 1930, page 1
Burra Show, 22 October
The entries were unprecedented with some 3,200 compared with 1,800. It was a beautiful day and attendance was about the same as 1929. It was cloudy with no wind and the rain held off till the next day. Takings were down about £30, which is good considering the economic conditions. The railcar from Adelaide was a financial success and from Riverton onwards many passengers had to stand. There was no special from Terowie, but the East-West brought a few northern visitors. Mrs J.B. Rowe of Kooringa again did the catering very well. Results are printed pages 1 & 4.
[Personal interest. In Flowers R. Fuss achieved:
6 cut flowers 1st 6 antirrhinums 1st
3 antirrhinums 1st nasturtiums, 3 shades 1st & 2nd
6 pelargoniums regal 1st 3 pelargoniums regal 1st & 2nd
6 10-week stocks 1st 3 10-week stocks 1st
Bridal bouquet 1st Ladies spray 2nd
Posy 2nd]
51, 43, 29 Oct. 1930, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will sell on the property in Queen St the property, and household effects of Mr Frank Treloar. The land in CT Vol. 1372 Fol 25 Allotment 21 Kooringa and also allotments 117, 118, 119, 121, 122, 123, 130 and 131, Road Order CT dividing lots 15 & 23 from 130 & 131 and 117 & 121 from 118 & 122.
[These roads are the most southerly sections of Vineyard Tce and Kangaroo St, now closed roads between Allen St and South Terrace.]
Obituary. William John Bundy [sic] of Torrensville, who with his brother-in-law Frederick May [sic] of Thebarton, was killed on Saturday night at Cavan crossing near Pt Wakefield was a cousin of L. Penrose of Kooringa. Many of the Boundy [sic] family were residents of Burra in the early days.
[This seems to have been at Cavan on the Pt Wakefield Road where a railway line crossed to the abattoirs and went on to Pooraka and Northfield. The registrations of death give the location as Gepps Cross.]
[Unless the paper has completely the wrong relationship here the registration of death details are wrong. They have the death of William John Boundy on 25 October at Gepps Cross, residence Torrensville aged 23, but that of Fred Way as 27 October at Gepps Cross residence Thebarton, aged 20. But William John Boundy married Maud Way 20 December 1924 when he was aged 24 and this agrees with the only likely birth in SA of William John Boundy at Wallaroo Mines 12 April 1900.]
51, 43, 29 Oct. 1930, page 3
The Season now looks better than expected with water and summer feed for pastoralists. Last week alone World’s End got 222 points and Poonunda 167. Falls further east were around half an inch.
Rt Rev Dr Thomas Bishop of Adelaide visited the district over the weekend and conducted services as previously advised.
Burra Rifle Club. 7th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy on Saturday saw best results from W. Woodman and H.L. Riggs.
‘Ajax’ writes concerning Council Assessment. District Councils were created primarily to provide roads. The District Councils Act of 1929 provides two bases for assessment: rental values or annual values, i.e. fee simple values.
[Surely this should read rather rental values, i.e. annual values or fee simple values?]
The fee simple value must be on actual value of land plus improvements and it is not intended that world production prices should be considered by the assessor. Land under different ownership has different production values, but the same fee simple value. The Burra DC (or any other DC) assessment never reached within 33% of actual values. The move for lower assessments that were never too high is a mild form of panic. The ratepayer can appeal against an assessment. It is not for the Council to interfere in the assessment.
Burra Bowling & Croquet Club’s opening of the season took place on Saturday 25 October, the 10th anniversary of the opening of the clubs. The Bowling Club had not progressed as it should have. They needed more members, which made it financially backward and decreased its social function. The annual subscription for this year was decreased from £4-4-0 to £3-3-0 and new members were needed to counter that. Last season they had won back the Kapunda-Burra Cup, but had lost the Clare-Burra Cup. The Mayor then opened the season. Mrs Harold Tiver as President of the Croquet Club opened the green for croquet.
Frank Treloar was given a farewell at the offices of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. on Monday afternoon with Mr A.G. Gebhardt presiding. Mr Gebhardt was representing the Burra Burra Sports Syndicate from which Mr Treloar was resigning as secretary as he was leaving Burra due to the ill health of his wife. Mr Treloar had been secretary since the Syndicate’s inception in 1908. Three of the original members had died (Hon. J. Lewis, J.H. Gallagher & W.P. Barker). The grounds owned by the Syndicate were ideal and had been well cared for by Mr Treloar. At the time they were bought there had been great interest in all classes of sport, but that had long since deteriorated. The show had been held there for some years. Sir John Melrose had paid for the removal of sheep pens from Victoria Park to the Aberdeen grounds. J.R. Barker supported Mr Gebhardt’s remarks about how much Mr Treloar would be missed and Messrs W.H. Sandland & L.M. Gordon added their voices. The Chairman then handed over a cheque in appreciation.
Burra Burra Show Inc. The President’s Luncheon
I.J. Warnes entertained over 100 guests at the show luncheon. The usual speeches are reported in about 11⁄4 columns.
51, 43, 29 Oct. 1930, Supplement
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Willalo 11-79 defeated Aberdeen 5-62
Copperhouse 8-77 defeated Kooringa 7-71
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 10-83 defeated Aberdeen 5-61
Kooringa 10-86 defeated Willalo 5-55
Hallett 9-72 defeated Ironmine 6-78
Booborowie 9-81 defeated Mt Bryan 6-63
18 October Ironmine 10-86 defeated Copperhouse 5-60
51, 44, 5 Nov. 1930, page 2
Notice. Public Farewell to Frank Treloar, Burra Institute, Thursday Evening 8 p.m.
51, 44, 5 Nov. 1930, page 3
J.R. White has grown some experimental wheat on J. & A.L Kellock’s farm near Booborowie. One variety was Turvy, a Victorian wheat and the other is Nabawa from WA. Each sample we have seen is from 4’ 6” to 5’ high.
I.J. Warnes is currently spending time in Melbourne in his role as a member of the Pastoralists Arbitration & Conciliation Committee. He has been across twice and leaves today for another session.
Weather. Optimistic expectations of agriculture were modified somewhat when Monday produced a blinding dust storm. It blew all Monday night too, but some showers on Tuesday helped to keep the dust down. To the east Monday was as ‘black’ a day as any on record. N.H. McBride started from Ki-Ora about 4.30 p.m. for the 45 mile trip to Burra, but was forced to turn around after a quarter of a mile, a journey that took 20 minutes, so thick was the dust. He had difficulty breathing. Inside the house with the electric light on it was not possible to see pictures on the wall 24ft away. He tried again about 7 p.m., but ran into another storm and had great difficulty in reaching Kellock’s at Thistlebeds where he had to turn the car around and have a rest. He finally reached Burra at 11.15 p.m. Prior to the start of the storm the eastern country was looking good, but unless rain falls soon the dust on the vegetation will wreak havoc. The dust storms continued out east on Tuesday.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School had perfect conditions on Sunday last for their anniversary. Rev. F.J. Barnes preached the three services. A number of children were missing due to the present epidemic of whooping cough and influenza. Another sad factor was the death of Mrs Ingamells on Saturday. She was the wife of Rev. E.M. Ingamells one of Redruth’s late pastors. Attendances at the tea meeting on Monday were good despite the terrific dust storm. [Obituary: Born Mabel Gwendolen Fraser 26 July 1884 Kew near Glanville: died Mabel Gwendolen Ingamells 1 November 1930 Rose Park.]
Fireworks. Six young men were charged with letting off fireworks on the Kooringa-Aberdeen Road on the night of the 31 October. All were found guilty and though only nominal penalties were inflicted, it should serve as a warning.
[Technically it was an offence to make bonfires or set off fireworks within the Corporation without the permission of the Mayor or Town Clerk.]
Burra Town Council, 3 November
Cr Woollacott announced his intention to resign to stand as Mayor. A letter from Mr Bednall (solicitor) expressed the view that he could not stand for Mayor without resigning and that under the circumstances the Council should remit the fine. [Which could be up to £25.]
Cr Kellaway would also be a candidate and so both would be Councillors and candidates for Mayor up to the election, though Cr Kellaway’s term was expiring this year.
Cr Allen thought Cr Woollacott should resign immediately.
[There is no indication in the paper of how this case was resolved – presumably he did not follow Cr Allen’s wishes.]
Cr Kellaway pointed out that if he did not resign till the election then his extraordinary vacancy would occasion a special election.
Since the Council meeting we understand Mr Bednall has varied his position and now believes Cr Woollacott can stand for Mayor without resigning as Councillor.
[It is a little odd that this became an issue in 1930 given that parallel situations had arisen before with Councillors standing for Mayor in the middle of their term as Councillor.
Edward Lipsett (end of 1877), E.C. Lockyer (end of 1881), P.L. Killicoat (end of 1887), E.W. Crewes (end of 1909 and M. Collins (end of 1922). Edward Lipsett’s action occasioned a special election, but the others produced elections held concurrently with the other Council Elections for the year.]
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 9-83 defeated Kooringa 8-73
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 8-72 defeated Kooringa 7-78
Hallett 10-81 defeated Mt Bryan 5-57
Booborowie 8-74 defeated Ironmine 7-79
Obituary. A.V. Simpson died at Willalo on Friday 31 October aged 44. He was a keen tennis player, cricketer & golfer and assisted at all church functions.
[Albert Vincent Simpson born 13 July 1886 at Gilbert Town SA.]
Obituary. Mrs E.M. Ingamells wife of Rev. E.M. Ingamells of Rose Park died on 1 November through an accident sustained the previous day. She had endeared herself to many in Burra during her husband’s term in the Redruth Circuit.
[Born Mabel Gwendolen Fraser 26 July 1884 at Kew near Glanville SA – married as Mabel Gwendolene and died as Mabel Gwendoline.]
Burra Town Council on 3 November reduced the wages of its permanent employees to the present state basic wage of 12/6 per day.
A Dastardly Act. Someone placed a thin wire a foot high across the swing bridge opposite the Institute. A young lady took a nasty fall and had it been a younger child or an elderly person the result might even have been worse.
51, 44, 5 Nov. 1930, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. Last Saturday Burra Rifle Club 466 defeated Burra RSL 459.
H.J. Button responds to ‘Ajax’ on Council Assessments, but it adds little to the debate besides pointing out that a number of Ajax’s points are merely assertions and the Advertiser has run a campaign recently to show how land and securities had decreased in value in contrast to Ajax’s view that ‘Therefore the move to lower assessments that were never too high is a mild form of panic which is not justified.’
51, 45, 12 Nov. 1930, page 1
Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet monthly in Redruth Memorial Hall.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday in a strong wind H.H. Byles scored best from W. Woodman and W.V. Bass.
Cricket. On Saturday Leighton 87 defeated Spalding 66.
Mid-North Croquet Club (Leighton) AGM was held on Saturday 1 November and elected: President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Vice-President, Mrs A.D. McDonald; Hon. Secretary, Mrs A.T. McWaters; Treasurer, Mrs S. Pearse; Captain, Mrs E. Jettner & Vice-Captain, Mrs M. Hogan.
51, 45, 12 Nov. 1930, page 2
At the Peterborough Music Competitions recently in the under 16 piano duet Joff Hill & Clarrie Fuss tied for second place.
Gawler Brass Band stopped off on the way home from the Peterborough Competitions on Sunday afternoon and gave some sacred and secular selections and they suggested a collection for the local band be made. They were joined by some members of the Tanunda Band.
Mr P.J. Pickering, manager of the Bank of Australasia at Kooringa for 10 years, has been offered the management of the Albury NSW branch and has accepted. We congratulate him on his big promotion. Mr & Mrs Pickering have been prominent in musical circles and benevolent efforts. Mr Pickering is also chairman of the Finance Committee of the Burra Burra Show Inc.
George Parker farmer of Leighton was savagely attacked by a poley young bull at his farm on Wednesday. He was hampered by the loss of an arm in a chaff-cutter a few years ago. He was eventually rescued by his wife with a dog, but sustained broken ribs, an injured wrist and was covered with contusions and terrible bruises. The bull has been shot.
Poppy Day last Friday saw Misses Edna Pearce and Tiny Bourman sell over 100 poppies at 1/- each in the streets and in all £8-5-0 was raised to ease distress among local ex-servicemen.
H. Jennison played the bugle at the Monument on Armistice Day.
51, 45, 12 Nov. 1930, page 3
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 8-73 tied with Copperhouse 8-73
Said to be the first tie in Burra District Lawn Tennis Assoc.
Kooringa 14-91 defeated Hallett 1-54
‘B’ Grade Copperhouse 8-68 defeated Kooringa 7-73
Willalo 8-72 defeated Aberdeen 7-75
Ironmine 10-86 defeated Mt Bryan 5-68
General Aid Society Dance on 3 November at the Institute was not well patronised due to counter-attractions.
Mr Frank Treloar was given a public farewell at the Institute on 6 November.
The mayor Mr A.B. Riggs presided. [The report includes a good photograph of Mr Treloar.]
The Mayor said that after being in the district for over 40 years Mr Treloar would find leaving difficult, but keeping in touch with his family in Adelaide became increasingly difficult, especially with his wife’s ill health. Burra was losing a figure whom many people in the district had looked to for advice over many years. He included himself among them.
Ken Drew spoke on behalf of stock agents and district people. Mr Treloar had been a faithful servant of Goldsbrough, Mort for many years and though he (Mr Drew) had technically been Mr Treloar’s boss for the last eight years, his advice had been invaluable in the bad times they had been enduring. Mr Treloar was a great judge of stock, having been manager of Gum creek Station for a number of years. He had done much to improve the breeding of horses, sheep, cows and dogs in the district. He had quietly done much also to help those in need. He had been secretary for many years of the Burra Hospital, the Hanson DC, the Agricultural Society (Burra Burra Show Inc.) and the Sports Syndicate.
A.G. Gebhardt spoke for the Sports Syndicate and endorsed what had been said and praised Mr Treloar’s efforts on behalf of the Syndicate especially.
Mr Bednall spoke for the Church and business people. As a relative newcomer he found that when he wanted to know something Mr Treloar was always referred to as ‘the’ authority. Mr Treloar was always painstaking and thorough in his work and a strong supporter of the church, who had kept its books for many years.
Mr J.H. Rogers spoke for the Hanson people. Over 40 years ago he [Mr Treloar] had been Chairman of the Hanson DC and then for 27 years was District Clerk, a job which often saw him doing far more than he was paid for.
Mr H.G. Oates represented the RSL and endorsed all the previous remarks and said Mr Treloar’s advice had been invaluable. He also read extracts from a letter received from Major Copley of Fischer, Copley Ltd who had worked for Mr Treloar in the office of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd before the Great War with further endorsements of the above comments.
The Mayor spoke on behalf of the town’s citizens who spoke along similar lines. Mr Treloar’s thoroughness as an auditor allowed no detail to escape. He had administered the Lewis Trust (Paxton Square) which took considerable time. He also referred to Mr Treloar’s articles in the paper on the History of Burra. He would also be missed at the meetings of ratepayers with his shrewd questions. He presented Mr Treloar with a gold watch and chain and Mrs Treloar with a silver teapot.
Mr Treloar then spoke:
He said he had done nothing to deserve great praise other than to try to live a straight life and to help his fellow man. His parents came to SA in the mid-1840s in the same ship at Mr Walters of the Burra Mine. [Mr Walters arrived in 1848 as resident manager of the Smelting Co. – see ‘The Monster Mine’] His father was engaged and drove Mr Walters to Burra and also to Pt Wakefield to chose a place for the port. His father then went to the Victorian gold diggings and he (the speaker) was born at North Adelaide just behind the Cathedral while his father was away. His father returned successful and took land at Watervale now known as Springvale Vineyard. At first the family had to live there in a tent until a house was built. He went to school at Mr Coles’ school and at 14 to work for an auctioneer who went under after four years. He then entered the wheat trade at Hoyleton, then the shipping station for all wheat grown to its north. When the tramway became a railway and was extended to Blyth he had moved to farm at Orroroo. By them he was married and they spent five years there on dry country – the greatest mistake of his life. His first crop looked like 12 bushels to the acre, but the 200 acres were stripped bare in just 11⁄2 days by locusts and he barely recovered seed wheat. Year after year he lost his savings and then some £400 of his wife’s money too. He eventually gave up and returned to Watervale and for six months was a wheat agent before being appointed as manager of Gum Creek Station at a time when that extended for 32,000 acres plus an eastern block. The proprietors ran 100,000 to 130,000 sheep. He did mostly the clerical work. At the end of 18 years an incident occurred which he chose not to speak of, but which resulted in his leaving the station. He moved to Burra where sympathetic people helped put him on his feet. (That was 31 years ago.) When asked for advice he always tried to give his best. He was proud to say he had returned to his wife the money of hers he had lost at Orroroo. His writings on the history of Burra were a labour of love. The mine had practically saved the colony from bankruptcy. Burra from a commercial point of view was always a safe place because of its pastoral and agricultural wealth. He believed that despite the difficult times there were good prospects ahead. In his life he had only been a defendant in court once – when a ‘ferocious’ black and tan terrier of his had frightened a woman. ‘It had cost him a fiver and he had to part with his poor little Rowdy.’ He had once been spoken to by the police officially when one cold wet night he had not been able to light his lamps driving in from the country, as every match blew out. He tried to sneak past the police station, but the next day the Sergeant suggested he should make less noise when passing the station without lights.
Mt Treloar was farewelled at the last meeting of the Masonic Lodge and was presented with a handsome night clock with a luminous dial.
Mr Treloar was farewelled at James H. Roger’s residence in Aberdeen on Wednesday by old Councillors from the Hanson DC. Mr Denton spoke of his work while clerk there for 27 years and Mr Rogers made a presentation of a wallet.
Burra Local Court, 10 November
Herbert Frank Sutcliff was fined £10 reduced to £5 + 25/- fees (without a conviction) for riding a motor cycle at a dangerous speed. The defendant had sped past Sgt McDonald in Best Place and then turned without a signal, causing the sergeant to have to brake sharply and skid to avoid a collision.
John Thomas Harvey, Leslie Ryan, Patrick Henry McCann & Frank Lexham were sentenced to 2 months in jail for having no lawful means of support. Warrant to be with-held.
They were also charged with entering the premises of Drew & Crewes on the night of 7 November and stealing a fibre case, an attaché case, six watches, a suit, hats, shirts, socks, boots, tobacco, pocket knives, two cardigans etc. and 12/6 in cash.
Hurtle N. Potter, manager, gave evidence of finding the cellar door forced and goods thrown about and of unsuccessful attempts to force the strongroom door and the office door. He identified many of the recovered goods from the firm’s private marks upon them. The estimated value of the stolen goods was £43.
Albert Sellars labourer who resides in the Burra Mine with permission saw the defendants there until c. 10.30 p.m. on Friday night.
M-C Provis gave evidence of the scene of the crime and of a footprint near the cellar door. He went to the mine and found the accused and questioned them. Later, on the Hanson Road he found footprints to match the one at the scene of the crime. No strangers had passed that way that morning. At 1 p.m. he arrested the accused. Ryan’s shoes matched the print. The stolen property was recovered from Bunt’s Shaft in the hills about a mile south of the mine. The place is about a mile north of the footprint on the turn of the road to Hanson. Other evidence fitted together. Sgt McDonald with blacksmithing experience recognised the work on the iron bars etc. found at the scene of the crime had come from the mine. A piece of broken comb with the loot fitted exactly with a piece in Ryan’s pocket. Harvey, Ryan & McCann pleaded guilty. Lexham reserved his defence and was committed for trial.
Leighton & Ayers Schools held their annual picnic on 5 November and about 250 children and adults attended. Mr Warnes lent his lorry and trailer. Sports followed a good spread for lunch and tea was held before the outing concluded.
Burra Brass Band. The move to revive the band looks like being successful. J.H. Murison is conducting regular practices. Some of the instruments are very old and the donation or loan of any unused instruments would be appreciated. Donations of money would also be appreciated.
51, 45, 12 Nov. 1930, page 4
Black Springs School held its annual picnic on 23 November on the property of Rowen Bros. Sports results are printed.
Copperhouse School held a sports day last Friday in lieu of a picnic this year owing to a number of children having hooping cough. Results are printed.
51, 46, 19 Nov. 1930, page 1
Hanson Strawberry Fete of the Methodist Ladies Church Aid was held on Wednesday 12 November and raised about £45.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School Fair to aid the Sunday school trust funds was held last Saturday in the Memorial Hall and raised c. £50.
Burra Rifle Club fired a match on Saturday between two mixed teams of Club and Light Horse members. H.G. Oates’ team with 509 defeated J. Schwier’s team with 492.
51, 46, 19 Nov. 1930, page 2
Advt. At Burra Institute 2 & 3 December the Institute Operatic Society presents
The Pirates of Penzance. 4/-, 3/- & 2/-.
Notice. Nominations for the Town Council Elections
Mayor Stanley Kellaway
Thomas Henry Woollacott
North Ward Charles Robert Bevan
Horton Joseph Barraclough Jennison
West Ward Gustav Christoph Kuchenmeister
East Ward Arthur Leonard Bence
John Arthur Riggs (elected)
A poll is required for Mayor, North Ward and West Ward.
[This is clearly wrong and was corrected in the next issue:
West Ward Gustav Christoph Kuchenmeister
Arthur Leonard Bence
Editorial? The leading article appears to be editorial comment, but the style and content is very much like that found in the regularly appearing syndicated ‘Advance Australia News Service’. It may be derived directly from that. I have not been noting this frequently printed series of articles, as they have no direct local content. They were ultra-nationalistic and followed the political philosophy of Fascism. The articles advocated an end to party politics, loyalty to the State and the need to have and follow a strong leader like Mussolini.
Burra Brass Band is doing well at practice and the conductor Mr J.H. Murison would welcome visitors to their practices on Thursday evening in J. Allen’s rooms.
51, 46, 19 Nov. 1930, page 3
M-C A.P. Grow, youngest son of Mr & Mrs L. Grow of Kooringa, who is stationed at Wudinna, is visiting his parents for a few days.
Glen Tiver of Whitney & Tiver has recovered from his recent illness and is back from Adelaide.
Obituary. Harry C. Catt of Paxton Square died on 18 November at the Burra Hospital aged 68. He had previously been employed on various eastern stations.
[Harry Clifford Catt born at Meadows 1 February 1862.]
Burra Town Council, 17 November
The Municipal Assoc. has advised that there is no need for Cr Woollacott to resign from Council in order to contest the Mayoralty even though his term does not expire for 12 months. If Cr Woollacott is elected Mayor there will have to be an extraordinary election to fill the vacancy in North Ward.
It was decided not to get the Mayor’s Report printed this year.
Cr Woollacott withdrew his resignation as it had not been accepted and had been tendered under the misapprehension that it was necessary before he could nominate for the Mayoralty.
The Chairman of the Fire Brigade board wrote saying that the annual Government grant had been reduced and asking for any suggestions for economy.
T.H. Woollacott was granted permission to build a stone house in Bridge St.
W. Voumard was appointed acting pound-keeper in the absence of the pound-keeper.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Burra 107 defeated Eudunda 82.
Fire. At 3.40 a.m. on Wednesday Master Fred Gregor who lives directly opposite raised the alarm of fire at Wright’s Motors. His parents had been awakened by a crackling noise and smashing glass. The brigade responded promptly and the fire was confined to the workshop and the showroom and office were saved. Fireman Spencer was obliged to retreat due to fumes when he tried to approach the fire and fireman H. Hill crawled in on his stomach to play the hose on the flames until he also was exhausted by the fumes. Foreman Lee and fireman Byrne also did their best, but a sheet of iron had to be taken off the roof and even then they couldn’t succeed until a second sheet was removed to give access to the spare parts, tyres, and oils section. One car was completely destroyed and three others badly damaged, including a new Chevrolet sedan. One of the damaged cars belonged to the Department of Agriculture and another to Harold F. Wright, brother of the owner of the garage.
A car belonging to W.J. Sullivan hairdresser was saved. Total estimated damage is £2,000.
Mr H. Wright and a friend and Mr W.H. Spier had returned to the garage at 1.30 a.m. after a kangaroo hunt and the single seater car they used appears to have been the seat of the fire, probably from a short circuit. This car was by far the most badly burnt with almost nothing left and the glass windscreen melted. Mr Davey JP got the report from M-C Provis and deemed an inquest unnecessary. After the fire Sid Kuchenmeister thought it too late to go home and went straight to his father’s butcher shop in Market Square to find it full of smoke. The engine of the Frigidaire had been running all night on two points instead of three and had he not been early at the shop another fire would have been certain.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Willalo 10-93 defeated Copperhouse 8-72
Aberdeen 8-68 defeated Hallett 7-70
‘B’ Grade Hallett 12-101 defeated Aberdeen 3-54
Kooringa 9-83 defeated Mt Bryan 6-73
Ironmine 9-87 defeated Copperhouse 6-75
Tennis has become so popular a new club has been formed to be known as ‘The Wanderers’
President is S. Dowling and Secretary E.J. McKenzie.
The club has acquired the court recently owned by the Kooringa Club in Bridge Terrace and they have leased a second court on the same block, but nearer the Black Bridge. Mr R. Brinkworth opened their first game last Saturday. Afternoon tea was provided at Mrs E. Bass’s residence which is in close proximity.
51, 46, 19 Nov. 1930, page 4
Leighton Strawberry Fete run by Ironmine Methodist Ladies Guild at Leighton hall last Saturday was opened by Mrs Barnes. Takings in aid of church funds were very satisfactory.
Cricket on Saturday: Booborowie 64 v. Leighton 176.
51, 47, 26 Nov. 1930, page 1
Burra Rifle Club shot the 8th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy on Saturday when best scores were by C.H. Dixon & H.L. Riggs.
Mt Bryan Methodist Fete on Saturday last week at the Institute Hall saw the ladies from the two Methodist Churches combine on the effort.
St Mary’s Strawberry Fete was held in the Institute 21 November and took nearly £60, which was deemed highly satisfactory. It was opened by Mrs P.J. Pickering who is due to leave shortly for Albury NSW. [Personal interest: Miss D. Fuss served on the Flower Stall.]
51, 47, 26 Nov. 1930, page 2
George Parker who was recently badly mauled by a bull is about again, though still suffering the after effects.
Mr Butler from Gnowangerup in WA has arrived to take charge of the Bank of Australasia from P.J. Pickering.
Messrs Parsons & Robertson Ltd write objecting to the use of the copyright name ‘Frigidaire’ to describe the refrigerator at Kuchenmeister’s said to have almost caught fire last week. They give the assurance that had it actually been a ‘Frigidaire’ it would have been protected by a safety fuse.
Advt. For Sale or To Let: the premises of a shop and five rooms in Kooringa now occupied by Mr Watts. Possession from 23 December. Apply to W.J. Davey, Henley South.
Weather. Rain came in the last week in thunderstorms. Hallett got a tremendous downpour of 161 points, Mt Bryan East 100 points, Mallett 53 & Ketchowla 55. Falls further south were lower: Koomooloo 16, Woolgangi 23, Canegrass 16, Burra 26 and World’s End 30.
Mongolata Gold
A number of men have been prospecting to the east and one locality tried has been Mr George Morgan’s Mongolata property and a promising gold-bearing reef has been found. The reef of ironstone and quartz showed unmistakably good coarse gold. On Monday Messrs Byles Sen. & Jnr took half a kerosene tin of specimens to Adelaide for assay. Several of the best specimens were almost on the surface. Two parties have found gold on adjacent claims. Let us hope the find is a really big one.
51, 47, 26 Nov. 1930, page 3
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 9-88 defeated Willalo 7-74
Hallett 10-81 defeated Copperhouse 7-67
‘B’ Grade Booborowie 14-99 defeated Aberdeen 1-37
Ironmine 9-82 defeated Kooringa 6-76
Copperhouse 8-74 defeated Mt Bryan 7-79
Hallett 11-88 defeated Willalo 4-76
On 15 November Booborowie 11-97 defeated Willalo 4-72
The Pirates of Penzance is to be performed next Tuesday & Wednesday in the Burra Institute.
A 1-column plot summary etc. is printed.
51, 48, 3 Dec. 1930, page 1
Leighton Hall Strawberry Fete on 29 November was opened by Mrs T.J. Bailey. In introducing Mrs Bailey I.J. Warnes said the hall was now 21 years old. In the first year £250 was borrowed from the State Bank and since then between £1,700 & £1,800 had been expended. The hall and stage had both been enlarged and furnished, a spacious supper-room, dressing rooms, smoke room & kitchen had been added, but despite all this he believed £100 would pay off the present liability. Though many older faces had gone, the younger folk continued to show an interest in their hall. The committee had decided to appoint a young man as secretary and to have a new one each year. This year they had dispensed with a caretaker and yet people had readily come along to clean up after functions. The hall committee had acquired a block of land for a bowling green and croquet lawn. So far they had kept the hall in a sound financial position and he hoped continuing interest in dances, concerts etc. would see it so.
51, 48, 3 Dec. 1930, page 2
Notice. The Mayor A.B. Riggs calls a public meeting in the Council Chamber for 4 December at 8 p.m. to consider a letter from the district MPs concerning work on the Burra Mine.
Advt. Mr John Dempster City organist will give a recital at St Mary’s 8 December at 8 p.m.
Christopher Bagot Sangster and Felix Wilfred Arden have equally been recommended for the Dr Davies Thomas Scholarship following the results of the University of Adelaide Examinations in the Faculty of Medicine. Mr C.B. Sangster [1908-95] was born at Burra and is the youngest son of Mrs J. and the late Dr Jack Sangster of Burra and grandson of Dr J.I. Sangster Sen. His father won the Everard Scholarship in his final year.
Mrs R. Brummitt Sen. [nee Jane Roach of Burra] visited Clare, Koonoona and Burra last weekend.
Mr & Mrs S. Dowling and Mr B. Dowling were given a farewell on Wednesday evening at the residence of Mrs E. Wohling prior to their departure from Burra.
[Presumably Sydney Samuel Dowling and Bruce; born 1914.]
Obituary. Mrs Hannah Patrick formerly of Hallett and mother of Mrs Maurice Collins late of Burra, died at her daughter’s residence last week after a long illness. [Born Hannah Downison (UK): died 26 November 1930 at St Georges SA aged 70.]
Burra High School. 13 students sat for various examinations in the last few days. 9 sat for their Intermediate Certificate. The exams were held in the Assembly Hall of Pearce’s Building.
51, 48, 3 Dec. 1930, page 3
Mongolata Gold
Since the last report we have seen further samples of stones from the claim of H.A. Byles absolutely studded with coarse gold. They were taken from an old claim originally pegged by a prospector named Bywaters some 4-5 years ago. He has worked it intermittently since, but not of late. This claim has now been registered by H.A. Byles who has worked it since 8 October. The greatest depth so far reached is only 4ft. The country is rugged and hilly. There is an opinion that alluvial gold might be found further down, but that is on freehold and the claim is on leasehold. Two big stones from the claim are said to show what is known as bar gold. Mr Rampton is another prospector very satisfied with his claim.
There are now 20-30 claims pegged out, but shortage of water is a problem: it has to be carted in from Baldina Creek. The main shows are on the west side of the hill, but there are reports of a find on the east side too. We have been told that Mr John Moulden now of England and a brother of Sir Frank Moulden who is connected with BHP was staying with the late F.T. Jones, a former Mongolata pastoralist, some 20 years ago and then expressed the opinion that there was gold in three or four hills there.
‘Iodoform’ complains that some filthy individuals are using the doorsteps of business premises at night for public conveniences and receptacles for their rubbish.
Dorothy S. Cameron thanks Mr Riggs and those who donated money when she recently came and collected £25-9-3 for the Children’s Hospital.
[Personal interest: Mr R. Fuss is listed as one of the singers at a social given at Copperhouse Methodist Church (Westbury), it being a gift evening for the approaching marriage of Miss I. Kellaway.]
Tennis: Copperhouse 14-96 defeated The Wanderers 4-54.
The Ratepayers’ Meeting
The Town Clerk contradicts some statements made at the recent Ratepayers’ Meeting.
It was said the Council can raise or lower its assessment as it sees fit. This is not so: it can only vary the assessment at the Court of Appeals or when the assessment is being adopted.
The Clerk’s salary is based on an award made by the Industrial Court. This says that when the Council revenue is over £3,000 the salary shall be £295. If the revenue is less than £3,000 the salary shall be 10% on the first £2,000 and then 71⁄2% on the rest.
When he holds more than one office he shall be paid 10% on the salary for such extra duties. He has been paid £15 as Inspector and was entitled to £29-10-0.
There was not an appointment under the Impounding Act for a Ranger till 1925 when J.J. Parker was appointed for one year. J.H. Harris was appointed with the powers of a Ranger in 1930.
It would be better in future if the Town Clerk were able to make corrections at the meeting. As the Town Clerk is now a part-time officer his salary will automatically drop by £40 p.a. at least from 1 December.
51, 48, 3 Dec. 1930, page 4
Ratepayers’ Meeting at the Burra Institute last Thursday.
Over 200 men and a number of ladies attended. Mr Bednall was voted into the chair.
The Mayor’s Report [A.B. Riggs]
Over £3,000 in new building approvals was reported despite the depression.
The town remains clean and well kept.
The General Account started in credit £141-11-4 and ended in deficit £57-2-7.
The Government Grants account began in credit £130-10-3 and ended in deficit £195-1-4, but with spramex and asphalt on hand worth £120-7-6.
Little has been done in the Parklands this year.
The Fire Brigade has put out an unusual number of fires and well justified its expense.
The cemetery was well kept, but suffered some vandalism.
Local Board of Health reported no serious outbreaks of disease, but whooping cough visited many homes.
The main roads are in good order and the main road west from the hospital for 40 chains to the Farrell’s Flat corner was bituminised, as also was the Bon Accord Bridge.
Major Public Works:
New road to the station was bituminised.
The footpath from the National Bank to the Post Office was bituminised.
So was the footpath from the Sunday School to Radford’s corner.
48 chains of road from the Young St Ford to the Racecourse Gate were bituminised.
A new road was made in Graham. [East of Burra Creek.]
Three employees were put on part time; losing on week in four.
Casual work was found for 63 men during the year at a cost of £282-17-3 for 397 days’ work, including those who worked out their rates.
A pound was established near the depot and a pound-keeper and assistant ranger appointed.
Income & expenditure figures are printed.
Ward accounts:
North Ward in credit £14-15-0
East Ward in credit £86-0-0
West Ward in deficit £15-9-1
The Mayor felt that during his terms the work of the Council had gone on comfortably if not always unanimously. He was not satisfied with the position of the Depot with respect to North Ward. He considered Councillors should put the town as a whole ahead of the Wards they represented.
Not all Councillors agreed.
He thought it would be better with four wards and eight Councillors. He would have the town divided east-west at the Church of England and north-south along the creek with funds allocated according to the work needed and not where money was raised.
In answer to questions he said:
The pound-keeper retained poundage fees.
An assistant Ranger was needed for court purposes.
To a question whether some employees are paid less than £3 a week he said three were paid 12/6 a day for three weeks in four. [If they worked a 51⁄2 day week they got £10-6-3 for three weeks’ work and spread over four weeks this was £2-11-7 a week.]
[There were then questions about the Town Clerk’s salary and this is clarified in his reply on page 3 of this issue of the paper.]
Cr Woollacott moved a vote of thanks for the Mayor & Mayoress. Carried with applause.
Election candidates then took the platform.
Cr Woollacott [for Mayor] clarified the legal position of his nomination for the Mayoralty.
He had wanted a new assessment as the fairer way of adjusting the rates, but Cr Kellaway and the Town Clerk said a new assessment would cost £50-£60. He was told an across the board adjustment could not be made, but that was being done in Burnside. If returned he favoured the appointment of a committee comprising two from each of the Town & District councils and a representative of the unemployed to endeavour to devise a scheme to get some work. Some thousands a year was being paid in the town for no return. If the Government gave the Council money the unemployed would be given a certain amount of work and the roads would be kept in order. The ration business was harmful to business. Under the present system where were clothes and rent to come from? Men wanted work not charity. Like the Mayor of Pt Adelaide, he believed 1931 would be worse than 1930 and that had been the worst year ever faced. Economy should start at the top, so he would not draw a penny of the usual allowance of £20 for the Mayor. He believed the Town Clerk was one of the best in the state, but under the circumstances when the men had been asked to take less, he should as well. He wondered where the money to run the Council would come from with reduced Government Grants and reduced subsidy on rates.
Cr Kellaway [for Mayor] said he was indifferent to the question of legality in Cr Woollacott’s nomination, which seemed to bother Cr Woollacott so much. He would not be appealing on those grounds if Cr Woollacott won. He believed that the rates paid could be reduced by lowering the assessment. As for why Linkson St had not been repaired with the £15 in North Ward funds – the chairman on the Public Works Committee said it would cost £30-£40. He had 9 years of service and that experience would be available to the Council. He believed that something could be done with the Burra Mine. If rations were allowed he thought men could earn on tribute sufficient for clothes for themselves and their children. Though the Town Clerk’s salary was fixed by the Arbitration Court it would fall by £50-£70 if rates fell.
Mr Jennison [for North Ward] wanted rates reduced, but realised that if it meant lowering the standard of the town he would not be in favour. At present roads should only be maintained and new works postponed. He had not been nominated by the RSA to restore the guns. Though he favoured the original scheme, he did not see how it could be done in the present circumstances. He hoped the Town Band would succeed. He hoped the ration scheme would go and that the Council would get the money to distribute instead. The council needed motor transport; it would save much time and cleaning the town with motor transport was also needed.
Mr Kuchenmeister [for East Ward] is merely reported as saying he would do his best for the town and not for any ward in particular.
The Mayor said it was the new Council that finally had to adopt the assessment.
Cr Pearce said that in relation to Cr Woollacott’s assertion that Burnside was reducing its assessment by a % that it was possible for a DC, but not for a Corporation.
Cr Woollacott & Mr Bevan were in favour of reducing rates.
Mr Jennison said he needed more information and Cr Kellaway was in favour if it were possible.
51, 49, 10 Dec. 1930, page 1
CWA half-yearly meeting was held 28 November.
The Association farewelled Mrs P.J. Pickering Honorary treasurer. Hon. Lady Hore Ruthven has consented to being the Patroness. Toys and parcels are to be collected for Christmas gifts for needy children.
Mr Pickering was given a farewell on Wednesday at the Commercial Hotel. Dr Steele presided and made a speech followed by Mr Twist of the National Bank, Mr A.G. Gebhardt, Mr Ewins, and Cr Woollacott. Mr Butler his replacement was also welcomed. Afterwards they adjourned to the Eastern Telephone room where there was an official farewell with the Mayor Mr Riggs in the chair.
51, 49, 10 Dec. 1930, page 2
Birth. On 5 December at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs A. Andrews of Aberdeen a daughter, Margaret Ann.
Fire. Some small boys playing behind the Burra Hotel lit a small grass fire on Sunday afternoon that was soon extinguished.
Lieut. T. Kenyon late of Burra and the 3rd Light Horse visited the town last weekend to inspect the Light Horse Troop.
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd and Dalgety & Co. Ltd have held a successful sale on behalf of Maurice Collins proprietor of Collins Park Merino Stud, who has decided to relinquish stud sheep breeding.
Weather. Rain from thunderstorms has been extensive to the east in the last week with many stations receiving between 80 and 150 points and some even more.
John Dempster City Organist drew a large congregation to his organ recital at St Mary’s on Monday evening.
General Aid Soc. held its Strawberry Fete at the Cheer-up Hall on Friday. It was opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes.
51, 49, 10 Dec. 1930, page 3
Burra Town Council Elections
Mayor T.H. Woollacott 303
S. Kellaway 158
West Ward G.C. Kuchenmeister 61
A.L. Bence 41
North Ward C.R. Bevan 90
H.J.B. Jennison 83
RSL held a smoke social last Saturday night.
Red Cross met on 2 December and decided to spend £5 on blankets for the hospital and to send £3 each to Angorichina Hostel and the hospitals at Keswick, Bedford Park & Myrtle Bank and to the Consumptive Home. A letter from Miriam Davey describes the activities and progress at Angorichina.
Burra Mine
A meeting was held on Thursday to consider the possibility of the unemployed making some money from the Burra Mine. Most of those present were unemployed men. Mr Riggs was detained out east by the rain and E.J. Harris was voted into the chair. Mr A. Walker said he had studied the books of the mine. The mine had opened in 1849[sic: actually 1845]. There were five tunnels of 600ft, 300ft, 330ft, 420 ft and 180ft. The upper levels contained cuprite, malachite, azurite and native copper in rich, but very irregular bodies. The lower levels had bornite and chalcoryrite. After making 51,662 long tons of copper the mine closed in 1877. During this time the surface ores to 60 fathoms had, as far as the managers knew, been worked out.
The mines had been re-organised in 1901 with a subscribed capital of £31,170. There were then 672 acres of freehold plus 11,065 acres of mineral rights. In 1903 100 tons of fine copper were produced at an average of only 2% on the ore raised. Later diamond drilling to test the mine found good ore at 800 to 1,000ft. He did not think he could recommend that the Government spend large sums to develop the mine, but with Mr McBride’s consent men might be put on tribute to work payable pockets of ore which would pay a man, but not a large company with overheads. He thought anything from 30 to 50 men might make wages. A committee was then formed to formulate a plan of action.
Bowls. Kapunda visited on Saturday and Kapunda 98 defeated Burra 77.
51, 49, 10 Dec. 1930, page 4
The Pirates of Penzance was presented at Burra Institute on 2 & 3 December by the Burra Operatic & Orchestral Classes under Mr G.E. Dane before crowded houses. Both performances were a triumph in every way. The performances are reviewed at length over about 52⁄3 columns. The principal singers were:
Major General Stanley P.L. Rosman
Pirate King W.H. Spier and Lindsay Thomas
Samuel E.W.B. Edmonds
Frederick P.J. Pickering & E.A.W. Haese
Sgt of Police G.H. Dow & M. Tiddy
Ruth Mrs P.J. Pickering & Miss G. Pearce
Mabel Miss B. Woollacott & Mrs Max Pearce
Edith Miss S. Lawrence & Mrs E.A.W. Haese
Kate Mrs A.L. Bence & Miss N. Thomas
Isabel Miss Z. Gillett & Miss M. Orr
Burra Town Council, 1 December
The last meeting of the old Council recorded a vote of appreciation for the work of the Mayor and Mayoress in the last two years, which was moved by Cr Kellaway in a congratulatory speech. This was endorsed by Cr Allen in seconding the motion and supported by Cr Pearce.
51, 50, 17 Dec. 1930, page 2
Lisle Pearce painted the realistic rock scenery displayed on the wings in the recent production of The Pirates of Penzance.
Mr J. Denton who played the organ at the recent anniversary services of the Farrell’s Flat Methodist Sunday School has had that position for almost 50 years.
Railway Timetable. From 15 December the Broken Hill express will run every night except Saturday until 2 January 1931. The times of arrival on Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9.21 p.m. and on Tuesday & Thursday 9.45 p.m.
Miss M.P. (Pattie) Pledge was presented with a Diploma in Commerce from the University of Adelaide at Commemoration Day 10 December 1903. She is the daughter of Mr & Mrs Frank Pledge of Kooringa.
Mr S.R. Oborn thanks the ladies who have kept up the supply of soup and cocoa for children at the school whose parents are suffering unemployment.
Burra Brass Band is making progress and their first public appearance will be at the Christmas tree festivities at Burra Hospital next Tuesday.
Mr & Mrs Guy Tiddy and sons leave Burra this week. Mr Tiddy was a prominent football, tennis and table tennis player for Aberdeen for many years. He has also been a member of the Burra Institute Committee and of the Choral and Orchestral Classes and was for a time secretary of the Burra Branch of the RSL. He has been active in the Redruth Methodist Sunday School, Church and Choir. Mrs Tiddy has been active in the church and was at one time treasurer of the Soldiers’ Aid Society.
Bowls. Burra visited Clare last Saturday and Burra 100 defeated Clare 83.
Croquet. At Clare last Saturday the Clare ladies were the more successful.
Burra Town Council, 15 December
Mr S. McHugh MLA advised that the Government was short of funds and it was not possible for the Council to obtain a loan, but the new Unemployment Council should improve matters for the unemployed.
Cr Allen reported no money in the West Ward account and the Town Clerk reported the general account overdrawn about £170 and also overdrawn about £200 on the main roads account. The mayor said wheat teams were damaging the Bon Accord Bridge and last year it cost £50 in repairs.
Heavy traffic is to be banned from using the bridge.
Cr Bevan gave notice he would move to rescind the motion giving no Mayoral Allowance this year.
51, 50, 17 Dec. 1930, page 3
Burra Mine
P.A. McBride has given permission for men to go onto the Burra Mine property. 39 unemployed men have signed on. A practical miner’s help is needed and also assistance with tools. Mr McBride attended the committee meeting on 11 December and gave his consent. He said he was willing to do so without charging any royalty until a man’s income exceeded £4 a week or the basic wage. Over £4 he would expect a small royalty towards paying the rates and taxes. He also guaranteed the right to use any equipment now on the mine. All men to work at the mine do so at their own risk. The Minister of Mines Mr McHugh is to be asked to visit as soon as possible. 14 men started on Monday, but they have practically no tools and a call for such has gone out. Washaways in the open cut over the years have uncovered considerable quantities of good ore, but the services of an experienced miner in selecting the good ore is really needed and if an old tributer could assist it would be appreciated. On Tuesday one gang under Mr Les Wall opened new ground near Morphett’s Shaft and about 20 men were at work with 39 signed on. At present the water is 11ft below average and a few feet more would give access to one of the old mine’s best drives. Some tools have been donated and a ‘jig’ for washing the ore is now needed.
Guy Tiddy will be given a farewell from Burra at the RSL next Friday.
Kooringa Methodist Church Strawberry Fete in the Cheer-up Hall on 12 December was eminently satisfactory in these difficult times.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on 6 & 13 December
Aberdeen Colts 64 & 2 for 29 defeated Ramblers 49 & 41 by 8 wickets.
After this a third innings was played in which Ramblers were dismissed for 57 and Aberdeen Colts scored 6 for 144. The opening pair for Aberdeen Colts E. Scroop & R.J. Flaherty hit 46 in 10 minutes.
51, 51, 24 Dec. 1930, page 1
Wheat. [A meeting at Booborowie is indicative of ongoing discussions for some time concerning the plight of wheat farmers whose costs of production, estimated by many at c. 4/- a bushel, were higher than the selling price.]
A meeting to discuss the question of wheat production was called at Booborowie Hall for 15 December by the Chairman of the Booborowie DC.
Chairman T.J. Wedding introduced Mr A.D. McDonald who discussed the implications of unpegging the exchange rate of the Australian pound.
E.E. George MP spoke in favour of a bounty on wheat.
A.C. Woodgate opposed this, as it would do nothing to aid farmers whose crop had failed.
W.J. Cousins supported the bounty system. He believed that at present 80% of farmers could not pay their way and farmers were entitled to receive at least the cost of production and should retain their wheat until they got it.
B.H. Woodgate said primary producers must fail unless they got 4/- a bushel. Any practical solution would suit – whether pegging the exchange rate, placing a sales tax on flour, moratoriums or reducing freight rates. Effective organisation was essential.
P.A. Kilderry supported him and said a reduction in the tariff was also required, as some 500 items were tariff protected, but this would take time and relief was needed urgently.
A.D. McDonald was for a flour tax and pegging the exchange rate.
The Chairman was for a bounty.
F.C. Catt favoured a bounty – other industries received such.
The final motion that was carried unanimously urged the immediate introduction of a bounty of 1/6 per bushel for wheat.
Guy Tiddy was given a farewell by the RSL and others on 18 December at the Council Chamber on the eve of his departure for the city. The Mayor T.H. Woollacott took the chair. He was presented with a case of pipes by H.G. Oates President of Burra RSL. G.E. Dane spoke for the Institute Choral & Orchestral Classes.
Mr Woollacott spoke for the town and presented a roll of notes.
F.M. Pearce spoke for the Aberdeen Tennis Club.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held its anniversary 7 & 8 December. Rev. E.S. Jew officiated.
Marriage. 3 December at Copperhouse [Westbury] Church
Isabel Kellaway, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Kellaway of Copperhouse, married
Harold Parrington late of Jamestown.
51, 51, 24 Dec. 1930, page 2
Mrs J. Kellock of Kooringa was badly burnt on her arms and hands and the side of her face when the petrol she was using to clean a coat burst into flames in the laundry. She is recovering in hospital.
George Gallagher of Gawler assisted by A.N. Ratcliffe and J. Carpenter and other gentlemen are again arranging the Children’s sports for 27 December at the Aberdeen Playground. This is a free treat started by his father many years ago. The Burra Brass Band will attend.
E.T. (Ted.) Rooke of World’s End has had one big toe amputated as the result of an accident while reaping. While attending to a blockage he coughed and the horses took it as a signal to start and the rake revolved catching his foot.
Obituary. Leo Moore, young son of Mr & Mrs E. Moore of Kooringa and late of Booborowie died in Burra Hospital on 22 December of pneumonia following whooping cough.
[Leo Mannix Moore born at Kooringa 25 February 1925.]
Burra Mine
Alf Walker, Hon. Secretary of Burra Mine Unemployment Committee reports that 60 men have handed in their names and 44 are presently at work. They have struck good ore, but the difficulty is that the best ore is on a level with the water line. The Minister of Mines will be asked to provide a pumping plant.
Miss Ruth Batchelor who has been on Burra High School staff for nearly three years and Miss E.M. Jones who has been there for two years have both been transferred. Students presented Miss Jones with a xylonite brush, comb and mirror set and Miss Batchelor received a set of lemon lustre lingerie as farewell gifts.
St Joseph’s School.
Qualifying Certificates were awarded to Michael Ryan and Laurence Ward.
51, 51, 24 Dec. 1930, page 3
Christmas Tree, 22 December
The Mayoress Mrs T.H. Woollacott presented a Christmas tree to about 200 children of the unemployed in Burra and their parents – assisted by the Burra benevolent Society and the CWA, the Mayor and other gentlemen on Monday evening. The Institute was decorated for the occasion and a huge Christmas tree was in the centre of the platform with baskets heaped with parcels. Max Morton played the role of Father Christmas and it couldn’t have been in better hands. Each child received a gift, an ice cream, a bag of lollies, cakes, some fruit and unlimited cordial. Parents and older brothers and sisters were given a sit down supper.
Booborowie Annual Children’s Frolic on 18 December is reported at some length.
Fire. On Thursday afternoon fire broke out in Alan Drew’s wheat paddock at ‘Beridga’ Leighton. About 400 cars responded and the fire was extinguished, but with the loss of 200 acres of crop, 500 acres of feed and 600 bags of wheat, though it is thought much of the wheat from the burnt bags is recoverable. Messrs John Drew Jnr and Max Jacka share in the loss as they are on halves with Mr A. Drew. The source of the fire is believed to be the fusing of a wire on a lorry. A fire also burnt an area of grass in Burra Creek just below Wright’s Motor Garage on Saturday morning.
Leighton School broke up on Thursday with a visiting day and program of music and recitations etc. Qualifying Certificates were earned by I. Holland and H. Longbottom. Afternoon tea was taken at the Hall – which was somewhat spoiled and curtailed by the outbreak of the fire some three miles away.
Ayers School break-up was celebrated at Ironmine Memorial Hall on 18 December. A fine gathering was held with Mr Roy Humphrys presiding. Whooping cough has affected the school’s performance this year, as it had others in the district. There were 30 on the roll with an average attendance of 27.4. Five children attended every day despite the whooping cough. 25 of 27 who sat for exams were promoted. The students provided entertainment throughout the evening. Jean Williams was Dux of the School. Qualifying Certificates were awarded to Melva Callary, Freda Heinrich & Mervyn Humphrys.
51, 51, 24 Dec. 1930, page 4
Burra High School break-up celebrations were held at the Burra Institute on 17 December. Dr Steele as President of the High School Council presided. Students provided a program of entertainment. The Headmaster reported an average attendance of nearly 50; just lower than in 1929. Mo changes of staff occurred during the year, but now Miss Batchelor has been transferred to Unley High School and Miss Jones to Woodville High School.
Last year four Intermediate Certificates and one Leaving Certificate were gained and this week we have learned that Beryl Lawson has just passed Leaving Honours in English Literature, Modern History and Latin.
Sporting success this year has been good against Clare and the School Magazine has produced some fine original work.
Dr Steele had hardly started his address when called away by urgent professional business.
The Mayor took over and made the presentation of awards, the list of which is presented from which the following have been selected:
First Year Dux was Bernice Potter.
Greatest progress among Intermediate Girls: Edna Allen.
Greatest progress among Leaving Girls: Mollie Walker.
Dux of the School: Beryl Lawson.
Most Industrious Student: Eric Seeley.
Best Intermediate Results: 1929: May Buff.
Best Exam Results 1929: Beryl Lawson.
Best Woodwork Theory & Practice: Clarrie Fuss.
[Personal interest: Domestic Arts Certificate Grade II: Edna Allen (& others).]
Presentations were made to the teachers who were leaving.
Miss Jones has been seriously ill and her presentation was accepted by her mother who was visiting.
The second portion of the program opened with the Grande Valse Brilliant played by Joffre Hill & Clarrie Fuss. This was followed by a farce and then three scenes from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, in which Clarrie Fuss played Scrooge’s nephew. Laurie Hann was Scrooge and Laurie Twist played Cratchett.
Copperhouse School prize-giving took place on Wednesday at the school. Dux of the school was Arthur Langsford. Qualifying Certificates went to: Ruby Lomman, Mabel Kellaway and Cyril Coon. The prize list is printed.
Church of England Day School break-up was held on 18 December. This school was fortunate in escaping the impact of whooping cough that was so prevalent this year. This school has had a very successful year. The prize list is printed and the Rector’s speech is reported at length. Financially times were very hard and they had been compelled to find a teacher for the lowest salary. There had been 19 applicants and it had been decided to give Miss Orr the chance to stay on. There were two conditions attached. On the first and third Sundays in the month pupils were expected to attend Divine Worship in charge of their teacher, when a brief children’s service would be held. Secondly if she left the premises at lunch time she had to take the children with her. (That is those who took their lunches to school.) A program of entertainment followed the Rector’s address before the Mayor distributed prizes etc.
Burra Public School broke up on 18 December when the classes had parties. This year the school had been affected by chicken pox and more lately by whooping cough. A drum & fife band had been formed. The Qualifying Certificate exam saw 12 of the 13 candidates succeed and the one failure may be attributed to illness.
The depression has caused many of the children to be insufficiently nourished and poorly clothed. In winter several children were crying with the cold. Since 3 September needy children have been supplied with hot soup or cocoa at noon – an average of 25 children a day.
If more people can come forward with assistance this will be continued next year.
Exam results are printed. [Personal interest: Ted. Fuss was 2nd in Grade VI with 95%.]
Qualifying Certificates were gained by:
Florrie Thomas 591 Ron Hirschausen 526 Albert Sampson 522
Joyce McDonald 505 Ron Kellock 502 Lawrence Walker 484
Arthur Woollacott 446 Dorothy Parker 439 Mavis Jesser 409
Jim Parks 397 Edith Heinrich 371
[If 12 passed as stated above, one name is missing.]
Burra Rifle Club. In the last shoot for the half year A.C. Aughey and F. Spencer scored the best.
Burra Benevolent Society, 17 December
The Society was able to give 5/- to each of the old age pensioners and a few others. £2-5-0 was voted to the Mayor’s Fund for Children of the Unemployed. The General Aid Society has donated £4. A good collection of items has come in for the Mayor & Mayoress’s Christmas Tree.
Characteristics of the paper in 1930.
Page 1.
Large local advertisements dominate, but often mixed with some news, though the amount varies from nothing to half a page.
Page 2.
Large and small advertisements, sales and public notices and local government advertising. Classified type items and sometimes news makes a late appearance.
Page 3.
This generally carries about five columns of news, though it is sometimes fleshed out with non-local items and articles of general interest.
Page 4.
This carries a lot of reading, but it is often not local in content, although local news can be a significant component. The Advance Australia News Service often appears here.
Supplements are rare.
In general the paper gave reasonable local coverage, but supplemented this with a lot of material in the form of syndicated articles and in particular a column headed ‘Advance Australia News Service’. This is frequent, but not every week. Its source is not acknowledged, but the content is remarkable. It is ultra-patriotic and fosters a jingoistic Australianism. It is fiercely against party politics and individualism and promotes unquestioning obedience to a unitary state. There is considerable admiration expressed for Mussolini and a desire to see the emergence of a strong national and nationalistic leader. In short it is supportive of Fascism.
There are quite a lot of articles of general interest without a local component.
Numbering of Issues in 1930.
The year began with Volume 51, Number 1 on 8 January 1930.
And continued to Volume 51, Number 51 on 24 December 1930.
52, 1, 7 Jan. 1931
Page 1 Advertisements
Walker & Sons Shoe Store
[Guy Dollman] Burra Motor Co. Caterpillar Tractors, Sunshine Farm Machinery, Dodge Cars & Trucks
T.H. Woollacott Builders & Contractors, Aberdeen
Jeffery & Byrne Butchers, Kooringa
Luke Day Fruit & Vegetables
R.W. Bruce Carrier, twice weekly to Adelaide
___________ Kooringa Service Station
D. Jones & Son Painters
H.J.B. Jennison Jennison’s Tyre Service, Kooringa
Page 2 Advertisements
S.R. King (Successor to T.F. Robertson) Railway & General Carrier
C. Leslie Phillips Dentist
T.H. Villis C.O.R. Petrol Agent
Drew & Crewes General Store (with Grocery Department [sic])
Bence’s Drapers
Milton J. Tiddy Cash Draper & Clothier, Aberdeen
F. Spencer Watchmaker & Jeweller, Kooringa
Pederson & Son Shoe Store
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, etc.
Dalgety & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, etc.
J. Laybourne Smith Dentist at Bence’s Cash & Carry Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen
Mrs George Hann Dancing & Piano Classes
Page 3 Advertisements
Sara & Co. ‘Liberty’ Petrol Station, Aberdeen
Wright’s Wright’s Motors, Kooringa
Whitney & Tiver Ford Dealers
J.E. Pocock [Draper]
Page 4 Advertisements
W.G. Terry Tailor, Kooringa
K.B. Watts Butcher, Aberdeen
52, 1, 7 Jan. 1931, page 2
Sam Stevens visited Burra for two weeks. He lived here 50 years ago.
Weather. Rain on New Year’s Day delivered 20 points and to the east falls of up to 50 points were recorded.
Mrs J. Kellock has recovered from her burns sufficiently to leave hospital last Sunday.
Mongolata Gold
At least 10 parties are at work with a total of about 20 men and some claims are down 20ft. In most places the going is difficult, requiring blasting. Some good coarse gold has been obtained on Byles’ claim by dollying. Experienced prospectors expect alluvial gold to be found. The men are getting up stone to send for cyanide treatment at Peterborough.
Advt. Gus St Leon’s Circus and Zoo. Burra on Friday & Saturday 9 & 10 January.
Opposite Burra School.
Tennis. The Kooringa Club went to World’s End on Saturday. Kooringa courts need another week to settle and Clare visits on 18 January. There has been some vandalism at the courts and if any further occurs the police will be involved.
52, 1, 7 Jan. 1931, page 3
The Children’s Sports Meeting organised by George Gallagher, Alec Ratcliffe, Jack Carpenter & others was held on 22 December at the Aberdeen Playground. The Burra Brass Band attended. There were 36 events and the children were treated to cool drinks, ice creams, fruit, sweets and cakes and the tiny tots received a Christmas stocking. It was estimated that 300 children and 200 adults attended. The winners’ list is printed.
[Personal interest: T. Fuss, D. Turnbull & W. Robertson dead heat for bowling at a stump.]
Burra Hospital Christmas Festival
On the evening of 23 December the usual festivities were arranged in the grounds, organised by Mrs J.R. Barker & Mrs G.H. Dow with musical arrangements by G.E. Dane. There was a very large attendance and cars lined the road for a quarter of a mile. The Burra Brass Band under J.H. Murison played several selections in its first appearance. Threatened rain held off till a slight shower right at the close. [The program is printed.] Board President I.J. Warnes presided and thanked all who contributed to such a successful occasion. The Mayor also gave an address. The financial position of the hospital was currently all right. In the last 12 months 300 patients had passed through and expenses totalled c. £4,000. Income was: Government Subsidy 700
Rates from Councils 800
Patients’ Fees 1,500
Bequests 700
£3,700
With some money in the bank the year had ended about balanced, but 1931 would start with nothing and so they would need all the support they could get.
Dr Steele on behalf of the Hospital thanked all involved.
52, 1, 7 Jan. 1931, page 4
Railway Extravagance. A one-column article reports on extravagant spending in the Railways Department. Of particular local interest was the cost, drawn from railway funds, of supporting the YMCA at Peterborough between 1926 and 1930, which appeared to total £21,136. Some local benefit of this was received in Burra where the YMCA at this period received some support from Peterborough.
52, 2, 14 Jan. 1931, page 2
Mrs Josiah Thomas of Redruth turned 80 on 11 January. She was born at Redruth SA and was the first female born there, an event that happened in 1851. She is the daughter of the late Mr & Mrs H. Pinch of ‘Pincarrow’ some four miles north of Aberdeen, which is still held by Mr Pinch’s descendants. Mr Pinch claimed to have built the first house in Redruth owing to the family having been flooded out of a dug-out in the bank of the creek. Miss Pinch married Josiah Thomas 15 February 1869 in the old Church of England on Limestone Hill. They went to ‘Three Trees’ near Aberdeen and remained there till the death of Mr Thomas in May 1929, soon after their diamond wedding. Mrs Thomas then came to Redruth to live. Of a family of four children only Maud (Mrs C. Wesley Gare) survives. Two children died in infancy and one Mr Henry Thomas in 1919. Mrs Thomas was almost an invalid some years ago, but is now enjoying good health.
Francis Birtles the intrepid driver known for his trips into the interior of Australia passed through Burra on Tuesday morning in a strikingly original vehicle, accompanied by his dog.
52, 2, 14 Jan. 1931, page 3
Obituary. Mrs A. Affolter died at her residence in Booborowie on Monday after a long illness. She was 71. She had been a great worker for St Edmund’s Church. [Born Augusta Christina Henrietta Frahm 1 March 1860 at Langmeil SA: died 12 January 1931 Booborowie. See more details at 52, 3, 21 Jan. 1930, page 3.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Interest continues to grow. F. Harris has shown us some good results from dollying out a stone. One prospector is trying to find alluvial gold. He is down about 30ft and others are also hard at work. Some 28 years ago the well-known Madam Hellier who answered questions while in a trance predicted that a gold mine would be found about 10 miles east of Burra. Mongolata is about that in a straight line.
Burra Mine
The workings at the mine have been subjected to vandalism. On Sunday evening last several bags of ore, each weighing about 1 cwt were moved about one chain and mixed up. Some of this was thrown in a hole and one missing bag is thought to be in the pool. A wheelbarrow was thrown down a 10ft shaft and tools scattered. Two dray loads of earth were dumped into a shaft 10-12ft deep. A series of rocks were dislodged from the cliffs and could have killed young men who often swim in the pool. The names of those who did this are known. Recently similar acts of wanton destruction were done at the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry.
Cricket. 25 December at Spring Hut: Aberdeen Colts defeated Spring Hut Creek 181.
On 10 January Hallett 152 defeated Aberdeen Colts 113.
52, 2, 14 Jan. 1931, page 4
Burra Town Council
H.J.B. Jennison was welcomed as the new Councillor for North Ward as a result of Cr Woollacott’s resigning to become Mayor. He was welcomed as the youngest Councillor ever to be elected.
[He was just under 33, having been born 30 January 1898 and this makes the claim completely false. Even without a complete list of births it is not hard to find half a dozen Councillors who were younger when elected – and that from the first half of the alphabet.]
The main road grant available to 30 June was £135 with Council to contribute £65. This will allow for no new work and only potholes to be filled in.
The subsidy on rates will be £68 – last year it was £210.
The assessment for 1930 was £17,611 and for 1931 is £17,420, attributable mainly to untenanted lands in Hampton and Millerton. The Town Clerk had found only three persons living in Hampton & Millerton.
Cr Pearce moved the assessment be the same as for 1930. Court of appeal to be held 4 February.
There was discussion on the Mayoral allowance which for technical reasons could not be reinstated. After considerable talk Cr Bevan’s motion that the Mayor be given £15 towards expenses incurred in the recent Christmas tree was finally adopted.
52, 3, 21 Jan. 1931, page 2
G.C Kuchenmeister, butcher, has bought the premises in Market Square next to L.L. Wicklein, jeweller, and has moved from the shop next to Mr Pederson’s. The new shop has all cooling and other modern conveniences.
Mongolata Goldfield
Work continues slowly, but surely. On Monday J. Murison took c. 30cwt of stone from Rampton’s Claim to the cyanide works at Peterborough. Terry’s party has nearly a ton raised. A fair sample from Byles’ Claim is said to have assayed at 21⁄2oz to the ton in Adelaide.
Leonard Allen was fined £1 and ordered to refund £4-5-0 he had received in rations when it was found he had a car valued at c. £50, a bicycle, a phonograph and a set of carpenter’s tools. He said when he was asked if he owned any property he thought they meant land or housing.
E.A.V. Triggs who has been a resident for some years left Kooringa for Adelaide recently. He came first to work for Bright & Bright solicitors and stayed on when the office was taken over by Shierlaw, Frisby-Smith & Romilly Harry. This firm will now make weekly visits and has withdrawn its permanent representative. Mr Triggs was a tennis player and secretary of the Burra Tennis Association for some time and with Mrs Triggs a member of the Institute Orchestral Class and for some time in the Kooringa Methodist Choir.
52, 3, 21 Jan. 1931, page 3
Burra Water Supply
The Public Works Standing Committee has expressed concern to the Council that the Burra Scheme is running at a loss. Present rates in country areas are:
Up to an assessed annual value of £200: 9%
Over £200 to £400: 6%
Over £400: 3%
There is a minimum annual charge of 20/- for tenements and 3/- for vacant land.
[Figures are also cited for country lands from 4d to 7d per acre depending on unimproved value.]
Since 1927 all water rates have been increased by a surcharge of 25%.
Since July 1929 the charge for rebate water was 1/8 per 1,000 gallons and 1/- per 1,000 gallons for excess.
Burra figures are then printed for the years from 1926-30. Capital cost was £21,865-18-2. Interest was £1,084-4-11, working expenses £1,881-4-6. Revenue was £2,068-3-8 for a loss of £897-5-9. The accumulated loss since inception was £6,942-1-8. The committee asks the Council for suggestions.
Bowls. Clare visited on Saturday when Burra 109 defeated Clare 73.
Obituary. Mrs A. Affolter died 12 January. She was born at Tanunda in 1860 where she married the late Mr J. Affolter who died in 1899. They lived first at Cavenagh and moved to Booborowie in 1890, making the journey with four small children in a bullock wagon. When her husband died she was left with seven children. During the war she was a great worker at Australia Day functions, Red Cross work and at farewells and welcomes for soldiers. She was a great worker for St Edmund’s Church of England and a few years ago laid the foundation stone for the building. She was also a prominent worker for the Booborowie Hall and an active member of the Ladies Incidental Committee. She was supper supervisor for most of the huge functions held there. Her surviving children are: Messrs F.C. & E.J. Affolter and Mesdames T.H. Jeffery, P. Jenkins, J.G. Frahm, H.W. Phillips & Miss E. Affolter. There are 23 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
[Born Augusta Christina Henrietta Frahm 1 March 1860 at Langmeil SA: died 12 January 1931 Booborowie.]
Soldier Settlers met at Hanson Council Chamber last Saturday night to discuss common problems and it was resolved to present a petition to the Government requesting the present year’s instalments on leases and any arrears be capitalised over the whole term of the lease. A deputation was appointed comprising H.G. Oates, J.E. Hogan & G. Powell.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club. The low rainfall of recent years has seen the lagoon fall so low that aquatic events are now impossible. The club intends to improve facilities when opportunity offers. Last year the floods of 27 December when over 4” fell made it possible to carry on when it had seemed impossible, but the drought of 1930 has undone all that and the rain since July, though good has been steady and produced no run-off. The greatest depth is now only about 4’6” and from the edge it is only about 1’ for some distance over about 3’ of mud. It is not yet as low as in 1917 when it was dry and many tons of salt were harvested for stock. The club will protect its assets and has about £100 in hand.
52, 3, 21 Jan. 1931, page 4
Burra Defence Rifle Club: A Historical Review
The minute books refer us back only to 1899.
A range had been used periodically to 1899, principally for military shooting, but then interest was displayed and Mr D.J. O’Leary granted permission for a portion of his property to be used for firing on, to the south of the town.
The club progressed till 1904 when at the AGM there was not a quorum and at a subsequent committee meeting it was decided to disband temporarily. (J.A. Pearce, N. Pearce, R.D. Pascoe, A. Bennetts & P. Roach.) Assets were then 22/3 and 60 packets of ammunition.
The club was restarted in 1907 following an enthusiastic meeting at Lord’s [Burra] Hotel. G. Lord was elected Captain and practices were held on Wednesday s and Saturdays. It was then that the range on the eastern side of the town was established. Captain Lord held the office from 1907-18.
The new range was opened 17 June 1907. The membership for that year was 56. In 1901 there were 60 members and in 1929 28 members. So far for 1930 there are 45 members. In 1918 the drain of members due to the war caused the club to consider going into recess. It decided to go on and the peak period of the club’s efficiency was reached in 1924 when a team of 20 won the Country Club Championship of SA at Pt Adelaide. If the Government maintains the ammunition and efficiency grant for 1931 the Club should reach a very satisfactory position.
[A long list of inter-club competitions is then printed.]
One early record shows that the visitors from Blyth were to be entertained with 10/- worth of pastry and sandwiches, 5 gallons of beer and half a dozen tonic ales.
Trophies have come from a variety of people. [A number of donors, trophies and prizes are then listed.]
Financial support has come from R.M. McBride, N.H. Pearse, A.J. McBride, R. Reed & Sons, T.H. Pearse & L.W. Gebhardt.
[State District Unions are then mentioned.]
In 1902 A.B. Hiddle was appointed to represent the club at a public meeting to welcome returned soldiers from the Boer War and Corporal R. Gully, Trooper C. Sangster & Cpl Sappho Halls were elected honorary members.
Correspondence mentions the Distinguished Conduct Medal being given to Cpl Gully and a letter was sent to Captain Watt congratulating him on his DSO. A donation was made to a ‘Souvenir’ to be presented to Lt. Col. Castine.
Life membership has been conferred on B.W. Pearse & C.B. Warnes (1907), T.H. Pearse (1915), J.A. Riggs (1916). R.D. Pascoe is the only member of the 1900 committee still living in Burra and George Herbert the only active member shooting in that year.
The earliest Captain (then called President) was Sir Frederick Holder.
1889 J. Blott 1922-23 A.B. Riggs
1900 W.B. Page 1924 J.E. Pearce
1901-02 A. Hiddle 1925 A.B. Riggs
1903-04 J.A. Pearce 1926-27 A.L. Kellock
1907-18 G. Lord 1928-29 C.W. Pearce
1918-19 J.A. Riggs 1930 H.G. Oates
1920-21 G.L. Nutt
Secretaries
1900 A.B. Hiddle 1910-14 H.L. Riggs
1901 J.A. Pearce 1915-23 J.E. Pearce
1902-04 P.A. Roach 1924 W.R. Lee
1907 L. Penrose 1925-29 A.P. Harris
1908-09 A. Bennetts 1930 P.W. Hogan
Mr J.A. Riggs has been handicapper since 1908 except for one or two short periods.
G.L. Nutt has been particularly notable as a marksman, winning a badge at Bisley in England in 1918 and coming 2nd of all the Australians competing.
[Other good scores are then listed along with an anecdote or two.]
On Saturday in the 11th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy the best scores were by H.G. Oates and R. Nutt.
52, 4, 28 Jan. 1931, page 1
Burra Institute AGM 21 January
President E.J. Harris took the chair. The library contains 7,186 books.
Membership has decreased this year.
December 31 1929 Double 57 December 31 1930 Double 49
Single 211 Single 200
268 249
The Chess & Draughts Club was successfully run last year.
The year ended with a credit in the Savings Bank account of £48-13-3 ‘but this is counterbalanced by a balance due to State Bank, interest and principal due October 1 1930 of £47-13-11.
[It is not clear from the statement whether this had been met or whether it was to be paid and so ‘counterbalanced the Savings Bank sum very closely.]
Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance was staged by the Institute Orchestral & Choral Classes on 2 & 3 December and was an unqualified success.
Elected were President, L.S. Penrose; Vice-President, G.E. Dane; Treasurer, M.W. Bednall; Secretary, E.J. Harris.
52, 4, 28 Jan. 1931, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council rate for 1931 2/3 in the £.
Birth. On 26 January to Mr & Mrs F.A. Allen a stillborn daughter.
Ronald Oborn eldest son of Mr & Mrs S.R. Oborn of Kooringa has obtained his Accountancy Diploma from the Federal Institute of Accountants and become a fellow of the FIA. He has been on the staff at Harris Scarfe & Co. Ltd for four years.
Burra Public School returned yesterday without staff changes.
Burra High School begins on 2 February with headmaster Mr Haese, but completely new staff. Miss Naylor takes Domestic Arts and the Misses Dunstan & O.C. Prior are assistants. Two former students Misses Doreen Oborn & Madge Pearce have completed teacher training and now go to Nailsworth Infant and Pt Lincoln Schools respectively.
James Richard Phillips was fined 15/- + costs on 24 January for being drunk and £2 with costs for assaulting M-C Webster on the same occasion.
Rodney Woollacott MA Principal of Geelong Grammar Victoria is visiting his mother accompanied by his wife and young son & daughter. He took the service at Redruth Methodist Church on Sunday morning. [Corrected in 52, 6, 11 Feb. 1931 page 2 to say Ron Woollacott is head teacher at Essendon Northern Grammar School. It should be Charles Rodney Woollacott.]
Burra Town Council
The Town Clerk reported at the last meeting that a member of Council had been making rash statements about the manner in which the Council’s books were being kept. He presented a balance sheet and was only too willing to show Councillors the true position at any time.
The Mayor asked if any Councillor had made remarks similar to those referred to, but there was no response.
Obituary. Mrs F.W. Twist the wife of the manager of the National Bank died last Sunday at Victor Harbor where the family had been holidaying. She had suffered from arthritis and been treated here and in Adelaide and was doing well when she died suddenly from unrelated causes. Before her illness she had been an enthusiastic member of the Kooringa Tennis and Croquet Clubs. She was also a member of St Mary’s Church. There is a family of four: Misses Marian & Shirley and Laurie & Colin. [Born Jane Edith Linklater 23 February 1887 near Wilmington: died 24 January 1931.]
Obituary. William Rule of Aberdeen died at Burra Hospital on 26 January. He was the son of the late Mr & Mrs James Rule of Aberdeen and was born at Kooringa in 1861 and educated at a private school before becoming a blacksmith with his father and later on his own account. He was a strong supporter of the Aberdeen Football Club and a member of A.O. Foresters for 50 years, being Past Chief Ranger for 40 years. In 1888 he married Ida, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Heinrich Topperwein of Redruth who died four years ago. He has since lived at Colonel Light Gardens with his daughter. Three of four children survive: Ivy, Mrs L. Hopcraft of Adelaide, W.C.F. Rule of Hanson and Philip J. Rule of Aberdeen. Another son Lieut. Essen Rule was killed in the Great War.
[Born William John Rule 25 May 1861 Kooringa: died William James Rule. Actually a further two children died in infancy.]
52, 4, 28 Jan. 1931, page 3
Burra Town Council, 19 January
J.O. Critchley on behalf of himself and Messrs George & McHugh wrote stating they and the Premier intended to visit Burra shortly and that they were doing their best to see that Burra got its fair share of relief works funding.
The Mayor produced the statement that there was a loss of £1,000 p.a. on the town water supply.
Cr Pearce said it should lie on the table till next meeting. The Public Works Committee had presented a big order. In a private company 10% depreciation p.a. was allowed and if this had been done on the plant etc. the capital charges should have been written off.
The rate was reduced from 2/6 to 2/3 in the £.
Burra Electric Supply is to be asked to review the contract for street lights with a view to a reduction in charges. Lighting cost £300-£400 p.a. In view of the present situation the Council might make a cut.
Cr Pearce said the charge was for 45 lights at £6 p.a. and 9 larger ones at £7. When acetylene was used the charge was about £6 per lamp for 20 lamps.
Mr Rosewall the Overseer was given one month’s notice then three month’s holiday on full pay. He had 16 years service. [John Andrew Rosewall was then 67.]
The Mayor said his age prevented their getting insurance cover for him.
On request of Bandmaster Murison a light will be placed in the rotunda (and the globe removed after each concert).
The road from Young St to the racecourse gate and Railway Terrace are to be tar dressed.
The main road west of the hospital is to be tarred.
Cr Bevan gave notice that he would move in future that Councillors move for works at the Council table; at present they have to come through the Public Works Committee.
Bowls. Burra visited Clare on the Monday holiday and Burra 94 defeated Clare 92.
Croquet. At Clare the Burra ladies won ‘B’ Grade and lost ‘A’ Grade and so won overall 48 to 44.
Burra Court, 15 January
Following the incident at the Burra Mine on Thursday 15 January when stones were rolled down the cliffs a number of boys pleaded guilty and were each fined 2/6 + 2/6 costs. They were: F.E. Kakoschke, Walter Williams, Clifford Lee, Leonard Winkley, Thomas Sedgman, Hurtle Allen, Ray Seeley & John Voumard.
Ron Walker pleaded not guilty and after evidence the case was dismissed.
Dora A. Watts was fined 10/- + £1 costs for driving a car without a licence.
52, 4, 28 Jan. 1931, page 4
Burra Rainfall. The monthly figures for 1880-1930 are given except for 1918-21 for which only the annual totals are available.
52, 5, 4 Feb. 1931, page 2
Advt. This issue carried the last advertisement for Bence’s. It announced the last week of their Summer Sale. [For the continuation of the business as Bence’s Ltd see 52, 11, 18 Mar. 1931 page 2.]
Mrs Isaac Goss, the widow of the once well-known builder and contractor of Aberdeen is visiting Mrs Edgar Tiver of Hallett (her daughter Gertrude). Mrs Goss who is 80 is wonderfully well. Mr & Mrs Goss moved to WA many years ago and she has been visiting Adelaide for the last two months.
The Hon. John Verran visited the district last weekend and preached at Redruth, Ironmine and Kooringa churches in the interests of prohibition.
Mr Shipway of Paxton Square turns 91 today.
Miss Naylor who ahs been appointed to teach Domestic Arts at Burra High School has been transferred and replaced by a Miss Dunstan making two Miss Dunstans on the staff.
Mrs C. Lemon of North Perth visited Burra last week after an absence of 33 years. She is the eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs August Miller late of Kooringa. Her father had a blacksmith’s shop on the property in Thames St where Max Morton has a similar business now. Mr Miller also once worked for the late James Henderson. Her father is still alive. In Adelaide she stayed with her aunt Mrs Horace West late of Burra Mine.
Eric Pearce (Jack) of Shell Co. Aberdeen has been transferred to Adelaide. He has been a prominent member of the Aberdeen Tennis Club. He is succeeded by Mr F.R. Sutcliffe from Quorn, but previously of Melbourne and Ballarat.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic was held last Saturday at Stone Chimney Creek, lent by Mr Herbert Morgan. There was an afternoon of sports with fruit, sweets and buns and at 5 p.m. a sumptuous tea. T.H. Woollacott lent his lorry driven by C. Hill.
Mr Ralph Hill’s tender as scavenger was accepted at £10 per month.
52, 5, 4 Feb. 1931, page 3
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 9-73 defeated Copperhouse 6-65
Willalo 12-82 defeated Aberdeen 3-52
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 8-83 defeated Hallett 7-75
Booborowie 9-81 defeated Mt Bryan 6-56
Copperhouse 12-88 defeated Aberdeen 3-57
Kooringa 11-90 defeated Willalo 4-52
Redruth Methodist Sunday School picnic was held at Stone Chimney Creek on land lent by Herbert Morgan on Monday 26 January. The weather was ideal. Transport was provided by Messrs Johnson Carpenter, W. Stockman, Fred M. Pearce, Sara & Co., Lindsay Thomas & R. Fuss. Junior sports were held before lunch and senior games and sports afterwards, followed by tea.
Intermediate Examinations at Burra High School 1930
Adrian George Hann gained 8 subjects with honours in Maths, Latin & Physics and tops the state for country students.
Eric Seeley 7 subjects (but not English) Beryl Lawson 2 with honours in Physics
Mavis Riggs 6 Molly Walker 1
Reg. Schwier 5 Natalie Neagle 1
Bert Davey 5 Cliff Lucas 1
Howard Hooper 5
Laurie Hann 4
Alan Penrose 4
Some of those with a small number of subjects are completing subjects missed earlier.
Philip Oborn passed in three subjects by private study and six in the Bankers Institute Exam.
Kevin Kain of Booborowie passed 8 subjects.
Burra Band held concerts at Kooringa and Aberdeen last Sunday.
52, 5, 4 Feb. 1931, page 4
Marriage. At Redruth Methodist Church 28 January
Bessie Woollacott, youngest child and only surviving daughter of Mrs C. & the late Thomas Woollacott of Redruth, married Arthur P. Harris, younger son of Mr Frank and the late Mrs Harris of Kooringa.
Marriage. At Hanson Methodist Church 28 January
N. Woodward, [Norbert Owen Whitehand Woodward] late of Kalgoorlie WA, married
Miss Martha Dixon, daughter of Mr & Mrs R.J. Dixon of Hanson.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday 24 January H.G. Oates’ team 298 defeated A.C. Aughey’s team 294.
52, 6, 11 Feb. 1931, page 1
Burra Town Council, 2 February
The Council replied to the Waterworks question by saying that since it had practically no knowledge of how the expenses were made up it could not offer suggestions on savings, but if details of clerical and other costs were supplied they would give it the fullest consideration.
The Unemployed Relief Council sent a letter received on 30 January explaining a grant had been allotted to Councils proportional to registered unemployment on 18 December 1930. The grant had to be expended in wages paid at the basic wage rate, for work that would otherwise not be done. The amount was £117-12-0 and the list of proposed work was to be returned by 31 January 1931.
The Mayor thought that under the circumstances the late reply would not matter.
Discussion followed on work that would not need the provision of materials – largely clearing waterways and footpaths.
Alex Bevan applied for a reduction in the cost of his licence. At present it was £3-5-0 + 5/- for a local licence for the driver and also a licence and ticket for the railway platform.
Cr Bevan complained that one man was running around town paying nothing – proceedings were promised, but nothing done.
The Town Clerk and the Mayor then differed over the authority required for action.
After discussion the application was to lie on the table for a fortnight.
The Mayor read the auditors’ report of two missing receipts; one from a book printed 15 years ago and the other 22 years ago. Both were for small amounts. Later the matter was cleared up. The Mayor said there were certain other matters that required clearing up and wanted a special meeting on Monday night.
Cr Pearce asked if the Mayor believed something was wrong.
Mayor – No. – ‘some of the business methods are unsatisfactory. There is no honester clerk than Mr Davey.’
The special meeting is to be held in the Lodge Room.
According to notice Cr Bevan moved that the motion requiring all Public Works be considered and recommended by the Public Works Committee be rescinded.
Cr Pearce objected, but it was carried.
The Town Clerk estimated the rates to be collected as: North Ward 552-0-9
East Ward 820-16-0
West Ward 586-18-3
Total £1959-15-0
(Unless there was a serious reduction in assessments at the Court of Appeal.)
The reduction in Government subsidy and other probable reductions plus an overdraft of £329-0-5 in the General Account makes the financial position difficult.
There has been further vandalism at the cemetery.
52, 6, 11 Feb. 1931, page 2
Obituary. Mary Frances (Molly) Earle, daughter of John Oliver and Mary Catherine Earle of Kooringa died 11 February aged 2 years 6 months. [Born 2 September 1928 Kooringa: Death CD shows Mary Holly Francis died at Kooringa 10 February 1931.]
Archdeacon Bussell of Adelaide conducted services last Sunday:
7.30 a.m. Holy Communion at St Mary’s Burra
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion & Harvest Festival at Black Springs
(Lunch with Mr & Mrs Glen Hawkes at ‘Millippa’.)
3 p.m. Harvest Thanksgiving at Mt Bryan
7 p.m. Evensong at St Mary’s
Archdeacon Bussell is well known and respected in the parish and is 76.
Henry Shipway of Paxton Square who was 91 on 4 February is remarkable for one of his years. He was born at Leighterton in Gloucestershire in 1840 and came to SA in 1856. With his parents he lived in the Hawker district for many years, but eventually went to Mt Barker in a period of depression and was glad to get work at Magill for 3/- a day to keep a wife and five children and later 6/- a day for 10 hours of work. He went north again to live and eventually came to Kooringa in 1915. The celebrations in 1918 made him recall those at the end of the Crimean War. The ship he was on coming to Australia was at Plymouth when that happened and all the boats in the harbour were decorated and there was general rejoicing. His wife died in 1916. Of 11 children six sons and three daughters survive. He has twin brothers aged 86. One lives in Charra on the West Coast and the other at Prospect.
Mongolata Goldfield
Prospectors continue to work and say they are satisfied. At present 20 to 30 men are at work. H.A. Byles recently had 2 tons 12 cwt treated at Peterborough and obtained gold 10 oz 2 dwt & by cyanide 11 dwt 16 grains. The trouble is the lack of crushing facilities which at present makes it only worthwhile sending the best ore to Peterborough.
Burra Town Council sat on 4 February as a Court of Appeal. Various appeals against the assessment are listed. M.H. Tiver appealed for a portion of Abberton Park and had it reduced 50%. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. had a block of land near the showground reduced from £40 per acre to £16 per acre, as that was what they paid for it on the open market.
Drew & Crewes had the assessment on the old store at Aberdeen reduced by 50% and the premises in Kooringa reduced from £360 to £320.
B.L. Symonds’ Bon Accord Hotel was reduced from £150 to £100.
Obituary. Mrs W. Wakefield nee Miss Florence Elena Hunter of Moonta died 5 February at Sister Villis’s aged 34. She leaves a husband (of Mt Bryan), an infant aged 3 weeks, a daughter aged 10 and a son aged 6. [Born Florence Eleanor Hunter 30 July 1896 Moonta: died Florence Eleanor Wakefield.]
52, 6, 11 Feb. 1931, page 3
Booborowie Farmers’ Meeting 7 February drew c. 240 to the Booborowie Hall to consider grievances. Major items of discussion were:
The Debt Adjustment Act.
Land Tax assessments, which were way out of touch with current values – a reduction of 50% will be sought.
A.D. McDonald discussed the complex problems concerning wheat. At the core of it is the fact that farmers are receiving c. 1/7 a bushel and the Federal Government’s promise of 3/- a bushel has been brushed aside. The meeting called on the Federal Government to honour the 3/- a bushel promise.
The meeting condemned the increase in land tax, which for the present could not be paid and should not in any case be demanded before appeals were heard.
Bowls. At Kapunda: Kapunda 128 defeated Burra 64.
Burra Mine
H.S. Cornelius, Inspector of Mines and Quarries reports on assay results of samples sent to Adelaide.
No. 1 from W. Sellars: Azurite 46.4%.
No. 2 from W. Bowen: Azurite and sandstone 23.9%.
No. 3 from G. Thomas: Malachite Cuprite 34.9%.
No. 4 of decomposed copper ore in bags 65.2%.
The results suggest that quarrying the banks would be profitable if sufficient tonnage is obtained. It would not be safe to work the banks by undercutting.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 13-86 defeated Aberdeen 2-50
Hallett 11-86 defeated Willalo 5-52
Hallett 9-78 defeated Kooringa 7-77
[Check this for a second date or some other explanation.]
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 11-81 defeated Aberdeen 4-57
Booborowie 9-83 defeated Copperhouse 6-74
Mt Bryan 11-91 defeated Willalo 4-43
Burra Rifle Club fired the 12th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy and best shots were O. Earle, W.V. Bass & R. Nutt. In aggregate H.G. Oates with 21 points leads R. Nutt & F. Spencer each on 18.
The Institution for the Blind will stage a first class entertainment at the Burra Institute on Wednesday 18 February followed by a dance. 1/6.
52, 6, 11 Feb. 1931, page 4
Soldier Settlers Deputation to the Government is reported.
The core of their problem could be seen in the figures cited.
The average holding of soldier settlers in the district was 400 acres.
Their average liability to the Crown was £3,500.
The average annual instalment was £185.
Assume 180 acres was cropped and allow 40 for hay and reap 140 at an average of 7 bags per acre. Deduct seed wheat and the farmer will have fewer than 1,000 bags for sale.
The present pool advance would be £150 with a probable final return of under £250.
Even without the Crown instalment proceeds do not meet accounts for super, bags, stores, machinery, rates, taxes, repairs etc.
Give the land free and the farmer would not earn the basic wage.
52, 7, 18 Feb. 1931, page 1
Burra Town Council, Special Meeting 9 February
Cr Pearce was clearly antagonistic to the whole idea of a special meeting and to the Mayor and managed as a consequence to waste considerable time in cross-fire with him.
It was resolved after considerable disagreement on what should be done, that the position of Overseer be advertised.
Mr Hill was given two weeks notice as an employee before he began his scavenging contract.
The question of licensing drivers within the town was referred to an ordinary meeting.
There was a great deal of argument over the Town Clerk’s salary and this was not helped by the way it was introduced and handled by the Mayor. Finally it was resolved to refer the matter to the Finance Committee for a report.
52, 7, 18 Feb. 1931, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd have been instructed by the Minister of Agriculture to offer by auction on the property six miles north of Booborowie the whole of the livestock and plant of the Government Experimental Farm on 4 & 5 March. [An extensive list follows.]
Advt. Cinderella Dance at St Mary’s Hall Kooringa Wednesday 25 February. Gents 2/-, Ladies 1/-.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival last Sunday. Rev. E. Lawson preached. Special singing with augmented choir under the leadership of G.E. Dane. Offering for the day was £27-14-9.
Wheat. The average price of wheat for the last 69 years is printed. The overall average has been 4/81⁄4 with the lowest price 2/3 in 1894. The 1931 price is 2/4. Since 1925 the prices have been:
1925 6/1 1928 5/51⁄4
1926 6/21⁄2 1929 4/83⁄4
1927 5/31⁄2 1930 4/2
52, 7, 18 Feb. 1931, page 3
Farmers’ Meetings at Manoora & Booborowie are reported and also at Burra Institute last Friday.
Hallett & District Athletic & Exhibition Assoc. held a meeting on Saturday to adopt a balance sheet for last year. There is a credit balance of £25. It was decided not to hold an Exhibition this year and to defer a decision on an Athletic/Sports Meeting till July.
Croquet. Leighton Ladies visited on Friday and were defeated 58-52.
Ironmine Methodist Church held its Harvest Thanksgiving with crowded congregations on Sunday and a grand concert on Monday evening. Rev. F.J. Barnes preached.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Hallett forfeited to Kooringa
Copperhouse 10-91 defeated Aberdeen 7-70
‘B’ Grade Kooringa 8-80 defeated Booborowie 7-70
Ironmine 11-91 defeated Willalo 4-62
Mt Bryan 9-81 defeated Aberdeen 6-70
George Hann the son of Mr & Mrs George Hann won a bursary at the recent Intermediate Exam. It is tenable for three years. His brother Bill won it in 1926 and went to St Peter’s College. He has now gone on to St Mark’s University College and passed his first year for a Bachelor of Laws Degree. He won the Duncan Menzies Prize for best all round first year student in the Adelaide University Law Students’ Society. Bill has also shone at football and cricket and gained a St Mark’s Bursary. George, we believe, will continue his studies at Burra High School.
Mavis Riggs who also did well will continue studies at Methodist Ladies College.
52, 7, 18 Feb. 1931, page 4
Burra Mine
A meeting in connection with the unemployment scheme was held on 10 February. The mayor presided. The secretary Mr A.L. Walker read a report from the Inspector of Mines & Quarries Mr H.S. Cornelius following his inspection of 13 January. 30 men were then working, principally on the eastern bank of the open cut be short drives, shallow sinking or open cut. This area has settled since mining ceased, by 15 to 30 ft. The ground is marl and grey limestone over soft blue grey slaty shales. The shales are impregnated with blue and green carbonates mostly in the form of small rounded nodules locally known as blue balls. The ground is soft and hard to work and near the water level is saturated and the only safe method is to remove overburden and cut down the face in benches. The nodules are sparsely scattered and range in size from 1⁄2” to 3” in diameter and while easily picked out, large quantities of material have to be handled.
At the southwest side a few men are breaking some harder material in which some green carbonate and oxide is found. In 2-3 weeks they have produced only about 11⁄3 cwt per man of ore. More co-operative work would increase output.
The miners say the richest parts of the crushed ground are near or below water level. Pumping has not been seriously considered, because in 1901 the Burra Electro-Magnetic Separation Works drained the mine and made an examination. They concluded that no payable ore bodies to justify operations could be found. Concerning the disposal of ore the latest offer from Francis H. Snow Pty Ltd for tributers’ ore from Moonta Mines and the Electrolytic Refining and Smelting Co.’s Pt Kembla USW tariff was explained to the men and a copy left with Mr Walker.
From work done and the appearance of the available ground it does not seem likely the men will be able to raise sufficient ore to make a living wage. At £44 a ton for copper there are £30 realisation charges, 20% ore would yield 56/- a ton at the mine and men would have to produce 5 cwt a man per day to get 14/- a day.
[The assay results previously printed are reproduced.]
The assay report was much more promising than the comments of the Inspector has suggested.
Mr March said the assay was encouragement to go on.
The Chairman said the Inspector’s comments on output were wrong, as after working eight days the men had Christmas off and in fact only eleven men stuck to the job for three weeks; not the thirty stated.
Mr Kellaway asked where the Inspector got the idea the mine had been drained. The pool had never been drained and in fact it went to a higher level after the pumping and he had never seen it lower than at present.
Mr Jos. Rosewall also said it had never been drained.
Mr Kellaway said at present the men could not earn their food on what they were getting if they had not been getting rations. What was the Government going to do for them?
Mr March moved the secretary reply to the Inspector’s letter correcting any errors and enclosing the results of the assay.
The Chairman said he had been told the Premier hoped soon to visit Burra.
Almost all the men voted to go back to the mine in view of the assay results.
The secretary then read an interesting letter by H. Carl (Charlie) Herberle he had found on the mine property in which he says he worked on the mine from arriving in SA in 1855 to 1877. In the letter he explains how the mine was worked. The writer concluded that more ore existed below than had been raised, that in Morphett’s Shaft at 600ft there was good purple and yellow sulphide and similarly at 60ft in Peacock’s Shaft and at 50 fathoms in Groves. [Graves?]
John Rosewall explained why there might be good ore in the dumps and that there were three grades of dump. He suspected high grade ore sometimes ended in the low grade dump because it was a longer ride for the ‘dump boys’.
Cricket, 26 January
Burra Cricket Assoc. 193 & 1 for 152 v. Mid-North Eastern Assoc. 280.
Burra 2nd innings included T. Ashton 103 not out.
Mt Bryan Farmers met on 13 February with I.J. Warnes presiding and resolved:
All farmers in the district appeal for a reduction of 30% on their [land tax] assessments of 1925.
For a continuation of sustenance under the Drought Relief Act.
For Mr Venning of the Farmers’ Protection Assoc. to address a meeting on 17 February with a view to forming a branch here.
52, 8, 25 Feb. 1931, page 1
Booborowie DC. A deputation of ratepayers on 16 February sought a solution to the problem of paying rates and suggested that by 1 March 25% or 50% be paid – extremists wanted the Council to go into recess for 12 months. The Council eventually decided to accept 50% payment by 1 March and the balance by 20 June.
Burra Town Council, 16 February
The Mayor has for some time objected to the structure of the two standing committees (Finance & Public Works). Both have three members with the Mayor as Chairman. In theory he has a casting vote, but in fact if a motion is moved and seconded there can never be a need for a casting vote and neither can an amendment ever be moved. The Mayor wanted a deliberative vote, but information from the Municipal Assoc. said the only way out was to increase the size of the committees.
Cr Pearce was quite satisfied with the status quo.
The Unemployment Relief Committee has approved the work suggested by the Council.
Mr Bednall advises how to proceed against owners of cars plying for hire without licences.
The auditors say there were no suspicious circumstances about the missing receipt form – their advice had been purely formal.
The Town Clerk thought the by-law on drivers’ licences should be suspended due to the depression and bus-drivers’ licences halved. So moved by Cr Bevan and carried.
H. Wilson was appointed Overseer.
The telephone is to be removed from the Town Clerk’s residence at the end of the present term.
Each ward to be allotted £200 for the year.
It was resolved after discussion that the Town Clerk’s salary be £274 for all duties, which was down from over £300 altogether last year. If this was unacceptable he was to be given six months’ notice and applications called for the position.
52, 8, 25 Feb. 1931, page 2
Birth. On 6 February at Burra Hospital to Mr & Mrs Alfred Lawn a son.
Martin Pederson returned from a holiday at American River on Kangaroo Island last week apparently fully recovered from his recent serious operation.
The Royal Institution for the Blind Concert at the Institute last Wednesday was a great success and the financial result was £20.
Harry Parks of Kooringa & H. Chambers of Aberdeen are both producing excellent tomatoes.
Mongolata Goldfield
Prospectors are working steadily. W. George Terry’s party has had some very satisfactory results recently. From 2 tons of ore sent to Peterborough they got 8 oz 15 dwt 6 gr of gold and 1 oz 10 dwt 18 gr by cyanide.
Bowls. The consistency handicap was won by Bert Finch from E.J. Davey 80 to 74.
Porter’s Lagoon is now almost dry and is a vast sheet of salt. The salt is beautifully white and clear. Last year there was no run-off into the lake.
52, 8, 25 Feb. 1931, page 3
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Hallett 12-92 defeated Aberdeen 4-78
Copperhouse 11-75 defeated Willalo 4-54
‘B’ Grade Hallett 14-98 defeated Mt Bryan 1-35
Booborowie 11-87 defeated Ironmine 4-60
James Kelly of Hallett turned 90 last Friday. He is at present a patient at Burra Hospital having broken a leg nine months ago. He was born 20 February 1841 at North Terrace Adelaide. His father is said to have been the first school teacher in SA. Later he took land at Morphett Vale. James came to Burra with Richard Reed and his brother and then took land at Mt Bryan, being among the first to grow wheat north of Burra. When Broken Hill was discovered he went there and secured an interest in the big mine. He was also fairly successful in WA, but lost heavily in later ventures. He married Sarah, daughter of the late James McInnes of ‘Blink Bonnie’ who died many years ago. Mrs George Tiver Sen. of Hallett is a daughter and J.D. Kelly of Hallett is a son.
Obituary. Mrs Amy Beesley of Hallett and Broken Hill died in Adelaide 9 February. She was born near Hallett in 1888, the fourth daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Turner of NSW and late of Hallett. They subsequently went to Broken Hill where she married Frank Burley who died some years ago. She leaves one surviving daughter Melba. [The paper does not explain the Beesley/Burley discrepancy.]
[Not readily traced in SA births, but died Amy Olive Beesley.]
52, 8, 25 Feb. 1931, page 4
Land Tax. A meeting at Hanson in the local hall on 16 February resolved as other meeting have to appeal the assessment and to seek a 50% reduction.
Cricket. 14 & 21 February
Mt Bryan 156 & 6 for 135 declared v. Aberdeen Colts 162 & 6 for 64.
A win to Aberdeen Colts on the first innings.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 13th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy the best scores were from C.H. Dixon, W. Woodman & H.L. Riggs.
52, 9, 4 Mar. 1931, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council
A vacancy having been created by the resignation of Gustav Christoph Kuchenmeister as a Councillor for West Ward, nominations to fill the vacancy are called for 14 March 1931.
Notice. Charles Parks advises that he will re-open his baking and restaurant business recently carried on by him, in the course of a few days.
Notice. H.J. Button advises he will be standing for the vacant seat on Council for West Ward.
Birth. On 23 February at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs F.W. Sumner of Hallett, a son, William George.
Mrs Sumner was born Netley Tiver and the child is the first great-grandchild of James Kelly who recently turned 90.
Giles Miller of Hallett is 89 today. He was born in Adelaide in 1844. [Clearly both these statements cannot be correct: the registration of birth is for 7 March 1842 in Adelaide and so if that is true neither statement was correct.]
Mr & Mrs J. Patman and family left Kooringa last Monday after a residence of some years. The family will live in Adelaide while Mr Patman is going to Alice Springs. Mr Patman for a time carried the mail between Burra and Booborowie. Master Jack and Miss Gwen Patman were farewelled on Sunday from the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School.
Burglary. Last Sunday a grey melange suit, a shirt, 9/- in cash and the contents of Mission Boxes were stolen from the Rectory at Kooringa. The door had been broken open to gain entry.
Aberdeen Croquet Club. Kooringa visited on Wednesday.
[Scores are only given by name of player and as far as I can judge each side won two games with Aberdeen scoring 88 overall to Kooringa 86.]
On 19 February four ‘A’ players went to Kooringa.
[Again, if I have allocated the players correctly Aberdeen won both games and thus the overall results 52 to 40.]
Mt Bryan Township Methodist Church held its Harvest Thanksgiving on 22 February when Rev. S. Jew conducted the two services.
52, 9, 4 Mar. 1931, page 3
Burra Town Council, 2 March
Cr Kuchenmeister sent in his resignation due to financial difficulties. It was accepted and the fine waived. The Mayor said that this was the second occasion recently on which a Councillor had resigned for the same reason due to the depression.
[This would appear to be a reference to the resignation of Francis Harris in February 1930, though at the time ill health was cited as the reason.]
Burra Electric Supply Co. wrote that it would not be a party to any alteration in the existing contract for street lights, but in view of the depression would make a % reduction for the year and would light the rotunda free when required. A letter of thanks will be sent.
Permission was granted for the Returned Soldiers TB Aid Society to hold a badge day, though the Council found itself unable to assist financially this year.
Dr T. B. Ashton wrote asking for a reduction in assessment on his property in the town, as it had depreciated 43%. He is to be advised Council cannot act now; the appeal court having been held.
The Town Clerk accepted the salary offer made last meeting.
A by-law was adopted to compel hawkers to pay a fee for a stand in town. Cr Pearce said it would have little effect as it would not apply to door to door sales.
New decking is to be put on the bridge near the old smelts.
The Mayor produced a list of 100 men on rations. There was only £117 to divide.
The Town Clerk said only 50 had registered with him.
Cr Pearce said some names on the list were only boys of 14. They discussed the question of single men: some of whom were hard up against it. Rations did not include boots and clothes.
The Mayor said he thought they should stand to the married men, some of whom had several small children.
Preference is to be given to married men and to single men who were providing for their parents.
Local Board of Health
The horse dray and harness has been offered to the scavenger for £33-10-0 on terms or for £28 cash. The horse was refused and the rest accepted at £13-10-0 at 10/- a week. Council accepted this offer if a deposit of £3-10-0 was paid.
They will try to sell the horse at the Booborowie Experimental Farm Sale.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Copperhouse 9-83 defeated Hallett 7-80
Copperhouse 9 defeated Willalo 6
Kooringa 7-73 defeated Willalo 8-76
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 10-81 defeated Mt Bryan 5-65
Burra Rifle Club
Improvements have been made to the range to enable the conducting of an Open Prize Meeting on Anzac Day.
The club is trying to increase the roll of efficient members. The Defence Department allows 300 rounds of ammunition worth 16/6 and 5/- cash as an efficiency grant for every member who fires three separate rounds of eight shots on three separate days. Any youth over 16 can qualify.
[The nature of the improvements is not specified, except to say they affected range safety.]
52, 9, 4 Mar. 1931, page 4
Poem. Taxation, Politics and Finance from ‘Emu Downs’.
52, 10, 11 Mar. 1931, page 1
Beryl Lawson was farewelled at Kooringa Methodist Sunday School on Saturday 7 March. She leaves to continue her studies at the University.
Mr & Mrs George Lawn left Burra on Wednesday to live in the city. Mrs Lawn will be greatly missed at the Kooringa Methodist Church and was presented with a travelling rug from her fellow church workers.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 14th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy when the best scores were from C.H. Dixon and H.G. Oates.
52, 10, 11 Mar. 1931, page 2
Mr Eli Wilks turned 81 on 7 March. Since his wife’s death he is dividing his time between the homes of his daughters Mrs A.A. Davey of Kooringa and Mrs S. Davis of Mannahill.
A Plain & Fancy Dress Dance at the Institute on 3 March was fairly well attended, but very few came in fancy dress.
Mongolata Gold Field
The Minister of Mines Hon. S.R. Richards and the MPs for the district Messrs McHugh, Critchley & George paid a visit to the field and made the stiff climb to the top of the hill. They visited Byles’ Mine. This is an open cut along the hill, but a great deal of overburden has had to be shifted. The lode is only a few inches wide, but quite rich. Mr Mayor introduced the Minister and said he understood about 43 men were working the field. Cr Bevan acted as spokesman. He asked what the gold bonus meant: the Federal Government will pay a bonus of £1 on all gold produced in Australia over the average of the past three years – not on all gold produced. It would be best to sell to the Mines Department. The works at Peterborough will treat 25 tons free of charge, but only if the privilege is applied for before the treatment.
Would the Department supply explosives?
The Minister’s answer was not very precise. In summary: probably not.
Would the Government put down a bore for water?
Mr I.J. Warnes said a bore nearby found a fair supply of water.
The Minister said he would have to look at the lease to see if they could take timber from it.
Some tools were available, but would have to be signed for and returned if not in use.
As for rations: in some districts arrangements were made for one individual to collect for all on the field and this should not be a problem.
The party then went to Mr Barker’s show where men had driven a tunnel 120ft into the hill, but so far were only finding traces.
Mr Rampton’s claim was on the same seam as Mr Byles’. Three men were taking out about 1⁄2 ton a week, but after expenses they were in debt.
Terry’s shaft is down 20ft following the lode, but the seam appeared to be dragging.
At Burns & Motherall’s the tunnel is 80ft long.
There were other shows that were not visited.
R. Fairchild has a show opposite Wildildie about two miles from the others.
Salter & party are working in a gully between G.B. Morgan’s and the late F.T. Jones’ old homestead on a reef of low grade about 3ft wide.
52, 10, 11 Mar. 1931, page 3
Bowls. Burra visited Eudunda on Saturday and Burra 95 defeated Eudunda 84.
Polo. The season opened at Leighton on Saturday. In ‘B’ Grade Clare 10 defeated Mid-North 0.
The Mid-North players were F. Heinrich, Michael Gebhardt, K.R. Finch & J. Warnes.
The Mid-North ‘A’ team of A. T. McWaters, E.R. McWaters, King Broad & Roy Bourman seems to have lost to Clare 3 to 2.
[The final scores are not given, but this is the result if all the goals are mentioned in the description of play.]
Croquet at Leighton on Saturday. Kooringa won one game and Mid-North the other and in total Kooringa made 49 to Mid-North 35.
There were also other games played: a clock game, ladder game, split shot, ring game, double ring, hoop & peg and ring split shot.
Ministerial Visit
Hon R.S. Richards Minister for Mines & Commissioner of Lands addressed a meeting at the Institute on Friday evening. He was accompanied by local MPs McHugh, Critchley & George.
The Mayor in introducing the Minister said in the town 100 men were on rations, meaning the Government had to provide for from 200 to 250 people. The Minister had been busy. He had been at Parliament House till midnight and then come up from Adelaide by road in the morning and had visited Mongolata.
Mr Critchley spoke first. [But offered only platitudes.]
Mr Richards then outlined some of the suggestions the Hill Government had adopted. First he spoke of the position the Government found itself in and its difficulties and the world-wide nature of the depression. The Government had drafted a bill to provide the machinery to give those who provided credit to farmers a preferential claim to payments from the crop. He then outlined the items that would rank pro rata in preference to other debts. The object was to have normal credit providers give the aid to farmers that the Government could not. They also intended a Bill to have a single land valuation for all purposes and a Bill aiming to resume undeveloped land and put families on it – good land in well watered areas. Also they planned a Bill amending the Mining on Private Property Act, reducing the royalties paid.
The Premier would visit next Friday.
Mr McHugh agreed that the most urgent thing was an Act to relieve farmers or else 4-5,000 would go insolvent. Some 2,000 were likely to do so anyway.
Mr George spoke in support and said he would do what he could to aid the Mongolata miners.
52, 10, 11 Mar. 1931, page 4
RSL AGM was held 4 March with President H.G. Oates in the chair.
The affairs of the sub-branch have improved over recent years:
In 1929 they had £34-15-10 with £4-9-0 outstanding.
In 1930 they had £39-6-2 with £12-14-0 outstanding.
The appeal for TB Soldiers raised £19-1-6.
The appeal for wheat for TSAS for Angorichina will see about 30 bags railed shortly.
The annual ball was a success.
The removal from the district of W.G. Hawkes was a blow and other losses were Miss Bubb and Guy Tiddy.
The trustees of the Brandt Fund have paid over £57-7-6 and retain a balance of £85-14-1.
On the question of ‘The Guns’ the work proposed by the RSL will come up for discussion by the new Council, but no money is available unless a private source is found.
At the last annual meeting the sub-committee formed to enquire into the position of unemployed ex-servicemen received fewer than six names. The committee will continue to urge the retention of preference for ex-servicemen when a job becomes available. Rations of 2/6 have been given to down and out ex-servicemen passing through.
Club membership is now 72 against 66 last year.
Elected: President, R.C. Sexton (of the Savings Bank); Vice-Presidents, L.M. Gordon, W. Anderson & H. G. Oates; Secretary, G.H. Dow and Treasurer, J.F. Stephen.
Committee: D. Keynes, L.W. Kellaway, J.E. Hogan, H.J.B. Jennison, M.T. Fuller, J.O. Earle, Noel Tiver and George Powell.
The Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet monthly in Redruth Memorial Hall.
Croquet. Aberdeen ladies visited Kooringa where they won a game and lost a game.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Willalo 10-89 defeated Aberdeen 8-66
Copperhouse 13-86 defeated Kooringa 2-47
‘B’ Grade Kooringa 12-97 defeated Copperhouse 3-50
Willalo 9-74 defeated Aberdeen 6-72
Booborowie 8-79 defeated Hallett 7-78
52, 11, 18 Mar. 1931, page 1
St Patrick’s Picnic Races were held on the Aberdeen Racecourse on 12 March in boisterous dusty weather. The main event was the President’s Handicap, won by J. Molony’s Dolly Dimple. Results are printed.
Burra Burra Show Inc. AGM. I.J. Warnes presided as President.
The Sheep Dog Trials on 2 & 3 May drew fewer entries this year, but went off quite well, as did the accompanying horse events.
This year the Government has advised there will be no subsidy from them, which means the society will have to find another £35. The annual show was held on 22 October and was a significant change from the two-day show early in October. The later date separated us better from the Adelaide Show. There were a record number of entries. Last year (1929) there was a loss of £22, but in 1930 there was a profit of £33. Improvements for the year cost only £4-9-0 and this went on 100 new trees, of which 80 are still growing. Elected were Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, S.H. Robinson & A.B. Riggs.
52, 11, 18 Mar. 1931, page 2
Notice. Mongolata Miners thank I.J. Warnes for supplying them with a forge and for other favours.
Advt. The formation of Bence’s Ltd is announced. It was financed by certain local people and managed by A.L. Bence. Bence’s Ltd has purchased the entire assets in the assigned estate of A.L. Bence at a huge discount. [There location is not stated, but probably the west side of Market Square. In any case by August the former SAFU store that had been the location of Bence’s Cash & Carry Department was vacant and available for a dance. See 52, 33, 19 Aug. 1931 page 3.]
Birth. On 16 March at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs W. Phinn of Hallett, a daughter.
Thomas Work of Aberdeen is 85 on 19 March. He was born in the West Islands [Western Isles] of Scotland and came to Australia in 1852, living first in the South-East and later at Booborowie where he farmed for a number of years before retiring to Aberdeen. He married Mrs Work 53 years ago. They have a family of three daughters and four sons: Mrs W. Pryde, Mrs R. Pryde, Mrs W.H. Reynolds (all of Booborowie), James Work of Aberdeen, Will. Work & Fred Work of Booborowie and John Work of New Zealand.
Ben Williams a resident of Burra district for over 80 years has gone to Goodwood to live with his only daughter Mrs Will Knevitt. He was born at Cockatoo Valley SA and came to Burra with his parents as an infant.
Shooting incident. A young man mowing the lawn at Millippa Station the home of Mr Glen G. Hawkes says a bullet whistled past him last week, fired from a white Dodge car that was passing. Later he found a dead calf shot through the head. Perhaps this was a thoughtless act, but it may well have had more serious consequences.
Poem on the recent theft of Rev. Coles’ trousers.
Redruth Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival 8 March. Rev. F.J. Barnes officiated. On the Monday evening there was a program of music and elocution.
Tennis. The Eden & Paradise Clubs played a match on the court of Miss Louie Harris last Saturday.
52, 11, 18 Mar. 1931, page 3
Visit of Premier Hill & Chief Secretary Whitford
They were accompanied by local members McHugh, Critchley & George. Last Friday evening one of the largest political meetings for many years was held in the Institute. The Mayor presided.
He welcomed the visitors and presented the Premier with a paper-weight in malachite and gold designed and made by F. Spencer of Kooringa.
Mr Hill said that unemployment was the greatest problem, along with necessitous farmers. He hoped the future was looking a little better. The price of wool had risen 25% and exports had exceeded imports. Wheat remained very low – 1/31⁄2 at the siding, which was the lowest on record. There were 5,000 farmers who would be unable to plant a crop this year without help and that would be a calamity. He outlined some of the Government’s financial problems and the need for retrenchments – for example in the railways. The state debt was £57,000,000 and the average interest rate was 51⁄2%.
Cricket. Members from Aberdeen played a game at Alexandrina Station on Saturday.
Stockowners 68 & 51 were defeated by Gentlemen Tourists 88 & 73.
Mr E. Moore’s young son was hospitalised after an incident at ‘The Guns’ this week. He was hanging on to the muzzle when it tipped forward. The RSL blames this accident upon the procrastination of former members of Council.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Willalo 11-93 defeated Kooringa 6-63
Copperhouse 10-80 defeated Hallett 5-67
‘B’ Grade Kooringa 9-82 defeated Ironmine 6-64
Hallett 10-86 defeated Booborowie 5-74
52, 11, 18 Mar. 1931, page 4
Visit of Premier Hill & Chief Secretary Whitford
The visitors arrived c. 3.30 p.m. and went to the Council Chamber to meet the Local Unemployment Committee.
The Mayor said there were about 100 breadwinners unemployed, which placed some 250 people on rations. Business people are facing insolvency and one or two Councillors have had to retire due to financial troubles. Last year £100 of rates were worked out raising road metal, but this year unemployed men have doubled and the Council has less money than last year. The Hospital Rate has risen and we are paying for Adelaide Hospital as well through taxation. The Council has reduced staff and the Town Clerk has taken a voluntary cut. The town is scattered with miles of road and only 1,800 people.
If the Government made a special grant of say £600 - £ for £ with what the Council pays in wages for 60 men at £10 a piece for six months it would amount to about 30/- a month per man, but would be a great help. The subsidy on rates has been cut from £268 to c. £64 and the main road grant halved.
Cr Allen supported the Mayor.
Cr McWaters for the District Council said at one time the District Council had £1,300 main road grant, but now it had reduced such that good roads were drifting into a bad condition. The ration system was unsatisfactory. There should be some production from its cost of £15-20,000 a week. The Council had £300 to £400 to maintain 27 miles of main road, which was a flea bite to what was really required. Two bridges on the Eudunda Road needed urgent repair lest there be accidents. He thought men could be put to work developing some of the mallee lands. He sought a grant of £400.
Cr Bevan said with winter coming it would be a desperate time with many in dire need of clothing. At Mongolata 43 men were working, but were greatly hampered by a lack of water and the cost of motor taxation. The Minister of Mines had lent some tools for which they were grateful.
Mr Sara said the merchants were most unfortunate, bearing the brunt of it. The unemployed had managed for 12 months, but now their clothes were vanishing with no means of replacing them. In Burra there was more unemployment than in most towns, though not because the men were less industrious. Here there were about 300 people on rations and in Clare only about 15.
‘The reason, it appeared to him, was that this being an old mining town there were lots of old cottages in it the rent of which was very low and people had come her to take advantage of that.’ He thought this should entitle the Council to special consideration.
The Mayor handed over a list of between 200 & 300 people on rations including women and children. He said that the beneficence of the late John Lewis had set aside Paxton Square cottages at 1/- a week whilst in Jamestown he had to pay 15/- a week for a garage in which to keep his car.
Mr McHugh endorsed what had been said about cheap housing. Another reason for high unemployment was that being on the edge of pastoral areas there were shearers and wood-cutters etc. peculiar to the town.
Mr Hill said unfortunately the difficulties of Burra were exactly similar to those facing the whole state and went on to speak of Government deficits, the drop in market values and the need then to increase taxation. He would be pleased to grant the £600 asked for by the Town Council and the £400 asked by the DC, BUT. . .
The quarterly registration of motor cars would be a huge loss.
Mr Sara – What would it be if one third were not registered?
Mr Hill thought the tide was turning.
Dinner was then taken in Mr J. Allen’s rooms.
The toasts and accompanying speeches are reported.
Mr McHugh said his father had worked in the Burra Mine 60 years before.
Chief Secretary Whitford said he was ‘the son of a pioneer who camped in huts over 75 years ago’.
[Did he mean to imply dugouts in the Burra Creek?]
Burra Local Court
William Patrick Fahey was fined £1+ £1-2-6 fees (or 1 month jail) for disturbing the peace at the Royal Exchange Hotel on 11 March. He was also fined £2 + £1-7-6 fees (or 1 month jail) for using obscene language the same night.
Ronald S. Swindon was fined £10 reduced to £5 + fess of £1-12-6 for driving in a dangerous manner on 12 March.
A motor buckboard he was driving without lights on Smelts Road ran into a sulky driven by Edwin Charles Hopkins. Also with him were his wife, his sister-in-law and three little children. The collision opposite Percy Oates’ house broke both shafts. Mr Hopkins was thrown onto the back of the horse. His wife with the youngest child in her arms landed on her feet. Miss Sturm fell onto the rump of the horse. The other two children fell beneath the horses hind legs. Hopkins’ son received a slight fracture of the skull and a cut above the right eye and was sent to the hospital.
‘Single Man’ writes thanking Cr Bevan for speaking up for the group of unmarried unemployed in the Council.
Burra Rifle Club on Saturday saw best scores from W. Woodman & R. Nutt.
Burra High school went to Clare on Saturday 7 March.
Cricket. Burra 7 for 151 declared v. Clare 91.
Four of the Clare wickets fell to Alan Philips with 4 successive balls.
52, 12, 25 Mar. 1931, page 1
Burra Town Council
Cr Button was welcomed, replacing Cr Kuchenmeister who resigned recently.
Rubbish to be moved from Mrs Howell’s old home, as the mullock was encroaching on the footpath.
Various minor works were approved.
There was discussion on the recent accident to a child at ‘The Guns’. The overseer said that when placed there the guns had been secured with wire and an iron stay, but a mob had removed the restraint and apparently tried to overturn the gun.
The Government will not allow outside stock access to the sale at Booborowie Experimental Farm. Lewis and Medlow will be approached about the sale of the Council’s horse.
Frank Treloar: Looking Back
The first three hotels were built in Burra by SAMA and were the Burra, the Pig & Whistle and the Smelters Arms. Burra Hotel was located on a site designated for a hotel in the early survey. It was well built with assembly rooms, which made it the leading hotel in the north for many years. Nearby was the first brewery in Burra. When SAMA started to sell freehold of sites it allowed the ground on which Lawrence’s and Lynch’s hotels to be purchased. [The present Burra & Commercial hotels.]
With their coming into existence in more central locations the trade of the Burra declined.
[This may be true in part, but the present Burra Hotel in its central location was previously called the Miners Arms and dates from 1847, so it didn’t ‘come into existence in the 1870s, though the Commercial was a new hotel in 1876.]
The original Burra Hotel was then converted into the hospital. By now however, there have been many changes and little of the original building remains.
The Pig & Whistle was ‘situated near the creek on Mitchell’s Flat in the centre of the area occupied by miners’ cottages and was essentially the miners’ hotel’.
[Interpret this ‘on Mitchell’s Flat’ with care: it was certainly near Mitchell’s Flat, but on the southeast corner of Stock and Thames Streets on allotment 256.]
After the miners left for Wallaroo it had a fitful existence until one evening about 35 years ago it burned down. [This figure is inaccurate. The fire was in February 1883 and the business staggered on in a back room that survived for the rest of the year.] The licence was transferred to the Kooringa Hotel [in 1884.]
The site is now owned by Mr R. Voumard who is said still to have its signboard.
The Smelters Arms stood at the north end of the town adjoining Aberdeen. It was busy while the smelters operated and large quantities of firewood were continually going past. When operations ceased it was sold by the directors to the Opie family who changed its name to Opie’s hotel and they retained it up to the Government’s closing of hotels in Burra when it passed into the ownership of Mr Robert Fuss who uses it for residential and business purposes.
[The ownership prior to R. Fuss’s purchase was a little more complicated than the above would suggest. The licence was transferred in 1917 to the Booborowie Hotel.]
There was another hotel further up the creek in Aberdeen. The mine built a crossing for drays between the Mine and the Smelting Works near the Mine Bridge. This and the slimes continually arriving from the mine during heavy rain on one occasion held back flood waters and flooded the lower portion of the hotel and the owner claimed damages from the mine owners. They denied liability, but when legal action commenced their licensed surveyor showed the entrance to the hotel cellars and the ford were on a level and they settled out of court.
[This needs further confirmation, but would seem to refer to the White Hart Hotel.]
Treloar then recounts three stories. One is of a man who spent too much time and money at ‘The Pig’ and got angry enough to smash up the household furniture, which his wife then made into a Cornish pasty to his surprise when he opened up his lunch. Another tells of two boys who rolled a drunk into a butcher’s cart and let a goat into a lady’s garden. (The butcher was called Uhlmann.) The third tells of the influence of a cask of free ale on the election of Dr Nesbitt to Council and Drew’s and Lipsett’s started a slaughter sale of top hat that resulted in their being worn by all the fun-makers in the town and that practically killed off the wearing of top hats in Burra.
52, 12, 25 Mar. 1931, page 2
Advt. The Big Band Concert. Tonight!
Notice. Salvation Army Hall, Wednesday 1 April.
Brigadier & Mrs Slattery will pay a farewell visit to Kooringa. Ladies’ Home League meeting 3 p.m.
Public Meeting 8 p.m.
Mongolata Goldfield
Messrs W. Salter & Jack Hogan are prospecting in a gully between Mr Morgan’s and the late Fred. H. Jones’s on Mr J. Barker’s property, almost on the boundary of Mr Morgan’s. Mr Salter told us he head been prospecting since he was 16. They have found gold in both the clay and the stone and he feels they are on the edge of the reef. They have named the place ‘The Iron Battler’. He believes there is alluvial gold there, but it would need deep sinking. He agrees that what is needed out there is a battery.
Obituary. Miss Rose Pearce, the youngest and only surviving daughter of Mr & Mrs Thomas W. Pearce of ‘Burswood’ Ware St Kooringa, died at her residence on 19 March.
[Rosetta Pearce born 12 August 1868 Kooringa.]
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held its Harvest Thanksgiving on 15 & 16 March when Rev. E.S. Jew officiated.
Tennis. At Paradise Court: Paradise Club 4-47 defeated Cemetery Flat Club 8-54.
‘A’ Grade Willalo 10-84 defeated Copperhouse 6-79
Willalo will face Kooringa (minor premiers) in the challenge for the premiership.
Weather. Rain is falling as we go to press. It extends well to the east. 25 points or more has fallen to the east up to 1 p.m. Tuesday.
52, 12, 25 Mar. 1931, page 3
H.J. Button writes concerning the Council and single unemployed, saying that all unemployed men have the sympathy of the Council, but the married generally are ratepayers who have a greater call on the Council morally to get back some of their rates in wages. The preference to married men is in reality a preference for children and their mothers, just as when a ship is sinking.
T.H. Woollacott, Mayor of Burra
Reproduction of a cartoon from The News by an old Burra boy J.A. Pearce, eldest son of the late William Pearce.
CWA, AGM was held last Friday with Mrs Warnes in the chair. Mr Charles Wilkinson had been placed at some inconvenience by allowing the large room at the rear of his stationery shop to be used as the rest room. Mrs J. Morrison has now offered a room at her home situated behind Mr Bence’s shop with other privileges and the members agreed to accept this offer. A minute of appreciation was recorded for the kindness of Mr & Mrs Wilkinson with a letter of thanks sent to them. Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Treasurer, Mrs J.S.W. Coles; Hon. Secretary, Miss Minnie Rogers.
A younger person’s branch has been formed in Adelaide. Mt Gambier and Spalding branches continue to prosper.
Porter’s Lagoon. There is less water now than any time in the last 20 years. Claims have been pegged out and daily tons of salt are removed. The salt is several inches thick and though crude is wonderfully clean. It is well worth a visit.
Burra Rifle Club. Saturday at Clare: Burra 458, Blyth 451 & Clare 409.
52, 12, 25 Mar. 1931, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. Practice match saw best scores from O. Earle, K. Parton and A. Phillips.
Easter Train Changes
Thursday 2 April: Night train continues to Broken Hill departing Burra 9.51 p.m.
Friday 3 April: Morning train comes from Broken Hill departing Burra 7.07 a.m. as usual.
Saturday 4 April: Night railcar continues to Terowie departing Burra 10.36 p.m.
Monday 6 April:
Railcar comes from Terowie, departing Burra 6.17 a.m. & arriving Adelaide 9.39 a.m.
The usual 7.45 a.m. railcar to Adelaide will not run.
Broken Hill train departs Adelaide 7.45 p.m. instead of 5.55 p.m. and arrives Burra 11.11 p.m. instead of 9.21 p.m.
52, 13, 1 Apr. 1931, page 1
Tennis. In the premiership match Willalo 8-82 defeated Kooringa 8-76.
52, 13, 1 Apr. 1931, page 2
Advt. Citizens’ League Meeting in Burra Institute 9 April. Hon. J.A. Lyons will speak by re-laid broadcast and be heard via loudspeaker and on 15 April Hon. Crawford Vaughan, E.D.A. Bagot (General Organiser) and J.M. Gabb MHR.
(Lyons’ speech will be given at the monster meeting in the Exhibition Building in Adelaide.)
Advt. Burr Burra Show Inc. Sheep Dog Trials 14 & 15 April. Horses in Action 15 April.
Advt. George Hann Confectionary Sale 10 April in J. Allen’s rooms. Acting for creditors of an assigned estate: sweets, soft drinks, cordials etc.
Notice. Application forms under the Farmers’ Relief Act of 1931 are available from George Hann.
Shearing starts on 8 April at I.J. Warnes & Sons’ Sturt Vale Station. This is earlier than in the past, but early shearing is now favoured by many pastoralists.
Boy Scouts. Local Boy Scouts will go into camp for a week at Fulham Park Estate owned by Captain S.A. White, Chief Scout Commissioner of SA. They will be in the charge of Scoutmaster D. McBain & Rev. J.S.W. Coles.
52, 13, 1 Apr. 1931, page 3
Burra Brass Band Concert in the Institute 25 March drew a very enthusiastic audience. Despite one or two short-lived attempts this is the first really successful revival of a town band since the Cheer-up Ladies Band dissolved in 1919. J.H. Murison as bandmaster has now thought the 28 members sufficiently proficient after four months practice. The audience received a full measure of enjoyment. There were song and instrumental solos between band numbers. Takings were good at £22, half of which will not go far in purchasing new instruments. 90% of the instruments in the band date from the old Coronation Band started in the time of Edward VII*. The band practises in P.W. Clarke’s schoolroom (late Hon. J. Lewis’s) and in hot weather in his garden, for which the band thanks him.
[* Note that it was formed in 1911 and so was named for the coronation of George V not Edward VII.]
52, 14, 8 Apr. 1931, page 2
Advt. Kooringa Methodist Church Sunday 12 April 3 p.m.
The celebrated cantata Under the Palms or The Jewish Flower Feast
with a Choir of 70 plus Children’s Choir of 60 with Orchestra and Soloists:
Mrs Max Pearce, Miss Norma Rabbich, Mr E.A.W. Haese & Mr W.H. Spier. In aid of Trust Funds
Hallett Methodist Church 50th Anniversary will be celebrated 18, 19 & 20 April.
The Cantata Under the Palms will be performed by Burra & Hallett Choirs in the Hallett Hall 7 p.m. 20 April.
Ironmine Methodist Church celebrated its 60th Anniversary on Sunday last with Rev. F.J. Barnes as preacher.
Burra Tennis Assoc. Annual Easter Tournament
Men’s Singles Championship Sid Lomman
Men’s Doubles Championship Noel Woollacott & T.K. McWaters
Women’s Singles Championship Miss H. Sara
Men’s Handicap Singles Noel Woollacott
Men’s Handicap Doubles C. & S. Lomman
Women’s Handicap Singles Miss J. Mosey
Women’s Handicap Doubles Miss Kotz & Miss Crawford
Mixed Doubles Handicap M.W. Bednall & Miss M. Orr
Boys’ Championship Singles Jack McWaters
Girls’ Championship Singles Miss Ruby Lomman
Veteran Doubles C.J. Butler & R. B. Jones
52, 14, 8 Apr. 1931, page 3
Rev. & Mrs Lawson who have been transferred to Bute were farewelled at the Methodist Lecture Hall on 1 April with the Mayor presiding. Mr J.G. Sara spoke for Redruth Methodists. Clem Pearce spoke as acting Superintendent of the Sunday school, Mr R.R. Bunney for the congregation and Mr A.J. Bruce for World’s End. Rev. F.J. Barnes spoke as chairman of the Middle District, Mr James Thomas as President of Burra Benevolent Society and the Mayor for the townsfolk.
Mr Lawson was given ‘a well filled wallet of notes’. Mrs Lawson received a handbag with a substantial sum of money. Mrs Lawson also received a silver cake basket and Mr Lawson an inkstand. Both made suitable responses. Rev. Jarvis succeeds Rev. Lawson.
Mt Bryan Athletic Sports on 4 April drew only a fair attendance, due in part no doubt to the Burra Tennis tournament. Results are printed. A concert followed. The club will incur a small loss on the day.
Hallett Athletic Sports went off satisfactorily, though attendance was down due to the depression and the motor tax. The gate was £17-4-0. Results are printed. A concert and dance followed in the evening.
52, 15, 15 Apr. 1931, page 2
Advt. Poverty Dance, Booborowie Memorial Hall Saturday 18 April: program arranged by local artists. A prize will be given to the most Poverty Stricken Costume. Gents & Ladies 1/- each plus tax. Children 6d. Supper 1/-. Ladies please bring baskets. M. Tohl Secretary.
Frank Treloar now resident at Croydon is recovering from an operation in Memorial Hospital.
Dust enveloped the town on Monday followed by a thunderstorm. 25 points of rain fell in Burra, 80 at Robertstown and Clare got over 1 inch. To the east falls ranged from 22 points to 45.
Citizens League meeting tonight in the Institute. Speakers Hon. Crawford Vaughan and E.D.A. Bagot (General Organiser). Burra Brass Band will play 7-8 p.m. in the rotunda.
Rev. H. & Mrs Alvey & family are visiting Mrs H.H. Thomas at ‘The Pines’. Rev. Alvey has just completed three years at Lameroo and preached at Redruth on Sunday morning.
Rev. Stanley H. Jarvis is expected in Kooringa this week to take over the Kooringa Circuit. He comes from six years of mission work in northern Australia.
Hallett Methodist Church Jubilee will be held next weekend and will feature an old-fashioned tea-meeting on Saturday 18th. On Sunday the afternoon and evening services will be in the Institute Hall. Rev. F. Bullock, a former pastor, will conduct the three Sunday services. The cantata Under the Palms will be presented on Monday.
Burra Brass Band will play in Market Square next Sunday afternoon.
Cricket. At Leighton on 11 April: Leighton 142 defeated Aberdeen 113.
Obituary. Miss Hilda M. (Lilla) Collins died 12 April. She was the youngest member of Mr & Mrs John Collins’s well-known Collinsville family. She was never robust and suffered from asthma from a child. A fortnight ago she contracted pleurisy and pneumonia followed. She leaves a sister Miss Eva Collins and six brothers: Horace (Terowie), Fred (Tooperang), Melvin & Newton (Collinsville), Arthur (Mt Bryan) & Lindsay (Booborowie). [Hilda May Collins born 19 November 1901 at Malvern: died at Collinsville.]
Ulooloo Gold
Mr Tim Trenorden has found a nugget of about 11⁄2lb valued at £100 on the property of Mr August Pohlner. Mr Pohlner says another couple of prospectors have also been doing well on his property.
Kooringa Methodist Church was absolutely packed on Sunday afternoon for the cantata Under the Palms conducted by G.E. Dane with a choir of 70 adults and 60 children. The offertory in aid of Trust Funds was £8. [Details in over 1⁄2 column.]
Bowls. The Championship went to F.W.G. Twist from O. Finch. Rev. J.S.W. Coles won the singles handicap and O. Finch took out the trophy for Consistency.
52, 15, 15 Apr. 1931, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. At Eudunda on Saturday: Burra 732 defeated Eudunda 700.
Burra Golf Club AGM with President Dr Steele in the chair.
The President reported a successful year with an increase in membership:
Men Women Juniors
1929 33 30 -
1930 38 30 3
He hoped to see an improvement in the standard of the ladies’ game. Permission has been given by the Sports Syndicate for the construction of certain bunkers, though there has been no work done yet.
The Club Championship went to Dr Steven from Mr Bednall. The ‘B’ Grade Championship was won by Ken Kellock from J. Pederson and the mixed foursomes’ competition was won by Mrs Barker & Dr Steele.
The year concluded with the club in credit £9 compared with £18-4-3 the previous year. Elected were President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-Presidents, Dr W.E. Steven & Mr J.R. Barker; Secretary, C.R. Wright; Assistant Secretary, M.W. Bednall.
Kooringa Tennis Club had a successful year. The ‘A’ Grade were minor premiers and only lost the final to Willalo by five games. The ‘B’ team came 4th on the premiership list to win by beating Booborowie in the challenge match: Kooringa 8-80 to Booborowie 7-76.
Croquet. Mrs Rosman won the final of the Handicap Singles.
Mesdames O. Finch & Murison won the semi-final of the Doubles.
On Saturday Burra defeated Clare 2 games to nil.
Citizens League: an outline of its principles and objectives. It is strongly supportive of Nationalism above party politics and individuals. It wanted to encourage primary production and for Government to follow rigid economies and to have no role in trade and commerce. Railways should be sold off. State Parliaments should have their numbers halved as a first step towards their elimination.
52, 15, 15 Apr. 1931, page 4
Burra Town Council, 7 April
Lewis & Medlow reply that it will be hard to sell a high-priced horse.
Permission was granted for the building of a bakehouse for W.M. Heath in Thames St.
‘The Gun’ in need of repair is to be attended to and both are to be painted.
The light near Jubilee Hall is to be moved to a position opposite Radford’s & Opperman’s in Penclacoyle St [sic: for Penglawdd St].
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church, 4 April
Wilfred G. Bailey, only surviving son of Mrs & the late George Bailey, married
Violet M. Rice, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs H.H. Rice of Gum Creek.
52, 16, 22 Apr. 1931, page 1
Citizens League Meeting at Burra Institute 15 April.
The speakers were Hon. Crawford Vaughan and C.D.A. Bagot. There was a large audience.
The Mayor presided as President of the recently formed Burra Branch, which had started with 45 members. The League was firmly behind Mr Lyons and was confident that men of the calibre of Messrs Lang, Scullin & Theodore with their bogus promises were not wanted. Vaughan spoke of the depression and of the way out by rigid economy to allow the banks to build up assets which would allow improved credit overseas. The states were largely to blame for the huge debts. Theodore’s policies would only fuel inflation which would become further inflation, which could not be checked. His proposal to dispose of the gold reserve would remove the underpinning of the whole present note issue of £46,000,000. The German experience of inflation was a warning. None of the Government’s announced schemes had amounted to anything. Mr Bagot arrived by the Broken Hill express at 9.30 p.m. and as it was late he began at once. The League, he said, was non-party and non-political. They were opposed utterly to repudiation [of debt] and to inflation. They were for the unity of the people and nation – for organised public opinion. One outstanding man can achieve this: Mr Lyons. There was plenty of money waiting for Australia in England, but what was lacking was confidence in the country. The League had but one objective; the return to prosperity of the country.
52, 16, 22 Apr. 1931, page 2
Advt. Clearing Sale. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd will dispose of assets in the Bankrupt Estate of G.C. Kuchenmeister, Baker of Kooringa.
[There follows a list of items to be sold at the premises now occupied by C. Parks and also at Mr Kuchenmeister’s residence adjoining the cemetery and at the slaughterhouse.]
Rev. H. Stanley Jarvis and family arrived on Friday midday. He has previously spent several years in Fiji and the past six in the Northern Territory.
Obituary. William Duell aged 86 died suddenly on 14 or 15 April. He was born in SA and lived alone. [Registered as dying at Kooringa 14 April aged 85.]
Mrs I.J. Warnes was one of the guests at a reception for Lady Baden-Powell last Monday in Adelaide.
Burra Brass Band concert in Market Square on Sunday was very enjoyable and the band is coming along very well. The collection realised c. £5.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday in the next round for the Kookaburra Trophy best scores were by W.V. Bass, A.C. Aughey & C.W. Pearce.
52, 16, 22 Apr. 1931, page 3
Sheep Dog Field Trials were held 14 & 15 April on the showgrounds. Entries were down due to the depression. Fortunately A.B. Kemp of Victoria still managed to attend as did Frank Whittington from Bordertown. Messrs J.H. & R.L. Steele of Ayers Forest and Messrs R. Reed & Son of Kookaburra supplied the sheep. Winners were:
Local Class T. Turner’s Redleaf & Donald
Maiden Stakes F. Whittington’s Amy
Flock Dog Competition A.B. Kemp’s Bounce
Puppy Stakes F. Whittington’s Amy
Open Class A.B. Kemp’s Bounce
The horse events on the 15th gave much enjoyment and excitement.
Bowling & Croquet Clubs end of season 18 April
Champion Singles F.W.G. Twist
Singles Handicap Rev. J.S.W. Coles
Consistency Trophy Bert Finch
In Croquet:
Championship Trophy Mrs P.L. Rosman
Handicap Singles Mrs P.L. Rosman
In a match against Leighton Burra won 2 games to 0.
52, 16, 22 Apr. 1931, page 4
Ironmine Wesley Club opened its winter season of meetings on 9 April with about 80 guests entertained by the club. The meeting took the form of a mock wedding reception.
52, 17, 29 Apr. 1931, page 1
Burra Town Council, 20 April
The Town Clerk reported on the sale of the horse and harness for £20 and of placing the dray under offer for £8.
The balance in the relief fund was £40-10-9.
It was resolved to let part of the road on the west of the hospital to the Hospital Board.
The street light in Llwchyr [sic] is to be moved for £3-17-6 by H.E. Finlay.
The road leading to Burra School is to be formed using labour from the relief fund.
Tenders to be called for decking the bridge known as Carey’s.
Thames St Bridge guard rails to be placed in order.
52, 17, 29 Apr. 1931, page 2
Historical Burra Photograph. We have in our window an old photograph apparently taken in 1874. Right in the foreground is the old Church of England which stood in the vicinity of Mr G.H. Dow’s house. Only one tree is visible and that a very poor example. Mr W.H. Sandland brought it in.
Obituary. Miss Ellen C.D. Thomas, eldest daughter of the late Andrew Thomas and sister of Mrs C.J. Pearce of Kooringa, died on 27 April at the Home for Incurables where she had been for many years. She was born at the Smelting Works, her father having come from Wales with the first batch of smelters as assayer for the company. Some years ago she kept a private school in Aberdeen and left there to reside in Adelaide where she died aged 81. [Born Ellen Caroline Donaldson Thomas 30 August 1849 District of the Murray.]
Obituary. Mr Charles Herbert, brother of George Herbert of Kooringa, died 24 April in Sydney. He had been born in Kooringa in 1864, the second son of the late Mr & Mrs W. Herbert, Burra pioneers. As an adult he went to Port Pirie where he carried on a bakery for many years. On retiring he made a world trip and settled in Sydney. He visited SA frequently; for the last time some 12 months ago. Mrs Thomas Parks is a sister. He is survived by a widow, six surviving sons and a daughter.
[Charles Edward Herbert born 7 January 1865 Kooringa.]
Obituary. Mr Edwin Sara, brother of Mr J.G. Sara of Aberdeen, died in Sydney 24 April. He was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs George Sara (of Sara & Dunstan) and lived in Aberdeen for many years before moving to WA where his wife died some years ago. He was in Sydney on holiday and the body will be taken to WA for interment. [Born 5 August 1861 at Willunga.]
RSL Smoke Social was held last Friday and was fairly well attended. Major Sexton was in charge of the toasts. A good muster of men from Burra sub-branch attended the unveiling of the SA War Memorial in a very impressive ceremony.
Hallett Methodist Church celebrated its jubilee on 18, 19 & 20 April and the report extends for 11/5 columns.
Cricket. Premiership match at Mt Bryan 11 & 18 April. Ramblers as minor premiers challenged North Booborowie. Ramblers 5 for 340 declared defeated North Booborowie 170. For Ramblers T. Kellaway was 142 not out.
52, 17, 29 Apr. 1931, page 3
Anzac Day was commemorated on Sunday 26 April and it is thought attendance exceeded any previous. The weather was perfect. RSL Secretary G.H. Dow organised the event. The base of the monument was draped in the Union Jack and the Australian Flag and the town flag flew at half-mast. The returned men assembled shortly before 3 p.m. under Major R.C. Sexton and marched from the club room. Many were in uniform and most wore their medals. The Light Horse under Lieut. M.T. Fuller drew up behind them, followed by the Boy Scouts under Scoutmaster D.T. McBain. The Burra Brass Band led the march up to the Hospital and down Commercial St again to the monument. J.O. Earle was standard-bearer. Rev. J.S.W. Coles took charge of the service. Also present were Rev. H.S. Jarvis (Methodist) and Ensign Fielding of the Salvation Army, the Mayor and Councillors and returned nurse Mrs D. Keynes nee Sister E. Armstrong. The band was led by J.H. Murison. Ensign Fielding read the lesson. Rev. Jarvis said the prayer of deliverance. Rev. J.S.W. Coles gave the address. About £12 was collected for the AIF Cemetery Fund. H.J.B. Jennison played Last Post & Reveille.
Burra High & State Schools & St Mary’s School commemorated Anzac Day last Friday. There was an address from Dr Steele at the schools, which is printed in full in c. 11⁄2 columns.
Kooringa Methodist Church held an Anzac Service on Sunday evening conducted by Rev. Stanley Jarvis. There was a large congregation.
Mongolata Goldfield
Those on Terry’s claim seem quite satisfied to date. It is now down c. 40ft. They expect to send another 4-5 tons of ore to the cyanide works at Peterborough within a few days and expect at least 4-5 oz to the ton. Unfortunately the vein is still very narrow.
Messrs Clark & Rampton are also getting excellent ore from a narrow leader and soon expect to have a similar amount ready.
Ulooloo Goldfield
A. Walker has visited Ulooloo where the men are all getting something. Mr Tim Tremorden who picked up the big nugget is sinking in haste and has a rival nearby. It is said the original workings at Ulooloo yielded £130,000. One man alone has sunk a shaft 40-50ft, shelved at certain distances and he pitches the stuff from shelf to shelf.
Burra Rifle Club. Results from the Open Prize Meeting on Anzac Day are printed.
Winners were:
‘The Kookaburra’ over 300 yards G.L. Nutt (Adelaide) £1.
‘The Lawrence’ over 500 yards W.T. Colyer (Cyclists) £1
‘The Riggs’ over 600 yards H.G. Oates (Burra) £1
Aggregate over 300, 500 & 600 yards E.E. Koster (Adelaide) £2
‘The Toolunka’ 300 yards continuous F.C. Grubb (Gladstone)
Teams:
Burra No. 1 375
Cyclists 351
Jamestown 351
Burra No. 2 344
R.A. Lynch of the Commercial Hotel wonders if there is any truth in the rumour that the Burra Electric Supply Co. is going to drop its price to 1/- per unit. It would certainly be appreciated and he for one would not object if it rose again when things come good.
52, 17, 29 Apr. 1931, page 4
‘Steel Beak’ writes a long letter in response to the Citizens League, supporting it in part, but afraid it has not placed God high enough on the agenda and seemingly not so sure that the gold standard is a good thing: ‘by means of the gold standard, currency controls work production and credit instead of work controlling currency.’
Rev. H. Stanley Jarvis was accorded a welcome social in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall last Wednesday evening. He was welcomed by Rev. F.J. Barnes of Redruth, E.J. Davey for the trustees, Clem Pearce for the Sunday school, the Mayor and J. Arthur Riggs on behalf of the stewards.
52, 18, 6 May 1931, page 1
Burra Boy Scouts recent visit to Adelaide is reported in an article running for about 3 columns. The occasion was the visit of Lord & Lady Baden-Powell to Adelaide.
On arrival at Adelaide they were taken to the great camp at ‘Wetunga’ the residence of the Chief Commissioner for SA, Captain S.A. White at Fulham. They were up at 6 a.m. for ablutions and breakfast at 7 a.m. About 500 boys were in camp. There was a Scouts Own Service and then most went to Henley Beach.
On Monday after inspection, which the Burra troop passed with commendation, four special trams moved the scouts to the city to meet the World’s Chief Scout and Guide, Lord & Lady Baden-Powell of Gilwell. Country Scouts numbering about 700 massed in front of the Town Hall and after seeing their leaders’ arrival the scouts went to the Botanic Gardens for lunch. Meanwhile there was a civic reception for the Leaders. In the afternoon scouts were on duty at the opening of the Scouts and Guides Handcraft Exhibition in the Exhibition Building. L. Twist and C. Twist conducted Lady Baden-Powell around the exhibition.
On Tuesday trams took the scouts from camp to West’s Pictures for a special program at 4d a head. The afternoon was free. That night was quite frosty.
Wednesday afternoon saw the first rehearsal for the rally.
On Thursday there was another rehearsal followed by free time.
On Friday the scouts inspected the Shell Co. facilities at Birkenhead to see how petrol and kerosene tins were made, filled and sealed. Also the refining and mixing of oils and the blacksmiths’ and joiners’ shops and the boiler rooms before a trip to the top of one of the two huge tanks holding 21⁄2 million gallons of motor spirit (about 40ft high). On Friday night there was a camp fire comprising a 6ft x 6ft x 8ft high pile of pine logs. An estimated public audience of 3-4,000 was present. Trams brought in city scouts to make a total of some 2,000 Rovers, Cubs and Scouts.
On Saturday morning the tents etc. had to be dismantled and the packing up done. Special trams arrived at 9 a.m. The Chief Scout paid an impromptu visit. The Great rally at the Adelaide Oval came alive at 2.30 p.m. when the Chiefs arrived. The venue was packed with about 40-50,000 making a total gathering of about 60,000, which must be a record. There was a march past. The Chief Guide gave her address followed by Lord Baden-Powell. The Sea Scouts fired a rope from the top of the scoreboard to the oval where it was made secure and a breeches buoy was sent up to ‘rescue’ those in the scoreboard. A host of other activities also went on and the Burra contingent had to leave before it all finished in order to catch their train, reaching the station c. 6 p.m.
52, 18, 6 May 1931, page 2
Rev. Father Morrissey has been appointed resident priest at St Joseph’s and took up his duties last Sunday.
Mr R.H. Bruce Sen. of Kooringa aged 89 went to Broken Hill for a holiday last Wednesday.
Weather. Rain has fallen in the last week with some useful falls to the east of between 20 & 40 points.
Football. At Burra on Saturday: Burra 11 defeated Eudunda 2.
The visitors were then entertained at the Royal Exchange Hotel by the Aberdeen Football Club and most went to a dance at Leighton, while some went to the local pictures.
Rev. G.C. Hutchinson visited Redruth & Kooringa Methodist Churches last week in the interests of Home Missions and showed the moving picture The Great North West. Among the many interesting views were some of Wilgena Station with its great water scheme, the property of A.J. & P.A. McBride.
H. Raymond writes urging support for the concerts at Mt Bryan & Hallett on 5 & 6 May in aid of the Institution for the Blind which is struggling desperately in these hard times.
52, 18, 6 May 1931, page 3
Anzac Day Tennis Tournament
Men’s Handicap Doubles C. & S. Lomman
Mixed Handicap Doubles C. Lomman & Miss Nickles
Ladies’ Handicap Doubles Misses S. & M. Twist
Burra Basketball Assoc. AGM was held 15 April in J. Allen’s rooms. The balance sheet shows a credit. Elected were Patron, L.W. Gebhardt; Chairman, P.W. Hogan; Secretary & Treasurer, J. Pocock. There will be four teams. The Institute Committee will be asked to lower hall hire fees as so many players are presently unemployed.
Golf. The season was opened last Saturday by President Dr D.M. Steele.
Croquet. The Kooringa Doubles Championship was won by Mrs Bert Finch & Mrs J.H. Murison.
Burra Rifle Club. 17th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy: best results from J.A. Riggs & H.G. Oates.
Burra Juvenile Oddfellows Picnic was held on Anzac Day at Stone Chimney Creek. They assembled at the Aberdeen Hall and the Burra Brass Band accompanied them. Sports results are printed. [Personal interest: Boys 12, 13 & 14 years wheelbarrow race won by M. Allen & R. Robinson.]
52, 18, 6 May 1931, page 4
‘Festina Lente’ writes a 1-column letter responding to ‘Steel Beak’ doubting there can be any sudden change for the better, doubting that selling the railways to private enterprise would improve things, but finding farmers have indeed been sold to city interests by the tariffs and embargos on their farm inputs. We cannot smash the cities, but we can lower tariff walls and we can foster international trade. Perhaps those in control of religious affairs have ‘slipped a cog as well as the lay people and have fallen down on their jobs. As least I think so.’ [Sic: for ‘At least I think so’?]
‘Steel Beak’ again writes. The unions have assets which should be helping the unemployed more than they are. We must get away from class hatred. We should have done more to support immigrants, many fine examples of which are now wandering the country with nothing.
52, 19, 13 May 1931, page 1
‘Steel Beak’ writes about 11⁄3-column letter on The Gold Standard which he sees as an evil and sees the ‘gold bugs’ of Wall St as conspiring to control the world.
52, 19, 13 May 1931, page 2
Burra Town Council is to be commended for the fine job being done in finally making a decent road to the school after 60 years.
Burra Brass Band Concert planned for the Aberdeen Children’s Playground on Sunday 17 May. Burra School Fife & Drum Band will also play (Led by Mr Swindley).
Weather. Rain has continued with another 38 points last week to keep the feed going. Prospects of good lambing are excellent. Rain on 6 May to the east generally ranged from 30 to c. 60 points.
Mongolata Goldfield
Is the field going to be a big find or not?
If it were in WA there would be a rush, but perhaps it is just as well not to have a dud rush which would hurt many. Still, surely some development of the finds already made is justified. Present methods promise little but a living for a few hard toilers, but a start on modern lines might see Mongolata humming with activity. Eventually that will happen if the gold is there, so why not now? A battery could be picked up for a few hundred pounds and all the stone thoroughly tested. Some ore found on Byles’ Claim last Saturday created excitement. The latest find was by Messrs Ford Bros who are working with the Byles’ Syndicate. The Byles’ Claim is rich in ore, but the lead is too narrow and the site of the main lode is unknown. 4 tons 15cwt from the narrow seam returned 32oz or almost 7oz to the ton; worth with the bonus £154.
Terry’s Claim produced 5oz 3dwt from two tons.
Messrs Hogan & Salter have made some good finds, but the ground is very hard and the reef c. 2ft wide and the gold-bearing stuff 18” wide. Indications are good.
William’s Creek or Bortherna Gold
A syndicate is being formed to prospect some country towards Oodnadatta. Prospectors are John Doherty, B. Nicholas Dollard, Walter Finch and John Marchant. The Department of Mines is providing passes for freightage of a motor truck on the railways. Mr Doherty is an old WA miner. The syndicate of which Harrold Button is secretary has raised c. £100 for the exploration.
52, 19, 13 May 1931, page 3
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary on 3 & 4 May. Three services were taken by Rev. H. Stanley Jarvis, newly appointed to the circuit. The tea meeting is reported as well in an article extending for over 1 column.
Kooringa Methodist Church celebrated Mothers’ Day last Sunday.
The Cantata Under the Palms was presented for the third time in a month at Redruth Memorial Hall on Sunday afternoon using the combined Burra & Hallett Choirs and again the hall was filled to overflowing. The offertory in aid of trust funds was liberal. [The review runs to almost 1⁄2 column.]
Tennis. At Aberdeen courts on Saturday RSA 10-106 defeated Burra Players 10-101.
52, 19, 13 May 1931, page 4
Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues monthly meetings at Redruth Memorial Hall.
52, 20, 20 May 1931, page 1
District Council of Apoinga. Evidence to the Royal Commission on Local Government Areas which proposes amalgamation of the DCs of English & Apoinga and remaining part of Julia. The evidence tendered suggested amalgamation would be neither convenient nor economic. [Just over 2 columns.]
52, 20, 20 May 1931, page 2
Burra District Council. Retirement by the effluxion of time:
Kooringa Ward Glen Gaskell Hawkes
Baldina Ward William Hedley McWaters
King Ward Reginald Warnes
Nominations are called by 13 June 1931.
M-C C. Provis who has been in Kooringa for 18 months has been transferred to Penola.
Burra Brass Band drew a fine crowd to the Aberdeen Playground Concert on Sunday last and the performance of it and of the School Fife & Drum Band was much appreciated. There was a generous response to the collection.
Mongolata Goldfield
Norman Ford continues to make good finds on Byles’ Claim and he has got good gold from discarded material after washing dirt with carted water.
On Terry’s Claim very fine gold is found called mustard or flour gold.
J.O. Critchley MP has written to the Mayor saying that the Government is interested in encouraging the field, though it has little money to assist. He suggests a public meeting to press the necessity for some Government assistance might be useful.
The Mayor said some men might soon have to give up the work through lack of boots and clothing.
Cr Bevan said if the Mines Department had subsidised the Oodnadatta Syndicate surely they could do something where there were already results to show. The town should assist all it could, as if the show became anything decent the town and business people would benefit.
Cr Button said the Oodnadatta Syndicate had received no money, but the men got railway passes, two months’ rations, tents and free railing of the motor truck. He favoured a public meeting.
The Mayor thought a battery in the town would serve Hallett and other parts of the district, but if it were at Baldina Creek housing would need to be supplied.
Cr Bevan thought the shows would have to be more sustained to sustain a battery. What was presently on site would not keep a battery going for a day.
A public meeting will be called on a date to be fixed.
Burra Wolf Cubs held their first parade on 11 May.
52, 20, 20 May 1931, page 3
Indoor Bowls. The eight team competition is continuing and there was a shock last week when the three leading teams were each beaten by one of the second three in the table. Oddfellows and Foresters Red have each won 4 and lost 1.
Golf. G. Sangster played a course record game of 74 in the first round of the Men’s Eclectic competition.
Burra Rifle Club 18th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy saw A.C. Aughey and H.G. Oates return the best scores.
Chess at the Institute continues to flourish.
‘Monument Floodlight’ writes in response to R.A. Lynch that he considers a charge of 17/5 per night to light the town, even if it totals over £300 p.a., is very reasonable. He does think however, that some of the isolated lights in distant places would serve the town better in the centre of town where the businessmen pay a large portion of the rates. ‘At present the centre of the town of Kooringa at night is like a morgue.’
Obituary. Mrs G. Atkins died at Riverton Hospital on 11 May aged 83. She was born in Adelaide and at 11 with her parents, Mr & Mrs John Carter, moved to Boconnoc Park near Clare. She married George Atkins when she was 22. Her husband was a butcher and they lived at Pinda, Crystal Brook, Blyth and Woodlands before her husband took land at Farrell’s Flat in 1899. They retired to North Norwood in 1914, but on her husband’s death eight years ago Mrs Atkins returned to Farrell’s Flat to live with her children. Last December she was taken ill at Riverton on her way to spend Christmas with her eldest daughter at Plympton. She leaves six children: Mr A. Atkins & Mr H.C. Atkins (Farrell’s Flat), Mr H.E. Atkins (Hanson), Mrs J.E. Padman (Plympton), Mrs W. Lock (Gawler) & Mrs G. Wright (Farrell’s Flat). There are 9 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren. Mr Harry Carter of Sydney is a brother and Mrs F. Pascoe a sister. [Born Louisa Maria Carter 18 November 1847 at Adelaide.]
RSL Annual Masquerade Ball at Burra Institute 14 May. The music was provided from records via modern ‘Talkie’ equipment. The number in costume was smaller this year, no doubt due to the stringent times.
‘Steel Beak’ writes again blaming Satan for the depression for having induced us to trade with America rather than Britain and seeing Wall St as the centre of a conspiracy to capture the world’s gold and enslave us all. They have set the Labor Party against itself. He sees little hope from the emergence of Mr Lyons’ United Party, which he portrays also as a tool of Wall St.
[The editor says that having explained so clearly what is wrong perhaps ‘Steel beak’ will now provide a remedy.]
52, 20, 20 May 1931, page 4
Empire Day was celebrated last Friday at the schools. At Burra High School Dr Steele delivered the address followed by the Mayor. Attention then moved to the Primary School where Mr A.B. Riggs gave an address followed by Rev. Jarvis. The Mayor had gone on to Copperhouse and sent his apologies. At Copperhouse Mr W.H. Lloyd introduced the Mayor who then gave an address.
The British Empire of the Future
[There is an interesting, amazing and disturbing 2⁄3-column article on how the British Empire is tied together by race.
‘All the nations in it, including India, descend from a common ancestor, and, curiously enough it includes types of the five branches of the Aryan stock already evolved – the Indian, the Persian exiles in India, the Egyptian, the Kelt and the Teuton and also the sixth branch (the Austral-American) now emerging.’
Eventually, it says, all these branches will unite in one splendid brotherhood.]
52, 21, 27 May 1931, page 1
Burra Court
Charles R. Wright, trading as Wright’s Motors sued L.R. Clarke of Jamestown for £11-1-8 for work done on a Buick Six car. The evidence extends for just over 1 column and reveals that the dispute probably arose over how much of the fault lay with General Motors and should have been settled under guarantee, but other factors are also involved and eventually the plaintiff was awarded the sum asked for.
52, 21, 27 May 1931, page 2
Advt. Burra Town Council calls tenders for the removal of the house in Young St recently occupied by Mrs Camp. The successful tenderer is to remove the house within one month of acceptance of the tender.
Advt. Burra Institute 3 June 8 p.m. Entertainment by the Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Society.
Followed by a dance.
Obituary. Ernest Sellars died 21 May at his residence in Aberdeen aged 70. He was the husband of Elizabeth Sellars. [See more at page 3 this issue.]
M-C Robinson from Saddleworth will replace M-C Provis.
Mongolata Goldfield
Mr Norman Ford has brought in another lot of rich specimens. Previous samples had come from the south side of the creek and these come from the north side. Pieces of gold as thick as a common pin were sticking out of the rock. Unfortunately the seam is only about 2” wide.
Last Saturday the miners at Mongolata formed ‘The Mongolata Gold Prospectors’ Assoc.’. A number of resolutions were passed to aid the cause and the Mayor will be asked to forward them to the local MPs. J.E. Hogan was elected Chairman. P. Borowski is Hon. Secretary and the committee comprises J. Kellaway, L. Kellaway, N. Ford & T. Brown.
A fine pocket of gold was taken from Byles’ Claim on Saturday with more on Monday & Tuesday.
52, 21, 27 May 1931, page 3
Obituary. Mr Ernest Sellars died at his home on 21 May. He had never regained his previous robust health after an operation some years ago. He was born at Aberdeen in 1861, the eldest son of Mr & Mrs Fred Sellars. He married Miss Elizabeth Cundy of Kooringa who survives. Of a family of seven, six survive: Roy (Aberdeen), Ethel Mrs Fred Lewis (Aberdeen), Rita Mrs E. Delo (Adelaide), Gertie Mrs Bruhn (Adelaide), Miss Gladys Sellars (Sydney) & Miss Sylvia Sellars (Aberdeen). There are 13 grandchildren. [Birth seems not to be registered, though the surname is a problem, appearing variously also as Seller, Selle, Selles, Sellears & Sellers. Death is registered as 21 May 1931 aged 69.]
Mt Bryan East Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary on 10 May when Rev. E.S. Jew officiated.
Burra Benevolent Society continues to collect and distribute clothing etc. to the needy.
Burra Town Council
J.R. Oborn headmaster of the Primary School thanks the Council for the new footpath to the school.
Maurice Bednall Solicitor advises that if reserves were not marked as such on original plans they were the property of the person cutting up the land.
As to a small reserve near Mr T. Turner’s, it had been so long in his possession that he was entitled to ownership, the Corporation having no title.
The Corporation had sold parts of East St and Victoria Parade.
The transfer of land near the school from Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. to the town was signed.
The balance of the land is to be fenced and the Council will pay half the cost of the boundary fence. No buildings are to be erected on the land.
The Town Clerk said the Council overdraft was now between £900 & £1,000; the largest ever.
Before the end of the year c. £1,750 has to be collected, which with economy may pay this off, but that would leave nothing for casual labour for the rest of the year.
There was c. £8 of relief money in hand.
The bridge between Robinson’s and Short’s is to be repaired as soon as possible.
As no owner could be found for a ruined house known as Camp’s in Aberdeen it was decided to call tenders for its demolition and removal.
52, 22, 3 June 1931, page 1
CWA thanks all who donated so much of such good quality in their recent appeal for clothing etc. for needy people in the outback. Six chaff bags closely packed were despatched.
Burra Rifle Club. 19th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy saw best results from C.H. Dixon, H.G. Oates, F. Spencer & R. Nutt. Thos gives H.G. Oates an unassailable lead in the Kookaburra Trophy with 44 points to the next contestant on 28.
52, 22, 3 June 1931, page 2
Advt. Frank Richards intends soon to open a grocery store in Mt Bryan.
Frank Treloar turned 78 last Monday.
Weather. Rain for May was down on the average, but for the year the total is 2” better than for 1930 and both wheat and feed are looking good.
Burra Brass Band will give a concert in the Institute on 10 June in aid equally of the Band and the Institute. They will be assisted by local tenor Antonio Molinari who has appeared for many years in grand opera in all the leading theatres of the Commonwealth. His wife nee Miss Katie Checkett, who is also a well-known singer, will also appear. [There is a photo of Antonio Molinari.]
Burra Coursing Club met on Monday 1 June and elected: Patron, B.L. Symonds; President, R.A. Lynch; Secretary, C. Attrill. They decided to hold a 16 dog stake on 3 & 6 August.
Wattle Dance Club held their initial dance on 1 June on the Cheer-up Hall.
Burra Golf Club. At Burra on Saturday seven Clare visitors played Burra and the latter won 3 games to 2. A second Burra team went to Hanson where they beat the locals 9 games to 5.
52, 22, 3 June 1931, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Terry’s Claim sent away 4 tons 15cwt to Peterborough and the return was 3oz 4dwt per ton
On Slater & Hogan’s Claim they went down 20ft and lost the seam, but found it again on driving in at the level where they first struck good stuff.
Byles’ Claim is doing well.
Tom Villis & party have driven into the hill c. 160ft, but so far have no returns beyond traces.
Syd. McHugh MP writes that the Minister is considering buying a portable battery for the mine – a permanent one not being worthwhile till the field is proven.
A consignment of boots, overcoats and other items of clothing is being sent up from military stores.
The Mayor has received an answer to the resolutions passed by the Prospectors’ Assoc. from the Director of Mines, L. Keith Ward, dated 29 May 1931.
The Government cannot allow a larger ration for one sector of the community. Little timber is needed and is available locally. If the men will submit a tender for the supply of 2,000 gallons of water a week we will do something. It is not possible to forgo the motor licence fee. Installation of a battery is not at present justified. No arrangements can be made for free carriage and crushing of 10 tons of ore. There is already provision for free crushing of 25 tons of ore from a new property, if it is deemed justified by the General Manager of State Batteries. No preferential treatment concerning boots and clothing is possible. The Unemployment Relief Council will soon issue clothing and some more tools will be sent. A tent will be sent when the enclosed form is completed for the man needing one.
Obituary. Mrs George Kemble died 25 May. She was born in Redruth Cornwall 1 May 1846 and came to Australia aged 18 in the Coalstream to join her grandparents. She went first to Adelaide and then to Paratoo where she met George Kemble whom she later married. He took up land at Douglas where they remained till Mr Kemble died and she came to Kooringa. She was a keen supporter of the Douglas Primitive Methodist Church and of the Methodist Church after Union. She had a family of nine children of whom six survive: Mrs Jane Woodman (Kooringa), Olive Mrs Weston (Kooringa), Edith Mrs Wilks (Kooringa), Mr W.G. Kemble (Baldina), Horace Kemble (Kooringa) & Edgar Kemble (Kooringa). There are 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Her eldest son David died in 1928. Mrs Burton-Roberts of Glenelg and Mrs Teague of Melbourne are sisters and Mr W. Burton of Adelaide is a brother. [How a woman born Elizabeth Ann Jenkin has a brother called W. Burton is not readily discoverable, though brother-in law is probable.]
YMCA Burra Clubs held a successful concert at Redruth Memorial Hall on 20 May organised by the Aberdeen Senior Club. [Personal interest: one performer was M. Fairchild.]
52, 22, 3 June 1931, page 4
Apoinga Gold Mining Co. The first shareholders meeting was held at Black Springs 21 May. Directors were Messrs Gorrie, Bagshaw, Laurenti, G. Crawford & B.E. Heinrich. 327 shares have been applied for, 173 remain and 100 are held in reserve. T. Geach the prospector who made the discovery said he and his mate were working for 5/- a day and were prepared to go on doing that till payable quantities were found. A consignment of ore will be sent to Peterborough.
Monthly Rainfall figures for Burra from 1880 are printed.
52, 23, 10 June 1931, page 1
Burra Town Council
The Town Clerk submitted approximate statements of receipts and expenditure for the coming year which showed a probable debit balance of £143.
Various minor works were approved.
Several tenders were received for the demolition of the old house known as Camp’s and the Council accepted that of William Carpenter to do the work and pay £5 if Council would allow him to break the stone into 21⁄2” metal and store it on the bank of the creek till required.
Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Society Concert on 3 June in the Institute drew only a poor house for a first class program. It was disappointing and of course donations have fallen off dramatically due to the depression. There is an aim to lay a penny trail from Adelaide to Angorichina Hostel and Milton Tiddy volunteered to sell a £10 roll of 1d tickets. A dance followed.
M-C Provis was given a farewell on Tuesday afternoon in the Council Chamber and appreciative comments were delivered by the Mayor and Messrs M.W. Bednall, E.J. Harris, P.J. Flaherty, E.J. Davey (Town Clerk), Max Pearce (Manager of Elder, Smith in Burra), F. Sara (Sara & Co.), Cr Pearce, Sgt McDonald, Mr J. Thomas & Mr F. Pearce. He was presented with a smoker’s outfit.
52, 23, 10 June 1931, page 2
Advt. Citizens’ League. Important General Meeting 25 June at 7.45 p.m. to elect officers etc.
W.G. Hawkes will deliver an address.
Advt. The Big Concert. Tonight 10 June. Burra Brass Band and Mr & Mrs Antonio Molinari & other artists.
Obituary. Mrs Julia Ann Goldsworthy died 8 June at the residence of her youngest daughter Mrs A.H. Moore of Kooringa. We understand she was over 90.
[Born Julia Ann or Juliane Grow or Grou and died 9 June aged 92. She was the widow of James Granvill, Henry Seaford/Sievert/Siefert and John Goldsworthy. See more at 52, 24, 17 June 1931, page 2.]
Mrs E. Heinrich was 80 on Sunday 31 May and the details of the gathering occupy c. 1⁄4 column.
Foresters Junior Members had a picnic at Stone Chimney Creek on Mr Herbert Morgan’s property on the Monday holiday. These picnics were for many years an annual event at Johnson’s Creek, but more recently they lapsed and instead the lads were given tickets for the annual seaside trip. This year with no seaside trip the picnic was reinstated. In Burra the day was cold, but at the picnic in thick scrub the keenness was scarcely noticed. With the Brass Band as an escort the boys headed off on a fleet of lorries at about 9 a.m. Many of the Senior Lodge also attended. The sports program was greatly enjoyed and results are printed. Stan Kellaway Jnr particularly impressed at the open high jump where he cleared 5’9”.
Isaac James & Mary Ann Goodridge celebrated their golden wedding on Sunday 24 May.
Isaac James Goodridge, youngest son of Eli Goodridge of ‘Hinton’ Gum Creek, married Mary Ann Hutchins, fourth daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Hutchins late of Aberdeen on 28 May 1881 at the residence of the bride’s parents at Ironmine. Rev. Arthur Birt officiated. This is believed to be the first golden wedding celebrated in Booborowie. 15 grandchildren attended.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 20th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy and best results were from R. Nutt & J.E. Pearce.
52, 23, 10 June 1931, page 3
Transport Control Board came to Burra on Friday to take evidence about the co-ordination of road and rail services. The Mayor Mr Woollacott spoke of costs on the railways and also their unreliability and inconvenience. Mr Lock, a carrier of Walkerville who works through to Booborowie, said a feeder service from Burra would not be suitable as it would cost more (plus 25/- a ton).
W.D. Thompson, carrier of Aberdeen, agreed with Lock.
H.N. Potter (manager for Drew & Crewes) said the firm did its own carting from the station, but parcel freight charges were excessive. The railways had been more careful to prevent breakages since road competition.
F.T. Sara agreed that the road competition had improved the rail service. Parcel service by rail was too dear. The firm used rail except for petrol.
E.J. McKenzie, grocer of Kooringa, said he was satisfied with the rail service and carted his own goods from the station.
H.J.B. Jennison said rail charges on tyres were excessive. Batteries saved 5/- on each one with road transport and road carriers were much better for rush orders. Tyres were charged at parcel rates and even when prepaid to save 25% were still too high.
R.C. Lott, produce merchant, thought rail carriage was satisfactory, but the double freightage was a disadvantage.
H. Hill, railway carrier, supported Jennison’s complaint about excessive parcel rate charges.
I.J. Warnes cited excessive parcel rates, but also gave figures for wool cartage.
He carted 1119 bales of wool 80 miles by road to Mt Mary for £120.
The railway charge from Mt Mary to Adelaide was £358.
He then got a rebate, but even after that it cost £277.
If he had continued by road he could easily save £150.
[The £127 cost to Mt Mary included petrol, oil, wages and food.]
W. Kakoschke, carrier of Aberdeen, said all his carrying was outback. He did not know of any wool going past Burra to Adelaide by road, but it was possible for pastoralists to cart their own wool. A lot was carted to Burra railway station.
Other drivers present were S.R. King, H.O. James, J.G. Carpenter & W. Montgomery.
Some raised the question of back-loading charges.
W. Kakoschke said he carried back-loading free; it saved the lorries and if the drivers had trouble the sheep farmers never made a charge for their keep in the meantime. He would rather take a cwt free and save his lorries.
Mr Warnes said if back-loading were to be charged for they would be seeking a reduction in forward loading charges. All back-loading in the last 30 years had been done free.
Mr Hill said years ago it [back-loading] was 1/3 a ton and now it is 6d.
R.A. Bevan, passenger carrier between Aberdeen and Kooringa supported the previous statements about excessive parcel freight charges. He did not believe lowering the charges would affect the amount of freight carried on goods trains, but the Chairman thought passenger trains would be overcrowded with parcels.
Mr Warnes said the present charges were simply driving the parcels to road transport.
W. Hann, playing for University in Grade 1 Amateur League football has been a great success this year and as goal-sneak has kicked 25 goals in four matches recently.
Liberal Federation. Burra Women’s Branch AGM was held last Friday and Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Secretary, Miss Minnie Rogers. The Vice-Presidents were re-elected.
Mrs Warnes gave an interesting talk on political questions and doings in Australia and Britain before the elections. W.G. Hawkes gave an address on the present political situation during afternoon tea.
52, 23, 10 June 1931, page 4
Red Cross Burra Branch AGM elected: President, Mrs F.R. Wigley (re-elected); Hon. Secretary, Mrs Marston (re-elected). In the last year the jumble sale in August had raised £31-12-0. £20 was sent to the Angorichina Hostel and in December £5 was sent to the Burra Hospital. £3 was sent to each of the Angorichina Hostel, North Terrace Consumptive Home and the Keswick, Bedford Park & Myrtlebank Hospitals. Vice-Presidents Elected were Mesdames Tennant, C.J. Pearce, W.H. Sandland, C. Wilkinson, P.A. Clark, George Herbert & W.J.C. Coles who will also form the committee. There will be a jumble sale on 21 August.
Wheat Pool. There are letters about the Wheat Pool, but they are not from locals.
52, 24, 17 June 1931, page 1
Apoinga Gold Mine. T. Geach (manager) reports the shaft is at 70ft.
The lode increased from 2’ to 3’6” and eventually to 4’7”. From time to time some nice little noodles of gold have been found. Other ore bodies run parallel to the present lode. At 100’ driving on the course of the lode north and south will be undertaken with crosscut east and west to intersect with the parallel lodes. The lode is black and red ironstone impregnated with yellow quartz of the honeycomb variety.
H.J. Cadd President of the SA Wheat Producers’ Freedom Association writes saying the Commissioner of Taxation has begun to negotiate with landholders who appealed against their land tax assessments. Generally they seem to be being offered a reduction of 25%. They are urged not to accept this before a meeting of farmers is held. This will be soon in Maitland.
52, 24, 17 June 1931, page 2
Notice. E.J. Davey & F.W.G. Twist were elected to the Burra Hospital Board.
Notice. D.C. Burra Annual Election. When nominations closed on 13 June:
Kooringa Ward Glen Gaskell Hawkes elected unopposed
Baldina Ward William Hedley McWaters elected unopposed
King Ward Reginald Warnes elected unopposed
Weather. Rain came in a good soaking fall last week on Tuesday and Thursday totalling 120 points locally. The falls to the east were patchy, but many were good and on the Tuesday many received between 50 & 70 points.
Obituary. Mrs Goldsworthy who died on 8 June arrived in SA in 1848 and was born in Germany 25 December 1838. The family lived in the South-East for about ten years before coming to Burra in 1858. Mr Louis Grow of Kooringa is a brother. He will turn 86 in December. Mrs A.H. Moore Sen. of Kooringa is a daughter. [Born Julia Ann or Juliane Grow or Grou and died 9 June aged 92. She was the widow of James Granvill, Henry Seaford/Sievert/Siefert and John Goldsworthy.]
Obituary. Mrs Hazel Daws of Knoxville died on Tuesday last following an operation for appendicitis. She was the eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Fred Pearce Sen. of Aberdeen. She left a young family of a daughter and five sons. [Born Hazel Lurline Pearce 16 November 1891 at Redruth: died 10 June 1931 Rose Park, residence Knoxville.]
Obituary. Mrs Harry G. Schuyler of Aberdeen died suddenly on 15 June aged 74.
[Born Catherine Jane Trenbath or Trembath.]
‘A Naturalist’ writes complaining of the mutilation of the trees in Chapel St so the streetlights could have some effect. The writer wonders how many people complained, as it was well lit before the act.
Aberdeen Croquet. Season Trophies:
Handicap Singles Mrs G.E. McDonald
Handicap Doubles Mrs McDonald & Miss L. Bartholomaeus
Euchre Parties are being run at St Joseph’s School Hall in aid of church funds: regularly from 25 May on Monday evenings.
Major L.A. Lewis is Chairman of the committee looking into the plight of soldier settlers and we anticipate a visit from them soon.
52, 24, 17 June 1931, page 3
The Burra Brass Band big Concert in Burra Institute on 10 June was a sell out. Proceedings were c. £28. Mr J.H. Murison had secured the services of Mr & Mrs Antonio Molinari who have recently come to the town and are world-known high class operatic singers. The concert was a wonderful success and is reviewed in c. 11⁄2 columns of detail.
Burra Rifle Club held a practice match on Saturday over 200, 300, 600 & 700 yards in which H.G. Oates was best scorer ahead of A.C. Aughey.
Mrs Luke Day, one of the town’s foremost knitters who taught many girls to knit for the war effort has formed a knitting circle to aid the unemployed. The Unemployed Relief Fund has granted a sum for wool. It will be known as the ‘Trix Pearce Knitting Circle’, as a tribute to the late secretary and organiser of the Cheer-up Society. Any wool donations will be welcomed.
Unemployment Relief Fund Committee met on 9 June and dealt with many requests for aid, but funds are very limited and any donations of funds or clothes, bedding, rugs and boots would be very welcome.
Redruth Methodist Church celebrated its anniversary on 7 & 8 June with services by Rev. F.J. Barnes and Rev. H.S. Jarvis. The services and tea meeting were well attended.
Burra Golf Club. Three weeks ago when Clare visited Burra to play off the first round of the Mid-North Group Competitions Burra won 3 of the 5 games. On Saturday when visiting Clare Burra hoped to win two and halve one at least, but they only succeeded in the ‘halving’ and will have to wait till next season for another attempt.
National Utility Poultry Breeders’ Assoc. An enthusiastic meeting of local breeders here on 13 June decided to form a sub-branch of the Association. 33 attended. Elected were President, Sgt G.E. McDonald; Vice-Presidents, P.W. Hogan & B. Symonds; Secretary, C. Whittney & Treasurer, Carl Pearce. The Association has as its major aims the improvement of the utility breeds of fowls, maintenance of standards of excellence, increase and dissemination of knowledge to breeders and encouragement of production and overseas trade.
52, 25, 24 June 1931, page 1
Burra Town Council, 5 June
The Finance Committee recommended against allowing ratepayers to work off their rates.
The Mayor said the Council had spent £400 on relief work and the bank had indicated it was approaching its limit.
Cr Bevan suggested one permanent employee be stood down two days a week or one week in four.
Cr Pearce said that up to this night the Council had an overdraft of £1,100 and as there was only £1,400 in rates they could not go on helping the unemployed or the next Council would have no revenue at all. Prospects for next year were no better.
Cr Bevan said one applicant for relief work owned two houses and rented one.
The Mayor said he knew of only one such case and he was worse off than owners of none. He is owed £35 in rent and is responsible for the rates on both.
The Mayor thought the tree trimming in Chapel St was severe. Cr Pearce said the tops could not have been merely trimmed. Cr Allen did not think it was too severe.
Cr Button said a number of the pines would soon have to come out, as they were rotting at the roots.
Mr Bednall wrote sending an account for £1-1-0 instead of £5-5-0 for the preparation of the transfer of the road to the school, explaining it was because of the benefit to the children. Received with thanks.
The Mayor complained of people using the Burra Children’s Playground as a toilet, which was pure larrikinism, as there was any amount of conveniences. He suggested police attention be drawn to the problem.
The Town Clerk said the town conveniences were also much abused.
52, 25, 24 June 1931, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will sell on 26 June for F.H. Kuchenmeister who is leaving the district due to ill health: his furniture, mason’s & Carpenter’s tools, ladders, planks etc.
A masher dray, harness & 1,000 gallon tank.
Allotment 429 Kooringa of about 1 rood with a 4-roomed stone house.
Allotment 419 of Kooringa of about 1 rood 5 perches with a 5-roomed stone house under construction with sufficient stone and sand on site to complete the building.
Burra Basketball Association. The usual matches continue and the first appearance of the recently formed Ladies Club was last Thursday evening. [Players are listed.]
Poultry. Sgt G.E. McDonald has been successful at the recent Adelaide Poultry Show. Mrs W.E. Steven was successful at the Pt Adelaide Show with five awards from five entries, comprising three 1st places and two 2nd places.
Burra Unemployment Relief Fund reports a poor response to appeals for clothing and footwear. Mrs Day’s knitting circle is working well.
H.J. Button replies to ‘A Naturalist’ to say that two residents of Chapel St and two other residents of the town who use it complained of the lighting and the trees.
52, 25, 24 June 1931, page 3
Aberdeen Football Club held its Blue & White dance in the Institute on Wednesday 17 June. It was voted one of the best held for some time. Music was by Schwerdt’s Orchestra from Hamley Bridge.
Obituary. Mrs E.J. Lines of Kooringa died in Adelaide Hospital on 21 June aged 74. She was the widow of Tom Lines who died many years ago and a sister of the late Charles Winders of Baldina. There is a large grown up family with grandchildren & great-grandchildren. [Born Eliza Jane Winders 1 January 1855 Unley SA and thus aged 76.]
52, 25, 24 June 1931, page 4
Burra Rifle Club fired the last stage of the Kookaburra Trophy and the best results were from H.G. Oates & C.H. Dixon.
H.G. Oates has won the Championship and as he cannot also win the handicap there was a shoot-off between R. Nutt & A.C. Aughey that was won by Aughey.
Kookaburra Trophy goes to H.G. Oates who also picks up the Marksman’s Cup and the Consistency Trophy.
52, 26, 1 July 1931, page 1
Citizens’ League
Though there are some 200 on the membership roll, there was only a moderate attendance to hear W.G. Hawkes explain the genesis of the movement last Thursday at the Institute. The election of officers preceded the address: Chairman, T.H. Woollacott; Hon. Secretary, J. Fletcher; Committee, Messrs G.G. Hawkes, R.C. Sexton, H.J.B. Jennison, James Thomas & Miss Helen Wilkinson.
Mr Hawkes said the movement was a revolt against the party system to combat forces of disruption and chaos. The first rally in the Adelaide Town Hall a few weeks ago drew a capacity crowd. It was when the Scullin Government was at crisis point and repudiation was being considered. Speakers referred to the need for Honour, Honesty & Loyalty. That meeting was followed by the historic Lyons meeting in the Adelaide Exhibition Hall which was equally powerful. E.D.A. Bagot who organised it was also behind the similar eastern states organisation ‘All for Australia Party’. These meeting had undoubtedly been the cause for the calling of the Premiers’ Conference. An emergency committee had been formed which practically was the merging of other parties to select candidates ready for any sudden emergency that may arise. The Labor Party alone of major parties was not officially represented. The Emergency Committee is presided over by A. Grenfell Price. The Committee was not interfering, but merely applying itself to what may occur. Much of the difficulties had arisen indirectly or directly from the Great War. It had promoted legislation for social services and bounties and bonuses and a standard of living that could not be sustained. The baby bonus for instance is an ill-devised scheme repugnant to common sense. The old-age pension scheme has been and is being ruthlessly abused. It induces old people of reasonable means to throw their money away and does away with the fine spirit and obligation of duty towards one’s parents. It should be brought under a contributory system. Even the soldiers’ pension, sacred to most of us has been and is being greatly abused. Pensions to descendants of disabled soldiers can go on for 90 years and many who draw then are well provided for. Arbitration Courts have not lessened strikes, but have contributed to industrial stagnation. Prohibitive tariffs, bounties and bonuses have been resorted to by the Government and primary producers face the bill. The sooner we return to some measure of freedom of contract the better. Of the Labor Government it cannot be said they have been successful. Payment of Members was another system that had been tried and found wanting. He was however optimistic that the fulfilment of the Conference Plan will restore confidence.
52, 26, 1 July 1931, page 2
Mrs Luke Day’s knitting circle has received a splendid gift of wool from Mrs George Kellock. Mrs George Terry & Mrs Bence have also sent useful donations.
Weather. Rain in June has been good and soaking and Baldina Creek is flowing again, while a good flow came down the Burra Creek on Thursday for the first time in months. The June rains extended well to the east and indeed while Burra had over 1” sine the last issue, falls to the east have been between 40 points and 1”.
Mongolata Goldfield
Work on P.W. Clark & Rampton’s Claim continues with a crushing justifying further effort when 5 tons 5cwt of ore yielded 32oz 7dwts 18gr of gold.
They have erected a dining room with a fireplace, which will be a great comfort in the prevailing very cold weather.
W. Anderson has just received from England the envelope from a letter sent on the first air mail to leave Australia for there. It was dated 20 April at Kooringa and was back again on 18 June. It would have been returned much more quickly had the plane in question not broken down, requiring relief planes to carry the mails. The cost of an airmail letter is 1/11.
Liberal Federation: Burra Men’s Branch. Last Friday at the Eastern Telephone Building Mr Radford took the chair. Though in Federal politics the Federation might have to give up its individuality for a time, it must not be allowed to go out of existence. Mr Warnes agreed. W.G. Hawkes said that while he was taking a prominent position in the Citizens’ League he was also preaching the need to keep the Liberal Federation alive. Mr Radford had been elected branch president in 1912 and after 12 years in office was retiring because he was moving from Burra to Canegrass, which would not allow him to give proper attention to the office. Elected were President, S.H. Robinson; Vice-Presidents, G.G. Hawkes & E. Jettner. The secretary Mr Edward had his allowance reduced by £5 to £20 on account of the difficult times. (He was at the time owed about £10.)
52, 26, 1 July 1931, page 3
The Transport Control Board sat at Booborowie and posed the problem that the railways were losing £1,500,000 and road carriers were taking from £5,000 to £10,000 a year away from them in some districts. Could the state afford to pay for two systems of transport? Could Booborowie be served by a feeder road service from the Burra railway station?
Three columns of evidence are then presented from:
G.W. Gunn: the savings by road were vital.
W.S. McEvoy: motor service to the abattoirs is vital.
L.L. Gill (storekeeper): the road service was much more economical and convenient.
W. Harding (hotel-keeper): using the railway cost 23/- a ton more.
A.W. Pearce (storekeeper): road delivery cost as much as rail delivery to Burra, before adding the extra charge to Booborowie. Fruit and vegetables came on Monday by the cabbage train and 60 cans of cream a week were railed from Burra and Andrews. The big problem with the railways was the high charge for loads under 4 tons – 4 tons of seed went to Melbourne for £4-4-0 a ton, but half a ton went to Ballarat for £3-18-0.
Cr Davies of Canowie DC: both wool and sheep went cheaper by road.
P.A. Kilderry: railway freight increases in 1926 had spurred road use.
W. Lomman: did not use rail and got his flour from Jamestown.
O.J. Lynch: did not believe in interference in road traffic and could do away with rail even to move wheat.
P.F. Carmody: was dissatisfied with the poor rail service at Andrews. (Two trains a week.)
Mr Wedding: stopped using rail when they charged him demurrage on an old machine he could not collect for a few days.
A.R. Groverman (blacksmith): used road for everything as a purely economic decision. Too often parcels did not arrive when expected by rail.
Wilfred Kain (farmer): lorry was not cheaper, but was better for small consignments of stock.
E.E. Gill (pig farmer of Spalding): used road service to Jamestown.
The Chairman said they had to consider closing the Clare-Spalding line or the Riverton-Spalding line.
Mr Gill said he was for rail to carry super and wheat were road could not compete. The line was vital for wheat.
G.G. Hallett of Spalding (manufacturer): he sent stuff all over Australia and found the railways useless for state delivery. He asked the railway for preferential rates, but they were only available for guarantees of so many tons.
52, 26, 1 July 1931, page 4
‘Citizen’ of Burra writes a letter of over 1 column on taxation and the trade depression. The writer points to the fact that those who pay direct taxation are c. 10% in Britain and the 90% of those who do not are the section who obtain the unemployment dole, free education, old age pension, other pensions and insurances. They have the biggest say in the elections and so the 10% who pay taxes are in an unenviable position. But as direct taxes rise we get to a point where they are destructive to their source – a position reached in Australia. The economic law must now overpower the fable of the ‘bottomless purse’. What options has the Government – reduce social services or cut loan interest, but a bargain or contract once made should be kept. Furthermore once we have defaulted it will not be possible to go back to the old system of contract and this will probably lead to capital levies and confiscation of private property in place of loans. Various forms of protection offer an alternative, but the most drastic offer help only under certain conditions. Revenue must be produced by indirect taxation which the whole nation shares and the revenue gained must be devoted to the revival of trade.
52, 27, 8 July 1931, page 1
Burra Benevolent Society AGM 25 June. Parcels of clothing were received from various donors. Firewood continues to be distributed to the old folks. Clothing will for the time being, be handed to the Local Unemployment Aid Committee for distribution, to avoid overlapping. When this committee ceases to exist the Benevolent Society will go on as before.
52, 27, 8 July 1931, page 2
F.B. Sutcliffe manager for Shell Co. at Aberdeen for six months has been transferred to Pt Augusta.
Weather. Rain in the last week totalled 41 points.
Annie Pearce, daughter of C.J. Pearce was crossing the yard on Sunday carrying a turkey when the ground gave way and she dropped five feet into an old well. Apparently it had long been filled in, but the filling had shrunk leaving only a thin crust. Miss Pearce was shaken, but unhurt and when found still held the turkey. Mr Pearce (aged 75) had wheeled several barrow-loads of wood over the spot only the day before.
The Trix Pearce Knitting Circle acknowledges the gifts of wool – especially from Walker & Sons.
General Aid Society. Though it had not been reported earlier the RSL notes reveal that the General Aid Society has decided to disband and had given a comfortable armchair and a tea urn to the RSL and a cash donation to the Angorichina Hostel. The RSL accepted the donation with thanks and regretted the end of the society.
Obituary. Mr Thomas Work died on 4 July at his residence in Aberdeen. He had been a resident of Booborowie and Burra for many years. He was born 19 March 1846 in the West Islands of Scotland and came to SA in 1852. He lived first in the South-East before taking up land at Booborowie where he farmed successfully until retiring to Aberdeen. He married in 1878 and his widow survives with a family of seven children: Mrs W. Pryde (Booborowie), Mrs R. Pryde (Booborowie), Mrs W.H. Reynolds (Booborowie), Mr James Work (Aberdeen), Mr Will Work (Booborowie), Mr Fred Work (Booborowie) & Mr John Work (New Zealand).
Obituary. Mrs George Sara died at Aberdeen 5 July. She was born Annie Reed, second daughter of the late Richard Reed in Paxton Square in 1860. She was for most of her life until marriage identified with the Redruth Methodist Sunday School and Church. She married in 1892 and was the second wife of Mr George Sara (of Sara & Dunstan, builders and contractors) who died many years ago. After her marriage she lived in WA for many years and came back to Aberdeen on the death of her husband. Of a family of four, three survive: Sam Sara (Aberdeen), George Sara (Biloela, Queensland) and Miss Lillian Sara (Aberdeen). A grown-up daughter, Eleane, died some years ago.)
[Born Annie Reed at Copperhouse 15 December 1859.]
Obituary. Mrs Willie March of Somerton died 4 July aged 28. She was the wife of Will March, third son of Mr & Mrs March of Kooringa. The husband and two young children survive.
[Born Eva Phyllis Lavinia Parsons 29 April 1903 Adelaide.]
52, 27, 8 July 1931, page 3
Burra Rifle Club AGM. Captain H.R. Oates presided. Attendance was 18. The Mayor attended to distribute the prizes. Report for the year:
The year started £7-8-10 in credit. Repairs of c. £20 brought the range to equal ant in SA. This required a small overdraft and led to a drive for more members. The defence Dept. allows a credit in cash and ammunition equivalent to 21/6 for every man passed as efficient. In the last three years membership has been 28 and the highest ever was 60 in 1901. Membership this year has risen to 85 with the aim of having 100 next year. The Burra Open Prize Meeting on Anzac Day was very successful and the Limbless Soldiers match v. Eudunda allowed £2-3-0 to be sent to that society. Members were successful at a number of events elsewhere in the state. Burra won four of the five contests with other clubs this year. We thank the Warnes family and C.W. Gare for use of the land on which the range is located. Next year, given the increased membership, the club should be in substantial credit. [Prizes are then listed – the principal ones having already been noted.]
Elected were Captain, H.G. Oates; Vice-Captain, W.V. Bass; Secretary, W. Ryan & Treasurer, K. Parton. The club decided to join the 50th Infantry Battalion as a reserve.
52, 28, 15 July 1931, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 3.0 7.6 8.9 13.12 (90)
Terowie 2.1 2.2 4.6 4.6 (30)
Burra Town Council, 6 June
The Commissioner of Highways advises £100 has been granted towards re-metalling the road from the Corporation boundary towards the hospital.
Various minor works were approved and 60-70 yards of metal ordered for the road as above.
The Town Clerk reported £1,300 in rates had been collected with c. £200 outstanding.
52, 28, 15 July 1931, page 2
Martin Julius Heinrich, farm labourer of Kooringa, was fined £5 reduced to £1 for driving an uninsured and unregistered vehicle and warned that the Act provided for a fine of £50 plus payment of a full year’s registration.
Weather. Last Saturday was the coldest for 52 years with snow at Hallett & Mt Bryan, but only a few flakes falling in Burra. Rain here has been in the form if incessant misty showers with rain falling each day, but totalling only 88 points. Falls of 25 to 71 points have been reported from the eastern stations and feed out there is excellent. The season in the Southern Flinders Ranges is also excellent.
Obituary. Mrs Walter Kakoschke died 13 July after a short illness with pleurisy. She was born Edith M. Hempel, third daughter of Mr John & the late Mrs Hempel of World’s End and was aged 33. She married 13 years ago and leaves a widower and six small children, the youngest only a few months old. [Born Ida Matilda Hempel 14 July 1898 World’s End.]
The Unemployment Relief Fund is dealing with a number of very necessitous cases. Boots are the worst problem. The Trix Pearce Knitting Circle handed over 20 pairs of socks, twelve singlets, one jumper, three pairs of baby booties and other woollens for babies. Mrs Day has been given 30/- worth of wool to continue and others have donated wool too. [The knitters are listed.]
52, 28, 15 July 1931, page 3
Burra Homing Club was recently formed by some of our pigeon enthusiasts. President, Sgt G.E. McDonald; Vice-Presidents A.N. Ratcliffe, R.A. Lynch, A.O. Lawrence and I.C. Hall. There are seven flying members. The first race from Orroroo (68miles) on Saturday was flown in very bad conditions with heavy rain at Orroroo and snow at Hallett & Mt Bryan. Stan Kellaway Jnr was the winner. The next race is from Carrieton.
St Joseph’s Church annual dance was held on Wednesday last at the Institute on the only fine day in the week. There was a large attendance.
52, 29, 22 July 1931, page 1
Burra Golf Club. The club championship was won on Saturday by E. Haese, 1 up from G.C. Sangster. The ‘B’ Grade trophy went to F. Marston ahead of G.H. Robinson.
Stockowners’ Association, Burra Branch AGM was held in the Eastern Telephone building on Friday. The General President P.A. McBride was welcomed. (He has been selected by the Emergency Committee to contest Gray for the Senate.) The Chairman’s Report from I.J. Warnes runs for c. 1 column. Discussion is reported for another column and the article continues on page 3.
Burra Homing Club ran its second race for the season from Carrieton (93 miles) on 18 July. S. Kellaway Jnr was again the winner.
52, 29, 22 July 1931, page 2
Mrs Jordan who turned 98 with a clear mind is now very ill.
Miss L. Blight has left Burra to reside in Clare.
R.J. Grant has replaced F.B. Sutcliffe as manager of the Shell Depot. He came from Broken Hill.
Weather. The last week was very cold from Wednesday to Sunday with 37 points of rain on Monday to make a total of 52 points since the last issue. Sunshine has finally arrived. To the east patchy rain has delivered as little as 3 points at Koomooloo and as much as 116 points at Quondong.
Mr Jim Phillips and his son Len have been cutting pine posts for K.C. Sandland in the mine paddocks of Koo-owie. They were camped at Mann’s Hut. Mr Phillips encountered a Jersey bull, but was saved by a fence. He was joined by Len and they headed for the homestead along the fence, but in the dark they got lost and entered J. Eckert’s paddock where Mr Eckert’s Jersey bull, which has a bad reputation, forced them to spend the night in a pine tree where Mr Eckert found them after a vigil of about 15 hours. Mr Phillips endured the bitter night without a coat as he had been wood-cutting. It took three charges of shot to convince the bull to clear off.
Old Age & Invalid Pensions are being reduced by 5/- a fortnight from 23 July.
Dr Thomas Bishop of Adelaide conducted a service at St Mary’s on Monday evening.
Mongolata Goldfield
Half a dozen carloads of gold seekers went out on Monday and some pegged out claims.
Messrs Flaherty, Morgan & Alex Bevan sent 40lb away for assay and it showed 22oz to the ton.
Messrs Byles recently crushed 5 tons 15cwt for 51⁄2oz per ton.
Messrs James recently sent 2 tons for 6oz per ton.
General Aid Society. At the July meeting it was decided to finalise the business of the society, as they were unable to carry on under present circumstances. The chair presented to them by the Royal Institution for the Blind will be given to the RSL and so will the tea urn. The crockery will be left for the use of the church. After paying 15/- for hall use the balance in hand of £3-10-0 will be sent to Angorichina Hostel. Mrs J.B. Rowe, President. [The chair was actually presented to Miss Bubb who gave it to the society when she went to live in Sydney. See 51, 27, 9 July 1930, page 3.]
52, 29, 22 July 1931, page 3
SA Stockowners’ Assoc. I.J. Warnes was elected Chairman. Delegates to Central Council are I.J. Warnes, G.S. Hawker, W.B. Ashby, A.B. Riggs, W.S. Murray & Rex C. Warnes.
The remarks of the General President are reported in c. 3⁄4 column.
Mr & Mrs R. Bruce of Thames St celebrated their golden wedding on 9 July, but the social celebrations took place on 18 July with a family reunion at their residence. Mr Bruce has been married three times. From his third marriage all eight children attended. The daughter of his first marriage Mrs Turley of Broken Hill was unable to attend. He married his present wife on 9 July 1881. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. A.J. Burt (now of Sydney, but then of the Primitive Methodist Church in Kooringa) at the home of the bride’s parents Mr & Mrs William Prior of World’s End. The bride was their second daughter, Hannah. Along with their four sons and four daughters the reunion brought together a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives. Mr Bruce who is 89 only recently visited Broken Hill. Mr Bruce was born 9 March 1842 in Northampton to Scottish parents, his father being a sergeant in the Grenadier Guards 11th Regiment who had fought in the Indian War. In 1847 his father was a guard on a shipload of convicts sent to Tasmania and his wife and family came too. They then went to Sydney and after he had completed his military service his father brought the family to Adelaide where Mr Bruce attended Pulteney Grammar School where the late W.B. Rounsevell was a school mate. His father was then employed at the Wakefield by the English Copper Co. and Mr Bruce Sen. died there in the time of the Crimean War. Mr Bruce Jnr then continued in the company’s employ in charge of the mules carting ore from the Burra Mine and was also a teamster for the Wallaroo & Moonta Copper Co. The family then came to the Burra District where Mr Bruce was a teamster for the old Booborowie Station for seven years before taking a farm in the Light District. Later he returned to this district; first to Flagstaff and then to World’s End where he farmed until retiring to Kooringa in 1923. The family present were: Hannah Mrs J. Byles (Morgan), Ethel Mrs P. Marks (Meningie), Elaine Mrs S. Rawlings (Broken Hill), Elizabeth Mrs A. Hunt (Pt Pirie), R.W. Bruce (Burra), Albert J. Bruce (Burra), Colin Bruce (Burra), Joe Bruce (Oulnina Station and 19 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. [Richard Hamilton Bruce.]
Burra High School. A recent report recommends the closure of Burra High School and the centralising of secondary education at Peterborough. The Burra High School Council sent a deputation to meet the Minister of Education to argue for the retention of the school. The Mayor raised the matter at the Council meeting on Monday and deplored the prospect of 60 young people being thrown onto the street with no prospect of work. If they were sent to Peterborough it would cost at least £60 p.a. plus school fees suggested at £9-9-0; quite beyond the means of most parents. The Council unanimously endorsed a motion of Cr Button that the rural areas not be penalised every time economy is proposed and that country schools not be closed unless all the city school are also closed.
Burra Town Council, 20 July
Unemployment Relief Council has allotted Burra £6-11-3 for leather and underclothes for necessitous children under 14.
L.M. Gordon asked the Council to sell or lease to him 27ft of the allotment between his residence and that of Dr Steven.
The Mayor said that as it was a right of way such action would have to be approved by the Department and a single objection from an adjacent ratepayer could stop it and as Mr Gare was known to object it was pointless to proceed.
Cr Bevan said Mr Gordon’s plan would improve the street and Mr Gare had already blocked the road with an embankment at the top.
Cr Pearce said the Council made it.
Cr Button valued it at £2 a foot and moved it be left as it is.
Rubbish on the road between Mr Gordon’s and Dr Steven’s is to be cleared up and local residents warned not to place further rubbish there.
The old quarry on the same hill is to be levelled off as it was an eyesore.
Kooringa Methodist Church held a full choral service last Sunday evening under the leadership of G.E. Dane. Rev. H.S. Jarvis officiated.
52, 29, 22 July 1931, page 4
Obituary. Mr William Edward Sandland died at Jamestown Hospital last Sunday. He was born near Lyndoch SA, the son of the late John & Mrs Sarah Sandland and as a young man went to work with Mr Ross Reid on Teharno Station, River Darling and then became overseer for Barritt & Wreford of Moonara Station. Later he went into business as Messrs Dempsey, Wilkinson & Sandland, later Sandland & Co. at Burra and Jamestown. He became well known as a wool classer and he lived the last 36 years in Jamestown where he served as a town Councillor. He was twice married. His second wife was Miss Lily Allston of Adelaide. There is no family. Mr Thomas Sandland, late of ‘Heathmont’ Kooringa is a brother. [Born 1 April 1856 Rowland Flat: died 12 July 1931 Jamestown.]
A.W. Farley writes a 1⁄2-column letter dealing with certain irregularities in recent DC elections for Apoinga and subsequent moves at the Council meeting. Those affected appear to be N.H. Pearse, Mr Hentschke and Mr Launer.
[I have not noted the argument, which is reported in the paper of 8 July 1931 at some length and Cr Farley disputes the accuracy of the report which ‘was not taken down verbatim, hence its omissions and half truths’.]
‘Oats for Goats’ also writes about the Apoinga DC and in general supports the position taken by the majority against Cr Farley.
52, 30, 29 July 1931, page 1
Arbor Day at Copperhouse School was held on 24 July and a number of sugar gums were planted. Rev. Jarvis gave an address to scholars.
‘Oats for Goats’ again writes on the Apoinga Council election – generally chastising Cr Farley.
52, 30, 29 July 1931, page 2
Weather. Rain in the last week has totalled 69 points.
Obituary. Mr J.C. Hooper died at Clare on 26 July aged 62. He had lived at Mt Bryan where he took up land about 15 years ago, prior to which he had lived at Terowie. He was a pianist and musician much in demand at dances. He sold his farm 18 months ago due to ill health and went to live in Clare. He leaves a widow, four daughters and one son. [James Charles Hooper born 3 July 1870 at Noarlunga: died 26 July 1831 at Armagh.]
Leighton Cricket Club AGM was held in Leighton Hall 25 July when about 20 attended and elected: Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, W. Morgan; Vice-Presidents, A.D. McDonald, T. Smith, A.T. McWaters, W. Moxham, M. Hogan, A.G. Drew, R. Humphrys, R. Earle, R. Wigley & E. Jettner; Secretary, W.G. Holland. It was decided to field two teams (Reds & Blues) and to try to form an association with Andrews, Booborowie, Farrell’s Flat & Hilltown.
Burra High School: proposed closure of country high schools
The deputation from Burra High School Council is reported.
Dr Steele spoke for the deputation as Chairman of the High School Council. They viewed with alarm the recent report suggesting the majority of High Schools be cut altogether. The Advertiser’s sub-leader had also urged the Minister not to be too drastic in effecting economies. The committee assumed that by the age of fourteen it was easy to pick the child who would benefit from further education. Dr Steele said that was almost too young and it was quite impossible to gauge the future of the children at that age. Mr T.H. Woollacott Mayor of Burra submitted a petition from residents asking that Burra High School be maintained and also a resolution from the local Council. If Burra High School were closed 57 students would be put on the streets, just when they were beginning to develop their aims, ideals etc. The correspondence system was an inadequate substitute. If cuts had to be made they would rather see the ending of Domestic Arts and Woodwork. Recently £1,200 to £1,800 had been spent on Burra High School and it should not be closed after the expenditure of such a large sum. The primary school was under the same roof.
Rev. Jarvis also spoke in support. He said it had been suggested there be a fee of about £9-9-0 p.a. If it were necessary to charge a fee he suggested it be graduated: sat £3 for first year then £4-10-0 and £6 by third year. Large numbers were at school due to the depression. Numbers could be cut by raising the entrance standard. If numbers at school were halved the state would benefit. Parents at Burra would not be able to afford to send children to Peterborough.
Mr Bednall said if economies needed to be made it could be done without closing schools. Their Council favoured fees for High School education, but wanted this coupled with bursaries so that talented children would not be denied education. The number of children at High School could be halved with a corresponding saving in expenditure. Rather than see the school closed they would prefer to see it cut to only one teacher. (Presently there was a head, two assistants and a Domestic Arts teacher & a Woodwork teacher; both of which were half-time.) He had got through High school with bursaries, gone on to college and university and got a degree at no cost to himself.
The local MPs supported, but they were committed to free education.
Mr Bednall clarified his position, saying he did not want fees, but they were preferable to closing the school.
The Minister said they had difficulties in getting men with suitable qualifications for the enquiry. It was purely an advisory committee and its report would not have been made public, but for the press and certain opposition MPs. The Government had been urged to economise when the education budget had reached £1,000,000 in 1929-30 (including university subsidies).
In 1920 attendance of the 70,000 was 67%
In 1930 attendance of the 80,000 was 87%
In 1920 teachers were asked to teach classes of 100 and this had been much reduced, needing more teachers.
In 1920 it cost £3-19-0 per child and the comparable cost in 1931 was £5-12-0.
The Government thought they could achieve the necessary 20% reduction in cost under the Premiers’ Plan without materially disturbing the Department. The Bishop of Adelaide had urged increasing the school leaving age to 16, but they could not accept that.
The Government intended to provide free books for children whose parents couldn’t pay for them (including at private schools).
52, 30, 29 July 1931, page 3
W.J. Bald manager at Mt Bryan for Drew & Crewes was farewelled at the old Mt Bryan Methodist Church last Saturday. He and Mrs Bald will go to Cowandilla. The firm has retrenched.
Obituary. Mr M. Hogan, son of the late J.Q. Hogan of Leighton has died. [Michael (John) Hogan born 25 September 1891 near Tarlee: died 19 July 1931 Parkside, residence Leighton.]
52, 30, 29 July 1931, page 4
Burra Homing Club. The second race from Carrieton was won by C. Hill on 25 July.
CWA. Mr Wilkinson has written off the rent on the previous rest-room for the quarter still owing; an action much appreciated. Mrs Jettner described how to prepare sheep skins so that wool can be cut off for use in mattresses, eiderdowns, cushions, etc. (Low prices mean that many sins are not being sold.) Making soap from fat was also discussed. Mrs Jettner described how to scent it for toilet soap. A concert at Leighton has yielded £5-13-0 towards the Outback Relief Fund.
Burra Rifle Club. 1st stage of the Poonunda Trophy saw best scores from W.J. Ryan, R. Schwier & K.M. Parton.
52, 40, 5 Aug. 1931, page 2 [Note jump from No. 30 to No. 40.]
Notice. Burra Town Council.
Nominations are called for a supplementary election for a Councillor for North Ward by 15 August 1931.
Notice. Shierlaw, Frisby-Smith & Romilly Harry advise that their office in Kooringa will be open daily and will be in charge of Mr A.G. Carne BA barrister & solicitor.
Claude Attrill’s Centre King won the second division of the Handicap Hurdles at Gawler on Saturday. He has also been successful with the same horse at Broken Hill.
Weather. 57 points of rain fell in the last week.
The Trix Pearce Knitting Circle continues to produce a nice supply of articles for the Relief Fund.
Obituary. Mr Philip Oates died at his residence in Prospect 25 July aged 96. He was a former resident of Burra, having come to SA in the David Malcolm in 1848; the same ship that brought the late William (Tailor) Pearce to Australia. We believe he was the first farmer in the Ironmine district. He was mentally alert to the end and quite well until the last year. John Oates of Aberdeen and Edward Oates of Kooringa are sons.
52, 40, 5 Aug. 1931, page 3
Booborowie Hall. The local correspondent complains of the ‘small amount of public interest displayed in its welfare, the frequent desecration by drink besotted creatures’ and thinks it time it was treated in the light of a memorial as it was intended to be.
The hall earned £122-8-10 for the year and outgoings were £201-7-2. State Bank principal, capital and insurance cost £62-8-2.
Burra Town Council, 3 August
Cr Bevan’s seat was declared vacant owing to an alleged breach of the Corporations Act Section 36, 1923.
H. Morgan was granted use of Creek St as cow pasture.
E.J. Davey’s tender of £15 for making a new assessment was accepted & various minor works were approved.
52, 31, 12 Aug. 1931, page 1 [Note return to the original sequence of numbers.]
Burra Rifle Club. In the 2nd stage of the Poonunda Trophy the best scores were from K.M. Parton & W.V. Bass
Frank Treloar: Looking back
The History of a Once Well-Known Racehorse. From a Station Hack to Adelaide Cup Winner.
Early settlers bred a fine light horse for riding. Traps were not then much used and draught animals were bullocks. Draught horses came into their own after pleuro-pneumonia knocked out the bullock teams. Many stations had good stallions that produced some excellent racehorses.
e.g. Bowman Bros at Crystal Brook South Australian
H.B. Hughes at Booyoolie Croupier
Mr Hawker at Bungaree Varo
Gleesons at Clare (Inchiquin) Rarey
Peter Brady at Mintaro Jersey
Early race meetings were organised by a small committee and always included two post entry events: hacks and hurry skurry, usually the best contested and most amusing of the day. Racehorses would come from those in everyday use.
Later in the day some trouble might arise from those who imbibed too freely and if the owner of the booth overlooked watering his supplies sufficiently, which was a rare thing. The police soon stopped trouble. Afterwards, with friendships renewed the crowd would return to their daily work and so would the horses.
The Waif (assumed) foaled on Booyoolie Station near present day Gladstone and his sire was Croupier. At about one year the bay with a small star on his forehead and white hind fetlock was branded UZ and gelded. Heavy rains knocked down fences in the weaning paddock and he joined outside mobs of horses. He caught strangles, which he ultimately survived as a wreck, miserable and weak. He ended up impounded at Bimbowrie Pound a few miles north of Blyth from where he was sold as valueless. The new owner gave him good feed and in spring he made up lost condition and became a useful horse and after breaking in was sold to Gleeson’s of ‘Inchiquin’ Clare and went to their Black Point out-station (near present day Snowtown). At Black Point there was a wild mob of horses led by a mare known as Black Queen.
[Treloar then gives a long account of how The Waif was used to ride down the Black Queen and so enabled the wild mob to be yarded.] To be Continued.
52, 31, 12 Aug. 1931, page 2
Mongolata Goldfield
With excellent prospects moves are under way to float a company to take over the lease of Messrs P.J. Flaherty, H. Morgan & Alex Bevan. So far on the property an open cut has been made 12ft x 30ft x 12ft deep and in the centre a shaft sunk a further 10ft. About 1ft down the shaft is a lode 3ft x 4ft which has assayed at 8oz 10dwt to the ton. A foot or so further down is a second lode 4” wide, not bottomed, but continued for 6ft and assaying 4oz 5dwt to the ton. At the south end of the open cut is a lode 8ft high, 3” wide at the top and widening to 1ft showing coarse gold, but not yet assayed. On the west wall another lode in red oxide also shows gold (not yet assayed). Another lode had been found in a rock fissure. An Adelaide company is negotiating to buy the lease. Mr Flaherty says he has a practical and sentimental interest in the district: his father farmed on Gum Creek 50 years ago.
Immediately east of the above claim Archie A. Thornton of Mongolata Goldmining Syndicate says they are down 20ft on gold with a lode 7ft wide in which 13 tons have yielded 90oz.
Rampton’s Claim has yielded 32oz from nearly 61⁄2 tons.
Within about a half mile radius about 30 tons of ore have yielded 156oz.
The Government is reportedly investigating a portable battery from Victoria.
52, 31, 12 Aug. 1931, page 3
Burra Coursing Club held its annual meet on 4 August in bad weather at Gum Creek, loaned by Hon. W.G. Duncan. On the following day the weather was perfect for the last 7 courses. A 24 dog stake was run. Winner was Mr F. Howard’s Lady Irene from H. Syney’s Demonstrator.
Results are printed. On the first night a grand concert and dance was held in the Institute.
Football. At Clare on Saturday: Aberdeen 10.6 (66) defeated Clare 8.12 (60).
Chess. The first round of the annual tournament began on Monday night.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union AGM was held at the Memorial Hall Redruth 5 August. All officers were re-elected.
Burra Homing Club. The 4th race was from Parachilna on 7 August and was won by A.H. Broad.
Burra Basketball Assoc. Last Thursday:
Burra ‘A’ 93 defeated Peterborough YMCA ‘A’ 19. (T. Kellaway scored 53 goals.)
Peterborough YMCA ‘B’ 37 defeated Burra ‘B’ 36.
52, 31, 12 Aug. 1931, Supplement
Burra Burra Show Inc. Prize List for the next show on 28 October 1931.
52, 33, 19 Aug. 1931, page 1 [No. 32 not used.]
Frank Treloar: The History of a Once Well-Known Racehorse part 2.
Waif was ridden up to Clare where at Inchiquin Cadger was in training for racing in Adelaide. Cadger was being paced by three other horses in stages and when the Waif was ridden in the training session he beat not only the pacers but Cadger quite easily. Soon news got around and John Prest and Joe Freeman of Penwortham made an offer of £100 for Waif, which was accepted.
Prest trained Waif and changed his name to Cupbearer. How he was taken to Adelaide and won the Adelaide Cup is racing history.
Tom Ryan youngest son of Paddy Ryan who discovered Moonta Mines built racing stables at Sevenhills. John Prest became trainer and part of the arrangement was that ‘Mr Ryan brought Cupbearer for his next owner.’ [Sic: presumably meaning Ryan became the new owner of the horse.]
At one Kapunda race meeting Cupbearer dead-heated with another racehorse from Booyoolie that was exactly alike. Later in the afternoon they had another race-off and dead-heated again.
[Treloar then recounts events at a race meeting on Taylor’s Block at Leasingham in 1868 or 1869 in which Cupbearer came third in a handicap event.]
Later Tom Ryan died and the stables were broken up. The new owner took Cupbearer up the river for work, but it was hard times and he fared no better there and had to sell the horse who passed on to a station and eventually ended up at an outback boundary rider’s hut and gradually came to be ranked as a ‘has been’.
A mob of sheep were being sent to Kapunda market and Cupbearer was allocated the humiliating position of Cook’s caravan horse. After the auction the droving plant was auctioned including the horses and eventually Cuppy was sold to Pat Quinliven for £6.
Quinliven built up the old horse and trained him. Though looking worn, he could still gallop and he was entered in the Morning Star races in the handicap and he won. He had at least another two wins at races at Tarlee and Hamilton, I think. He then went to Adelaide for a Selling Race.
(On entering the selling price is given and in the event of a win anything over that goes to the club.)
Again the old horse won.
He was finally bought by the owners of Booyoolie Station and went back there to end his days.
52, 33, 19 Aug. 1931, page 2
Burra Town Council. Extraordinary Election for North Ward
Nominations on 15 August were: Charles Robert Bevan
Maxwell John Morton
Obituary. Mary Edith Cox died 17 August (suddenly) aged 58. She was the wife of Herbert Cox.
[Born Edith Mary Clode 27 September 1873 at Redruth SA: died at Aberdeen.]
Obituary. Annie Sleep died 17 August at Kooringa aged 81. She was the only surviving daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Sleep of Queen St Kooringa.
[Born Ann Sleep 12 May 1850 District of the Murray.]
Salvation Army. The leader of the Modern Crusaders is presently visiting Burra and is Adjutant Dulcie Bruse, a Burra-born girl and granddaughter of the late Henry Bruse of Kooringa.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School. An enjoyable concert was given on Monday evening by 12 young boys of the Sunday school assisted by Clarrie Fuss of Aberdeen and George Hann of Kooringa. It was in aid of bazaar funds. Rev. H.S. Jarvis was chairman.
Red Cross Jumble Sale in the Cheer-up Hall next Friday.
52, 33, 19 Aug. 1931, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
The Mayor announced at the last Council meeting on Monday that the Minister of Mines, the Federal Minister in Charge of Development Senator Daly, Local MPs and the Inspector of Mines intend to visit Mongolata shortly. The Mayor hopes for £5,000 to develop the field.
Cr Jennison thought the Council should do all it could to work up general interest in the field.
The Mayor said many of the prospectors were very hard up and appeals for clothes, boots etc. came almost every Saturday.
Council declared its full support for the Mayor’s efforts to get funds to develop the field.
The Chief Inspector of Mines (Mr Winton) has issued a report giving a comprehensive description of the field some 14 miles by road northeast of Burra. There are about 50 men on the field and about 51⁄2 miles of country is being prospected. A number of gold-bearing veins have been discovered and are being worked, but so far the distribution of gold in the formation has been patchy and intervening portions of low grade or barren. A considerable part of the gold is not amenable to amalgamation. The value of the battery tailings is high in all cases, ranging to as much as 19dwt 21gr per ton and cyaniding is indispensable on this account. Prospecting has been confined to the eastern side of the hills, but gold-bearing veins have been found in the slate beds on the west side of the sandstone and the extent of these beds might well be examined. So far 37 tons 12cwt of ore have yielded 138oz 3dwt 15gr valued at £530-17-2.
Shell Co. Dance. The Shell Co. is to hold a dance in every town in Australia on 29 August and Mr T.H. Woollacott has been tireless in making arrangements. The Institute Hall is engaged and so the SAFU store, now vacant, (but late [Bence’s] Cash & Carry Store) will be used. The Shell Co. makes no condition about the disposal of the money raised, but has suggested some might go to the Young People’s Unemployment Fund. The Shell Co. is paying for the music to be broadcast on three wireless stations including 5AD and Horton Jennison will provide the receiving set.
Hallett Girls’ Friendly Club organised an Arts & Crafts Exhibition for Friday and Saturday 14 & 15 August in Hallett Institute. It is reported in 1 column.
Obituary. Miss Annie Sleep died at Burra Hospital on 17 August. She was born at Kooringa in 1850, the elder daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Sleep. Her parents were pioneers; the first to be married in the old Kooringa Wesleyan Church. Her mother was Miss Cotton. Miss Sleep was for 50 years a scholar and teacher at the Sunday school. For the past two or three years she has had heart trouble. She was the last surviving member of her family. Two brothers, Fred & William, died some years ago and her only sister, Miss M.E. Sleep, died in April 1926.
[Born Ann Sleep 12 May 1850 District of the Murray.]
Obituary. Mrs Herbert Cox died 17 August. She attended to breakfast on Monday morning and saw the family off to work except for her youngest son, Arthur. She collapsed and died within minutes. She was born at Redruth in 1873, the fourth daughter (Mary) of the late Mrs Clode of Redruth. She was educated at Burra Public School and later married the eldest son of Mrs & the late Edward Cox, saddler of Aberdeen. She has long been associated with the Redruth Methodist Church. There is a family of eleven: Ted (stationmaster at Orroroo), Vincent (SAR Orroroo), Frank (Langhorne’s Creek), Eileen Mrs N.K. Donaldson (Kadina), Jean Mrs E. Donaldson (Kadina), her twin Fanny Mrs J. Manning (Melbourne), Melvin (Canegrass Station, and at home at Aberdeen Miss Amy, Miss Edith, Miss Lorna & Master Arthur. Mr A.W. Clode of Aberdeen is a brother. Mrs J. Walker of Aberdeen and Mrs Joe Woollacott (Alice) of Adelaide are sisters. There are 13 grandchildren.
[Born Edith Mary Clode 27 September 1873 at Redruth SA: died at Aberdeen.]
Mr L. Laurenti of the Commercial Bank has been transferred to Port Lincoln after 21⁄2 years here. He was given a farewell in the Cheer-up Hall on Friday evening in the form of a dance presided over by Mr H.G. Oates. Speakers included Mr H.N. Potter, Mr J.F. Stephen (Manager of the Commercial Bank), Mr H.G. Oates and Mr P.W. Hogan, chairman of the Basketball Assoc.
Burra Homing Club held its second south line race on Saturday 15 August from Tailem Bend. Winner was Mr A.H. Broad.
52, 33, 19 Aug. 1931, page 4
E.A. Fox of Melbourne & Mr Wilson of Sydney are aiming to open an asbestos factory at Robertstown. The mines are on the property of Mr A. Ruediger at Robertstown and are large deposits. The deposit has been worked before, but not in the correct way. It is blue asbestos. A factory of 10 acres is possible to make millboard, brake linings, gaskets etc. Considerable capital has to be raised first.
Burra Rifle Club. At a practice match on Saturday the best scorers were A.C. Aughey & W.V. Bass.
52, 34, 26 Aug. 1931, page 1
Miss F.M. (Molly) Orr who has been the teacher in charge of the Church of England Day School since its inception in February 1928 has resigned for private reasons as from the end of term last Thursday. She is needed at home due to her mother’s health. The School Council regretted her departure and expressed her appreciation of her work. Dr Steele spoke at her farewell for the parents and endorsed the remarks of the Rector Rev. J.S.W. Coles. J.F. Stephen (Secretary of the School Council) also supported their remarks. Miss Orr was given a pink xylonite toilet set. Miss Gall BA of Glenelg will succeed Miss Orr.
Booborowie DC annual meeting of ratepayers is reported. It was an unusually lively affair with some unparliamentary language and accusations of Council misconduct. [Details extend for just less than 11⁄2 columns.]
Burra Rifle Club held the 3rd stage of the Poonunda Trophy on Saturday and E.W. Edmonds & R. Nutt scored best.
Burra Homing Club held its 7th race for the season on 21 August from Farina (260 miles) and the winner was Mr C. Hill.
52, 34, 26 Aug. 1931, page 2
Notice. Mongolata Gold Fields
Visit of Parliamentary Party. Public Meeting Friday Next (28th) at 8 p.m. at Burra Institute. A request will be made for a grant of £5,000 to develop the field.
River Murray Floods at Morgan attracted a large number of Burra visitors on Sunday. There is disastrous loss and damage to settlers.
Mrs Ann Jordan turns 98 on 3 September.
Mr Martin Pederson who is nearly 75 continues to make boots and shoes as he has now for 60 years. He has been a Kooringa resident for almost 54 years.
The Burra Brass Band will give a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon at the Institute next Sunday.
Weather. Rain in the last week has added 66 points to the total to make 1.97” for the month. Wild flowers are abundant outback.
Burra Town Council
Result of the Extraordinary Election for North Ward Councillor last Saturday (22 August).
Mr Bevan 84
Mr Morton 40
Kooringa Methodist Church was filled to overflowing on Sunday evening for a lantern service.
H.G. Oates local manager for Fischer, Copley Ltd has been transferred to Adelaide after a stay in Burra of about five years. He has been an enthusiastic member of the Rifle Club and has been Captain for just over a year and Vice-Captain for two years before that. He has also served terms as President of the local RSL sub-branch.
Burra Town Council, 24 August
Local Government Dept. asked for an estimate of the needs for main roads and the Council decided to ask for £250.
Council forgave a number of fines due on overdue rates.
The Town Clerk produced a brand (33 in a diamond) for the pound.
Wild onion has infested streets in Redruth and Aberdeen and will be eradicated.
52, 34, 26 Aug. 1931, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Next Friday there will be a visit from Mr Gepp the Commonwealth Consultant on Development, with Senator O’Halloran, Messrs McHugh, George & Critchley, local MPs and Mr McArthur MP. In the evening a public meeting in the Institute will put a proposal to Mr Gepp for a £5,000 development grant. Senator O’Halloran represents the Minister for Unemployment. Mr Winton Chief Inspector of Mines has reported the field worthy of development.
Directors of Hansel, Mundy Gold-Mining Co. visited the field yesterday and inspected the claim of E.J. & F. Harris and G. Terry.
Advt. The Shell Radio Dance In Aid of Charities: Saturday 29 August at 8 p.m.
SAFU Store (Late Cash & Carry)
RSL Dance on Wednesday last was a great success. The Black Diamond Orchestra from Adelaide played. Dresses are reported in c. 1⁄2 column.
Red Cross Jumble Fair was held on Friday 21 August in the Cheer-up Hall in aid of Red Cross and the Royal Institution for the Blind. Nett proceeds were almost £33, which was considered very satisfactory for the times.
Aberdeen Croquet Club AGM was held 23 August. There is a credit balance of £5-11-2. Elected were President, Mrs J.G. Sara; Secretary, Mrs E. Steer; Treasurer, Miss L. Bartholomaeus; Captain, Mrs R. Voumard; Vice-President, Mrs A.B. Riggs & Vice-Captain, Mrs C. Tiver.
Burra Sub-branch of N.U. Poultry Breeders Assoc. held a shoe for Whiter Leghorns on Wednesday.
Sir Douglas Mawson and party of students from the University of Adelaide and the School of Mines visited Burra at the weekend to look for fossils at World’s End Gorge.
Mr A.C. Fenner, wool expert of Elder, Smith & Co. was in the district last weekend with Mr P.A. McBride, inspecting sheep.
Yakilo School held its second Arbor Day on 12 August and 36 sugar gums were planted.
52, 35, 2 Sep. 1931, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. No. 4 District Rifle Club Union (Northern) is the strongest Union in SA encompassing Salisbury, Balaklava, Blyth, Burra, Eudunda & Williamstown with many active clubs within the area. The Gawler Prize Meeting was held last Friday & Saturday in August. In the Service Match A.C. Aughey was 1st. Over 600 yards H.G. Oates 1st. Over 600 yards Teams G.G. Oates 1st.
Shell Co. Dance on 29 August was a great success. Burra Electric Supply Co. installed lighting free. Music was broadcast over 5AD and 3UZ, but it proved impossible to receive it in Burra and Mrs George Hann and her three sons provided the music. The use of the SAFU rooms was given free. The decorations were well done.
Burra Brass Band concert on Sunday afternoon in the Institute presented a program of band items and community singing. The offertory of £5 goes to charity.
52, 35, 2 Sep. 1931, page 2
Sir Douglas Mawson has visited Mongolata and was impressed by the prospects and he says prospectors about 40 miles north in the same range have struck a payable gold reef.
Weather. Rain so far this year is 12.94” which is [almost] exactly 1” less than the total for last year of 13.93”. Feed to the east is abundant.
Mongolata Goldfield Visitors
On the eve of 27 August Dr Keith Ward Director of Mines in SA and H.W. Gepp Commonwealth Consultant on Development arrived in Burra and were met by the Mayor and Town Clerk. They visited the Institute where they inspected a plan of Morphett’s Shaft and pictures of the Burra Mine. They were also surprised at the bound collection of the Register from 1852 to 1876 and other records of the Mining Co. These are very important, as the Mines Dept. holds no official records of the Burra Mine according to Dr Ward. They were also handed a copy of Frank Treloar’s Looking Back and examined the mineral displays. On Saturday morning they visited the old mine and jinker at the Mine Store and were given a polished piece of malachite by A.P. Harris.
Last Friday the field was visited by Dr Ward (Government Geologist), Mr H.W. Gepp (Commonwealth Consultant on Development), local MPs Messrs McHugh, Critchley & George, the Member for Barossa Mr Edwards, for East Torrens Mr McArthur, for Pt Pirie Mr Fitzgerald and for Newcastle Mr Harvey. Their visit was extensive:
To the mine of Fred Lewis & Harold Wall where there is a fine face of ironstone carrying gold.
To Fairchild’s.
To J. Kellaway’s.
To Hogan & Salter’s where gold was washed out in front of them.
To Tom Byrnes’.
To Byles’ Claim
To Flaherty, Bevan & Morgan’s
Then to the top of ‘Windy Point’ to inspect Fred Lewis’s Claim.
To Terry’s Claim.
To James’s Claim.
To Rampton’s Claim
Four miles on to the claim of McCullum, Moore & others.
All along the way Mr Gepp & Dr Ward took copious notes, gave advice and often descended in buckets and scrambled through workings. They ended with a cup of tea in Mr & Mrs McCullum’s tent at the most northerly point on the field.
Hansel Mundy Goldmining Co. have accepted an option over a mineral claim of 21 acres, 400 yards north of Byles’ ‘Reward’ Claim, held by Terry & Co. The option is for £50 cash with a right to purchase in 6 months for £1,250 and a quarter share interest. Mr William Bestwick has been engaged for a week to formulate a development policy.
Orinda Gold Mining Co. N.L. has a free inspection option for 14 days over Schwier’s Claim of 20 acres, 400 yards south of Byles’ ‘Reward’. £50 deposit and the right to purchase for 6 months for £1,000 and a quarter interest. Mr Edward Bruce has joined the board of directors and T.F. Tolhurst has been appointed a director in place of W.K. Thompson dec.
T.H. Woollacott, Mayor thanks the paper for its help in all projects connected with the town’s welfare and specifically with the recent Shell Co. Charity Dance and in that respect thanks the Town Clerk as well.
Football. In the Booborowie Association Semi-Final Match: Spalding 9.17 (71) defeated South Booborowie 7.5 (47).
Ironmine Wesley Club met the Redruth Debaters recently on ‘City v. Country Life’. The adjudicator Rev. J.S.W. Coles gave the Redruth side, who spoke for city life, a narrow victory.
YWCA Concert and supper at Redruth Memorial Hall on 27 August were well attended.
Burra Golf Club. Farrell’s Flat visited on Saturday and Burra won the contest.
Tennis. There has been a proposal to form a combined Burra Club in place of the existing clubs. One reason is the lack of sufficient available courts. There is a proposal to acquire land and lay down new courts. A meeting to discuss the proposal will be held in the Council Chamber at the Institute 10 September.
Burra Homing Club race on 29 August from Keith (196 miles) was won by A.H. Broad.
52, 35, 2 Sep. 1931, page 4
Mongolata Goldfield. Public Meeting at the Institute.
The Mayor T.H. Woollacott welcomed the visitors. He said the local members had done all they could to help development of the field in the twelve months since its discovery and a request now for £5,000 to develop the field was justifiable. Requirements were for a battery and water. The present restrictions meant the ore was bagged and handled eight times to get to treatment at Peterborough. This wore out the bags and resulted in wastage. The heavy work at the mines meant the men should be getting more rations than those who lounged around the streets and billiard saloons.
The Town Clerk Mr E.J. Davey supported the Mayor’s comments. Rations of 31⁄2lb of meat a week were inadequate and did not take into account the need for clothing and boots. Cr Bevan also spoke in support followed by John Hogan of the Mongolata Prospectors’ Association. He said a battery and cyanide equipment was needed. Support also came from Mr McHugh MP, Mr Critchley MP & Mr Harvey.
Mr Gepp was unable to say much before making his report. He spoke in general in favour of gold mining and in admiration of the efforts at Mongolata. Dr Ward also could not speak before reporting to the Minister. He spoke in admiration of men doing arduous work rather than sitting around. Senator O’Halloran hoped they would be aided. Mr McArthur moved a vote of thanks to Mr Gepp & Dr Ward which was seconded by Cr Jennison.
After the meeting a deputation from the Mongolata Prospectors’ Association waited on MPs in the Council Chamber. They sought a lifting of the ban on motor transport between Mongolata and Peterborough. Though rail transport was cheaper, the wastage of gold and the destruction of bags after one trip more than countered that. They also sought free bags for a time for men on relief (they cost 5/- a dozen) and a water supply for the field for drinking purposes. They also sought a grant to improve the road to Mongolata.
52, 36, 9 Sep. 1931, page 1
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Rainbow Fair last Friday at the Institute and drew a good attendance. The mayoress opened the fair, which is reported at length. Nett proceeds were c. £112.
Burra Rifle Club held a shoot over 800 & 900 yards and best scorers were K.M. Parton & J.E. Pearce.
Mr Rush’s blacksmith’s shop at Mt Bryan, which he operated for over 40 years and which was a local landmark, is being demolished, there being no demand for that business in recent times.
Weather. A gale on 25 August destroyed a 30ft windmill at Mr Jefferies, Mt Bryan.
52, 36, 9 Sep. 1931, page 2
Shell Radio Charity Dance raised £19-10-2.
Mrs Ann Jordan was presented with a gift of a shilling for every year of her life on her 98th birthday last Thursday. [£4-18-0]
Burra Basketball Association went to Peterborough on Wednesday evening, but at Gumbowie the bus got bogged and after it was extricated the team arrived at 8.30 p.m. The ‘B’ teams played first and Peterborough 36 defeated Burra 32. Burra ‘A’ 45 defeated Peterborough ‘A’ 30. A beautiful supper followed.
Mongolata Goldfield
Francis O’Brien a prospector with thirty years experience believes that when the permanent lode is discovered it will continue to great depth. This ‘miniature golden mile’ extends from Mr Rampton’s lease in the north to Mr Fred Lewis’s lease in the south and embraces all therein. Two outstanding features are the Byles’ ‘Reward’ Claim which has produced most of the gold so far because it is more highly developed under its supervisor Mr James Salter. The other is the mine of Messrs Barker, Hogan, Salter & Brown, situated midway between Byles ‘Reward’ to the north and Fred Lewis’s claim to the south. Both have great prospects. The job to produce good results belongs to the big mining companies and when more is known the big mining companies will operate her to the advantage of leaseholders as they will receive fair purchase prices. He predicts the absence of cobalt and antimony and the presence of bismuth and slight copper means when cyanided the battery sands will yield a higher percentage of gold than usual.
In Parliament the Attorney General has said first-aid equipment will be sent to Mongolata and inspections will be made frequently. Mr Bert James’s tender to supply 500 gallons of rainwater a week for £4 a week has been accepted.
The Peterborough battery has been overwhelmed with ore from various sources and at present there is a three week delay on crushing new ore from Mongolata.
52, 36, 9 Sep. 1931, page 3
H.J. Button writes that there are rumours that the Town Council will dispense with the service of full-time employees. He considers full-time workers are more efficient and give better service. Revenue he says has fallen about 5% and savings have been made by salary cuts, sale of plant etc. and so such a step should not be necessary.
Obituary. Mrs James Isaac of Aberdeen died suddenly at her residence last Friday, 4 September. She has suffered from asthma for 20 years and succumbed to a severe attack, possibly due to the extremely cold damp weather. She was 49 and was born at Pekina SA 4 April 1882, a daughter of Mrs L. George now of Fullarton. She married James Isaac now of the Burra Waterworks Dept. and eldest son of Mrs & the late James Isaac, late of Burra. Before coming to Burra she was for eight years superintendent of the Christian Endeavour Society of Oxide St Methodist Church Broken Hill and continued to be identified her with the Methodist Church. She was also a member of Aberdeen Croquet Club. She leaves a husband and three sons: Walter J., Reginald B. & David.
[Born Louisa Ethel George 4 April 1882 Pekina: died 3 September 1931 Aberdeen.]
Obituary. Stewart Russell Oborn entered Burra Hospital on Monday for an operation on Tuesday, but on Monday evening he suffered a heart attack and died immediately. He was 49. He was the popular headmaster of Burra State School and had visited each class before leaving on Monday. His thoughtfulness for the children under his care has been a feature of his work, especially since the depression started. Before rations were distributed as they are now he arranged for soup and cocoa and cake to be served daily in his office to children who were unable to get nutritious meals at home and since then he has worked in the direction of warm wearing apparel. He was honorary secretary of the Burra Unemployment Relief Fund. He has been most tactful and kind and has judiciously aided many who had not sought relief. In the school he has improved visual aids and equipment and in the town was a strong member of the Bowling Club and a member and officer of St Mary’s Church. He was a member of the AO Foresters Lodge and of the Kooringa Masonic Lodge. Sympathy is extended to his wife and young sons and daughter.
Burra Red Cross. The recent jumble sale raised £32-11-0 and it was decided to send £15 to the Royal Institution for the Blind and £10 to Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Society for their Angorichina Hostel.
Marriage. Mt Bryan on Wednesday 26 August at the residence of Mr & Mrs F.J. Josephs
Ettie Joseph’s daughter of Mr & Mrs F.J. Joseph’s married
J. Otto Beinke of Booborowie, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Beinke of Clare.
52, 36, 9 Sep. 1931, page 4
Robertstown Asbestos Mine
There has been much activity at the new mine. Iron sheds are replacing tents for the miners. They were told there would be no pay unless the venture proved a good thing. The mine was formerly run by SA Asbestos & Mining Co., but it closed down.
A report on 31 December 1920 said that a portion of a group of mines had been worked for a number of years and marketable asbestos had been obtained from the larger seams, but it is evident that hand-picking is not the proper method to pursue. Practically all the pits were shallow, but there was plenty of asbestos in bunches, veins and veinlets. It was fine, silky and of a French grey colour.
[The article then discusses the extraction and quality of the fibres.]
The report says Robertstown asbestos was identical with blue South African asbestos.
There was another report in the Mining Review of 1929. Similar tests were carried out and Robertstown asbestos came out on top. H.W. Gartrell of the Bonython Metallurgical Laboratory said that for insulation purposes it was superior. The asbestos presently being obtained will be treated at Eudunda mainly by water. Buyers will come up from Adelaide to spend a week on site when it is up and in full swing.
52, 37, 16 Sep. 1931, page 1
Table Tennis at Redruth Memorial Hall 9 September: Aberdeen 19 sets defeated Clare 5 sets.
Weather. Snow at Hallett. On 27 August there was thunder, lightning, wind, hail, rain and snow when the Hallett croquet ladies held a dance in aid of Outback Relief and the Kuitpo Colony. Snow fell thickly about 11 p.m.
52, 37, 16 Sep. 1931, page 2
Birth. On 29 August to Mr & Mrs E.T. Williams (nee Nellie Moxham) a son, Clarence Albert.
Obituary. George March aged 70, brother of William March, died 15 September at Burra Hospital.
[George Edwin March. See more on page 3 of this issue.]
Burra Primary School. Mr Swindley senior assistant will carry out the duties of the late J.S. R. Oborn till the end of the year.
SAR Timetable.
From Monday 14 September the Monday, Wednesday & Friday railcar will leave Burra at 6.40 a.m. instead of 7.10 and arrive at Adelaide at 10.09 a.m. instead of 10.38 a.m.
From 15 September the Tuesday & Thursday railcar from Adelaide will arrive at 9.39 p.m. instead of 9.46 p.m.
Weather. In the last week c. 1.25” has fallen locally and falls to the east have also been good with almost 2” at World’s End.
Burra Institute Committee paid their respects to the late S.R. Oborn on Monday evening. He had been a committee member since 1927. A letter of condolence was sent to his wife.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. announce the Special Sale of 2,500 Mutooroo Ewes.
P.J. Squire the Kooringa postmaster will retire at the end of the month having completed nearly 50 years in the service. He started work as a messenger at Victor Harbor in 1882 and later spent nine years at Alice Springs and for five years was in charge of the important repeating station at Smoky Bay. He had short periods in charge of Wallaroo and Peterborough before coming to Burra a little over nine years ago. His careful attention to duty and his courtesy have earned him the respect of the community. It is thought that Mr H.E. Scotcher of Jamestown will come here.
Mongolata Goldfield
A question of Mr Critchley’s in Parliament reveals that only five heads of the ten-head battery at Peterborough are working. The Minister denied the equipment was obsolete ‘but somewhat in need of repair’. Enquiries were being made how to limit other work and concentrate on gold.
With respect to water at Mongolata the Minister said temporary arrangements had been made and negotiations were almost finalised for cleaning out a Government Dam in the vicinity.
[On the same page tenders are called for this work on the western boundary of section25, which is almost directly east of the main group of claims on the eastern side of the road to Poonunda Station.]
Indoor Bowls. In the first semi-final on 8 September Foresters Reds 38 defeated St Mary’s 18.
52, 37, 16 Sep. 1931, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Ann Jordan died at her residence on 13 September aged 98. She was born at Enniskillen, Ireland 3 September 1834. [Which would make her 97.] She left Liverpool in 1855 in the Bucephalus and spent her 21st birthday on the water, arriving in Adelaide on 13 October. On the same ship were Mr & Mrs James M. McBride. Soon after arriving she married Mr John Lavoun and the following year came to this district by bullock dray with a six-week old infant. They lived first at ‘Hillside’ about five miles north of Aberdeen, owned then by Mr Hallett and later by Mr Young. Mr Lavoun died in 1880 leaving his widow with eight children. His wife acted as a maternity nurse for many years and in 1885 married Mr George Jordan who died many years ago. [1900] In her early life she was a Wesleyan, but for the past 48 years had been a staunch member of the Salvation Army and was some years ago awarded the ‘Long Service Badge’. On her recent birthday she responded sweetly to the congratulations and was pleased to receive a visit from one of her ‘babies’ Mt I.J. Warnes. In recent years she has been cared for by Miss Louie Lavoun who with her only surviving sister Mary (Mrs Cryer of Adelaide) was with he mother at the end.
The funeral was conducted by an old friend Brigadier Melksham of Adelaide assisted by Adjutant Inglis, Ensign Phillip and Treasurer Ashby (visiting officers) and Rev. E. Lawson of Bute.
[Born Ann Trotter.]
Obituary. Thomas Bray Rogers died at Blackheath NSW 5 September. He was the third son of the late John Rogers of Baldina. He subsequently became a farmer and miner. He enlisted with the Bushman’s Contingent and served through the Boer War after which he travelled extensively in South America, Mexico, North America and finally married and settled in Canada. In 1915 he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces and served until the Armistice without serious casualty. He then returned to farming. On the death of his wife in 1925 he returned to Australia with his two sons aged 8 and 4 and a daughter aged 2. The daughter died suddenly at sea. He settled at Broken Hill and married Mrs Eva Bray and bought a small property at Blackheath. His sudden death was a shock to friends and relatives in Burra. He was a brother to Mrs E. Oates and Mrs Walter Pearce of Kooringa.
Obituary. Mr George March died in Burra Hospital 15 September of heart trouble after a short illness. He was born at Kanatta Station on 2 August 1861, the second son of the late Mr & Mrs William March. He was educated at the late Mr J. Fogg’s school in Kooringa and at 12 went to work for W.H. Banks at the Miners’ Arms Hotel (now the Burra Hotel). His first job was chaff cutting (horse drawn) on the site of the Kooringa Service Station and he then went to drive for Mr Banks at the brewery – mostly around Burra and to Eudunda. He later worked for Messrs W. Symons & E. Ellery as a bullock driver and a dam-sinker on Boolcamatta Station. Later he worked for T. Thorington & J.V. Lord dam-sinking at Buckalow Station before going to Broken Hill, returning to Burra in 1893. He then was a cab-driver for 33 years before retiring five years ago. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Church and a member of the Foresters Lodge where he was a Past Chief Ranger and a trustee. He never married and is survived by his brother Mr William March.
[George Edwin March.]
Obituary. Mr J.S.R. Oborn late headmaster of Burra School who died suddenly on 7 September 1931 was born at Jamestown on 3 January 1883. His father the late Thomas Symons Oborn was headmaster of the Grammar school there. Later his father joined the Education Department and served at Beetaloo and Wirrabara. Mr Oborn went to Teachers Training College and the university and later taught at Goodwood, Norwood and Hindmarsh before being made headmaster at Elliston and then Streaky Bay. In July 1921 he came to Burra. In 1898 [sic: error for 1908] he married Miss Ada Cowin, eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Cowin of Laura who survives with a family of five children: Misses Doreen, Kathleen & Ruth, Mr Ron Oborn of Adelaide and Master Philip Oborn of Kooringa. Miss Doreen is a teacher. Mr Oborn’s mother lives at Cherry Gardens. The funeral at the Kooringa Cemetery on Tuesday was largely attended. Senior students formed a guard of honour along the long avenue in the cemetery and a child from each grade laid a wreath. Representatives attended from the Bowling Club, the Unemployment Committee, Masonic Lodge and AO of Foresters. He had also played a major role in establishing the public playground in Kooringa.
Tennis. The meeting to form a Burra Tennis Club on Thursday night was well attended. The plan is to get land and lay down nine courts. There are signatures of 43 intending members, but it was decided at least 100 are required to finance the scheme. Three committees were appointed. Subscriptions for the first year are £1-5-0 for seniors and £0-12-6 for juniors.
Burra Town Council, 7 September
The Municipal Association poses the question whether men should work for their rations.
Cr Bevan thought they should. There was plenty to be done and getting rations for nothing had a bad effect on the men.
The Mayor and Cr Jennison will be delegates to the Municipal Association with instruction to support work for rations.
S. Sara sought permission to erect a verandah with posts 3ft from the edge of the footpath.
The Council discussed liability issues.
Cr Jennison said he had discussed this with Mr Sara who then asked if he could carry the posts out to the kerb and he could then have a suitable balustrade.
Approval was granted for posts on the kerb with no balustrade.
Finance: West ward was slightly in credit and the other two wards were overdrawn.
A special meeting is to be held to consider the matter.
Burra Basketball Assoc. The season is drawing to a close.
Mr J.E. Pocock resigned as secretary to be replaced by Mr N. Villis.
The books show a credit balance of £25-8-3.
Mid-North High Schools Annual Sports were held for the 7th time. The meeting was at Kapunda last Wednesday. Overall Burra came second to Kapunda. Results are printed.
52, 38, 23 Sep. 1931, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. At the recent matches in Adelaide the four-man Burra team finished 2nd over 600 yards. In the ‘Dog’s Head Cup over 700 yards H.G. Oates came 3rd.
Marriage. 15 September at Malvern Methodist Church
Betty McBride, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late A.J. McBride of Fullarton, married
Dr H.E. Pellew, son of Mr & Mrs A.H Pellew of Norton Summit.
Rev. J.H. Nield officiated.
Burra Benevolent Society has delivered the last firewood for the season. Funds have now run out.
Burra Basketball Assoc. Semi-Finals
Browns 21 defeated Reds 20 and Greens 39 defeated Old Golds 18.
‘BOOB______’ of Booborowie urges farmers to unite and withhold wheat from sale until they get a living wage for it. Wool is in a similar position.
52, 38, 23 Sep. 1931, page 2
Advt. Wirth Bros. Circus is coming for one night only, 29 September. Coming by special trains.
Performance near the railway station.
Advt. Whitney & Tiver announce that on 1 October 1931 they will take over the Motor Business presently conducted by Wright’s Motors. They thank the clients for support during the four years they have been in business.
52, 38, 23 Sep. 1931, page 3
H.G. Oates has won the ‘Roberts’ prize and the 1st stage of the coveted ‘Kings’ prize at the Annual Shoot of the Rifles Assoc. at Pt Adelaide.
Michael Buckley Sen. of Manoora was 101 on 20 September and there is an article of c. 1⁄2 column on him.
Mongolata Goldfield
F.J. Flaherty who has a claim with H. Morgan & A.R. Bevan reports that prospects are good and the field is developing satisfactorily. Their lode is now yards wide and running across the drive.
George March. An old friend paints a thumb-nail character sketch in about 1/5 column.
Obituary. Miss Louie M. Harris died after a long illness at her residence in Chapel St Kooringa on the night of 15 September. Her mother the late Mrs Alexander Harris was a Bodinner, one of Burra’s oldest families who came to the town in the 1840s. Alexander Harris her father arrived as a lad of nine with his parents in 1849. Miss Harris was the only child of his second marriage and was born in Kooringa 1 April 1877. She was bright, unselfish and had a wide circle of friends. She took a strong interest in the Kooringa Methodist Church and Sunday school until her final illness. For a long time she was a teacher and secretary of the Sunday school. An attack of rheumatic fever some years ago left her with problems which resulted ultimately in her death. Her mother died about 5 years ago. A step-brother Alex Harris of Sydney survives and his eldest son is Ross Harris of Adelaide.
Booborowie Football Assoc.
Premiership match: North Booborowie 16.13 (109) defeated Spalding 8.13 (61).
Booborowie Annual Matrons & Spinsters’ Ball is reported at length.
Burra Basketball Assoc. Premiership on Monday last.
Brown Team: R. Davey, Ray Seeley, C. Lee, J. Hill & M.J. Tiddy.
Green Team: T. Kellaway, I. Wohling, J. Pocock, E. Scroop & N. Villis.
Brown 31 defeated Green 24. As minor premiers Green have the right to a challenge play-off next week. For the Season George Bass was voted ‘most consistent and gentlemanly player.’
In the ladies match Orange beat Green.
A.B. Riggs writes in response to Cr Bevan’s letter.
He considers the keeping of an overseer to supervise one man, one horse and a dray is not warranted. For the next 12 to 18 months all work could be done by contract – probably going to the present employees for the most part. The Town Clerk who will probably receive over award rates could easily supervise the little work being done. Cr Bevan says the income of Council has only fallen 5% which is a problem since the ratepayers’ incomes have fallen by anything from 25 to 75% and some have none at all. Why do local government bodies not acknowledge that the result of the Premiers’ Plan is to reduce all property values by 221⁄2%? Most of the Council are made up of men who appealed against their land tax for a reduction of probably 50% so they know from their own experience that assessments are too high. Rates and taxes should be reduced to cut production costs. Cars are made tough so let the roads remain rough. Savings could be made by amalgamating Burra Corporation, Burra DC and Hanson DC. Likewise Booborowie DC, Mt Bryan Dc & Hallett DC could be amalgamated. The road east from the railway station to Diprose Creek should be a main road: it carries all the produce from the east to the railway. Instead money is spent on the Adelaide Road which competes with the railway. Broken Hill lorry owners should not be allowed to pass Burra, but terminate at the railway station. Rates could rise when primary producers are receiving more. Remitting fines on overdue rates disadvantages those who pay on time who should receive a discount of 10% to even it up.
52, 38, 23 Sep. 1931, page 4
Indoor Bowls. In the second semi-final Foresters Blues 22 defeated Oddfellows 17.
52, 39, 30 Sep. 1931, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. First stage of the Championship was fired on Saturday over 300, 500 & 600 yards and best scores were from R. Nutt, E. Pearce & H. Woodman. A general meeting was held to elect a new Captain die to H.G. Oates’ departure to Adelaide and W.V. Bass was elected Captain with J.A. Riggs as Vice-Captain. A presentation of a Sheaffer’s fountain pen set was made to Mr Oates.
Tennis. Burra Tennis Assoc. held its first annual meeting 23 September and decided that this season there would be only a ‘B’ grade competition. There will be teams from Mt Bryan, Aberdeen, Kooringa & Ironmine. Finals will be on 7 November before a summer break. Elected were Patron, T.H. Woollacott; President, F.M. Pearce; Vice-Presidents, John R. Barker, F.G. Scholz & W.H. Quinn; Hon. Secretary & Treasurer, W.W. Edmonds (c/o Bank of Australasia).
52, 39, 30 Sep. 1931, page 2
Advt. A.L. Bence will sell for C.R. Wright his furniture and effects on 10 October, as he is leaving the district.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co.’s Off-Shears Sale on Friday 16 October will offer 15,000 sheep.
Burra Hospital Board, Monday last.
The Mayor moved to rescind the motion banning the hospital from admitting local young ladies from becoming nurses. The whole issue was discussed at length and included the fact that the last Board election was fought largely on this issue and the candidate in favour of employing local girls was badly defeated. The Mayor’s move was lost, being supported only by the mover and seconder.
Mrs Oborn will leave for the city next Friday. While in Burra she has been prominent in the Liberal Federation, CWA and the Unemployment Relief Fund and at St Mary’s (her late husband’s church) as well as in her own connection with the Kooringa Methodist Church.
Whitney & Tiver will be RAA contractors for service in place of Wright Motors from 1 October.
H.G. Oates was given a farewell smoke social by the RSL on Saturday 26 September.
St Joseph’s Dance on 23 September utilised the decorations from the previous night’s Masonic dance and the Jamestown Orchestra. It was a very successful function.
52, 39, 30 Sep. 1931, page 3
Advt. The last advertisement appeared for J.E. Pocock’s drapery business.
Mrs H.G. Oates was given a farewell at the residence of Mrs Max Pearce on Thursday afternoon last.
Mongolata Goldfield
News of another find of reef gold attracted about 50 men last Friday. Claims now cover three miles of country and some were pegged by moonlight. Mr Harold Lewis a WA prospector made the discovery about six miles northeast of the present workings and about fifteen 20-acre claims have been pegged. Surface indications were found a week ago on the property of Percy Oates in rough flat open country. Samples taken have traced gold for about three miles north-south in a straight line. Value will not be known until stone has been extracted and tested.
Rampton & Clark report a crushing of 5 tons 6cwt that produced 24oz 16dwt and 9dwt from tailings for a total of 5oz 2dwt 3gr per ton. Local value of gold was assessed at £3-18-3 per oz. In 11 months this mine has produced 12 tons 1cwt for 61oz from a lode that varied from 3” to 8”.
The total value of gold recovered at Mongolata is now estimated at £1,000.
Marriage. At the residence of the bride’s father on 9 September
Clarice Richards, only daughter of Mr & the late Mrs T.E. Richards of Hill View, Hallett, married
Bert Thompson of Bordertown.
T.H. Woollacott writes in response to A.B. Riggs accusing him of inconsistency. He approved or signed the recommendation to the incoming Council for the 1929-30 assessment which is the highest in the town’s history.
Year Assessment Rate Rate Revenue Total Revenue Expenditure
1928 17394 2/6 2174 3064 3165
1929 17671 2/9 2429 3164 3135
1930 17611 2/6 2201 2950 3092
1931 17087 2/3 1922 2368 2128 to 30 September
Why did Mr Riggs not discover the disadvantage of keeping an overseer to supervise one man, one horse and a dray while he was in office? The present Council has sold 2⁄3 of the plant, cut scavenging cost by half by piece work and reduced the Clerk’s salary. Rates were reduced from 2/6 to 2/3. The Hospital rate went up £30, the main road grant was cut to £100 and the £168 subsidy on rates was cut. The overseer and curator are one job and could hardly safely be made casual. There are 101 small things that cannot be done by piece work without chaos. Amalgamation of Councils would be a disaster. It would see the town go backwards. If wards were done away with there would be some economy. The overseer had to control over 50 men receiving the Federal Grant. As for a 221⁄2% drop in values, I haven’t heard of it. Banks haven’t made such a cut on overdrafts! Like the Premiers’ Plan change takes time.
‘Federation’ writes supporting ‘BOOB’ and urging farmers to unite. He complains that letters from farmers to the Adelaide daily papers get so cut and mangled that the argument is unrecognisable – unless you are Messrs Alford, Cadd, Langsford and others whom he feels are not real farmers.
Unless the correspondent attacks the Government, abolition of tariffs, reduction in wages etc. his letter gets scant regard. Better still panic the banks, Latham & Lyons & the Citizens League and his praises will be sung and his own troubles deleted. It is said that not 1⁄8 of the wheat sacks required have been ordered, hence the reaction of the wheat buyers and commercial interests. A year ago wheat farmers agitated for 3/- a bushel and looked like getting it when the ‘Freedom Association’ gave the Senate orders to throw out the proposal. Everyone supplying farmers prices their product at cost of production plus profit etc. yet if a farmer wants the same hands go up in horror. The present wheat crop in SA is worth £5,000,000 and yet after it is sold every farmer will be worse off than before. Land values need to come down to the present productive value of wheat and wool. Unfortunately the Advertiser is right in asserting that farmers will never unite sufficiently to prevent sufficient wheat coming forward to satisfy the state’s needs.
Mt Bryan Old Methodist Church celebrated its diamond jubilee on 26 & 27 September and major celebrations attracted old adherents from near and far, creating a veritable ‘Back to Mt Bryan’. The long report of c. 11⁄2 columns is full of names of those attending and the event is well described, but unlike many such reports this one did not inspire an account of the history of the building or organisation.
52, 39, 30 Sep. 1931, page 4
Kooringa Freemason’s Lodge installed Bro. Douglas Keynes as Worshipful Master for the ensuing term on 22 September, after which there was an adjournment to the Institute for a social and dance.
Ironmine Methodist Sunday School held its 59th anniversary last Sunday & Monday. The afternoon service was well attended, but the evening congregation was the smallest for many years. Despite this a very successful anniversary was held at which Rev. F.J. Barnes officiated. Proceeds were £8-12-0.
Burra Town Council, 21 September
Fines on unpaid rates were forgiven a number of ratepayers.
A move to discount rates paid early by 21⁄2% was defeated at the Local Government Assoc. meeting recently.
(Cr Jennison had supported the move and the Mayor had opposed it.)
The Mayor expressed surprise at the letter of Cr Button in the paper, as it dealt with matters that had not been discussed in Council. The statement that Council income had shrunk by only £300 was partly correct. [The figures in Woollacott’s letter on page 3 suggest the rate income had fallen £279.]
But in addition the Council subsidy fell £268, the Main Road Grant fell £200 and there was a carry-over debit from 1930 of £108. [Woollacott’s letter puts the total drop in revenue as £582 or almost 20%, while the rate, grant and subsidy loss alone as stated above amounted to £647.]
The new Council he said had sold two horses reduced staff by two and called tenders for scavenging. Electric lighting had been reduced and the Mayor’s allowance.
There was a recommendation from the Finance Committee to hand over arrears of rates to the solicitor for collection.
Cr Bevan thought it should have gone to the general Council first and when told it was entirely in the hands of the Town Clerk he wondered why the Finance Committee was making any recommendation at all.
The Mayor doubted the legality of remitting fines.
Cr Jennison took exception to Cr Bevan’s remarks as reflecting on the Finance Committee.
The employees’ wages were cut by 2/- a day. (The alternative had been short time.)
No casual labour was to be employed before the end of November.
H.J. Button writes concerning A.B. Riggs’s letter. He considers it useful to hear a range of views, but fears that Mr Riggs suggestions would actually aggravate the trouble – for example sacking the overseer and doing no public work for 18 months. One would think Mr H. Wilson merely followed others around and watched the other men work. He takes instructions from the Council and works as well as the next man. After 17 years service he is entitled to a little more consideration than a casual hand. Every man out of work means so much less purchasing power and a further fall in prices of primary products. We need to arrest this fall by keeping as many employed as possible.
Salvation Army Self Denial Appeal took the form of a ‘Poppy Fair’ last Friday at the Burra Institute. It was opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes. [A correction on page 2 says that the Salvation Army leader in Burra, who welcomed Mrs Warnes, was Ensign Phillips and not Ensign Nicholls as stated here.]
Indoor Bowls. At the final on Tuesday Foresters Blues 19 defeated Foresters Reds 18.
Since Foresters Reds were minor premiers there will be a grand final on Tuesday 29 September and on 6 October there will be a match of Premiers v. The Rest.
52, 40 (2), 7 Oct. 1931, page 1 [Second us of No. 40 in this volume.]
World’s End Methodist Church celebrated its anniversary 27 & 28 September. Rev. H.S. Jarvis preached two inspiring sermons. An old-time tea meeting was held on Monday with a bounteous knife and fork spread. Takings were £9-13-0; the best for many years.
Burra Basketball Assoc. The Premiership Challenge Match on 1 October saw Greens 41 defeat Browns 28. A dance followed.
Greens: N. Villis (Captain), C. Attrill, E. Scroops, I. Wohling & T. Kellaway.
Browns: J. Hill (Captain), C. Lee, M. Tiddy, R. Seeley & R. Davey.
Mrs C.R. Wright was given a farewell afternoon last Thursday at the home of Mrs C. Whittney.
Burra Rifle Club held the 5th stage of the Poonunda Trophy and best shots were E.W. Edmonds, J. Schwier, S.E. Truscott & J.E. Pearce.
52, 40 (2), 7 Oct. 1931, page 2
Advt. Burra Show Wednesday 28 October.
Special railcar from Adelaide departs Adelaide 7 a.m. & arrives at the grounds 10.57 a.m.
It departs Showgrounds 5.45 p.m. and arrives Adelaide 9.30 p.m.
Obituary. Mr Robinson, father of Mr S.H. Robinson of Kooringa, died in Adelaide on 4 October. He had been a resident of Peterborough. [Probably the Thomas Robinson born 8 June 1865 at Mintaro.]
Weather. Frost on Saturday night was very heavy and did great damage to apricots, vines and early tomatoes.
Mr Phil Oborn was farewelled at Mrs Jack Rosewall’s on 26 September by members of the Paradise Tennis Club.
Mrs Thomas Parks Sen. who has lived in Kooringa for 80 years celebrated her 83rd birthday on 5 October.
52, 40 (2), 7 Oct. 1931, page 3
Advt. Matthew’s Emporium: The Progressive Drapers of Peterborough
Matthew’s have taken over the business until recently conducted by J.E. Pocock.
Grand Concert & Dance Monday 5 October at Burra Institute in aid of the Sisters of St Joseph was well attended. The star of the evening was Mr Molinari.
Indoor Bowls. In the premiership game played on Tuesday in Mr Allen’s rooms Foresters Reds 20 defeated Foresters Blues 11.
Chess. The Institute Chess Club tourney was finalised on Monday when R. McWaters played A.A. Davey for the premiership and Mr McWaters came out the winner.
Tennis. On Saturday Kooringa 13-93 defeated Aberdeen 2-33.
Ironmine 9-68 defeated Mt Bryan 6-79.
P. Squires our late postmaster is leaving Burra today to take up residence in the city after retiring. He was farewelled by post office staff last week and given a presentation.
Obituary. Mr John McDonald of Hallett, aged 77, was buried at Hallett on Friday. He was born at Sheoak Log and educated at Mr White’s School in Kooringa in the house now occupied by Mr G. Hann. Later he was at one time manager of Canowie station and afterwards settled at Cartapo.
[Died 30 September 1931 at Kooringa, residence Hallett. Birth not traceable in SA records without other information.]
‘Federation’ writes questioning some proposals to reduce tariff protection. It would certainly throw even more men out of work and the benefits to consumers would be limited. [Despite this he goes on to cite a string of problems that are really attributable to the way in which Australian industry was protected.] The problems as he saw them owed their origins not to the tariff, but to abuse of the tariff.
Burra Bowling Club AGM. The year began with an overdraft of £139-17-9 and ended with one of £160-18-11. Membership fell in the year from 36 to 22 and with a lower membership fee the income from that fell from £156-15-0 to £68-14-0. Croquet Club receipts fell from £44-4-0 to £30-12-6.
The Championship was won by F.W.G. Twist, the Consistency by Bert Finch and Singles Handicap by Rev. Coles. The club regained the Challenge Shield from Clare, but lost the cup again to Kapunda.
Elected were Patron, A.G. Gebhardt; President, E.F. Marston; Vice-Presidents, E.J. Davey & Dr Steele & Secretary & Treasurer, P.L. Rosman. Membership fee is to remain at £3-3-0.
52, 41, 14 Oct. 1931, page 1
Burra Town Council, 5 October
Certain fines for late payment of rates were forgiven.
The Council protested against the move to pay water rates in November instead of March, thus making two payments in the one year. The protest to the Department will be made via the local MPs. The two swing bridges will be tightened.
Aberdeen Croquet Club opened its season on 3 October with a gymkhana. Mrs Woollacott the Mayoress performed the opening.
Indoor Bowls. On 6 October Foresters Reds 19 defeated All the Rest 13.
52, 41, 14 Oct. 1931, page 2
Advt. Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 21,000 sheep in their Off-Shears Sale on Friday 16 October.
Notice. Municipal Elections. The following will retire on the first Saturday in December.
Mayor: Thomas Henry Woollacott
North Ward Horton Joseph Barraclough Jennison
East Ward John Edgar Pearce
West Ward John Allen
Nominations are called for 14 November 1931.
T.H. Woollacott has been elected to the Institute Committee to replace the late J.S.R. Oborn.
Mongolata Goldfield
Messrs Morgan, Bevan & Flaherty’s Claim has produced some fine specimens shown in F. Harris’s window. Some of the pieces of gold are as large as peas.
Mr Yeomans one time Town Clerk of Henley Beach has been placed in charge of the Byles Syndicate. He is an old Burra boy and went to school with Dick Pascoe and E.J. Harris at Mr Cater’s and later at the Model School. He has a cutting of a flood that swept away bridges in Burra many years ago. Cooper & Bailey’s Circus was here at the time.
Chess. The club members went to Clare on Wednesday where they defeated Clare 12 games to 10.
Messrs P.J. Squires & C.R. Wright were given a farewell at the Burra Council Chamber last Tuesday. The Mayor presided. Speakers included Rev. J.C.W. Coles, Mr Bednall, James Thomas & F. Twist as well as the Mayor. Mr Squires is retiring and Mr Wright is joining a company called the Co-operative Associated Dealers Ltd importers and vendors of oils and petrol.
52, 41, 14 Oct. 1931, page 3
A Benefit Concert was held at Mt Bryan East Methodist Church on 3 October to aid Mr Henry Tralaggan who is in hospital with a nervous breakdown after struggling for years with drought. James Thomas of Aberdeen was the chairman. After returning from the front Mr Tralaggan took land through the Repatriation Department at Kulpara where his wife and family now live. A substantial cheque has been sent to Mrs Tralaggan.
Tennis, Saturday:
Mt Bryan 11-88 defeated Aberdeen 4-61.
Kooringa 9-88 defeated Ironmine 6-66.
52, 41, 14 Oct. 1931, page 4
Mr & Mrs Joseph Davey of Croydon celebrated their golden wedding on Monday 5 October. Mr Davey is the fourth son of the late Mr & Mrs William Davey of Kooringa and Mrs Davey is Louisa, younger daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Charles Rawlings Sen. of Queen St and they were married in Kooringa by Rev. W. Jenkin (Primitive Methodist) in 1881 and lived in Burra for many years. Details of the celebrations extend for almost 1 column.
‘Steel Beak’ writes a long article of c. 13⁄4 columns in response to the editor’s suggestion that as well as making an analysis of the ills of the world he should have some suggestions of the remedy.
He says we need:
A substitute for the world markets.
A sound method of allocation and distribution in substitution for the slavery to gold.
Payment of debts without destroying development and prosperity.
He seems to advocate a larger Australian population in respect to 1 above.
The currency should be backed by land and work done rather than gold.
As for the unemployed; if each man had five acres they could subsist and the resuscitated industries would provide employment too. There could be co-operative settlements on the five acres in groups of 200 with large areas of commonage. He also suggests a form of bank nationalisation and a Crown Bank which for purposes of international trade would hold gold to effect overseas payments. Imports would be limited to what Australia could not produce. Australia must become self sufficient. All this would require a new constitutional arrangement and a remodelling of the country politically and judicially.
‘Federation’ writes a letter on banking and interest.
52, 42, 21 Oct. 1931, page 1
E.L.B. replies to ‘Federation’ on banking and interest pointing out the flaws in his argument.
Burra Rifle Club. For the Eight-Hours Day Shoot Eudunda and Clare Clubs visited Burra.
In the Teams Shoot Burra 708 defeated Eudunda 687 & Clare 631.
In the Limbless soldier Shoot which raised £4-10-0 for that fund T.H. Maynard (Clare), A.B. Riggs (Burra) & H. Hunt (Eudunda) all scored 69 ahead of A. Leditschke (Eudunda ) and C.W. Pearce (Burra), each with 76. Miss D. Pearce won the Ladies Match with 30, ahead of Mrs C.W. Pearce & Mrs V.A. Riggs each on 29.
Last Saturday in the 6th stage of the Poonunda Trophy S.E. Truscott, C.H. Dixon & J.E. Pearce led the scores.
Indoor Bowls reported a good season with 97 players and a program of 21 rounds. There is a tournament yet to be played.
52, 42, 21 Oct. 1931, page 2
Advt. Reece Air pageant, 1.30 p.m. Saturday 24 October. Balloon Bursting, Bombing, Novelty Events. Great Parachute Jump.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd. Tuesday 27 October. Special Sale of 3,000 Mutooroo Ewes. Seven-year-old ewes of pur Bungaree blood.
Obituary. Sarah Ann Sharp [Sharpe] died 19 October at Burra Hospital aged 72. She was the wife of Robert Sharp [Sharpe] of Kooringa and mother of Mrs H.J. Dunn and J., S., E. & A. King. [Born Sarah Honan 25 July 1859 at Baldina. She married Stephen King in 1879 who died in 1891 and married Robert Sharpe in 1905. The children of the first marriage are referred to above: Elizabeth Sarah Mrs Dunn, John Henry, Stephen Reuben, Edward Gordon & Albert Eaton. Another son James William died in 1921.]
Willalo Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary 4 October. Rev. B.S. Howland officiated at the well-attended services. The tea meeting was on Wednesday.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its anniversary on 18 & 19 October. A former pastor Rev. Edmund Smith now of Mile End conducted the services. A good congregation attended. Rev. Smith said his family’s connection to Burra started in 1847 when his grandparents and their family lived in a dugout on the tributary to the Burra Creek in the vicinity of Dead Man’s Bridge.
52, 42, 21 Oct. 1931, page 3
Advt. The first advertisement appeared for Matthew’s Emporium since the announcement of their takeover of Pocock’s business.
The Sheep Sale of 16 October is reported. Sheep from NSW once walked to Burra by three roads: the peg-line, the middle track and the railway line track – all of which are still used. In the 1890s yardings of 40-45,000 occurred. Now numbers are smaller, but still almost 20,000 were yarded on Friday. The sale went off very well.
Mongolata Goldfield
A parcel of 4 tons 12cwt from Flaherty, Bevan & Morgan’s mine returned 27 oz or almost 6 oz to the ton after battery and cyanide treatment. The gold in the tailings was exceedingly fine. The battery gold was worth £3-17-9 an oz and the cyanide treated tailings £4 per oz. The tailings showed no free or visible gold.
Report of Mr Gepp & Dr Ward. They concluded:
As the field was discovered only 10 months ago it is in an early stage of development, but the lode has been exposed at many points.
Lodes consist of quartz associated with limonite. The richer portions are associated with the ironstone. On the whole the vein stuff is sharply defined.
Lode structure is complex in a branching system of fissures and width is variable. The system may be yards wide, though individual veins are small. The system is of mostly complicated fractures.
The stoping of ore will produce workings of irregular outline.
So far little systematic work has been carried out and attention has focused on places marked by quartzose outcrops.
Very little loaming has been carried out systematically on the lower slopes of the steep eastern front. Shoots of auriferous lode matter could be found at places between the more prominent quartzose outcrops. [Loaming means washing the base of a hill to discover gold traces and so track back via the increasing number of grains to the lode.]
All work so far is above the water table, so as yet it is impossible to say whether any material secondary enrichment has taken place.
The cost of sending ore to the Petersburg battery is equal to about 6-7dwt gold and therefore only comparatively high grade ore is viable.
The lineal extent of country carrying good veins is known to be about 5 miles.
We believe the field justifies a light modern battery, even if it is found necessary for stacking of the tailings for later cyanide treatment when tonnage justifies it. 70% of the gold is recoverable by amalgamation only and 30% is in the tailings.
A suitable battery with building and accessory equipment could be erected for £500 to £1,000.
The Department of Mines has suggested the possibility of a portable battery, but the low cost of treatment will be influenced by keeping it running 24 hours a day six days a week.
One permanent supervisor would suffice if the suppliers of ore agree to supply the labour for the treatment and clean-up.
A good site in proximity to a bore is available nearby.
We believe the development of the field will be better fostered by a public battery rather than by subsidies to individual properties.
Some provision should be made for a water supply for the field without delay.
An increased ration for men who undertake hard physical work in an endeavour to become self supporting and who cannot at the present time supplement their ration from any source whatever should be granted.
The development of this goldfield should be continued.
Burra Croquet Club AGM was held last Friday. Elected were President, Mrs Bert Finch; Hon. Secretary, Mrs Marston; Hon. Treasurer, Mrs Stan Robinson. Full member’s fee was set at 25/-.
Marriage. St Dymphna’s Church Booborowie 15 October
Hazel Tipper, daughter of Mrs Tipper of Berri, married
Gus Tohl, younger son of Mr & Mrs T. Tohl of Booborowie.
52, 42, 21 Oct. 1931, page 4
CWA meeting 16 October in the RSL billiard room. Mrs Warnes gave a report on the Conference and of the meetings in September & October of the National Council of Women. She was interested in the workings of the Burra Institute Library as she felt women did not read enough. She read a letter from the librarian A.A. Davey which detailed how the library works. [The letter is printed in full.]
Rates of subscription are £1 per annum for 4 books, 2 magazines and 1 illustrated paper.
16/- p.a. for 2 books and 1 magazine and 6/- p.a. for children entitling them to 1 book.
The hours were 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and to 9.30 p.m. on Fridays.
There is a members’ reading room. Free scholarship tickets go annually to 6 boys and 6 girls at Burra Public School and to 1 boy and 1 girl at Copperhouse School. Head teachers allot the tickets.
The library has c. 7,000 volumes and 600 juvenile books. The Institutes Assoc. provides 90 books p.a. and the use of 450.
The president will present Mrs Oborn with a malachite brooch (this is at present in Mr Spencer’s hands) in recognition of her work for the town.
52, 43, 28 Oct. 1931, page 1
Black Springs Annual School Picnic was held on Rowen Bros. property on 17 October and was a success despite unfavourable weather. The Sports results are printed.
Hallett & District Schools Athletic & Exhibition Association held its 4th annual sports meeting at the Hallett Oval 9 October. Showers marred the morning, but the afternoon was fine. Results are printed.
Burra Town Council, 19 October
The District MPs wrote supporting the Council’s complaint about the collection of water rates twice in a year.
The Town Clerk reported that the new assessment was reduced by £2,558 from £14,539 in the following proportion: North Ward £754, West Ward £1,102 and East Ward £702. Total £2,558.
On the present rate the revenue would fall by £250. The assessment was adopted.
Ratepayers are to be allowed to cut feed from the creeks gratis. (To cut the fuel load for fires.)
Local Board of Health.
There is a case of scarlet fever in the town.
52, 43, 28 Oct. 1931, page 2
Obituary. Patricia Elizabeth Freeman Button, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Harrold J. Button died on 25 October aged 1 year 10 months. [At Kooringa. See also page 3.]
E.R. (Roy) McWaters of Leighton had to have his pony Neverslyp shot at the Clare Show when it broke a hind leg.
Influenza is around in epidemic proportions at present.
Mrs A.B. Feltus (Formerly nurse Woollacott) turned 79 on 19 October.
Ten Hoboes arrived on town by train one day last week and went to Sgt McDonald for ration tickets. He gave them tickets, but ordered them to move on. Eight seemed to do so, but two remained. On Thursday Miss Bentley of Aberdeen reported an attempted break-in at her shop. M-C Webster and Sgt McDonald found some old spikes apparently from the mine nearby and found that the men had been camped at the mine, but had moved on. They were arrested at Hanson on the charge of being idle and disorderly. Eric Hay (19) of Sydney was sentenced to 1 month in Adelaide Jail.
Charles Foster (18) of Sydney was sentenced similarly, but the warrant was withheld if he left the state. Hay was also sentenced to 2 weeks concurrently for possessing an unlicensed pea rifle and forfeited the rifle.
Tennis, Saturday 24 October
Mt Bryan 8-85 defeated Ironmine 6-75.
Kooringa 12-93 defeated Aberdeen 3-51
Obituary. Mrs Archibald D. McDonald of Leighton died in Burra Hospital of peritonitis. She was Jane, eldest surviving daughter of the late Mr & Mrs James McWaters of Leighton and was born in1875. She became a nurse and joined the staff of the Burra Hospital and while there applied for and was appointed Matron of Pt Darwin Hospital. She returned and soon after on 23 September 1908 married Mr A.D. McDonald, younger son of the late Mr & Mrs James McDonald of Leighton. But for a few years in Adelaide, she has lived in the district ever since. She was a staunch worker for the Ironmine Methodist Church; superintendent of the Worshipping League and Vice-President of the Ladies Guild. The funeral was one of the largest for some years with nearly 70 cars in the cortege. She leaves a widower, two sons and two daughters: Messrs Donald and Colin McDonald and the Misses Annie and Jean McDonald. Mrs R.J. Fairchild of Redruth is her only sister and Mr R. McWaters of Aberdeen is a brother. [Born Jane McWaters 14 January 1875 Mintaro: died 25 October 1931 Kooringa, residence Leighton.]
Obituary. Patricia (Patty) Button, the infant daughter of Mr & Mrs H.J. Button, died 25 October after a sharp attack of pneumonia. [See also page 2.]
52, 43, 28 Oct. 1931, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
There was a meeting on Friday at the Eastern Telephone Building to organise and take precautions against fire at the diggings. It had been called by the Mt Bryan Firefighting Committee and the Chairman of the DC Mr I.J. Warnes. It was decided to appoint local controllers and get a dozen beaters. If a tank can be got Mr Barker said it could be left on his property. Grass on the field was 18-24” high. They discussed ploughing of firebreaks and burning breaks. The DC will be requested to burn a break. 40-gallon tanks were considered big enough. [These were intended to supply water for beaters.] Ratepayers were requested to have four 4-gallon tins of water on hand in case of fire. Tanks were recommended stationed at Morgan’s and Barker’s.
Burra Band held its 1st annual meeting 20 October. Retiring President P.W. Clarke presided. The band had made great progress in its first year. It started with 20 players and now has 24. About £50 was spent in the year, but the credit balance was now larger than at the start. Elected were Patron, James Thomas; President, E.F. Marston; (there were 7 Vice-Presidents) Bandmaster, J.H. Murison; Hon. Secretary, J.T. Pascoe. Mr Clarke was thanked for allowing the band the use of the old Convent Schoolroom.
Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd held its annual meeting on Thursday at the Power House. Revenue this year dropped sharply, but directors recommended a dividend of 5%. Retiring directors W.H. Sandland & J.E. Pearce were re-elected. This dividend is only the second of that amount in nine years so that the reward to investors has been just 11/9% p.a. Most investors bought in to help the town rather than make money. There are 75 shareholders at present with 8,551 shares. 46 live away from the town. Some consumers complain at the cost of light, but if any have cause for complaint it is the original investors.
Rev. J.C. Jennison writes to the Mayor as Secretary of Historical Memorials Committee which is preparing for the state’s centenary in 1936. He urges Burra to consider how to celebrate and draws attention to the importance of the discovery of copper there on 19 May 1845. The committee aims to supply necessary historical information and advice. The committee has recommended a Centenary Period for events from 27 July 1936 (the Buffalo arrived at Nepean Bay Kangaroo Is. 27 July 1836) to 28 December 1936 (Proclamation Day). If the Council will pass a similar resolution organisation can begin.
52, 43, 28 Oct. 1931, page 4
Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet in Memorial Hall Redruth.
‘Federation’ writes again on banking and interest in response to E.L.B.
52, 44, 4 Nov. 1931, page 1
Burra Show on 28 October was a great success with a big attendance and excellent exhibits. Entrance was cut from 2/- to 1/6, so the gate takings were down. Rising wheat prices imbued a feeling of greater confidence. The railcar from Adelaide was well patronised. The Burra Brass Band contributed selections. Great credit must go to the President Mr I.J. Warnes and Secretary Mr M.S. (Bert) Edwards and their army of workers.
Arts and photography drew few entries. Black and white etchings by A.L. Bence were highly spoken of.
Poultry entries were up 100 to 300 and of good quality. The local branch of the National Utility Poultry Breeders Assoc. ensured a high standard of entry.
Cattle entries were unusually large in number.
Cooking entries were numerous and the quality was good.
There was not much competition in dogs, though the standard was good. Given the interest in coursing surprisingly few greyhounds were entered.
Flowers made a very good display and though not up to the best of years due to a dry spell with frosts, they were nevertheless impressive.
Fresh fruit display was won by produce from L.W. Gebhardt’s garden at Mt Bryan and the only dried fruit display was from G.P. Hicks of Clare.
Grain and fodder were very good this year.
Draught horse entries were up. H.G. Wardle won Champion for entire.
Horses in action attracted most attention in the afternoon and entries were numerous. Alf Landorf had a nasty fall, but is recovering.
Needlework entries were of a high standard, but cramped for space and not displayed to best advantage.
Dairy entries were of a high standard. Eddie Finch was as usual the trophy winner, but he was pleased to find some keen competition this year from A.F. Weckert and A.J. Kelly. After 20 years of exhibiting Mrs J. Lloyd says this year will be her last.
Pigs drew few entries and Jeffrey & Byrne took all the prizes for fat and store qualities.
Sheep numbers were down somewhat, but of excellent quality. Sir John Melrose had an interesting display of Wensleydale Sheep from New Zealand. They are ideal for freezing for export. Roy Humphrys of Leighton bought them with the intention we understand of starting a stud. Champion Merino Ram went to H. Collins & Co.
The schoolwork section drew no less than 600 entries. Domestic Arts entries by school girls of Burra and Booborowie were very commendable.
Vegetables were not numerous, but some good exhibits were entered, especially by Bert Opperman.
The wool display was magnificent with the number of entries up from 35 last year to 75.
Burra Rifle Club had a visit from a Riverton team on Saturday and Burra 696 defeated Riverton 691.
Burra Brass Band will hold their annual picnic at Peterborough where they will be interested observers at the annual musical competitions there.
Weather. October has been very dry with only 80 points and severe frosts. For individuals it has been delightful, but it has set back crop prospects considerably.
52, 44, 4 Nov. 1931, page 2
Advt. Grand Dance at Burra Institute Tonight in aid of the Royal Institution for the Blind.
Hann’s Orchestra.
MUIOOF. A special meeting at the Lodge Room in Aberdeen was held last Saturday evening when the Purple Degree was conferred on Bros A.T. Pearce & P.W. Hogan.
Armistice Day will be observed with a minute’s silence at the War Memorial. We urge all to observe the silence and arrangements have been made for a steam whistle to sound at 10.55 with a continuous blast at half a minute to 11, ceasing on the hour.
Reece Air Pageant. On 24 October a large gathering of residents from the district took place at Maurice Collins’s paddock at Copperhouse. Captain Miller arrived in a large monoplane and Captain Hussey in a biplane. Many took advantage of reasonable prices for a flight with Captain Hussey. There was later a display of balloon bursting and bombing and to end the show a parachute descent by Lieut. Reece. Many thought the descent of a dummy by parachute from c. 50ft was the real thing, but Lieut. Reece jumped from a great height and made a successful landing.
52, 44, 4 Nov. 1931, page 3
Burra Burra Show. The President’s luncheon is reported in c. 12⁄3 columns. Speeches by Sir John Melrose, P.A. McBride, I.J. Warnes, Mr George MP, Hon. George Jenkins (President of Stockowners’ Assoc.) and Mr Weston (President of the Northern Show Societies Assoc.) are reported.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary last Sunday & Monday. In a departure from normal the services were conducted by a layman. Mr V. Slee headmaster of Spalding Public School gave wonderfully bright and instructive addresses. Monday’s tea meeting was well attended. Speeches were dispensed with and good items from the children were interspersed among the reports.
Obituary. Mrs Robert Sharpe who died recently in the Burra Hospital was the only daughter of the late James and Elizabeth Honan and was born in Burra 24 June 1859 and when she was 12 months old her parents moved to Logan’s Gap on the Burra to Kapunda Road. Her father was employed carting copper between Burra and Kapunda. Later they lived at Caroona Station where her father was employed by Messrs Richards & Alfred Hallett. Later still they came to Burra again and she was educated under the late Dr Stevens [i.e. Stephens] and his daughter Julia (later Lady Holder). Some years later her father went back to work for Hallett Bros at Mt Bryan. Here she met and married her first husband Mr Stephen King. And lived at Ruparra near Hallett where her husband was farming and grazing in partnership with J.G. Kelly. The death of Mr King left her with six children and she returned to live with her parents. In 1915 [actually in 1905] she married Mr Robert Sharpe who was born in London in 1854 and who survives her.
From the first marriage the family is: Mrs H.J. Dunn (Black Springs), Mr John King (Adelaide), Mr Stephen King (Mt Bryan), Mr Edward King (Tarlee), Mr Albert King (Hallett) and the late James King (Hallett). There are 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
[Born Sarah Ann Honan born 25 July 1859 Baldina: died 19 October 1931 Burra.]
Obituary. Edward Bowen formerly of Kooringa died at Mile End 31 October aged 76. He was a painter in Burra for many years before moving to Adelaide. He is survived by Mrs Bowen nee Annie Hosking. Arthur Bowen of Kooringa is the eldest son. [Born 16 March 1855 Adelaide.]
Obituary. Mrs M. Wilson died 28 October and was born at Puckeridge, Hertfordshire 27 April 1843 and sailed for Australia with her husband the late W.R. Wilson in the Duchess of Northumberland in September 1863, arriving January 1864. They spent ten years in the city, but the last 57 in Kooringa except for a brief stay at Clare. She is survived by: Mr & Mrs A. Wilson (WA), Mr & Mrs F.H. Pledge (Kooringa) & the Misses Alice & May Wilson (Kooringa). There are 3 granddaughters, 1 grandson and 2 great-grandchildren. [Born Martha Smith.]
Tennis.
Kooringa 10-97 defeated Ironmine 5-56
Mt Bryan 12-96 defeated Aberdeen 3-53
Mt Bryan East School held a concert 24 October and it is reported in c. 1⁄2 column.
52, 44, 4 Nov. 1931, page 4
Burra Burra Show Prize List is printed.
[Personal Interest. In Flowers R. Fuss was a steward and the Fuss Trophy for Champion Pansy went to E. Williams.
E. Fuss won the following prizes:
Verbenas: 3 each of six shades 2nd
Verbenas: 3 each of 3 shades 1st
Bridal Bouquet 2nd
Wreath or Cross in Flowers 2nd
Posy 2nd]
52, 45, 11 Nov. 1931, page 1
The Emergency Committee
Last Monday under the aegis of this committee there was a meeting in the Institute. Dr Earle Page (Federal Treasurer in the Bruce-Page Government) was accompanied by C.A.S. Hawker MHR, Walter Duncan & Mr Blesing MLCs, Mr Grenfell Price (Secretary of the Emergency Committee) & Mr Badman (Emergency Committee Senate Candidate). Short notice and lack of advertising meant a smaller attendance than otherwise. The Emergency Committee comprises representatives of the Citizens’ League, Country Party, Liberal Federation, Political Reform League & Producers & Business Men’s Political Committee. It aims are to fight against:
Government extravagance and high taxation.
Repudiation of debts.
Political inflation.
Communism.
The Mayor presided and the meeting began with the singing of the National Anthem led by Mr Guy Dollman accompanied by Mr Hann & George & Laurence Hann. This was followed by the Song of Australia. Dr Page’s speech is reported in some 43⁄4 columns. (The last 3⁄4 on page 4.)
52, 45, 11 Nov. 1931, page 2
Mongolata Goldfield
The Minister of Mines said in Parliament that the Government was considering the report of Mr Gepp & Dr Ward, but assistance was tied up in the estimates for the encouragement of mining.
Weather. A major thunderstorm on Saturday dropped only about 25 points in the town. Booborowie got 25 points and Hallett 70, but the falls were very patchy to the east ranging from nothing to about 50 points.
Obituary. Mr William Finch died suddenly 4 November at his residence from heart failure. He was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs William Finch and was born in Devonshire on 14 April 1858. His parents migrated to Australia in 1869 and his father took up land at Springbank and later at Bright and Baldina. Mr Finch worked with his father till he married Miss E.J. Nankivell 6 March 1890 when he bought ‘Chivell’s Farm at the south of Kooringa near Princess Royal where he lived until his death. He was a trustee and oldest living member of the Foresters Lodge. He is survived by his widow and seven children. His eldest son Will was killed in the Great War. They are: Ethel Mrs Kite (Semaphore), Albert, Robert, Lizzie Mrs J. Villis, Miss Lily, Dora Mrs G.A. Wade, Jack of Kooringa. There are 7 grandchildren. George Finch of Henley Beach and Sam Finch of World’s End are brothers.
Obituary. Mrs F. Lown wife of Constable [Frederick William] Lown who was stationed at Kooringa a few years ago died on Monday at Minlaton where he is presently stationed. [Born Mildred Wishart 1889: died 9 November 1931 Minlaton.]
52, 45, 11 Nov. 1931, page 3
The Royal Institute for the Blind Dance on Wednesday at the Institute drew a good attendance.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 7th stage of the Poonunda Trophy on Saturday and best scores were by H.H. Byles & C.H. Dixon.
Kooringa Court
Emanuel Gordon Culpin (a Victorian) was fined 10/- + 15/- costs or 7 days for being drunk and disorderly on 7 November. For wilful damage to Prime’s Billiard Saloon (throwing eggs) he was sentenced to 2 months and an addition month for being idle and disorderly.
For drunkenness on 8 November he was fined 10/- + 15/- costs or 7 days.
Kenneth Edward Gebhardt was fined 20/- + 15/- costs or 14 days and for being idle and disorderly was sentenced to 1 month. (He has been thrice convicted for drunkenness in the past 12 months.)
Mrs S.R. Oborn has been presented with a malachite brooch inscribed on the back from the local CWA and Women’s Branch of the Liberal Federation. It was made from Burra malachite in Burra.
52, 45, 11 Nov. 1931, page 4
St Mary’s Church Fair was held on 6 November in the Institute. The rise in wheat and wool prices seems reflected in the splendid takings of c. £113. The Queen of the Maypole contest raised £10-14-0 towards the proceeds. Mrs Warnes opened the fair.
Burra Town Council, 2 November
Council agrees to become trustees for the Burra Brass Band.
Crs Jennison & Allen said if it was the wish of the ratepayers they would stand again.
Cr Pearce will not seek re-election.
52, 46, 18 Nov. 1931, page 1
E.P. Ramsay, Deputy Postmaster-General with Mr White District Postal Inspector, visited Burra last week and they were accorded a civic reception.
Burra Town Council: Municipal Elections
Nominations received 14 November:
Mayor Thomas Henry Woollacott (elected unopposed)
North Ward Horton Joseph Barraclough Jennison (elected unopposed)
East Ward William Henry March (elected unopposed)
West Ward John Allen
William Clement Sampson
An election will be held for West Ward 5 December 1931.
52, 46, 18 Nov. 1931, page 2
Rev. W.G. Clarke who was in charge of Kooringa Methodist Church 31 years ago visited Burra last week.
Weather. Rain on Monday delivered a useful 34 points of great benefit to crops and lucerne paddocks and gardens.
Armistice Day was observed on 11 November at the Soldiers’ Memorial with a two-minute silence and Last Post & Reveille played by Horton Jennison.
52, 46, 18 Nov. 1931, page 3
Mt Bryan Strawberry Fete in aid of the two local Methodist Churches was held in the Mt Bryan Hall on Saturday.
Mongolata Goldfield
Orinda Gold Mining Co. NL. The company has acquired the right to purchase a new find reported by the prospector to the manager Mr Harold Parsons. The area comprises 20 acres situated two miles of Mongolata [sic] on the west side of the range. Assay results of ore with no visible gold produced 5ox 15dwt gold and 1oz 18dwt silver per ton. Work on the claim has started.
Kooringa Police Court, 16 November
Cyril Philip Clarence Moore was fined 20/- + 20/- costs or 14 days in the Reformatory for possession of an unlicensed pistol. The pistol was confiscated.
52, 46, 18 Nov. 1931, page 4
Burra Rifle Club held a practice match on Saturday when the best scorers were C.F. Fearon and W.J. Ryan.
Burra Bowling and Croquet Club opened their season last Saturday.
52, 47, 25 Nov. 1931, page 1
‘Deep Thinker’ writes attempting to explain the role of the banks in the depression and basically saying that their ability to create or destroy money is quite limited and the true cause of the crisis is elsewhere – in the way the war produced large sums of borrowed money and in subsequent extravagance.
Burra Town Council, 16 November
Young People’s Unemployment Committee sought the formation of a local committee. A letter will be sent seeking more information on how they saw it working and co-operating with the Central Committee.
The Commissioner of Public Works wrote explaining reasons for water rates being payable by 27 November this year.
The Council will complain to the Government about the lack of any Christmas Unemployment Relief.
52, 47, 25 Nov. 1931, page 2
Advt. Handel’s Messiah will be presented at the Burra Institute 9 December and at Hallett Institute 15 December. There will be 150 performers.
Advt. Burra Brass Band will present the last undercover concert for the year at the Institute 25 November at 8 p.m.
Advt. Harrold J. Button, agent for Adelaide Steamship Co. Ltd is advertising the Gulf Trip in the new vessel the MV Moonta.
Advt. Coming 1 & 2 December: The Wild Monaro Roughriders. £100 to anyone who can escape from a straightjacket while on the back of a buck-jumper – as Jim Jones, Australia’s Champion Roughrider does nightly.
Joe Boundy who left Burra 43 years ago visited last week. He has been living in Broken Hill and is now retiring to Adelaide. The Boundy family was a pioneering Burra family.
Rev. J.C. Jennison, father of H.J.B. Jennison, visited Burra last week and preached at Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday morning and at Ironmine in the afternoon.
Rev. H.S. Jarvis held the second in a series of choral services at Kooringa Methodist Church last Sunday evening.
Mongolata Goldfield
The Hansel-Mundy Claim has assayed a small quantity of ore showing no visible gold at 10oz 2dwt gold per ton with 10dwt silver, 4.3% copper and 24.8% iron.
Orinda Gold Mining Co. reports an assay of 5oz 4dwt gold and 5dwt silver per ton.
52, 47, 25 Nov. 1931, page 3
Redruth Methodist Strawberry Fete was held on last Saturday in the Memorial Hall. It was opened by the Mayoress. Proceeds were most satisfactory.
Burra Croquet Club visited Clare on Saturday where they won a game and lost a game.
Bowls. At Clare on Saturday: Clare 90 defeated Burra 77.
Burra Rifle Club shot the 8th stage of the Poonunda Trophy and best scores were by H.R. Woodman & H.L. Riggs. In the aggregate so far J. Schwier 15 leads from C.H. Dixon & K.M. Parton 13 each.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held its anniversary 15 November with Rev. E.S. Jew officiating.
52, 47, 25 Nov. 1931, page 4
Leighton Hall held its annual meeting 14 November with President I.J. Warnes in the chair. The hall was in good order. The polo ground has been used this season and the croquet ground levelled and planted. Expenses on the ground were £62 and revenue was £56. The bank overdraft has risen from £168 to £180. With the expenses now virtually finished we should be able to reduce the debt next year – considering that in 1930 we spent £160 on improvements. Elected were President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-President, D.E. Williams; Treasurer, A.K. McDonald & Secretary, S.A. Pearce Jnr.
Burra Benevolent Society, 19 November. Currently the society had a debit balance of 7/- which was made up at the meeting, but with nothing in hand for Christmas Cheer for which an appeal is being made.
Tennis
At Aberdeen on Saturday: Hill View (Aberdeen) 9-63 defeated Cemetery Flat (Kooringa) 3-52.
52, 48, 2 Dec. 1931, page 1
Ratepayers’ Meeting at Burra Institute 26 November
About 70 people attended. F.T. Sara took the chair.
The Mayor was questioned about the £15 given him since there was no Mayoral allowance. He said it was given to help pay for the 1930 Children’s Christmas Tree and for entertaining the Premier and other visitors. He said such entertainment had cost c. £25.
A question also arose over payment to J.A. Rosewall the late overseer and he read the Act relating to such dismissals.
Mr S. Kellaway wondered why £120 of spremax on hand last year and paid for did not appear on the balance sheet. The Mayor said that would be explained later on.
Mr M.S. Edwards said it came under assets and liabilities and not receipts and expenditure.
Cr Pearce, who is retiring, said he was glad to have had a hand in improving the water supply to East Ward and getting the land in front of the school made town property. He thought North Ward got more than its fair share of expenditure. At least 30% of East Ward expenditure had been on bridge repairs.
Cr Allen intended to stand down, but as no one had come forward he nominated again and was thus surprised on Monday 23 November to learn that Mr Sampson had nominated.
The Mayor said that 1932 would be difficult due to unemployment, the depression and low primary production prices.
The new assessment was down £2,500. The combined loss of income for 1931 plus extra expenses plus the Main Road Debt amounted to £900.
The Council began with a debit of £108 and would end with one of £117. To keep the same income the rate for 1932 would need to be 3/-. He was not suggesting that this be the rate. Overheads take about £1,200 p.a. There was no room he felt for further economies.
The Mayor approved of a Mr Butler suggestion that 75% of money spent on rations should go to the Council who would then add the 25% and let the men work for the value.
He had been told a day or two ago that Mongolata would get a battery and £500 was placed on the estimates for the working of Mongolata.
Cr Jennison thanked ratepayers for his unopposed re-election.
Cr Bevan thanked ratepayers for his re-election during the year.
Cr Pearce was still going on about the Mayor’s allowance, saying the Mayor had said he would not accept it.
The Mayor said he had undertaken if it were paid to spend it on charity.
Cr Riggs couldn’t see how they were to carry on with the present assessment.
Answering a question the Mayor thought the Council was getting a fair deal on electric lighting, but agreed that as a householder he thought the charge for electricity was too high.
(It was 1/3 a unit in Burra compared with 7d a unit in Adelaide.)
A voice said the company paid a 5% dividend, but the Mayor said that over the years of operation that would work out at 1% p.a.
Mr Wicklein asked if ‘The Guns’ were to stay where they were. The Mayor said yes.
Cr Jennison thought they should return to the monument – as soon as it could be afforded.
After some further questions about road maintenance the meeting closed.
Indoor Bowls. Semi-finals in the singles championship:
H. Hill 16 defeated Mick Jones 7.
N. Villis 16 defeated I. Wohling 10.
In the final N. Villis 13 defeated H. Hill 9.
In previous years the winners had been:
1928 J. Allen Sen.
1929 S. Sara
1930 W. Kellaway Sen.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday Burra Club 396 defeated 18th & 23rd Light Horse 387.
52, 48, 2 Dec. 1931, page 2
Advt. Burra High School Concert at the Institute 17 December.
Advt. Emergency Committee Candidates for Federal Election will speak at the Burra Institute 8 December at 8 p.m. C.A.S. Hawker MHR and Mr J.G. Duncan-Hughes Senate Candidate.
Notice. Orinda Gold Mining Co. NL announced a call of 1d per share (to make shares paid up to 1/7)
To open the ore channel in ‘North Mongolata’ and examine the adjoining 80 acre claim.
Notice. Federal Elections. District of Wakefield
Mr Maurice Collins, Independent Country Party Candidate with Mr A.J. Parker will speak at Burra Institute 16 December at 8 p.m.
Mr J.F. Stephen manager of the Commercial Bank has been transferred to Adelaide.
Miss May Ryan who has assisted C.L. Phillips the dentist for 18 months has now taken up nursing at Snowtown Hospital.
Grasshoppers invaded the town on Thursday night at 8 p.m., but had passed on by Friday morning.
Fire. The first grass fire of the season broke out in Paradise Creek near J.A. Riggs’ house in Kooringa. It started in a culvert near the bridge and only prompt work saved C.W. Gare’s paddock (Brewery Paddock). Children playing with matches are believed responsible.
Mrs T.H. Woollacott the Mayoress is appealing for Christmas Cheer Donations for the needy.
Kooringa Court
John Thomas Lloyd (23) charged with being idle and disorderly and Gordon Jamieson Comrie charged with having no legal visible means of support were both also charged with making false statements to obtain rations. On the first charge they were each sentenced to a fine of £1 + 15/- costs or 10 days and on the second charge to 10 days.
J.C. Toholke [plumber of Chapel St] was fined £2 + £1 court fees for driving an unregistered car and £1 for driving without a licence.
J. Carpenter, owner of the car involved, was fined £1 + fees for lending an unregistered car.
52, 48, 2 Dec. 1931, page 3
Leighton Strawberry Fete organised by the Leighton Ladies Guild in aid of Hall Funds was held on 28 November and results were satisfactory.
Booborowie Methodist Church Strawberry Fete on 21 November raised c. £34.
52, 48, 2 Dec. 1931, page 4
Burra Brass Band Concert at the Institute on Wednesday 25 November was another great success. The band was assisted by a boys’ choir with solos by a number of local amateurs and Mr Molinari.
The Mayor’s Report for 1931
The general account started in debit £108-7-5 and ended in debit £117. Little was done about the parklands, cemetery or with the Local Board of Health this year. Main roads are in good order and were top dressed with slag this year except for the road from the Black Bridge to the east. The major public works for the year were the remaking of the Young St Ford, the making of the road to the school, the repair of several bridges and maintenance of a number of footpaths. Employees were reduced to two. J.H. Rosewall was dispensed with after 16 years service and scavenging was let by tender to Mr Hill.
During the year distinguished visitors were the Hon. Premier Mr L.L. Hill & Mrs Hill, the Chief Secretary Mr S.R. Whitford, Hon. R.S. Richards Minister for Mines and Dr Ward & Mr Gepp who produced a report on Mongolata.
A financial statement is then printed.
52, 49, 9 Dec. 1931, page 2
Birth. On 23 November at Sister Villis’s to Mr & Mrs T.J. Brown of Wildildie, a son.
Mrs Mary Thomas of Cooper St turned 89 on Saturday.
Chris Sangster youngest son of Mrs & the late Dr J. Sangster has won the Everard Scholarship. His father won the same scholarship when going through his medical training.
Obituary. Mrs Ben Owers died in Adelaide last week. She was well known in Burra years ago and was Miss Florence Bewley whose family lived on a property, since dismantled about a mile west of Kooringa. She left no family. Her husband is a brother of Mrs W. March and Mrs J.B. Rowe of Kooringa. [Born Florence Nightingale Bewley 26 October 1874 Kooringa: died 1 December 1932 Adelaide, residence Dulwich.]
52, 49, 9 Dec. 1931, page 3
Poppy Day sale of buttons in Burra last Friday raised £3-18-0 for distressed returned soldiers.
[But elsewhere on the same page a presumably later total of £4-0-5 is cited.]
Kooringa Methodist Sewing Circle Strawberry Fete was held in the Cheer-up Hall last Friday and was quite a success with minimal preparation other than for strawberries.
Mongolata Goldfield
Flaherty, Bevan & Morgan have again reported good results from a crushing with 3oz 9dwt 5gr per ton plus tailings 3oz 14dwt for a total of 7oz 3dwt 5gr. A company is soon to be formed to work this claim: the Mongolata FBM Gold Mining Co. Ltd.
The Mongolata Gold Prospectors’ Assoc. met on 3 December and sent a complaint to the Minister of Mines about the water supply. They request a supply of rain water from Redruth Girls’ Reformatory. Water from the Burra town supply deteriorates rapidly in the heat.
The Government-supplied First Aid Equipment comprises two bandages and 1⁄4lb of boracic acid and a tourniquet for a total value of 3/-. The Association conveys its disgust via local MPs.
The Government has not implemented recommendations for a larger ration. Nor as yet has it supplied a battery. There is a feeling that city dwellers come first and country dwellers last.
Chess at the Redruth Memorial Hall 7 December saw Burra 16 games defeat Clare 11 games.
The Mayoress’s Christmas Appeal donations are acknowledged.
[Personal interest: they include 3/- from R. Fuss.]
Weather. Thunderstorms have dropped patchy but useful rain on the eastern country. 71 points fell at Braemar with 98 at H. Dearlove’s and 11⁄2” at Ketchowla. Some places however, were below 50 points. At ‘The Gums’ one end of the station got 86 points while the homestead recorded only 30. Canowie recorded 316 points in four days in December. Spalding was delighted with 3” in 70 minutes on Thursday, but Burra has received nothing.
Harrold J. Button writes about the poor quality of Burra water and its excessive cost. He says it is unfit to drink, unsatisfactory for bathing and poor for laundry use. Gardens also suffer from it. Burra residents pay Rolls Royce prices for a Ford quality service.
Mrs J. F. Stephen was given a farewell at the final Messiah rehearsal on Monday. She has been one of the Choral and Orchestral Society’s most prominent members during five years residence. She was given an electric reading lamp.
Burra Town Council. Municipal Election for West Ward:
Clem Sampson 25
John Allen 15
Tennis. At Paradise: Paradise 6-58 defeated Hill View 6-57.
Burra YWCA held their final gathering for the year on 5 December at Redruth memorial Hall.
52, 49, 9 Dec. 1931, page 4
Aberdeen Croquet Club visited the Burra Club on Wednesday 2 December and won the two games played.
On Saturday 6 December they visited Booborowie and won the two games played there too.
Bowls. At Kapunda on Saturday: Kapunda 103 defeated Burra 80.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 9th stage of the Poonunda Trophy and best shots were J. Williams, F. Spencer & H.R. Woodman.
52, 50, 16 Dec. 1931, page 1
Federal Election Campaign
Emergency Committee Candidates C.A.S. Hawker for the House of Representatives & J.G. Duncan-Hughes for the Senate addressed a meeting in the Institute on 8 December. The report extends for 31⁄4 columns.
Tennis. On Saturday at ‘Wandillah’ Aberdeen: Kooringa 9-86 defeated Wandillah 2-59
52, 50, 16 Dec. 1931, page 2
Advt. Billiard Exhibition Tonight at the Kooringa Billiard Hall.
W. Abotomey (State Champion) v. E.J. McKenzie (to receive 150 start).
Mr Abotomey is now managing the hall, which is being renovated.
Obituary. Patricia Marjorie (Pat) Flint died 8 December aged 7 years 11 months. She was the youngest daughter of Percy & Evelyn (Eva) Flint of Kingston-SE and granddaughter of Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce of Kooringa. She died as the result of a car accident. [Born Patricia Marjory Flint 29 December 1923 Norwood: died 8 December 1931 Kingston SE)
Allen P. Tuck has been appointed headmaster of Burra School from the end of January 1932.
Mid-North Croquet Club held its AGM 5 December. The club was in a sound financial position and elected: President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Vice-President, Mrs Walter Finch; Hon. Secretary, Mrs A.T. McWaters; Treasurer, Mrs S. Pearce; Captain, Mrs E. Jettner; Vice-Captain, Mrs Mat. Hogan.
52, 50, 16 Dec. 1931, page 3
Handel’s Messiah was produced on Wednesday in the Burra Institute. Since 1902 the Institute Orchestral & Choral Classes have given portions of Messiah and this time there were over 100 performers trained by Mr G.E. Dane and aided by about 40 singers from Hallett. On the 16 instrumentalists all but two came from Burra (Misses A. Miller & Tiver came from Hallett). This time the soloists were also local.
Mrs Max Pearce Miss Norma Rabbich
Miss Mavis Gare Mr E.A.W. Haese
Miss Ethel Greenwood Mr W.H. Spier
Miss Ellie Fitzgerald Mr J.M. Tiddy
The performance was acclaimed and is reviewed in an article of over 13⁄4 columns.
Mr J.A. Lyons Leader of the Federal Opposition passed through Burra en route to Terowie & Peterborough on Saturday afternoon and the party lunched at the Burra Hotel. Cr Jennison extended a welcome in the absence of the Mayor and was supported by Mr A.L. Bence.
Obituary. Alex McCulloch died in Adelaide on 11 December aged 85 and was buried at the Burra Cemetery after a service at St Mary’s on Saturday. He at one time owned Princess Royal Station.
[Born Alexander McCulloch 7 February 1847 Gottlieb’s Well: died 11 December 1931 North Adelaide.]
52, 50, 16 Dec. 1931, page 4
Burra Town Council, 7 December
The first meeting of the new Council.
Local Government Dept advises that the Main Road Grant was fixed at £300 with another £150 to come from Council. The rate subsidy will be £93, an increase of £25 on 1931.
D.A. Sampson asked permission to use certain of his property at the rear of Mr M. Morton’s blacksmith’s shop in Thames St as a poultry farm. It would abut Bridge St on the other side. The Town Clerk said he did not think the Central Board of Health would approve. A decision was deferred pending investigation.
The Unemployment Relief Council wrote about subsidies for work.
The Mayor said he thought there were about 70 unemployed men in the town.
The offer of the Unemployment Relief Council was accepted.
Young People’s Unemployment Relief Committee offered advice on how their scheme worked finding jobs for the young. Cr Bevan said the position was serious for lads leaving school and young girls too. It was resolved that the Council resolve itself into a committee after Christmas to see what could be done for the young.
Cr Riggs asked if water pressure could be increased in the East Ward, as if fire broke out there was insufficient pressure to extinguish it.
The Mayor said that some time ago the Department had put down new pipes, but insufficient had come to do East Ward. The Engineer-in-Chief will be asked to improve services in Kingston & Blyth Streets.
The Town Clerk said the financial position was better than for last year.
The Mayor’s allowance was fixed at £20.
The sides of the main road are to be attended to from near the Kooringa Post office to R. Fuss’s residence.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church, 12 November
Frances Edith Longbottom, second daughter of Mr & Mrs F. Longbottom of Braefoot, married
James Forsyth, youngest son of Mrs & the late Me Forsyth of Lanarkshire Scotland.
W.H. Gare & F.T. Sara have resigned as choir master and organist respectively of Redruth Methodist Church and they were given a social on 8 December. Mr Gare was present a Mulga-wood inkstand and calendar and a leather wallet and Mr Sara a Mulga-wood vase and leather wallet.
Copperhouse School visiting day was held on Friday last. There was an exhibition of drilling and a program of songs and poems. There was a display of sewing, woodwork and work books. There had been a 100% promotion this year. During the year Miss Seidel had had to give up her position as head teacher due to illness and the school had been closed for some days before Mr Nelson had taken up his position. Miss N. Steer was his assistant.
52, 51, 23 Dec. 1931, page 1
Burra Public School annual break-up celebrations. It is some years since the Public School put on a concert and it says much for the work of the staff (Mr T. Swindley acting headmaster, Misses D. Baulderstone & O. Pearce and Messrs Bown & Leibig) that the program at the Institute on 14 December was such a success. The Fife & Drum Band of 40 and the choir required much training. The program is reviewed in about 1 column.
Qualifying Certificates were gained by:
H. Thompson 590 Joan Hann 507
Ted Fuss 577 Joyce Carpenter 504
E. Kakoschke 552 Max Blott 498
Colin Twist 552 Beth Sara 495
Joan Fairchild 547 Les Kellock 484
Frank Pearce 544 Len Blott 478
A. Ewens [sic] 530 Mervyn Allen 458
N. Allen 529 Leo Taylor 452
Claureen Weston 517 Dorothy Harry 450
Dorothy Field 511 Don Turnbull 438
J. Dunning 511 M. Robinson 380
Kathleen Drew 507 J. Kakoschke 373
St Joseph’s School annual break-up took place 17 December when Father Morrissey presided. Five of the six candidates gained their Qualifying Certificate. Prizes were distributed.
Qualifying Certificates were awarded to:
Winifred Neagle Kathleen O’Connell
Darby Killicoat Mary Killicoat
Leo McNamara
Church of England Day School held break-up festivities at the Parish Hall 17 December.
The hall was decorated and there was an exhibition of scholars’ work. Rector Rev. J.S.W. Coles presided. The school had improved both in facilities and achievement this year. Better heating was installed for winter. French was added to the curriculum. Archdeacon Bussell had visited on 9 February and the Bishop of Adelaide on 21 July and was very satisfied. Miss F.M. Orr who was the founding teacher resigned at the end of the middle term and was replaced by Miss P.M. Gall.
After the report for the year a program of recitals was presented followed by the distribution of prizes by the Mayor who also expressed everyone’s appreciation for the school’s secretary Mr J.F. Stephen who is leaving the town.
Dux for the year was Helen Gordon and second was Peter Spencer.
The school is out of debt. Mr Stephen was presented with a gold-mounted fountain pen. Mr Bednall will take over as secretary.
Hanson School held a concert in the Methodist Hall on 16 December and the proceeds were for a children’s party at the conclusion. There was a big attendance of parents and others. [Concluded on page 4.] Dux of the school was Coralie Humphrys.
A Qualifying Certificate was gained by Raymond McCarthur (556).
52, 51, 23 Dec. 1931, page 2
Notice. Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd warns against use of power between 7 p.m. & 11 a.m. [sic] Christmas Eve and asks consumers to use lighting sparingly to avoid a general blackout.
H.T. Brown teacher at Burra Public School has been promoted to head teacher at Cranbrook School for next term.
M.P. Hutton the new manager of the Commercial Bank arrived in Kooringa last week. Mr Stephen left Burra on Sunday.
Miss Patty Pledge daughter of Mr & Mrs Frank Pledge of Kooringa has been transferred from Clare High School to Kadina High School.
Mr Rollo Hawkes youngest son of Mr & Mrs W.G. Hawkes has bought a pastoral property about 30 miles from Cockburn and will go to live there from Koonoona Station.
Mr P.J. Flaherty the stationmaster is said to be moving to Mile End in the New Year.
The Mayor & Mayoress’s Christmas Tree for children will be held tonight in the Institute. An effort has been made to see that no children of the unemployed will miss out on a happy evening.
Kooringa Methodist Junior Endeavour had a picnic at the Aberdeen Playgrounds entertained by Rev. & Mrs S. Jarvis last Saturday afternoon.
A prospector from the River Darling created much interest in Market Square on Monday when he passed through Market Square with his team of heavily laden camels.
Burra Red Cross has given £3 to Burra Hospital for Christmas Cheer and £3 to each of Bedford Park Hospital and Central Office of the Red Cross.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 10th stage of the Poonunda Trophy and best results were from C.H. Fearon & R. Nutt.
52, 51, 23 Dec. 1931, page 3
Harrold Button has been chosen to replace J. Allen as Town Council representative on the Burra Hospital Board.
John Stephen was given a farewell social at the RSL club rooms on 18 December. He goes from manager of the Commercial Bank in Kooringa to take over the Waymouth St branch in Adelaide, after five years in the town. He was presented with a rug and set of hair brushes.
Obituary. William J.C. Ewins died 22 December in Adelaide where he had gone for treatment about a fortnight earlier. He had long been a leading businessman in Burra. He had started with Bath & Pearce in the premises now occupied by J. Allen. Later his uncle Thomas Edwards (who had a draper’s shop where H. Jennison’s premises now stands) decided to retire and Mr Ewins’ father C.H. Ewins took it over and his son assisted him. Subsequently Mr Ewins Sen. had the premises adjoining Mr F. Harris’s shop reconstructed and the firm moved to this more central location. Mr W. Ewins took over on the death of his father [1914]. Mr Ewins served a term on the Town Council [December 1919-November 1924], was a member of various sporting clubs and Treasurer of AO Foresters Lodge. He was born in England and migrated with his parents when a lad. He married Louie, second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Harry Vivian of the Commercial Hotel. There were four children of whom two survive: Eileen Mrs K. Chesters Sandland of Koo-owie and Mr Frank Ewins of Kooringa. There is one grandson. The eldest son Charles died some years ago [1919] and the other died in infancy. Miss Rhoda Ewins and Lily Mrs Alf Shortridge of Adelaide are sisters and Jack Ewins of Adelaide is a brother.
Tennis played on the ‘Eden’ Courts in Chapel St, 19 December
Paradise 3-49 defeated Eden 9-67.
Billiards. After a good game on Wednesday Mr W. Abotomey defeated his local challenger E.J. McKenzie. He had one break of 127.
Federal Elections last Saturday. District of Wakefield for House of Representatives:
M. Collins Ind. Country Party 11,132
C.A.S. Hawker Emergency Committee 20,714
Absent, postal and declaration votes yet to be counted cannot affect the outcome.
Mr R.A. McBride has won in Grey for the Emergency Committee with 12,492 to Lacey ALP 10,547.
There are 12 boxes and absentee etc. votes yet to be counted, but McBride is assured of a comfortable win over Lacey who was the sitting member.
The Scullin-Theodore Government suffered a humiliating defeat.
52, 51, 23 Dec. 1931, page 4
Copperhouse School annual break-up on 16 December took the form \of a fancy-dress concert. The girls came in a wide variety of costumes, but the boys mostly as niggers and swaggies. Prize for best girl went to Shirley Finlay as a Scottish lassie and best boy was Joe Robins as a policeman. Chairman Mr Lloyd presented the prizes and certificates.
Qualifying Certificates were awarded to:
Lyall Turner 603
Mabel Kellaway 584
Ruby Lomman 531
Stella Gillett 499
Meryl Lloyd 448
Duxes of the school were Beryl Robins & Rex Brown, both of Grade III.
Burra High School held a break-up entertainment at the Institute 17 December. There was a packed audience. The concert was of a high standard and both students and teachers (Mr E.A.W. Haese & Misses Dunstone & Prior) deserve congratulations. [The items are individually reviewed.]
Dr Steele presented the awards and also urged all parents of those who gained their Qualifying Certificates to send their children to Burra High School and for those with children there to send them back in 1932, especially if the alternative was idleness from unemployment.
[The school report and prize list was held over to be printed in a 1932 paper.]
[Personal interest: Clarrie Fuss played the part of a clown in excerpts from Shakespeare’s What You Will.]
Ayers School held its break-up celebrations in the Ironmine Memorial Hall on 17 December. The hall was filled. With 27 on the roll the average attendance was 25.6 in 1929.
In 1930 there were 30 enrolled and average attendance was 27.4.
For 1931 there were 33 on the roll and an average attendance of 31.2 (95%).
Two of the four Qualifying Certificate candidates passed: George Heinrich & Gordon Williams.
Rev. F.J. Barnes gave an interesting address and Mrs Wigley gave out the awards.
Mavis White got a medal for attending 1195 days out of 11951⁄2 since 1 March 1926 when the school opened. Colin Earle had missed only one day and Bob White just 2. Dux of the school was Don White. Dux of the lower grades was Nellie Byles.
The students presented their teacher with a smoker’s outfit. [The prize list is printed.]
Leighton School held a break-up at the school on 17 December in the afternoon. There was a series of items presented by the students. The head teacher Mr W. Holland reported on the year’s work and Mrs I.J. Warnes presented the prizes.
Qualifying Certificates went to:
Jim Hogan Hartley Longbottom
Roy Porter Kathleen Hogan
Dux was Joan Bourman.
[The prize list is printed.]
Characteristics of the 1931 paper.
Page 1
Moderately large local advertisements are mixed with news items in about equal proportions.
Page 2
There are large advertisements for Drew & Crewes’ and Bence’s with smaller advertisements for sales, public notices and local government as well as classified items. News begins towards the end of the page, but sometimes not till page 3.
Page 3
Dominated by news, but with a couple of columns of large advertisements.
Page 4
News dominates, but there is also a mixture of large and small advertisements. A cartoon from the Bulletin is sometimes here and occasionally on page 3. Articles here are often reprints from other papers rather than local news.
The paper provided quite a good coverage of local news with details of sport and Council activities being well represented. Mongolata Goldfield activities were well reported. Not surprisingly the depression was covered at length with a lot of space devoted to a range of views on causes and cures as well as on the acute political crisis that dominated Federal politics in the year. Much of this material was reprinted from other sources. Considerable coverage was also given to the emergence of the new political parties and forces opposed to the Scullin-Theodore Federal Government. The paper’s editorial stance was clearly aligned with the Emergency Committee and the emerging force of the United Australia Party under J.A. Lyons.
Numbering of Issues in 1931.
The year began with Volume 52, Number 1 on 7 January 1931.
And continued to Volume 52, Number 51 on 23 December 1931.
But there are a couple of anomalies:
Issue 30 is followed by issue 40, but then numbering returns to the expected sequence with 31, except that 32 is not used and 40 is used a second time when it occurs in its correct place in the sequence.
53, 1, 6 Jan. 1932
Page 1 Advertisements
E.F. Marston Burra Record and General Printing
Guy Dollman Burra Motor Co.
T.H. Woollacott & Sons Builders & Contractors, Aberdeen
Walker & Sons Boots & Shoes, Perfumes, Soaps, Phonographs & Records, Tennis Racquets, braces, ties, etc.
A. Molinari Kooringa Hotel
Frank Spencer Watchmaker & Jeweller, Kooringa
D. Jones Painter, Motor Hoods & Side Curtains & General Trimming Repairs
H.J.B. Jennison Jennison’s Master Tyre service Station: New Tyres, Tubes, Batteries, Petrol, Oil, Wireless, Accessories, Retreaded Tyres
Page 2 Advertisements
T.H. Villis COR Petrol Agent
S.R. King (Successor to the late T.F. Robertson) Railway & General Carrier
C. Leslie Phillips Dental Surgeon, Pearce’s Building
Drew & Crewes General Stores, Kooringa & Mt Bryan
[A.L. Bence] [Manager] Bence’s Ltd
Milton J. Tiddy Draper, Aberdeen
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc.
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc.
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder, Ironmonger, Aberdeen
S.E. Stewart Kooringa Service Station
Page 3 Advertisements
Matthew’s Emporium Drapers & Furnishers, Kooringa & Peterborough
Sara’s [General Store] Aberdeen
Whittney & Tiver Service Station, Parts & Accessories
Pederson & Son Shoes
Page 4 Advertisements
Luke Day Home Grown Vegetables
W.G. Terry The Practical Tailor, Kooringa
Jeffery & Byrne Quality Meat Store, Kooringa
K.B. Watts Quality Meat Store, Aberdeen
53, 1, 6 Jan. 1932, page 1
Burra Hospital Christmas Tree Festival was held 22 December. As for a number of years this took the form of an outdoor concert. There was a large attendance. Unfortunately for patients the night was bitterly cold for the first time in history. G.E. Dane, the Institute Orchestral & Choral Classes and the Burra Brass Band presented a fine program. Again arrangements were handled by Mrs J.H. Barker and Mrs G.H. Dow. Supper followed and presents for the patients.
The Mayor & Mayoress’s Christmas Tree was on 23 December in the Institute.
An open invitation was sent to children from 3 to 9 though many both younger and older attended. Even though extras were anticipated the number whose names had not been sent in caused a few disappointments. The Mayor gave a short speech and Mrs James Thomas President of the Burra Benevolent Society did also. The mayoress then opened the evening. There were several items and some community singing to fill in for the late arrival of Father Christmas, but soon gifts were being handed out along with an ice cream and bag of fruit. Surprisingly the event closed without a vote of thanks to the Mayoress & mayor for all their trouble and generosity and that of the other helpers.
53, 1, 6 Jan. 1932, page 2
Miss D. Baulderstone of Burra Public School has been transferred to Marryatville.
Weather. There was a heatwave from 25 December to 2 January, but no figures are available for Burra.
New Year was very quietly greeted in Burra with virtually no horseplay.
Roy Humphrys of ‘Blink Bonnie’ needed 11 stitches in a deep wound to his right leg when his tractor lurched back during reaping operations.
Miss Jean Rosewall was given farewells by Kooringa Methodist Sunday School and Paradise Tennis Club as she prepared to leave for a career in nursing in Adelaide.
Christmas passed quietly in Burra. Christmas Eve was lively and businesses reported good trade. The Burra Brass Band gave a two hour performance before midnight when the band played Bells at Eventide to coincide with the Adelaide Town Hall Bells broadcast on the wireless. The Band then adjourned for ice cream at Frank Harris’s and supper at E.F. Marston’s (the Band President). The Band will give another concert next Sunday.
The Harvest has produced a heavier yield than expected. A conservative estimate for the district is 7 bags per acre and on new land at Koonoona subdivision 15 bags. The late heat passed without a fire, to everyone’s surprise.
Holidays. The personal information column shows that the Pt Eliot- Victor Harbor area was a favourite holiday destination for those who could still afford a summer vacation. This paper alone identified seven families going there. Glenelg and other city beaches also remained popular.
Burra Athletes tried their luck in various places over the holidays.
At Sutherlands in the 130yard Sheffield Keith Butler was 1st, A. Schroeder 2nd and Tom Kellaway 3rd.
Tom Kellaway won the 75yd sprint with Keith Butler 2nd and L. Campbell 3rd.
Kellaway was 2nd in the 220yds.
At Glenelg R.M. Reed (Dick) won the 75yd sprint.
At Jeparit (Melbourne) Dick Reed also ran and came 4th in the Sheffield and 3rd in the sprint.
At Terowie 1 January Keith Butler won the 130yd Sheffield with K. Mayger 2nd & T.A. Bosence 3rd.
Tom Kellaway intends to enter the high jump at Stawell in March.
53, 1, 6 Jan. 1932, page 3
Obituary. S.E. Mattey of Terowie died 27 December aged 41. He was the youngest son of Mrs Mattey Sen. of Franklin. He was born at Franklin and was a keen sportsman. He married Miss Kelly of Wasleys in 1922. [Born Stanley Ebenezer Sidney Mattey 27 March 1890 Wonna: died Stanley Ebenezer Sydney Mattey 27 December 1931 Hd of Parnaroo.]
Obituary. Richard Simpson aged 73 died at Belalie North on 1 January. He appears to have become dizzy and fallen into the well where he drowned. He was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Richard Simpson of Booborowie where he was born in 1857 when his father was shepherding there. The family lived in Kooringa for many years and the deceased, who was unmarried, lived with his mother in George St till she died aged 96. Not being in good health he soon after went to live with his only brother at Belalie. J.R. Simpson of Mt Bryan is a nephew. [Born 18 June 1856 at Canowie, so 75.]
Obituary. Douglas Wilkinson, youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs T.W. Wilkinson of Kooringa died on Thursday aged 41. He was the brother of Charles D. Wilkinson of Kooringa. [Arthur Douglas Wilkinson born 31 May 1882 Kooringa: died 31 December 1931 Mt Barker.]
Annual Gallagher Sports at Redruth
On 2 January the annual sports for children initiated by the late Jim Gallagher and continued by his son George were held at the Aberdeen Playground. Alick Ratcliffe and Jack Carpenter assisted in the organisation. The day was delightfully cool after the heatwave. The 275 prepared bags of two buns, two peaches and 3oz of lollies proved insufficient. The tiny tots got five dozen Christmas stockings. The sports results are printed. [Personal interest: Walking Match girls 13-14 J. Fairchild 3rd, Girls’ Race 12-14 J. Fairchild 2nd, Boys’ race 12-14 M. Allen 2nd & Boys’ race 12-15 Ted Fuss 2nd.]
53, 1, 6 Jan. 1932, page 4
Mining on Private Land. Provisions of the Mining Act Amendment Act 1931 are printed. The Act will run to 30 June 1936 unless extended.
Leighton Christmas Tree was as usual organised by Mrs I.J. Warnes for students of Ayers Forest and Leighton.
53, 2, 13 Jan. 1932, page 2
Obituary. Edith May Bell, 3rd daughter of Hugh Bell of Kooringa died 11 January aged 38.
[Death CD gives age at death as 30, but if she was the third daughter an age of 38-40 is more likely. Birth was probably in NSW c. 1892. See more on page 3 of this issue.]
George Hann youngest son of Mr & Mrs George Hann of Kooringa has passed in seven subjects at the recent Leaving Examinations. He attended Burra High School.
Adolph Lott headmaster of Renmark Public School is visiting his parents Mr & Mrs C. Adolph Lott of Kooringa.
Kevin Kitchener Kain son of Mr & Mrs Wilfred Kain of Booborowie passed in three Leaving subjects. He passed as a result of private study, bit beginning Ancient History till August 1931.
The Gulf Trip on MV Moonta has become a popular holiday excursion.
Mongolata Goldfield
The Hansel Mundy Gold Mining Co. has deepened its shaft to 56ft on ‘Terry’s Reef’ with a cross-cut of 47ft and a formation carrying coarse gold was struck that will be explored further after the Christmas break.
53, 2, 13 Jan. 1932, page 3
Obituary. Frank Marshall Gare, third son of the late Mr & Mrs Edward Gare of Aberdeen, has died in Katanning WA aged 65. He was raised at Mt Bryan East and later followed business pursuits at Lucindale and Pt Pirie. In 1899 he moved to WA becoming a member of Katanning Stock & Trading Co. as business manager. He was a keen rifle shot and member of the local operatic society, a Church of England lay reader and a JP. He leaves a widow, three sons and one daughter. Messrs C.W. Gare & W.H. Gare of Burra are brothers and Mesdames H.H. Thomas & James Thomas of Burra are sisters. [Born 2 April 1866 Kanmantoo SA.]
Obituary. Miss May Bell died in Adelaide 11 January. She was the daughter of Mr Hugh and the late Mrs Bell of Kooringa. Mrs John Kellaway is a sister, as is Miss Florence Bell who is a Salvation Army Officer. There are several brothers.
Prospecting is proceeding in Frank H. Reed’s paddock. Mr A.R. Feltus is working there on an ironstone ore reef c. 18ft wide. Another prospector has a shaft there down 40ft.
Burra Brass Band played a concert in Market Square after the church service on Sunday evening and drew a large audience for about two hours.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Clare 104 defeated Burra 90.
53, 2, 13 Jan. 1932, page 4
Tennis: Paradise 6-56 defeated Golden Vale 6-55.
53, 3, 20 Jan. 1932, page 1
Burra Seaside Trip. A meeting was held in the Institute 12 January. The meeting adopted a constitution to place the arrangements on a more formal and legal footing. The meeting elected officers and a committee and resolved to go to Semaphore on 20 February; since when the railways advise 20 February is not available and the date has been changed to the 13 February.
Burra Rifle Club has fired the 11th stage of the Poonunda Trophy with best scores from C.H. Dixon and F. Spencer.
Mrs P.J. Flaherty was farewelled by Aberdeen Croquet Club last Saturday, as her husband has been transferred to Mile End.
Tennis on Saturday: Golden Vale 10-67 defeated Eden 2-39.
Paradise 8-60 defeated Wanderers 4-51.
53, 3, 20 Jan. 1932, page 2
Mr P.J. Flaherty the stationmaster leaves this week, having been promoted to Mile End.
Obituary. Mrs John Rogers of Kooringa died 17 January aged 75. She was the second wife of the late John Rogers of Baldina and sister of Mr Norral [sic: Norrell] James of Aberdeen.
Mongolata Mines
Flaherty, Bevan, Morgan & McRostie’s Claim has been registered as a company under the name The Mongolata Block 8 Gold Mining Co. NL. The directors will act in an honorary capacity for 12 months until the mine is on a paying basis. The property is c. 16 miles from Burra. There will be 200 £5-shares. The gold in this claim is quite invisible. The gold-bearing leader is 6-8” wide.
Mongolata No. 8 has produced at the rate of 5-6oz per ton and gold is at c. £7 per oz.
At Byles’ a lode of low grade, but payable ore has been struck about 7ft wide and 6ft deep. About 300ft of tunnelling has been done.
Rampton & Clarke have found a very rich seam, but only 4” wide. It is estimated at 15-20oz per ton.
Permission to get rainwater from the old Reformatory has been obtained, as this supply is not being used. The Commissioner of Public Works is to visit next week concerning a water supply.
53, 3, 20 Jan. 1932, page 3
Advt. Girls’ Friendly Club invites you to visit ‘Willogoleche’ Hallett on Saturday 27 February to see Great Chief Whoopee and his Red Indian Tribe.
Mongolata Block 8 Prospectus
500 ordinary fully paid shares issued to the vendors.
200 ordinary shares of £5 offered to the public payable in full on application.
300 £5-shares to be held in reserve.
Directors: Herbert Morgan of Aberdeen, Grazier.
Patrick James Flaherty, Aberdeen, Railway Official.
William Frank McRostie, Aberdeen, Miner
Ernest Frederick Marston, Kooringa, Newspaper Proprietor.
Maurice William Bednall, Kooringa, Solicitor.
George Edwin Dane of Kooringa is the Company Secretary.
Gold Leases 1693 & 1694 of c. 26 acres adjoining Byles’ Claim on the southeast and Rampton’s on the east.
Burra Town Council extended congratulations on their successes at the recent Federal Election to two old ‘Burra Boys’ Messrs C.A.S. Hawker and P.A. McBride.
53, 4, 27 Jan. 1932, page 1
P.J. Flaherty was given a farewell at Burra Institute on Tuesday afternoon. The Mayor delivered a speech appreciative of Mr Flaherty’s contribution to the town both as stationmaster, a JP and otherwise. Sgt McDonald supported him as did Mr Sara and Mr Potter (manager of Drew & Crewes), Mr Jennison and Mr Max Pearce.
Burra Town Council, 18 January
The Fire Brigade Board advises that the year’s contribution would be £78-10-0.
The Town Clerk said the assessment had been lowered from £17,000 to £14,000 and the income from a 2/3 rate would be £1,861 with an estimated expenditure of £1,852.
The Mayor suggested a special meeting to consider the matter, but a motion by Cr Riggs that it be discussed at the next ordinary meeting was carried.
The water main in Kingston St has been cleaned, but on the higher ground the main was only 2”.
Cr Jennison said that while he was appreciative of the prompt work it should be noted that the service had not improved.
Cr Button said the old main near the Bon Accord was corroded and only supplied a trickle of water. A fire at Drew & Crewes’ Bulk Store would be disastrous.
Letters of congratulation were sent to Messrs C.A.S. Hawker and P.A. McBride for their wins in the recent Federal Elections.
64 men have been employed on relief work.
Fire. A fire broke out in grass in Burra Creek opposite the Institute on Thursday morning. A fire break was burnt from the Black Bridge to meet the advancing flames. The main effort was to save the old stockyards at the rear of the Burra Hotel, as on such a hot day (111°F) anything inflammable was in danger. No damage was done to any property, but a number of young pines were scorched between the swing bridge and the Black Bridge on the eastern side. These were a memorial to Mr Oborn who had taken a keen interest in them and quite a number will probably die.
Harrold J. Button writes saying that before Christmas he had urged the burning of the creeks in the town and he censured those who failed to have it done. The Burra Hotel and the SAFU store could easily have been lost in the recent fire. Water pressure was shockingly poor. Too much is done in North Ward than is consistent with fair play for Kooringa.
53, 4, 27 Jan. 1932, page 2
The Broken Hill Express ran into a flock of sheep 11⁄2 miles the Burra side of Hanson on Thursday morning and about 28 were killed.
Burra Public School began again on Tuesday. The new headmaster is Mr Tuck and new teachers are Mr Smith & Miss Miller. The latter we believe is a daughter of an old Burra identity nee Miss Maggie Lally and a granddaughter of the late Mr & Mrs P. Lally of Kooringa.
Weather. As we go to press the thermometer under Mr D. Pascoe’s verandah is 108°F. There has been a heat wave from 16-22 January. From last Monday the heat was over 100°F, climaxing with 111°F on Thursday. Nights have also been hot, ranging from 89°F to 98°F.
Tennis. On Saturday 23 January: Golden Vale 8-64 defeated Paradise 4-47.
Mongolata Goldfield: Water Supply & Battery
Hon. J. McInnes the Commissioner of Public Works, Messrs McHugh & George District MPs, Mr Eaton the Engineer-in-Chief, Mr Green Engineer for Water Supply & Mr Butfield District Engineer for Water Supply visited on Monday.
A stop at J. Barker’s Baldina homestead considered water from Mr Barker’s bore and Baldina creek. The creek water is not really suitable for drinking. Mr Morgan’s bore some 11⁄2 miles away is thought ‘not too good’ for drinking. Black Waterholes have good water, but are 7 miles away. Hawker’s bore is for stock only.
At Mongolata Byles’ Claim was visited.
The Chief-Engineer said an on-site bore was being considered to supply a battery. I.J. Warnes thought they would get water at not more than 350ft.
A battery would need 10,000 gallons a day. It was intended that a battery be put on the field.
A record of recent temperatures on the field: 16th Jan. 107°
18th Jan. 113°
19th Jan. 117°
20th Jan. 112°
21st Jan. 117°
In the evening the Mayor entertained the visitors at the Burra Hotel.
A deputation also placed before the Minister the problem of corroded town pipes and the resulting lack of water pressure and supply in the town.
53, 4, 27 Jan. 1932, page 4
Burra Town Council. Statement of receipts and expenditure for the year ending 30 November 1931.
53, 5, 3 Feb. 1932, page 1
Parliamentary Visit
Hon. McInnes Commissioner of Public Works, Messrs McHugh & George District MPs, Mr Eaton Engineer-in-Chief, Mr Green Engineer for Water Supply & Mr Butfield District Engineer for Water Supply. Meeting at the Council Chamber in the evening.
Mr Woollacott asked if a telephone could be fitted to the home of Mr Isaac the local engineer for water supply, as it was important in the event of fire. Water supply in parts of the town remained very poor with either small and/or corroded pipes with attendant problems for gardens, septic tanks and fire. The houses in upper Kingston St had very poor supply and as they were new the fault must lie with the mains. 23 chains of 4” main were needed. Many 2” mains led from what was currently only a 3” main.
The case for the stock agents was put by Mr Max Pearce, local manager for Elder, Smith & Co. The stock yards have three sets of troughs capable of watering hundreds of sheep, but the supply from a very old corroded 2” main is totally inadequate and the yards are practically without water and this is imperilling the very survival of the market. We are having to make alternative watering arrangements. A new larger main is essential. Ken Drew manager for Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. endorsed this. Bert Symonds of the Bon Accord Hotel said he paid £20 p.a. in rates and got nothing for it. The supply would not flush out the systems.
At Mongolata drinking water was being supplied from the Redruth Reformatory and this was to an extent satisfactory. A different solution was necessary to supply a battery. Water could either be taken from a local bore to a tank at the site or from an on-site bore or from Baldina Creek some six miles away. There were some 300 tons of ore at grass. A battery would stimulate production as low grade ore would not stand the cost of bags and cartage.
Mr Hogan chairman of the Prospectors’ Assoc. said they were grateful for the drinking water, but development of the field relied on the erection of a battery and water supply for it.
Cr Bevan endorsed the Mayor’s remarks and said an on-site bore was the best answer. He believed Byles’ would employ 50 men if the battery were there.
Mr McHugh supported a bore on the site.
Mr George supported the request and thought the field had gone beyond the experimental stage and now deserved support.
Mr McInnes referred to the dire financial times. If a scheme did not return 5% it had to be supported by taxes in some other form. He would give the Burra problem serious thought. There were other country and metropolitan areas in equally bad circumstances. He thought the telephone request might be granted without further consideration. He believed an on-site bore at Mongolata was a reasonable request and as it would aid in providing employment would be given very favourable consideration. He did not think it likely the Minister responsible could increase rations to men who were working, but he would see what he could do.
53, 5, 3 Feb. 1932, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Sales 5 February.
Mortgagee Sale of Part Section 2068 of 34 perches about 1 mile east of Aberdeen Post Office. A stone house of six rooms with outbuildings, semidetached and presently occupied by R. Jesser.
[Snake Gully]
And under instructions from F.H. Kuchenmeister Kooringa allotment 429 of 1 rood with stone house of four rooms.
Also Kooringa allotment 419 of 1 rood 5 perches on which is being erected a stone house of five rooms. There is stone and sand on site to complete the building.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Estate of John Rogers. Sale by auction of Kooringa allotment 306 in Bridge St with a four roomed stone house (Old System Title).
Town of Douglas Allotment 45 or 2 roods.
Obituary. Mrs T.A. Hitchcox of Henley Beach died recently. She was the mother of Mrs Robin McBride and sister of Mrs C.D. Wilkinson of Kooringa.
Edna Allen, daughter of Mr & Mrs Walter Allen of Aberdeen, gained six subjects at the recent Intermediate Examinations.
The Mayoress’s Christmas Tree Appeal raised £23-17-6 in donations here acknowledged.
Mongolata Goldfield
Block 8 in the last two weeks has raised some 2 tons 5cwt which on past evidence should be worth about £100. Applications for shares are coming in steadily.
Weather. A cool change arrived at last. 25th Jan. 101°
26th Jan. 108°
27th Jan. 113°
28th Jan. 100°
Cool change in the evening of the 29th. 29th Jan warm
30th Jan. 92°
31st Jan. cooler
Redcliffe Station has had searing heat:
25th Jan. 114°
26th Jan. 115°
27th Jan. 124°
Many people have had their fowls die due to the heat.
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church 27 January.
Ivy Ethel Nourse, only daughter of Mr & Mrs G.S. Nourse of Hansborough, married
Samuel Prior, youngest son of Mr & Mrs E. Prior of Hallett.
Advt. Burra Seaside Trip 13 February. From Burra 7/4 return, children 3/8
Hallett & Mt Bryan 8/6 return, children 4/3.
Depart Hallett 5.09 a.m. depart Burra 5.50 a.m. arrive Semaphore 9.35 a.m.
Depart Semaphore 8.05 p.m. arrive Burra 12.09 a.m. arrive Hallett 12.47 a.m.
53, 5, 3 Feb. 1932, page 3
Gun Accident. On Sunday Thora Jesser aged 17 slid down a creek bank with a rifle in her hand and the rifle somehow got caught and discharged. The bullet penetrated her abdomen and came out her back. After an operation she is in Burra Hospital in a critical condition.
[See further 53, 6, 9 Feb. 1932, page 3.]
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its picnic on 1 February. Fortunately the weather was very good and an excellent day’s outing at Stone Chimney Creek was enjoyed by all.
53, 5, 3 Feb. 1932, page 4
Burra Institute AGM was held on 27 January. The year ended with a credit balance in the bank of £47-15-4. The death of Mr J.S.R. Oborn was a loss to the committee this year.
Again free tickets have been given to the most eligible scholars at Burra Public School and to the best boy and girl at Copperhouse School. Membership has fallen slightly.
December 31 1930 Double 49 December 31 1931 Double 69
Single 200 Single 175
249 244
The Institute was aided in the year by several concerts by the Burra Brass Band. In December the Choral & Orchestral Classes under G.E. Dane presented Handel’s Messiah to a full house.
The Chess Club had a successful year and won both contests with Clare.
Elected were President, G.E. Dane; Vice-President, F.T. Sara; Treasurer, M.W. Bednall & Hon. Secretary, L.S. Penrose.
53, 6, 9 Feb. 1932, page 1 [The date should be 10 Feb.]
Burra Rifle Club fired the 13th stage of the Poonunda Trophy and best scores were from S.E. Truscott, W.V. Bass, F. Spencer & C.H. Fearon.
53, 6, 9 Feb. 1932, page 2
Burra Brass Band gave a concert in Best Place last Sunday evening.
Len (Bill) Blott left Burra for Largs Bay where he has obtained a job after being unemployed for nearly three years. Mrs Blott and family will follow later.
Weather. A good fall of rain began on 5 February and a long steady fall had brought 125 points by midday Friday. Falls to the east were very variable. Many stations recorded over an inch, but Canegrass got only 32, Quondong 12 and Oakvale 10.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday Burra 103 defeated Kapunda 76.
Swimming. The Advertiser learn to swim campaign has sparked a meeting at the Institute on Wednesday and it was decided to form a Burra Swimming Club. Mr Milton Teddy and Rev. H.S. Jarvis contacted the Mayor to get things going. Rev. Jarvis said it was rather late to be starting this year, but a move could be made that would make it better next year. The Mine Pool was clean and there was no refuse in it and no danger with ordinary care. Some improvements were necessary: there was no place for young children to learn. There were contributions from Mr Tiddy, J. Burt and L. Winkley who have all visited the pool regularly. The pool is fed by a strong underground stream and is not standing water.
The Burra Amateur Swimming Club was formed. J.F. Fletcher was appointed Hon. Secretary with D.T. McBain as his assistant. Mr Woollacott was elected Chairman. The owners A.J. & P.A. McBride are to be approached for a pepper-corn rent for two years. A Committee was appointed and a working bee has already started improvements. A learn to swim campaign will begin shortly.
53, 6, 9 Feb. 1932, page 3
Burglary. Mr F. Spencer discovered a smashed cash register on the reserve at the rear of the Fire Station on Friday morning. He contacted M-C Robinson and they found that Stan Field’s sweet shop had been broken into. Mr Field found the cash register had been taken and a show case broken and cigarettes etc. removed. Matthew’s Emporium had also been entered, but nothing taken. It was later learned that it had been entered in mistake for Mr Field’s. Charles Parks’ shop had also been entered and petty cash to 10/- in silver and copper had been taken. The location of Parks’ shop so close to the police station suggested that the burglar was not local. A young fellow was seen around Kooringa on Thursday afternoon in rather unusual dress for such a warm day. On Friday morning the youth named Bowd was located at the Kooringa Hotel. It seems he had escaped from Magill Boys’ Reformatory on 31 January by smashing a window and dropping 20ft to the ground. He stole a suit from the Old Folks Home at Magill and an overcoat, cap, jewellery and some money from a North Adelaide house and on Wednesday an automatic pistol from a house in Enfield. He got a lift as far as Burra on Thursday on a lorry bound for Broken Hill. He looked around Stan Field’s shop and rested in the Mortuary Chapel at the cemetery where he was seen about 7 p.m. He said there were 32 charges against him when he went to the Reformatory. He had been educated at St Peter’s College, but owing to his behaviour his parents had disowned him. He is now proud to have become a full blown criminal. He was charged with the theft of £12-4-2 from W. Stanley Field, three tins of cigarettes and three packets of cigars. He admitted the burglaries. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of entering Mr Matthews’ shop and entering Mr Parks’ shop and stealing 10/-. He was remanded to Adelaide for sentence. He was also charged with being in possession of an unregistered pistol and fined £20 or 3 months. His age was given over the wireless as 17, but he said he had given the Reformatory the wrong year of birth.
Frank Earle of Mullaby had a narrow escape from serious injury last week. He was holding wires down on a fence for his horse to get through when a barb pricked the horse’s leg and it lashed out. Earle was dragged some 60 yards by the reins and down a creek bank where the animal freed itself. Mr T. Warnes who was camped with sheep nearby came to the rescue and later in Burra Dr Steven attended to his injuries, mainly painful lacerations to leg and thigh and a broken nose.
Obituary. Thora Jesser aged 17, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs R. Jesser, died 6 February following a shooting accident on 31 January. [Thora Isabelle Jesser born 9 June 1914 East Park: died 6 February 1932 Kooringa, residence Aberdeen.]
Burra Town Council, 1 February
The Finance Committee recommended a rate of 2/3 in the £ to give each ward a spending power of about £150.
Burra electric Supply Co. is to be asked for the same reduction on its contract as in 1931.
An unsightly wall opposite Redruth Methodist Church was mentioned, but the owner of the land is unknown. If the owner can be discovered he is to be asked to put the place in order.
Water Supply at Burra & Mongolata
A letter from the secretary of the Commissioner of Public works advises that following a visit to the mines by Dr Keith Ward to determine the best site, orders will now be given for a bore to be sunk at Mongolata. In Burra immediate steps will be taken to lay 13 chains of 3” main from the pumping station to the corner of Hardy St to improve the supply to the stockyards. Other matters continue to be considered.
53, 6, 9 Feb. 1932, page 4
Tennis. On Saturday Golden Vale 8-66 defeated Hill View 4-52.
Paradise 7-57 defeated Eden 5-57.
Burra Town Council, 1 February
The Mayor referred to the letter to the paper in which Cr Button referred to the failure to burn grass along the creek and to the unfairness of the amount of attention given to North Ward over the interests of Kooringa. He asked who it was that Cr Button accused of failing to act. Most of the creek was rented out and Council could not burn grass for which it had been paid. In the period of Christmas relief the Mayor said he had given the Overseer instructions to clean up where required. All the creeks had been burned from Kangaroo St to the back of John Kellock’s. While Cr Button was writing his letter the Mayor was working up a case for better water supply and presenting it to the Commissioner. As for North Ward preference for tarring, after inspection it had been decided to do 21⁄2 chains in the North Ward, 5 in East Ward and 36 in West Ward. Except for Christmas relief there had not been £10 spent in North Ward in six months.
The Mayor condemned Cr Button’s rushing into print on Council matters rather than bringing the matter up at Council.
Cr Jennison said Cr Button should be severely censured and Cr Bevan endorsed that.
53, 7, 17 Feb. 1932, page 1
Burra Seaside Trip 13 February took place in good weather. The train ran to time and went directly to Semaphore via Dry Creek. They were met by the Mayor of Port Adelaide. About half the visitors at once headed for the city to shops and a contingent went to the tennis tournament. Others went to Luna Park at Glenelg. Those at Semaphore had good weather for swimming and the sideshows were well patronised. There were many reunions with former Burraites. The train pulled in at 7.45 and Burra was reached at 12.20 a.m.
Burra Amateur Swimming Club has been given permission to use the Mine Pool from A.J. & P.A. McBride. A shallow area has been fenced off for non-swimmers. A working bee is called for Saturday to attend to other improvements. ‘Learn to Swim’ will commence on Saturday 27 February and run to 5 March. There will be a carnival on opening day.
53, 7, 17 Feb. 1932, page 2
Obituary. E. Jean Piggott aged 18 died at Burra Hospital 13 February. She was the fourth daughter of Mr & Mrs L.H. Piggott of Porter’s Lagoon. [See more page 3 of this issue.]
Obituary. Dorothy Campbell aged 29 died at her residence in Kensington. She was the wife of Alex Campbell and a daughter of the late G. Brown of Hampton. [Born Dorothy Olive Brown 7 June 1902 Kooringa: died 12 February 1932 Kensington.]
Sister Edith Slade has left the Burra Hospital for family reasons after almost three years on the staff.
Weather. Rain has missed Burra, but thunderstorms have dropped heavy falls in patches around the district. Gum Creek got 278 points in five days, Hallett 251 and Willogoleche Station 273 points.
Burra Brass Band played in Kooringa after church on Sunday.
53, 7, 17 Feb. 1932, page 3
Obituary. Jean Piggott, daughter of Mr & Mrs L.H. Piggott of Porter’s Lagoon died 13 February of tubercular meningitis. Her sister died 10 April 1930 aged 25. Jean was born in Kooringa in October 1913. The funeral on Sunday was largely attended and the cortege nearly a mile in length with over 60 cars. [Born Jean Eliza Piggott 5 October 1913 Kooringa: died 13 February 1932 Kooringa.]
Obituary. Martin (Mart) Gurry died at his residence in Mile End 10 February and was well known in Burra where he had been on the railway staff for many years. While here he had been a keen footballer. He married Miss Lizzie Liddy, a niece of Miss Lawler of Aberdeen. He died of pneumonia aged 66. [Martin Joseph Gurry]
Obituary. Mr J.A. Ryan of Adelaide died 13 February of heart failure aged 58. He married Ellen, 2nd daughter of Mrs & the late W.H. Hardy of Kooringa. Her sister is Mrs Bert Opperman who phoned the Ryans on Saturday from the picnic trip and Mr Ryan answered the phone, handing over to his wife after a short conversation. He died while his wife was talking to her sister.
[John Alfred Ryan born 22 August 1875 Glenelg.]
Obituary. Richard Hamilton Bruce died at his residence in Thames St on 15 February aged 891. He was born at Northampton in England in 1842,1 the only son of Scottish parents. With his parents he came to Tasmania in 1847, thence to Sydney and finally to Adelaide. The family went to the Wakefield District where until his father’s death they were engaged in carting to and from the Burra Mine. He was later a teamster for the Wallaroo & Moonta Copper Co. Coming to this district Mr Bruce carted for Booborowie Station for 7 years. He then farmed in the Light District before returning to farm briefly at Flagstaff and then went to take up land at World’s End where he stayed till 1923 when he retired to Kooringa. He was a prominent worker for the World’s End Methodist Church and often walked eight miles from his home to conduct services at the old Baldina Church, now demolished. He was thrice married. His third wife who was Miss Hannah Prior of Wold’s End survives. They were married 9 July 1881 and celebrated their golden wedding last year. A family of nine children survives. Mrs Turley of Broken Hill is the only child of his first marriage.
Present family: Hannah Mrs J. Byles (Morgan), Ethel Mrs P. Marks (Meningie), Elaine Mrs S. Rawlings (Broken Hill), Elizabeth Mrs A. Hunt (Pt Pirie)2, R.W. Bruce (Burra), Albert J. Bruce (Burra), Colin Bruce (Burra), Joe Bruce (Oulnina Station). There are 19 grandchildren3 & 32 great-grandchildren4. [Death registered as Richard Ellery Bruce.]
[1 Corrected 24 February 1932 p. 2: born 9 March 1841 and so aged 90.
2 Corrected 24 February 1932 p. 2: Mrs A. Hunter
3 Corrected 24 February 1932 p. 2: 33 grandchildren.
4 Corrected 24 February 1932 p. 2: 33 great-grandchildren.]
Obituary. Miss Annie Josling died at Mile End on Sunday 14 February. The family had lived in Burra for many years and Miss Josling and her sister later kept a private school in Kooringa. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs David Josling. There are three sisters, Louie, Sarah (Mrs W. Walmsley) & Carrie and two brothers, Messrs Alf & Harry Josling.
[Born Anne Elizabeth Josling 12 June 1857 at Gawler.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Prospects continue to be good with some nice parcels of ore discovered.
A whole heap of statistics are printed showing yield is quite high and the average per ton as higher than at Tarcoola or the Barossa Fields, with only Birdwood showing as rich.
A table of all parcels treated at Peterborough is given showing the weight of ore, bullion recovered and yield per ton of ore from the discovery of the field to 10 October 1931.
[The yield per ton is often very good – the main drawback seems to have been the very narrow lodes being followed.]
Harrold Button writes about the recent Council Meeting report. He says the main point of the Mayor’s was that a motion passed at a Board of Health Meeting cannot direct the Council to act. If the Council has no jurisdiction over such matters why did the Mayor as Chairman of the Board accept the motion? Also if this is the case how can the Board of Health appoint someone to represent the Town Council on the Burra Burra Hospital Board?
Burra Town Council, Monday
Cr Button raised the point mentioned above and suggested the Town Council appoint a representative to the Hospital Board as the Mayor had recently ruled that the Board of Health’s resolutions had no effect on the Council. Cr Button said he feels he cannot sit on the Hospital Board, but also can’t resign, having never been elected. The Mayor said he was wrong and out of order. Cr Button said he could then not attend the Board meetings and can’t resign from a position to which he had never been appointed.
The Mayor said Cr Button would have to resign if that was his attitude.
Cr Button said he couldn’t, as under the Mayor’s own ruling he had no standing.
53, 8, 24 Feb. 1932, page 1
Ironmine Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival 7 February.
[Messrs [L.R.] Fuss & Fairchild rendered special singing.]
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church 17 February
Alfred Morgan, younger son of the late Mr & Mrs W. Morgan, married
Ethel Williams, third daughter of Mr & Mrs T. Williams of ‘Buckland Hills’.
CWA meeting Friday last. Mrs Warnes reported on the 11 February meeting of the National Council of Women.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 13th stage of the Poonunda Trophy and best shots were J.L. Williams & J. Schwier. [Check: the previous shoot was also the 13th stage!]
53, 8, 24 Feb. 1932, page 2
Advt. Learn to Swim Week Saturday Next 27 February
Grand carnival at the Mine Pool. Opened by the Mayor at 2.15 p.m.
Advt. Burra Easter Tennis Tournament
Advt. CWA ‘Continental’ at Wahroonga, Tonight 24 February. Burra Band will attend.
Mr R.V. Warnes from Brinkworth has been appointed the new stationmaster at Burra
James Kelly grazier of the district turned 92 on 20 February.
A Bolt. The horses in J.R. Burt’s buggy bolted on Tuesday morning from Kingston St by Paxton Square. They turned the corner into Ayers St and negotiated the right turn to the cemetery. The three small children in the buggy aged 2, 4 & 6 were terrified, but unhurt.
Kooringa Methodist Church held a Memorial Service to R.H. Bruce on Sunday evening. He had served the church since he was 20 as a local preacher for 70 years. The family have since found he was born on 9 March 1941 making him 90 when he died.
53, 8, 24 Feb. 1932, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. Committee meeting. On the year’s transactions the society was £5 to the good. There had been consideration of running a flower and poultry show in conjunction with the dog trials and the Produce Committee recommended this with the program modelled on the Yorketown Society with some alterations as suggested by Mr R. Fuss. The report was adopted after discussion.
Mongolata Goldfield
Prospects continue to look good. A strong attempt is being made to float Mongolata No. 8 with entirely local capital. From Mongolata No. 8 91⁄2 tons and returns have totalled over £380 and after wages have been paid members of the syndicate have received handsome cheques. But the process is slow without funds. At present 7-8 tons is at grass. Two men took six weeks to get this out, the other man being engaged in sinking the shaft.
There is a long report of an interview with W. Rogers of Broken Hill, son of the late John Rogers of Baldina, who has been visiting and who has spent his time in New Guinea on a gold mine.
Burra Amateur Swimming Club. The working bee has been cutting paths, making the safety enclosure and erecting dressing enclosures etc. The shallow end of the pool has been graded and cut off from the rest with a cyclone fence. A grand carnival will mark the opening next Saturday and a program of aquatic sports has been arranged.
Croquet matches between Aberdeen and Burra have been played at each others grounds.
Obituary. Giles Miller of Hallett died on 17 February. He was born in Hutt St Adelaide on 4 March 1842. Shortly afterwards he came to Burra with his parents on a bullock dray. When he was 7 his parents went to Mintaro and his father carted ore from Burra to Pt Wakefield, bringing flour back. Later they moved to Blinman and Mr Miller carted ore from there to Pt Augusta. At 24 he took land near Leighton and married Miss S.J. Place of Mintaro and they lived at Leighton some 36 years and raised a family there. He also acquired land at Wonna. He was a circuit steward and trustee for Leighton Methodist Church and a staunch supporter of Methodism. For the last 29 years he has lived at Hallett in good health and mentally very sharp. He leaves a family of three daughters and two sons: Mesdames G.E. McWaters (Guildford WA), J.H. McWaters (Wentworth NSW), D. Pryde (Spalding) and Messrs F.W. Miller (Hallett) & W.G. Miller (Hallett). James Miller of Adelaide is a brother and Mesdames W. Rowe of South Broken Hill & Smelt of Mypolonga are sisters. [Born 7 March 1842 Adelaide: died 17 February 1932 at Hallett.]
53, 8, 24 Feb. 1932, page 4
Tennis. On Saturday: Hill View 7-62 defeated Paradise 5-56.
E. Harold Parsons writes concerning statements that he has been a claim jumper. He outlines the law that says a mining lease must be manned 8 hours a day on weekdays and 4 hours on Saturdays. If this is not done the lease is liable to forfeiture. The lease in question had not been worked for five months. The owner had been working on another lease. The owner had then left the field and was interstate. Parsons’ company also found that the owner had allowed his Miner’s Right to expire. In the eyes of miners and of the law of the land had abandoned the claim. The Department informed Parsons the area was crown land and had been open to pegging for some time. Parsons pegged the claim. Many of the Mongolata claims have not been worked in accordance with the rules. It is not the man who undertakes to work an unworked lease who is unfair, but the man who like the dog in the manger will not do the work, but expects to stop others just by putting pegs in the ground.
Burra Town Council, 15 February
The Director of Lands objects to the sale of a road to Mr Turner of Aberdeen as it would block access to a reserve. The reserve belongs to the Government, so Council cannot sell it. The solicitor’s opinion will be sought.
T. Halls and Alex Bevan complain that they pay 3/- p.a. permit to run cabs to the station and 5/- driver’s licence and 10/- Government driver’s licence, while others earning a living in the same way pay nothing. (The letter actually cited charges of earlier years. Last year the Council collected £1-10-0 from them.) But last year the fee had been reduced for 12 months and as that arrangement had lapsed the Town Clerk sought the full account. It was resolved that the fees be the same as last year.
There was a protracted discussion about carting road metal and discussions about footpaths and drains.
Local Board of Health
Ralph Hill’s contract for scavenging was renewed.
53, 9, 2 Mar. 1932, page 1
RSL AGM 20 February at the club rooms in Kooringa. The annual report showed a successful year despite the depression and the committee was to be congratulated on holding two successful balls that benefited the club’s finances considerably. Many members attended the unveiling of the State War Memorial on Anzac Day 1931 and attendance at the local Anzac Day service on Sunday 26 April was large. A collection of nearly £12 benefited the AIF Cemetery Fund. Armistice Day was observed and Poppy Day raised £4-5-0. An appeal for wheat for Angorichina Hostel raised 30 bags. The Brandt fund has paid £116-12-2 to the widow and there is a balance of £46-18-11.
Elected: President, C.R. Sexton; Vice-Presidents, L.M. Gordon & H.J.B. Jennison; Hon. Secretary, G.H. Dow & Treasurer M.G. Dobson. The meeting carried a resolution calling on the Government to investigate the disabilities under which soldier settlers were working and to treat each case on its merits rather than collectively. The main difficulties cited were the low prices for primary products, high and inflated land values and high interest rates. An annual ball will be held in 1932 at a date to be fixed.
H.W. Morgan replies to Mr Parsons about Mongolata leases. He contradicts the condition of leasehold – a claim has to be worked 44 hours a week irrespective of days. If Mr Parsons thinks mining land is too valuable to lie idle can he explain why he pegged 80 acres and gave the impression it was all registered when only 20 acres was registered.
Morgan makes a couple of other points and asks how many of the claims worked by Parson’s companies were developed in the mining sense. They seem not to have employed any more men than absolutely necessary to legally hold the claims. Do Mr Parsons’ companies expect people who were on the field eight months before their arrival to pull up their pegs and let them choose a block? It seems [says Mr Morgan] really a case of sour grapes.
Burra Amateur Swimming Club. Learn to Swim Week
When the club was formed in response to The Advertiser Learn to Swim Campaign P.A. & A.J. McBride gave permission for the mine pool to be used as the only suitable spot in Burra. As the time was late in the season attention concentrated on making the approaches safe and grading and fencing one end of the pool to make it safe for beginners. Working bees did a lot of pick and shovel work and were helped by boys from the High School under Mr E.A. Haese and senior Primary School boys under Mr Tuck. 200-300 people came to the opening on Saturday. The pool is one of Burra’s beauty spots. There are many pepper trees growing on ledges and in crevices. The weather was perfect and it was in fact the only hot day in February.
Mr N.W. Thomas the Chief Instructor from The Advertiser arrived by the morning train and was delighted with the facilities. Mr P.A. McBride MHR had been asked to open the pool, but Parliamentary duties prevented this and the duty fell to the Mayor who is also chairman of the Swimming Club. He duly declared it open and gave a speech.
In the week school children will be taught swimming under control of their teachers. Twelve competent instructors have been appointed including Mr Thomas and two from the Education Department. Mr Woollacott thanked all those who had given gifts and trophies for the carnival. The carnival commenced with a spectacular dive into the pool from one of the high cliffs by Mr L. Winkley. Results of events are printed. There were no events for ladies, though in future we believe provision will be made.
53, 9, 2 Mar. 1932, page 2
Obituary. Mr E. Knox representative of Crofton & Co. of Adelaide collapsed in his car in the street in Farrell’s Flat on 25 February and died shortly thereafter.
[Ernest Alfred Knox born 14 February 1870 Glenelg: died 25 February 1932 Farrell’s Flat.]
Obituary. Mrs George Gallagher died at Gawler Hospital (after an operation) on 27 February aged 41. She was born Ethel, the elder daughter of Mr Harry Schuyler and the late Mrs Schuyler late of Braemar and now of Aberdeen. She married George Gallagher, elder son of Mr & Mrs James Gallagher, then of Pualco Station. For some years they lived at Hampton and then at Gawler. She is survived by a husband and six children. R. Schuyler of Mt Bryan is a brother and Mrs P.J. Harrison of Aberdeen her only sister. [They lived, not right in Hampton, but half way along the road between the jail and Hampton.] [Born Ethel Jane Schuyler 29 June 1890 Kooringa.]
Burra Rifle Club. 15 members went to Pt Adelaide on Saturday for the Country Teams Championship. The Burra team came 5th.
Railway Timetable for each day is printed. Second Class fares to Adelaide:
Single 12/4, Return 18/6, Excursion 13/10.
Tennis. At Clare 20 February: Burra 8 rubbers 10-125 defeated Clare 7 rubbers 11-125.
Golden Vale 6-59 defeated Hill View 6-56.
Croquet at Clare on Saturday: Burra 43 defeated Clare 35.
Bowls at Clare on Saturday: Burra 85 defeated Clare 83.
Polo at Clare 20 February: Clare ‘B’ 6 defeated Mid-North ‘B’ 2
Mid-North ‘A’ 6 defeated Clare ‘A’ 1
Obituary. Mr Giles Miller’s recent death prompted the reprint of an interview from 1927 in the Adelaide News.
He was born in Hutt St in 1842. When a young boy they went to the Barossa where his father had land. About 1852 they bought a farm at Mintaro. Mr Miller then became a bullock driver and as soon as he could yoke and handle a team he worked for a living engaged in carting ore from Burra to Pt Wakefield and Pt Adelaide. They did the trip for six or seven years till the mine closed.* Then Giles Miller went to Blinman and carted from there to Pt Augusta, often going 10 days or a fortnight without meat unless they caught a goanna or a wallaby. He recalls seeing a fight between about 20 lubras while their men were out hunting. They used yam sticks and waddies. After about two years there he returned to Mintaro and later took land on his own account at Baldry (later called Leighton). His first experience of ploughing was with 6-8 bullocks on a single-furrow wooden plough with no wheels. He then obtained 800 acres under the cultivation clause in the Hundred of Wonna and when poor seasons forced the sale of the Baldry property he moved to Wonna. There he farmed and kept a few sheep and added another 800 acres. Better farming methods and higher prices put him on his feet and he now has (in 1927) an additional 490 acres near Hallett and shears c. 1,400 sheep. His land is let on halves, but he had not cropped any in 1927. He was one of a family of 11 of whom 3 survived [in 1927.] He smoked till about 45 years ago, but ‘has shown more sense since’. When he bought land at Baldry he married Miss Pearce of Mintaro and had a family of 13 children, five of whom survive. [* This sentence cannot be correct. He married in 1868 and he spent, he says two years in the north before that and some time at Mintaro. The Burra Mine closed in 1868 for conversion to open cut, but the cartage to Pt Wakefield and Pt Adelaide ceased when the railway reached Gawler in 1857, though they might have continued to cart ore to the railhead.]
CWA Continental at Wahroonga last Wednesday evening had to contend with a cold night that penetrated even rugs and cloaks. The wide balcony accommodated the performers easily and the terraced lawns provided ample space for the audience. The Burra Band under J.H. Murison presented a good program supplemented with other solo performances of instruments, songs, elocution and duets. The Burra Quartette presented four songs and was recalled each time.
53, 9, 2 Mar. 1932, page 4
Pro-Japanese Sentiment
There is an interesting pro-Japanese article accepting that Japan is protecting her own nationals when invading Manchuria – citing Winston Churchill saying Japan will have to win a decisive victory before stopping or Chinese nationalism would again be directed at all foreign powers.
53, 10, 9 Mar. 1932, page 1
Burra Amateur Swimming Club. At a meeting on last Friday it was decided to extend the ‘Learn to Swim Campaign’ for another week to conclude on Saturday 12 March. Instruction will be given from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. People using the pool will be asked to pay a small membership fee of 2/- adult and 6d children to defray the expenses the club has incurred. Chief Instructor Norman Thomas of Adelaide was thanked for his work. He returned to the city on Saturday. R.J. Burt will fill the role for the last week. Of the pupils about 60 were taught to swim and others are approaching that stage.
53, 10, 9 Mar. 1932, page 2
Obituary. Herbert G. Evans, only [surviving] son of George Evans, died at Northfield 5 March aged 29. He spent most of his life in Burra and leaves a widow, but no family. He was a brother to Edith, Pearl & Ruby.
Burra Mine Pool has been rumoured to be very deep, but recent soundings have placed the greatest depth at c. 15ft. Three or four rafts have been placed as a safety precaution and a steel wire stretched across the pool a little way out from the learners’ area.
Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving services were held last Sunday.
A concert in aid of church funds was held in the Methodist Lecture Hall on 2 March by Sunday school children and it was largely attended.
Royal Institution for the Blind Concert was held in the Institute 1 March and drew a fair audience.
Mongolata Goldfield
There have been some good finds recently on Byles’ Mongolata No. 8 and good stuff too on Salter & Hogan’s Claim in their new drive.
Charles Greenwood reports on Byles’ Lease.
Located 16 miles northeast of Burra on the eastern scarp of a range of largely sandstone formation, the outcrop can be traced for nearly three miles and is being prospected and worked for that distance. The sandstone contains quartz and ironstone veins which are like auriferous dykes. The claim is of 27 acres of which 17 are on lode and 10 acres north are a machine site. An open cut is put across part of the lode from which a drive has been extended 90ft on a slight southerly dip and along this the reef is exposed from 3-5ft thick. Crushings give an average 5oz to the ton. A shaft has been sunk cutting the reef at 22ft. Total depth of shaft is 53ft with a crosscut 14ft east. Samples from the face gave poor results. Along the main drive from the open cut the reef is showing 4ft wide quartz and manganiferous ironstone with lenses of rich ore. Distribution of the gold content is peculiar passing from rich to poor in a few feet. At 114ft the winze is down 17ft on the underlay, 10ft vertical a drive is going south 26ft. There is a full face of quartz and ironstone, but it is not payable. On the north side of the winze a fine make of stone goes down underfoot, good values from samples with no visible gold. Good stone in the east of the drive dips east. On the west a rise is up a few feet and in the drive off the west the reef shows 3ft quartz and ironstone. Samples give 1⁄2oz per ton.
A second open cut is put across the lode in the gully below and 80ft north of the ore dump. Insufficient work has been done to prove this place, but a trial produced 51⁄20z per ton.
The mine can easily be worked by open cuts and an adit driven from the east side of the hill. Shaft working must come later. In my opinion there is about 5,000 tons of crushing ore in sight of payable kind to justify the erection of a ten head stamp battery as soon as water can be supplied. About 250 tons of payable ore are stacked on the mine.
Bowls. Eudunda visited on Saturday and Eudunda 86 defeated Burra 69.
Croquet. On Saturday Burra defeated Eudunda by 10.
[Though the figures seem to suggest 12 to me.]
At Aberdeen on 3 March Aberdeen played Burra and won both games.
53, 10, 9 Mar. 1932, page 3
Burra Town Council, 7 March
Virtually the whole meeting dealt with minor works on roads, paths, bridges and fords and an unsightly wall in Redruth.
53, 11, 16 Mar. 1932, page 1
Tennis. Saturday Mt Bryan 5 rubbers 14-116 defeated Kooringa 4 rubbers 13-131.
53, 11, 16 Mar. 1932, page 2
Obituary. Fanny Finch, wife of the late E.N. Finch, died 11 March at Kooringa aged 79.
Mrs E.N. Finch died after two days’ illness. She was born at Burra 1 August 1852, the youngest daughter, Fanny, of the late Mr & Mrs Henry Pinch of Burra. Her only sister is Mrs Josiah Thomas of Aberdeen and late of ‘Three Trees’ who is 81. She married Mr Edwin N. Finch 24 June 1878 and they lived first at Springbank and then Mr Finch took extensive holdings and they moved to ‘Pencarrow’ estate on the northern side of ‘Three Trees’ and carried on grazing. Mr Finch died 10 October 1921 and his widow moved to Kooringa to live. Mrs Finch was a strong supporter of the Burra Show and a staunch Methodist. In early married life she attended Kooringa Methodist Church, but on moving to ‘Pencarrow’ she attended Redruth Methodist Church and in late life again attended Kooringa Methodist Church. A family of seven survives: Mrs Alfred T. McWaters (‘Myola’ Leighton), Richard Finch (Adelaide), Henry Finch (West Coast), Edwin Finch (‘Wandillah’ Burra), Walter Finch (Leighton), Osbertus Finch (‘Horsley Dene’ Burra) & Glen R. Finch (‘Latrobe’ Cross Roads Burra). There are 18 grandchildren.
Roy Jeffery of Jeffery & Byrne butchers was cycling to Kooringa when he collided with a car driven by Mr C. Webster of Shafton near Mr R. Fuss’s carpenter’s shop. He sustained a dislocated elbow and hip as well as severe bruises and contusions.
Thomas Nevin headmaster of Edwardstown Public School turned 65 last week and will retire from the Education Department in May. Mr Nevin was educated at Burra Public School and served here as a monitor and pupil teacher before going to Training College. [Thomas Nevin 1867-1952 married Agnes Rabbich daughter of W.A. Rabbich of Burra.]
Samuel Baker of Redruth turns 92 tomorrow.
Redruth Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival last Sunday.
E.E. George MP advises he has received advice from E.J. Field Director of Lands concerning Soldier Settlers. Cases will be considered individually. Reductions in valuations must await more stable markets. Interest rates will be reduced to 5% if soldiers are paying more. Those unable to pay should forward what they can plus a statement of their financial position. Extension of time for payment will receive full consideration.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 14th stage of the Poonunda Trophy and best scores were by C.H. Dixon & W.J. Ryan.
Burra Indoors Bowls Assoc. held its AGM in the Oddfellows’ Hall Aberdeen 8 March. The Association was reformed for 1932. Elected: Chairman, Stan Kellaway Sen.; Secretary, P. Rule & R. Motley, Minute Secretary. Applications for teams are to be in by 22 March. Team fee 5/-.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet in the Memorial Hall Redruth.
53, 11, 16 Mar. 1932, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Rumour says there have been some excellent finds, but only Block 8 presents confirmation where the last crushing produced 4oz to the ton from the battery without tailings. (Probably the total yield would by about 8oz to the ton.) If Burra people do not soon take up the shares on offer they will go to Adelaide investors.
E. Harold Parsons replies to H.W. Morgan. He says the Department of Mines is emphatic that Clause 93 of the Consolidated Mining Regulations requires work 8 hours per day every working day except Saturday when 4 shall be sufficient and also required it be ‘efficiently worked’. He also denies trying to mislead the public. The work on the holdings of companies managed by Parsons was according to plans from a noted mining expert. These companies did not merely employ the minimum number of men to hold the lease. Except for Byles’ which used machine drills, no other claims on Mongolata show the same work done in the same time. As for his statement about the ‘dummying of leases’ Parsons restates his position that in many cases men have been held off leases by pegs on claims that are not being worked.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held Harvest Thanksgiving Services at which Rev. E.S. Jew preached.
Burra Brass Band appeared in uniform for the first time at last Sunday afternoon’s concert. They stepped out to the March Invercargill to the Rotunda in Market Square. There was a large attendance and £5 was collected. Local soloists added songs to the band music. (Messrs W.H. Spier, E.A. Haese, G.H. Dollman & Miss Stella Lawrence with Mesdames Haese & George Hann as accompanists.)
53, 11, 16 Mar. 1932, page 4
CWA Special Meeting on 11 March to decide on how the Association locally would celebrate Wool Week. It was decided to hold a local exhibition on Friday 22 April.
Burra Burra Show Inc. AGM Monday 6 March. The old officers were returned unopposed.
The Sheep Dog Trials were held on 14 & 15 April with horse events. The loss on the occasion was c. £21. This year it is proposed to have a Flower and Poultry Show on the last day.
The Annual Show on 28 October was a great success. Prize money had to be cut, but the show struck excellent weather, drew a big attendance, had excellent exhibits and produced an all round success. Last year there was a profit of £33 and this year it is £8-14-10. Considering that the Government subsidy of £35 was not paid this is a good result and the overdraft has been reduced by £5. Elected: Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, A.B. Riggs & S.H. Robinson. Burra has been allotted Wednesday 26 October for the next show.
53, 12, 23 Mar. 1932, page 1
Mt Bryan Methodist Churches held their combined Harvest Thanksgiving services on 19 & 20 March.
CWA committee met on 18 March to arrange the Wool Exhibition in the Burra Institute on 22 April, to be opened by Sir John Melrose. There will be loan exhibits and competitive exhibits. The latter are to comprise knitted and crocheted works in a long list of categories.
Burra Amateur Swimming Club. The final meeting for 1932 was at the Mine Pool last Saturday. A large crowd attended. A feature of the afternoon was the spectacular diving of L. Winkley and J. Voumard who dived from cliffs of about 35 ft & 55ft. There were pleasing displays of swimming by those newly taught in the Learn to Swim Campaign and diving from the spring board.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 15th stage of the Poonunda Trophy and A.C. Aughey, J. Williams and S.E. Truscott obtained the best scores.
Croquet. On Saturday Clare 48 defeated Burra 27.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday Clare 96 defeated Burra 89.
53, 12, 23 Mar. 1932, page 2
Advt. Tenders are called for additions to the Memorial Hall at Ironmine by 1 April.
Advt. Hallett Sports on Easter Monday with Grand Concert & Dance to Follow.
Advt. Burra Burra Show Inc. Sheep Dog Trials 1 & 2 April, Horses in Action 2 April.
Flower & Poultry Show 2 April.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its annual picnic last Saturday at Stone Chimney Creek on property lent by Mr Herbert Morgan. The weather, though fine was very boisterous. The large marquee gave a degree of comfort despite the occasional whirls of dust and myriads of flies. Sports were conducted in the afternoon when it eased somewhat.
Burra Band played a concert at Aberdeen on Sunday last in Best Place and the collection raised over £3.
Burra Golf Club AGM was held at the Institute 17 March. Elected were President, Dr D.M. Steele (re-elected); Vice-Presidents, Dr Steven & J.R. Barker; Secretary, G.C. Sangster and Assistant Secretary, A.L. Bence. Last season saw the club with over 80 members, the largest number ever. Work has been done in preparation for an opening of the season as early as possible.
RSL. The Town Council has donated £1-1-0 towards the cost of a framed portrait of General Sir John Monash for the club rooms. The amending Act 1931 has eased the financial burdens of soldiers settled under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act.
Mongolata Goldfield
Mongolata No. 8 continues to yield well: the latest crushing yielded 26oz 5dwt 5gr from 4 tons 7cwt of ore.
Byles’ Mongolata Goldmining Co. No. 1 recently crushed 5 tons 15cwt and the yield was 6oz 2dwt per ton.
W.J. Richards will be in Burra today and tomorrow to explain to investors the prospectus and prospects. There will be a meeting on Thursday at 3 o’clock in the Eastern Telephone Building for all interested.
The Rampton Syndicate’s last crushing of 5 tons 9 cwt yielded 81⁄2oz per ton without the tailings, which is a field record.
W.H. Morgan responds to Mr Parsons saying Parsons resorted to cheap sarcasm and made unfair comparisons. Block 13341 was not the block pegged by Parsons.
Burra High School was visited by Clare High school on 19 March.
Cricket: Burra 6 for 151 declared defeated Clare 34.
Tennis: Clare 8 sets defeated Burra 4 sets.
Part of the afternoon was spent at the Mine Pool.
53, 13, 30 Mar. 1932, page 1
Burra Indoor Bowls Assoc. adjourned General Meeting 22 March. Teams for 1932 will be Oddfellows 2, Methodists 2, Foresters 1, St Mary’s 1.
53, 13, 30 Mar. 1932, page 2
Tom Kellaway eldest son of S. Kellaway of Kooringa has won the high jump at Stawell, Victoria.
Easter Tennis Tournament was disrupted by the weather and incomplete.
Men’s Championship Doubles S. & C. Lomman
Men’s Handicap Singles G. Mosey
Men’s Championship Singles S. Lomman
Hallett Sports. The threatening weather on Monday following Saturday’s storm kept many away and attendance was only fair, but the sports were good till drizzle set in about 4 p.m. Results are printed.
Marriage. 26 March, [St Joseph’s Church, Kooringa.]
Lilian Caines, youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs G. Caines of Pt Pirie, married
Sid. Collins, third surviving son of Mrs J. Collins & the late Mr P. Collins of Gum Creek.
53, 13, 30 Mar. 1932, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
The Byles’ Co. meeting at the Eastern Telephone Building last Thursday had Mr I.J. Warnes (a director) in the chair. It had been decided to float the company with 100,000 £1 shares. He called on Mr J. Richards to explain the company. Mr Richards said Mr Greenfield, a Victorian expert had investigated the Byles’ Claim and Mongolata and his view was the field would turn out to be important and rich. He (Richards) had been busy for eight months with the mine and he felt it could play a big role in the financial salvation of SA. The company had an excellent and experienced miner in charge in Mr Salter. Mr Francis O’Brien’s report in The Record of 9 September 1931 had been accurate when he had called the field a ‘miniature golden mile’. The company had paid Mr Byles £1,000 on 23 December and had taken over the mine. During his occupancy Mr Byles had got gold every day and the lode was still going on, travelling south to southeast. It was hard to say how big it was. They had obtained 165oz 8dwt 21gr of gold from 46 tons 9cwt of ore. They had a dump of 300 to 350 tons awaiting a battery on the field. Up to date the mine had paid for all development work. If Charles Green’s report was correct there were 5,000 tons of ore in sight and that warranted a battery and water supply. Mr Murphy an old miner predicted there would be 1,000 men on the field by the end of the year. If Mongolata had been in Central Australia people would have flocked there. Mr Warnes then gave an account of how he had bought his first share from Mr Richards. Considering the difficulties the men worked under he thought the progress to date was wonderful. The Government had not given the field the chance it should have had. The lode seemed to extend easily for three miles. He was pleased to be a director. His first investment had been 3-£10 syndicate shares and he had sold one for £45. He had put £300 more in the mine and was going to add to that. He thought local businessmen should give support; that water was pretty close, but a battery was needed.
Mr Richards said that would cost £4,000.
Mr Byles said he believed the field had a great future and he had taken up an extra 10 shares.
Mr Leane a WA miner thought it a wonderful proposition.
Mr Jones an old district boy who had been running a mine at Mannahill for 20 years said in a letter to E.J. Harris he was most favourably impressed.
Mr Richards said negotiations for a battery had about closed and when it arrived it would take about six weeks to erect. At least 50 men would be put on once there was water and a battery. Development of mines was generally slow and if they were in full swing in 12 months they would be pleased. He called for offers for shares.
Mr Warnes applied for 500 and a number of others put in applications.
Mr Woollacott the Mayor hoped the district would follow Mr Warnes and Sir John Melrose and invest in local enterprise that would provide jobs.
Mr Warnes said he would do all he could to get local men employed.
Burra Town Council, 21 March
A reply via C.A.S. Hawker from the Post Master General about lowering long distance phone charges stated it was not possible to lower charges for such calls.
The auditor-General asked why certain licences had been reduced from £3 to 30/- and drawing attention to the £70 owing on rates.
The Town Clerk said both matters could be explained.
[The explanation of the former is not very clear in the paper.]
The arrears in rates are largely due to unclaimed properties, which the Council intended selling to go towards liquidation of the debt. They had been outstanding and accumulating for 20 years.
In the event of the properties being sold the money obtained will pay the rates and the debt will not be handed on to the buyers.
Local Board of Health
G.E. McDonald of Redruth was granted permission to keep a pig at the old Girls’ Reformatory.
53, 14, 6 Apr. 1932, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the second stage of the Championship on Saturday.
First three off the rifle were: R. Nutt 225, A.C. Aughey 221 & P.W. Hogan 217.
First three with handicap were: R. Nutt 233, J.E. Pearce 232 & P.W. Hogan 229.
Oddfellows met 29 March at the Aberdeen Lodge Hall when District Officers and delegates of the Kapunda District gathered for the 1st District Meeting held in Burra. PG C.R. Bevan was appointed DGM of the District. He is the first member of the Burra Burra Lodge to gain the position of District Officer. He is currently President of the Juvenile Lodge in Burra which claims the highest membership in SA. He has been nominated for the position of Director of the Society in SA and appointed a member of the GAC meeting to be held in Adelaide in May.
Burra Easter Tennis Tournament. Bad weather meant the tournament had to be completed in the week following.
Men’s Singles Champion S. (Bob) Lomman
Men’s Doubles Champions C. & S. Lomman
Mixed Doubles Handicap S. Lomman & Miss Pearce
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘B’ Grade Walker
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘A’ Grade G. Mosey
Veteran’s Doubles Handicap L. Gebhardt & Dr Steele
Men’s Handicap Doubles ‘A’ Grade L.G. Collins & D. Fuss
Men’s Handicap Doubles ‘B’ Grade A. Bruce & H. Rooke
Women’s Singles Championship Miss Sara
Women’s Singles Handicap Miss M.V. Pearce
Boys Singles Championship Jack McWaters
Women’s Doubles Handicap ‘A’ Grade Misses H. & J. Mosey
Women’s Doubles Handicap ‘B’ Grade Misses M. Davey & Paltridge
Obituary. Julius August [Carl] Zanker died 27 March at Adelaide Hospital aged 60. He was the brother of M. Schoenberg. [Resident of Mt Bryan.]
Mr Roy Bunney of the staff of the Kooringa Post Office for nine years has been appointed postmaster here.
53, 14, 6 Apr. 1932, page 2
D.R. Brinkworth of the Kooringa branch of Elder, Smith & Co. has been appointed manager of the Angaston branch.
Flocks of galahs, wild duck & swans passed over the town from midnight Friday night. Old timers say it is a sign of heavy rain.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Syndicate says in the week ending 2 April the east crosscut advanced 5ft to 21ft. The lode is 5ft wide carrying high values; portions show coarse and free gold. 180 bags are stacked on the surface and they will forward a 20 ton parcel next week to the Government battery.
Burra Brass Band presented a concert at the Burra Hospital on Sunday afternoon.
Rev. E.S. & Mrs Jew were given a farewell in Hallett Hall on 1 April after a stay of three years.
St Joseph’s Church Green & White Dance on 30 March was a social and financial success. Miss Ormsby’s Orchestra from Gawler played.
Burra Burra Show Inc. Sheep Dog Trials were held 1 & 2 April under unfavourable weather conditions. There were no entries from Victoria this year. Mr Arthur Riggs supplied the sheep.
Winners:
Local Class T. Turner’s Donald
Maiden Stakes T. Whittington’s Banner
Puppy Stakes T. Whittington’s Banner
Open Class F.R. Dinning’s Tatiara Lass
In the Flower Show it was a bit early in the season, but the quality was very good. As most birds are moulting the poultry show was also limited in size.
53, 15, 13 Apr. 1932, page 1
Burra Children’s Playground Children’s Sports were held last Saturday. The results are printed. There was a splendid attendance and the Burra Brass Band played.
Burra Basketball Assoc. AGM was held last Thursday in J. Allen’s rooms. The association is in a sound financial state with a credit of £12-16-9. Elected: Patron, R.A. Lynch; President & Chairman, A. Ratcliffe & Honorary Secretary, N. Villis.
Burra Town Council, 4 April
Council adopted Model By-Law 30 with reference to the licensing of petrol pumps etc.
The Mayor and Crs Riggs & Bevan were nominated members of the High School Council.
£1-1-0 was donated to the Children’s Hospital.
T.H. Woollacott was given permission to make alterations to Miss Bentley’s residence in Aberdeen.
Kangaroo St Bridge is to be repaired.
Action is to be taken to deal with 26 unclaimed blocks in the town. They are to be put up for auction as soon as possible.
There was a discussion over drivers plying for hire without a licence.
The Pig & Whistle Bridge is to be inspected.
53, 15, 13 Apr. 1932, page 2
Advt. Kooringa Tennis Club advertises its Anzac Day Tournament.
Obituary. Mary (Polly) Jordan, wife of J.D. Jordan and second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Pearce of Kooringa, died on 7 April at Ashfield, Sydney aged 83.
The wife of John Dawson Jordan was a former Burra girl and only surviving daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. (Tailor) Pearce. She married J.D. Jordan a watchmaker in 1871 and lived for some years in Clare. They later returned to Kooringa where Mr Jordan carried on business before going to Broken Hill soon after it opened up. On retirement they went to Sydney to live. They celebrated their diamond wedding last year and Mrs Jordan died on her husband’s 87th birthday. Surviving members of the family are: Messrs Arthur (Gawler), Ernest (Adelaide), Albert (Melbourne), Reginald (WA) and the Misses Gertrude & Ruby (Sydney). Charles J. Pearce of Kooringa is now the only surviving member of the original W. Pearce family who arrived in Burra in 1848. [Born Mary Ann Pearce 23 December 1846 in England and known as Polly or Lizzie. Her husband died 11 December 1934 aged 89.]
Mr A. White, son of F.R. White who in early days had a private school here in the residence now occupied by Mr George Hann, passed through Burra on Friday.
The pine trees burnt in the fire along the creek in January between the swing bridge and the Black Bridge have almost all shot out with new growth. Only two or three of the smaller ones seem to have died.
Weather. Rain in the last week has totalled 135 points locally. Not much fell to the east, though heavy rains in the Baldina Creek catchment sent a flood down on Friday that flowed 3ft deep over the ford, followed by a second flush an hour or so later. Falls in the area seem to have been about 50 points. World’s End did quite well.
Polo. E.R. (Reg.) McWaters & Rex Warnes have been doing well in the annual polo carnival at Birkalla, playing with the Samaritans Team.
Ron Brinkworth was given a farewell at Pearce’s Building last Friday evening. He has been the outside man for Elder, Smith & Co. for the last four years. Speakers were the Mayor, Max Pearce (Manager for Elder, Smith & Co.), Ken Drew (of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co.), Mr A. Ratcliffe (Basketball Assoc.), G.C. Sangster, H.J. Button, C.J. Bentley, A.L. Bence, D.M. Short & J. Hill. He was presented with a travelling rug. He becomes Elder, Smith’s manager at Angaston.
Advt. CWA Wool Exhibition Burra Institute 22 April to be opened at noon by Sir John Melrose.
53, 15, 13 Apr. 1932, page 3
Marriage. 9 April, [Methodist Parsonage, Aberdeen]
Archibald Chambers, eldest son of Mr & Mrs H. Chambers of Redruth, married
Marjorie Eileen Woodman, fourth daughter of Mrs Jane Woodman of Kooringa.
Mongolata Goldfield
About three weeks ago Salter & Hogan opened a new reef 15-18” wide at the south end of the claim. A 2 ton 15cwt crushing produced 2oz 7dwt per ton.
Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Syndicate. Rich ore is coming from the east crossover. The north drive off the west crosscut advanced 4ft to 21ft. 13 tons is bagged on the surface.
Rev. E.S. Jew was farewelled from Mt Bryan East Church on 30 March. He goes to Millicent.
Burra Chess Club begins its season on 18 April.
53, 15, 13 Apr. 1932, page 4
Mr & Mrs E. Leighton of Booborowie celebrated their golden wedding 16 March 1932.
Burra Golf Club opened its season on Saturday with a moderate attendance.
53, 16, 20 Apr. 1932, page 1
Frank Treloar: Looking Back
Recollections of Past Depressions.
His parents went north in 1852 and lived on what is now Spring Vale Vineyard at Watervale where Frank grew up.
Burra Mine gave employment not only in the mine, but in carting on the Gulf Road. Returning diggers [from Victoria] brought money. At the time it was believed that wheat wouldn’t grow north of Clare nor east or west of the hills running south from it. Beyond Clare was said to be fit only for squatters. Beyond Mt Remarkable lay the ‘Far North’.
Ploughs were then heavy wooded ploughs (swing) drawn by bullocks and harrows were made from a piece of a tree. Harvest was by sickle and the grain was tied into sheaves and threshed with a flail before being wind sieved and carted to Gawler for sale or grist. Reaping cost 15/- to 20/- an acres. This situation did not last long. Soon two blacksmiths, Billy Rowse of Mintaro and John Lines of Leasingham, made single and later double furrow iron ploughs and iron harrows. Frank’s father introduced the first Ridley reaper and winnower to the district.
In 1860 Wallaroo Mines were discovered and developed quickly. Farmers now had a ready sale for produce east and west. More land was surveyed and sol for cash, favouring the agents and speculators, not the small men. Pleuro[-pneumonia] then wiped out the bullocks in their thousands causing horses to replace them in farming and in carting. In the 1870s Auburn was an important centre and had important horse and cattle sales. Consignments of over 100 draught horses came from Tasmania by Mr Aliston. Farm production became more satisfactory. The Government made land available on conditional purchase to bona fide settlers and settlement spread north. Farrell’s Flat became an important receiving station on the eastern side of the ranges and Hoyleton to the west. Clare was a centre for produce from the new areas to the north. Later still Pt Pirie became the shipping point and its railway cut off much of the wheat that previously came south. Farmers did well, but some made no provision for bad seasons. In the 1890s soil exhaustion made it seem that the land would never again produce good yields and 5-8 bushel per acre became the norm. Farmers were barely existing. Wages fell to 5 or 6/- a day and there were no jobs. Land was practically unsaleable. In good years around Farrell’s Flat it was sold on easy terms for £2-15-0 an acre. Banks knew it was useless to foreclose and took what interest they could. In the city unemployment was severe. Mr Kither opened a soup kitchen and many were in rags and practically bootless. The gold rush to Teetulpa in some ways saved the day – more for the hope it gave than for the quantity of gold it produced and as it declined Silverton and Broken Hill developed. Late in the 1890s the use of phosphates saved the farmer, boosting yields and enabling him to pay off debts. Phosphates and seed drills saved the day.
The drought of 1898 was a severe blow, but it broke in May 1899 and things then changed dramatically. 1900-1913 were good seasons and with the use of phosphates the farmers’ position improved wonderfully. Farm incomes rose, debts were reduced and land values rose. In 1914 came a very bad drought, in some ways the worst, but farmers were better prepared for it and could agist their horses.
War broke out in 1914.
Following the 1914 drought came 15 years with good crops and satisfactory prices. Money was plentiful. Spending rose, Governments borrowed money from overseas and when this dried up they floated Federal Loans which soaked up working capital and this was a prime cause of unemployment and depression.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 13 April
Jean Herbert, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs George Herbert of Kooringa, married
Stanley E. Stewart, youngest son of Mr & Mrs W. Stewart of Finchley, London, England.
Marriage. Brighton Methodist Church, 5 April
Rev. David George Longbottom, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Frank Longbottom of Braefoot Estate, married Audrey Agnes Maple, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs H.S. Maple of Brighton.
53, 16, 20 Apr. 1932, page 2
Burra Rifle Club fired the 16th stage of the Poonunda Trophy and best scores were by A.C. Aughey & C.H. Dixon, but wind was so strong that the paper on the targets blew away and the match had to be abandoned.
Mongolata Goldfield
No great developments occurred in the last week, but a parcel of 7 tons from Byles’ Claim returned 95oz 3dwt 22gr at Peterborough, which is remarkable.
The men are questioning the quality of the drinking water from the Reformatory tank.
Salter & Hogan intend to float a local company if possible.
Installation of a more powerful engine at Peterborough will delay work there for some five weeks.
Football. After a lapse of two years the Burra Football Assoc. looks like being resuscitated. A meeting of representatives from Mt Bryan, Kooringa, Aberdeen and Hallett was held on Monday and matches will commence on 7 May.
Tom Kellaway has been playing with Pt Adelaide ‘A’ Grade in practice matches and has been noted as a prominent player.
YWCA young ladies from Adelaide put on an entertainment at Redruth Memorial Hall on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning there was a YWCA Church Parade. Among the visitors were Misses Jones and R. Bachelor who at one time controlled Aberdeen & Kooringa Clubs and also Miss Crowhurst late of Ayers School and Mrs B. Williams late of Aberdeen.
53, 16, 20 Apr. 1932, page 3
H.J. Button writes about the Council’s representation on the Hospital Board, stating that the result of the situation is:
A severe censure motion that was never put.
He was ruled out of order three times.
Council has had no representative on the Board for three months.
His concerns were ignored.
He has been requested to resign from a seat he has never held.
Now the Chief Secretary’s Office has written confirming his stand that the Council and not the Local Board of Health must appoint the representative. A copy of this letter is printed.
RSL. The collection at the Anzac Day Memorial Service will be distributed as follows:
£1-1-0 to Partially Blinded Soldiers’ Sub-branch
1⁄3 of the remainder to AIF Graves Trust
2⁄3 of the remainder to Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Society.
Burra Water Supply
The Commissioner of Public Works has approved laying of 131⁄2 chains of 5” main in Kingston St from Upper Thames St from Chapel St to Ware St in lieu of 3” mains. [Sic]
[There would seem to be words omitted after ‘Thames St’: perhaps ‘and in Commercial St’.]
Burra Croquet Tournament.
Doubles won by Mrs Robinson & Mrs Coverdale.
Handicap Singles won by Mrs Sandland. [Mrs W.H. Sandland?]
Championship Singles continues.
Obituary. George Pratt died at Porter’s Lagoon 13 April. He was born in County Cavan, Ireland 7 February 1852. He migrated to Australia with his parents Mr & Mrs J. Pratt in the Charlotte Gladstone when aged 8. They lived at Auburn. As a young man he took land near Carrieton and stayed 28 years. On 23 September 1890 he married Miss Caroline Elizabeth Heaslip, eldest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr D. Heaslip of Gladstone. He took up land at Porter’s Lagoon in 1910. There is a widow, one son and two daughters: Mr E.G. Pratt (Porter’s Lagoon), Miss C.M. Pratt (Porter’s Lagoon) & Mrs C. Bannon (Adelaide).
53, 17, 27 Apr. 1932, page 1
Burra Town Council, 18 April
J.B. Griffiths was granted permission to make additions to his buildings.
Drew & Crewes applied for licences for two petrol pumps in the street under new by-laws. Granted at £1-1-0 per pump. [The by-law provided for a fee of up to £10.]
H. Hill & Co. applied for a licence for a vehicle plying for hire.
Inspection of bridges revealed:
Bad timbers in the Kingston St Bridge
Footway bad on the Moorhead St [Morehead] Bridge [Redruth Bridge]
Continued observation needed at Finch’s Bridge [South of the cemetery]
Repairs needed at Cave’s Bridge [Snake Gully]
Concreting needed at the George St Bridge – a big job and perhaps metal would do for a time. [This sounds more like George St Ford.]
A list of minor roadworks was approved.
Cr Bevan asked if Cr Button intended attending the Hospital Board.
The Mayor said it should be addressed in the Local Board of Health meeting.
Local Board of Health
Cr Bevan repeated his question.
The Mayor said Cr Button’s term would expire in a few weeks.
Cr Bevan said they should appoint a new man if Cr Button would not act.
Cr Button said he was not properly appointed and it was the Council’s duty to make the appointment.
He read the letter, already published, from the Chief Secretary.
The Mayor dissented, asserting that the Council and Board of Health were two departments of the one body.
Cr Button dissented from the Mayor’s interpretation.
The Mayor said that the Local Board of Health had always made the appointment.
Cr Button thought the Chief Secretary should know what he was talking about.
The Mayor thought they needed to see all the correspondence.
Cr Bevan thought the Hospital rule was definite.
The Mayor: ‘You young councillors don’t understand this and should not interfere.’
Cr Sampson asserted his right to speak, saying they were not here to consider what had been done in the past. Because other Mayors had followed the wrong procedure did not make it right.
Cr March wondered why all the argument – why not simply get an answer to the question asked?
The mayor said there was nothing before the chair.
Cr Button said he took it that the Chief Secretary’s letter denied him a seat on the Hospital Board and he moved the Clerk write for confirmation of the letter.
The Mayor said it was a pure technicality and there was nothing in it.
Cr Button said it all started when the Mayor began splitting straws by refusing to allow discussion of grass burning in the creek at a Board of Health meeting: ‘I have simply followed your example.’
Kooringa Methodist Ladies Foreign Mission Auxiliary held a pleasant afternoon in the Lecture Hall on Thursday last with a large attendance. The Ladies Guild also attended. Mrs A. Uren of Adelaide, late Australian President of the Auxiliary gave an address and presented Miss Helen Wilkinson with a fountain pen on her retirement after 25 years service.
53, 17, 27 Apr. 1932, page 2
Advt. Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Co. calls tenders for boring for water at Mongolata.
Mr & Mrs Fred Clark of Orroroo visited Burra last week after an absence of 55 years. When young Fred had been employed by the late Mr Harry Dawson, saddler. Mr Dawson built the home now owned by the Redruth Methodist Trust and occupied by Rev. F.J. Barnes. J.R. Clark the Hallett District Clerk is a son.
Weather. Last weekend was the sixth in succession of boisterous wind and rain and this month 273 points have been recorded. Feed and herbage is coming on splendidly. The pastoral country is still badly in need of rain.
Obituary. Mr W.J. Thomas of Railway Terrace and late of Mt Bryan died 23 April aged 87.
[An extended obituary for William Jones Thomas appears in 53, 18, 4 May 1932, page 3.]
Obituary. Mrs Josiah Thomas late of ‘Three Trees’ died at her residence 26 April aged 82. She was a sister-in-law of the late W.J. Thomas. [An extended obituary for Mrs Josiah Thomas nee Mary Pinch appears in 53, 18, 4 May 1932, page 3.]
Cantata. Next Sunday at the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School Anniversary a performance will be given of G.F. Root & H. Butterworth’s Cantata The Choicest Gift. There will be an orchestra of 20 and it is said by many to be better that the same composers’ Under the Palms which was presented to acclaim about two years ago.
Marriage. Willalo Methodist Church 28 March
Molly Ashby, only daughter of Mr & Mrs W.B. Ashby of ‘Ashmore” Willalo, married
John T.P. Drew, third and youngest son of Mr & Mrs John Drew of Kooringa.
Burra Rifle Club held its Open Prize Day on Anzac Day and though it was marred by wintry weather, it proceeded without a hitch. Winners:
‘The Lawrence’ over 500 yards C.C. Castine (Adelaide)
‘The Kookaburra’ over 300 yards E.H. Hicks (Clare)
‘The Riggs’ over 600 yards W.T. Colyer (Cyclists)
‘The Burra Aggregate’ over 300, 500 & 600 yds E.H. Hicks (Clare)
Teams Aggregate over 300, 500 & 600 yds (4 men) Burra No. 1 Team
Continuous H.M. Pascoe (Gladstone)
53, 17, 27 Apr. 1932, page 3
Wool Exhibition last Friday at Burra Institute and inaugurated by the CWA.
Many pastoralists attended the opening, including representatives of such families as Melrose, Hawker, Collins, Murray, McBride, Riggs, Thomas, Hawkes, Duffield, Sandland, Duncan, Tiver, Gare and many others. Mr A.B. Riggs took the chair in place of I.J. Warnes Chairman of the Stockowners’ Assoc. who was in the city. He introduced Sir John Melrose who opened the exhibition. The Mayor moved a vote of thanks seconded by A.G. Gebhardt. The exhibition had a number of sections:
Antiquities – including a handbag owned by Miss R. Motley of Kooringa that had been made by Queen Adelaide.
Spinning
Fleece
Then a large variety of made objects like rugs, mats, eiderdowns, mattresses, working shirts, tea cosies, toys, handbags, cushions and a wide range of clothing.
Anzac Commemoration Service
The weather was inclement and so the service was held in the Burra Institute, though the crowd exceeded the capacity of the hall. There was a procession from St Mary’s led by the Burra Brass Band, then the returned men who were followed by the Light Horse, the Scouts and the school students. The front line of marchers included Mrs D. Keynes formerly Nurse E. Armstrong. There was an unusually good turnout of returned men. The service was conducted by Rev. J.S.W. Coles (Anglican) assisted by Revs F.J. Barnes of Aberdeen & H.S. Jarvis of Kooringa (Methodists). Rev. Barnes gave an address. After the service a move was made to the Soldiers’ Memorial where Major R.C. Sexton laid a wreath for the RSL followed by relatives and friends of the fallen. Last Post & Reveille followed and the returned men then marched to the RSL rooms. In the evening there was a service at St Mary’s.
53, 18, 4 May 1932, page 1
RSL Anzac Smoke Social was held in the Cheer-up Hall on Saturday 23 April with Mr Sexton in the chair. Attendance was not large.
RSL Masquerade Ball was held 28 April in the Institute. Excellent music, spectacular decorations and a bounteous supper helped to produce a great success. Costumes were not numerous, but those who took the trouble were impressive. ‘Captain De Galoot’ (Tom Canny)* mounted on a ‘horse – Phar-Lap’ (W.V. Bass & H.H. Byles) rode in and cut the ribbons! Best dressed lady was Mrs A.L. Bence (1932 Follies). Best dressed man was A. Molinari as the Duke from Rigoletto. Most humorous and best sustained were Mr Jack Jones and Miss Stella Lawrence as a sundowner and his wife. Music was by the Black Diamonds Band of Adelaide.
[* A very topical reference to the dramatic incident on 20 March 1932 when Capt. De Groot of the New Guard dashed up to cut the ribbon on Sydney Harbour Bridge ahead of Premier Jack Lang.]
R.J. Fairchild: Looking Back
While glad to hear from Frank Treloar he thinks that Mr Treloar was wrong in believing 1898 to be a year of bad drought. Records of rainfall from Ironmine suggest that on paper 1898 was quite a good year with 161⁄2”. In 1897 Norman & Co. canvassed Ironmine and Leighton for five farmers to sow 100 acres with superphosphate (20 acres each). Those who responded were W. Langford, W.H. Field, T. Fairchild, T. Bailey & Samuel Pearce. Fertilizers were bone dust, bone super and Thomas’s Phosphate. The yields at harvest were c. 10 bushels per acre and Mr Bailey got about 20 bushels. Rainfall that year was 14”. In 1898 many farmers bought drills and sowed 100 acres or more using Thomas’s Phosphate made from steel slag equal to 13% WSP (present day superphosphate). Super as we use it arrived in 1899-1900. It was imported from England, very sticky and about £4-10-0 a ton. Before super Mr Treloar mentions yields of 6-8 bushels per acre, but I remember 2 bushels per acre being nearer the mark. The advances in recent years are a combination of better wheats, splendid machinery and dry pickling, though none seem to have placed the farmer in an enviable position.
Oddfellows’ Sports organised by the local MUIOOF Lodge were held on 25 April at Stone Chimney Creek on land lent by Mr Herbert Morgan. The Burra Brass Band attended and being to the east, the sun shone and all went well. Results are printed.
[Personal interest: in the Boys 12-14 Wheelbarrow Race E. Fuss & M. Blott came 2nd.]
53, 18, 4 May 1932, page 2
Advt. A. Coverdale Ph.c. Having resigned from the employ of T.W. Wilkinson & Co. will almost immediately set up business for himself as Chemist and Druggist next door to Jeffery & Byrne.
Mongolata Goldfield
Last week directors of Byles’ Mongolata No. 1 Goldmining Co. visited the field (Messrs Milne, I.J. Warnes, Thornton, Reed, Boothby, Hayman, Campbell & Evans (secretary).) We understand they intend to put a battery on the field as soon as water is available. A site has been found for the bore.
The Secretary of Wildildie Co. (Alwin Pearce) says that the 10/- shares are going rapidly and should be exhausted this week.
Golden Harp £5 syndicate shares are selling for up to £10.
Good reports generally continue to cone in.
Leighton Cricket Club finished the season in a sound financial position. It was decided at a meeting at Leighton Hall on Saturday to repair the pitch rather than put a new one down.
Golf. Dr Steven’s round of 70 off the stick on Saturday set an unofficial course record.
Tennis. Kooringa Anzac day Tournament winners:
Men’s Handicap Doubles Dobson & Sangster
Ladies Handicap Doubles Misses Bell & Ohlmeyer
Handicap Mixed Doubles Mr Fearon & Miss Siegele
Special Mixed Doubles Mr & Mrs Tuck
53, 18, 4 May 1932, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Mary Thomas relict of the late Mr W. Thomas of Leighton died at her residence in Cooper St Aberdeen on 2 May aged 89. She is not related to the late W.J. Thomas or Mrs Josiah Thomas.
Obituary. William Jones Thomas aged 86 died 23 April at his residence in Railway Terrace Aberdeen. He was born in Liscard Cornwall 26 October 1845 and migrated with his parents Mr & Mrs John Thomas and three brothers and three sister in the Storm Cloud in 1859*. His father was engaged by the English Copper Co. Their first home was in a dugout in the Burra Creek. The father was accidentally killed in 1857* and the family moved to Copperhouse where the eldest son tried to take his place. William worked at the Burra Mine for 1/- a day – double what he had received in Cornwall and it rose later to 3/- a day. When the mine closed Mr Thomas took up bullock-driving and carting before buying land in the Mt Bryan District and becoming a farmer and grazier. The property known as ‘Hildrop’ is still owned by a son, Mr Edlie Thomas. The deceased was for many years a Councillor for the Mt Bryan DC. He was interested in politics and a supporter of football and cricket. He was a staunch supporter of the Rechabite Lodge for 63 years. He was a good story-teller of the early days and had a keen sense of humour. He was fit and alert until the final short illness. He married Miss Joanna Thomas, sister of the late Josiah Thomas of ‘Three Trees’ who died some time ago. He is survived by three sons and a daughter: William Jones Thomas (Aberdeen), Joseph Thomas (Willalo), E. [Edlie] Thomas of Mt Bryan & Miss M.A. Thomas (Aberdeen). There are 9 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren.
[* Obviously a man who migrated in 1859 cannot have died accidentally or otherwise in 1857. Of the many men called John Thomas the most promising candidate seems to be one who died at Copperhouse 10 September 1862 aged 43. BISA says 22 July 1862, but this is not on the deaths CD. BISA also suggests an 1858 arrival.]
Obituary. Mrs Josiah Thomas died at her residence 26 April aged 82. She is said to have been the first girl born at Redruth on 11 January 1850. Her parents were Mr & Mrs H. Pinch. He father built the first house in Redruth, having been washed out of a dugout in the creek. [Henry Pinch’s obituary says he sold his house in the creek for £3 and it was washed out shortly afterwards.] It being the times of the gold rush to Victoria there were few men about and Mr Pinch had to carry all the timber required up the hill on his back. He later took up land near Burra at ‘Pencarrow’ where he farmed successfully. There were two daughters: the late Mrs E.N. Finch and Mrs Thomas. On 15 February 1869 Miss Mary Pinch married Mr Josiah Thomas in the old Church of England on Limestone Hill where G.H. Dow’s house now stands. They went to live at ‘Three Trees’ which Mr Thomas acquired on the death of his father and where they lived for just over 60 years and which she held until her death. Mr Thomas died soon after their diamond wedding in 1929 and Mrs Thomas came to live in Aberdeen. She was an untiring worker for the Women’s Branch of the Liberal Federation, the Women’s Christian Temperance Assoc. and Redruth Methodist Church and a silent worker relieving many genuine cases of distress. She was renowned for her hospitality and business acumen. Of a family of four only Maud Mrs C. Wesley Gare survives. The late Mr H.H. Thomas of ‘The Pines’ who died in 1919 was the only son. There are 9 grandchildren and several [great-] grandchildren.
Football. Kooringa Football Club met at J. Allen’s rooms on 27 April and elected: Patron, Dr Steele; President & Chairman, C.W. Samuels; Secretary, K.W. Kennedy & Assistant Secretary, N.J. Villis. The first match is at Victoria Park 7 May. A great loss is Tom Kellaway who played his first game of League football for Port Adelaide last Saturday. He was described as outstanding with high marking and long kicking, though direction can improve. His ability in the rucks was commented upon.
CWA meeting in Eastern Telephone Building 29 April with President Mrs I.J. Warnes in the chair. Great satisfaction was expressed about the Wool Exhibition.
53, 18, 4 May 1932, page 4
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 26 April
Jean M. Thomas, only daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. Thomas of Aberdeen, married
Harold L. Foote, eldest son of Mr & Mrs L.H. Foote of Hindmarsh.
Marriage. Hallett Institute 27 April
E. James Dawson, eldest son of Mrs & the late Mr E. Dawson of North Booborowie, married
Vera May King, only daughter of Mrs King & the late Mr J.W. King of Hallett.
Marriage. Terowie Methodist Church 23 April
Mr Reginald Spicer Bowden, son of Mr & Mrs W.E. Bowden of Riverton, married
Miss Sophie Estelle Tuck, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs A.R. Tuck of Terowie.
53, 19, 11 May 1932, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.0 2.3 4.4 6.11 (47)
Aberdeen 2.3 4.3 5.5 5.5 (35)
Hallett 6.11 (47) defeated Mt Bryan 4.1 (25)
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School celebrated its anniversary 1 & 2 May in perfect weather. Rev. B.S. Howland of Spalding conducted the services. Root & Butterworth’s cantata The Choicest Gift was presented in the afternoon when the scholars were assisted by the choir. On Monday the children’s tea was followed by a public tea and a meeting with prize giving and an address by Rev. F.J. Barnes. The proceeds were c. £20.
Burra Basketball Assoc. held the first games for the season last Thursday.
53, 19, 11 May 1932, page 2
Roy Jeffery has finally been able to leave hospital after his serious accident two years ago.
H. Stockley linesman with the Telephone Dept. for over seven years has been transferred to McLaren vale for health reasons. It is said he will be succeeded by Mr Sylvester Preiss.
Thomas Sandland late of ‘Heathmont’ is very ill in Perth. He lives with his son Philip and about three weeks ago as he was opening a gate the horse in the buggy reared and struck Mr Sandland in the face breaking his nose and requiring 14 stitches in a severe cut in his face. He was able to leave hospital after two weeks, but on Saturday he had a heart attack. His youngest daughter Miss Elsie Sandland from Melbourne passed through Burra yesterday on the East-West Express on the way to see her father.
Mothers’ Day was celebrated last Sunday with larger than usual attendances at churches and a stream of traffic to the cemetery where masses of white flowers were in evidence.
Weather. Rain fell on Friday with a useful 23 points locally. To the east it was patchy with some good falls while others missed out. Koomooloo for instance got 12 while Sturt Vale recorded 47 and Pine valley 78 points.
53, 19, 11 May 1932, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
There is a good display of gold ore from Byles’ No. 1 in Frank Harris’s window at present. Share in various companies are eagerly being sought which should lead to subsequent development of the fields.
RSL. The local sub-branch membership is 37 compared with 32 this time last year. About three times as many diggers live in the district we believe.
Golf. Farrell’s Flat visited on Saturday and Burra won 4 games and halved the fifth. Dr Steven’s round of 71 is a course record for amateurs.
Bowls. Prizes for the season were presented on Saturday:
Championship A.G. Gebhardt with P.L. Rosman 2nd
Consistency Max Pearce
Singles Handicap W.S. Field
Pairs Handicap Rev. Coles & G.W. Robinson
Beginners Handicap Max Pearce
Burra Croquet. Prizes for the season:
Championship Mrs S.H. Robinson
Singles Handicap Mrs Alick Kellock
Doubles Mrs S.H. Robinson & Mrs A. Coverdale
Football. Local Boys in Adelaide:
Bill Hann in playing for University has kicked 10 goals in each of his last two matches.
Tom Kellaway continues to win praise from commentators for Port Adelaide in the SANFL.
Indoor Bowls. The first round of matches was completed on Tuesday last with Oddfellows top of the table.
53, 19, 11 May 1932, page 4
Leighton Golf Club. A meeting was held at Leighton Hall 30 April with Mr Holland as convenor in the chair. I.J. Warnes has given permission for the use of the Hall paddock as a links. It was resolved that I.J. Warnes would be the Patron; President, W. Holland; Vice-Presidents, E. Jettner, A.D. McDonald, R. Wigley, A.T. McWaters & S.E. Stewart and Secretary, G. Murray.
Burra Rifle Club 17th stage of the Poonunda Trophy was fired on Saturday with best scores from W. Woodman & W.V. Bass.
Burra Town Council, 2 May
A.P. Tuck headmaster of Burra Public School asked for a lease on part of the ground in front of the school for use as a sports ground.
Lease granted on one month’s notice of termination and no Sunday play.
Burra Football Assoc. granted use of Victoria Park for £2-2-0.
Licences to operate petrol pumps were granted to the following at £1-1-0 per pump to 30 November:
H.J.B. Jennison for three pumps in Commercial St
G.H. Dollman for two pumps in Commercial St
S.E. Stewart for two pumps in Market Square.
53, 20, 18 May 1932, page 1
Football at Victoria Park on Saturday:
Aberdeen 5.2 8.4 10.9 10.13 (73)
Hallett 2.1 3.3 4.3 4.3 (27)
Burra Local Court, 9 May
Laurence Johnson was charged with cruelty to a horse by Sgt G.E. McDonald. The evidence is reported at length in some 13⁄4 columns. McDonald had seen the accused beating the horse with a whip in the vicinity of the old Baldina Church while another man, H.B. James, hit it with a piece of wood. The defence alleged that they were attempting to cure the horse of a bad and potentially dangerous habit of placing its head on the other horse’s neck. The defence also of course challenged the severity of the beating, but at times was inconsistent, as found by the bench. Lawrence was fined £3-2-6 including costs or 28 days. H.B. James was fined 25/- in all or 7 days for being an accessory.
Railway Timetable from 16 May
Passenger Train Monday, Wednesday & Thursday arrives 11.29 departs 11.37 a.m.
East-West to Perth Tuesday & Friday arrives 1.38 departs 1.46 p.m.
Broken Hill Express Monday, Wednesday & Friday arrives 9.25 departs 9.31 p.m.
Burra Train Tuesday & Thursday arrives 9.39 p.m. Saturday arrives 10.32 p.m.
Goods Trains daily except Saturday.
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will hold a mortgagee sale on 20 May of the 9-roomed stone house and outbuildings recently occupied by Mrs J. Rowe in Market St. (Near the Catholic Church.)
Miss Dora Rosewall has been appointed to the staff of the Burra School.
Joe Cheffirs of Adelaide visited Burra & Mongolata last week to report on the goldfield. Mr Cheffirs lived in Burra 50 years ago when his late father was a Bootmaker in Thames St on the premises now occupied by Mrs R.H. Bruce.
Mr K.M. Parton of the Bank of Australasia was farewelled on Friday afternoon be friends and members of the Burra Rifle Club. Mr M. Dobson, teller, was the speaker. Mr Parton goes to a similar position at Gladstone. Mr N.F. Ditty of Gladstone succeeds Mr Parton here.
Mongolata Goldfield
A remarkable lode has been found at Byles’ Claim 18ft wide and 8ft deep. The ore when washed shows fine gold. The shaft at present is 58ft deep. Boring operations have reached 40-50ft. S. Leane has been appointed working manager at No. 8 Mongolata Goldmining Co.
District Councils of Apoinga & English were merged on 16 May to form the DC of Robertstown. Until elections in June & July the new council will comprise all the members of the old councils. The new arrangements will then be a council of six wards: Apoinga, Bright & English with two councillors each and Bundey, Bower & Robertstown with one councillor each.
53, 20, 18 May 1932, page 3
Obituary. Thomas Sandland died in Perth 10 May. He was the third son of John Chesters Sandland of Lyndoch SA who arrived from Shropshire England in 1847. He was born at Rowland’s Flat and afterwards lived at Lyndoch. He was educated at St Peter’s College and then took up farming with his parents. After some years he went to the Darling River employed by Barritt Wreford and became overseer at Caspa Cora Back Station for four years. After leaving Moorara he joined his brother J.C. Sandland & Hamilton & Wilcox in Koonamore Station as manager for some years until he married, when he took up property at Mannanarie for about four years. He then worked for Bennett & Fisher for some years. The partnership with his brother John & Hamilton & Wilcox was dissolved and he bought the ‘Mule Camp’ property later called Koo-owie from Duffield & Makin with his brother. When he took over from his brother he renamed it Koo-owie. At the same time he conducted the auctioneering business of Dempsey, Wilkinson & Sandland at Burra & Jamestown. His sheep stud at Koo-owie was successful for many years. In 1902 he took up the Balah lease and in 1908 added the Burra-bidgy Estate at Moora WA stocking it with sheep from Koo-owie and Balah. He divided his properties among his sons in 1919 retaining half the WA property now known as Wandena where he remained until his death. In 1924 he visited England and his parents’ home Loppington Hall at Wen in Shropshire where he found a Thomas Sandland in the parish church register in 1602. In Burra he was a member of the Hospital Board for 21 years and chairman of it as well. He was a trustee of St Mary’s, a member of the Apoinga Council, President of the Burra Show Society and a Vice-President of the Adelaide Show. He was a prime mover in starting with six others the Burra Sports Syndicate grounds. In 1881 he married Ellen Mary Barritt third daughter of Joseph Barritt of Lyndoch. Five children survive: P.T. Sandland of Moora WA, W.H. Sandland of Kooringa, K.C. Sandland of Kooringa, Mrs T.B. Ashton of Kingswood & Miss E. Sandland of Melbourne. He was buried in Kooringa Cemetery yesterday. [Born 28 December 1853.]
Obituary. Mary Thomas relict of the late William Thomas of Ironmine died at her residence in Cooper St Aberdeen 2 May aged 89. She was born in Tasmania 5 December 1842, the third daughter of Mr & Mrs William Nickles. Her father was killed when she was a child and her mother remarried and the family left Tasmania at the time of the Victorian gold rushes. While in Victoria her mother died and she came to live with her grandparents at Kapunda. She began working quite young and at Kapunda married W.J. Thomas and they went to Mintaro before taking land at Ironmine where they farmed successfully. She was very hospitable and a great worker for the Ironmine Primitive Methodist and Redruth Methodist Church after Methodist Union. She came to live in Aberdeen about 22 years ago. Until very recently she was active and alert. Three of five children survive: Edith Mrs Alex Finley [Finlay], Charles Thomas (WA) & Maud Mrs J.S. Williams (Broken Hill). The late Mrs Herbert Morgan of Mongolata and the late Mrs J. Austin of WA were also daughters. There are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. [Her husband is everywhere named simply as William the reference above to W.J. is probably a mistake for William Jones Thomas who had died 23 April 1932.]
Mt Bryan East Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary on 8 May when Rev. B.J. Weeding officiated.
Birth. To the wife of H.G. Oates a son.
Burra Golf Club visited Hallett on Saturday when Hallett won 9 matches to Burra’s 3.
53, 21, 25 May 1932, page 1
Football on Saturday:
Aberdeen 6.0 9.2 16.7 19.14 (128)
Mt Bryan 1.8 3.6 3.6 4.6 (30)
Kooringa 9.7 defeated Hallett 5.10.
Salvation Army. Adjutants Phillips & Storey were given a farewell at the Army Hall on Thursday. Adjutant Phillips is soon to be married and the farewell took the form of a surprise gift evening for her. She has been here 12 months. Adjutant Storey had been here only a short while, but she too had proved her worth. They conducted a farewell service on Sunday and left of Monday.
Burra Rifle Club conducted the 18th stage of the Poonunda Trophy on Saturday and W. woodman, W.H. Truscott, C.H. Fearon and A.C. Aughey were best shots.
Burra Police Court
Thomas J. Kallio was fined 10/- + £1 costs for driving an unregistered car and 5/- for driving without a licence.
Hugh Baillie was charged with being a rogue and a vagabond and sentenced to three months with the warrant withheld and he was given 24 hours to leave town.
Joseph Laurence O’Connell (14) was fined £1 reduced to 1/- + 5/- costs for unlawful use of a firearm. He was also convicted without penalty of having an unregistered firearm.
53, 21, 25 May 1932, page 2
Notice. Burra District Council. The following vacancies occur through the effluxion of time:
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch
Harold Walter Tiver
Baldina Ward John Kellock
King Ward Norman Hiles Pearse
Nominations are called by 11 June with elections on 2 July if needed.
Advt. A. Coverdale Chemist will open his modern pharmacy today.
Advt. Advance notice of a sale of materials from Burra Mine on a date soon to be named at C.W. Pearce’s property in Kooringa.
Timber & Iron
Thousands of feet of iron
Thousands of feet of 11⁄8 flooring
Scores of door frames, window frames etc.
Mongolata Goldfield
A substantial nugget has been found at last. The prospector was E.R. Pexton who with his five sons has been working a claim on John Barker’s Wildildie Estate for eight months. It is about two miles from Byles’ No. 1 claim, but close to Wildildie Goldmining Co.’s claim. They currently have some 80-90 tons awaiting the battery and have a main drive of c. 180ft with drives off that. The pocket of gold was found c. 80ft along the main drive where the reef is c. 18” wide. The pocket contained 8 pieces of gold one about 20oz another 10oz and altogether about 50oz.
The field generally looks promising. Byles have a fine body of ore.
Clark & Rampton have some good stuff in a narrow seam estimated at 15oz per ton. The mine has been producing about 10oz per ton.
D. & A. Morrison have a claim 4 miles northeast if Byles’ in Black Hills country and have struck it rich.
The bore for water is down 150ft.
About 200 visitors went out on Sunday, many to see Mr Pexton’s find, including six carloads from Adelaide.
Hundreds of shares in the field’s companies have sold in the last few days.
53, 21, 25 May 1932, page 3
Burra Town Council, 16 May
It was resolved that the Town Clerk write to the solicitor of the Municipal Association concerning the appointment of a Council representative on the Hospital Board.
Much of the meeting was devoted to the approval of raising and carting road metal and of various work required on roads and footpaths.
Wire netting on Kingston St Bridge is to be repaired.
Cr Bevan moved that a post be placed at the corner of Megagissie St [sic] to throw the traffic more to the centre of the road. The Mayor questioned the name of the street. The Clerk said it was correct. [But actually the name is Mevagessey on town maps, although the town in Cornwall that is its origin is Mevagissey.]
‘The Mayor: It’s “Cowdung Hill” is it not? (Laughter)’
There was speculation about possible road work under the Federal Unemployment Grant to SA – mainly on roads, but also basketball and tennis facilities for the State School. A list was drawn up to be submitted with the claim for funds.
Burra Unemployment Aid Committee AGM was held 18 May. The work of the committee began in late 1930 when efforts to raise funds produced £78-16-3. Expenses were £10-18-6. At the opening of the year being reviewed the balance was £63-8-4 and proceeds from interest and the shell dance etc. brought it to £77-1-11. In the year aid was given to 40 persons. Goods were bought at a discount of 15% so the firms concerned effectively contributed £6-15-0. Help in the form of clothing has also been given to over 100 cases. Mrs Day’s ‘Trix Pearce Knitting Circle’ has supplied about 60 items. Much of the work was done by the late secretary S.R. Oborn. The present credit balance is £30-17-9. A new committee was elected with T.H. Woollacott as Chairman and Rev. J.S.W. Coles as secretary. There are presently many calls for warm clothes and bedding.
Weather. A good fall of rain has lifted spirits with the best May rains in years. Drizzle began on Wednesday, but rain continued steadily on Thursday and gaugings of an inch or more are being reported. Falls to the west are lighter that in the east. Leighton has barely 50 points while for the week to the east:
The Gums 173 Hogback 146 Koomooloo 121
Quondong 85 Sturt Vale 190 Canegrass 114
Faraway 121 Ketchowla 135 Redcliffe 125
Mongolata 115 World’s End 90 Baldina 151
Marriage. Terowie Methodist Church, 7 May
Charles B. Williams, police officer of Peterborough, married
Florence Myra Betty, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs C.W. Betty of Parnaroo.
Miss Trix Sheppard gave a piano recital at Redruth Methodist Church on Sunday in the evening service.
Earthquake. On Friday at 8.45 p.m. an earth tremor was felt by many. It was not much noticed in the business district amid the bustle of traffic, but was felt in homes and at Leighton was more severe. It was also reported from Mt Bryan and Ketchowla.
Burra Benevolent Society AGM was held on 19 May in the Institute. This year firewood will be delivered to 20 people. The first lot will go out in June. Mrs Mary Thomas has bequeathed a legacy of £300 and also the proceeds from the sale of a pair of cottages near the railway station.
Burra brass Band gave a concert in market Square on Sunday afternoon. The President Mr Marston introduced the Mayor who made an appeal for funds on behalf of the band. He said the band had provided the town with a much needed tonic in a time of depression, but it needed funds to keep going. In the future the Mayor said the band intended to compete in the Tanunda Competitions. The Mayor offered 10/- for every £1 raised that afternoon. The collection raised £2-15-0 and the Mayor added his 37/6 to bring the total to £5-12-6.
Billiards. The tournament at the Kooringa Billiard Saloon was finished on Saturday when E.A. Wohling 100 defeated A. Bowen 87.
53, 22, 1 June 1932, page 1
Football. On Saturday:
Kooringa 1.0 4.7 4.7 7.10 (52)
Aberdeen 1.2 1.5 3.13 6.15 (51)
Hallett 16.10 defeated Mt Bryan 6.5
53, 22, 1 June 1932, page 2
Obituary. Elias Wilks died suddenly 27 May at his daughter’s residence in Mannahill aged 82. He was the father of Edith [Mrs Arthur Davey] of Kooringa. [See more on page 3 of this issue.]
Frank Treloar turns 79 today.
Cyril McEntee of Adelaide sustained severe injuries in a motor accident four miles from Booborowie when the steering gear broke and the car collided with a post at a culvert. He sustained a badly broken nose, broken rib, facial injuries and is likely to lose the sight of his right eye.
Lawrence Dower & Charlie Griffiths received an electric shock from the roof when fixing a tank at the rear of Jeffery & Byrne’s premises on Tuesday. Fortunately neither was much hurt.
53, 22, 1 June 1932, page 3
Burra Golf Club visited Clare on Saturday where Clare won 4 matches, Burra won 3 and one was halved.
Mongolata Goldfield
No unusual finds were reported in the last week.
We believe No. 1 Goldmining Co. has sold all its shares on offer.
Jack Kellaway after nearly 12 months work has at last found a promising seam.
Boring for water continues on No. 1 claim.
Burra Poultry Breeders held a show of White Leghorns in Whittney & Tiver’s garage on Friday evening. C. Pearce had the Champion of Show.
Aberdeen Football Club’s Blue & White Ball was held in the Institute last Wednesday. The Jamestown Jazz Band played and the event was voted a huge success.
Obituary. Mr Ween the SAR District Foreman died suddenly at the home of Mr W. Marshall on Friday. He was on his usual weekly visit to Burra.
Obituary. Mr Elias Wilks died at Mannahill on Friday at the home of his daughter Mrs S. Davis. He was born in Burra 7 March 1850 when his parents lived in the long demolished Sunday Row to the rear of A.B. Riggs’ house. Some say the need for houses was so great that they were built on a Sunday, but others that the name was derived from Mr Sunder the contractor. Mr Wilks was educated at Mr White’s School and Stanton’s Grammar School. His parents then went to live at Mt Bryan East on land now held by E.S. Wilks his nephew. In 1878 he married Miss Mary Edwards, daughter of Mr & Mrs David Edwards of Baldina and later of Kooringa. For some time they lived at Mt Bryan East before returning to Kooringa. For many years he then worked for the late J.M. McBride as a dam-sinker, putting in many dams on properties in the east and northeast. He was one of the finest horsemen in the district when young and later was often sought for veterinary advice. As he got older he took on lighter work as Inspector for the Burra Council before retiring. He was an old member of the Masonic Lodge. His wife died in 1929 while he was in hospital recovering from a serious operation. He went to Mannahill on 21 May to spend winter with his youngest daughter Mrs Sid. Davis and died suddenly and unexpectedly [27 May]. Of a family of four only two daughters survive: Edith Mrs Arthur A. Davey (Kooringa) and Kate Mrs S.R. Davis (Mannahill). There are 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. [He is buried in Burra. There were seven children born to Elias & Mary: three died soon after birth, a son at 14 and a daughter at 19.]
53, 22, 1 June 1932, page 4
Empire Day was celebrated on Friday last at Burra Public and High Schools. About 100 parents and friends attended. There was an address by the Mayor as well as by Dr Steele and H.J.B. Jennison representing the RSL.
At Copperhouse the Chairman of the School Committee Mr C.P. Turner greeted visitors and delivered the address. The usual half holiday followed.
Burra High School Literary & Debating Society debated: That attempts to cross the Atlantic by air do more harm than good.
Pro side: A. Ewens, T. Fuss & G.A. Hann
Con side: F. Pearce, L.F. Twist & W.A. Davey
The Con side were victors 44 to 41.
53, 23, 8 June 1932, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park:
Kooringa 1.7 11.8 15.13 25.20 (170)
Mt Bryan 2.1 4.3 6.5 7.6 (48)
Burra Rifle Club. In the last stage of the Championship R. Nutt scored 305 to W.V. Bass 304. The Handicap Championship went to P.W. Hogan 317 ahead of J.E. Pearce 314.
53, 23, 8 June 1932, page 2
Mongolata Goldfield
A good supply of fresh water has been struck at 310ft.
At Byles’ claim they have come across a mass of rotten oxidisation remarkably rich in gold.
Mongolata Alluvial Gold Mining Co. has been registered and operations have begun. The first shaft is down 16-18ft. The directors are E.J. Davey (Chairman), & Messrs E.F. Marston, M.W. Bednall, G.E. Dane & Dr Steele. G.H. Dow is Secretary.
Mongolata Sports Assoc. was formed at a meeting at Mongolata 2 June. George Morgan donated a piece of land for a tennis court and development work has begun. The Patron is J.R. Barker & President I.J. Warnes. There is a long list of Vice-Presidents. The Chairman is W. Carpenter and Secretary & Treasurer is P.R. Coligan.
Obituary. William J. McBride died 3 June at his residence in Aberdeen. [See more at 53, 24, 15 June 1932, page 3.]
Tom Kellaway is reported to be thinking of quitting Pt Adelaide Football Club, but he played for them against North Adelaide last Monday and kicked five goals.
Foresters’ Picnic was held at Red Banks (Baldina Creek) on the King’s Birthday Holiday. The Burra Brass Band attended. It was a successful event and the sports results are printed.
53, 23, 8 June 1932, page 3
Marriage. Booborowie Methodist Church 1 June
Clarence A. J. Ledgard of Spalding married
Sylvia M. Reynolds, eldest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr W.H. Reynolds of Booborowie.
Burra Basketball Assoc. on Monday 6 June entertained one ladies’ and two gentlemen’s teams from Peterborough. In the ladies’ match Burra 12 defeated Peterborough 8.
In the men’s games Burra ‘A’ 52 defeated Peterborough ‘A’ 31.
Peterborough ‘B’ 39 defeated Burra ‘B’ 33 in extra time after each team had scored 30 at the end of normal time.
53, 24, 15 June 1932, page 1
Burra Golf Club. First Open Tournament last Saturday.
Championship won by Dr L.R. Mallen of Riverton 72, 79-151.
36 Hole Handicap to L.E. Taplin.
36 Hole Eclectic Handicap to M.W. Bednall (on a recount over the last 9 holes).
18 Hole Handicap, Morning Round to M.W. Bednall.
‘B’ Grade (Handicap over 15) to H.C. Luck.
18 Hole Handicap, Afternoon Round to W. Phin.
‘B’ Grade to L.E. Taplin.
Teams Championship to Burra No. 1: Dr Steven & Messrs Sangster, Haese & Bence.
Teams Handicap to Farrell’s Flat No. 1: Messrs I’Anson, Denton, Mickel & Torr.
Leighton Golf Club opening day will be 18 June.
Burra Basketball Assoc. Some falling interest resulted in one of the three matches being forfeited last Thursday.
Indoor Bowls. Halfway through the season Methodist Whites are leading the table.
Redruth Christian Endeavour held a Band of Hope Meeting last Wednesday in the Memorial Hall which was almost filled. Mr C. Fuss provided the overture on the piano and a program of songs, recitations etc. followed. [Personal interest: the performers included Mervyn Allen & Don Barnes singing Misery Farm, attired as farm labourers.]
53, 24, 15 June 1932, page 2
Burra District Council Elections: nominations 11 June. All re-elected unopposed.
Kooringa Ward H.W. Tiver
E. Finch
Baldina Ward J. Kellock
King Ward N.H. Pearse
Notice. The Premier Hon. L.L. Hill and other Ministers will visit Burra on Thursday 16 June and at the invitation of the Mayor and Councillors will speak at the Institute on The Premiers’ Plan and other important matters.
Salvation Army. Captain & Mrs J.H. Faulds have taken up their post. Mrs Faulds, nee Ensign Fielding, is well known as she was one of the officers here just over 12 months ago.
Weather. Rain has again fallen in good quantities. Kooringa for the weekend recorded 119 points. Falls to the east were lighter in the range 27 to 46 points.
The Premier L.L. Hill will visit Mongolata on Thursday. He will address the school children at 3.45, have dinner at Pearce’s Building at 6.15 and address a public meeting in the Institute at 8 p.m.
53, 24, 15 June 1932, page 3
Obituary. The late Mr W.J. [William James] McBride who died 3 June was the eldest son of the late R. James McBride. He was born at Copperhouse in December 1855 [corrected in the next issue to 6 December 1856] and educated at C.R. White’s School. [Sic: error for F.R. White.] His father then owned ‘The Gums’ where he worked with his father until he was over 30, along with his brother Robert. When the station was cut up he bought the unresumed portion from his father and then sold it to Messrs Cockrum & Pearse. He next took up a block east of Burra then known as North Dam (and now as Kia Ora in possession of his younger brother Mr Norman McBride). Owing to a run of bad seasons he had to leave this station. He then purchased Mt Horrocks north of Redruth, from his father. Later when Outalpa Run near Olary was cut up he secured a portion called Bulloo Creek in partnership with his two youngest sons Lindsay & Robert (Robin) McBride. Even late in life he would often leave the train at McDonnell’s Hill Siding when visiting Bullo Creek and walk the 41⁄2 miles through sandy country to the station. He was regarded as a sound judge of properties and of sheep and cattle. His interests were confined to his properties and breeding fine Merino sheep. His widow was formerly Miss Florence Stoddart of Woodside. Four sons and two daughters survive: Cyril McBride (pastoralist of WA), Sidney McBride (Perth WA), Lindsay McBride (Bulloo Creek, Olary), Robert McBride (Mt Horrocks, Burra), Maisie Mrs Jude (wife of Dr Jude of Mildura) and Vera Mrs L. Hogan (Sydney). Surviving brothers are: Robert M. McBride (Toorak), Thomas McBride (Redcliffe Station) & N.H. McBride (Glenelg). Surviving sisters: Mrs J.C. Sandland (Kooringa), Mrs W.G. Hawkes (North Adelaide), Mrs E.J. Keynes (Seacliff), Mrs J. Boehme (Ucolta) & Mrs Evans (Adelaide). The late Albert J. McBride who died in 1928 was a brother.
[The next issue added that he was a generous contributor to charitable and church funds and in the Great War to all patriotic funds.] [A brief first marriage in 1884 to Ada Barnett ended in divorce.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Mongolata No. 8. Final parcels of ore have been treated from the original syndicate and these averaged a little over 5oz per ton.
Burra Town Council, 7 June
The Department of Lands advises concerning a road originally in the estate of the late Thomas William Powell once of Kooringa that access must be preserved and therefore a portion of the road must be kept open.
The solicitor of the Municipal Association advises that the Council representative on the Hospital Board must be elected by the Council and not by the Local Board of Health.
The Mayor said he was pleased that this point had been settled. For 15 years the representative had been elected by the Local Board of Health. In his opinion his ruling in the first place had been a correct one.
Cr Button was also glad to have the matter resolved. He had never been actuated by any animosity, but only doing what he conceived to be his duty.
The secretary of the Hospital advised that members elected to the Board were Messrs [Herbert] Morgan, [Stanley] Kellaway & T.H. Woollacott.
Burra School was given permission to plant trees in the creek on Arbor Day to replace those destroyed by fire.
It was resolved to extend an invitation to the Premier to visit Mongolata on 16 June and to ask him to address a public meeting.
There was a long discussion about recommendations from the Public Works Committee about work and a move to stand down employees if the weather did not permit outside work. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee for a report.
Graham H. Dow has been appointed Acting-Clerk of the Robertstown DC for a period of six months.
53, 24, 15 June 1932, page 4
Frank Treloar: Looking Back
Establishing a Cattle Station
Treloar sets out to describe establishing a cattle station in Central Australia in the early 1870s and some of the incidents there while his two brothers Arthur and Walter lived on it for 20 years.
The account relates to the station later called ‘Abminga’ on the watershed of Dalhousie Springs.
Sir W.W. Hughes took up the country on the recommendation of the explorer Major Warburton whose expedition had been financed by Sir Thomas Elder & Sir W.W. Hughes. When Hughes went to England to reside it was handed over to two nephews, Sir John & Walter Duncan. They sent L. Mason as a practical man to report on its prospects. The report was satisfactory and on Mason’s advice Frank Treloar’s father also took 300 miles of country on the watershed of Dalhousie Springs and later the station was called ‘Abminga’, owned by Sir J.J. Duncan, N.H. Duncan & Francis Treloar trading as Duncan & Treloar.
Arrangements were made for two bullock teams, twelve months of stores and provisions, stock and plant and the party departed Gum Creek Station 5 November 1874 for the 800 mile trip to the new station near Charlotte Waters. There was a leader and drover and station hands and Treloar’s brother Arthur, then aged 17. They had 300 cattle and 35 horses and picked up 250 more cattle at Mt Remarkable. The track was not good and they waited one month at Beltana. Arthur was convinced the leader was faint-hearted. From Beltana to Farina they lost cattle and horses. The leader rode to Strangway Springs and telegraphed and agistment was taken at Finniss Springs. Eventually the leader was replaced by Mr George Deane. When the cattle were mustered they had lost 200 since starting mainly due to mismanagement. They got to Angle Pole, now Oodnadatta.
They got to Dalhousie Springs and found the land selected looked like quite good grazing country.
The account then describes setting up basic buildings and in December 1875 Sit John Duncan & Mr Treloar decided to visit the station. A mail coach ran to Beltana and from there they hired six camels and an Afghan driver. Reaching Macumba they stayed in a hut built by Mr Hart. They didn’t have much rain, but when they awoke the creek had risen and all around was water. By that night the whole area was flooded and there was two feet of water in the hut. They were confined to the hut from 8th to 13th January 1876 with between 21⁄2 & 3ft of water flowing through and all their belongings strapped to the beams.
Burra High School Debating Society on 1 June presented an evening of prepared speeches and on 8 June an evening of impromptu speeches.
53, 25, 22 June 1932, pages 1 & 4
Visit of Premier L.L. Hill, 16 June
The party drove up in unceasing rain arriving at c. 11 a.m. and they tramped the Mongolata diggings in wind and rain. The Premier had lunch at W. Carpenter’s ‘restaurant’. They returned to Burra and visited the school where he gave a speech and a half-holiday to be taken on Friday. He met a deputation from Peterborough and attended a banquet arranged in his honour by the Mayor and Councillors [in Pearce’s Building]. He expressed his determination to see through the Premiers’ Plan and appealed to all to pull together free from party strife and political bickering. In the evening at the Institute he announced that last month he had won a disabilities grant of £1,000,000 and that the Unemployment Relief Council had approved the expenditure of £2,500 on a battery at Mongolata. He was impressed by the efforts at Mongolata. The Premier made light of the bitter cold and unceasing rain and the travelling difficulties and said it was all promising and a wonderful opening to the season.
The dining hall was crowded and Mr Hill was accompanied by the District MPs Messrs Critchley & George. The toasts and speeches are reported at some length.
After the banquet there was a move to the public meeting at the Institute.
The Mayor introduced the Premier who presented Mr Woollacott with a gold fountain pen at the request of a number of admirers in recognition of the splendid service he had rendered in most difficult times.
The Premier then outlined the history of the Government’s fight to retrieve the state’s finances. He said it had yet to be decided where the best site for the battery was, as it relied upon the question of water supply. Changing the rations for unemployed men working there, however desirable, would have to be the matter for an inquiry. He pointed to some promising features of the economy with some new companies being established and an improvement in railway finances. They looked like being £100,000 better off this year than last. The state deficit will be less than anticipated. The Government since 1929-30 had slashed spending where possible by 29% (on average across all areas of adjustable expenditure). The balance of trade had improved somewhat with imports falling substantially.
M.W. Bednall moved a vote of thanks and expressed strong support for the Premier, despite having been a long-time Liberal supporter. Cr Jennison seconded.
The local members moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor & Councillors.
At the school the children had waited beyond normal break-up time and the Premier made visits to classrooms and afternoon tea was given in the Domestic Economy Centre.
53, 25, 22 June 1932, page 2
St Mary’s. Archdeacon Bussell of Adelaide conducted services at St Mary’s in the morning and evening last Sunday and at St Edmund’s at Booborowie on Sunday afternoon.
An Earth Tremor was felt at ‘The Gums’ about 1 a.m. on Friday morning. It was said to be more severe than the one a few weeks ago.
St Joseph’s Church Dance on Wednesday evening last was a success despite the bleak cold weather. The Clare Jazz Band played.
Debating. Burra High School 129 defeated the Aberdeen Debating Society 125 last Sunday in debating: That a mechanical age is an age of progress. The school took the affirmative side.
53, 25, 22 June 1932, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
An article by ‘A Visitor’ describes a visit to the field, praising the hard work of the men who would rather work than be on the dole. It gives an account of William Carpenter’s ‘Latagomon Restaurant’. There is no technical information or any facts and figures. [The style of the article suggests the writer might have been a well-educated woman.]
Burra State School: The Premier’s Visit
The pouring rain on Thursday last delayed the Premier’s departure to Mongolata until almost noon and so it was not surprising that his visit to the school was also delayed. He was due at 3.45, but did not arrive until 4.20. The Premier was greeted by headmaster Tuck and Mr Riggs of the School Committee and Dr Steele of the High School Council. He then visited each room. He presented Beth Haese and joy Bentley with books as prizes for winning an Empire Day essay competition. After going through the Primary School he visited the High School where he was greeted by the headmaster Mr Haese and Dr Steele. He said there were those who advocated a fee be paid for the second year at High School, but he did not think it in the interests of the country. He urged students to stay at school and make the most of opportunities there and on leaving. He granted both schools a half holiday for the following day. Afternoon tea was taken in the Domestic Economy School.
Red Cross AGM 7 June. The report for 1931-32 by President Mrs F.R. Wigley said the jumble sale on 21 August 1931 had netted £32-11-6 and thanked Mr F.R. Wigley for donating the hall.
‘At the September meeting held on Tuesday, February 1st 1931 [sic] it was decided to send £15 to the Royal Institution for the Blind.’ £10 was sent to Angorichina. At Christmas £3 was sent to each of Burra, Keswick, Bedford Park and Parkside Mental Hospitals. This year they had 42 members and last year 30. All retiring officers were re-elected.
Obituary. Mrs Eli Jones of Kooringa died suddenly on 18 June from heart failure. She was 70. She was born Eliza Midwinter and married E. Jones of Baldina in 1882. Her husband had died 7 June 1929. Seven children survive: W.E. Jones (Meribah), E. Jones (Meribah), B. Jones (Victoria), C. Jones (Victoria), Mrs J.R. Rooke (World’s End), Mrs W.S. Delamere (Wanbi) & Mrs H. Schmidt (Kooringa). [The initials of the children refer to the sons William Eli, Edward, Bert & Clement Reginald, while the daughters in order as above were Ivy Myrtle, Annie and Olive.]
[Also see more at 53, 26, 29 June 1932, page 3.]
53, 25, 22 June 1932, page 4
Leighton Golf Club. On Saturday a number of players assembled to try the new 9-hole course being laid out in Mr Warnes’ paddock at the rear of the hall. Inclement weather delayed the completion of the course and caused the postponement of the opening and dance till 25 June.
Burra Rifle Club. At the 19th stage of the Poonunda Trophy the best scorers were W.J. Ryan & S.E. Truscott.
Football at Victoria Park Saturday:
Kooringa 1.2 6.7 7.8 12.10 (82)
Hallett 1.5 1.5 5.10 9.12 (66)
Hanson Hall
A well-advertised meeting at the Council Chamber on 14 June drew 7. M.J. Marchant was elected to the chair and G.T. Patullo was elected secretary; Patron, Hon. W.G. Duncan and President, W.G. Hawkes. The committee comprises M.J. Marchant, J.E. Hogan, A.C. Aughey, R.W. Uppill, H. Brown, R. Mickel & W. Rule. There are numerous Vice-Presidents.
Mr Marchant said he was tired of raising money for things that were not bought. He had raised money for a woodwork bench, a football and a basketball and the money was all banked. He wondered if people thought it was in his pocket. He was sure a hall could be built for £200. Mr Pattullo had an idea of erecting a framework and nailing iron on the inside and adding the outside iron as more money was raised. He also thought stone was as cheap. A mason said he could erect 8 yards of stone a day at 10/- per day, so walls should not cost more than £25 for a 50ft x 40ft x 15ft building. Mr Hogan thought not much could be done with the money in hand and not much could presently be raised. Mr Marchant said he knew the Methodists don’t want a hall: they had a place built they can’t pay for. Mr Bishop said they could pay for it. They needed to remember they were erecting a memorial and should therefore make it something decent. A further meeting is to be held.
53, 26, 29 June 1932, page 1
Football at Victoria Park Saturday:
Kooringa 2.4 3.7 5.10 6.11 (47)
Aberdeen 1.4 2.5 3.9 4.10 (34)
53, 26, 29 June 1932, page 2
Advt. Grand Concert in aid of the Blind, Deaf & Dumb Children’s home, Brighton.
Aberdeen Memorial Hall 7 July.
Detective Hilton Grow of Adelaide visited his parents Mr & Mrs L. Grow of Kooringa on Sunday. Mr Grow Sen. is 86.
Hartley Harris of Lilydale Victoria, eldest son of Frank Harris of Kooringa, was very seriously injured in a motor accident recently, but the latest news is of a slight improvement.
Mr Walter Pearce is 70 on 2 July. He is a son of the late Mr & Mrs H. Pearce of Mt Bryan and worked for 30 years for Drew & Crewes Ltd.
Rabbits are plentiful and lorry and car loads are regularly despatched from Burra railway station. Quite a good living can be made as skins are of value. One load recently comprised 700 rabbits.
Mr Castles of Monaro Rough Riders has offered to give half his proceeds from his show here on 16 July to the Unemployed Relief Fund.
Weather. Rain this year is just over 2 inches up on this time last year and the weather just now is fine, but very cold and frosty. Crops and feed have never looked better.
Salvation Army. Captain & Mrs Faulds nee Fielding have been welcomed with a ‘parcel’ evening in view of their recent marriage and because Ensign Fielding had been here for 12 months a year ago and had given a year’s faithful service.
Burra Basketball Association. [Interest in the game seems to have been waning, as the paper reports very few spectators and in the Red v. Gold match each side could summon up only four players.]
Leighton Golf Club. The links at Leighton were officially opened last Saturday by Mrs I.J. Warnes. [Mr Warnes was in Sydney on business.] Mrs Warnes explained she had had only one lesson in golf and that about 20 years ago. She declared the links open and hit the first ball so far it took three men and two boys some time to find it. Several Burra players attended. Afternoon tea was provided and a dance in the hall, but only a relatively few could attend due to the state of the roads following all the rain. Mr Murray the secretary has been transferred to another school and so Mr C. McDonald was elected to replace him.
53, 26, 29 June 1932, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Co. has had excellent results from a recent crushing with an average 14oz per ton.
The erection of a battery certainly seems justified and tons of ore are at grass on the field awaiting crushing. Hopes for the field to prove a major producer have been boosted.
We understand that F. O’Brien who has acquired the lease of Herbert J. Schwier adjoining Byles’ is to float a company of 50,000 £1 shares in an attempt to exploit the downwards continuation of the reef.
O’Brien is an experienced prospector and mining expert who reported in the Record of 9 September 1931.
A number of donations have supported the Mongolata Sports Assoc.
Mr Abbott of Abbott & Co. has arrived in connection with the construction of the Government tank for the conservation of water for domestic purposes.
Gold has also been found near Robertstown.
The boring operation at Mongolata has resulted in a flow of 750 gallons an hour of excellent water.
Burra High School Debating Soc. met on 23 June for a debate: That amusement plays too great a part in modern life. The result was a tie. [Personal interest: T. Fuss spoke for the affirmative.]
Obituary. Mrs E. Jones who died on 18 June was born 2 February 1863 at Oswestry, Shropshire, the second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Midwinter and migrated with her parents in the British Lion in 1866 and came directly to Burra on a bullock dray. She married Eli Jones in 1882 and he died in 1929.
A.B. Riggs writes concerning party politics. He says it is all very well and proper to promote state or nation before party and he speaks well of Mr Hill in this respect, but he also says party is not about to disappear. As long as there are Socialist candidates there will be anti-Socialist candidates and good men will fail to be elected without a party behind them. The Liberal & Country League is the medium through which SA may be governed by the country and what is good for the country is even better for the Metropolitan Area.
Robertstown Council. A long article reports a banquet to mark the end of the District Councils of Apoinga & English and the establishment of the District Council of Robertstown.
Burra Town Council, 20 June
J.O. Earle offered to rent the road between Clark’s & Treloar’s properties in Queen St. Granted if he erects a white gate and accepts responsibility for any accident.
Consideration of standing men down on wet days was deferred till 18 July.
Estimates from the Town Clerk suggested an income of £1,260 and an expenditure of £1,276.
The Mayor was congratulated on the manner in which he had upheld the dignity of the town on the Premier’s visit.
53, 26, 29 June 1932, page 4
Frank Treloar: Looking Back, Continued.
Continuation of the story of the establishment of a sheep station in the far north of SA.
They eventually saw a tree some 500-600 yards away with some land around its base. They went there, wading through water and mud up to 5ft deep with their belongings on their heads. At the tree they could make a fire and have some tea. At sundown it began to rain in torrents. They retreated to a limb two feet above the ground and later had to go higher and eventually the water rose 4ft up the tree. They were now reduced to 2lb flour and 4lb of sugar, 1lb tea and 1⁄2lb cheese, 2 tins of sardines, a tin of jam and 1lb of ships biscuit (wet). The ration was set at 1 sardine and a tablespoon of ships biscuit three times a day. On the evening of 17 January the water fell and in the morning some land appeared. The horses were hobbled on a tableland surrounded by water. There was a man with a horse nearby and for £5 he was induced to get their horses and force them to cross the creek where they were caught. What could be recovered from the mud was recovered and a start was made for Dalhousie on 20 January. At Sundown they reached Mr Cameron’s camp. They had been flood-bound from 7 to 20 January 1876.
[Treloar then describes the setting up of the station and how Mr Deane returned south in 1878 leaving Arthur Treloar as manager and Walter Treloar, then 16, went up to join him.]
The seasons being good the first draft of cattle to be sent to market was despatched in 1881. They walked to Farina, then by rail to Terowie and then walked to Adelaide. They averaged £8-2-6 a head. Seasons remained good till 1889, but prices of cattle fell and there was little profit. Mr Treloar visited the station again in 1881. In 1886 Arthur married and took his wife north to the station. After some two years they decided to move south. Mrs Arthur and girlie were taken to Farina and Arthur returned to join Walter on the station, now in drought.
They searched for water to the west and southwest and eventually found some on Coongara Creek at Allemmba Waterhole. On the way back Arthur fell very ill and only slowly recovered.
[The next section deals with moving the cattle to this water.]
The drought almost immediately broke. Arthur wanted to move south, but the owners said if he did they wanted to sell out. In the end Duncan & Treloar sold out to Arthur & Walter Treloar on terms favourable to each. James Cowan bought Crown Point Station on the Finke River and was negotiating to buy Treloar’s Station when he was killed in a railway accident at Dry Creek. They then sold to Melbourne people who made such a mess of it (or their manager did) that the Treloars had to resume the station because payments misfired. Walter took over in a severe drought. The cattle died and then the horses, and though the rains came the Treloar’s were ruined. The Government gave no encouragement and they had to abandon the lease. Two years later it was let, so Frank Treloar believes, for 42 years at 1/- per mile, though previously it had cost 2/6 a mile.
CWA held its AGM on 24 June with Mrs Warnes in the chair as President. She gave a report of the National Council. Branches had been formed in Peterborough and Kingoonya. The year had seen the death of three valued members: Mrs A.D. McDonald, Mrs Josiah Thomas and Mrs E.N. Finch. Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Vice- Presidents, Mesdames J. Tennant, E. Jettner & C. Wilkinson; Hon. Secretary, Miss Minnie Rogers & Hon. Treasurer, Mrs J.S.W. Coles.
53, 27, 6 July 1932, page 1
Football
Aberdeen 2.2 7.5 7.7 11.10 (76)
Hallett 3.3 3.5 6.8 6.9 (45)
Burra Amateur Basketball Assoc. completed the first round.
[This organisation does not seem to have been previously reported and the team names are Rovers, Brownies, Dreadnoughts, Spartans, Athenians and Bluebirds. Brownies & Bluebirds suggest these were women’s teams and the game may have been what is now Netball.]
Burra Rifle Club fired its last two matches for the season. In the first best scores were by W.V. Bass, C.H. Fearon & W. Woodman. In the second C.H. Fearon & W.V. Bass scored best.
53, 27, 6 July 1932, page 2
Advt. Grand Concert in aid of the Blind, Deaf & Dumb Children’s Home, Brighton. Aberdeen [Redruth] Memorial Hall, Thursday July 7th.
Mr & Mrs Charles Bartholomaeus of Glenelg and late of Aberdeen celebrated their golden wedding on 5 July.
Local Unemployment Relief Fund gratefully accepts the offer of half the proceeds from the Wild Monaro Rough Riders’ Show on 16 July.
T.H. Woollacott writes objecting to some of the remarks in A.B. Riggs’ letter of last issue. He suggests their differences be settled in a debate in the Institute with admission to be a silver coin and proceeds to go to the Unemployment Relief Fund.
Local Board of Health
A recent load of condemned rabbit carcases from Lilydale Station had been thrown onto a roadside causing an awful stench. Mr Davey will investigate.
Obituary. Mrs B. Beaven died last week at Largs Bay. She was a resident of Booborowie for many years when he husband was manager of Booborowie Station. Mr F.R. Wigley of Leighton is a brother. [Born Laura Robina Wigley c. 1860: died 26 June 1932 Semaphore, residence Largs Bay.]
Tom Kellaway (19 & 6’6”) continues to get extensive reporting in the city press for his great work for Port Adelaide Football Club. Last Saturday he was the match winner. He has steadily improved in kicking and dominated the rucks. The Advertiser, the News & the Mail all reported extensively. He won 1⁄2 guinea (10/6) as best on ground.
53, 27, 6 July 1932, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
A meeting of the Mongolata Prospectors’ Assoc. discussed one of the companies that is alleged to be endeavouring to break down the conditions applying to miners throughout the Commonwealth.
J. Hogan has resigned as Chairman of the Association, as his duties call him elsewhere.
Mongolata Block 8 reports driving 10ft for the week and erecting an iron tank on a foundation. The reef is still carrying fair values. Further driving of c. 30ft is needed to strike the rich chute of ore from the open cut.
Burra Town Council
Cr Bevan expressed his concern that no tenders had been called for the work done by the Waterworks Department at Mongolata.
The Mayor agreed it appeared the wrong thing to do. There was considerable discussion on the principle and Cr Bevan wanted it drawn to the attention of the authorities and if the Council would not act he would take it up with the district MPs.
The Town Clerk pointed out that Mongolata was in the area of the Mt Bryan District Council and they might be stepping on toes.
An employee of Mongolata Block 8 has complained to the company of sanitary arrangements on the field. It has been decided to sink a pit.
Burra High School Debating Society held a mock trial on 30 June.
Weather: Frost and Ice
In the last week there have been more severe frosts than any remembered by the oldest residents. In the mornings the frost has looked like a covering of snow. Small pools have frozen solid and the large pool in the creek froze over sufficiently to bear the weight of a man. School children had delight in running up and down on it and some had nasty falls. Water in hand bowls in iron bathrooms froze solid as did water in a glass holding one woman’s false teeth. Many garden plants were ‘burnt’ black. Over 100 water mains burst and where they could not be turned off the second day brought icicles from the spray. A particularly beautiful display was that on the ‘carrot fern’ behind the RSL. At ‘The Gums’ N.H. Pearse reported it was 30°F at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning. He has lost much of his garden including shrubs planted 12 years ago. A 40,000 gallon galvanised iron tank froze over. Alex Low at ‘Yakilo’ Spalding said dams there froze over 1⁄4-inch thick and dams also froze completely over at Mt Bryan. W.J. Bryce reported it thick at the edge, though thin in the centre. This is the first time dams have frozen completely over as far as we can determine. Milder conditions arrived on Saturday.
Liberal Federation. With the merging of the Federation with the Country Party the branches of either now cease to function and Burra Women’s Branch met for the last time on Friday last to disband. Mrs I.J. Warnes took the chair and urged members to keep true to their party’s principles. She referred to the previous Presidents of the Branch: Mesdames E. Bowman, T. Sandland & W.G. Hawkes [& the paper of 13 July adds Mrs J. Fatherly] prior to her appointment in 1921. She referred also to the Secretaries: Miss Edith Cave, Mr W.B. Page, Miss M. Sandland, Mrs Maurice Collins & Miss Minnie Rogers who had given eight years service. Miss Rogers had to resign on account of her health and was presented with three bound volumes. Mrs Warnes said she would soon be called on to form a Ladies Branch of the new League. Mrs G.G. Hawkes moved a vote of thanks to Mrs Warnes.
Kooringa Methodist Church held an impressive choral service on Sunday which filled the church to capacity. There was a special choir of 40 men under the baton of G.E. Dane with soloists: E.W. Edmonds, J.M. Tiddy & W.H. Spier.
Burra Homing Club held a race from Tailed Bend last Saturday that was won by W.L. Broad.
Burra Poultry Breeders held the second in a series of eight shows in Whittney & Tier’s garage on 24 June for Black Orpingtons. Championship honours went to Mr Clem Sampson.
53, 27, 6 July 1932, page 4
Mr G. Murray late teacher of Ayers Forest School was given a farewell at Leighton Hall last Friday evening. He will be missed from the school and from the Leighton Cricket and Golf Clubs. He was presented with a travelling rug.
53, 28, 13 July 1932, page 1
Burra Golf Club. Clare visited on Saturday and Clare 3 defeated Burra 2.
Football
Aberdeen 2.4 3.7 4.13 7.19 (61)
Mt Bryan 2.2 2.4 4.5 5.5 (35)
Burra Town Council, 4 July
The Town Clerk will discuss with Mr Tuck the location of trees to be planted on the school’s Arbor Day.
W. Marshall was granted permission to erect a small shelter for a cow in the park opposite Ridgeway’s Row.
A.A. Nankivell had his lease on certain parklands renewed.
The Town Clerk reported 4 or 5 carriers (all the principal ones) had applied for licences and paid the fees.
Cr Bevan raised the matter of a load of rotting rabbit carcases that were thrown on the edge of the road after being condemned. Action will be taken to prevent a repetition.
53, 28, 13 July 1932, page 2
Rev. W.O. Harris visited Burra last weekend in the interests of Methodist Home Missions.
Mr & Mrs Frank Treloar celebrated their golden wedding yesterday.
Mumps are presently about the town in epidemic proportions.
Football. Bill Hann, playing for St Mark’s College against Prince Alfred’s College Old Collegians scored 16 goals on Wednesday: 14 of them in the last half.
The Smelts Chimney. There is a rumour abroad that someone wants to buy the old chimney and demolish it so the bricks can be used in outbuildings. It would be a great shame to see it go and we think representations should be made to the proprietors Messrs A.J. & P.A. McBride by the Council or other responsible body.
The Blind, Deaf & Dumb Institution Concert drew a large audience to the Redruth Memorial Hall and they enjoyed a first class program. Gross takings were £13-7-0. They will appear at Kooringa on 2 August.
Mr & Mrs John Collins of Collinsville celebrated their golden wedding on 6 July. Mr Collins is the second son of the late Mr & Mrs Henry Collins and Mrs Collins the elder daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Fred Simpson of Aberdeen.
Hanson had its first visiting concert party for some years on 8 July when the Blind, deaf & Dumb Concert Party played to a packed Methodist Hall. Proceeds were about £7.
53, 28, 13 July 1932, page 3
Burra Rifle Club held its AGM and Captain Bass reported on the year’s events.
The club was in credit £28-12-11. Membership was c. 80. Each ‘efficient’ is allowed a credit in cash and ammunition equivalent to 21/6 by the Defence Department. The Burra Open Prize meeting on 25 April was run successfully despite rather poor weather and the club made £1 profit. Over the whole year the club had spent about £13 more than it took in and Mr Riggs in moving the adoption of the report and the balance sheet hoped that next year this slide would be halved. The depression was largely responsible. Cr Jennison distributed prizes, as the Mayor had a prior engagement.
Poonunda Trophy went to C.H. Fearon from W.V. Bass.
The Championship was won by R. Nutt ahead of W.V. Bass.
The Handicap Championship was won by P.W. Hogan with J.E. Pearce second.
The Marksman’s Trophy was won by W.V. Bass
The R. Nutt Trophy went to S.E. Truscott.
In Group Prizes:
200 & 300 yards to S.E. Truscott.
500 & 600 yards to C.H. Fearon.
600 & 700 yards to C.H. Dixon.
800 & 900 yards to C.H. Fearon.
A Snooker Tournament conducted by Mr Fred Lacy at Kooringa Billiard Saloon finished last week. ‘Tiger’ Moore (A. Moore) defeated ‘Bunny’ Laidlaw (A. Laidlaw).
Burra High School Debating Society held a mock wedding on 7 July.
53, 28, 13 July 1932, page 4
Reunion of Mongrel Priests
A reunion of priests of the Catholic Diocese of Pt Augusta, who were educated at Mongrel College SJ in Limerick Ireland, was held on 29 June at Seven Hills College. Dr Killian Bishop of Port Augusta was in Ireland and attended the College itself on the Golden Jubilee of the institution. In Burra Father Morrissey the senior Mungret Priest gave a dinner to others and those present were Very Rev. Father McCarthy SJ and Rev. Father Logue SJ of Seven Hills College. Representatives of other Irish Colleges were Rev. Fathers F. Farrell of Renmark, J. Cullinan of Whyalla (formerly of Burra), and the past Mungret Priests Rev. M.V. Clune of Hawker, Rev. W.H. Nesdale of Peterborough (formerly of Burra), Rev. A.J. Conway of Pt Augusta, Rev. T.F. Toal of Streaky Bay and Rev. M.F. Toal of Jamestown (formerly of Burra). The report extends for a little over 2 columns.
53, 29, 20 July 1932, page 1
St Mary’s. The debt of £102 on the rectory has been liquidated by contributions from a group of gentlemen. [A list of the subscribers is printed.]
Burra High School Council, 4 July
Dr Steele was re-elected President of the Council for three years. George Hann Sen. was elected Secretary in place of Mr M.W. Bednall who retired due to pressure of business. Stanley Kellaway was appointed coach for the school football club.
Burra High School Debating Society on Thursday 14 June [sic] held a debate. [Given the previous report was 30 June and that 14 July was a Thursday this was an error for that date.] The topic was: That it required more courage to fight in the last war than it did in the time of Henry V. The pro team won narrowly 47 to 46.
The Monaro Rough Riders are reviewed in 3⁄4 column. The gate was c. £22 and the show is very favourably commended. So popular was it that a second show was given on Saturday night and again half the profits went to the local Unemployment Relief Fund.
53, 29, 20 July 1932, page 2
Notice. Corporation of the Town of Burra
This notice gives warning of the intention to sell the land described for unpaid rates three months from 18 July 1932.
Amount
Place & Last known owner Occupation In default since Owing Description
Millerton
Nicholas Opie of Redruth before 1920 1-1-11 lots 47 &48
Donzil John Holt Ibbetson of Redruth Clerk before 1901 2-0-4 lots 123 & 124
August Eichler of Redruth before 1901 1-0-2 lot 169
Thomas William Powell of Kooringa before 1901 3-0-6 lots 120,121 & 122
Henry Simmons of Booborowie labourer before 1901 1-18-4 lot 18
Hampton
William Dale of Redruth & carpenter
Trustees of Redruth & Burra Permanent
Building Soc.: builders
David Williams of Hampton
James Tiver of Redruth
Aaron Cole of Redruth 1927 13-4 lot 30
Redruth
Charles Kimber of Kooringa labourer 1929 12-11 Part lot 99
Richard John Bennett of Rundle St
Adelaide 1901 2-0-4 lots 5 & 13
William Pope of Adelaide 1901 1-0-2 lot 103
Samuel Smith Powell of Penwortham settler
& James Gravatt of Kooringa gentleman 1902 1-0-2 lot 6
Thomas Grant of Kooringa postmaster 1901 1-0-2 lot 94
Executors of Estate William Paxton 1901 1901 1-0-2 lot 100
Aberdeen
Yorke’s Peninsula Mining Co. Ltd 1901 7-2-4 lots 76, 77, 78,
91, 92, 93
G.E. Dane & P.L. Rosman have been appointed Justices of the Peace.
Mr Rollo Hawkes of Cockburn has been appointed a JP.
Kooringa Football Club held a successful dance in Pearce’s Building last Wednesday.
Rev. Stanley Jarvis of Kooringa Methodist Church is seeking a posting to a more equable climate on medical advice. After 15 years in the tropics both Mr & Mrs Jarvis have found conditions here too severe. They will leave next March.
Football
Tom Kellaway was prominent again in the Ports v. South match last Saturday.
Bill Hann kicked 7 goals for St Mark’s v. Goodwood on Saturday.
H.J. Button writes urging recognition that with the Burra Mine the town has a tourist attraction to rival the Blue Lake at Mt Gambier. During a roam round the old mine property recently he says he found mine records, some dating back to 1850 just blowing round the ground. It should be preserved and advertised.
Ironmine Memorial Hall. The contractors for the additions to the Memorial Hall at Ironmine are to put in an appearance this week.
53, 29, 20 July 1932, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
[There is a report from Parliament of a debate in the House of Assembly. It is a slightly disjointed extract in which the local Member E.E. George is arguing for the Government to put in the £2,500 needed for a battery at Mongolata. One thing that has not been elsewhere reported in the paper relates to the earlier report that Mongolata Block 8 would put in a battery of their own. This report had not been followed up in The Record, but now in this report from Parliament we learn the following:]
‘Mr E.E. George – a private company was going to put a battery there, but my colleague and I used every ounce of weight we had to prevent that being done, because we knew that there would be dissatisfaction if the returns were not up to the asays. [Sic] Not one word of suspicion has been heard as regards the operation of the Peterborough Battery because it is under the control of Government officials. We had great difficulty in preventing the company putting a battery on the field.
Mr Jones – Do you think you were wise?
Mr E.E. George – It was the wish of the men on the field and we thought we were doing the best thing in their interests.’
The first meeting of Block 8 shareholders was held in the Cheer-up Room in Kooringa last Saturday. Herbert Morgan took the chair. The main business was to elect directors in place of the retiring interim directors for the past six months. Retiring directors were: Messrs Morgan, Bednall, McRostie, Flaherty & Marston and all were re-elected as directors for the next 12 months.
Block 1 (Byles’) has appointed Mr Wilfred Hack as manager.
Frank Harris has some rich-looking ore from Pexton’s claim in his window.
The alluvial shaft is down 140ft and the men expect to go another 20ft at least. Messrs Kirkham are in charge of the job.
H.W. Morgan as Secretary of the Prospectors’ Assoc. writes to the Mayor thanking him for his efforts on behalf of the miners.
Obituary. Mrs John Collins died on Monday 18 July as a result of heart troubles aged 69. Mr & Mrs Collins celebrated their golden wedding on 16 July. [The actual anniversary fell on the 6 July.] Mrs Collins was the elder daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Fred Simpson of Aberdeen. Mrs A.A. Jefferies of Mt Bryan is her sister. She was closely identified with the Redruth Wesleyan Church before her marriage. She is survived by: Horace C.J. Collins (Inman Valley), Melvin Collins (South Africa), P. Newton Collins (Booborowie), Arthur L. Collins (Mt Bryan), Lindsay G. Collins (Collinsville) and Mrs G. McBryan. One son Bert Collins died in 1916 and a daughter Hilda died in 1930. There are 7 grandchildren.
[Born Catherine (Kate) Simpson 30 November 1862 at Templers SA: died at Mt Bryan.]
Obituary. Mrs R. Phillips of World’s End has died aged 74 on 18 July.
[Born Auguste Pauline Hempel 29 April 1858 Ebenezer SA: died at World’s End. Wife of Robert Phillips.]
Obituary. Mrs R.P. Richards of Prospect was buried at Kooringa on 19 July. She was the only sister of the late E.W. Crewes and came to Burra in the 1870s with her mother and brother and lived in Aberdeen. She was twice married; first to Mr E. Benny, butcher of Kooringa. As Mrs Benny she was for years a member of the Kooringa Wesleyan Choir. She and her husband went to WA where he died. Later she married Mr Richards and returned to SA. Mr Richards died about 5 years ago.
[Born Henrietta Helen Crewes c. 1858. She died at Prospect. Mr Edward Benny died at the Zeehan Mine in Tasmania: see Burra Record XV, 322, 9 Jan. 1895, page 2 and Richard Prideaux Richards died 23 April 1924.]
Obituary. Mrs Phyllis Schmidt, only daughter of Mr & Mrs A.T. Fairchild of Booborowie died at her parents’ home on 19 July aged 28. [Born Phyllis Maria Fairchild 19 January 1904 Booborowie: died 19 July 1932 Booborowie, residence Robertstown. Wife of Albert Edward Schmidt.]
Golf. At Mt Bryan the golf craze still holds its own. Football & tennis languish somewhat while table tennis flourishes.
53, 29, 20 July 1932, page 4
Mr Robert Seigert moves from Booborowie store to take charge of Drew & Crewes’ store at Hallett.
53, 30, 27 July 1932, page 1
Booborowie Fancy Dress Ball in aid of the Institute funds 20 July is reported.
Obituary. John Collins. As a boy he was bright, cheerful and full of pranks. He worked on his father’s farm. He drove a team of horses at an early age. He finished his education with Mr Cole, head teacher at Watervale Grammar School. In the ministry of the late Rev. James Pearce he became a member of the old Mt Bryan Church. He later married Miss Catherine Simpson of Burra railway station and they lived for some time on his father’s property at Mt Bryan East. Later still he secured 14,000 acres near Ketchowla and a portion of Dare’s Swamp and lived there in a pine hut with his wife and two or three children. A great season in 1889 put him on his feet. Dingoes were bad then and had to be controlled by trapping and the employment at times of an expert dogger. Rabbits were also a problem and netting fences were extensively employed. The little pine hut was replaced by one of the best stations for miles around with comfortable living places on out-stations and fruit and flower gardens. For many years cheques to aid the poor of Burra have come in at Christmas time from John Collins and the Dearloves.
Burra Town Council, 18 July
A notice concerning closing of roads at Hampton has been gazetted.
Outstanding rates total £166. In the North Ward there is £44 owed and £33 on unclaimed blocks. The equivalent in East Wards is £50 plus 17/2 and in West Ward £30 plus £1-10-0.
[This actually totals £159-7-6.]
On the matter of unclaimed blocks the Mayor questioned whether, in the event of the Council acting to sell them, they would become liable for unpaid water rates.
The Town Clerk will check this. They could not be sold for three months after being advertised.
Various road works were approved.
Arrangements for cutting out rates through work were left in the hands of the Mayor as Chairman of the Public Works.
There were complaints that straying cows in Aberdeen were smashing fences and destroying shrubs etc.
Cr Jennison felt the ranger and pound-keeper should be stirred up: ‘it was not a mystery as to the ownership of the cows.’
Cr March referred to obstructions on the footpath at Whittney & Tiver’s premises.
The Town Clerk said the footpath was on the property of the owners of the property.
Cr Bevan moved for improved drainage near Messrs Villis & Short’s. There was a real duck pond there. Carried. [New Aberdeen]
Seats near Market Square pump are to be repaired.
53, 30, 27 July 1932, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute Wednesday 3 August, Grand Concert with Adelaide’s Leading Artists:
Linda Wald, Phil Yeatman, Harold Raymond and Dave Howard.
In aid of the Blind, Deaf & Dumb Children’s Home, Brighton.
Obituary. Phillas [sic] Maria Schmidt died 19 July at Booborowie, the wife of Albert E. Schmidt of Robertstown and only daughter of Mr & Mrs A.T. Fairchild of Booborowie. Aged 28 years 6 months.
Ern Fuller who had his foot amputated last week is making progress.
Burra Homing Club. C. Hill’s bird won the 300 mile race from Marree on 22 July.
Mongolata Goldfield
Bitumen sheets have been laid down and excavation for the installation of a 35,000 gallon tank for a domestic water supply have been completed.
Mr Grundy, Government manager for batteries, has selected a site for the Mongolata Battery: 200 yards down slope from the entrance to Byles’ No. 1 property. The imminent arrival of a battery is encouraging development along the line of the field.
Wilton Hack, mining engineer from WA, has been appointed to manage Byles’ claim. More men have been put on. The shaft is being timbered by Mr Zimmerman.
Mr Carpenter has improved his boarding house.
The tennis court has been levelled.
Mongolata Alluvial Co.’s main shaft is at 153ft. Roy Kirkham & Hedley Neale are erecting a temporary poppett head to allow sinking to continue.
The Hallett Masonic Lodge installation is reported in one column. Bro. W. Phin is the new WM.
53, 30, 27 July 1932, page 3
RSL. The portrait of Sir John Monash was unveiled by Mr R.C. Sexton President of the sub-branch in the presence of the Mayor & Mayoress.
Obituary. John Collins
Last Wednesday we recorded the death of Mrs Collins at the early age of 69 and today we record that of her husband on Saturday last, just five days later. Pneumonia and the shock of his wife’s death proved too much for him. He was buried alongside his wife and daughter Hilda who died in April 1931. He was the second son of the late pioneer pastoralist Mr Henry Collins of ‘Lucernedale’. After marrying he took up residence for a short time at Mt Bryan East before taking land further east now known as Collinsville where he set about establishing a breed of Merino sheep with the aid of his sons. They became famous in every state and South Africa. In 1910 he bought the ram Dandy Dinmont from Haddon Rig stud in NSW for 1,500 gns. Others followed including Lord Charles of Bundemar for 2,000 gns in 1915. He acquired a number of other properties on which there are well-built homesteads each with a fruit and vegetable garden. Collinsville became famous for its fruit and flowers before the recent severe drought and the same can be said of Mulga Hill and Willera. He was a long-serving member of the Hallett DC and a keen supporter of sports. His sons were prominent in cricket and tennis. He was an ardent Methodist and local preacher. For many years he was a martyr to asthma. Years ago he was active as local preacher for the Terowie Circuit, preaching at Pandappa and Ketchowla frequently. He was a member of Kooringa Masonic Lodge and AO Foresters. Five sons attended the funeral: Horace C.J. Collins (Terowie), Fred. H. Collins (Tooperang), P. Newton Collins (Booborowie), Arthur L. Collins (Mt Bryan) & Lindsay Collins (Collinsville). Also his son-in-law G.A.M. MacBryan and brothers; Joe, Dan, Eddie and Arthur as well as sisters and numerous others from the Mid-North & City. [Born 8 July 1859: died 22 July 1932 Mt Bryan.]
Obituary. Mrs Auguste P. Phillips who died at World’s End 18 July was born at Ebenezer near Stockwell 29 April 1858, the daughter of Mr & Mrs Johann T. Hempel. At 29 she married Robert Phillips farmer and grazier of World’s End who died about 12 years ago [1919]. She was known for her hospitality and kindness. Six sons and three daughters survive: A. Phillips (Mt Bryan), B. & J. Phillips (Morgan), N. Phillips (Lochiel), E.T. & C. Phillips (World’s End), Miss M. Phillips (World’s End), Mrs E. Rooke (Hanson) & Mrs F. Neindorf (Robertstown). There are 14 grandchildren.
Obituary. Mr Clem McWaters died suddenly on Saturday last at Morgan. He attended a football match as a spectator and before the game had a kick or two, fell over and died. He was the youngest [surviving] son of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas McWaters of World’s End. He was born in 1890 and was brother to W.H. McWaters of World’s End and S. McWaters of Penola. The funeral at Morgan was widely attended. He was a member of the Buffalo Lodge which provided a guard of honour. He is survived by a widow nee Edie Watson and four children and five sisters: Mrs J. Irlam (WA), Mrs E. Hewitt (Sydney), Mrs Inman (Broken Hill), Mrs J. Kellock (Kooringa) & Mrs S. Watson (Morgan).
[Clement Melville McWaters born 3 June 1889 Baldina: died 23 July 1932 Morgan.]
Burra High School Debating Society on 21 July debated the topic: That the abolition of armaments would benefit the world. The pro side won by 11 marks.
Marriage. At Kooringa Methodist Church last Saturday
Herbert Byles, only son of Mr & Mrs H. Byles of Kooringa, married
Lillian M. Gebhardt, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs W.A. Gebhardt of Kooringa.
Phyllis Kelly Humphrys of ‘Glenowie’ Leighton writes urging public education on Proportional Representation.
53, 30, 27 July 1932, page 4
Basketball. Burra visited Peterborough and won two of three games played last Wednesday.
Ladies: Peterborough 14 defeated Burra 0.
Men’s ‘A’: Burra 37 defeated Peterborough 35.
Men’s ‘B’: Burra 25 defeated Peterborough 21.
Football, Saturday:
Kooringa 0.1 3.6 5.6 9.15 (69)
Aberdeen 3.5 3.5 6.8 6.8 (44)
Burra Rifle Club fired the 1st stage of the Jennison Trophy on Saturday and J.A. Riggs, F. Spencer & C.H. Fearon got the best scores.
53, 31, 4 Aug. 1932, page 1 [Should be dated 3 August]
Burra High School Debating Society defeated the Young People’s Guild at Kooringa Methodist Church 18 July in a debate: That protection in Australia be abolished. On 28 July they held a mock open air political meeting.
Mr Will Lord eldest son of the late George Lord of the Burra Hotel was in Burra last week en route to Mongolata where he is in charge of the sinking of the shaft on the Fuss claim. [Presumably the claim operated by Aubrey Fuss.]
Football. Tom Kellaway has been ruled out of interstate football for this year, as he has a shoulder injury requiring three weeks rest.
Mr Reg. Warnes of Woolgangi has presented the Burra Hospital with a 14lb cauliflower. (With the green leaves it weighed 34lb.)
53, 31, 4 Aug. 1932, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. The President recommended turning down an application from Burra Poultry Breeders to use the grounds for a show. Experience showed that sharing the use of the showgrounds led to problems. After discussion the request was refused. The same railway arrangements as for 1931 were recommended. Various other arrangements for details of the next show were made.
Marriage. Maughan Church Adelaide 20 July
Eva Lillian Thomas, only daughter of Mrs Edith Thomas of ‘Eversdale’ Mt Bryan East, married
Edward Stewart Wilks of ‘Wilks Park’, the only son of the late Mr & Mrs T. Wilks of Mt Bryan East.
Cinderella Dance organised by the committee of the Burra Brass Band for 22 July at the Institute to aid Institute funds was a great success.
Burra Primary School held its Arbor Day and planted 14 trees in the park opposite the swing bridge.
53, 31, 4 Aug. 1932, page 4
Hanson Public Hall. A meeting in the Hanson Council Chamber on 28 July considered quotes from various firms. A constitution for the hall will be considered at a meeting on 4 August. More funds need to be raised and all are invited to the meeting.
Basketball. After the games played at Peterborough on 20 July the teams were entertained at a supper followed by a dance till 1 a.m.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 9.5 18.8 25.11 33.17 (215)
Mt Bryan 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 (1)
Mongolata Goldfield
In Parliament Mr McHugh objected to remarks made by Mr Dawes who said Members of the House had shares in Mongolata and were then advocating public expenditure on the field for the benefit of their own interests. McHugh said no Members had shares in Mongolata.
53, 32, 10 Aug. 1932, page 1
Burra Town Council, 1 August
Four ratepayers were allowed to work out their rates.
A.L. Clode asked to lease a piece of creek opposite the shop of R. Fuss; part of St Just St. He would fence and gate it and pay 5/- p.a. for five years.
Cr March was in favour of granting the request, as it would prevent stock being taken through ‘Toorak’ as that part of the town was called. Request granted.
The Town Clerk said in the month £62 in rates was collected including fines. £70 of current rates were outstanding and £30 in arrears, mostly on unclaimed blocks. Since the report was written a further £30 has come in.
Three men had taken cattle away from the Ranger as he took them to the pound. Mr Bednall suggested they be asked for an explanation and to pay the Ranger’s fee of 5/- at least. The penalty for interfering with an officer of the Council was £5.
The Mayor said dogs in the street were another problem.
Cr Bevan said the three young men didn’t know the seriousness of the offence and he moved no further action be taken if they paid the poundage fee, the ranger’s fee, the cost of the solicitor’s letter and apologised. Carried.
Repairs were ordered to the street near Mr Villis’s, as Mr Short was almost isolated.
Football. The minor round of the contest ended with the premiership table reading:
Played Won Lost Drawn Points
Kooringa 12 12 0 0 24
Hallett 12 6 6 0 12
Aberdeen 12 5 6 1 11
Mt Bryan 12 0 11 1 1
Saturday at Victoria Park
Kooringa 1.2 3.3 3.3
Hallett 0.1 0.1 1.3
Match then abandoned due to heavy rain.
For the season the Terry Medal resulted in a tie between G. Bass & S. Kellaway.
Hanson Memorial Hall (From the secretary)
Several meetings have been held about a Soldiers’ Memorial Hall at Hanson. Moves began in 1922 and money began to be raised. They now had £172. A few weeks ago it was considered there was enough to consider erection. On 8 July plans and specifications and quotations for prices were tabled and it was clear there was every possibility of proceeding. Messrs Fendler and Pattullo drew up a proposed constitution and presented it at a meeting on 4 August. The constitution and rules were adopted. The objects are to erect a hall to the memory of the soldiers who fell in the Great War, to establish a library and provide other means of education and physical entertainment. Membership will be 2/6 p.a. A committee of seven will run the hall. A general meeting will soon be called to elect officers, the committee, etc.
53, 32, 10 Aug. 1932, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. are selling in the estate of J.A. Austin deceased:
399 acres freehold half a mile west of the railway station in five sheep-proof paddocks, jarrah sheepyards, two wells, troughs and water laid to all paddocks.
In the estate of W.J.C. Ewins deceased:
Pt plots 45 & 126 in Kooringa with frontage of 203ft to Bath St and 129ft 4 ins to Kangaroo St with six-roomed stone house and outbuildings.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. are selling for Maurice Collins on 19 August:
Pt Section4 of 16 acres 2 roods 12 perches
Pt Section 4 & closed road altogether 17 acres 2 roods 5 perches and allotments 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 & Pt Section 4 and closed road, altogether 2 acres 3 roods 10 perches with town water.
[This is the north side of Holder St and a closed section of Lake St in New Aberdeen.]
Advt. Another Cinderella Dance will be held on 17 August in the Institute with the Burra Brass Band in aid of the Institute and the Band.
Advt. Burra Institute Tonight: Minda Home Concert Party.
Miss Alison Bentley came first in section 6 of the Fancywork Competition run by John Martin & Co. of Adelaide.
W.L. (Bill) Hann has been awarded his Blue for cricket for Adelaide University on his 1931 season’s effort.
53, 32, 10 Aug. 1932, page 3
Liberal & Country League. The first meeting of the newly formed Women’s Branch was held on 5 August. Mrs I.J. Warnes presided. She outlined its objects and said it needed someone as President with more ability and time than she had to give. Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Hon. Secretary, Miss Helen Wilkinson; Minute Secretary, Miss Gladys Kellock. There was then an address by the Hon. A.P. Blesing. [The whole report exceeds 21⁄2 columns.]
Burra Golf Club. In the Championship G.C. Sangster defeated E.A. Haese 6 up and 5 to play.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School Bible Class & Ironmine Wesley Club at Leighton Hall on Tuesday debated the topic Do moving pictures have a degenerating effect on Australian children? The former took the affirmative and eventually won 73 points to 67.
G.H. Dow has been appointed District Clerk to the Robertstown DC.
Weather. It has been cold and bleak and wet with 11⁄4” for the week. 103 points fell over Friday & Saturday and it included hail and a few snowflakes. The rain extended east only as far as Mongolata.
Obituary. Mrs H. Austin nee Lizzie Builder died on 30 July in Adelaide aged 64 [65]. She was the daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Builder of Kooringa who lived in the house now occupied by Mrs W.H. Field. She married Mr Harry L. Austin of the Bank of Australasia and son of the previous owner of Ketchowla station. He died some time ago [1917].
[Born Elizabeth Builder 6 September 1866 Kooringa: died 30 July 1932 Norwood.]
Obituary. On the same day that Mrs Austin died her sister Mrs A. Jennings aged 63 nee Annie Builder died in Adelaide. She collapsed soon after hearing of her sister’s death. She had married Mr Arthur H. Jennings of the Kooringa Post Office who is also dead. Tom Builder of Elder, Smith & Co. in Adelaide is a brother, as is Alfred Builder of WA.
[Born Annie Bagnall Builder 12 February 1869 Kooringa: died 30 July 1932 Monreith, District of Norwood.]
Mr & Mrs S.D. Shattock formerly of Cavenagh & Hallett and now of Peterborough celebrated their golden wedding on 1 August. Mr Shattock was born 5 February 1858 in Bristol England and came to Australia aged 5. Mrs Shattock was the eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs William Goodes of ‘Belle Ville’ Jamestown.
53, 32, 10 Aug. 1932, page 4
‘Optimistic’ writes a column-long letter on the proposed Acts concerning Adjustment of Farmers’ Debts, Security of Tenure, Revaluing of Securities, etc.
Burra High School Debating Society held a mock radio broadcast on Thursday.
53, 33, 17 Aug 1932, page 1
Football. First Semi-Final Saturday:
Aberdeen 2.1 3.4 3.8 4.10 (34)
Mt Bryan 0.2 0.3 0.4 1.6 (12)
Hanson Memorial Hall. The correspondent from Hanson is puzzled by the secretary’s statement last week that previous reports had been misleading. The writer gives the President’s name as Malcolm J. Marchant.
Obituary. Mr A. Delaney died 4 August at Adelaide Hospital. He was a well-known Farrell’s Flat identity. [Andrew Delaney died at Northfield; residence Farrell’s Flat aged 76.]
53, 33, 17 Aug. 1932, page 2
Advt. Burra Red Cross Annual Jumble Sale in Pearce’s Building 19 August.
Advt. The Hallett Annual Arts & Crafts Exhibition organised by the Girls’ Friendly Club in Hallett Institute Saturday 20 August.
53, 33, 17 Aug. 1932, page 3
The Bishop of Adelaide Dr A. Nutter Thomas will visit Burra on 22 & 23 August for confirmation services etc. at Black Springs and Burra on Monday and Hallett & Booborowie on Tuesday.
Mrs H. Lihou of Kooringa was 78 on 12 August. She was born on the Great Britain en route to Australia from Scotland. Her eldest daughter Mrs G. Lawn is visiting her. Others in the family are Mrs E. Bass, Mrs E. Wohling, Mrs F. Symons (Broken Hill), Mr T. Lihou (Olary and Mr L. Lihou of Peterborough.
The Minda Home Concert is believed to have raised c. £18, though the wet wether reduced audiences.
Kooringa & Redruth Methodist Sunday Schools held a combined demonstration last Saturday & Sunday. There was a teachers’ conference with a demonstration by the Primary Department at 4 p.m. on Saturday and then a tea. At 5.30 p.m. the teachers and officers enjoyed a bright hour. There was a public meeting on Sunday school matters in the evening. Sunday morning saw a service at Redruth and a combined service at 3 p.m. in the Institute for Kooringa, Redruth, Hanson, Copperhouse and Ironmine scholars. There was an evening service at Kooringa.
Weather. In the last week 155 points were recorded here and 21⁄2” at Mt Bryan. The creek came down in its biggest flood since 1915. The creek is now wider than in the past and the flood was particularly impressive at the Pig & Whistle Ford which was three feet deep. Black duck and teal are common and Porter’s Lagoon and Apoinga Lagoon are filling and teeming with birdlife.
To the east the falls have been disappointing with a few places around 1 inch, but others in the 20-50 points range. Last Sunday morning some snow fell very early and there was a nice fall about 7 a.m. There were heavier falls at ‘Blink Bonnie’ and at Mt Bryan with light falls at Leighton and Hanson.
Waterworks. The Government advises that £4,000 has been allocated for reorganising the water service in Burra including new mains for Commercial St and Kingston St.
Mongolata Goldfield
185 points of rain fell between 6 & 15 August.
The bore is producing 1,000 gallons an hour without reduction.
The report on the water supply will enable the battery to be located and this should occur this week.
The domestic water supply tank is nearing completion.
W. Pexton & Sons have recently sent off 3 tons which yielded 9oz per ton.
On the alluvial claim the shaft is down 185ft.
Marriage. Hanson Methodist Church 3 August
John Mitchell, elder son of Mr & Mrs S.J. Mitchell of Hanson, married
Gwen Neill, third daughter of Mr & the late Mrs A.G. Neill of ‘Wheetelande’.
Chester Sandland has been a successful exhibitor with his Koo-owie Merinos at the recent sheep show in Melbourne.
H.J. Button writes denying reports in other minor papers that the Burra Town Council is a place of Party Politics.
George Herbert completed 50 years of service with the firm of J.T. Walker & Sons, bootmakers of Kooringa, on 12 August.
53, 33, 17 Aug 1932, page 4
CWA meeting last Friday is reported in c. 21⁄2 columns. President Mrs I.J. Warnes gave an address and a report.
T.C. Paltridge of Malvern writing to The Advertiser about the plight of country storekeepers is reprinted.
53, 33, 17 Aug. 1932, Supplement
The Prize List for the Burra Show 26 October 1932 is printed.
53, 34, 24 Aug. 1932, page 1
Football. Second Semi-Final on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.2 5.4 6.6 8.7 (55)
Hallett 1.2 2.2 2.8 3.13 (31)
Hallett Arts & Crafts Exhibition is reported in c. 11⁄3 columns.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 3rd stage of the Jennison Trophy the best scores were from F. Spencer, J. Schwier, C.H. Dixon & A.B. Riggs.
53, 34, 24 Aug. 1932, page 2
The mumps epidemic of recent months is at last subsiding.
Diphtheria has broken out at Mt Bryan and there are three patients in isolation at Burra Hospital. Fortunately there are no local cases.
Obituary. Dean Stanley Clode, only son of Mr & Mrs A. Laurie Clode, died on 22 August after a short illness aged 21⁄2. [Born 29 January 1930.]
The Mayor Mr Woollacott attended a meeting at Peterborough in support of Mr Hill’s Government at which Mr Hill was urged to stand at the next election for the Burra Burra District. The Mayor moved the toast of ‘Parliament’, speaking strongly in favour of the way Mr Hill had implemented The Premiers’ Plan.
53, 34, 24 Aug. 1932, page 3
Salvation Army. On 16 August Commissioner McKenzie (‘Fighting Mac’) visited Burra and was welcomed by the local corps. He was given a civic reception by the Mayor T.H. Woollacott in the form of a dinner at J. Allen’s rooms. This was followed by a civic reception at the Institute before the public meeting. Mr Carne of the RSL proposed the toast to the guest of honour, supported by Cr Jennison. The whole visit is reported at length in c. 23⁄4 columns.
John H.S. Faulds of the Salvation Army in Kingston St writes thanking the Mayor, RSL and others for the welcome accorded Commissioner McKenzie.
The Second Cinderella Dance was held in the Institute last Wednesday in aid of the Institute and Burra Brass Band and was another success.
Mongolata Goldfield
The liquidator for Byles’ Old Mongolata Gold Mining Syndicate reported the final parcel of ore treated yielded 9oz 11gr making a total from the claim of 467oz 2dwt 6gr from 79 tons 9cwt treated.
Red Cross Jumble Sale on Friday raised £21-10-0.
Mr George Herbert was entertained at Frank Harris’s shop on Tuesday 16 August to congratulate him on 50 years work for J.T. Walker & Sons bootmakers. He was congratulated by the Mayor. Mr Herbert had been known as a footballer, cricketer and rifleman and now as a bowler. He was presented with a travelling bag. Mr A.L. Walker spoke in support. J.T. Walker had established the firm in 1872. William Walker (J.T.’s father) was a contractor on the Mt Barker railway and was responsible for several tunnels on the line and also for part of the northern line. After an expensive legal case which caused him expenses of £30,000 W. Walker took up farming at Red Hill. J.T. Walker learnt his bootmaking in Melbourne and later began business in Mt Barker, coming to Burra in 1873 and began in the premises now occupied by Mr Terry (tailor). All boots were then hand made. Mr G. Herbert joined the firm 14 August 1882 when they were employing as bootmakers Mr M. Pederson, Mr A. Topperwein, George Herbert, Joe Kellaway, Jim Kellaway, T. McInnes, F. Wilson and J.T. Walker. Mr Pederson was in charge of the workshop. They had branches at Jamestown, Terowie, Peterborough and Broken Hill. In 50 years they had never had a dispute or cross word with Mr Herbert. Mr Pederson said he was pleased to see George looking so strong and healthy after 50 years of work. C.J. Pearce added his congratulations. He remembered the Walkers when they started and their employees included Albert Oppermann and Bill Anderson. J. Drew recalled George as a youngster. He was always known as ‘King’ to his pals. G. Dane & E.J. Davey endorsed the remarks. Mr Herbert responded briefly (saying in passing that Mr Pederson taught the crowd their trade and was the manager).
Liberal & Country League. The first meeting of the Burra Branch was held in the Eastern Telephone Building last Friday. The meeting saw the merger of the Liberal Federation and the Country Party. A.D. McDonald was elected branch President with Messrs Robinson & G.G. Hawkes as Vice-Presidents. Mr Edwards is secretary at £20 p.a.
53, 34, 24 Aug. 1932, page 4
Burra Town Council, 15 August
The Members for the District have written to the Mayor saying £4,000is to be spent on the Burra water supply.
The AA seeks support in seeing that motor taxation is spent on roads – supported via letter on the same matter to local MPs.
Improvements to creek crossings are desirable to allow lambs to get to market in a clean condition. Sales firms are to be asked to fund pipes and the Council to provide concrete and labour.
Local Board of Health
Dogs continue to be a pest in the town and some are also worrying sheep.
[This also provoked a satirical item of c. 1⁄2 column.]
Burra Basketball Assoc. held its semi-finals in the Institute last Thursday.
Green forfeited to Old Gold (Green needed a substitute, which was not allowed in semi-finals).
The game was played though, and Green 43 would have defeated Old Gold 30.
Ladies: Orange 11 defeated Green 9.
In the second men’s match: Red 29 defeated Brown 17.
Indoor Bowls. At the end of the minor round:
Played Won Lost Drawn
Methodist Whites 20 13 6 1
Methodist Black 20 12 8 0
St Mary’s 20 11 9 0
Oddfellows 20 9 11 0
Foresters 20 8 11 1
Manchester 20 6 14 0
53, 35, 31 Aug. 1932, page 1
Football Final
Hallett 4.0 6.0 6.0 9.5 (59)
Aberdeen 1.2 5.7 6.8 6.8 (44)
Burra Basketball Assoc. Championship
Ladies: Orange 17 defeated Green 14.
Men: Red 28 defeated Gold 27.
Leading goal throwers for the season: Ivon Wohling 194, Ken Kellock 107, George Bass 102, Ken Wohling 98 & F. Seaford 94.
Ladies: Lydia Penglase 70, Jean Voumard 40, Mavis Turnbull 49, Susie Hill 38.
A supper and dance followed the games.
Aberdeen Croquet Club AGM 25 August. The club is in credit £13-16-9. Elected were President, Mrs J.G. Gare; Vice-Presidents, Mrs A.B. Riggs & Mrs J. Wardle; Treasurer, Miss L. Bartholomaeus; Captain, Miss M. Griffiths & Vice-Captain, Mrs M.T. Fuller.
Indoor Bowls. First Semi-Final. Methodist Whites 24 defeated St Mary’s 10.
Mrs Klaffus was 86 on Saturday. She was born at Hahndorf 21 August 1846, the third daughter of Gottlieb Seelander, first teacher and postmaster at Hahndorf. There being no house for them they lived temporarily in the church. Her father came to SA in 1840 and her paternal grandfather in 1837. She is fit and well and was twice married. One son Mr Oscar Klaffus lives in Adelaide.
Mrs Philip McBride nee Rene Crewes will open the Kooringa Methodist Spring Fair next Friday.
Notice. Burra Amateur Swimming Club AGM called for 6 September at Burra Institute.
Martin Pederson has showed us a pair of Napoleon boots made by him for Mr Elisha Ford 50 years ago. They are in perfect order. [A long boot pulled over trousers.]
53, 35, 31 Aug. 1932, page 3
Stockowners’ Assoc. The annual meeting of the Burra Branch was held at the Eastern Telephone Building last Friday with I.J. Warnes in the chair and elected I.J. Warnes as chairman. The address by the State President Mr Jenkins is reported at length.
Weather. More rain fell in the past week: 121 points since 26 August, falling lightly and steadily. Falls to the east were patchy.
Obituary. Dean Clode, son of Mr & Mrs A.L. Clode of Aberdeen, died on 22 August aged 2 years 7 months after a severe attack of bronchitis. [Dean Stanley Clode born 29 January 1930.]
Mongolata Goldfield
For Byles’ Mongolata rails have been taken out to make a direct line to the battery which it is hoped will be erected soon.
W. Pexton & Sons and The Golden Harp both report good finds.
Experts on the field are very hopeful of the alluvial workings.
The domestic water tank has been completed and the recent rains should have put significant water in it.
Dogs. Poison has been laid in paddocks around the town where dogs have been attacking sheep.
Court. Ronald Arthur Bickley (18) was sentenced to 2 months in Adelaide Jail for damaging an overcoat at the Royal Exchange Hotel, it being the property of Albert Nottage.
53, 35, 31 Aug. 1932, page 4
St Mary’s. The Bishop of Adelaide the Rev. Dr Nuttar Thomas conducted a confirmation service at Black Springs at 3 p.m. on Monday and at 7.30 p.m. at St Mary’s. On Tuesday there was Holy Communion at 8 a.m. The Bishop preached at Hallett at 3.30 p.m. and held a confirmation service at St Edmund’s at Booborowie at 7.30 p.m.
Miss Vera Murray was farewelled as the local school teacher at Willalo on 24 August. She had been there for over two years and now goes to Alexandrina. She was presented with a Xylonite clock and a travelling rug from the tennis club.
Hanson Memorial Hall. There was a general meeting on 18 August. The Institutes Assoc. made a few minor alterations to the rules which were then adopted and the secretary was instructed to apply for affiliation with the Institutes Assoc. of SA Inc. Trustees appointed are: M.J. Marchant, J.E. Hogan, H. Brown, D. Fendler & N.P. Canny. The secretary will write to the Secretary for Lands stating the appointment of trustees and asking what steps had been taken for the transfer of section 145. M.J. Marchant was elected President and G.T. Patullo is Secretary & Treasurer. The committee was authorised to take action to further the erection of the Institute.
53, 36, 7 Sep. 1932, page 1
Football. Premiership match.
Kooringa 0.1 4.5 3.6 8.8 (56)
Hallett 1.0 1.1 3.4 4.6 (30)
Combined High School Sports were held 31 August at Victoria Park.
Kapunda, Riverton, Clare, Balaklava & Burra contested the day. Kapunda scored a runaway victory with 1171⁄2 points to Clare’s 52, then Riverton 46, Burra 32 and Balaklava 111⁄2. Results are printed.
53, 36, 7 Sep. 1932, page 2
Advt. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and The Southern Cross are to visit Burra on 14 September and will engage in passenger carrying flights. He will use Maurice Collins’ paddock.
Flights: Adults 10/-, Children 5/-.
Advt. Kooringa Football Club, Blue & Gold Ball in Burra Institute 14 September.
Music by the Twilight Syncopators (Gawler).
Dancing 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Gents 3/-, Ladies 2/- (Including supper.)
Sgt McDonald came second in the Inspectors’ Exams on 11 August. Nine sat and only one passed: Sergeant Giles of Waikerie.
Dr T.B. & Mrs Ashton are visiting Mr & Mrs W.H. Sandland.
James J.H. Young editor of The Chemist and Druggist of Australia visited Burra on Monday. He is a brother to Mrs T. Woollacott Sen. and uncle to the Mayor. He was born at Copperhouse in 1859, the family moving to Burra in 1860. He began his Chemistry studies under Doctors Dashwood and Cave prior to the establishment of T.W. Wilkinson & Co. and when that firm came along he served a short apprenticeship with it. He left Burra in 1877 and after experience in Adelaide opened the firm of Young’s Pharmacy there, which still exist though he later sold it to go to Tyabb in Victoria to attend to his mother’s estate. He is still there. He recalls the opening of the Burra railway in 1870 and took much interest in Frank Treloar’s articles Looking Back. He much admired the tree planting in the town since he left. His brother Harry served his time as a printer in The Record office under Sir Frederick Holder.
Obituary. Mrs Harry Tiver died suddenly of heart failure at her residence at Crystal Brook on 30 August aged 55. She was born Mabel, fifth daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Bentley of Aberdeen and married Harry Tiver of Aberdeen in 1903. She was one of Aberdeen’s leading tennis players. Mr Tiver is employed in the Post Office and only eight months ago transferred from Gawler to Crystal Brook. She is survived by her husband and three sons. There are also four brothers and six sisters: Tom, Will Harry & Jim Bentley of Aberdeen, Mrs Cruickshanks, Mrs A. Wallis & Mrs H. Preece of Adelaide, Mrs James Reed of Aberdeen and Miss Tot & Miss Alison Bentley of Redruth.
[Born Mabel Jane Bentley 20 February 1877 at Moonta.]
‘True Sport’ writes to express disgust at the ‘disgraceful display of pugnacity shown at the football final’.
W.J. Hodby writes ridiculing the idea that Mr Hill could run for a seat in Parliament for Burra along with two Liberals. It is an absurd proposition and a moment’s thought of the resulting campaign would confirm that.
53, 36, 7 Sep. 1932, page 3
Kooringa Methodist Church Spring Fair is reported in 11⁄3 columns. Gross takings were £96, which though down £26 on 1931 is considered good in the present financial circumstances.
Burra Rifle Club shot the 4th stage of the Jennison Trophy last Saturday and best scores were by H.L. Riggs & J.E. Pearce.
Obituary. Walter Jarman died at Burra Hospital 31 August aged 8.
[Probably born Wally Jarmyn 12 September 1924, Medindie.]
Obituary. Mr R. Bell one of Mt Bryan’s oldest identities died in Kooringa 1 September aged 74.
[Robert Bell born 26 April 1858 at Allen’s Creek, district of Kapunda.]
Leighton Golf Club. The first match with an outside club was played last Saturday. Leighton defeated Hanson 5 games to 1 with 1 square. Gents played 9 holes twice and the ladies 12 holes.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, 3 September
Angas Siviour, youngest son of Mr & Mrs W.H. Siviour of Cummins, married
Edith Mary Cox, fifth daughter of Mr Herbert Cox & the late Mrs Cox of Aberdeen.
John Tennant of Princess Royal complains that the road into Burra past Mr William Finch’s and the cemetery is absolutely dangerous. The problem is that although he pays the District Council about £100 in rates, he is almost the only user of this section of road within the Town Council area and he pays that Council about 9/- p.a. The town Council has spent much already on a culvert.
[The paper considers the DC should offer to pay for repairs as the fairest thing to both the town and Mr Tennant.]
53, 36, 7 Sep. 1932, page 4
Burra High School Debating Society debated the question: That pictures do more harm than good, with the Oddfellows Lodge on 24 August. The school took the negative and won 55 to 51.
[Personal interest: T. Fuss was 2nd speaker for the affirmative.]
On 25 august the school debated with Leighton Wesley Club: That the abolition of armaments would benefit the world. The school argued the negative and won 91 to 88.
53, 37, 14 Sep. 1932, page 1
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 10 September
J. Maxton (Max) Jacka of ‘Strathburn’ Leighton, eldest son of Mr & Mrs H.M. Jacka of ‘Greentrees’, Blackwood married Daisy Jean McWaters, only daughter of Mr & Mrs A.T. McWaters of ‘Myola’, Leighton.
Leighton Hall Ladies Guild held a dance on Tuesday. It was a financial success, but not as good as hoped.
Ironmine Memorial Hall extensions were opened by R.W. Humphrys on 8 September.
Football. Saturday at Victoria Park:
Kooringa 1.4 3.8 7.13 10.16 (76)
Norwood Union 3.2 7.5 9.8 9.10 (64)
Booborowie Football Assoc. Premiership was played 10 September
Spalding 10.18 defeated North Booborowie 8.14
[But there is yet to be a Grand Final for the Koomooloo Shield.]
53, 37, 14 Sep. 1932, page 2
Notice. The famous cricketer C.V. Grimmett will visit Burra on Friday 16 September. At a meeting in the Institute at 8 p.m. chaired by John Drew he will lecture on cricket.
Birth. On 8 September at Sister Villis’s to the wife of Harrold J. Button a daughter.
Obituary. On 1 September Robert Bell aged 74 years 4 months and late of Mt Bryan died at the residence of his niece Mrs E. Kuchenmeister, 33 Paxton Square.
Alan Penrose of Texaco Oil Company has been transferred to the City branch.
The Railway Dam near Abberton Park, locally known as ‘the white elephant’ on account of its non-holding nature, is holding well the water caught in the recent winter rains that are at present at a depth of 6-7ft.
Weather. Rain followed by warm weather has produced a great deal of feed. Crops between Baldina and World’s End are better than those to the west and the Gorge is flushed with wildflowers. There is also much growth between Douglas and Mongolata.
53, 37, 14 Sep. 1932, page 3
Burra Amateur Swimming Club AGM was held in the Council Chamber 6 September. The Mayor took the chair and briefly reviewed past operations. Nearly 100 children and adults had been taught to swim last year. It was decided to carry on for the 1932-33 season. An amended constitution was adopted. Elected: Patron, P.A. McBride MHR; Vice-Patron, Dr Steele; President, T.H. Woollacott; Vice-President, P.L. Rosman and Secretary J.F. Fletcher, who is expecting to be transferred from the town.
Kooringa Police Court
C.A. Attrill was fined £1 + £1 costs for being on licensed premises with the intent of obtaining liquor out of hours.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union continues to meet at Redruth memorial Hall.
Obituary. William Thomas Rabbich died at Westmere WA recently aged 77. Until 1896 he was engaged in farming and butchering at Burra with his late father Mr W. Rabbich and his brothers Harry & Maurice. He was also involved in Municipal affairs and was Mayor. [North Ward Councillor December 1892-November 1893 and December 1888- November 1892. Mayor December 1893-November 1893 and North Ward Councillor December 1894-November 1896.] He then went to Boulder WA where he bought land and was elected to the first Boulder Municipal Council and was Mayor for three years in the town’s heyday. In 1906 he purchased land in the Williams District and lived there where he was a member of the local Road Board for years and also its chairman. He made several unsuccessful attempts to enter the WA Parliament. He was a staunch churchman, kind and charitable. ‘Burra’ was his political and municipal nickname. He visited Burra a few years ago.
[See XXXXVII, 4, 28 Jan. 1925, page 3.] [Born 20 January 1855 Adelaide.]
Obituary. Robert Bell who died 1 September aged 74 at Kooringa was born at Freiderichswald [actually Friedrichswalde, since 1918 Tarnma] in April 1858 and he became a teamster and later a road contractor and farmer. He lived at Mt Bryan for the last 42 years coming to live with his niece Mrs L. Kuchenmeister in the last four months. He is survived by a widow two daughters and four sons: Mrs Claire (Nurrumbeen WA), Mrs R. Kellaway (Bordertown), Elliott Bell (Hallett), Lyle Bell (Hallett) and W. Bell (Mt Bryan). There are 30 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Mrs Boxall of Hansborough is a sister. Mr W. Bell of north Adelaide is a brother.
Obituary. Charles Godwin Tiver of Fullarton died on 10 September aged 59. We understand he was born in Burra, the son of the late C. Tiver of Redruth and educated at the Burra Model School and on leaving school worked for Mr R.H. Birt, aerated waters manufacturer then of Queen St. When Mr Birt left Mr Tiver joined his brother Tom as a mason and bricklayer. He married Alice Pearce, daughter of Mr & Mrs Henry Pearce of Mt Bryan. Some years ago they went to Fullarton to live. He is survived by a widow, five daughters and two sons. Lance Tiver of Kooringa is the eldest son and a son King Tiver was killed in the Great War. [Francis/Frank Harrold.]
Correction in the paper of 21 September. There were three surviving sons: Lance, Lyle & Clare. Two brothers of Charles attended the funeral: Tom & Gus.
[Born 29 September 1872, Millerton.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Block 8 manager Alf E. Roberts reports cleaning out the shaft on the top working and commenced driving at 40ft. Work progressing satisfactorily.
Jack Kellaway reports striking another reef on his claim, 14” wide with traces of gold. (Adjoining W. Pexton & Sons claim.)
Fred Lewis reports finding traces in 22 places and is optimistic.
Tenders have been called for carting the battery to Mongolata.
Burra Water Supply. Work has begun relaying mains in Commercial St. A new 6” main is being installed there. New pipes will particularly aid the eastern side of Kooringa where corrosion has reduced flow to a very meagre level.
53, 37, 14 Sep. 1932, page 4
Burra Town Council, 5 September
The Local government Department allocates £200 from the Unemployment Relief Fund for work on the Clare-Burra and Kapunda-Peterborough main roads.
The Mayor complained that it could not all be used on these roads, as the work was not needed, but it was not allowed to be used where needed. After discussion it was decided to accept the grant and go on with the work. [Apparently with an intention of submitting a request to spend the balance after using the £100 needed on the roads nominated.]
Elder, Smith & Co. have offered certain pipes to improve the crossings to the saleyards. Accepted.
The issue of Mr John Tennant’s road from Princess Royal was discussed as previously noted.
The Mayor said £120 had been spent on a crossing 18 months ago. East Ward Councillors will inspect.
There was considerable discussion over Mr O.J. Oates’ request to add a stone kitchen to his home. [The Councillors were annoyed because the contract had gone to a city contractor and no plans and specifications had been submitted.] Eventually they gave the Inspector the right to give permission if plans were submitted and he approved of them.
Hirschausen Bros replied concerning the ‘interference’ with the Ranger over the cows. They offered to pay poundage fees for one cow and apologised, though they did not know why they should, as they had asked the Ranger to allow them to take a cow and he had consented.
Cr March moved they accept this offer if the solicitor’s fees and poundage were paid. These were 10/- for poundage and 10/- for the lawyer. If it went to court fees would rise steeply.
R.A. Bevan & T.P. Halls complained of unlicensed carriage of passengers to the station.
Cr Bevan said the Act was only being carried out in a half-hearted way and the Mayor agreed that the bus drivers needed a fair go. [The whole matter was complicated and was discussed at some length.]
Burra Rifle Club shot the deferred 2nd stage of the Jennison Trophy on Saturday and F. Spencer and R. Nutt returned the best scores.
Indoor Bowls. The final was played on Tuesday last. Methodist Whites 23 defeated Methodist Blacks 21.
53, 38, 21 Sep. 1932, page 1
Kooringa Football Club Dance on Wednesday night last was a success, though the rain on the day kept some district visitors away.
Burra High School Debating Society ended its season with a banquet on 1 September.
53, 38, 21 Sep. 1932, page 2
Advt. Ironmine Sunday School Diamond Jubilee, 25 September with Anniversary Services
10.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Rev. J.C. Jennison will preach. Back to School at 2.30 p.m.
On 26 September a knife and fork tea at 5 p.m. followed by a Reminiscent Meeting at 7.30 p.m.
Mongolata Goldfield
The large tank for domestic water is now full after Sunday’s heavy rain.
The battery is expected soon, as tenders for carting it have been called and a site decided upon.
W. Carpenter has made alterations and additions to his boarding house in anticipation of growth when the battery arrives.
John Baker, manager of Golden Harp lease has employed John Lewis a prospector from WA who has found four or five nice gold-carrying leaders. Gold is also showing in the drive off the first winze in the tunnel where the face of the material is 3’6” wide.
Block 8: the crosscut east off the tunnel is now 10ft and driving south off the bottom of the top shaft is at 13ft.
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s visit on Wednesday was marred by steady rain. Very few were prepared to walk out and drivers of cars had a slippery time of it. Cr Jennison welcomed the aviator in the absence from town of the Mayor. About 50 people took advantage of the opportunity to fly with Sir Charles. Many were children. The children and teacher from Copperhouse School came across to see the plane and businesses in Burra closed for two hours in honour of the visit.
Obituary. Mrs A.E. Webber, an old and highly esteemed resident of Hallett, died at the Burra Hospital on Monday aged 76. [Born Johanna Sophia Seigert 3 July 1856 at Wakefield: died 19 September 1932.]
Obituary. Mrs A. De Rose of Booborowie died at Tumby Bay on 9 September while visiting her daughter Mrs A.P. Borthwick. She was the third daughter of a pioneering pastoralist the late Thomas Warnes and was born at Princess Royal. I.J. Warnes of ‘Wahroonga’ is a brother. She is survived by a husband and a grown-up family. Mrs H. Wardle of Mt Bryan is a daughter. [Born Emma Ann Mary Warnes 20 December 1869 near Kooringa, died Tumby Bay 9 September 1932, residence Koppio.]
Obituary.
Frank Wallace Clare Radford, youngest son of the late David Radford of Glenora Station, died at Burra Hospital 14 September. He was born at Angaston in 1877 and in 1879 the family went to Quorn. In 1891 his father took up country east of Burra, now Glenora Station where his sons were well grounded in station life. In 1904 Clare Radford joined his brothers [David Hubert] and [Maurice Arnold] in partnership at Canegrass Station, later acquiring Glenora, Yubana and Ballanbreni and 15 years ago he went to live at the latter near Spalding. In younger days he was well known as a first class cricketer and footballer and organised cricket teams for the Country Cricket Carnival. He had a rich baritone singing voice that was much in demand. He was a strong supporter of the Liberal Union and later of the Liberal Federation, being President of the Stanley District Committee and the Spalding Branch. He was a member of the Spalding Masonic Lodge. In 1910 he married Miss Edith Killicoat, daughter of the late P. Killicoat of Abberton Park. He is survived by a widow and two children: [Hubert Clare Radford] & [Lorna Clare Radford]. [David Hubert] Bert Radford and Maurice Radford of Canegrass are brothers and Mrs J.G. Wardle of Aberdeen is a sister.
The paper of 28 September 1932 adds two further brothers: S.R. Radford of South Africa and George [Lewellin] Radford of Sydney NSW. [I can find no S.R. Radford, but there is a half-brother Samuel Osborne who might be the person intended.]
[Born 4 May 1877 at Narridy, District of Angaston: interesting, as this Narridy is not listed in Manning’s Place Names of SA.]
53, 38, 21 Sep. 1932, page 3
Weather. It was fine and balmy till Sunday. Many went out for a drive on Sunday, but the fortunate few noticed the gathering clouds and headed for home by 3.30 p.m. A deluge of 180 points stranded 17 picnickers at G.B. Morgan’s near Mongolata when the Douglas and Baldina Creeks came down. The eastern mail was due in Burra at 6 p.m. Sunday, but did not arrive till 10.45 Monday.
At World’s End between 3 & 4 p.m. 3 inches fell in less than an hour accompanied by hail in sizes from a pea to a marble. As late as Monday 10 a.m. tens of thousands of tons of ice still lay around in places 18” deep. Hedley McWaters said in places water cut tracks through the hail leaving banks of ice 18” high. T. Heinrich brought a compacted block into Burra on Monday at midday. At Mr Duell’s old home 280 points were registered – a mile away F.J. Duldig registered 4 points. The storm track is reckoned about 20 miles long and 5-6 miles wide.
To the north Mt Bryan recorded 104 points, Hallett 120 and Mt Cone 180.
The Burra Creek came down about 20 yards wide north of Aberdeen.
In Burra on Sunday 39 points fell and 112 since last Wednesday.
Burra Town Council, Monday
A two minute silence was observed in honour of W.T. Rabbich whose death was reported last week.
Local Board of Health
There was extended discussion concerning wild onions, dogs and magpies. There is about 3⁄4 column of details, but without much outcome.
Hanson Methodist Sunday School Jubilee Celebrations are reported in 11⁄4 columns.
C.V. Grimmett gave an interesting talk on cricket in the Burra Institute on Friday 16 September. Mr John Drew presided. The talk is reported in just less than 1⁄2 column.
53, 39, 28 Sep. 1932, page 1
Salvation Army Self Denial Appeal
The Orange & Lemon Fair held in the SAFU Building was opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes. Capt. & Mrs Faulds the local officers welcomed visitors. Proceeds were about £25.
Burra Court, 22 September
On 20 September C.W. Gare told his son Mr I.E. Gare to put about 1,027 lambs and 428 sheep into Austin’s paddock near Copperhouse. The next day while repairing the fence they found a skin and head of a lamb. He valued the lamb at 10/-. Ivon Edward Gare corroborated the above.
M-C G.H. Robinson & Sgt McDonald attended and followed tracks to the sheepskin and identified it. They then followed tracks westerly towards Copperhouse. They were visible at intervals for about a mile and ended at an old house in Copperhouse where some men were camping. They identified the boots of William Adlan as making one of the tracks. Fresh mutton was found on site, though Adlan had previously denied having any meat. Another man William Stanley Eccles Gibson was identified as making the other track. They said a third man who was present was not involved.
George E. McDonald gave further detailed evidence and the two were committed for sentence.
Burra Bowling Club AGM. Retiring President Mr Marston presided. Elected were Patron, A.G. Gebhardt; President, E.F. Marston; Vice-Presidents, Dr Steele & S.H. Robinson and Secretary & Treasurer, P.L. Rosman.
53, 39, 28 Sep. 1932, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will offer 20,000 sheep in their annual off-shears sale on 21 October.
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will auction on 7 October on account of D.A. Sampson:
Lot 1. Pt allotment 286 Upper Thames St and Block C along closed road 119’ 5” and along allotment 286a 118’ 9” on which is erected two iron sheds 50ft x 30ft and 70ft x 20ft.
Used by Mr M. Morton as a blacksmith’s shop.
Lot 2. Allotment 286a of 33 perches, allotment C of 2 acres 5 perches recently used for tennis courts and presently with one court in use.
Advt. Hallett & District Schools Athletic & Exhibition Assoc.
Fifth Annual Sports & Exhibition at Hallett, Friday 30 September 1932
Sports at 10.30 a.m. Official opening by Premier Hon. L.L. Hill at 2 p.m.
Grand Concert in the evening.
Obituary. Johanna Fischer aged 89 died 24 September at the residence of her son Mr P. [Patrick] Dower. She leaves also one daughter Miss M. [Mary] Dower and two grandsons Mr V. [Vincent] & Mr L. [Laurence] Dower and one granddaughter Miss Lucy Dower.
Burra Rifle Club. At the 5th stage of the Jennison Trophy on Saturday the best scores were from H. Byles, C.H. Dixon & A.C. Aughey.
Obituary. Mr James Reed died suddenly of heart failure at his home in Aberdeen on Sunday 25 September aged 61. He was the youngest son of the pioneer pastoralist Richard Reed who died in 1930 aged 93. James Reed was born at ‘Wandillah’ on 15 August 1871 and was educated at Burra Public School and Prince Alfred College. He was a staunch Methodist attending Redruth Wesleyan Church and Sunday School, becoming a teacher as a young man and was several times the Superintendent. He took a great interest in the erection of the Memorial Sunday School in which he was the prime mover. He was a generous supporter also of the Blind Institution and other charities. In the Great War he was generous in all patriotic efforts and a most reliable helper when a car was needed meeting lads at the station. While his health allowed he was a keen sport, especially football and was a member of the Burra Bowling Club. He was an original member of the Burra Electric Supply Co. and a strong supporter of Burra Burra Show Inc. He owned extensive sheep properties: Bendigo Station, part of Loch Winnoch and Wandillah and the handsome home in Aberdeen. On 5 January 1898 he married Elizabeth C. Bentley, daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Bentley of Aberdeen and is survived by his widow, two daughters and three sons: Miss Clarice Reed, Mrs I.E. (Nell) Gare, Alick Reed, Ted Reed & Richard M. Reed. There is one granddaughter. Richard Reed of Aberdeen and John Reed of Gawler are brothers. Mrs C. Bartholomaeus of Glenelg and Mrs W.H. Gare of Aberdeen are sisters.
53, 39, 28 Sep. 1932, page 3
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 24 September
Sheila W. Kellock, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs H.W. Kellock of Thistlebeds Station, married
John Forrester Atkinson, youngest son of Mr & Mrs W. Atkinson of Overland Corner.
Mongolata Goldfield
There is talk there may be platinum on the field.
On the alluvial site Mr Kirkham the manager reports they were down 80ft when he noticed some solder-like pellets. Mr Hack of Byles claim said this is exactly like platinum. The specimens will be tested.
Block 8 driving at the bottom of the top shaft has reached 20ft and the east crosscut off the tunnel is at 14ft with some traces of gold.
Mt Bryan Old Methodist Church held anniversary service 18 September.
53, 39, 28 Sep. 1932, page 4
Burra Town Council, 19 September
C. Lott was given approval for the subdivision of certain town property.
H.O. Oates’s plans were approved.
The Mayor reported on the municipal conference in Adelaide.
The Town Clerk reports five men were put on at the Hospital Quarry and 13 at Ford’s Quarry.
The Mayor brought up the need to repair the road to Mrs Finch’s. [Near the cemetery.]
It was decided to seek a conference with the District Council.
Indoor Bowls. Report on the season just ended in over 1⁄2 column.
They had quite a successful year, though this year there were only six teams and players were down to 77 from 97. Expenditure was 9/10 more than income, but they ended the year in credit £1-13-2. Nothing came of attempts to arrange country trips. The Association began in 1928. Report by P.J. Rule, Honorary Secretary.
53, 40, 5 Oct. 1932, pages 1 & 4
Hallett & District Schools Athletic & Exhibition Assoc. 5th Annual Sports and Exhibition was opened by the Premier Hon. L.L. Hill on Friday. [Burra schools were not represented.]
[The report covers all available news space on page 1 and about 2 columns on page 4.]
53, 40, 5 Oct. 1932, page 2
Birth. On 30 September at Sister Villis’s to the wife of A. Coverdale, a daughter, Ronda Valerie.
Clarrie Whittney was one of the principal prize winners of the Gawler Poultry Show.
53, 40, 5 Oct. 1932, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Commonwealth Employment Council has allocated £500 towards the erection of the Mongolata Battery.
Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Co. The shaft is now at 98ft and timbered as a two-compartment shaft to 77ft with ladders in the second compartment. Plats are cut at 52ft & 92ft and the 52ft plat is timbered. The top tunnel from the surface has been re-timbered and secured where the shaft broke through 20ft from the surface. At the 52ft level drives have been cleared out and a chamber cut for sinking a winze to the tunnel. Rails are laid in the crosscut and track installed for handling ore to the shaft. The tunnel at the bottom of the hill to cut the shaft at 92ft advanced to 341ft and the mouth has been timbered. Rails laid in it and a stone drain of 70ft to carry flood waters away. Blacksmith’s shop constructed and an explosives magazine is near the mouth of the main tunnel. The compressor has been overhauled. High values have been disclosed in the eastern drive and the south 52ft drive.
Block 8. South drive at the bottom of the top shaft has reached 28ft and the east crosscut is at 18ft.
Establishment of the battery has commenced with outbuildings being erected.
A two-roomed house is being built by Mr Pearce of Aberdeen for the manager of Byles Gold Mining Co. to be completed in 8-9 days.
A general improvement on the field is expected when the battery gets going.
The Season. Much of the eastern country has excellent feed, but falls have not been sufficient to make water run and so some station are having to move stock.
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Villis died on 29 September at Burra Hospital after some weeks of illness. She was the second daughter of John Harry engineer of Kooringa. She married first Lindsay (Joe) Halls who died in 1927. She was only 32 and leaves a widower and two small daughters and a son from her first marriage. Her sisters are Mrs J. Nelson of Kooringa and Mrs M. Pens of Florieton. Albert Harry is a brother. [Born Hilda Annie Harry 24 December 1900 at Kooringa. She had only married Thomas Villis on 13 February 1932.]
Obituary. Mrs Sam Jeffery died in Adelaide 1 October aged 61 after a long illness. She was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Flower of Stony Gap. Mr & Mrs Jeffery lived in the district until retiring to Adelaide some years ago. Roy Jeffery of Aberdeen is the only son and Mrs Jeffery is also survived by a widower and the Misses Emily & Amy Jeffery.
[Born Rachel Flower 30 April 1871 Stony Gap: died 30 September 1932 Clarence Park.]
Cricket. A general meeting of the Burra Cricket Club on Thursday evening suggests a good season ahead. A program is expected to be finalised soon.
Wolf Cubs and Scouts are anticipating a grand time when the Commissioner-in-Chief Mr Gratton and the State Secretary-General Mr F.J. Mills pay their first official visit to Burra on 11 October.
The Premier Hon. L.L. Hill spent about half an hour in Burra on Friday en route to Hallett and chatted with the Mayor. With him was Mr Adey Director of Education. Mr Adey agreed to recommend a £20 grant to put the school’s new playground in order and to make a swimming instructor available this year.
Ironmine Methodist Sunday School celebrated its Diamond Jubilee 25 & 26 September. There were three services on Sunday and a great Methodist high tea on Monday. The church had originally been a Primitive Methodist Church. W.H. Lloyd is present superintendent and Lance Phillips the Secretary. Of late a fine kindergarten hall has been built and further additions made in the last weeks. [The report extends for 21⁄3 columns.]
At the Reminiscent Meeting Mr Scott said he first came to Ironmine in late 1871 or early 1872, but was not at the first anniversary. He said Mr T. Hutchins was the first Superintendent followed by Mr Bowen, Walter Fairchild and himself. W. Fairchild said he first went to the Sunday school 57 years before. George Goodridge looked back over 35 years and was a proud grandson of the late T. Hutchins, first Superintendent. Over £18 was collected as a result of the jubilee services.
Burra Rifle Club shot the first stage of the Championship in which leading scorers were C.H. Dixon, W.V. Bass & S.W. Truscott.
Redruth Methodist Church held a Pet Show at the Children’s Playground Aberdeen [Redruth] and there was a grand collection of animals from a canary to a fox. The latter won most uncommon pet for Percy Robins. [Personal interest: Mervyn Allen won first prize for a decorated bicycle.]
Tennis. Six teams will compete in the Burra District Lawn Tennis Assoc. this year: Kooringa I & II, Copperhouse, Mt Bryan, Aberdeen & Ironmine.
Elected were Patron, T.H. Woollacott; President, M. Pearce; Vice-Presidents, F.G. Scholz & W.H. Quinn; Secretary & Treasurer, E.W. Edmonds (of the Bank of Australasia).
There is also a mention that there will be a Kookaburra Assoc., but so far the only team named is Paradise.
53, 41, 12 Oct. 1932, page 1
St Joseph’s Church Bazaar was held in the Institute after a lapse of two years. Mrs I.J. Warnes opened the event and was introduced by Father Morrissey. Proceeds amounted to £110.
Cricket. Leighton District Cricket Assoc. has met and arranged matches for the coming season. They will be one-day games. Teams will be: Leighton Blues, Leighton Reds, Farrell’s Flat & Hilltown.
Burra Public School held a Pet Show at the school last Saturday. The wide range of pets included two mountain devils. There were also competitions in fancy dress for the children. Laurie Weston got first prize for most unusual pet with his two mountain devils. [Entrants and their costumes are listed.] A program of sports followed. The event aided School Committee funds.
53, 41, 12 Oct. 1932, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Off-Shears Sale on 21 October will now offer 22,750 sheep.
Burra Town Council. Retiring due to the effluxion of time:
Mayor: Thomas Henry Woollacott
North Ward Charles Robert Bevan
East Ward John Arthur Riggs
West Ward Harrold James Button
Advt. Redruth Methodist Church Utility Fair will be held at Burra Institute 21 October.
Advt. Burra Institute Monday 17 October, Saddleworth Dramatic Society presents the Four Act Play:
The Mysterious Crook.
Mrs A.B. Feltus (formerly Nurse Woollacott) is 80 on 19 October: a resident of 72 years, she is not enjoying the best of health.
Tennis. Kookaburra Association
Hill View 6-55 tied with Burra High School 6.55
Rovers 7-54 defeated Spring Vale 5-50
Eden 8 defeated Paradise 4
Kooringa Tennis Club on 28 September elected: Patron, L.W. Gebhardt; President, J.R. Barker; Vice-President, L.M. Gordon and Secretary pro tem M.W. Bednall.
Marriage. At ‘Hill View’ Hallett 22 September
Thelma M. Woodman, only daughter of Mr & Mrs G. Woodman, married
Claude Rawlins, eldest son of Mr & Mrs G.A. Rawlins of Oodlawirra.
Mongolata Goldfield
Block 8. The drive south at the bottom of the top shaft has reached 35ft and will continue to 50ft then rise to stope above. The crosscut from the tunnel is at 23ft and will continue to 30ft.
Wildildie Co. The southeast drive has been extended from 20 to 28ft. The northwest drive has been extended from 17 to 21ft and good specimens encountered. The winze is down to 12ft in a body of quartz and ironstone carrying low values.
Prospecting work continues.
Burra Croquet Club held its AGM on 9 October. Elected: President, Mrs Finch; Hon. Secretary, Mrs Alex Kellock; Treasurer, Mrs S. Robinson and Captain, Mrs C. Pearce.
53, 41, 12 Oct. 1932, page 3
Rev. J.C. Nicholson General Secretary of Foreign Missions for SA Methodist Conference visited Burra this week and conducted the annual Foreign Missions services. On Monday evening a film on Fiji was screened at the Institute.
53, 41, 12 Oct. 1932, page 4
Burra Town Council, 3 October
Burra DC is prepared to receive a deputation from the Town Council about the road to Princess Royal.
Cr Bevan and the Mayor had a heated exchange over the matter of payments to cart metal at 1/- a yard which had attracted no offers from lorry drivers, but one from a dray.
A letter was opened in which T. Bown offered to cart from Burra Quarry to the racecourse gate for 1/- a yard. As it had been addressed to the DC Crs Bevan & Jennison said it could not be received.
The Town Clerk said the envelope had been addressed to the Town Council.
Cr March moved that the previous motion lapse as no offers were received and that prices be asked for. It was finally resolved to ask for offers at 1/4 a yard.
Burra District Council, 7 October
A letter from the Burra Town Council was received concerning a deputation about the road to Princess Royal.
The Mayor & Cr Riggs waited on the Council concerning the matter.
Discussion of the issue was held over till next meeting.
53, 42, 19 Oct. 1932, page 1
Citizens’ League: meeting of the local branch 10 October chaired by the Mayor.
Speeches were made by Mr E.D.A. Bagot, General Secretary; Mr F.P. Adams, Peterborough District President; Mr McLeod, Saddleworth President & Mr G.S. Queale, State President. The report occupies most of the front page news space.
53, 42, 19 Oct. 1932, page 2
Martin Pederson is 76 tomorrow and is in splendid health.
Burra Sheep Sales: on 9 October Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. & De Garis, Sons & Co. sold c. 10,000 sheep for an aggregate of £4,500.
53, 42, 19 Oct. 1932, page 3
C.A.S. Hawker explains his resignation from cabinet [as Minister for Commerce] in an article extending c. 1 column.
Mongolata Goldfield
Block 8. The drive from the bottom of the top shaft has reached 42ft and a start will be made on a rise to the stope above. The crosscut east of the tunnel is at 28ft with no values being met. Work will stop here this week and continue on the development of the top shaft.
Mr & Mrs John Honan of Hallett celebrated their golden wedding on Wednesday. They married at the home of the bride’s parents at Mt Bryan East 12 October 1882. Mrs Honan is the daughter of the late Mr 7 Mrs James Prior of Mt Bryan East and was born in Burra 26 April 1859. Mr Honan is the son of the late James Honan and was born on the vessel Utopia en route to Australia 25 April 1858 and was then named John Henry, but later christened John. Of a family of eight daughters and two sons one daughter died in childhood. [Actually of a family of seven daughters and three sons one son died in childhood.] The family comprises:
Alice, Mrs L.B. Rayner of Yarcowie
Bessie, Mrs A.H. Wilkins of Tintinara
Edith, Mrs B. McWaters of Burra
Charlotte, Mrs F.W. Miller of Hallett
Cora, Mrs F. Wells of Adelaide
Bertha, Mrs A.F. McDonald of Hallett
Grace, Mrs Seigert of Hallett
James of Adelaide
Robert of Hallett.
Freemasons. Bro. Jack Field was installed as Worshipful Master for the coming year at Kooringa Lodge on 13 October. Following the ceremony an adjournment was made to the Burra Institute for a dance. The Hann Jazz Orchestra played.
Tennis
Kooringa I 11-89 defeated Aberdeen 4-66
Kooringa II 9-76 defeated Copperhouse 6-62
Ironmine 8-72 defeated Mt Bryan 7-78
Obituary. Olive May Dixon relict of the late George T. Dixon of Kimba and formerly of Hanson was buried at Kooringa 15 October. She leaves a family of seven: Mrs Arthur Broad (Kooringa), Mrs Roy Winders (Galga), Mrs Victor Andrews (Kyancutta), Bruce, Kingsley, Ronald & Miss Kathleen (all of Kimba). She was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs S. Green of Farrell’s Flat, leaving four brothers, John, Ben, Ted & Tom Green and four sisters, Mesdames McInnes, Forth, Pearce & Anesbury.
53, 42, 19 Oct. 1932, page 4
Scouts. H.M.G. Gratton Chief Commissioner of Scouts for SA and F.J. Mills General Secretary, known as ‘Twinkler’ visited Burra on 11 October. The Institute was engaged for the rally. After being given a guard of honour the visitors were greeted by the Mayor. Cr Jennison supported the Mayor and the visitors then addressed the gathering. [The report runs for 23⁄4 columns.]
Tennis: Kookaburra Association.
Rovers 9-62 defeated Hill View 3-52
Paradise 6-54 defeated Spring Vale 6-49
Burra Rifle Club. The teams shoot on Eight-Hours Day saw Burra 728 defeat Clare 628.
In an Allcomers Match H.L. Riggs came first and Mrs Spencer won the Ladies Match.
Obituary. Mrs Jenkins wife of E.M. Jenkins of ‘Neathvale’ Terowie died in Adelaide on Saturday. She is survived by a widower, one son and two daughters. [Born Sarah Adelaide Islington Walker: died 14 October 1932 North Adelaide, residence Terowie aged 44.]
53, 43, 26 Oct. 1932, page 1
Redruth Methodist Church held its Utility Fair in the Institute on Friday last and it proved most successful in clearing over £120. It was opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes.
53, 43, 26 Oct. 1932, page 2
Advt. Wild Monaro Rough Riders will perform at Burra on Show Night 26 October.
Bill Hann son of Mr & Mrs G. Hann of Kooringa has received his double blue for football.
George Sangster of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. who has been relieving at Broken Hill has now been promoted to that branch. He is a son of the late Dr Jack Sangster and grandson of Dr J.I. Sangster.
The Saddleworth Dramatic Society gave an excellent production of The Mysterious Crook on 17 October. Proceeds aided the Kooringa Methodist Church. [The advertisement also says it aided the Saddleworth Anglican Church.] There was a good audience.
Kooringa Police Court, 11 October
John Crowley was fined 10/- + 15/- costs for drunkenness and for being idle and disorderly was given a month to leave town. [Sic] [Presumably this should read he was ordered to leave town or face one month in jail.]
18 October
Ada Pauline Thorpe alias Parsons was fined £3 + 15/- costs for illegal possession of a handbag.
21 October
Henry Robins was fined 10/- + 15/- costs for obscene language.
Ernest Kakoschke was fined £2 + 15/- costs for obscene language. (It being his second conviction.)
53, 43, 26 Oct. 1932, page 3
Tennis: Kookaburra Association
Eden 6-60 defeated Spring Vale 6-55
Hill View 6-60 defeated Paradise 6-55
Burra High School 7-54 defeated Rovers 5-53
Kooringa Association
Copperhouse 9-66 defeated Ironmine 6-60
Mt Bryan 9-84 defeated Kooringa I 6-73
Mongolata Goldfield
Block 8. Have started to rise from the drive 40ft south of the top shaft. Rise to height of 6ft following a leader.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its anniversary services 23 October. Rev. B.J. Weeding of Hallett officiated. On Monday there was a social in the Lecture Hall.
Leighton School held its annual picnic in Leighton Forest last Wednesday. Ayers School was unable to join as usual because of an outbreak of mumps.
53, 43, 26 Oct. 1932, page 4
Burra Town Council, 24 October
The District Council is yet to consider the matter of the road to Princess Royal. Cr McWaters wondered if it would be legal to do as requested. The Mayor though the provision anent boundary roads would apply.
There was considerable discussion on the onion weed problem.
East Ward was in debt £8
West Ward was in debt £34
North Ward was in debt £3
The General Account was in credit £213 and the Government Grant was slightly in debit with £88 to come. Outstanding rates totalled £34.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 6th stage of the Jennison Trophy on Saturday and best scorers were W.J. Ryan & J.E. Pearce.
53, 44, 2 Nov. 1932, pages 1 & 4
Burra Show was a great success on 26 October. The weather was good until 3 p.m. when light showers arrived and spoilt it for those in and watching the ring events. Entries in most sections exceeded earlier years. The special railcar from Adelaide was better patronised than for some years. Attendance was up on 1931 as were gate takings. Results occupy much of page 1 and most of page 4.
[Personal interest: R. Fuss was a steward in the Flower section and received prizes for:
Nasturtiums, 3 each of 3 shades 1st
Verbenas, 3 each of 6 shades 1st
Verbenas, 3 each of 3 shades 1st
Verbenas, 3 of 1 shade 2nd]
W.H. Spier who has lived in Kooringa for twelve years has left to take a position with Yellow Cabs Co. in Adelaide. He will be missed in musical circles and was a prominent member of the Institute Choral & Operatic Classes and the Kooringa Methodist Choir.
Mumps, which has been an epidemic in the district for months, is continuing to claim victims, many recently are adults.
Weather. An electrical storm with little rain was lurid on Saturday. The weather remains wintry despite its being November.
Mrs A.B. Feltus’s (formerly Nurse Woollacott) 80th birthday celebrations are reported.
53, 44, 2 Nov. 1932, page 3
Advt. Matthew’s Emporium celebrated the 1st anniversary of its coming to Burra.
Arrangements are in hand to expand operations. Masonry will come down for the extension and stock must be cleared. Clearance Sale begins 4 November.
Burra Burra Show Inc. Luncheon
The President entertained about 200 at a luncheon on the grounds. Visitors included Sir John Melrose, W. Morrow MLC, and Messrs George & McHugh MPs. Alex Melrose declared the show open. Speeches by Mr Melrose, Hon. W. Morrow, Mr Warnes, the Mayor, Mr George & Mr McHugh are reported.
Cricket. Games commenced on Saturday at Victoria Park to be concluded next week:
Warriors 84, Ramblers 95.
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Eden 7-55 defeated Hill View 5-52
Rovers 10-67 defeated Paradise 2-45
Spring Vale 7-63 defeated Burra High School 5-48
Kooringa Assoc.
Aberdeen 10-79 defeated Mt Bryan 5-75
Copperhouse 8-79 defeated Kooringa I 7-82
Ironmine 8-75 defeated Kooringa II 7-79
Mongolata Goldfield
The Alluvial Co. The drive at the 160ft level has been extended to 51ft following a body of wash bearing gold.
A Melbourne Syndicate has pegged the adjacent area.
Block 8. The rise from the drive has been continued to a height of 11 ft. The leader is still carried on the hanging wall.
53, 45, 9 Nov. 1932, page 1
Booborowie Division of Wheatgrowers’ Assoc. met in the Booborowie Memorial Hall on 4 November and the report extends about 21⁄2 columns.
St Mary’s Annual Fete was held in the Institute last Friday and was well attended. Taking of c. £106 were considered good. The Mayor opened the fete.
53, 45, 9 Nov. 1932, page 2
Obituary. William Thomas Moxham aged 59 died on 6 November at Westbury Farm, leaving a wife, six daughters and three sons. [See more at 53, 46, 16 Nov. 1932, page 3.]
Obituary. Michael O’Keefe of Aberdeen died at Burra Hospital on 8 November after a long illness. [The paper of 23 November corrected this date to 7 November. See more at 53, 46, 16 Nov. 1932, page 3.]
Cricket. The England cricket team and interstate cricketers passed through Burra on the East-West Express on Tuesday 1 November. Only Mr Phil Warner the England Manager and Mr Jardine alighted and were greeted by the Mayor on behalf of the town and local cricketers.
Burra Brass Band has run a series of dances, the last on Wednesday last. They have been thoroughly enjoyed.
Mt Bryan-Booborowie Lutheran Congregation celebrated its 25th anniversary in the forest on Mr Steele’s property near Flagstaff on 6 November. The main address was by Director Graebner DD, Principal of Concordia College. Paster E. Harms of Waterloo gave the address in the afternoon.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School observed its anniversary last Sunday & Monday. Three services were conducted by Rev. Milton Tresise of Peterborough. His father Rev. C. Tresise was in charge of the Bible Christian Church in Burra many years ago. Rev. Milton Tresise was born in Burra.
53, 45, 9 Nov. 1932, page 3
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Spring Vale 7-58 defeated Hill View 5-58
Eden 9-65 defeated Rovers 3-42
Paradise 9-63 defeated Burra High School 3-53
Kooringa Assoc.
Kooringa I 11-82 defeated Ironmine 4-48
Copperhouse 10-91 defeated Aberdeen 5-68
Kooringa II 11-94 defeated Mt Bryan 4-52
Burra town Council: Elections
The mayor T.H. Woollacott has been petitioned to stand again and has agreed.
Crs Bevan and Riggs will also stand again.
Burra Bowling & Croquet Club opened its 13th season last Saturday.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club held its AGM at the boathouse on Saturday. The balance sheet shows a credit of £104. The annual sports will be held on 30 January. Elected were Patron, W.G. Hawkes; President, H.C. Atkins; Vice-Presidents, E.B. I’Anson & W. Carter and Hon. Secretary, B. Piggott.
Young trees on the north side of the lagoon are growing well. One boat has been painted and is ready for use. Water at its deepest is 7ft and at the diving board 5-6ft. The jetty has been repaired.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Co. At the 92ft level the west drive is 36ft. The drive west from old workings is 10ft on a reef 18” wide.
At the 52ft level the south drive is at 31ft with good gold underfoot. The north drive has turned westerly and is now 33ft. Rails have been laid in both drives. The tram lines to the ore dumps have been completed.
Block 8. Rising from the drive 40ft south of the top shaft is now at 17ft. A leader at 14ft showing gold in pan samples. A winze has been started from bottom of stope above, to connect with rise. Showing good values. Expected to connect within a week.
53, 45, 9 Nov. 1932, page 4
H.J. Button writes objecting to comments in RSL Notes about the decision of G. Dow & W. Dixon Thompson to stand for Council. He considers the comments that they would give welcome support to Cr Jennison in matters affecting returned soldiers casts unwarranted reflections on present members of Council who he says have always given such matters support and the Council as a whole has ever been sympathetic. Button says that the comments have created an exceedingly undesirable atmosphere among ratepayers. If Mr Dow is elected he trusts he will not be absorbed with RSL interests, but will see all sections of the community get consideration.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 2nd stage of the Jennison Trophy and best results were from F. Spencer, J.E. Pearce & W.J. Ryan. [Strangely the 2nd stage had been deferred, but was reported as having been fired ‘Saturday last’ in the paper of 14 September.]
Three Articles of Interest were published supporting:
Proportional Representation
Abolition of the Death Penalty
Cremation
53, 46, 16 Nov. 1932, page 1
Burra Brass Band held its AGM on 8 November. Secretary J.T. Pascoe presented the 2nd annual report. The band has made real progress. It has played five concerts, assisted at a Leighton Continental, Anzac Service, football match, and played for four dances. It has bought three instruments and 23 full uniforms and new music for dances and having spent £90-£100 remains £8-6-9 in credit. The band performed creditably at the Spalding Competitions. Much is due to bandmaster J.H. Murison. Elected were Patron, James Thomas; President, E.F. Marston; Bandmaster, J.H. Murison; Treasurer, J. Allen Sen. and Secretary, J.T. Pascoe. Thanks go to Mr P.W. Clark for the use of his room at low rental.
Ironmine Methodist Church held its annual strawberry fete in Leighton Hall last Saturday and was very successful. It will raise about £30.
Black Springs Methodist Church held its Good Luck Fair on 12 November, which produced a satisfactory financial result.
Hanson Methodist Women’s Church Aid successfully held their annual strawberry fete on 9 November.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 9 November
Jessie M. Finch, only child of Mr & Mrs Samuel Finch of World’s End, married E.T. Rooke, 2nd son of Mr & Mrs J.G. Rooke of World’s End.
53, 46, 16 Nov. 1932, page 2
Burra Town Council Elections
As nominated Saturday 12 November:
Mayor Thomas Henry Woollacott
North Ward Charles Robert Bevan
East Ward John Arthur Riggs
West Ward Graham Harry Dow
No ballot being required all were declared elected unopposed.
Obituary. Sarah Geake, second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Geake, died on 12 November at Burra Hospital aged 73. She was a sister to Emma, Lizzie and William Geake of Kooringa.
[Born 27 June 1859 at Kooringa. See more page 3 of this issue.]
H.G. Oates currently manager of the Stock & Land Department of fisher & Copley Ltd is leaving the firm in December.
Armistice Day was observed at the Soldiers’ Memorial at 11 a.m. on Friday.
53, 46, 16 Nov. 1932, page 3
Obituary. William Moxham who died at Westbury Farm near Burra on 6 November was born at Ashton in 1873 and was widely known in the Adelaide Hills, having engaged in gardening at Norton Summit. Several years ago he came to Leighton as gardener at Wahroonga for Mr I.J. Warnes, where he worked till 1930. His abilities resulted in many fine displays of vegetables at the Burra Show. He had a serious operation about 12 months ago and never fully recovered. He leaves a widow, nee Mary Joyce, six daughters and three sons: Mrs W.G. Woodman, Mrs G. Wohling, Mrs T. Williams, Miss Thelma, Miss Vera, Miss Daisy, Fred Moxham of Norton Summit, Arch Moxham of Burra and Gilbert Moxham of Burra.
Obituary. Michael O’Keefe who died 8 November [corrected on 23 November to 7 November] was born 9 September 1856 at Cappaquin in County Waterfoot [sic: Waterford] Ireland. He migrated to Australia arriving 17 March 1881 and lived with his uncle Andrew Griffin and was employed by the late John Q. Hogan of Leighton and the Gratzmeyer family of Navan near Riverton, as a farm hand. He then worked in Victoria for railway contractors, returning to SA in 1886 and joined the SAR, becoming a permanent officer for 39 years. He married Miss Catherine Walsh (sister of the late Thomas Walsh of the Court House Hotel Redruth) on 12 April 1893. He assisted his parents and two sisters and a brother to migrate. His father died in Burra 5 December 1918. His wife died 10 October 1926. He is survived by a son Bert O’Keefe and a daughter Rita, Mrs C.S. Preiss, both of Aberdeen. There are 5 grandchildren.
Obituary. Miss Sarah Geake died 12 November at Burra Hospital. She was the second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Geake Sen. of Kooringa who arrived in Kooringa in February 1854 and made their home in Queen St where the surviving sisters still live. She was born on 15 July 1859 and after school assisted at home and at her father’s business premises until his retirement. She was associated with Kooringa Wesleyan Church and Sunday School of which her father was one of the Superintendents for over 20 years. When the Salvation Army came to Burra she joined and was a strenuous worker until failing health forced her to be less active and she again rejoined the Methodists, working for the Ladies’ Guild. She had a fondness for fancywork. She was an early member of the Rechabite Lodge and held all offices therein. She leaves a brother, William and two sisters the Misses Emma & Lizzie, all of Kooringa.
[Despite the above, the registration of birth gives the date as 27 June 1859 at Kooringa.]
Tennis, Burra District Assoc.
Mt Bryan 10-81 defeated Ironmine 5-55
Aberdeen 8-76 defeated Kooringa I 7-85
Kooringa II 9-82 defeated Copperhouse 6-76
Cricket. Conclusion of game. Ramblers 95 & 8 for 150 defeated Warriors 81 & 93.
Mongolata Goldfield
Mongolata Sports Club has decided to put down a cricket pitch.
Block 8. Rising from 40ft has connected with the winze from the stope above. Leader showing throughout.
Wildildie. Southeast drive has been extended from 28 to 37ft: no values.
Northwest drive has been extended from 21 to 27ft: fair values.
The back of the winze taken down owing to a large body of ore there and extended it from 12ft to 17ft south. Prospects good.
W.G. Hawke’s talk to the RSL on Saturday evening about his recent visit to England and the battlefields of Flanders is reported in just over 1 column.
53, 46, 16 Nov. 1932, page 4
Burra Town Council, 7 November
The Unemployed Relief Council will make a £100 grant provided the Council subsidises it to the same amount – to employ only the genuinely unemployed. Accepted.
The District Council advises it cannot legally spend money on the Princess Royal Road.
A range of matters connected with roads and tidying up the cemetery etc. were discussed.
The Methodist Synod for the Middle District was held at Kooringa 2 & 3 November and is reported in about 11⁄2 columns.
53, 47, 23 Nov. 1932, page 1
Obituary. John Brady died in Broken Hill on 10 November aged 59. He was the second son of the late Mr T. Brady and Mrs E.A. Phillips and was born at Mt Bryan East. He leaves a widow and one son, Mr Howard (Howie) Brady, a well-known champion cyclist. [John Thomas Brady born 13 December 1873 Mt Bryan.]
Burra Rifle Club fired the 8th stage of the Jennison Trophy and best scores were from W. Woodman & C.W. Pearce.
Mongolata Goldfield
Four men who have been prospecting unsuccessfully for three months are appealing for clothes and boots or shoes. There is no fund that can supply these within Burra.
Rev. A.E. Davies showed pictures at the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on Monday 14 November in aid of Minda Home, but drew only a meagre audience. On Tuesday a somewhat larger audience attended the Redruth Memorial Hall. The home is very short of funds this year on account of the depression.
53, 47, 23 Nov. 1932, page 2
Notice. Shierlaw, Frisby, Smith & Romilly Harry advise that Mr A.G. Carne who has been in charge of their office will be leaving Kooringa on 25 February after which date the office will be in charge of a qualified solicitor and will also be visited at before.
Mr M.P. Hutton manager of the Commercial Bank has been transferred to Adelaide and will be replaced by Mr R.T. Shuttleworth.
Weather. Extreme heat has recently caused grain to shrivel and crops expected to be harvested are now being cut for hay. Expected returns are now 9-10 bags per acre.
Obituary. Alf Builder, brother of Thomas Builder of Elder, Smith & Co. Adelaide and late of Burra, has died suddenly in WA. Two sisters Mrs Austin (Lizzie) and Mrs Jennings (Annie) died on the same day only a few months ago. Their father Mr Builder Sen. conducted a business in the premises now occupied by The Record. [Born Alfred Ernest Builder 6 August 1872 at Kooringa.]
Croquet. Clare visited and defeated Burra in two games 26-10 and 26-15.
H.J. Button writes further in a lengthy letter on the same lines concerning Mr Carne’s comments about the desirability of having more returned men in Council. [He has ascertained that Mr Carne wrote the RSL notes in the paper.] He says that he understands the President of the RSL disassociated himself from the comments and that Cr Jennison was indignant about them. Why on nomination day was W. Dixon Thompson’s nomination absent?
53, 47, 23 Nov. 1932, page 3
Burra Town Council, 21 November
Results of the Municipal Elections [as already noted] were announced.
Council refused to receive an unsigned typed letter purporting to come from local butchers and claiming that unlicensed persons were selling meat in the town.
The Mayor had sympathy, but such a letter could not be received.
The law was odd that local butchers had to comply and be licensed, but anyone could bring in any sort of meat from outside and there was no case or redress against them.
A further allotment of £132 from the Unemployment Scheme has been received for work on the Kapunda-Peterborough and Clare main roads.
Tennis, Kookaburra Association
Paradise 8-59 defeated Eden 4-49
Burra High School 7-58 defeated Hill View 5-53
Spring Vale 7-54 defeated Rovers 5-50
Mongolata Goldfield
Block 8. The stope above the rise is timbered.
They were driving north on rise on leader to connect with the shaft.
They had started driving on a leader going south to connect with the rise. Work is progressing satisfactorily.
Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Co. The crosscut and drives are all being extended. Several veins of quartz and iron have been encountered, but the main ore body has not been disclosed. The ore body is being followed down from old workings above. Rich ore at 35ft. The east winze from the old top workings has advanced 11ft on an ore body.
New Claims announce gold in payable quantities.
Bowling notes. Clare visited and tied in an exciting series of matches with both sides ending with 80.
Cricket at Victoria Park on 19 November: Warriors 8 fro 219 defeated Mongolata 37.
53, 48, 30 Nov. 1932, page 1
Leighton Ladies’ Guild Strawberry Fete in aid of Hall Funds was held last Saturday. An entertainment was staged in the evening and a dance followed till midnight. Proceeds exceeded those of last year.
St Brendan’s Church Strawberry Fete was held in the Mt Bryan Hall on Saturday and raised c. £40.
Burra Swimming Club. Ladies now have a changing room and the season will open officially on 16 December.
Cricket. Ramblers 52 v. Warriors 4 for 132.
53, 48, 30 Nov. 1932, page 2
A.T. McWaters painfully injured his left hand on Saturday when he caught his fingers in the cogs of a binder.
Louis Grow turns 87 on 2 December.
An Offence. A young woman has been charged with entering the home of Mrs M. Pederson of Kooringa on the night of Saturday/Sunday last and consumed several items like milk and cherries and with stealing a wide variety of others such as eggs, butter, jam, cocoa and cake.
53, 48, 30 Nov. 1932, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Claims are still obtaining good results. There is a first class water supply and a good eating house.
The slowness in erecting the battery is irking some who now have a large quantity of ore on hand. The battery manager Mr Grundy is at present on sick leave. The battery tank is full of water.
Block 8. Driving and stoping north of the rise, taking out a leader from under old workings. Driving and stoping south of the top shaft under old workings. The leader is carrying values throughout.
Alf Carne replies at great length to what he terms Cr Button’s ‘vulgar and splenetic attack’. Cr Button’s letter was a protest against a quite innocent expression in which we hoped Cr Jennison would have the support of two diggers in the new Council which Cr Button took somehow to be a reflection on the members of Council. Crs Bevan & Jennison and the Mayor have assured me they took no such interpretation. On the 16 November we merely affirmed that we welcomed the entry of returned soldiers into all forms of public life. In his later effusion Cr Button ignores this and makes a violent and coarse attack on the RSA and myself. The President of the RSA did not make the phone call Cr Button alleges. Cr Jennison has never expressed his indignation. Why is Cr Button concerned that Mr Thompson changed his mind? He is allowed to change his mind. For business reasons he decided not to nominate. This is not a breach of faith. Cr Button’s laboured attempts at jokes are not in good taste and are offensive. [Much more in a 3⁄4 column letter.]
‘Fair Play’ writes that the Kooringa Tennis Club is experiencing a drift of members to other courts due to the way a favoured few led by one in particular who appears to arrange all games to his own satisfaction. This is interfering with practice. This is written in the hope that it will prove an incentive for all members to work and play together for the future benefit of the club.
Burra Rainfall Figures 1880-1932 are printed.
53, 48, 30 Nov. 1932, page 4
Syd. McHugh [MP] writes to advise that a polling booth has been arranged for voters at Mongolata.
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Paradise 7-63 defeated Spring Vale 5-49
Hill View 8-65 defeated Rovers 4-50
Burra High School 6-56 defeated Eden 6-53.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held its anniversary services 20 November. Rev. B.J. Weeding was the preacher.
53, 49, 7 Dec. 1932, page 1
Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting, Wednesday 20 November
Only 30-40 attended. The fact that those seeking election were returned unopposed may have contributed. Stan Kellaway took the chair.
The Mayor read his report. He explained the double crossing to be made from the stockyards to the railway at the request of and with the assistance of the stock firms. It would save damage to lambs estimated at 1/- each or more.
Mr Lynch thought electricity charges were exorbitant. The Mayor said with Council approval he would approach the company on the matter. The Council itself got a concession of £25 [on street lighting]. He said he knew that lighting costs in the city on his own property there were one third of the Burra costs.
Cr Button retired from the platform and incoming Councillor Graham H. Dow took a seat on the platform.
The Mayor thanked the ratepayers for their confidence in electing him Mayor for the third year in succession, making eleven years on the Council. He would do his best for the unemployed. The assessment and rates had been reduced. The water supply to East Ward had been improved. A deputation to the Commissioner of Public Works had finally succeeded following a fire near Paradise at which the water supply was manifestly inadequate. Another deputation got a good supply of fresh water for Mongolata. 132 chains of new pipe had been laid in Kingston and Commercial Streets and water laid on to the saleyards and the whole water main system re-organised and renewed. This work was nearing completion. Every effort had been made to find productive work for the unemployed. They had also got £50 from the Government on a £ for £ basis for Christmas Relief. £200 was got for the main road from the railway to the north boundary under the Relief Act and on 29 November £20 was granted to level a [playing] ground at the Burra School.
The 1929-30 assessment was £17,611 with a 2/6 rate to raise £2,201-17-6.
The 1930-31 assessment was £17,081 with a 2/3 rate to raise £1,1922 [sic: error for £1,922.]
The present assessment was £14,524 which at a 2/3 rate would raise £1,631-5-0.
Money for the wards had fallen also: 1929-30 £1,261
1930-31 £600
1931-32 £450
The year had started in debit £108 and ended with a debit of c. £20.
This proved they had not been spending money recklessly. He thought the rate should be reduced by 2d or 3d, as rents, properties and wages had all dropped to the levels of 15 years ago. Farm debts remained a huge problem and the depression was not yet over.
He was surprised Cr Button had taken any notice of the ‘Guttersnipe’ press for alleging the Council was [Party] political. If sending congratulations to P. McBride and C.A.S. Hawker, old Burra boys, on their election was deemed political then they had misunderstood a courteous action. Numerous wires had been sent to the Premier and other Ministers, but other Councils had also done so. Cr Button’s letter to The Record is misleading.
He also referred to the 70th wedding anniversary the previous day of Mr & Mrs Sam Baker of Redruth who were splendid pioneers, now 93 years old.
Cr Bevan thanked ratepayers for electing him unopposed. He said about the recent controversy in the paper, that someone whom he thought the President of the RSA had rung and disassociated himself from Mr Carne’s sentiments and Cr Jennison had given him his support and offered to sign his nomination paper. He was for cutting expenses, but not as far as Council employees were concerned. He thought the Hospital rating a bit heavy. Byles’ Mongolata Mining had said when the battery was working they would employ 50 men and that time was near.
Cr Riggs did not favour further reduction in rates, as the £150 for North Ward was little enough to maintain the roads there. Ratepayers needed to remember that the Burra Electric Supply Co. was a private company and it was not the Council’s business to interfere with them.
Cr Dow said the figure in the Mayor’s income and expenditure account didn’t balance by £59. The Mayor said that the Town Clerk could explain. A voice said it was a printer’s error.
Mr Button asked whether the Mayor knew that the ‘Guttersnipe’ press he referred to was The Country News, the official farmers’ organ. The Mayor said he based his remarks on what he read in The Record.
[But see the paper of 14 December where the editor of The Country News denies any reference to the Burra Town Council.]
Mr Haese said at present in town was an expert on trees and planting in the person of Mr Tom Wilkinson, a son of Charles Wilkinson, who might give some good advice to Council.
The Mayor said advice had been obtained and some trees had been lopped at the wrong time.
The Mayor said the Council’s levy of £180 to the Hospital was controlled by the Inspector-General of hospitals and not locally.
A.G. Carne asked if the Mayor would support enlarging the rotunda – it held about 14 and the band numbered 26. Mr Murison had a scheme for doing so at little cost. Crs Bevan and Jennison were in favour.
Mr Button asked why East Ward Councillors had not been approached.
Cr Bevan said the rotunda belonged to the town.
Cr Jennison said in fact when the request came to Council it would come through East Ward Councillors. The Mayor was in sympathy with the request.
53, 49, 7 Dec. 1932, page 2
Martin Pederson Sen. has news from his homeland, Denmark, that his brother Soren, who is a doctor of high repute, has been knighted by King Christian for distinguished service as a doctor and made a Knight of Dannebroge. Mr Pederson recently spent a holiday with his brother in Denmark and is awaiting a letter from him. His brother many years ago changed his name and is well known in Denmark as Dr Soren Krage, to distinguish himself from several other Dr Pedersons.
Burra Brass Band held a social by invitation in the Cheer-up Hall last Saturday that was an unqualified success. There were dances, games and competitions after the musical program which is reviewed in about 1⁄3 column.
Redruth Methodist Strawberry Fete was held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday raised money for the renovation of the manse. Over £25 was raised. [Personal interest: Clarrie Fuss opened with a piano selection and Mrs R. Fuss & Mrs H. Chambers convened afternoon tea.]
Burra Rifle Club shot the 9th stage of the Jennison Trophy and J.L. Williams & H.H. Byles scored best.
Cricket. Match continued. Warriors 112 v. Ramblers 8 for 94. A win to Warriors on the 1st innings.
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Eden 8-60 defeated Spring Vale 4-58
Paradise 7-60 defeated Hill View 5-50
Burra High School 7-60 defeated Rovers 5-55
53, 49, 7 Dec. 1932, page 3
Burra School Concert on 1 December to raise money for the School Committee was held in the Institute, which was packed on the night. Items are reviewed in just over 1 column.
St Mary’s Day School has received a good report from the Diocesan Board of Education. Miss Gall is commended for maintaining standards despite such small numbers. She has resigned for next year to take a position nearer her own home and has not yet been replaced. If the school continues it may be as a kindergarten.
Kooringa Methodist Ladies Guild strawberry Fete was held at the Cheer-up Hall on Friday in aid of Circuit Funds.
Mongolata Goldfield
Block 8. Continued stoping north of the rise under the old workings.
Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Co. The east winze from the old workings at 25ft advanced 10ft to 25ft. No values.
The drive west at 25ft advanced 10 ft to 21 ft and the ore body has risen 3’6” in the last 7ft.
At 52ft level south advanced 11 ft to 52ft and holed through to old workings. No values.
The west crosscut at 92ft was advanced 18ft to 84ft with four veins struck since 74ft. The ore vein dollies gold at 10dwt. Developments in the crosscut are encouraging.
H.J. Button writes denying any personal attack on Mr Carne or on the RSA. His [Carne’s] six points need no comment and merely stand as an example of ‘the usual methods adopted by some solicitors in their attempts at cross examination’.
Obituary. W.B. Page, Secretary of the late Federal Federation and later of the Liberal & Country Federation, died at his home in Tranmere on 5 December. He came to Burra about 45 years ago and was employed by S. Drew & Co. as accountant and continued with Drew & Crewes as senior clerk until being appointed Secretary of the then Liberal Union. While here he was active in the Burra Choral Society and the Kooringa Wesleyan Choir and later joined the Church of England as organist and choir member. His first marriage took place in Burra and his wife died some years ago. About three years ago he married the widow of Mr J.E.H. Winnall of this town who survives with one son Mr Lindsay Page and one daughter Miss M. Page. [William Benham Page born 18 December 1869 at Norwood.]
53, 49, 7 Dec. 1932, page 4
Mayor’s Report 1932
Town Clerk & Inspector: E.J. Davey.
Overseer of Works & Curator of the Cemetery: H.J. Wilson.
Scavenger: R.J. Hill.
Pound keeper: L.H. Cullen.
Dayman: W. Voumard.
During the year the Council granted a piece of land in front of the school for basketball and tennis for the Primary School.
The General Account began in debit £103-11-11 and finished in debit £25.
The new assessment was £14,524 and the rates were thus reduced by £288.
Trees were planted on Arbor Day in the parklands by school children under direction of Mr A.P. Tuck headmaster.
The gardens are in fair condition.
The cemetery is well kept and has recently been cleaned up.
There have been no serious outbreaks of disease this year.
The hospital costs ratepayers £170 p.a.
The Main Roads are in good order. 48 chains of the Clare road were formed and metalled.
The road to the eastern boundary was completed. £200 received from Unemployment Relief Council for the Burra-Peterborough Road for about 54 chains from the goods shed gate to the northern boundary.
Many roads in the wards were remade and footpaths formed and watertables cleared out when 50 men were employed under Christmas Relief on a £ for £ basis.
We are going to construct a double crossing from the stockyards to the railway with Messrs Elder, Smith & Goldsbrough, Mort supplying pipes.
Following a deputation to the Commissioner of Public Works practically all the town’s old mains have been renewed, which should meet the needs of those on higher ground. Work to supply drinking water at Mongolata has also been completed. The battery there is also in the course of construction.
Distinguished visitors this year have been:
Premier Hon. L.L. Hill
Mr W. Adey, Director of Education
The Commissioner of Public works
Commissioner McKenzie of the Salvation Army
Chief Commissioner of Scouts, Mr Gratton
Mr F.J. Mills.
The Unemployment relief Council supplied boots, shoes and flannel for Mongolata prospectors.
The financial balance sheet is printed and as pointed out by Cr Dow receipts and expenditure do not balance by some £59.
Liberal & Country League. Report of a meeting in the Eastern Telephone Exchange room on 2 December is printed.
53, 50, 14 Dec. 1932, page 1
Marriage. St Peter’s College chapel 8 December
Rex Warnes, son of Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes of ‘Wahroonga’ Leighton, married
Dorothy Stevens, daughter of Mr & Mrs G.H. Stevens of Hyde Park.
Marriage. St Mary’s Church Kooringa, 10 December
Allen J.E. Quinn, eldest son of Mrs E. Templer of Kingswood & the late Daniel Quinn of Hallett, married Lucy C. Morrison, second daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Morrison of Kooringa.
RSL held its AGM in the club rooms on 10 December.
The treasurer reported a gradual fall in receipts: 1929 £30-6-10
1930 £26-11-4
1931 £24-5-8
1932 £23-15-2
Membership had been 50 in 1931 and was 48 in 1932.
The president reported a difficult year lacking in practical support from members. The Anzac Smoke Social was not as well attended as hoped for on 23 April, though Anzac Day, celebrated on Sunday 24 April, was one of the best for years, aided by the Burra Brass Band. The collection went to aid Partially Blinded Soldiers’ Fund, The Tuberculosis Aid Society and the AIF Cemetery Trust. The Annual Ball was very successful, though attendance was smaller than anticipated. A fine portrait of Sir John Monash was acquired with the aid of £1-1-0 from the Burra Town Council. The Poppy Day Appeal organised by the Mayoress Mrs T.H. Woollacott raised £4-17-6. Armistice Day was observed with a short ceremony. D. Keynes & S. Cordon collected 25 bags of wheat for Angorichina Hostel. The Brandt Fund has paid £21 to the beneficiary leaving a credit of £27-15-1.
[The previous AGM in February reported payments of £116-12-2 from this fund leaving a balance of £46-18-11. If the £21 was paid from this it would have left £25-18-11. The figure cited above suggests some income for the fund: perhaps interest, as the difference is about 7%.]
Mr Dow raised a question of the legality of calling the AGM in December rather than in March. He insisted on sticking to the letter of the constitution concerning notice for changes etc.
Eventually he moved that the meeting confirm the action of the committee in changing the date of the AGM and this was carried.
A sports meeting was suggested for the 25 April and the committee is to decide whether to hold a sports meeting or a ball or both. Elected: President, H.J.B. Jennison; Vice-Presidents, T.J. Canny & J.H. Morrison; Hon. Secretary, G.H. Dow and Treasurer, M.G. Dobson.
53, 50, 14 Dec. 1932, page 2
Birth. At Nurse Fuller’s to Mr & Mrs Alick Burton of Mt Bryan, a daughter.
Bill Hann we see is credited with composing five numbers for this year’s University Revue at the Theatre Royal on 15 & 16 December.
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Hill View 8-54 defeated Eden 4-52
Spring Vale 6-57 defeated Burra High School 6-51
Paradise 8-60 defeated Rovers 4-50
Obituary. John Harvey of Irymple, Victoria has died aged 80 at his daughter’s residence. He was for many years an employee of the Burra Town Council and was one of their best road makers. His wife died some years ago. [1921]
Mongolata Goldfield
Rumour says the battery will be ready to operate in about five weeks.
Gold has risen to c. £8 an ounce.
Block 8. Continuing stope north from the rise. Stripping leader in progress. Leader showing good values.
Driving and stoping south of the top shaft where the leader is being stripped and bagged. The two workings are expected to join in the coming week.
Wildildie Gold Mining Co. Shareholders met last Monday. A sound financial position was disclosed with good prospects. 80 tons of ore are at grass. The two retiring directors Sir John Melrose and M.W. Bednall were re-elected. The northwest drive has been extended from 37ft to 42ft. Holed through from south drive to northwest drive giving 35ft along the reef ready for stoping. Driving south on reef in 6ft, values low. Will start rise in end of northwest drive for air.
Bowls. Kapunda visited on Saturday when Kapunda 129 defeated Burra 32.
53, 50, 14 Dec. 1932, page 3
Burra Amateur Swimming Club opened its season 10 December with temperatures near the century. About 200 people visited the pool. For this year dressing rooms were built and paths graded and steps cut into sloping banks. The water is deeper than last year and the approaches safer. P.L. Rosman Vice-President performed the ceremony in the absence of President T.H. Woollacott. Mr Carne the Secretary will soon leave Burra and will be hard to replace. A bridge has been built across the neck of the pool and was a great boon to bathers. Money was needed to finance improvements. Much work has been put in by R. & C. Fuss for which the committee are grateful. Messrs E. Steer & L. Thomas were thanked for help with beginners. Others who had provided help and material were Messrs Steele of the Forest, W. Carpenter, W. Hunt and H. Jennison. Results of competitions are printed.
RSL. A presentation of a gold-mounted fountain-pen was made to Mr A.G. Carne at the AGM, as he will soon leave the town.
T. Hawke Editor of the Country News writes stating that at no time has a reference to the Burra Town Council appeared in the Country News. [While it was the Mayor who had made reference to the ‘Guttersnipe’ press accusing Burra Council of having political parties, it was Cr Button who had identified the paper as the Country News. See 53, 49, 7 Dec. 1932, page 1.]
YWCA. Members of the Senior Girls’ Club and Girl Citizens of Aberdeen and Girl Citizens of Kooringa held a banquet on Saturday evening before going into summer recess. 18 visitors came from Adelaide despite the great heat. [Reported in 1⁄2 column.]
Burra Brass Band gave its first open-air concert for the summer on Sunday night and drew a large attendance. They played on seats under the verandah of the SAFU store, as the rotunda is far too small. The collection raised £3-3-1.
53, 50, 14 Dec. 1932, page 4
Burra Town Council, 5 December
Cr Dow was welcomed as a new Councillor.
The Highways and Local Government Dept. advises the subsidy on rates will be £94.
The Mayor noted this was an increase of £1 on last year.
The Unemployment Relief Fund has granted £100 on a £ for £ basis.
£20 grant was received to level some ground in front of Burra School.
Edgar Pearce was given permission to build a house for W.H. Sandland in Hill St.
Committees were appointed.
The Mayoral allowance was fixed at £20.
Considerable discussion was held concerning roads in general and the use of relief funds on road works and the spending of the grant. There was discussion too on footpaths, weeds and fire danger from grass in reserves along the creek.
53, 51, 21 Dec. 1932, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 10th stage of the Jennison Trophy and held its Christmas Shoot. In the trophy shoot H.R. Woodman, C.W. Pearce and J. Schwier did best and in the Christmas shoot the order was H.R. Woodman from J. Schwier and C.W. Pearce.
Dr D. McDonald Steele Chairman of the Burra High School Council and E.A. Haese Headmaster of the school write urging the importance of High School education in training the mind to think, to value facts, to arrive at independent conclusions and to prepare for the increasing complexity of modern life.
Cricket. On Saturday at Victoria Park Burra 6 for 157 defeated Spalding 116.
53, 51, 21 Dec. 1932, page 2
Advt. Gallagher’s Free Sports Meeting for the Children on the Playground in Aberdeen, Saturday 31 December. Convenors A.N. Ratcliffe & J. Carpenter.
Editorial on Christmas and its meaning.
Mr T. Ridge who has been relieving at Kooringa Post Office for over 12 months will leave in January and a permanent officer Mr W.A. Coles will arrive in mid-January.
Rev. J.S.W. Coles Rector of St Mary’s has accepted the offer of the Parish of Salisbury and will leave at the end of January.
Mrs A.G. Carne is leaving on 25 December, we understand for Mildura. He has been most active while here in the Swimming Club, the Kooringa Methodist Church [and the RSL].
Mr J.C. Boehm, headmaster at Hanson, has been transferred.
Advt. The Seaside Trip Meeting will be held in the Institute on 22 December at 8 p.m.
Burra Brass Band gave a concert on Sunday evening in Best Place Aberdeen and a good crowd attended despite somewhat chilly conditions. Collection £1-13-3.
Burra High School will hold its concert in the Institute tonight.
Burra School. The grading of the area in front of the school has begun.
53, 51, 21 Dec. 1932, page 3
Christmas Festival at Burra Hospital
The annual public festival was held on Monday last and drew many visitors from the district. The grounds were specially decorated and lit with strings of lights along the verandahs courtesy of L. Pascoe, G.H. Dow and G. Dane. The Burra Brass band attended. Many seats were provided, but many people had to stand and others listened from cars parked for half a mile along the road. G.E. Dane arranged the program. Signor & Signora Molinari were a great attraction and Members of the Burra Institute Choral & Orchestral Classes gave great assistance. The band is now much improved.
There was an address by Mr I.J. Warnes as Chairman of the Board of Management on the successful completion of a difficult year for the Board, which he thought would balance its budget. The program is then reviewed.
Mongolata Goldfield
Hon. R.S. Richards Minister of Mines and Dr Keith Ward visited this week for about an hour.
The battery is being erected.
Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Co. will close from 20 December to 4 January.
Other mines will close from Friday for Christmas.
Nearly all ‘shows’ are getting gold and prospects look good.
We hear a Victorian Syndicate has bought one of the most promising ‘shows’.
Obituary. William Short of Aberdeen died in Burra Hospital on Monday morning. He was the only son of the late Mr & Mrs Isaac Short of Aberdeen and was for many years a mason and later took on gardening. He has been retired for many years and was aged 76. He is survived by his widow, but there is no family. [William Isaac Short born 11 November 1856 Gawler: died 19 December 1932.]
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Paradise 8-61 defeated Burra High School 4-48
Spring Vale 6-61 defeated Hill View 6-53
H.J. Button writes accepting the statement of the Editor of Country News, but saying he was misinformed by the same person who gave information concerning the President of the RSA ringing him on the phone.
Burra Red Cross has allocated Christmas Cheer Funds as follows:
£5 to Keswick Hospital
£5 to Bedford Park Hospital
£5 to Northfield Consumptive Home and Kalyra Sanatorium
£5 to Burra Hospital to be spent on chairs from the Blind School in North Adelaide
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held a Christmas tree party for the Kindergarten on 17 December. 80 children were entertained. J. Isaacs supplied the tree and I.C. Hall two Christmas cakes. Father Christmas distributed gifts.
Obituary. Mr J.T. Monaghan died at Farrell’s Flat 11 December. He was born at Gawler in 1861 and joined the SAR when 20, serving on the permanent way division for 47 years. In 1901 he married Ellen, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Alexander Salter of Farrell’s Flat. He is survived by his widow, four daughters and two sons: Mrs A. Schrieber of Bow Hill and the Misses K., G. & A. Monaghan of Farrell’s Flat, Messrs J. & L. Monaghan of Farrell’s Flat. There is one grandchild.
[James Thomas Monaghan died at Farrell’s Flat 11 December 1932, but birth not traceable in records. The children in the order as above would seem to be: Mary (Mrs Schreiber), Catherine, Ellen Gertrude, Annie, John Henry & Patrick Leonard. Another son Francis James died aged 13 in 1922.]
Characteristics of the paper in 1932
Page 1
This typically carried a lot of news with some larger advertisements.
Page 2
Large advertisements from Bence’s and Drew & Crewes mixed with smaller advertisements and classifieds. Public notices and advertisements for entertainment and sport were important. The column ‘Personal information’ told of the comings and goings of local people on holidays and the like. This has generally not been noted. News items are also found.
Page 3
Large advertisements for Matthew’s Emporium were common along with smaller advertisements, but news dominated.
Page 4
Some large advertisements were mixed with some small ones and some news, but there were often also non-news items of general interest.
In general the paper carried less advertising than in most years and more news and non-news items of general interest. Editorial comment is generally lacking. There was a good coverage of local news with considerable attention to the Town Council and to news of developments at Mongolata. Aspects of the depression were also well covered.
Numbering of Issues in 1932.
The year began with Volume 53, Number 1 on 6 January 1932.
And continued to Volume 53, Number 51 on 21 December 1932.
The issue dated 4 August should be dated 3 August.
54, 1, 4 Jan. 1933
Page 1 Advertisements
E.F. Marston General Printing
Walker & Sons Shoe Store
Pederson & Son Quality Shoe Store
H.J.B. Jennison Tyre Service, Kooringa
D. Jones & Son Painters, Motor Hoods, Side Curtains & General Trimming
Frank Spencer Watchmaker & Jeweller
Jeffery & Byrne Quality Meat Store
Page 2 Advertisements
T. H. Villis COR Agent, Aberdeen
R. King Successor to the late T.F. Robinson, Railway & General Carrier
C. Leslie Phillips Dental Surgeon, Pearce’s Building
Drew & Crewes Pty Ltd General Merchants, Kooringa & Mt Bryan
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, etc.
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, etc. [Regular advertisers, but not this issue.]
J.M. Tiddy Draper, Aberdeen
Bence’s Ltd Drapers & Clothiers
Page 3 Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen
Matthew’s Emporium Drapers & Clothiers, Kooringa
Page 4 Advertisements
[Guy Dollman] Burra Motor Co., Kooringa. Agent for Dodge Bros. Cars & Trucks, Chrysler, De Soto, Plymouth, Hillman & Humber Cars
Also Oxy Welding
W.G. Terry The Practical Tailor, Kooringa
A. Molinari Proprietor of the Kooringa Hotel
Fred. M. Pearce Tennis Racquets
Luke Day Home-grown Vegetables
K.B. Watts Quality Meat Store, Aberdeen
E.F. Marston Burra Record Office
Whittney & Tiver Service Station & Garage
_____________ Kooringa Service Station, Summer Sports Good, Racquet Restringing
54, 1, 4 Jan. 1933, page 1
Burra High School presented an Entertainment at the Institute on 21 December 1932 to a crowded hall under the headmaster E.A.W. Haese. After a well-presented concert awards and certificates were presented. The prize list is printed.
Best Intermediate Results 1931: Edna Allen
Best Leaving Results 1931: George Hann
Greatest Progress 1931: Gilbert Tuck
Most Industrious Student: Olive Moore
Captain of School Athletics: Albert Davey
Dr Steele congratulated George Hann on his recent success in Leaving Honours where he gained the best results from any country High School. After interval the entertainment was continued.
Cricket. On Boxing Day at World’s End: Burra 217 defeated World’s End 125.
A.G. Carne solicitor was farewelled at the Council Chamber 20 December by leading citizens. The Mayor presided. Mr Carne is moving to Mildura. Sgt McDonald spoke for the police, P.L. Rosman for Burra Swimming Club and A.E.W. Haese for the High School.
54, 1, 4 Jan. 1933, page 2
J.R. Field (‘Hicker’) of ‘Monovea Farm’ is 80 on 9 January.
Christmas and the New Year passed with pleasant weather and there were many picnics at the Gorge and Porter’s Lagoon. At the Lagoon the beach is clean and the water clear.
On Christmas Eve the streets were crowded and the Burra Brass Band rendered music and carols and it gave another program last Sunday.
Burra Town Council, 19 December 1932
The Unemployment Relief Council and the Local Government Department state that the grant of £132 must be spent on the Kapunda-Peterborough and Clare-Burra main roads.
Metal and screenings raised can be held in reserve till needed.
Various other road and related matters were discussed and approved.
Burra Benevolent Society was able to give 5/- to each of 24 persons for Christmas Cheer. The society is now in recess till March.
Fire. A spark from a rubbish fire started a grass fire in the paddock from Dead Man’s Bridge to Mrs Riggs’ home along Quarry St. The blaze was soon controlled.
Fire. On New Year’s Day a fire broke out in Mr E. Jettner’s crop at Leighton during harvesting. Fire fighters were soon on the scene and about 200 men attended. About 80 acres of stubble burnt, 20 acres of standing crop and 100 bags of wheat. A wind change saved the homestead and sheds. Mr Jettner’s header was badly burned and so was his tractor.
Fire. As we go to press a fire is raging on the property of Les Thomas at Mt Bryan.
54, 1, 4 Jan. 1933, page 3
The Leighton Christmas Tree was put on by Mrs Warnes on 21 December and drew a large number of children and their parents. The children of Leighton & Ayers Schools attended. The annual break-up of the Leighton School was on 22 December in the schoolroom and many parents and friends attended. The prize list is printed. Edward Lynch was dux.
Qualifying Certificates went to Allan Holland and Lindsay Jettner.
54, 2, 11 Jan. 1933, page 1
The Gallagher Sports at the Aberdeen Playground was a great success on Saturday 31 December. Results are printed. They were supported as usual by Mr George Gallagher and organised by Mr Alec Ratcliffe of the Royal Exchange Hotel and Mr J. Carpenter. Before the sports the Mayor T.H. Woollacott was presented with an upstanding brass smoker’s companion in appreciation of his efforts on behalf of the unemployed.
Burra Town Council, 3 January
The High School entrance is to be tarred and charged to the High School at their request.
W.J. Lee requested that the road in part of Justice Lane be opened for traffic. Agreed.
Cr Bevan moved that certain roads be closed. Carried.
The assessment for 1931-32 is to be the assessment for 1932-33.
T. Wilkinson is to be asked for advice on tree planting, lopping etc.
Mt Bryan East School break-up on 21 December is reported. Three children gained their Qualifying Certificates.
54, 2, 11 Jan. 1933, page 2
Obituary. William Isaac Short, husband of Rachel and only son of the late Isaac & Alice Short, died 19 December aged 76.
F.L. Worth has taken over Mr A.G. Carne’s duties at the office of Messrs Shierlaw, Frisby Smith & Romilly Harry.
The Christmas Cheer Fund received cash donations of £15-13-0.
Kooringa Police Court
Charles Grow was charged with a breach of the Bush Fires Act 1913-31, Section 15-5 and was fined £2 + £1 costs.
Bowls. At Clare on Saturday: Clare 114 defeated Burra 66.
Mongolata Goldfield
Work has recommenced after the Christmas break.
Prospectors and others eagerly await the completion of the battery.
Frank Treloar writes concerning drawings at the Art Gallery in Adelaide of the Burra Mine, the Smelting Works and Kooringa and with reference to photographs ordered taken before and after the open cut commenced which seem to have disappeared.
Burra Rifle Club held the 11th stage of the Jennison Trophy on Saturday and C.H. Dixon and C.W. Pearce returned the best scores.
54, 2, 11 Jan. 1933, page 3
Burra Institute AGM.
The annual report for the year ending 31 December 1932 showed the library held 7,399 volumes. The loss of the Government subsidy of £150 has made life difficult.
Free tickets have again been awarded the most eligible scholars at Burra Public Schools and Copperhouse School. Membership has fallen:
31 December 1931 Double 69
Single 176
244
31 December 1932 Double 67
Single 160
227
The Chess Club went into recess at the end of winter.
Credit at the National Bank 31 December 1931 £41-2-6
31 December 1932 £47-14-6
Dances in conjunction with the Burra Brass Band were a social and financial success.
Choral & Orchestral Classes were continued and contributed to the success of the Christmas Festival at Burra Hospital.
Elected were President, Frank T. Sara; Vice-President, C.D. Wilkinson; Treasurer, M.W. Bednall & Secretary, L.S. Penrose.
Mr & Mrs W.H. Spier and their three little sons and daughter left Kooringa for Unley Park on Sunday and were accorded a farewell at the Council Chamber. The Mayor made a presentation. Mr Spier had given much time to the Choral and Operatic Classes. He had been in the town for 14 years. The family was also farewelled at the close of the morning service at Kooringa Methodist Church where Rev. Jarvis handed over a wallet of notes.
54, 3, 18 Jan. 1933, page 2
Mrs George Hann has been seriously ill since 25 January, but is now much improved. Mr Hann has also been ill for three weeks, but is now about again.
Rev. J.S.W. Coles will preach his farewell sermons at St Mary’s, Booborowie, Hallett & Mt Bryan next Sunday.
Narian Barnes daughter of Rev. F.J. Barnes of Aberdeen has been awarded the A.J. McBride Scholarship at Methodist Ladies College and also won the Epworth Entrance Scholarship, but chose to accept the former.
Bro. Rev. J.S.W. Coles was farewelled from Kooringa Masonic Lodge last Tuesday.
Kooringa Police Court
Frank Townson Halford, alias Wentworth, alias Hall, alias Townson, was sentenced to two months in Adelaide Jail for indecent behaviour in a room in Paxton Square.
Cricket, Kookaburra Tennis Assoc. 122 defeated Burra Cricket Club 117 on 31 December.
54, 3, 18 Jan. 1933, page 3
‘Padding’: the paper contained a great deal of material that was neither local nor news. All of pages 3 and 4 in this issue are such. The following are examples of the sort of article which I may in future issues refer to as ‘padding’.
Who is it that wants war?
Midnight rainbows
Songs that made Scotland
England to Australia in 60 hours
Mineral production in SA 1841-1931
A lucky accident (Stearic Acid)
Too much foot for a shoe
Neighbours not wanted
Carelessness causes most motor accidents
The Milky Way
Italian tomb unearthed
Not a special racing oil
Are children greedy?
Why England needs a Mussolini
A trip down Yorke’s Peninsula
The dole child
Wife bought for 1⁄2lb of tobacco
The other side of the ledger: US-Britain trade
What waves can do
54, 4, 25 Jan. 1933, page 1
Mr & Mrs Boehm were farewelled at Hanson at the Methodist Hall on 21 January. Mr Boehm has accepted a transfer to a larger school. Mr & Mrs Boehm will be replaced by Mr & Mrs A.R. Hermes.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 12th stage of the Jennison Trophy R. Nutt & S.E. Truscott scored best.
CWA. Mrs Coles was farewelled as treasurer and presented with a silver sugar basin.
Bowls. The match against Eudunda at Eudunda on Saturday was declared a draw when rain stopped play.
Then PADDING
54, 4, 25 Jan. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Amateur Swimming Club Grand Carnival 28 January.
Advt. Porter’s Lagoon Aquatic and Athletic Sports 30 January.
Notice. Harold Venables apologises unconditionally to George Pattullo for saying that he got the Post Office by telling the Postal Inspector that he lost his leg at the front.
The Seaside Trip has been fixed for 25 February.
Burra Town Council, 19 January
Agreed to receive a deputation from the Burra Brass Band concerning the enlarging of the rotunda at the next meeting.
Last year’s assessment was adopted with a reduction of £14.
Filthy and obscene writings and drawings coupled with names of prominent townspeople have been painted over in the shed on the Aberdeen-Kooringa road.
54, 4, 25 Jan. 1933, page 3
Weather. Thunderstorms produced large hail on Thursday afternoon and thunder continued on Friday. Torrential rain fell from Eudunda to World’s End on Saturday and on Sunday a deluge hit Mt Bryan, Mt Bryan East and Hallett. Very patchy falls extended to the east with falls from 15 to 170 points. Many falls were between 50 and 90 points. Visitors to Mongolata were bogged when 87 points fell there and the Baldina and Pine Creeks came down. On Monday at ‘Wahroonga’ Leighton 3” fell in an hour. Burra had only moderate falls with 10 points on Friday, 7 on Saturday, 4 on Sunday and 11 on Monday.
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Hill View 10-65 defeated Burra High School 2-39
Kooringa Assoc.
Kooringa II 8-78 defeated Aberdeen 6-61 in a match interrupted by rain.
Copperhouse 10-81 defeated Ironmine 4-70
Mongolata Goldfield
Tuesday on J. Pexton’s ‘Takati’ claim 96oz of gold were obtained in an afternoon as the result of a ‘shot’. The parcel was of almost pure gold: one piece was just over 3lb and another nearly 2lb with other ‘trifles’. John and Don Pexton found another parcel on Saturday of 56oz. These finds come from a winze at 80ft in a fissure 3ft wide.
Wilton Hack of Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Co. says some of the samples are of rare crystalline gold probably of 24 carats and is very encouraging.
On Monday other splendid examples were obtained.
The claim of C. Schwier, Bert Morgan, L. Motherall & T. Villis is also reputed to be doing well averaging 96oz per week for the last 8 weeks.
Several other claims are said to be producing well.
The battery is expected to be completed in about a fortnight.
54, 4, 25 Jan. 1933, page 4
Padding plus the financial statement for the Burra Town Council.
54, 5, 1 Feb. 1933, page 1 & 3
Rev. J.S.W. Coles & Mrs Coles were given a farewell at the Scout Hall on Monday last. Rev. Coles has been the Chaplain and acting Scoutmaster. Assisting Scoutmaster L. Hann was in charge of the ceremony.
At the Parish Hall on Thursday 26 January the congregation farewelled Rev. & Mrs Coles. Other denominations were represented by Captain and Mrs J. Faulds of the Salvation Army. Mr M.W. Bednall as Senior Warden presided. He said it was largely due to Rev. Coles that the Church of England Day School had got going. Mr P.L. Rosman spoke in support and arranged the program. He also spoke for the Bowls Club. Dr Steele spoke as Chairman of the Church Day School. Mr G.H. Dow added his best wishes and Mr Rosman handed over a wallet of notes.
Rev. Coles responded. He said the 51⁄2 years here had been the most strenuous he had experienced, but he regretted none of it. He spoke of his pleasure at helping the Wolf Cubs and seeing them grow into Scouts and Rovers. He spoke also of preparing 80 young people for confirmation and of over 100 baptisms. There had been few marriages: about one a year. When he came there was a £600 debt on the Rectory, which had been paid off and another £50 spent on renovations. Mt Bryan was getting £15 from the Endowment Scheme and Booborowie was getting £50 which amount would eventually reach £150. He had seen the Booborowie Church build and equip their chancel, which was paid off. He had received a letter from W.G. Hawkes that he had paid into Black Springs Church funds £100, which under the Endowment Scheme would eventually bring in £300 and he was told another person was giving £50 to Mt Bryan Church. The Church Choir was now going well.
54, 5, 1 Feb. 1933, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will offer for sale on 17 February five lots of property for Mr Isaac Tralaggan. [Details are then given of the land in the Hundreds of Kingston & Mongolata.]
Birth. At Sister Villis’s on 29 January to Mr & Mrs Roy Lloyd a daughter. [Claire]
Birth. At Sister Villis’s on 28 January to Mr & Mrs Alf Morgan of Ironmine a daughter, Heather Jean.
Gordon Bruff of Mt Bryan gained seven subjects with one credit at the recent Intermediate Exams.
Max Morton has consented to become Scoutmaster.
Obituary. Mr Whittney of West Croydon aged 61 died on 28 January. He was the father of Clarrie Whittney of Kooringa. [Born Frederick John Whittney 5 February 1872 Bassett Town Gawler.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Operations were largely suspended over the holidays.
The water tank is not entirely successful. The water is a dark amber and also froths like beer. The intake is also too small. The recent run-off caused a rise of only 20”.
Pexton’s claim has produced another 22oz.
Block 8. Driving off the leader south of the rise and under old workings has reached 18ft. Workings under the stope above have now stopped. Started to timber the 40ft shaft with intention to sink it further.
Porter’s Lagoon Sports struck wintry weather with showers and southwest wind. Despite this attendance was very good. There were no entrants in the ladies events, though Miss Joyce Wehrmann of Solomontown entered in the Allcomers event, but the cold caused her to succumb to cramp near the finishing line. Boating events were better patronised. There was a good effort from Mr M.J. Tiddy of Aberdeen in riding the sea horse and riding the greasy barrel on a greasy pole over water. There were many entries in sheaf-tossing, throwing the weight, etc. Six competitors tossed the sheaf over 34ft, which was the highest the bar could be set. The honours went to J. Vandaleur of Saddleworth. Dan Smith of Mintaro won the weight tossing. Results of events are printed.
54, 5, 1 Feb. 1933, page 3
Burra Amateur Swimming Club
On Saturday there was a good turn out. Though it was sunny it was cool, which kept all the females out of the water, but the male events in swimming and diving were well contested. M.J. Tiddy gave diving exhibitions from the steep cliffs. Much fun resulted from the duck hunt, the cork scramble and the balloon race. Results are printed.
Tennis. Mt Bryan 12-92 defeated Aberdeen 3-58
Kookaburra Assoc.
Spring Vale 6-60 defeated Paradise 6-56
Eden 8-61 defeated Burra High School 4-46
Burra Benevolent Society gave a farewell to Mrs Coles at Mrs Field’s on 27 January and the Mayoress presented Mrs Coles with a supper set.
Warden’s Court, 27 January (The first held in Burra)
T.M. Berry claimed H.W. Morgan & L. Motherall should forfeit their claim at Mongolata, as they had failed to work the claim and failed to report discovery of payable gold and Motherall had not applied for a gold lease as required by the Act.
Martin Berry gave evidence that the claim in the name of H.W. Morgan was not being worked in October 1932. He claimed to have an option over the three claims.
Otto Wilhelm Allanson also gave evidence of seeing no sign of recent work on Morgan’s claim.
Allan Edward Schneider did not see any work being done on Morgan’s claim.
Court was adjourned till 1 February.
Plus padding.
54, 5, 1 Feb. 1933, page 4
Padding.
54, 6, 8 Feb. 1933, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield (Reprinted from the Mail.)
The Chief-Secretary Mr Whitford reported visiting Mongolata and believing it to be a valuable gold mining proposition. He said about 100 men were employed and many reported excellent returns – several between £1,000 and £2,000 in two weeks.
In Mongolata the leads were from 6” to 6” and very irregular. It is not at present a good field for companies, but for prospectors it will pay. The southern end seems likely to be best. Much of the gold is in fine strings or little flakes. On the flat 12-ft below the surface alluvial gold at 7dwt to the ton has been found.
Obituary. T. Faul JP of Terowie has died. [Thomas Faul died 22 January 1933 at North Adelaide, residence Terowie aged 65.]
Rev. J.S.W. Coles has been given a public farewell at the Institute on 31 January. The Mayor & Mayoress greeted the guests and took them to the platform. Scouts and Rovers formed a guard of honour and Wold Cubs gave a war whoop when they reached the platform. The Mayor gave an address followed by Mr E.J. Davey. The Mayor particularly addressed Rev. Coles’ role with the Unemployment Committee of which he had been secretary. He also referred to his scouting commitment. Mr Davey referred particularly to Mrs Coles’ role at the Burra Benevolent Society.
Mr F.T. Sara spoke for the Institute Committee and the debating societies. Mr H.J. B. Jennison spoke for the RSL. A.B. Riggs represented the Burra School Committee of which Rev. Coles had been secretary. He was supported by the headmaster Mr A.P. Tuck.
Rev. H.S. Jarvis spoke for the Methodist Church, Mr E.F. Marston for the Bowling Club and the Red Cross Circle. Mr James Thomas spoke for the Benevolent Society and Mr F. Twist for the Scouting movement. The Mayor presented Mr Coles with a set of military brushes and Mrs Coles with a handsome salad bowl and case of spoons. Mr Coles’ response is reported at some length.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 13th stage of the Jennison Trophy in which best scores were by W.J. Ryan, J. Schwier and H.R. Woodman.
54, 6, 8 Feb. 1933, page 2
Notice. Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd is carrying out maintenance work for the period 11 February to 18 February and will be relying on one generating unit only. No problem is anticipated, but if lights dim consumers are requested to immediately reduce consumption, as this will indicate the generator has reached its load limit.
Advt. Seaside Trip Hallett to Semaphore, Saturday 25 February 1933.
Return tickets from Hallett and Mt Bryan: adults 8/6, children 4/3.
Return tickets from Burra & stations to Manoora: adults 7/6, children 3/9.
Departs Hallett 5.09 a.m. and departs Burra 5.50 a.m.
Departs Semaphore 8.05 p.m. arrives Burra 12.14 a.m. and Hallett 12.53 a.m.
Hon. S. Whitford Chief-Secretary visited Mongolata last Friday.
Rev. J.S.W. Coles made a gift of a solid brass cross for use in the Processional, before leaving Burra.
Warden’s Court.
T.M. Berry failed to appear when his name was called for the resumption of his case against Messrs H.W. Morgan & L. Motherall and consequently judgement was entered for the defendants with £19-5-0 costs against Berry.
54, 6, 8 Feb. 1933, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Hon. S. Whitford Chief-Secretary visited last Friday.
A group of alluvial miners last week found a spring of good water about 10ft down.
Mr McRostie found a death adder under loose earth on the floor of the shaft at Block 8 last week. As he and Mr Roberts had been groping around with their hands they both had a lucky escape from death.
The drawn out erection of the battery continues and the Minister now says it is about a month to the opening.
Byles’ GM Co. At 92ft the main drive south has advanced to 89ft in lode.
At 52ft the drive is at 78ft. Some rich ore has been got on the east side, but values generally are poor.
At 25ft one man is taking off leading stope. Values are poor.
Golden Harp. The present face is 9ft high in quartz and iron seams in bunches and veins with irregular patches of mullock. Work is not yet below surface capping.
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Eden 6-54 defeated Spring Vale 6-50
Paradise 8-66 defeated Hill View 4-47
Burra Assoc.
Kooringa II 10-86 defeated Kooringa I 5-63
Copperhouse 12-91 defeated Mt Bryan 3-61.
Black Springs Anglican Church farewelled Rev. J.S.W. Coles & Mrs Coles on29 January. Mr Coles goes to Salisbury.
Obituary. Mrs Hester Simmons died at Hallett 20 January. She was the second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Evan Jones and was born at Hampton 22 February 1862. Her mother was well known in Burra, having lived to be over 90. Hester was educated in Burra and married Charles Simmons when 23. They went to live at Hallett. Mr Simmons died 23 years ago. Five of six children survive: Miss Alice Simmons died 5 years ago. Survivors are: Miss Amy Simmons (Hallett), Mr A.R. Simmons (Hallett), Mr C.E. Simmons (Whyte Yarcowie), Mrs J.C. Dunstan (Yarcowie), Mrs T.P. Griffen (Mt Bryan). There are 6 grandchildren. Surviving brothers are Mr John Jones (Mannahill & late of Walker & Sons Kooringa) & Mr Lewis Jones (Broken Hill). Mrs H. Ullmann of Armidale WA is a sister.
Henry Shipway of 27 Paxton Square was 93 on Saturday last. He was born at Leighterton Gloucestershire 4 February 1840 and at an early age went to work for 1/6 a week. He migrated to SA aged 16 in 1856 and began driving bullocks at 8/- a week. At harvest he got £1 a week for cutting the crop with a sickle and threshing with a flail. He later worked on the railways at 6/- a day for construction work. He married at 25. In a depression he had a family of 5 to provide for and had to work at 3/- a day for a 10-hour day. Later he got a team of bullocks and carted fire wood and other timber to Mt Barker. He then took land at Hawker, but due to adverse seasons had to work for the Council and eventually had to give up the land. His wife died about 18 years ago and he came to Burra about then. He had eight daughters and three sons. Four daughters and one son have died. He goes to Adelaide twice a year. His mother lived to 92; though his father died at 60. He was not a smoker and while not a teetotaller was never drunk. For many years he was a member of the Salvation Army, but is now too deaf to attend.
54, 7, 15 Feb. 1933, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield
A.L. Walker cites a letter from Frank Treloar.
Treloar says he little thought that when Walker brought down a carload of books from the Burra Mine and when he (Treloar) got another load from the Mine Office, that they were saving the history of the mine for the state. And it will now live in book form at the Archives. The Directors of SAMA have also given the books they used.
James Pearse (of Jeffery Pearse’s family) and I (Treloar) went to the Archives on Monday and spent several hours wetting [sic: whetting] our curiosity. The Mine started in a small way in 1845. The first balance sheet in 1846 showed a primitive affair and yet they began as self-supporting and didn’t look back for many a long year. Before smelting began the ore went as fast as bullock team could cart it to Pt Adelaide and thence to Wales for treatment. In 1847 they started paying quarterly dividends of 200% or 800% p.a. This was not distributing sufficient of the profits and directors advised a payment of 1,000%.
‘I am pleased to see how well Mongolata Mines are moving along, and can imagine how excited Mr Frank Harris is – Frank Treloar.’
Walker continues – you can see how important Burra Mines were in those days when each £5 share returned £315.
He then describes the Mongolata geology. It is situated on the edge of the pre-Cambrian formation and breaks away to the Eastern Plain. The east edge of pre-Cambrian rocks also has the Adelaide Hills Mine, Ulooloo, Wadnaminga, Teetulpa and Olary gold deposits. He says in America the following of stringers was found to lead to rich pockets of ore which would pinch away, but eventually open out again. He advises all at Mongolata to follow all stringers, as they must eventually lead to gold deposits. There must also be plenty of alluvial gold, but in such an old deposit it is hard to say where water courses were hundreds of millions of years ago. A proper geological survey is needed to give more information concerning the lay of underlying rock beds.
54, 7, 15 Feb. 1933, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. are selling land on account of the estate of J.L. Steinke (dec.) in the Hundred of Hanson and the Town of Farrell’s Flat. [Details are printed.]
Advt. Bennett & Fisher & Coles Bros. Ltd are selling the estate of the late R. & A.P. Phillips at World’s End. [Details of land etc. in the Hundreds of Bright and Baldina are printed.]
Notice. Emily Ann Reed has applied to divorce James Reed, whose last known address was Beltana, on the grounds of desertion for over 5 years. [Emily Ann Josephs married James Reed 9 November 1903 at St Mary’s Kooringa. There were 4 children.]
Marriage. At Broxbourne Parish Church, Hertfordshire, England 24 December 1932
Edwin James Richards, youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs H. Richards of Bristol, married
Jean Isabel McLaren, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs J. McLaren of North Unley.
Rt Rev. Dr E. Thomas Bishop of Adelaide visited Kooringa on Monday on parochial matters.
Gordon Bruff has won an exhibition for his Intermediate results and will continue his studies at Burra High School. He previously won the Qualifying Exhibition while at Petherton School and came to Burra.
54, 7, 15 Feb. 1933, page 3
Weather. It has been hot. Saturday, Sunday & Monday were over 100°F. Official reading are not available for Burra, but unofficial shade readings were 106°F on Sunday and it was hotter on Monday.
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Eden 7-58 defeated Hill View 5-52
Spring Vale 7-58 defeated Burra High School 4-46
Kooringa Assoc.
Ironmine 11-89 defeated Kooringa I 3-65
Kooringa II 12-91 defeated Mt Bryan 3-62
Copperhouse 9-89 defeated Aberdeen 6-76
Burra Swimming Club. The weather has brought out many people to patronise the pool, including many ladies.
Bowls. At Kapunda on Saturday: Kapunda 123 defeated Burra 92.
Mongolata Goldfield
Block 8. Work has concentrated on sinking the top shaft deeper and has gone from 40ft to 50ft with no values.
Mining Prospectors’ Assoc. meeting 11 February
Roy Kirkham was elected Chairman, as the former Chairman has left the field.
Prospectors are asking for the establishment of a post office.
They regarded Mr Whitford’s statements encouraging individual prospectors and not companies as misleading and believe new arrivals would be disappointed.
They point out that new arrivals must pay for water carting and are limited to 20 gallons from the tank a week at 2/6 per 100 gallons.
For prospecting, water must come from dams, as the bore is being reserved for battery use.
All of which makes prospecting here far from easy. The view of the meeting was that the field is a company proposition.
Wildildie Claim. The northwest drive is now at 37ft on a small leader. The crosscut off the southwest drive is at 15ft with no values. The winze to 8ft struck good values, but soon cut out.
Have holed through to the surface with the rise giving good ventilation.
The Battery
Last week we heard the battery was ready for work and were surprised therefore when the Chief Secretary recently said it would be about a month. Rumour now says about a fortnight to allow for a grand opening and banquet in the Burra Institute – for reasons not apparent to those at the mine, though it is assumed it will aid the aspirations of some politicians. Some companies have decided not to participate.
54, 7, 15 Feb. 1933, page 4
Burra Town Council, 6 February
Kooringa Children’s Playground
F. Harris the Hon. Secretary of the committee says the committee had some years ago been offered a lease, but nothing had been finalised and they now thought it better if the Council took over control. The Mayor thought it for the best.
The Town Clerk said the committee had in hand about £1-17-6 and would use it to get the place clean and tidy for the handover. The request was agreed to.
T.P. Halls & Alex Bevan were granted town motor licences on the same basis as for 1932.
The Fire Brigade costs for the year are to be £78.
Various road and drainage matters were discussed.
The problem of parking cars on Frank Harris’s shop corner was raised and an inspection of the site decided upon.
Cr Jennison complained of people parking in front of street bowsers. He asked for a no parking sign to be painted on the road. This was left to the Inspector’s discretion.
The Mayor said revenue for the last 12 months at a 2/3 rate was £2,203.
He wanted to reduce rates, saying in 1932 maintenance cost £648 and unemployment relief £161, leaving about £1,500 for ‘overhead expenses’. He considered this too much. A considerable argument erupted, as part of those expenses was the lighting bill.
The Mayor then wanted to cut the Medical Officer’s salary from £50 to £25 – in fact they had had no report from him for 11 years and the post might be abolished.
This provoked a heated exchange in which the loud blustering of the Mayor eventually provoked sharp responses from Crs Dow, Sampson and Jennison.
Cr Dow felt he had been personally insulted and shouted down.
Cr Sampson found ‘too much personal bias’ and would ‘sooner stop at home than come here to a dogfight’. He accused the Mayor of not giving anyone ‘a chance to say a dashed word, you go on like a babbling brook, I’m sick of it’.
Cr Jennison thought they would get on better if the Mayor were ‘not so overbearing and treated us as reasonable men’.
The Mayor apologised.
The Councillors generally supported the need for a Medical Officer.
The Mayor then turned to the employees and suggested they did not need two hands, and Mr Voumard could be made a casual hand. Another altercation erupted during which the Mayor believed he had been insulted by the Town Clerk.
Finally Cr Dow moved for a ten-minute adjournment to allow tempers to cool.
After returning Cr Riggs then moved an adjournment for a week to allow the Town Clerk to get out all items of expenditure for consideration, but this was lost on the casting vote of the Mayor.
Cr Bevan then moved Mr Voumard be made a casual hand with preference when there was work to be done. Carried.
Cr Sampson said the Electric Supply Co. was already giving a price reduction and if they acted quietly they might be induced to do more.
Mayor: Ranger and Poundkeeper cost £36 p.a. for a return of £2.
Clerk: Poundkeeper gets 7/6 a week plus poundage fees. Council gets the fees from the Ranger.
Cr Sampson thought the Ranger worth all he got for the abuse he received, but he thought the Poundkeeper overpaid.
Clerk: It would take about a month to terminate his appointment.
The Poundkeeper is to be approached about some accommodation.
The Mayor said the Ranger was paid for 2 days a month at 10/6 a day.
Cr March thought a reduction was possible.
The Town Clerk thought that for night work he was not overpaid. No action.
The Mayor then sought to reduce the Town Clerk’s salary.
The Town Clerk said they had an agreement requiring six months notice of termination or change to salary.
The Mayor thought £274 p.a. too much for two days a week five hours a day (plus the assessment).
The Town Clerk said he worked five days a week. The two days were merely the office hours.
Cr Riggs moved that the Town Clerk be given six months notice.
Then an altercation erupted with some heat.
The Mayor offered 10/6 of his own for a solicitor to interpret the agreement with the Town Clerk.
Eventually Cr Sampson moved that the rate be left at 2/3, as a 1d cut would reduce income by £60 and they couldn’t afford that.
Local Board of Health
1 case of Scarlet fever was reported.
Mr Hill was re-appointed scavenger.
54, 8, 22 Feb. 1933, page 1
The RSL intends to hold a sports day on Anzac Day. Doug Keynes continues to collect wheat on behalf of Angorichina Hostel.
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Hill View 8-59 defeated Spring Vale 4-46
Paradise 7-60 defeated Burra High School 5-49
Kooringa Assoc.
Ironmine 9-82 defeated Mt Bryan 6-61
Copperhouse 10-87 defeated Kooringa II 5-76
Aberdeen 8-85 defeated Kooringa I 7-82
Burra Rifle Club shot the 14th stage of the Jennison Trophy at which best scores came from W.V. Bass, C.W. Pearce & H.H. Byles.
54, 8, 22 Feb. 1933, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. announce the mortgagee sale for 3 March on the property recently occupied by J. Allen adjoining the National Bank. Pt Allotments 81 & 82 in Hundred of Kooringa with a frontage to Market St of 79’2” varying to 79’9” at the back. Depth 219’1”. Including a shop with large sample room 48’ x 22’ with a small office in the corner. Shop in three compartments of which two measure 18’ x 18’. There is a small kitchen at the rear. The house is of seven rooms. Outbuildings comprise stables for two horses and a large shed suitable for a garage, another shed for three cars, all in stone and iron. Wash house and wood house in wood and iron. Underground cellar.
Advt. Official opening of Mongolata Battery by the Premier Hon. R.S. Richards at 2.30 p.m. Thursday 2 March.
Advt. CWA Continental at ‘Wahroonga’ residence of Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes. Burra Brass Band. Dance on lawn to follow.
Obituary. Louie Lambert, wife of Matthew Lambert, died at Burra Hospital 20 February.
[Born Louisa Lillywhite 27 January 1877 near Pt Wakefield: died Burra, residence Booborowie.]
Miss B.M. Dunstan of Burra High School staff for 2 years has been transferred to Woodville. Miss Coghlan will replace her.
Mongolata prospectors: F.W. Riley, R. Reynolds, T.P.A. Mundy & G. Garley write thanking the Mayor and others for clothing and food over Christmas.
Mongolata Goldfield
The battery started working this week and will be officially opened on Thursday 2 March.
Byles’ Gold Mining Co. At 92ft level the drive south is at 130ft in lode 3ft wide.
At 52ft level the drive south has reached 93ft on western leg to connect to old workings.
At 76ft started a winze and advanced 8ft with good gold in 3ft wide formation.
Golden Harp. Driven into hill 20ft. Sinking shaft in favourable position.
Kooringa Syndicate. 3 miles north of Byles’ in iron oxide, quartz and ironstone showing gold fairly freely.
Battery
Messrs Critchley, George & McHugh (MPs) write to quash ‘Dame Rumour’ and to say the battery would start as soon as it was ready and no political stunt was needed to gain kudos from the event.
Jack Parker, Overseer of the District Council of Burra, mentioned to us that gold had been found at Mongolata 25 years ago at least. A wandering shearer T. Hawkins brought in some in a strychnine bottle. It later sold for about £46. Lack of water and feed for his horse drove him off the find between Newikie Creek and Byles’ Mine.
Marriage. Mt Bryan Institute 16 February
Harold Edward Garrard, fourth son of Mr & Mrs H. Garrard of Watervale, married
Hannah Agnes Schoenburg, third daughter of Mrs & the late Mr G.H. Schoenburg of Mt Bryan.
Obituary. [Rev. Herbert Stanley Jarvis born 8 December 1876 Camberwell UK: died 18 February 1933 at Burra Mines, residence Kooringa.]
On Saturday Mr Jarvis who was a member of the Burra amateur Swimming Club went to the mine to timber over an old shaft which he thought could be made safer for children. He left home at 10 a.m. and said he would not be long: he had an appointment that morning with Rev. F.J. Barnes. At about 11.30 his hat and coat were noticed near the shaft. An hour later when Mrs Bence noticed the hat and coat still there she informed her husband and alerted Sgt McDonald of Redruth. Mr Bence got the help of Mr Hindle a Mongolata miner and Mr Trenwith another experienced miner and they went to the mine. Mr T.H. Villis went past with rope on his truck and joined the search. The body was discovered lying at the bottom of the shaft. Mr Trenwith was lowered and at 65ft reached the body. The air was very bad, but he was just able to attach a rope and return to the surface. The body was hauled up with the aid of some young men who had come for a swim. It is thought Mr Jarvis was nailing timber over the shaft and fell to his death which must have been instantaneous. The coroner T.H. Woollacott deemed an inquest unnecessary. Mr Jarvis was born at Camberwell on the Kent-Surrey border on 8 December 1876, the second son of E.S. Jarvis the managing director of the Illustrated London News and Sketch. He was educated at a private school and then came to Australia where he worked on a farm in the South East before taking land of his own. He became a local preacher and when about 21 accepted the call to the ministry from Rev. Dr G.E. Rowe of Perth and went to WA where he was sent to the goldfields and later was home missionary to men on the pipeline from Mundaring Weir to Kalgoorlie. On becoming a full minister he served in many parts of WA and later worked in the South Seas Mission and at Port Darwin. On 2 April 1908 he married Miss Treand Brinkman of Perth and worked in the Perth area. In 1916 he went to Fiji for seven years. In 1923 they returned to WA for two years and thence to Pt Darwin till 1931 when they came to SA in interest of his two young sons’ education and health. He was a great champion for Australian Aborigines. In 1931 he was appointed to Kooringa. For health reasons Mr & Mrs Jarvis were making preparations to leave Kooringa when the accident occurred. In his time in Burra he carried out his duties with thoroughness and dignity coupled with unselfishness, kindness and sympathy. In his time in WA he was associated with the Young Australia League. Here he has interested himself greatly in the young people of the parish, assisting with Junior Christian Endeavour & The Young People’s Social League. The funeral was very largely attended and about 80 cars took part. Rev. F.J. Barnes officiated. He is survived by a widow and two young sons: Max & Leonard. The Saturday afternoon bowls championship was postponed on hearing the news. The Town Council sent a letter of sympathy when they met on Monday. The Harvest Festival at Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday was cancelled and no services were held. Mr & Mrs Jarvis were to have celebrated their silver wedding on 2 April, the last Sunday they had expected to be in Kooringa.
54, 8, 22 Feb. 1933, page 4
Mostly padding.
54, 9, 1 Mar. 1933, page 1
Cricket. At Aberdeen on Saturday: Aberdeen 157 defeated Leighton 117.
Croquet. On Saturday Clare defeated Burra 2 games to 0.
Bowls. Burra 106 defeated Clare 89.
Burra Town Council, 21 February
The Chairman of the Burra School Committee writes thanking the Council for its help in connection with the school’s tennis courts.
W. Voumard wrote asking if as a casual hand his working hours would be from 7.30 to 5 p.m. as for other casuals. It was decided to pay him 11/9 a day instead of 10/6 whilst at work and he was to feed the horse on such days.
A deputation from the Burra Band did not appear due to the illness of Mr Murison.
The Mayor said the idea of extending the Rotunda would require the services of an architect.
Cr March moved it stand over till more particulars came to hand. Carried
T.L. Wilkinson submitted a report on tree planting.
The town suffered no problems from maintenance work at the Burra Electric Supply Co.
The poundkeeper has agreed to the pay of 5/- a week with Council to get the poundage fees.
£150 has been allocated to each ward.
Cr Bevan moved the allocation be as for 1932. Carried.
Various road, path and drainage matters were dealt with. Tenders are to be called for the crossings to be made at the saleyards.
54, 9, 1 Mar. 1933, page 2
Advt. Oates & Co. will sell the whole of Mrs J. Allen’s catering equipment on 10 March in the SAFU store.
Notice. I.C. Hall thanks past customers on his removal from the Burra District and hopes they will continue their patronage with his successor Mr M.R. Bristow from 1 March. Stan. Symons will be in charge of baking.
Mr Usher a student from Methodist Training College will take the place of Rev. H.S. Jarvis until Conference appoints a successor, though Rev. G.H. Pemberton of Payneham will officiate next Sunday when the postponed Harvest Festival will be held.
Mrs Launder aged 95 and a resident of Sunset Lodge Glenunga fell and broke a hip last week. She was long a resident of Burra.
Seaside Trip. The annual day at Semaphore on 25 February this year was in very good weather. Some 500 joined the train at Burra where extra carriages were added. When it left Manoora the total was about 740 plus infants. The Mayor of Pt Adelaide W.G. Gibb greeted the train at Semaphore. As usual at least half the travellers went into the city by the first train and after lunch many older folk went to the Botanic Gardens for the annual Burra reunion. Others visited the races or went to Glenelg. T.T. Shortridge (78) President of the Reunion greeted visitors at the gardens supported by Tom Nevin. The Mayor attended. About 100 people were disappointed at the station through not getting tickets in advance.
54, 9, 1 Mar. 1933, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
The battery is working well and will be officially opened tomorrow. Mr I.J. Warnes as Chairman of the Mt Bryan District Council issued invitations and acknowledgements of their coming have been received from Hon. R.S. Richards Premier of SA, District Members Messrs McHugh, George & Critchley, the Mayors and Councillors of the Burra Corporation and the Chairmen and Councillors of several District Councils.
Byles’ Mongolata GM will be open for inspection tomorrow. On their return to Burra the Ministerial party will be entertained at a dinner at the Burra Hotel by the Mayor and will later have a civic reception at the Burra Institute after which the Premier will speak. Byles’ Mongolata GM had ore treated last week and 50 tons 14 cwt yielded 52oz 19dwt 12gr; considered highly satisfactory.
Treatment of Villis & Co.’s ore was begun on Monday and we understand Wildildie comes next.
After the recent display of free gold from Pexton’s Takati claim last Wednesday saw the display of another lot from the Curlew Holding of Messrs Villis, Motherall, Morgan & Schwier.
Before Pexton & Sons held Takati we understand it to have been held by Albert H. Moore Sen. of Kooringa, Mr John Barker & Mr E. Thredgold, but development work was too much, as they also hold the adjoining claim. Previous to Moore taking it over it was held by Messrs Fairchild, Bowey, Stewart etc.
Block 8. Sinking of the top shaft continues to 61ft with a leader showing in the shaft. All ore now bagged is booked for crushing.
Tennis, Kooringa Assoc.
Copperhouse 9-81 defeated Ironmine 6-68
Kooringa II 9-75 defeated Aberdeen 5-70
Kooringa I 8-86 defeated Mt Bryan 7-78
Obituary. George Hann of Kooringa died 24 February after a short severe illness from kidney failure. He was born in Adelaide 25 March 1869 the youngest son of the late Asher Hann then residing on the corner of Currie St in the former home of the early SA Judge Cooper and Mr Hann is believed born in the room where the first death sentence was pronounced in SA. He was educated at Whinham College and later at Way College. He studied for law and later went to Victoria as managing clerk for various solicitors. On 6 September 1893 he married Miss Dora Schultz of St Arnaud Victoria. The family joined the gold rush to Coolgardie and [he] wrote the first official history of that place, afterwards holding the position of Government draughtsman. He was a gifted penman and artist. He produced the illuminated address sent by the citizens of Perth to Queen Victoria on her Diamond Jubilee and also did one in Chinese for the Chinese citizens of Perth for presentation to the Duke and Duchess of York on their visit. He had produced a number of illuminated addresses presented in Burra. In the war many of his drawings were auctioned on the Bugler system to raise patriotic funds. He was a noted musician and composer and a producer of plays and musicals: many in Victoria including HMS Pinafore and Maritana before the Earl of Hopetoun Governor of Victoria. In Adelaide when young he appeared at Garner’s Theatre and the old Academy of Music. After six years in WA the family returned to SA. In the meantime Mrs Hann died and in 1911 he remarried Miss Mabel Hoffman of Oakleigh Victoria and soon after they moved to Balaklava SA and in 1915 to Burra where he acted as manager for Blight & Blight solicitors. He was then briefly in partnership with his son-in-law Mr H.J. Button of Kooringa and for some time has carried on various agencies and other business with his son Mr Nelson Hann. In Burra he has helped in many causes, especially in a musical way and has at times been secretary of the Burra Racing Club, Burra Bowling Club, Burra Sporting & Athletic Club & the Burra High School Council. He was also a member of the Boy Scout movement and a JP. He was a member and lay reader of the Anglican Church and a member of the choir. The funeral on Saturday was largely attended. Rev. J.S.W. Coles of Salisbury, but late of St Mary’s Burra officiated. He is survived by his widow and from his first family: Martin (Jack), Nelson, Mrs C. Prowse of Adelaide & Mrs H.J. Button of Kooringa and from the second marriage, Bill, Laurie, George & Joan. There are two granddaughters.
Edlie Thomas recently took a man out to a hut on his property at Ulooloo. In the night the man was woken with something tickling his ear. On getting up and finding a light he discovered a black snake coiled on his pillow with a rat halfway down its gullet. The tickling had been from the rat’s tail.
54, 9, 1 Mar. 1933, page 4
Padding.
54, 10, 8 Mar. 1933, page 1 & 4
Mongolata Goldfield
On Thursday 2 March the Premier Hon. R.S. Richards opened the Mongolata Battery. Over 300 people attended.
About four years ago it is stated that an old prospector called Teddy Bywaters pegged out a claim and started prospecting. He found gold, but apparently went no further and left the spot. Harry Byles then took up the claim and after hard work found more gold and so began the enterprise that has grown to today’s field. Many people were derisive as to the value of the field. Many drawbacks were cited, especially the lack of water, but a diviner had found a supply and a bore put down and a catchment was recently made. The lack of food was overcome by Mr W. Carpenter’s Eating House.
There are now numerous quaint little dugouts in the gully-sides along with many tents, shacks and huts. Some men have wives and children with them. Some buildings are quite comfortable, including Mr Carpenter’s and the residence of the manager of Byles’ Mongolata GM. The feeling of the field is of a bright future.
The first crushing from Byles’ GM Co. was 52oz 19dwt 29gr from 50 tons.
The second crushing from Curlew claim some 3⁄4 mile south of Byles’ returned 239oz 16dwt 6gr from 15 tons 15cwt.
[A list of some of those present is then printed. Some were old Burraites.]
I.J. Warnes spoke first as Chairman of the Mt Bryan DC. He welcomed the visitors. He said he was one of the first members of the DC 35 years ago and Chairman for 30 years. The first meeting had been near Mr Oates’ house. There had been a strong disagreement in Council and one of the disputants was F.T. Jones who lived near where they stood. As a result Mt Bryan was the only DC in SA with only one Councillor in each ward. Mt Bryan was named for a pioneer named Bryan who had disappeared with his team in the early days and never returned.
[Actually Henry Bryan was a member of Governor Gawler’s exploration party who was lost in the bush on 15 December 1839. The name of the mount was bestowed on 12 December 1839. See Manning: Place Names of South Australia.]
Harry Byles had discovered the gold at Mongolata. He had known Harry Byles for 40 years and employed him for 20. He was an honest and straight person. Originally the mine started as a syndicate for about 6 months and he [Warnes] had taken the first share. A company was then formed. He felt sure they could find water and their first idea was to erect a battery themselves (two votes for and three against), but he was sure the public battery was a better solution. He congratulated Dr Ward on the fine battery. The company had been responsible for the bore. For a time the men were on day work and after a time they wanted shorter hours and more money. There were 11 men and they went out on strike. They had been getting 10/6 to 12/6 a day and the company’s bill was £110 a fortnight. Men could not expect too much in the start-up phase of mining. At present the union had a log for 17/- a day which would drive away private capital. The owners were attempting to formulate a reasonable arrangement until the mine was proved. With respect to the report of poor quality of water in the tank, the Council would not act on hearsay, had they sent a sample to the Council’s Health Officer it would have been tested.
Up to now 1,500oz of gold had been produced worth £9,000 (at £6 an oz). The field had been discovered in October 1930 and there were c. 500 tons of ore at grass. Several mines were showing real promise.
He congratulated Mr Grundy the manager of the battery on the job he had done. He also thanked the Morgan family for their generous help in the development of the field.
Mr Woollacott mayor of Burra then spoke.
He congratulated Mr Richards on becoming Premier. He thought that the future would justify all that had been done for the field. In February 1931 there were about 50 men on rations in Burra and they had asked him for some support. On 13 May the Burra Record had published an encouraging report of the field saying they believed in 12 months there would be a small town and battery there and this came to be almost literally correct. The Mines Department furnished aid in the form of tools, wire rope and other aid after a report on 28 August 1931. Dr Ward and Mr Gepp then reported on the field that Government assistance was justified and 500 gallons of drinking water was sent out every week from Burra. In February 1932 the Engineer-in-Chief and the Commissioner of Public Works visited and were asked to put down a water catchment for rain water and that had since been completed. After a visit by the Premier Hon. Lionel Hill on 16 June 1932 a battery had been granted and there was little doubt the field would now prosper. In closing he thanked C.A.S. Hawker and Senators Daly and O’Halloran for their help in getting military boots, clothes and blankets provided for the men.
Cr J. Kellock represented Burra DC. He urged all to go through Byles’ Mine while it was open, as the field suffered from a lack of publicity. People in WA knew more about Mongolata than did those in Adelaide. The road to Mongolata through the DC of Burra needed making, but they had received only £130 for 21⁄2 miles and not much could be done with that.
The Premier was called upon to open the battery.
He was not going to make promises concerning funding. The Department would give due consideration to requests and answers would depend on merit. While sympathising with Mr Warnes dilemma over miners’ pay he should consider the risks miners ran. Scientists had found that ground up quartz lodged in the lungs and as a result the average length of a miners’ life was 45 years. He did not claim to be an expert, but thought he was giving practical help when he arranged for men on rations on the fields to receive an extra meat ration. The function of a Government battery is to treat bulk parcels of ore at reasonable cost which may lead to mines getting their own batteries later and it supplies a facility for mines not big enough to install their own. It is to encourage development in small fields and mines yet to prove themselves that the Government maintains batteries at Mt Torrens, Peterborough, Tarcoola and now Mongolata. Like the Tarcoola battery this one is right on the field itself to spare cartage costs. While there are other applicants for processing any one source will be limited to 50 tons.
[He then elaborated on more technical details of how the battery would operate, why variations in value per ounce must be expected and other variations in output and also how the bullion could be disposed of.]
Mongolata ore treated at Peterborough had totalled 198 tons 11 cwt and had yielded 863oz 10dwt 13gr and was valued at £3,384-2-8 (without the premium).
He thanked the Commonwealth for the funds to install the battery and cyanide plant – in all the expenditure was about £3,000. The Commonwealth Unemployment Relief Council had recommended the expenditure.
The first crushing of 50 tons 14 cwt yielded 52oz 19dwt 2gr.
The second of 15 tons 15 cwt had yields 239oz 16dwt 6gr.
Gold in the tailings had not been ascertained.
Mr McHugh MLA moved a vote of thanks to the Premier and also to Dr Ward & Mr Grundy. He was seconded by Mr George MP.
Dr Ward & Mr Grundy responded and Mr Critchley MP moved a vote of thanks to Mr Warnes.
In the evening the Mayor entertained about 80 guests at Burra Hotel and the speeches are reported in a little over 1 column. This was followed by a civic reception at the Institute.
The Premier’s speech on this occasion being largely political with an election coming soon and with references to the policy speech delivered on Tuesday evening at Kapunda by the Leader of the Opposition. The speeches are reported in somewhat over 2 columns, but reflect state and national issues rather than specifically local matters.
54, 10, 8 Mar. 1933, page 2
Obituary. Clare Jane Work, relict of Thomas Work of Aberdeen died on 3 March at Hill River, Clare aged 79. [Born Jane Langley 19 March 1853, District of Adelaide. See more at 54, 11, 15 March 1933, page 3.]
Birth. At Sister Villis’s on 4 March to Mr & Mrs Godfrey Williams of Booborowie a son, Robert Eric.
Weather. Light rain on Saturday brought 28 points locally and extended to the east.
J.A. Down of Adelaide, a digger, will deliver an illustrated lecture on the AIF in the Great War at the Burra Institute 8 March using an epidiascope.
N. Hiles Pearse has produced two pumpkins of 40 & 45lbs, which are on view this week in our window before going on to the Burra Hospital.
Kooringa Methodist Church Harvest Festival was held last Sunday and offertories for the day were c. £25. Rev. Pemberton of Payneham was due to officiate, but was indisposed and Rev. A.E. Bottrill of Broken Hill took his place. Burra Brass Band attended the evening service.
54, 10, 8 Mar. 1933, page 3
The CWA Continental at ‘Wahroonga’ on 2 March was a great success. The Burra Brass Band attended. The program is reviewed in c. 11⁄2 columns. The proceeds were highly satisfactory.
Burra Rifle Club sent a team to the Country Teams Championship at Pt Adelaide 25 February and they came third behind Langhorne’s Creek and Gawler.
The 2nd stage of the local Championship was fired last Saturday and best scores came from R. Nutt, H.H. Byles & J. Schwier.
Tennis and Bowls games were abandoned last Saturday due to the rain.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ GM Co. At 92ft level the south drive has reached 165ft on a 3ft wide lode. At 131ft better values began and have improved. There are very rich seams in the last 7ft.
The crosscut east at 124ft has extended to 40ft with traces of gold in the last 15ft.
At 52ft level the winze was sunk 7’6” to 15’6” on gold-bearing formation and then opened out on the south side and crosscut east 19ft: fine gold found at 11ft.
Developments at the 92ft level are most promising.
First 50 ton 14cwt crushed at the battery yielded 52oz 19dwt 12gr or 10oz 0dwt 20gr per ton which was highly satisfactory.
The mine was open for inspection on 2 March and about 200 people inspected it.
Golden Harp lease. Shaft now at 16’6” and logged up. The quartz and iron reef cut out at 13ft. Will continue sinking to cut veins exposed to the north.
54, 10, 8 Mar. 1933, page 4
LCL Burra Women’s Branch
Mrs I.J. Warnes introduced C.A.S. Hawker MHR as speaker. He thanked people who helped with the recent bushfire at Canowie and spoke on the Mongolata battery. He helped get the Commonwealth Grant for it in the middle of 1932. He did not understand why the delay was so long. The rest of the speech runs for about 1 column and deals with the coming state election and LCL policy.
54, 11, 15 Mar. 1933, page 1
“Annual Elections”
Actually a report of a political meeting in the Institute on 9 March at which LCL candidates for the State Elections presented their views. The Mayor introduced Messrs G.F. Jenkins, A.J. Melrose & A.D. McDonald. The report runs over 3 columns. [The heading is presumably a reference to the frequency of changing Premiers in 1933 with Lionel Hill leaving office 13 February and now R.S. Richards facing an election he was destined to lose, giving way to R.L. Butler on 18 April.]
Burra Town Council, 6 March
Cr Jennison was in the chair in the absence of the Mayor.
Tenders were received for two culverts in Aberdeen across the creek: one near Mr Short’s and one near Drew & Crewes’ Bilk Store. P.J. Harrison tendered £16-17-0 each and Roy Woollacott £21-15-0 each. After discussion the tenders went to Harrison.
A minute of appreciation was recorded for the fine report on tree planting from T. Wilkinson.
Work on the Adelaide road was proceeding satisfactorily.
Cr Bevan thought the other wards should aid North Ward in the cost of the two culverts giving access to the saleyards. It was a benefit to the whole town, but not specifically to North Ward ratepayers.
Cr March was opposed, Cr Jennison supported, Cr Riggs was opposed on the basis of the cemetery road and because East Ward paid more rates than any other. Eventually it was resolved that the sum would be taken from the Government Grant.
54, 11, 15 Mar. 1933, page 2
Mongolata Goldfield
The paper prints a paragraph complaining at the lack of publicity for the Mongolata Goldfield in the Adelaide press, despite its claims producing up to 15-16oz per ton. It contrasts with all the hype printed over ‘The Granites’, which produced virtually no gold.
The paper also noted that Mr Richards, then Minister for Mines, managed to give £10,000 to Wallaroo for copper promotion in a year when copper could not be sold and when Mongolata had been substantially responsible for SA having its highest gold production since 1919.
Gold is not confined to one claim at Mongolata. Pexton’s also has rich ore at grass. At Curlew £1,800 worth has been obtained in four months and Wildildie and others are making progress. Why the pendulum has swung in favour of aiding copper when there is no copper market is a mystery.
Mr G.E. Down of Adelaide drew only a small audience to his illustrated lecture on the war at the Institute on 8 March.
A Rev. H.S. Jarvis memorial service was held at Kooringa Methodist Church last Sunday. The church, which holds about 500, was filled. Rev. F.J. Barnes of Redruth conducted the service. There was an enlarged choir of 35 under Mr Dane.
54, 11, 15 Mar. 1933, page 3
Pexton’s Takati Gold Mining Co. N.L. published its prospectus.
Nominal capital of £75,000 in shares of 10/- each. 35,000 fully paid go to the vendors.
40,000 are offered for subscription at 2/6 on application plus 2/6 on allotment and the balance in calls as required, but not at more than 6 per share per month.
75,000 in reserve.
Provisional directors: A.E. Hamilton Chartered Accountant of Adelaide
Sydney Rymill Pastoralist of Adelaide
William Pexton Mine Owner of Belair
V.M. Newland Stockbroker of Adelaide
A report on the mine is appended from Wilton Hack the manager of Byles’ GM Co.
Samuel Baker of Redruth turns 93 on 17 March. Mrs Baker will also turn 93 this year.
Tennis, Burra Assoc.
Kooringa I 9-85 defeated Kooringa II 6-77
Aberdeen 9-80 defeated Ironmine 6-69
Copperhouse 12-89 defeated Mt Bryan 3-45
Kookaburra Assoc.
Paradise 7-56 defeated Spring Vale 5-59
Mongolata Goldfield
Takati GM (Pexton’s) has opened four parallel gold-bearing reefs in a width of 45ft. The full width of the lode has not yet been determined. Some reefs have been proved to 100ft.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. Very rich gold has been struck in the winze from 52ft level at about 68ft driving south.
Block 8. Top shaft now sunk to 71ft, leader still going down with sinking. No values.
Wildildie. Northwest drive has been extended to 52ft with no gold in leader for last few feet.
Crosscut off southeast drive now at 21ft with no reef.
North of old open cut a man is trenching the cap of the reef, but so far no values.
South drive off the bottom of the winze has been extended to 18ft with no values in the last few ft.
Started crosscut west of main south drive & in 9ft having cut two small veins with no values.
Obituary. Mrs C. Leslie Phillips died at her residence in Kooringa on 12 March aged 23 after a long illness. She was born Miss Ryan. [Born Catherine Ellen Ryan 8 August 1909 in the Hundred of Black Rock Plain.]
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Work who died at Clare on 3 March was a long-time resident of Booborowie where her husband was a farmer before retiring to Aberdeen. Mr Work died 4 July 1931. His widow only went to Clare a few months ago. A family of seven children survive: Mesdames W. Pryde, R. Pryde & W.H. Reynolds, all of Booborowie and Messrs James, W. & F. Work also all of Booborowie as well as Mr John Work of New Zealand. There are a number of grandchildren.
[Born Jane Langley 19 March 1853, District of Adelaide.]
Obituary. Mr William Neville died in Adelaide last week. For many years he had kept the Royal Exchange Hotel in Aberdeen [1891-98] and most of his family were born there. He was aged 74. He is survived by his widow born Miss Annie Gentle. [This was corrected in the next issue on 22 March to: born Miss Annie Syme.] [William George Neville died 9 March 1933 at Prospect. The above is misleading in that he was at the Court House Hotel 1884-1890 and his children were born between 1884 and 1901: the first three at Redruth and the last two at Aberdeen, so most were born while he was running the Court House Hotel. He was a Burra Town Councillor 1903-07.]
54, 11, 15 Mar. 1933, page 4
T.L. Wilkinson MSc, BScF, Senior District Forest Officer Rhodesia
His report on tree planting in Burra is printed in c. 21⁄2 columns. He outlines the choice of site, soil preparation, planting method and pruning advice. He includes a list of trees suitable for planting in Burra.
Burra Burra Show Inc. AGM 6 March with President I.J. Warnes in the chair.
Elections: same officers returned unopposed.
In the past year the deaths of T. Sandland a past President, James Reed and W.J. McBride deprived the society of three staunch supporters.
The dog trials were held on 1 & 2 April, but the flower and poultry shows held at the same time were not a success. Though the dog trials are not a financial success we will continue with an aim at minimal loss.
Membership numbers have risen.
The show on 26 October was held in doubtful weather, but the gate was better than last year. Sheep could have been better represented. Cattle numbers were up. Wool was a fine exhibition.
The budget was balanced. The year’s transactions showed a profit of £33. The society paid off a debenture of £5 to the President and one of £10 to the estate of T.H. Sandland.
Elected: Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, S.H. Robinson & A.B. Riggs and Secretary, Mr Edwards.
54, 12, 22 Mar. 1933, page 1
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 15 March
Hedley Stockman, son of Mr & Mrs Murray Stockman of ‘Shafton’ married
Xenia Thamm, daughter of Mrs & the late Mr Thamm of Aberdeen.
Mr & Mrs W.H. Quinn were farewelled from Mt Bryan on Friday 17 March.
Croquet. At Leighton on Saturday: Leighton defeated Aberdeen by 1 point.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 15th stage of the Jennison Trophy on Saturday. H.L. Riggs and W. Woodmen had the best scores.
54, 12, 22 Mar. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute 5 April. The Blind Orchestra of the Royal Institution for the Blind.
Dance to follow.
F. Twist manager of the National Bank in Kooringa has been transferred to Hindmarsh and expects to leave after Easter.
Salvation Army. The Harvest Festival was held on 12 March conducted by Captain and Mrs J.H.S. Faulds. It was excellently attended despite Rev. Jarvis’s memorial service being the same Sunday.
The festival continued on Monday 12 March when the Aberdeen Choir under Mr L. Thomas attended. The festival raised £19. [Personal interest: Mr Clarrie Fuss entertained with a piano solo all the more appreciated because of the slight indisposition of the piano and later in the program Mr R. Fuss sang The Sinner and the Song.
Mongolata Goldfield
[Byles’ GM Co.] At the 92ft level the drive south advanced to 176ft in formation. Rich seams have now pinched to a thread and values are low. A rise started at 81ft to connect with the winze from 52ft level has been completed.
52ft level winze number 3 has been connected to the 92ft level. The south drive of this winze was extended 11ft on formation 9” and a good patch of 60oz of gold was encountered.
Stoping was started above this level, but values are low.
Golden Harp. Shaft has been sunk 16ft to 32’6” and close timbered to 28ft: ground broken and loose.
Mongolata South GM Co. has taken over a claim 200 yards south of Pexton’s Takati and prospecting has begun. A nice 6” seam has been opened. Syndicate shares are offered at £5 fully paid and the prospectus can be seen at the office of the secretary, Graham Dow.
54, 12, 22 Mar. 1933, page 3
Tennis, Kooringa Assoc.
Copperhouse 10-76 defeated Aberdeen 5-68
Kooringa II 10-89 defeated Mt Bryan 5-73
Kooringa I 12-91 defeated Ironmine 3-56
Kookaburra Assoc.
Hill View 9-63 defeated Paradise 3-42
Spring Vale 7-54 defeated Eden 5-48
Redruth Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival 19 March.
Congregations were large and offertories for the day exceeded £15. Rev. B.S. Howland of Spalding officiated. At the afternoon service the cantata Rolling Seasons was given.
[Personal interest: R. Fuss was one of the soloists.]
On Monday a concert was held in the Memorial Sunday School which ended with a farewell to Rev. F.J. & Mrs Barnes who are moving to Blackwood.
Mr M.G. Culley spoke for Hanson.
Mr M.J. Morton spoke as Superintendent of Redruth Sunday School.
Mr L. Thomas spoke for the choir.
Mrs H. Jennison represented the Ladies Guild and the Foreign Missions auxiliary.
Mr W.H. Lloyd spoke on behalf of Ironmine.
Mr Jennison expressed the feelings of the congregation.
Mr J. Arthur Riggs represented the Kooringa Church.
Presentations were then made. Rev. Barnes will be followed by Rev. Neil.
54, 12, 22 Mar. 1933, page 4
Padding.
54, 13, 29 Mar. 1933, page 1
Marriage. St Brendan’s Mt Bryan 28 February
John Lawrence Quinn, youngest son of Mr & Mrs W.H. Quinn of Mt Bryan, married
Margaret Doreen Mannion, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs B. Mannion of Willalo.
Ironmine Wesley Club re-opened for 1933 on Thursday. 83 attended. The meeting was also a farewell for Rev. & Mrs Barnes and the presentation of a wallet of notes was made.
Burra Town Council, 20 March
Concreting required on the bridge near Mr Short’s at Aberdeen is to be done.
Cr Sampson gave notice to rescind the motion making Mr Voumard a casual worker. He said the situation was awkward as Voumard now had to see to the horse practically in his own time.
The Mayor said a casual hand could be put to any work. Ward balances were nearly exhausted. Voumard was paid 11/9 a day, which was 1/3 extra for feeding the horse. It was a problem where they would get money from to pay the men for the next nine months.
Mrs Steven applied for permission to erect sheds to keep pigs in Aberdeen and apologised for having already erected them.
The Inspector said he had been favourably impressed with the arrangements. Cr Bevan said he understood she had been granted permission to erect the sheds elsewhere and thought she could move them to her own property. The Mayor disliked the site on hard rising ground with a house below. In the end the permission sought was granted.
54, 13, 29 Mar. 1933, page 2
Mrs H. Stanley Jarvis left Kooringa on Monday for her new home at St Peters.
Mrs Catherine Woollacott of Redruth the mother of the Mayor is 76 today. She was born at sea on the Carnatic and named Catherine Frances Carnatic Young as a consequence. She is the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Young of Aberdeen. Young St is named after her father.
Bowling. On Saturday Clare 119 defeated Burra 81.
Croquet. At Clare on 25 March Clare won the encounter.
Aberdeen Croquet Club defeated Leighton 2 matches to nil when the latter visited on 24 March.
Obituary. Mrs A. Billing of Cockburn died at Burra Hospital on 23 March aged 62. As a young woman she had lived with her mother in Kooringa. A son lives at Booborowie. She is survived by a widower and grown-up family. [Alice Maud Billing. Death registration cites Olary as her home.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew Claim reports a find of about 30oz of rich free gold. One piece is a little over 3oz. Recent gold from Curlew was 23 carat and the claim is now being developed.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. is having a big crushing this week and a quantity of Takati ore, its first, is also due to go through.
54, 13, 29 Mar. 1933, page 3
Mrs Jarvis was accorded a farewell in the Kooringa Methodist Hall and apart from Kooringa friends it was strongly attended by representatives from World’s End, Redruth, St Joseph’s, St Mary and the Salvation Army. John drew spoke for the Sunday school, Miss G. Pearce for young people, Mrs Clem Pearce for the Ladies’ guild and Foreign Missions’ Auxiliary and Mrs Clem Sampson for the congregation before handing over a substantial roll of bank notes.
Indoor Bowls held its AGM at St Mary’s Hall on 18 March. Elected: Chairman, R. Motley; Minute Secretary, Joff Hill and Secretary, P. Rule.
Tennis, Kookaburra Assoc.
Hill View 10-63 defeated Eden 2-51
Burra Assoc.
Kooringa I 9-87 defeated Copperhouse 6-76
Kooringa II 9-77 defeated Ironmine 6-75
Plus padding.
54, 13, 29 Mar. 1933, page 4
State Elections. PLP candidates addressed electors in Market Square on Friday evening: E. George, J. Critchley & S. McHugh. Mayor T.H. Woollacott presided. Speeches are reported in just less than three columns.
54, 14, 5 Apr. 1933, page 2
Mr & Mrs L. Jarrett who have lived in Kooringa for some time are leaving this week for Renmark. Mrs Jarrett was Miss Sibly Sampson, daughter of the late Mr & Mrs George Sampson.
Rev. Hutchenson [sic] has been appointed to the Kooringa Methodist Church and will begin with his first service on 16 April. [From the next issue he is Hutchinson.]
Dog Poisoning is occurring again in the town. Baits have been found in Kingston St and in backyards. The danger to young children who might handle a bait is real as they contain strychnine. Those who have lost dogs include M-C G. Robinson, Mr Joe Byrne & Mr A.L. Bence.
Olive Bence writes about the dog poisoning stressing its inhumane aspect, as the dogs die in extreme agony.
‘Though so many of us know who is working in the dark, we cannot openly accuse until we are able to furnish the law with more proof than we are at present able to do.’
‘Has he stopped to think of the danger to children who might unthinkingly handle one of the poisoned baits?’
A.L. Bence also writes expressing his grief at the loss of his dog and calling the poisoner a swine.
‘A Mother’ writes protesting the presence of a publican’s booth at the RSL sports on 29 April.
54, 14, 5 Apr. 1933, page 3
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
Kooringa I 8-77 defeated Kooringa II 7-67.
Kookaburra Assoc.
Burra High School 6-57 defeated Paradise 6-55.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. At 92ft level south drive has reached 163ft and started a rise to test a gold-bearing formation. Values low.
At 52ft level south drive has extended to 84ft with little gold. South drive off No. 3 winze extended to 28ft following a gold-bearing seam 18” wide. Stoping from four faces above the 52ft level: three in low grade ore. The 6cwt side-tipping truck in use on the 52ft level saves a lot of handling.
A new air main has been laid from the compressor throughout, which gives better pressure to machines. So far no defined lode disclosed and values are erratic.
Golden Harp. Shaft to 44’6” and close timbered. Expect to open cut at end of coming week.
Wilton Hack, manager.
Gold at Hanson? We have been told claims are being pegged near Gum Creek. The nature of the ore has not been disclosed: we hope it is gold.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 29 March
Ilah Parks, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Harry Parks of ‘Rose Cottage’ Kooringa, married
W.J. Coles, only son of Mr George Coles and the late Mrs Coles of Mile End.
Miss J. Bowen who has lived for many years with her sister Mrs J. Killicoat leaves today for Renmark. She was given a farewell hosted by Rev. Father Morrissey at the Presbytery on Monday evening.
Croquet. Kooringa defeated Leighton at Leighton on Wednesday, but the honours were split with Eudunda 1 game each.
Bowls. Burra defeated Eudunda 77.
54, 14, 5 Apr. 1933, page 4
Padding.
54, 15, 12 Apr. 1933, page 1
Advt. You can now fill up with COR petrol from the pump at Kooringa Service Station next to the Burra Hotel.
Tennis. Burra Lawn Tennis Association. The premiership was won by Copperhouse.
Copperhouse 9-77 defeated Kooringa I 6-76.
[Note that throughout the year this has generally been referred to as the Kooringa Assoc. and sometimes as Burra Assoc.]
Kookaburra Assoc. first semi-final was played at Burra High School 8 April.
Spring Vale 6-56 defeated Paradise 6-54.
54, 15, 12 Apr. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Burra Show Inc. Sheep Dog Trials Friday 21 & Saturday 22 April.
Horses in action on Saturday afternoon 22 April.
Advt. Mr A. d’Vine, Veterinarian, has commenced the practise of his profession in Burra
c/o Mrs Morrison Mt Pleasant Kooringa.
Harry (Wib) Vivian, grandson of the late Harry Vivian formerly of the Commercial Hotel and Burra’s first sailor in the Great War, visited Burra last week. After the war he took up pastoral country near Quorn.
Rev. & Mrs Hutchinson arrived in Burra on Tuesday.
Weather. A gale on Monday created a dust storm which raged all morning. Later the wind changed, the dust abated and an electrical storm delivered a few drops of rain.
Alex Kotz of Bright had his thigh broken when a Jersey bull charged him on his horse on 30 March. He was unseated in the second charge and only saved from further damage because his dog and horse stood between the bull and him. He was rescued by his brother Norman and Bert Finch who heard the noise.
The Royal Institution for the Blind Concert drew a fairly good audience on Wednesday. The takings from entry and competitions raised £22. The performance deserved a full hall.
Burra Rifle Club has decided to replace its usual Open Prize Shoot on Anzac Day with an Allcomers Handicap Match.
54, 15, 12 Apr. 1933, page 3
Fires. A devastating fire started on the west side of the Camel’s Hump and swept through part of the Leighton area last Monday, burning all the stubble, grass and fences on several properties. Conditions were similar to those of the 1919 fire. Improved fire fighting equipment helped check the fire this time and it was brought under control on the northern end of Mr Keith Dunstan’s property of Gum Creek South. Landholders affected were Messrs Max Jacka, H.W. Player, Sid Pearce, V. Brabich, V. Porter, S. Sanderson, T.J. Canny, A.S. Sommerville, K.A. Duncan & Jesse Humphrys. [A ‘Thanks’ notice in the paper of 19 April adds Alan G. Drew.] The fire area was about 10 miles x 1 mile and about 6,000 acres were burnt. Other landowners were affected, but their names have not come to hand. Stubble burning was the alleged cause. Grass cinders reached Burra 16 miles away.
Another fire began accidentally at Booborowie on T.J. Bailey’s property.
At Canowie Mr Hatchard lost 2 tons of lucerne and 2 haystacks.
At Spalding there was another outbreak and again burning stubble has been blamed.
Indoor Bowls this year will comprise two Oddfellows teams, two Methodist teams and one from St Mary’s.
M-C Geoffrey Webster at Aberdeen for the past 5 years has been transferred to the city and was farewelled on Friday. The Mayor presented him with a silver cake basket. His replacement will be M-C Veitch from Balaklava.
Mongolata Goldfield
Wildildie GM. No values found in the rise back of the northwest drive or north of the open cut.
Shaft sunk to 16ft on the east side of the open cut and drive to 11ft towards open cut reef.
The crosscut off the main south drive extended to 31ft with no values.
Values found in the new reef on the surface on the middle boundary of the two leases and a shaft will be sunk there.
A. d’Vine writes of the danger of laying poison baits in and around towns. The baits used recently have contained a large dose of strychnine. It is in crystalline form and will lie around undissolved for months, requiring strong acid to attack it. An emetic should be administered in attempting to save any dog affected.
Bowls. T.H. Woollacott won the singles handicap.
Mr Rosman won the consistency trophy.
Play for the championship continues.
The Royal Institution for the Blind Concert at Leighton Hall on Monday raised £10-16-6.
Football. Aberdeen Football Club met at the Royal Exchange Hotel on Thursday and elected: Patron, T.H. Woollacott; President & Chairman, A. Ratcliffe.
[Personal interest: the long string of Vice-Presidents included R. Fuss, who is probably more likely to have been Eric Russell than Lawrence Robert.]
Obituary. Frank Symons, eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs William Symons of Burra & Broken Hill, died from heart failure suddenly on 6 April aged 58. He married Miss L. Lihou of Kooringa. He was born at Burra. [Francis Symons born 1 December 1874 at Kooringa: died at Broken Hill.]
Obituary. Mrs I.J. Goodridge of Booborowie died 3 April after a long illness. She was 77.
[Born Mary Ann Hutchins 9 November 1855 Hutt River SA: died at Booborowie.]
Obituary. Wilton Hack who has been manager of Byles’ GM Co. Mongolata died suddenly at his home at Lower Mitcham on 10 April aged 55. He had only left Mongolata last Wednesday for medical treatment, anticipating a fortnight’s absence from work.
SA Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals writes concerning dog poisoning, saying it is offering a £5 reward. The letter concludes with a description of symptoms and remedies.
54, 15, 12 Apr. 1933, page 4
Burra Town Council, 3 April
Dog poisoning was discussed.
The Inspector said 26 blocks in the town were unclaimed and the question was what to do. The problem was that many had been unclaimed for up to 20 years and had been accumulating Council Rates, Water Rates and Land Tax. This would make them unsaleable because the buyer would become responsible.
The Town Clerk will write to the Tax Commissioner to have the matter defined. It was suggested that the Council rates be written off.
Cr Sampson moved that the motion making Mr Voumard a casual hand be rescinded. He had not realised that the motion deprived him of holidays at a loss of £6-6-0 and that he had to continue to feed the horse involving some 100 hours of work.
Cr Bevan strongly opposed rescinding and after considerable discussion the motion was lost.
There was discussion about the culvert near the railway. [To the saleyards.]
Burra Rifle Club shot the 16th stage of the Jennison Trophy and best scores were from H.H. Byles & R. Nutt.
Hanson Soldiers Memorial Institute held its first AGM 29 March.
The President reported that though the committee had been at work 12 months there was not much to show on the ground, but matters had been put on a firm footing. The Hanson Institute was now a member of the Institutes Assoc. of SA. The lowest price obtained was £275 fully lined, ceiled and with a jarrah floor. At present they were in credit £175. Re-elected were President M.J. Marchant and Secretary G. Pattullo.
54, 16, 19 Apr. 1933, page 1
Burra Golf Club held its AGM. It was in credit £18-19-2. Further estimates for a clubhouse are to be obtained. Elected were President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-Presidents, Dr W.E. Steven & J.R. Barker; Secretary, M. Shuttleworth & Assistant Secretary, J. Pederson.
H.J. Dunn of Black Springs has donated a 52lb pie melon to the Burra Hospital.
54, 16, 19 Apr. 1933, page 2
Motor Accident. A car driven by Miss G. Pearce collided with a Chevrolet truck driven by G. Kellock outside Mr R. Fuss’s shop on Monday afternoon. Though no one was much hurt Miss Pearce’s car was badly damaged along with the right mudguard and running board of the truck.
The Baby Health Train visits Burra for the third time on 22 April. Advice will be available 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Croquet. At Kooringa 15 April: Aberdeen and Kooringa won one game each.
The outcome was the same at the return match at Aberdeen on 17 April.
54, 16, 19 Apr. 1933, page 3
Easter Tennis Tournament
Boys’ Championship Singles M. Coon
Veterans’ Doubles Handicap Lomman & Kellaway
Men’s Championship Singles M.G. Dobson
Men’s Championship Doubles to be played
Women’s Championship Singles Miss Lomman
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘A’ Brandon
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘B’ Hill
Men’s Handicap Doubles ‘A’ to be played
Men’s Handicap Doubles ‘B’ Hill & Tuck
Women’s Handicap Singles ‘A’ Miss Lomman
Women’s Handicap Singles ‘B’ Miss Nell Kuchenmeister
Women’s Handicap Doubles ‘A’ Miss Kelly & Miss Lomman
Women’s Handicap Doubles ‘B’ Miss Batchelor & Miss Harris
Mixed Handicap Doubles to be played
54, 16, 19 Apr. 1933, page 4
Padding
54, 17, 26 Apr. 1933, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield
Block 8. Hole on the hill north of old working has been sunk to 12ft and struck two seams 2” wide, but of low values.
20ft crosscutting on top of the hill to the west of the old workings has found 2 new lodes 12” wide, but only 2dwt per ton.
Football. Kooringa Football Club met at the Commercial Hotel and elected: Patron, C. Lynch; Chairman, J. Allen; President, C.W. Samuels; Secretary, K.W. Kennedy & Assistant Secretary, J. Allen. Booborowie has decided to join the Association this year.
RSL Notes. The Anzac Memorial Service on Sunday was one of the finest ever. Burra Brass Band headed the parade. The standard-bearer was Troop-leader Twist then Major R. Sexton and the President and Secretary followed by Mrs D. Keynes and the returned men. Boy Scouts followed under L. Hann. Rev. Hutchinson (late AIF) conducted the service aided by P.L. Rosman (C. of E.) and Capt. Faulds of the Salvation Army. The Church Parade at Redruth Methodist Church was not so well attended by diggers, but the church was packed.
Rabbits. Some 700,000 have been sent in from Burra since Christmas with an average payment of 3d a pair. Trappers have thereby earned about £4,000 in the district.
54, 17, 26 Apr. 1933, page 2
Birth. At Burra Hospital on 22 April to the wife of Edward Steward Wilks a daughter, Pansy Steward.
Obituary. Pansy Steward Wilks died aged two days.
[Pansy Stewart Wilks died at Burra 23 April 1933 aged 1 day.]
Rev. G.C. & Mrs Hutchinson were welcomed at the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School on Wednesday last.
Anzac Commemoration Service. There was a procession from RSL rooms with the Burra Brass Band in the lead. It marched first to the Burra hospital and thence to Market Square. The returned men were led by Major R.C. Sexton and were followed by members of the 23rd Barossa Light Horse, Scouts and Wolf Cubs. Rev. G.C. Hutchinson took the service aided by Capt. Faulds of the Salvation Army and P.L. Rosman representing the Anglican Church. Last Post & Reveille were sounded by 8 bugles from the band. In the evening there was a service at Redruth Methodist Church again conducted by Rev. Hutchinson.
Obituary. Dudley Hayward aged 20, fourth son of Mr Hayward of Unley, died on Saturday evening at Collinsville Station as a result of the accidental discharge of his gun. The deceased and Mr Sholto Bowman were guests of Mr & Mrs Lindsay Collins and had been setting baits for foxes when the deceased discharged his gun in getting out of the car to shoot a rabbit.
[Douglas Wilbur Dudley Hayward born 7 February 1913 Lewiston: died 22 April 1933 at Collinsville, residence Unley. Surname at death registered as Haywood, though father’s name Hayward.]
54, 17, 26 Apr. 1933, page 3
Tennis. Easter Tournament Concluded.
Mixed Doubles Handicap L. Mosey & Miss H. Mosey
Men’s Handicap Doubles J.R. Clark & A.L. Bence
Men’s Championship Doubles B. Lomman & G. Bass
Kookaburra Assoc. 24 April
Eden forfeited five sets. Hill View 6-37 defeated Eden 1-24.
Obituary. Will Reynolds, only [surviving] brother of Miss Lizzie Reynolds of Kooringa, died in the last week at Auburn aged 60. He was an old Burra boy who leaves a widow and grown-up family.
[William Thomas Reynolds born 24 March 1870 at Callington: died 22 April 1933 at Auburn.]
Leighton Golf Club held its AGM. It was financially sound and elected: Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, W.G. Holland and Secretary, Colin McDonald.
Sheep Dog Field Trials were held on Friday & Saturday last at the Showgrounds in Aberdeen. Attendance on Friday was very poor. A good string of dogs was worked. Winners:
Local Class Tom Turner’s Red Leap
Maiden Stakes A.B. Kemp’s Homeleigh Winsome
Puppy Stakes A.B. Kemp’s Homeleigh Winsome
Open Class W. Carter’s Blue Batt
Bowls. Dr Steele won the Championship on Saturday.
CWA has rented the room in the main street known as Allen’s Rooms for meetings and as a rest room for members and from 28 April it will be open Tuesday afternoons and Fridays.
54, 17, 26 Apr. 1933, page 4
Padding.
54, 18, 3 May 1933, page 1
Anzac Sports last Saturday 29 April were the best sports carnival for at least 25 years. They were organised by the local RSL. It produced one of the largest crowds ever at the Burra Racecourse. About 2,000 attended with c. 400 cars parked at the south end. About £70 was taken at the gate. A detachment of the 18/23 Light Horse under Major T. Kenyon led the procession at 12.30. Sylvester Preiss was Marshall of the procession from the Burra Hospital, led by the Burra Brass Band. As in the war years Jack Allen Sen. appeared as John Bull and then came Major Kenyon and the 18/23 Light Horse. H. Jennison and A.L. Bence had decorated cars; the latter’s as a pirate boat. A trolly picked up the band half way. There were serious races for horses, motor bikes, pedestrians and motor cars. And fun events like the Military Obstacle Race and the draught horse race, which was the star event. The latter event was held up when a car battery was found on Lightning, but the jockey proved his innocence and was not disqualified. In the end it was J. Villis’s Mongolata ridden by G.H. Dow that won. [This result was corrected in the paper of 10 May to W.G. Ellery’s Leg Theory ridden by G.H. Dow.] Five minutes later Ralph Hill arrived on his horse Lightning, to the Band’s rendition of See the Conquering Hero Comes. Results of all events are printed.
MUIOOF held a picnic for its juniors at Stone Chimney Creek on Anzac Day on Herbert Morgan’s property. It was a great success and the Burra Brass Band attended. Sports results are printed.
Burra Rifle Club decided the result of the Club Championship in the last of three shoots held on 22 April. H.H. Byles 302 won from R. Nutt 297.
At the Allcomers’ Shoot on Anzac Day winners were:
Aggregate C.W. Pearce
300 yards C.H. Fearon
500 yards W.V. Bass
600 yards J.L. Williams
54, 18, 3 May 1933, page 2
F. Twist & family left Burra on Monday for Hindmarsh.
W. Pickering has been appointed manager of the National Bank in place of Mr Twist and he arrived with his family on Saturday.
Miss Lawler of Aberdeen was 86 on 1 May.
Major T. Kenyon spent the recent weekend in Burra. It was within three days of the 20th anniversary of his arrival on 3 May 1913 as Military Divisional Officer.
The Playbox Co. will perform a three-act play at the Burra Institute on 6 June with the proceeds going one third to the Bowling Club, one third to the Institute and one third to the company. The play will be Woman Proposes.
54, 18, 3 May 1933, page 3
Mr F.W.G. Twist was given a farewell at the Council Chamber last Wednesday evening. The Mayor presided. He commended Mr Twist for his work for the town during his stay. He had been a member of the Hospital Board and had supported the Boy Scouts as Treasurer. Mr Bednall spoke in support and mentioned his activities in cricket, bowls, tennis and golf. Dr Steele also spoke in support as did Mr Butler, manager of the Bank of Australasia. E.J. Davey added his best wishes and E.F. Marston spoke for the Bowling Club, S. Kellaway for the Hospital Board, Cr Jennison for the RSL, Mr Carne for the National Bank Staff and Max Morton for the Scouts.
Bowls. Results for the season:
Championship Dr Steele
Runner-up W.H. Sandland
Consistency P.L. Rosman
Singles Handicap T.H. Woollacott
Champion Rink A. Ratcliffe, A. Coverdale, G. Robinson, F.W.G. Twist.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. At 92ft level started to sink winze, south drive is at 153ft, advanced 4ft in gold-bearing lode.
At 52ft level south drive advanced from 99ft to 119ft and crossed an 18” seam. Stoping continues.
Golden Harp. Driving from the shaft advanced from 17ft to 32ft. Started tunnel to connect with shaft: in 27ft following a gold-bearing seam. No. 1 winze is being cleared out.
Block 8. Completed 126ft of costeening for the month; 2 lodes found: one 300 yards west of old workings and 18” wide bearing 4dwt 10gr per ton.
54, 18, 3 May 1933, page 4
Hallett & District School Athletics & Exhibition Assoc. AGM was reported from 29 April. Sports this year are to be held at Hallett on 29 September.
Burra Town Council, 26 April
Waterworks Engineer reports the rates owing on 24 unclaimed North Ward allotments total £13-8-5 with the highest being £3-8-6.
Mrs Sampson is to be allowed to build a pig sty on a site near the cemetery.
There was again an altercation arising from the autocratic attitude of the Mayor in which he threatened to ‘Read the Act’ on Cr Jennison & Cr Bevan threatened to move that the Mayor’s ruling be disagreed with and he be asked to leave the chair.
This time it all blew over after a period of discord.
The question causing the dispute was the need to spend £128 of relief money which could only be spent on labour.
A special grant will be sought to bituminise to the railway gate.
Cr Sampson was granted three months leave as he has a contract in the northeast.
[Probably sinking or clearing our dams.]
54, 19, 10 May 1933, page 1
RSL Notes. The result of the Anzac Carnival was a profit of £75 for RSL funds and thanks are due to the various sporting bodies involved and the Burra Brass Band. The Anzac Smoke Social in Pearce’s Building was the largest reunion for many years and about 70 attended.
Tennis. Kookaburra Assoc.
The Premiership Shield was won by Spring Vale 8-61 defeating Hill View 3-39.
Murder/Obituary. Last Monday Mr Weis found a skull on his property some three miles from Eudunda while digging out rabbits. Subsequent investigations suggest it might be that of Fred or Frank Hanlin who disappeared about 57 years ago. A man named Wilmot was charged with murder by hitting him on the head with the loaded handle of a stockwhip. Wilmot was acquitted for lack of a body. The skull found suggests death from a blow by a blunt instrument.
54, 19, 10 May 1933, page 2
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Archie Bevan (nee Jean Butler) on 20 April a son, Alfred Bryan.
Birth. To Mr & Mrs S. Prior (nee Ivy Nourse) of Hallett, at Burra Hospital on 6 May a daughter, Marcia Lorraine.
Hanson School closed for three weeks while Mr A. Hermes the teacher attends a course of training at the Agricultural College in Adelaide.
M. Dobson, accountant at the Bank of Australasia, has been transferred to Adelaide and leaves here on 25 May. His replacement we believe will be Mr Keith Hockley.
Horticulture. Joe Parks has brought in some of the finest heads of chrysanthemums seen in Burra since the days of Hon. J. Lewis, Dr Brummitt, J.C. Cave [sic: for J.D.], C. Drew & T.W. Wilkinson. He also had some fine potatoes. The latter were matched by those of Joe T. Pascoe. R.D. Pascoe has a fine show of carnations.
54, 19, 10 May 1933, page 3
Burra Golf Club Ball. This was the first big dance of the season and was held in the Institute on 3 May. It was ‘brilliant, spectacular and sociable’.
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew Claim. Latest crushings produced a very good result: 157oz from 11 tons and in all 400oz from 27 tons.
Pexton’s Takati returns are also excellent and show a consistent output.
Block 8. Picked up the lode again 5ft under the open cut and gone in 15ft: 3” wide with good gold. Being pursued.
Bowls. The final day and prize-giving on Saturday last is reported. Results as noted in previous papers.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary last Sunday & Monday, which was attended with success and enthusiasm. Rev. G.C. Hutchinson was in charge. In the afternoon the cantata The Choicest Gift was given.
Croquet. On Saturday 6 May Aberdeen played Kooringa and the results were one game each.
The Institute Chess Club calls its first meeting for the season on 15 May.
Burra Golf Club opened its 1933 season on Saturday last.
Mrs Joseph Richards late of Sutton Grange and now residing at ‘Boondara’ Croydon (Deaths CD suggests this was not in SA) was born 21 April 1833 at St Stythians Cornwall as Rose Knuckey and migrated in the William Mooney leaving Plymouth September 1848 and arriving at Pt Adelaide 1 January 1849. Mrs Richards’ brother R.R. Knuckey came with the family and was later a surveyor connected with the Overland Telegraph to Darwin. Mr Richards spent four years at the Burra Burra Copper Mines before going to the Victorian Goldfields in 1853. They set out from the White Hart Hotel. Mr Richards sailed to Melbourne and thence went to Castlemaine. Mrs Richards still recalls interesting particulars of life on the diggings. [Death not recorded in SA. One child born whilst in Burra: Roseanna Jane Richards 6 July 1852.]
54, 19, 10 May 1933, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday
Booborowie 2.7 8.12 9.13 13.17 (95)
Aberdeen 1.3 1.3 5.5 7.6 (48)
Burra Rifle Club fired the 17th stage of the Jennison Trophy and best scores were from R. Nutt & H.H. Byles.
54, 20, 17 May 1933, page 1
Booborowie Bachelors’ Ball of 10 May is reported.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday in a strong north wind
Kooringa 1.1 10.8 10.9 15.21 (111)
Hallett 3.2 3.3 9.7 9.7 (61)
54, 20, 17 May 1933, page 2
Beth Haese wins a gold medal for 1st in SA in the Intermediate Division of Trinity College Music Examination.
George Earle (70) of Booborowie badly damaged his only good eye on Thursday last in a blacksmithing accident. He is receiving specialist treatment in Adelaide.
54, 20, 17 May 1933, page 3
Norman Ford & P. Fuss have discovered a very beautiful and curious rock at Mulga Hill some 75 miles northeast of Burra where they were prospecting for gold. There are remarkable tracings in a variety of colours and experts at the Department of Mines have been unable to identify it. It is harder than granite. When cut and polished it would be more ornate than marble and could also be used for jewellery. Also found was a type of talc that is perfectly white.
Johnny Green. For perhaps eighty years the figure of a miner stood on the poppet heads at the mine until they were burnt down and his limbs fractured. On Monday Cr March said the figure is at the Council Depot and he urged the repair and re-erection of the figure, perhaps near the Mine Bridge. The Mayor said such had been suggested some years ago. The structure would have to be substantial. The overseer said some iron bars were available that would place the figure at 25ft. The figure had been reconstructed and only needed a bolt or two to make it right. Cr Jennison said some form of inscription was needed. Cr Bevan suggested that Mr Treloar might provide that if approached.
A Dance in the Institute on Saturday was most successful with the Burra Brass Band providing the music. Gross proceeds were over £12. There will be a similar dance next Saturday.
Mongolata Goldfield
George Howse one of the first to peg a claim reports he has struck colour and will sink a shaft. He was one of the first to tackle the difficult conditions in the east side of the range where all the gold has been found – the claim is on the estate of the late James Reed.
Curlew Claim. We understand the claim’s 255 tons produced 14oz 15dwt and 173 tons 11 dwt per ton. [Sic: these figures make no sense and were corrected next issue.]
Pexton’s are said to be on good gold.
Pinnaroo Gold Mining Co. has a shaft at 100ft and has driven 170ft. This is at the south end of Pexton’s. No gold yet. H.L. Barry (manager) & H. Parr (secretary) are both of Pinnaroo.
Burra Town Council
One person in particular is letting his cows out to graze at night and they enter people’s gardens and do other damage to fences and gates etc. Cr Jennison has made a number of complaints and the Mayor has also had problems and sought legal advice after capturing the animals. The owner was prepared to settle, but that did not restore his garden. It was resolved that the ranger enforce the law.
54, 21, 24 May 1933, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday
Kooringa 3.6 7.10 14.12 23.14 (152)
Aberdeen 1.4 5.6 7.4 8.8 (56)
Tennis. Kookaburra Assoc. held a wind-up meeting at Whittney & Tiver’s garage on 17 May when the Steward Shield was presented to Mr Villis as Captain of the Spring Vale team. S. Scroops as Captain of Hill View, the runners-up, was also congratulated.
Frank Treloar: Looking Back
Four years ago I wrote a story of the Burra Mine based on some books saved from the debris of the mine by Alf. Walker and myself, from clippings from my father’s diary and interviews with early residents, most of whom are now deceased. I said I would fill in gaps from another point of view that was then out of reach. I now have that information. My booklet started when Mr Burr was appointed Mine Superintendent and I will now go back to the earlier stage. But first I will consider South Australian conditions in 1845.
The Governor was the ruler and money was very scarce. Transport was by bullock dray with a maximum capacity of 21⁄2 to 3 tons. SAMA (SA Mining Assoc.) was formed 16 April 1845 with a capital of £5,000 and liberty to increase it to £20,000. The capital was to be raised by scrip certificates of £5 on which a deposit of £1 was to be paid by 15 April 1845 and the balance by the 15 May. The objects of SAMA were to purchase and sell mineral lands, to carry on mining when advisable and to let on royalty or otherwise. There were to be seven directors chosen annually, three of whom must retire by rotation every year and became ineligible then for one year. The first members of SAMA were:
W. Paxton John Ridley G. Bean
J. Dickens John Newman George Stevenson
G.S. Kingston Jacob Hagan Samuel Stocks Jnr
C. Beck Henry Mildred W. Peacock
E. Solomon J.B. Neyles Michael Featherstone
J.B. Graham J.C. Sleeman
Holders of scrip certificates 1-359 were entitled to double their holdings at par before 16 September 1845. SAMA’s attention went first to discoveries in the Adelaide Hills, but nothing of importance was found. Then the Gawler Plains attracted attention. Henry Mildred had oversight of these cases. He became a notable citizen. He was first Provincial Grand Master of the Freemason’s Lodge in SA and when a Lodge opened in Burra in 1850 it was he who gave the Provincial Warrant or Charter and the Lodge was called the Mildred Lodge. Later on the Charter came from England issued by the Grand Master there, the Earl of Zetland. Both Charters are preserved at the Lodge in Burra. About this time a rumour in Adelaide suggested a valuable mining district had been discovered, but nobody seemed to know where. Probably the talk began when a shepherd went to Messrs Bunce & Thomson’s, merchants in Rundle St and told him he knew of a valuable mining district and would tell him of it for a reasonable consideration. Mr Bunce took the offer, paid the money and received the information. He engaged a Mr Fink to check out the site.
54, 21, 24 May 1933, page 2
Notice. Burra DC Councillors retiring due to the effluxion of time:
Kooringa Ward Glen Gaskell Hawkes
Baldina Ward William Hedley McWaters
King Ward Reginald Warnes
Nomination called by 10 June for an election 1 July if needed.
Birth. On 17 May at Kooringa to Mr & Mrs W. Howard Turner (nee Dorothy Carter) of Black Springs a son.
Birth. At Mrs Fuller’s on 16 May to Mr & Mrs Ted Williams (nee Nellie Moxham) a daughter, Joan Elizabeth.
54, 21, 24 May 1933, page 3
CWA held its Wool Exhibition last Friday at the Burra Institute and drew a very large attendance in both the afternoon and the evening. Sir John Melrose opened the proceedings. He was met by the President of the CWA Mrs I.J. Warnes and the President of the local branch of the Stockowners’ Assoc. Mr I.J. Warnes, who took the chair. The Members for the District Hon. G.F. Jenkin and Messrs A. Melrose & A.D. McDonald were also on the platform with the Mayor T.H. Woollacott and the President of the SA Stockowners’ Assoc. W.G. Hawkes with Messrs A.G. Gebhardt & J. Tennant. The speeches are reported at length and the exhibits are described on page 4.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday Burra 728 defeated a team drawn from some of the River Murray towns 720.
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew Claim. Correction of last week’s figures. Ore treated was 26 tons 15cwt and gold recovered was 121oz 6dwt 11gr
Block 8. Work has gone in 17ft on the open cut, but the lode is not good so we turned to the north end of the main shaft and have driven9ft on the north side of it: lode about 4ft wide and of little value, but improving.
Burra Chess Club has made a good start to the season with 14 attending on Monday.
Mr M. Dobson of the Bank of Australasia leaves Burra tomorrow for Adelaide. While here he has been involved in football earlier, but more recently in golf and tennis and was a prominent member of the RSL who are giving him a farewell smoke social tonight.
Obituary. Mrs W.L. James of Redruth died 16 May at the Burra Hospital aged 37. She was formerly Gertrude Forrest, the elder daughter of the late Alexander Forrest of Welland who was one of the first settlers when Shafton Estate was cut up. Some months ago she went to Adelaide for treatment and for some time it was thought the problem was overcome, but it returned about a month ago. She leaves a widower and two young children. [Born Gertrude Irene Forrest 18 May 1896 Hd of Mannanarie.]
Obituary. The death of Dr R.D. Brummitt of St Peters was announced in Monday’s Advertiser. He (Bob) was the second son of the late R.D. Brummitt of Kooringa and late of Medindie. He has not been in good health for some time. He was aged 51. [Robert Douglas Brummitt born 25 May 1881 Kooringa: died 21 May 1933 North Adelaide, residence St Peters.]
Obituary. Roy or Ray Hopcraft [both names appear in this item] died in Adelaide last week from injuries received riding to work. He was a grandson of the late Mr & Mrs William Rule of Aberdeen and a nephew of Mr Phil. Rule. He was aged 17. [Raymond William Leslie Hopcraft born 21 August 1915 Medindie: died 17 May 1933 Adelaide, residence Colonel Light Gardens.]
54, 21, 24 May 1933, page 4
Burra Town Council, 15 May
The Taxation Dept. advises that Land Tax would be the first charge on any unclaimed allotments sold.
The Town Clerk advised that water rates would also have to be paid.
At a recent practice fire alarm the men were out of the reel house and down to the mill in four minutes.
The wards are all in credit and projections suggest the Council might end the year with a slightly favourable balance.
Various street and footpath work was approved.
Burra Benevolent Society has received £300 which was a legacy from the late Mrs Mary Thomas. It will be placed with the National Bank for 12 months at 3%.
The Society will now have £800 at 31⁄2% earning £24 while previously it had £500 at 5% earning £25.
[£800 at 31⁄2% should earn £28!]
George Roger will supply wood this year, as his price was accepted.
CWA Wool Exhibition. There was a large collection of woollen clothes, rugs etc. and a section of Antiques and special items on loan. Mrs I.J. Warnes lent a number of items some associated with Queen Victoria. There was a mannequin parade. Much interest was shown in the spinning and knitting section. A prize list is printed.
54, 22, 31 May 1933, page 1
Football. Saturday at Victoria Park
Booborowie 1.5 1.9 5.12 5.18 (48)
Kooringa 0.1 2.7 3.8 4.10 (34)
Hallett Children’s Concert in aid of the Methodist Children’s Choir is reported.
Hallett Children’s Fancy Dress Ball in aid of the Church of England is reported.
Empire Day was celebrated at the local schools on Friday last. Speeches by A.B. Riggs, the Mayor T.H. Woollacott, Rev. Hutchinson & Dr Steele are reported.
At the High School Intermediate and Leaving Certificates were presented to Edna M. Allen (1931), Natalie Neagle (1931-32), Laurie Hann, George Metcalf, Gordon Bruff (also a Bursary), W. Burt Davey & George A. Hann.
54, 22, 31 May 1933, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd. Representatives of the ‘Langvarwil’ Rabbit Exterminator ‘Princess Royal’ will demonstrate it at the paddock known as Rooke’s on the World’s End Road on Wednesday afternoon 7 June, by permission of Mr John Tennant.
Advt. Burra Talkies. Opening Night Saturday 10 June. Front seats 1/-. Back Circle 2/- (plus tax.)
Box Plan at Coverdale’s Pharmacy.
Notice. Tenders are invited for the purchase and removal of the old kindergarten room adjacent to the Redruth Methodist Church by 15 June 1933.
Advt. New & Old style Dancing at Burra Institute Wednesday 7 June at 8 p.m. 1/- plus tax.
Obituary. Daniel August Seigert aged 72 of Hallett died 28 May at Burra Hospital. He was the husband of Mary and father of Dan, Ken, Kath, Bess and Mary. [Extended obituary see 54, 23, 7 June 1933, page 2.]
Mrs W.H. Hardy of Kooringa was 73 on 30 May and celebrated with her daughters in the city. The only daughter now resident in Burra is Mrs B. Opperman.
Marriage. Bloemfontein South Africa
Lewis B. Oates, son of Phillip Oates, late of Ironmine and a nephew of J. & E. Oates of Burra, married Mrs M.J. Hendry, nee Miss Rillstone.
Burra Golf Club. At Clare on Saturday Clare defeated Burra 7 to 3.
Advt. Annual Ball in aid of St Joseph’s at Burra Institute on Wednesday 13 June.
Advt. Rodeo and Stockyard Carnival arranged by Fred Faggoter in aid of the Burra Hospital 24 June.
Advt. Burra Institute Monday 5 June. In aid of the Institute and Bowling Club Funds:
The light comedy of modern youth: The Woman Proposes.
Mongolata Goldfield
A letter has been sent to the directors of the most prominent companies and syndicates. The letter draws attention to the comment of Dr Ward Director of Mines in the Advertiser of 16 May that considering the time of operation workings at Mongolata were remarkably shallow. He hoped a deep shaft or two would be sunk to prove the field. The writer therefore proposed:
Arrangements be made between the present syndicates to put in £50 each and approach the Employment Promotion Council for a £ for £ subsidy. £700 resulting should be ample to sink a 6ft x 4ft shaft to 300ft. We suggest the site be chosen by Dr Ward or his inspectors. This should benefit shareholders and the state generally.
Mongolata Block 8. Driven at north end of the main shaft in a lode c. 4ft wide and getting a little battery ore.
54, 22, 31 May 1933, page 3
Burra Institute. There have been no pictures for three weeks due to the changes being made [for talkies] and knowing the Institute needs funds the Burra Brass Band held dances on these nights. On 13 May for £13, on 20 May for £16 and on 27 May for £17. A fourth dance has been requested for next Saturday.
Hanson Soldiers Memorial Institute. A dance to raise funds for the Institute and Gum Creek School was held in the Gum Creek Station Woolshed lent by Hon. W.G. Duncan last Wednesday. It raised £25. About 350 attended.
Obituary. Mrs R.J. Reynolds of Booborowie died at her home on 25 May suddenly aged 33. [Age corrected in the paper of 7 June 1933 to 37.] She was daughter of the late George Willmott of Booborowie by his second wife and half sister to Mr George Willmott of Booborowie. She leaves a husband and three young children, one only a few months old. [Born Olive Blanch Willmott 5 March 1896 Kooringa: died Olive Blanche Reynolds 25 May 1933 Booborowie.]
Obituary. Mr D.A. Seigert of Hallett died 28 May aged 72. He was well known in sporting and public matters in Hallett and was rarely equalled as a handicapper and starter and will be sorely missed at the next sports meeting. He is survived by a widow and a grown-up family of two sons and three daughters. [Daniel August Seigert] [Extended obituary see 54, 23, 7 June 1923, page 2.]
Obituary. A.T. Nash of Black Springs died at the Burra Hospital 19 May. He was a long-time farmer of the area who was most generous and found pleasure in assisting others whenever possible.
[Archibald Thomas Nash born 11 December 1877 near Waterloo.]
Aberdeen Croquet Club. Trophies were presented on Saturday 27 May.
In the season Aberdeen won six of eight matches played against Kooringa. Against Leighton each side won one. Winners of trophies:
Ladies’ Handicap Singles Miss Griffiths (Captain).
Gents’ Handicap Singles Mr R. Fairchild
54, 22, 31 May 1933, page 4
Burra Rifle Club fired the 18th stage of the Jennison Trophy and W. Woodman & A.C. Aughey were top scorers.
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
Mr Finke reported a rich find of copper ore. Mr Bunce confided in Samuel Stocks Jnr of S. Stocks Jnr & Co. and they then laid the matter before Mr Stephens, Manager of the Bank of SA and Mr Giles, Manager of the SA Company to see if they could get the advantage of a special survey, which the Governor could grant. A letter was sent to the Surveyor-General on 18 June 1845. Giles and Stephens wanted to see the site. Bunce despatched Finke to the spot and the party comprising Stephens, Giles, Johnson, Kingston & Dixon followed later. On leaving Mr Dutton’s station Captain Bagot and Mr Dutton joined them. They saw the site and returned to Adelaide, though Bagot & Dutton do not seem to have been so favourably impressed at the time.
A meeting of Stocks, Bunce, Giles, Smith, Paxton, Hallett, Finke and Kingston decided to send Finke for a further examination and on his return Bunce & Stocks again went to the site and on seeing the specimens they had, Captain Bagot & Dutton visited again and this time were convinced of the value. Another party of Giles, Johnson, Morphett, Grainger, Penny and Anstey visited the discovery. A person from the north showed Finke a new lode to the southwest of the first. In all Finke could show several finds within a parallelogram that could be included in the 20,000 acre special survey. On Giles’ return Mr Stephens expressed the need to secure the special survey urgently. It was not possible to raise the money without the aid of the SA Company. It was agreed that the SA Company should have £5,000 as their share.
The problem was to raise £20,000 for the special survey. At the meeting of all interested parties Captain Allen and his party arrived late and by then there were differences of opinion on the method of working together. Mr Grainger openly stated he would take no part unless there was an immediate division of the land and owing to that nothing was decided. Two plans were however presented to obviate all problems: one by Mr Bartley the SA Company solicitor and one by Captain Bagot, and they adjourned.
At the adjourned meeting there were Messrs Giles, Bartley, Graham, Paxton, Penny, Johnson, Stocks & Bunce and Captains Allen & Bagot. Mr Giles manager of SA Company proposed to take 10,000 acres, removing the difficulty of division with the SA Company getting one half and rest the other half. He said he had made arrangements with Mr Stephens as to his £10,000 and those wishing to join must immediately lodge the amount for his share by cheque endorsed by Mr Stephens (of the Bank). Mr Graham produced his cheque, but Captain Allen said the Company’s £10,000 would not be ready till the Dorset arrived from England and the others kept their cheque books in their pockets. Mr Graham left his cheque, intending to secure his share in any event.
54, 23, 7 June 1933, page 1
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
Everything was then considered in abeyance till the arrival of the Dorset. Late next day however, Mr Graham received a message from Mr Giles and was told by him that two other parties had come forward with £5,000 each and unless Graham and the original proprietors could come up with £10,000 by 10 a.m. the next day (Thursday) he would claim the survey in conjunction with those parties. Though Mr Graham failed to do so, it seems Giles and the two new parties failed to come to a definite arrangement. Bunce & Penny came forward with £1,000 each to Mr Giles. Giles said he had to talk to the other parties and met them at the Bank of SA.
Captain Bagot on leaving the Bank met Bunce & Graham and said the original party had one chance: raise £10,000 by noon Saturday. Bagot and his party would then retire and leave them and the SA Company with the survey.
By noon on Saturday they had raised £9,200. Giles (Manager of the SA Company), Aston & Bagot proceeded to the Colonial Treasury and tendered two cheques for £10,000 each, but that of the SA Company was not endorsed by the bank and was therefore not held to be legal. The original proprietors had by then raised the money and offered to merge with Aston & Bagot, but the latter felt they were still pledged to the SA Company and failed to respond.
At a meeting of the directors of SAMA on 19 August 1845 the directors were asked to try to merge with the men who held a moiety of the special survey. After a meeting with these men the directors reported on 23 August that those men would join the Association on terms:
The proprietors of the Survey should be repaid the amount subscribed by them for the purchase of the survey, viz £8,500 in scrip certificates of the Association at par.
The additional capital of c. £2,000 should be raised by the proprietors of the survey and scrip holders of the Assoc. taking scrip at par in proportion to their respective interest. Proportion of additional capital taken the proprietors is £1,605 and scrip-holders £120. Cross subscribed capital would then be £12,320.
Mr Peacock reported that with Stocks, Beck, Hagen & Paxton, also members of the Special Survey moiety they had gone into rules and regulations considered necessary for the government of the association to be submitted to scrip holders. Peacock then said the trust deed as revised by the solicitors had been considered by his committee and those members of special survey proprietors and considered satisfactory.
A subsequent meeting of scrip holders accepted this. On 25 August the following were appointed directors: Charles Beck, William Paxton, James Bunce, William Peacock, John Benjamin Graham, Emanuel Solomon, John Bentham Neales, Christopher Septimus Penny and Samuel Stocks Jnr.
Indoor Bowls. After most teams have played six games the premiership table is: Oddfellows Colts
Ramblers
Manchester
St Mary’s
Wanderers
54, 23, 7 June 1933, page 2
Mr R. Fuss’s lorry collided with E.J. McKenzie’s car at the intersection of Queen & Commercial Streets on Saturday afternoon. No one was hurt, but mudguards and running board of Mr McKenzie’s car were damaged.
A Bolt. The horse in Jeffery & Byrne’s butcher’s cart bolted from Mrs Thamm’s residence in Aberdeen. It went down the Mine Road to Kooringa, through Market Square and took Lloyd St to Bridge St, but in trying to turn into Chapel St it crashed into a tree. The horse fell and the cart turned upside down. The horse was all right. Mr Bob Lomman the driver was not in the vehicle when the horse bolted.
Talkies will be screened for the first time in Burra next Saturday when Greta Nisson & Marguerite Churchill will star in Ambassador Bill and Ralph Bellamy and Tommy Conlon star in Dangerous Years.
The Season. Locally there was good rain in May, but to the east the drought is serious. Dams are empty and sheep farmers are having a trying time as the lambing season has begun. Rumour has it that Mutooroo run has dried out and has been abandoned for the time being. Other pastoralists are getting very short of water.
Obituary. Mrs Emma Carpenter, relict of the late Johnson Carpenter of Redruth, died last week aged 84. [Born Emma Marks 4 July 1849 Centenary Row, Camborne, Cornwall: died 3 June 1933 Aberdeen SA. Also see more at 54, 24, 14 June 1933, pages 2 & 3.]
Obituary. Daniel August Seigert of Hallett died 28 May 1933. He was born at Black Waterholes near Burra on 22 June 1861. Educated at West’s School Aberdeen, when his father died the family moved to Netley Station where he became a boy shepherd. Later he resided on Ulooloo Station. He later became a shearer from Wilcannia NSW to Hillside Station near Burra. In 1894 he married Miss Mary McDonald of Cartapo. About 37 years ago he carried the mail between Hallett and Ketchowla for three years. As a young man he did much colt breaking and was a good horseman. In 1897 he joined with his elder brother in tank sinking and they worked on Boolcomatta, Mutooroo, Ketchowla, Loch Winnoch, Pulpara, Wonna, North Booborowie, Mt Bryan, Hill River, Bundaleer and for various owners in the Hallett District. In 1907 he got a block on Petherton and carried on farming there with two sons till his death. He took a keen interest in sport and was starter for the local Athletic Club for about 30 years. He succumbed to kidney trouble over the last three months. He was a long-time member of the Oddfellows’ Lodge. A widow, two sons, three daughters and an only brother survive.
[Birth registered as Dan Siegert 22 June 1861 at Wandillah.]
54, 23, 7 June 1933, page 3
LCL Burra Women’s Branch held its AGM last Friday. Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Hon. Secretary & Treasurer, Miss H. Wilkinson; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames E. Jettner, A.G. Gebhardt, F.R. Wigley, G.G. Hawkes & S.H. Robinson.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM
At 92ft level No. 1 winze advanced to 47ft and the drive south in 8ft with lode 4ft wide and gold bearing. Will continue to sink to 100ft.
At 52 ft level south drive advanced from 140ft to 161ft in lode formation 3ft wide with traces of gold: work ceased for present. Started to rise 72ft south of main shaft on gold-bearing seam 3ft wide and will continue to surface.
At 25ft level No. 1 rise south of the main shaft advanced 5ft and ore won from the seam av. by pan 10oz per ton.
A small seam on the surface 25ft northeast of the main shaft had yielded c. 50oz to a depth of 5ft.
Golden Harp.
Drive from surface advanced from 47ft to 72ft: no values.
No. 1 winze in main tunnel and drive south from bottom of winze on 18” lode yielding 2-3dwt per ton.
Drive from collar of winze north 5ft on 9-12” seam yielding 1-2oz per ton by pan.
Burra Rifle Club shot the 19th stage of the Jennison Trophy and best results came from A.C. Aughey & H. Byles.
Football. At Mt Bryan Oval on Saturday
Kooringa 3.2 8.8 10.5 13.9 (87)
Mt Bryan 2.1 3.4 5.6 6.6 (42)
Dance. The fourth in the series at the Institute by the Burra Brass Band came off well despite a number of patrons being away due to the holiday weekend.
54, 24, 14 June 1933, page 1
Burra Town Council, 6 June
Refund of £8-7-8 received from the Fire Brigade Board for 1932.
The Mayor objected to comments of W.G. Hawkes in the Record’s report of the Wool Exhibition that Burra had not its old spick and span appearance and had gone back in the matter of paint. The Mayor believed it was one of the best kept towns in SA.
Cr Bevan questioned whether Mr Hawkes was referring to Council property or business places. He agreed in some instances the depression had caused a slipping back.
Crs were appointed to inspect a problem caused by drainage of water from the railway property.
Aberdeen gardens are to be put in order and Mr Opperman is to be employed on them.
It was agreed that future tree plantings will be in accordance with the recommendations in Mr Tom Wilkinson’s report.
Redruth Methodist Church held its anniversary on 4 & 6 June in perfect weather. The newly appointed minister Rev. E.G. Neil conducted the three services. Burra Brass Band assisted at the evening service.
Red Cross Circle held its AGM on 7 June.
Mrs Wigley was indisposed and Mrs John Tennant presided. Due to ill health Mrs Wigley asked to be relieved of the presidency and Mrs John Tennant was appointed in her stead. Mrs E.F. Marston was re-elected as Secretary & Treasurer. The Annual Jumble Sale will be held on 18 August.
54, 24, 14 June 1933, page 2
Advt. Talkies for 17 June
Janet Gaynor in Daddy Long Legs
George O’Brien in Gay Caballero
Obituary. Emma Carpenter aged 84, relict of Johnson Carpenter, died on 3 June at Aberdeen. She was the mother of Richard Austin Carpenter of Aberdeen and Mrs W.H. Bray of Koonawarra Station near Broken Hill. [More on page 3 this issue.]
Mr & Mrs L.L. Wicklein will leave Kooringa for Pt Augusta tomorrow. Mrs Wicklein spent her whole life in Burra. She is the youngest daughter (Ada) of the late Mr & Mrs W. Chenoweth, one of the town’s earliest settlers. Mr Wicklein has lived in Burra for 30 years carrying on a business as a watchmaker and jeweller.
Burra Police Court, yesterday
R.B. Hampton was fined £2 for using insulting words in a public place.
The Oddfellows are building a new hall at Aberdeen. It will be suitable for dancing, socials, parties etc. The contractor is F.M. Pearce.
Redruth Police Court
William Albert George Moore was fined £10 reduced to £1-10-0 plus £1 fees or 14 days for stating his earnings were £1 a week when they were £1-10-0 plus keep, in breach of Regulation F of the Unemployed Relief Act.
Johnny Green. The background to Johnny Green is repeated and then:
Johnny Green was presented to the town by Messrs A.J. & P.A. McBride and has for some years been in the Council Depot. Council recently decided to put him on a platform on a suitable site. Mr Treloar was asked for an inscription and his reply was:
‘Johnny Green, Mascot of Burra Mine discovered in 1845, closed in 1877. It gave SA and its early pioneers their financial start in life by creating employment and encouraging land settlement. Erected by the Corporation of Burra.’
The Overseer said there was plenty of iron rod on which to erect Johnny. Originally it had been a weather cock. The effigy weighs about 30lb. A.J. & P.A. McBride’s permission to erect the effigy on their land on a site to be chosen near the Mine Bridge will be sought. The whole Council will inspect and choose a site.
54, 24, 14 June 1933, page 3
Talkies in Burra
The Institute was crowded last Saturday for the change over from silent films to talkies. The Mayor opened the show from the stage. Also present with him were G.E. Dane the local representative of the Theatregraph Co. and Mr Leslie Lester from Adelaide. Mr Lester thanked the audience for 20 years’ support for the company. The show opened with a Gazett [sic] and the sound was very good and clear. The first film was Ambassador Bill followed by Dangerous Years.
CWA has arranged for Miss Thyer to teach rug making at the Rest Room on Friday 23 June.
Mongolata Goldfield
Wildildie GM
Southeast Drive extended to 70ft on a vein about11⁄2” and 4-5dwt per ton, but expected to lead to better. New shaft to 22ft: no values at bottom & so stopped sinking and opened out following low values ore, but values declining.
Obituary. Mrs Emma Carpenter died 3 June. She arrived in SA in 1854 aged 5 with her parents and came straight to Burra. She was born at Centenary Row, Cambourne, [sic: for Camborne] Cornwall 1 July 1849. The family stayed in Burra 13 years before going to Kadina. On 22 December 1867 she married Johnson Carpenter in Kadina where they lived for 11 years before returning to Burra and lived at Thistlebeds for 11 years before Mr Carpenter took land at Hanson where they then lived till her husband’s death in 1916. She then lived in Aberdeen till her death aged 83. She was an ardent Methodist. Of eight children two survive: R.A. Carpenter of Redruth and Mrs W.H. Bray of Koonawarra Station near Broken Hill. There are 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 1 brother, Mr J.H. Marks of Wallaroo. [Born Emma Marks 4 July 1849 Centenary Row, Camborne, Cornwall: died 3 June 1933 Aberdeen SA.]
Advt. L. Cooke of Novelty Drapery Bazaar King William St Adelaide will conduct a 10 day sale in the SA Farmers’ Union Building, next door to Dowling’s Grill Room in Kooringa.
[Note that this suggests that the SAFU Building remained unoccupied unless the Grill Room was part of the premises.]
RSL notes. Despite wet weather about 50 attended Mr Dobson’s farewell social on 23 May, which also served to thank all those who helped the success of the Anzac Day Sports, which showed a profit of £66.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary on 28 May. Only one service was held due to the very wintry conditions. It was conducted by Rev. B. Weeding. The concert and prize giving was on the following Thursday.
54, 24, 14 June 1933, page 4
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
On 8 September 1845 Mr Stock was appointed Chairman. A memo of agreement was entered into on 16 August 1845 between G.F. Aston & C.H. Bagot on one part and William Allen and Samuel Stocks Jnr on the other concerning an application for a Special Survey of 20,000 acres, each side to pay £10,000. Permission was to be obtained to divide the survey into equal portions of 10,000 acres each by a straight line transversely through the centre east-west: the survey to embrace the district of mineral formation recently examined by Mr Finke and party. The Governor to grant separate land grants to each portion . . . The portion for each party to be decided by lot. . . Each party agreed to equal share of costs so far incurred by Mr Finke, by remuneration to Thomas Picket and by the partial survey of Mr Jacob etc. All further connection between the parties to cease on the issue of the land grants. The application for a special survey was granted. The Governor decided the form of the block had to be that of a rectangular parallelogram.
Directors met on 9 September 1845. Mr Kingston produced a tracing of the country explaining that the block had been arranged so that the north and south lodes were both included, being about 12 chains from north and south boundaries respectively. He was not prepared to say which was the more valuable, as he believed no one could do so.
The Board of Directors met on 16 September 1845. Present were: Stocks, Bunce, Peacock, Paxton, Graham, Penny, Solomon and Neales. A letter was received that the Surveyor General was ready to issue the land grants, also a letter concerning a survey of a further 640 acres in the neighbourhood of the south lode. Mr Stocks reported on the drawing of the lot and the northern portion had fallen to SAMA and consequently they wrote to the Surveyor General asking that the northern half be made out in the names of William Allen & Samuel Stocks Jnr and the southern half in the names of Charles Harvey Bagot and George Frederick Aston.
54, 25, 21 June 1933, page 1
Burra 2nd Amateur Golf Competition, last Saturday
Open Championship Dr W.E. Steven
36 Holes Stroke Handicap S. Cordon
36 Holes Eclectic Dr Steven
Morning 18 Hole Handicap ‘A’ W. Phin
Morning 18 Hole Handicap ‘B’ J.M. Tiddy
Afternoon 18 Hole Handicap ‘A’ N. Pearse
Afternoon 18 Hole Handicap ‘B’ S. Cordon
Championship Teams Bednall, Haese, Stewart & Steven (Burra No. 1 Team)
Handicap Teams Cordon, Tyacke, Travers, Clare (Booborowie)
Burra School Children’s Frolic in aid of the School Committee Funds was held at the Institute last Thursday and is reported in detail with winning children and their costumes.
[Personal interest: cheapest costume girl, Nancy Fuss as Red Riding Hood (paper).]
St Joseph’s Annual Dance was held last Wednesday and drew a large attendance. It went very well.
Mongolata Goldfield
Things are fairly quiet at present, but a good sample [from an undisclosed source] of 7lb of ore came to light recently.
Mr W. Pexton says he is satisfied with progress.
54, 25, 21 June 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 24 June
Mac Marsh in Over the Hill supported by The Silent Witness.
Notice. The Commonwealth Census will be taken on 30 June 1933.
Advt. Miss Isabel McCorkindale, National Director of Temperance Education will give a talk on Women’s Contribution to the Twentieth Century at 3 p.m.
Band of Hope meeting the same evening at 7.30 p.m. when she will give the address:
The Challenge of a New Age to a New Generation.
Obituary. George Robert Hutchins aged 81 died at his granddaughter’s residence in Aberdeen on 15 June. [Death registered as Hutchings. Detailed obituary 54, 26, 28 June 1933, page 2.]
Miss R. Cellier of the local telephone staff for 12 months has been transferred to Adelaide and will be followed by Miss N. Weston from Central.
Matron G. Siegele of Burra Hospital is now recovering from a serious illness.
Vincent Dower severely burnt his right hand and arm last week when using a blow lamp over an empty petrol tin which exploded.
J. Sandow of the Vacuum Oil Co. has been transferred to Mt Gambier.
54, 25, 21 June 1933, page 3
Mr & Mrs L.L. Wicklein were given a farewell in the Council Chamber last Wednesday evening. The Mayor presided. Mr Wicklein had been a Councillor for five or six years and had done careful work in that capacity. Mrs Wicklein was the daughter of an old and respected Burra family. Mr Wicklein’s empty shop in the town would be another sign of the prevailing depression. He presented Mr Wicklein with a travelling rug. Others who spoke in support of the Mayor were A.B. Riggs, C.J. Pearce, S. Kellaway, Mr Rosman, Mr G.E. Dane (who said Mr Wicklein’s father had kept the Earl of Zetland Hotel in Adelaide), Town Clerk E.J. Davey, L. Gordon, A.L. Walker (neighbour in business for 30 years) & Max Pearce.
Mr Wicklein said he had tried to live a good life, give everyone a good deal and had worked hard on Council for the West Ward. The bridge in Chapel St was long known as Wicklein’s Folly, but it had been a godsend to many and he had got another erected in Church St, which had been useful and he had raised the question of altering the school windows, which was then pushed by Mayor John McLaren until changes were achieved. He was leaving for the sake of his health and to be nearer his children.
Mrs Wicklein was given a farewell at the Methodist Lecture Hall on Wednesday afternoon. President of Guild Mrs G.C. Hutchinson took the chair. Mrs Wicklein’s parents [James & Mary Chynoweth] had a long and honourable connection with the Primitive Methodist Church.
Obituary. Robert Pryde of Booborowie died at the Burra Hospital on 18 June aged 48, leaving a widow, but no children.
[Born 26 August 1884 near Kooringa. See more 54, 26 28 June 1933, page 2.]
Obituary. J. Alfred Duldig of Eudunda has died aged about 53. He was the second son of Mr F. Duldig of Eudunda and late of Brady Creek. He had been in poor health for some time with cancer and had pleurisy. He leaves a widow and five sons. [Johann Alfred Duldig: birth apparently not registered in SA, but BISA gives 1878; died 19 June 1933 at Eudunda.]
Chess At the Institute continues strongly with 14 at the last meeting.
Burra Rainfall: monthly figures from 1880 to April 1933 are printed.
54, 25, 21 June 1933, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday
Aberdeen 3.3 5.5 9.8 13.10 (88)
Mt Bryan 2.0 3.1 4.4 5.6 (36)
Hallett 6.8 defeated Kooringa 4.12.
‘Boob. Player’ writes expressing a different view on the game from that of the Burra football correspondent for the previous week.
‘Onlooker’ decries the lack of umpiring skills at the match at Hallett on 27 June, which is an odd complaint to be aired in the paper of 21 June, but 27 May was a Saturday.
Burra Rifle Club. Final stage of the Jennison Trophy was fired and best scores were by J.E. Pearce, A.C. Aughey & F. Spencer.
The Jennison Trophy went to Clem Pearce with H.H. Byles second and J.E. Pearce third.
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
Outstanding claims were then settled including a second £10 to Thomas Pickett for pointing out the northern lode. Of the 85 scrip certificates to be sold to original holders, 60 had been disposed of and 24 were on hand. Mr Finke applied for permission to buy 8 at £5 each and this was accepted. The remaining 16 it was decided would be offered to the scrip-holders at the next half-yearly meeting, by public auction. This cleared the way for work to start at the mine and among the first applicants was John Snell, who would spend the rest of his life in Burra. Mr Mildred advised he had spoken to some German miners and smelters recently arrived and he had advised them to apply for work. Messrs Stocks and Penny were to follow this up.
On 23 September the directors met and Mr Beck was appointed Chairman of Directors and Messrs Graham, Peacock & Neales were appointed a committee to employ men for one month to raise as much ore as possible from the North Lode and to procure tools and supplies. Tenders for the conveyance of ore were to be placed immediately – no tender to be for less than two tons.
At the directors’ meeting 30 September 1845 it was reported that Thomas Roberts had been engaged to take charge of the mine for one month at the usual Captain’s wages of £3 a week and also two miners and a mining smith for 35/- a week each – with them to find their own rations. The directors entered into an agreement with Mr Hack for the cartage of tools, stores etc to the mine, then to remain for two loads of ore of about two tons each and to return with the same for £16. Since then eight bullock drays had been despatched with an agreement to pay at the rate of £3 per ton.
On 2 September 1845 the assayers Dr Davey & Mr Elphick assayed the first ore samples at 631⁄2% pure copper from a green, red and horse flesh and yellow sample. From the green portion of samples they got about 50% copper and from the red portion 77% copper. The dull red portion (gossoon) is mainly oxide of iron impregnated with copper.
The estimations were that if the ore in the surface block measured 40ft x 30ft and was say 3ft deep it would weigh 380 tons and would be worth between £30 and £40 per ton or £11,400 to £15,200. An offer by William Cooke and Robert Depledge to cart ore to Pt Adelaide for £3 per ton was accepted.
On 14 October the directors decided to call the mine the Burra Burra Mine, meaning in the native language ‘Great Great’. [The commonly accepted origin is from Hindi. The local creek was so named from 1839, but there is an alternative view giving a Scottish origin for ‘fort’.]
On 29 October 1845 the land grant for 10,000 acres was received from the Registry Office and given to Messrs Smart & Baynes solicitors to prepare a trust deed.
On 4 November the Surveyor General had authority to survey the land between Adelaide and the Burra Creek.
54, 26, 28 June 1933, page 1
Marriage. St Ignatius Church, Norwood, 10 June
Joseph Preiss, youngest son of Mr & Mrs C. Preiss of Kooringa, married
Mildred Newman, youngest daughter of Mr & the late Mrs G.V. Neuman of Chain of Ponds.
Burra Benevolent Society held its AGM 15 June. The officers were re-elected: President, Mr James Thomas; Vice President, Mrs T.H. Woollacott; Treasurer, E.J. Davey & Secretary, Miss L. Coglin.
54, 26, 28 June 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies Saturday 1 July
Marion Nixon in Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
Warner Baxter in The Cisco Kid
Advt. Burra Institute. Series of Old-Time and Modern Dances beginning Wednesday 5 July.
Music by the newly formed Harmony Hounds Dance Band, players: Reg. Pearce (piano), Mr Hermes (violin), A. Andrews (trumpet), W. Ryan (banjo) & G. McDonald (drums).
Boy Scouts. The local committee was re-formed last Wednesday with President, G.H. Dow; Hon. Secretary, Mrs Hann & Treasurer, Mr L.R. Hann. Rev. Hutchinson of Kooringa is to be asked to become Scoutmaster with M. Morton and L. Hann as assistants.
Poem: The Draught Horse Cup.
Obituary. George Robert Hutchins who died at Aberdeen recently was born at Ramsgate (England) 3 March 1852 and arrived in Australia 25 June 1855 on the Thymouth Castle. He was educated in Adelaide and later learnt plastering, but in hard times took up other works. He settled at Balaklava area and later returned to Adelaide and married Eliza Mary Camplin in 1878. They lived first at Norwood before going to Wilmington in 1882, where his wife died in 1886. When the Teetulpa gold rush broke out he went there before taking to station work and was employed for many years by the late Mr A. Tennant around Pt Augusta district. He also worked for Sir Sidney Kidman and travelled extensively interstate. Prospecting fever took him to White Cliffs opal fields after which he worked on Yardea Station for 26 years, but when A.J. & P.A. McBride sold that he transferred to Braemar. He was taken ill on holiday to Adelaide in 1932 and returned to Burra to live with his granddaughter Mr Les White and died there on 15 June aged 81. He leaves a daughter Mrs A.T. Brandon of Booborowie and a son Mr E.J. Hutchins of Wilmington. There is one sister Mrs E.S. Hill of Wilmington and 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. [Death registered as Hutchings.]
Obituary. Mr Robert Pryde of Booborowie died at the Burra hospital on 18 June. He was born at Gum Creek in 1885, the fourth son of the late Mr & Mrs W. Pryde and spent his life in the district. He was a member of the Ayers School Committee. In 1919 he married Selina Work, youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs T. Work of Booborowie and later of Aberdeen. She survives with two young daughters. His brothers are W.J. & D. Pryde of Spalding and George Pryde of Booborowie. Mrs R. Nourse of Copperhouse and Mrs James Doyle of Mt Bryan East are sisters.
Obituary. Mrs Frank H. Ford died at Gawler suddenly on 24 June. She was born at Gum Creek 2 June 1866, [as Elizabeth] the second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Gould and lived at Gum Creek prior to her marriage, being for many years employed by Mr & Mrs Frank Treloar. Afterwards Mr & Mrs Ford went to live at Diprose’s three miles east of Burra. After Mr Ford’s death Mrs Ford came to live in Kooringa, but for some years has been housekeeper for Mr John Reed at Gawler. She leaves a family of six sons and three daughters: Norman H. (Wilgena Station), William (Adelaide), Robert (Mongolata), Alec (Basin Farm), Miss Myra (Gawler), Miss Eva (Kooringa) & Miss Ivy (Plympton. There are 12 grandchildren. Mrs W. P. Collins of Gum Creek and Mrs Salter of Hanson are sisters.
Obituary. Mr Thomas H. Pearse well-known pastoralist of ‘The Gums’ died 26 June aged 76, after a long illness. [Extended obituary 54, 27, 5 July 1933, page 3.]
54, 26, 28 June 1933, page 3
Burra Town Council, 19 June
A.T. Tuck headmaster of Burra School suggested the planting of trees opposite the school house in the park and said the school would tend them. Council agreed with a limit of 50 trees.
Approval was given to top some trees in Paradise and Aberdeen.
Cr Bevan was surprised that no application had been received from MUIOOF Aberdeen for permission to build a hall – he said it must have been an oversight on the part of their secretary. Consideration was deferred to the next meeting.
[Cr C.R. Bevan was the responsible person!]
It was resolved to sell the 26 unclaimed blocks in the Corporation on which rates had not been paid. They are to be placed in the hands of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Purchasers are to be responsible for land tax and water rates owing.
Various road matters followed.
Cr Jennison asked about the road along the creek towards Aberdeen Tennis Courts. He asked if it were an avenue, because if so the Council would have to keep up two roads. [This is unclear.]
Mongolata Goldfield
On Saturday last a police escort brought 171oz of gold into the Bank from Mongolata in the form of a bar of gold from the Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. Ltd. The company is sinking its main shaft a further 100ft; so far to 109ft.
At the 92ft level No. 1 winze 161ft south of the shaft depth 64ft, drive advanced 19ft averaging 10dwt per ton. At 14ft some rich ore was found. Started to back stope from 92ft level in south drive 140ft from shaft. Seam 18” wide.
25ft level. No. 1 rise advanced to 27ft and at surface seam 6” averaging 5dwt per ton.
Golden Harp. Drive north advanced to 23ft on lode 3ft wide averaging 2-3dwt per ton.
6 inch seam on surface 150ft west of main tunnel; pan test at 10dwt to 1oz per ton.
Rodeo in aid of Burra Hospital organised by Fred Faggotter at the Burra Racecourse on Saturday. There was a fair attendance despite bleak conditions.
Burra Local Court, 26 June
Sydney Hammerton was sentenced to 1 month for being idle and disorderly and to 7 days for drunkenness: the warrants to be withheld till applied for by the police.
54, 26, 28 June 1933, page 4
Football. Saturday:
Kooringa 4.4 8.4 11.7 15.9 (99)
Aberdeen 1.1 2.4 2.7 3.11 (29)
Booborowie 7.7 ? 12.10 20.11 (131)
Mt Bryan 0.0 ? 5.0 7.5 (47)
J.F. Hogan responds to ‘A Boob. Player’. Basically Hogan alleges that the Booborowie team has engineered an unfair advantage for itself by (a) combining the resources of North & South Booborowie – previously separate teams and (b) playing men from Spalding. He suggests that one consequence is a fall in spectator numbers from 2-300 to 50.
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
Freight was arranged in shipping.
The directors first thought of calling their township Redruth, but then decided on Kooringa.
1,000 bags were ordered at 8d each – marked SAMA.
Samuel Stocks was appointed Resident Director at the mine. Mr Solomon resigned as a director.
Henry M. Boswarva was appointed clerk at Burra Mine at £80 per annum from 1 February 1846.
13 January 1846 the first shipments of ore had been made to shipping agents in England and the Association had discounted bills with the Bank of Australasia for £4,587-14-8 – the mine’s first returns.
Messrs Penny & Graham visited the mine and reported plenty of ore was available to load drays as they arrived. They advised the appointment of a medical man at the mine. Mr Humble was appointed storekeeper at 30/- a week in place of G. Edwards who resigned.
Rates of cartage were reduced from £3 to £2-15-0. Charles Beck replaced Samuel Stocks Jnr as Chairman. Directors decided to build cottages for their officers and a smelting furnace and they arranged with Mr Kingston to engage masons and to see the work carried out.
The first cottages were built in Thames St; distinguished by their massive chimneys.
Land was being surveyed northward and perhaps with a view of stopping places on the road to Burra SAMA bought all three places for a trifle over the upset price of £1 an acre when they were offered for sale at the land office:
Section 2002 Kings Station of 80 acres which was later let to William Templar at £10 p.a. on condition he build a hotel within 12 months. Templers [sic] built a good country hotel.
Section 2402 Taylor’s Station of 77 acres about 3 miles east of Stockport was at a crossing over the River Light where later a bridge was built and a hotel.
Section 3200 Emu Springs of 80 acres. This was near Black Springs. It was first leased to Dan. Cudmore and he later transferred it to a Mr Tapley. A hotel was built there which later accidentally burnt down.
26 February 1846. Mr Kingston reported the officer’s cottages were coming on satisfactorily.
17 March 1846. Directors appointed Dr Thomson as mine surgeon at 6d per week for all employed over the age of 18. Mr Kingston presented a plan of the proposed Township of Kooringa, which was approved.
20 October 1846. The first balance sheet and report to directors. Mr Humbles salary as storekeeper was increased to £100 p.a.
8 October 1846. Mr Stocks attended a meeting of directors and explained his role as Resident Director. He asked to resign and recommended appointing a mining Captain instead.
5 January 1847. The directors appointed Captain Roach as Mining Captain at £225 p.a. with two months notice on either side. This turned out to be a wise appointment. He remained until the Darlington Scheme came along.
[Details of the first statement of accounts for the period 16 April 1845 to 31 March 1846 are printed.]
By the end of March 1846 they had property and improvements valued at £11,845-7-10 with cash of £22-9-2.
First Annual Report 16 April 1846
The directors reported that progress had exceeded their best expectations.
Copper raised since the first day of mining 29 September 1845 to 28 March 1846:
Ore for exportation 1,983 tons 17cwt 1qr 3lb
Ore reserved for smelting 723 tons
Total 2,706 tons 17cwt 1qr 3lb
1,799 tons 1cwt 0qr 24lb arrived at Pt Adelaide
118 tons 16cwt 0qr 7lb was on the road
66tons was at the mine
Shipped to England 1.197 tons 14cwt 3qr 18lb
Sold 9tons 15cwt 0qr 14lb
The last three months saw much more ore raised than the previous three and the quality of the ore had much improved.
54, 27, 5 July 1933, page 1
Copperhouse School Committee held a Children’s frolic last Saturday that was opened by the Mayor who said he was an old scholar. The prize winners and their costumes are listed.
Ironmine Tennis Club held a dance at Leighton Hall last Saturday.
Golf. At Hallett on Saturday 1 July Burra 8 matches defeated Hallett 7 matches with 2 all square.
54, 27, 5 July 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 8 July
Wheeler & Woolsey in Hook Line & Sinker.
Eddie Quinlan in Sweepstakes.
Plus the two reel comedy Mickey’s Warriors.
Advt. Tuesday 11 July at the Burra Institute: O’Donnell & Ray’s Pantomime: Mother Goose.
Obituary. Bessie Young, second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs T. Young and only sister of Mrs C. Woollacott of Redruth, died 2 July at Tyabb, Victoria. [Born Elizabeth Selina Young 11 December 1861 at Ashmore (Burra). See also 54, 31, 2 Aug. 1933, page 3.]
Mr Harold Davey (late of the Record office Burra) is to be congratulated on his choir, the Croydon Methodist Choir, which came second in the Kilkenny Competitions last week.
Mrs Luke Day has made a handsome hearth rug, which we saw yesterday. Over 12 dozen silk stockings were used.
Weather conditions remain dry with heavy frosts and both pastoral and farming outlooks are gloomy. Rain is now forecast.
Obituary. Mr Thomas Henry Pearse died at ‘Glenbower’ on ‘The Gums Station’ on 26 June aged 76. He was born at Holne Village, Devonshire in 1857 in a family of nine sons and one daughter. Several brothers died in Australia and one is currently a draughtsman at Keyham Dockyard, Plymouth. He emigrated to Australia in 1877 on the Forfarshire.
[Personal note: my great-grandparents Alfred & Mary Allen migrated in 1877 on the Forfarshire.]
He travelled north on the train and by bullock dray to open a wheelwright’s business at Terowie and later at Hallett. In 1884 in conjunction with his brother-in-law the late William Cockrum he purchased ‘The Gums’ from R.M. & W.J. McBride. At the time it was quite small and parts of the area had been farmed, but not successfully, being beyond Goyder’s Line. Mr Pearse eventually bought out 33 farmers and settlers to make the holding of 97,000 acres it is today. He later bought Caroona, east of Mt Bryan in conjunction with his father-in-law, the late George Hiles of Petherton, Mt Bryan. Mr Pearse’s brother, Harry, managed it until he died and later Mr Pearse’s eldest son, Bertram, became the owner. Mr Pearse was thrice married. His first wife was Emily, daughter of George Hiles and there were four sons and one daughter (one son died in infancy). His second wife was Adeline, another daughter of Mr George Hiles and a son of this marriage died in infancy. The third wife was Evaline Mathilde Herminie Meinck, daughter of R. Meinck, a farmer of Quorn. The eldest son Bertram Wellesley died of wounds at Gallipoli in 1915. Surviving sons Norman Hiles Pearse and Harold Leslie Pearse live at ‘The Gums’. The daughter Ida Elizabeth of the first marriage married A. Scott Martin of Elder, Smith & Co. and predeceased both her father and husband (the latter of whom was killed in a car accident a few years ago). Mr Pearse with his sons founded T.H. Pearse & Sons Ltd. Among their holdings were ‘Warioota Station’ in the north and a share in ‘Witchelina Station’ Farina and extensive areas in Yundamindra and Mt Celia Stations near Leonora in WA. He was for many years a member of the Morgan and Apoinga DCs and of the Stockowners’ Council of SA. During a period of drought he, along with P.L. Killicoat and John Barker, was instrumental in getting rental on leasehold country east of Burra reduced and leases placed under ‘the lease in perpetuity Act. He and his wife did a world tour in 1921 and placed a memorial tablet to his soldier son in the old Parish Church. [See Burra Record XXXXVII, 1, 7 Jan. 1925, page 3.]
He retired in 1919 and spent his latter years at Brighton where he was active in the Brighton Bowling Club. In the Great War he was very generous on the big appeal days. As a young man he was an exponent in boxing and wrestling. He was a genial and optimistic man of great integrity. There are eight grandchildren.
New Decorative Stone. There is a further report on the stone found by Norman Ford and Percy Fuss at Mulga Hill 70 miles northeast of Burra by the Deputy Government Geologist L.J. Winton. It appeared to be a form of fractured shale with a form of kaolin filling the fissures and could be polished beautifully and used where marble was used in building, table-tops etc. Mr Woodward manager of Pt Pirie Smelters also reports on the mineral content and says the rock is weather and water resistant.
54, 27, 5 July 1933, page 3
Mr & Mrs Charles J. Pearce celebrated their golden wedding 28 June. All surviving members of the family gathered to congratulate them and were entertained in the evening at the Kooringa Methodist Hall with a high tea for about 50 people. A three-tiered wedding cake was made for the occasion by Nancy Pearce, their eldest granddaughter who is fourteen. Special congratulations came from the Mayor and Mayoress and the local Rechabite Lodge of which Mr Pearce has been secretary for over 50 years, and from the CWA. Mr Pearce is the only surviving member of the William (tailor) Pearce family. His late brother (Harry) was represented by three grandchildren, Messrs A. & D. Dane and Miss M. Dane.
Mr Pearce was born near Kooringa as the youngest son of W. Pearce who arrived in Burra in 1847. After leaving school he was apprenticed to W.L.H. Bruse, cabinetmaker with whom he worked for 15 years. At the age of 27 he started business on his own, which he continues today in conjunction with his eldest son Lisle. His wife, Miss Agnes Thomas came to Kooringa as a milliner to Messrs Drew & Co. She was the second daughter of Andrew Thomas FCS of Adelaide and they married 28 June 1883. Of ten children (five boys and five girls) two boys had died, Colin and Courtney and one girl, Leah, Mrs James.
Surviving are: Evelyn Mrs P.W. Flint (Kingston), Miss Annie (at home in Kooringa), Lisle (managing the Kooringa business), Nita Mrs T. Haworth (Grange), Sister Millicent A. (Matron Kent Town Private Hospital), Andrew (Victoria) and Max (Manager of Elder, Smith & Co. in Kooringa).
Redruth Court, 28 June
Percy Roy Allen & Harold Allen pleaded guilty to assaulting Cr C.R. Bevan.
An argument had arisen at the mine quarry over certain metal raised by the defendants. Harold had used abusive language towards Cr Bevan and then moved to strike him. When prevented by the Mayor Percy Roy had then knocked Cr Bevan over a heap of metal and on his getting up had hit him again. Percy Roy Allen in defence said that Cr Bevan had called them a pair of b ______ shirkers, but he would not repeat it under oath. A fine of £5 was imposed, but considering their circumstances it was reduced to 10/- plus £1 court costs. The complainant did not ask for costs.
Fire on Monday morning at Alf Morgan’s farm at Ironmine destroyed all the sheds and a chaff cutter. Mr Morgan was not at home at the time and the origin of the fire is a mystery.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Co. is said to have made a big find on Friday, said to yield 120-150oz. Still, a well defined lode is yet to be found.
54, 27, 5 July 1933, page 4
Football
Aberdeen 3.4 5.5 8.6 11.8 (74)
Hallett 6.1 8.4 10.4 11.7 (73)
Booborowie 1.2 5.11 7.16 8.21 (69)
Kooringa 3.2 4.5 5.9 9.8 (62)
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Continued)
21 April 1847. Second Annual Report of SAMA. In the past six months 3,481 tons were raised and the overseas price was between £31-9-0 and £10-10-0 per ton with an average £16 per ton gross, leaving a clear profit of about £3,200. Further shipments then at Swansea would bring this average to £17-4-0 per ton.
As soon as ore waiting at Pt Adelaide was shipped the directors intended to declare a dividend of at least 50% on capital. They decided to sink Graham’s Shaft at once and decided to go ahead with smelting experiments. Horses and horse feed were being bought and the rate of cartage from the Mine to Pt Adelaide was raised to £3 per ton with return goods at £2 per ton.
4 May 1847. The directors instructed that no goats were to be allowed on the lands of the SAMA. They appointed themselves as a committee to wait on the Governor seeking permission to import Chinese labour.
15 June 1847. Directors resolved that a first dividend of 50% on capital or 50/- per share be declared.
22 June 1847. Matthew Bryant was appointed second Captain at the Mine at £150 p.a.
29 June 1847. The secretary’s salary was increased to £250 p.a.
6 July 1847. A second dividend of 50/- per share was declared.
30 July 1847. Miners’ wages were cut to 30/- a week and labourers’ to 23/-.
3 August 1847. A third dividend of 100% or £5 per £5 share was declared.
A 50 inch cylinder engine with all pumping appliances was ordered overseas and Mr Burr was appointed Superintendent of the Mine.
16 October 1847. Messrs Penny & Owen were to be supplied with 5,000 tons of ore for smelting on terms arranged.
At the half-yearly meeting of shareholders held on 20 October 1847 the Chairman reported that in four months the directors had declared dividends of 200%, but did not contemplate another till 1 December 1847. They were concerned at the present depressed state of the copper market.
In the first three years of working 33,386 tons of ore were raised, equal to upward of 10,000 tons of fine copper. Copper was then worth £75 per ton for a total value of £750,000. Affairs were continuing very prosperously and cartage did not stop during winter.
November 1847. Mr Challoner was appointed junior clerk at the Mine with £100 p.a. and this like that of Captain Roach proved to be a wise appointment. He remained almost to the end and was given the management after Captain Roach resigned and saw the Darlington Scheme introduced and sometime afterwards resigned and returned to England. Captain Roach’s salary was increased.
18 February 1848. The fifth dividend of 200% or £10 per share was declared. Richard Goldsworthy was appointed third Captain at £143 p.a. and Captain Bryant’s salary was increased. Mr Burr (the Superintendent) and the directors disagreed and on 28 July 1848 it was decided the directors would visit to clear up matters in dispute with Mr Burr.
18 August 1848. 7th Dividend of 200% was declared. [The 6th dividend is not cited.]
8 September 1848. The directors were dissatisfied with Mr Burr as Superintendent and decided to dismiss him and resolved that the Chairman, Deputy Chairman (Mr Kingston) and Secretary Mr Ayers would visit the Mine to relieve Mr Burr. William Elphick was appointed Assayer at £200 p.a.
18 October 1848. Half-yearly meeting of shareholders.
More rich discoveries had been made, but recent disturbances in Europe had affected the sales of copper. Prospects were such that the last report’s resolve to pay quarterly dividends of 200% can continue.
54, 28, 12 July 1933, page 1
Frank Treloar: Looking Back (Concluded)
The directors reported making a clear profit of £9-0-4 per ton and the average cost of 18 months tonnage of 9,839 tons was £6-11-4 with an average profit of £8-9-10 per ton, or £81,786 or 4421⁄2% p.a. on the capital stock.
27 October 1848. Mr Young made an offer to take copper ore via Gulf St Vincent – marking the start of the Gulf Road. Mr Young was a surveyor.
20 November 1848. An extraordinary meeting of directors was held to consider the offer of G.S. Walters and Mr Williams of the Patent Copper Co. for smelting of ore on the mine property.
The main points of the arrangement were:
The seven year agreement was to begin with the start of smelting c. April 1849.
The copper ore was to be delivered to the Smelts by the mine.
Smelted copper was to be delivered to the mine by the Patent Copper Co.
Details of returnable quantities etc. are given.
The Patent Copper Co. was not to sell any copper in SA or the colonies.
Precious metals extracted were to be equally divided.
The quantity for the first year April 1849-April 1850 was 10,000 tons.
In successive years it would be 30,000 tons if the mine produced as much.
The site for the Smelts, cottages etc. was to be leased for 99 years.
The directors approved the proposal.
4 November 1848. A 100% dividend was declared.
18 April 1849. AGM of SAMA. Copper prices in Europe were depressed. Discoveries of ore were improving. The lode in 30 fathom level was red oxide and malachite in great abundance. An 83 h.p. pumping engine had been carted to the mine. An engine house was being erected to enable work at the 30 fathom level. The Patent Copper Co. had begun work a fortnight before.
17 October 1849. At the half-yearly meeting new discoveries continued to be reported. They were then employing 727 including officers. The Patent Copper Co. was delivering copper regularly.
3 August 1849. The eighth dividend of 100% was declared.
[If this number is correct then that of 18 August 1848 was the sixth and not the seventh and that of 4 November 1848 was the seventh.]
17 August 1849. Tenders were called for the sale of the first copper smelted at Burra: 13 tons at £77 per ton in any quantities. The secretary’s salary was increased to £500 p.a.
7 September 1849. It was suggested to Mr Walters of the Patent Copper Co. that he apply for the survey of a town at Pt Henry (i.e. Pt Wakefield) of say 40 acres.
14 September 1849. Captains Roach and Bryant examined land to the west of the special survey and it was resolved to buy 1 area that afterwards became the Karkulta Mine.
16 November 1849. The 9th dividend of 100% was declared.
5 January 1850. Copper was at £75 a ton.
22 February 1850. The 10th dividend of 200% was declared.
8 March 1850. Mr Challoner’s salary was increased to £180 p.a. Challoner and Roach were now running the mine.
17 April 1850. Copper prices improved in Europe. The directors resolved to order powerful pumping machinery – to be the big engine for Sneider’s Shaft [sic: Schneider’s]
15 May 1850. The 11th dividend of 200% was paid.
16 October 1850. The Chairman said the ore raised in five years was 56,428 tons. SAMA in 41⁄2 years to 29 September 1849, including 4 years of the Burra Mine, earned a profit of £229,535-8-9 and of this £221,760 had been paid in 12 dividends:
Dividends Date %
1 2 June 1847 50
2 8 July 1847 50
3 18 August 1847 100
4 1 December 1847 200 50% = £6,160
5 1 March 1848 200 100% = £12,320
6 1 June 1848 200 200% = £24,640
7 1 September 1848 200 Total = £221,760
8 5 September 1849 100
9 1 December 1849 100
10 5 March 1850 200
11 1 June 1850 200
12 4 September 1850 200
16 April 1851. At the AGM the Chairman of Directors said everything at the mine was still good, but water was starting to be a problem and the pumping engine on Sneider’s Shaft [sic: Schneider’s] was almost powerless to control it.
15 October 1851. The Chairman reported all was going well. The Victorian Gold Rush then started and employed men and boys fell so that by 30 September 1853 only 167 remained and water was allowed to flood the lower levels.
18 April 1854. Men were returning and numbers rose to 191 and by the end of April 1855 to 688 and by March 1856 to 773. It was decided to sink Morphett’s Shaft 14ft x 10ft and to erect an extra powerful engine.
30 September 1857. Morphett’s Shaft had reached 20 fathoms and was proceeding. Employment had reached 909. The ordered pump was expected early in 1858.
30 September 1858. The new pumping engine arrived at Pt Adelaide.
31 March 1859. Morphett’s Shaft reached 55 fathoms. Sinking was held up by the inrush of water.
31 March 1860. Morphett’s Engine started 1 April 1860 and worked exceedingly well. Johnny Green erected as mascot.
- Copper reached £105 a ton before falling to £82-10-0.
This information, read with Treloar’s booklet of four years previously, he says, gives a ‘fairly truthful story of the Burra Burra Mine whose early discovery and working was a wonderful help to the State by giving it wealth (badly wanted at the time) and providing employment freely, not only on the mine, but also circulated it everywhere besides it being a great incentive to land settlement.’
Football. Victoria Park, Saturday
Kooringa 4.8 10.10 17.15 23.19 (157)
Mt Bryan 0.1 1.4 1.4 1.4 (10)
Burra Town Council, 3 July
Messrs Finch & Son offer to help cart gravel at 4/- per load and to supply the gravel free for the road near the cemetery to their property. Consideration was deferred.
P.A. McBride gives permission for ‘Johnny Green’ to be erected on the site chosen by Council.
R. Warnes, stationmaster, advised that the flooding from the station yard was from overflow from the overhead tank and was unlikely to recur.
Ratepayers desirous of working out their rates are to be allowed to do so.
IOOUF Aberdeen lodged an application to build additions to the lodge room. Granted.
Various minor road works approved.
54, 28, 12 July 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 15 July
Janet Gay in Merely Mary Ann and Will Rogers in Down to Earth.
Notice. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. under instructions from the Corporation of Burra will offer the following [unclaimed] blocks of land without reserve:
Millerton: 18, 47, 48, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 169.
Redruth: 2, 5, 6, 13, Pt94, Pt99, 100.
Hampton: Pt30, 41, 42.
Justices of the Peace. Mr A.D. McDonald MO of Leighton and Cr Horton Jennison have been appointed JPs.
Miss M. Darling who has been on the staff at the telephone exchange for 12 months has been moved to the city and will be replaced by Miss Poole from Central.
Mr Sandow of the Vacuum Oil Co. has been moved to Mt Gambier and will be replaced by A.J. Whimpress from Strathalbyn.
The Harmony Hounds’ initial dance at the Institute on Wednesday drew good patronage. Nett profits go to the Burra Hospital.
Mongolata Goldfield
Good returns continue: 400oz in the last month have been brought into Burra. Byles’ recently got 194oz from 228 tons and Pexton’s 77oz from 48 tons. The battery is working continuously.
54, 28, 12 July 1933, page 3
Burra Rifle Club held its AGM in the Cheer-up Hall on Saturday to receive the 26th Annual Report by Captain J.A. Riggs. The year ended with the club in credit c. £39. The open shoot on 13 October had raised £2-14-6 for the Limbless soldiers’ Fund. A letter had been received from Major Prisk, staff-officer of Rifle Clubs offering the club the shed on the old military rifle range on condition the club removed and re-erected it at their own expense. As a consequence their shelter shed had been well extended thanks to permission from Messrs Warnes & Sons, owners of the land. New rifles will be issued on 30 October next. Prizes for the year:
Championship H.H. Byles
Jennison Trophy C.W. Pearce
Marksman’s Trophy A.C. Aughey
Fearon Cup F. Spencer (For highest points in 1st 10 matches.)
Handicap Championship J.E. Pearce – corrected in the paper of 19 July to J.A. Riggs.
Obituary. Mrs H. Bown died 8 July. She was born Margaret Dennis Edwards on 15 April 1855 at Karkulto Copper Mine near Black Springs. About 60 years ago she married Henry Bown of Springbank and they lived there and farmed till his death some 16 years ago. Their second son Alfred continues the farm. Mrs Bown moved into Kooringa [to 12 Thames St]. She had a large circle of friends, but for many years was totally blind and learnt Braille. She leaves six daughters and two sons: Henry Bown (Highfield, Adelaide), Alfred Bown (Springbank), Carrie Mrs W. Gebhardt (Collinswood), Margaret Mrs W.H. Harris (Fullarton), Mabel Mrs A.T. Hancock (Tusmore), Minetta Bown (Kooringa), Rose Mrs R.B. Peak (Tusmore) and Beatrice Mrs G.A. Grossman (Alberton). There are 18 grandchildren.
54, 28, 12 July 1933, page 4
Padding.
54, 29, 19 July 1933, page 1
Football at Aberdeen on Saturday.
Booborowie 3.5 6.10 9.11 9.15 (69)
Aberdeen 3.0 4.3 4.4 6.6 (42)
Ned Kelly. There is a report of the visit to Burra of Mr Robert McDougall who was once stuck up by Ned Kelly and was called to give evidence against the bushranger in 1880. [Somewhat more than 1 column.]
‘Old Timer’ writes to congratulate Mr George McDonald of Aberdeen on the excellent music supplied by the ‘Harmony Hounds’ at their second dance at the Institute.
54, 29, 19 July 1933, page 2
Advt. Huge Drapery Sale by Charles Joseph’s in the SAFU Building next to Dowling’s Grill Rooms in Market Square. 18-21 July.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 22 July
Congorilla supported by Stepping Sisters.
The Harmony Hounds second dance on 29 July was a marked success with attendance exceeding that of their first dance.
Weather. Some 36 points fell in the last week, but the general shortage of rain has become serious. The pastoral country is even worse and the lack of wind has meant the taking of engines to bores to pump water. The drought is the worst on record except for 1914.
Redruth Memorial Sunday School was the location for a Children’s Fancy Dress Frolic on 12 July. Max Morton was in charge and after an overture by Clarrie Fuss and a song by L. Thomas those in fancy dress paraded. [Personal interest: most humorous boy was Mervyn Allen as a horse.]
Burra Local Court.
Hugh Edward Finlay was fined £5 plus £1 court fees for driving an unregistered car (3rd offence) and £8 registration for the year. For driving without a licence (4th offence) he was fined £3 + £1 court fee.
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew Claim won 3oz from 7 tons not including tailings.
Pexton’s have been processing tailings and 48 tons yielded 13dwt.
Wildildie prospects are said to be ‘quite satisfactory’.
54, 29, 19 July 1933, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. committee meeting 17 July. The meeting dwelt with practical matters relating to the next show. [Somewhat over 11⁄2 columns.]
Marriage. Willalo Methodist Church 8 July
Oriel Merle Mayfield, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs H.A. Mayfield, married
Thomas James Ashby, eldest son of Mr & Mrs W.B. Ashby.
George Earle lost his eyesight in the recent accident, but is deriving much pleasure from the wireless set generously given by Willalo friends.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 15 July
Dora Rosewall, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs J.A. Rosewall of Kooringa, married
G. Milton Rosenthal, eldest son of Mr & Mrs G.H. Rosenthal of Kapunda.
54, 29, 19 July 1933, page 4
J. Harry’s birthday. (Reprinted from the Bendigo Advertiser.)
Joseph Harry of American Gully was 83 recently and he and Mrs Harry will celebrate their diamond wedding on 23 May 1934. He was born in Burra SA and arrived in Bendigo aged 2. His father, attracted by gold came by boat to Melbourne and made his way to Bendigo in 1851 and was among the earliest there. In 1852 he went back to his family in Adelaide with seven or eight companions, with accounts of the wealth to be won. This was the first overland trip from Bendigo to Adelaide. On reaching Adelaide Mr Harry lost no time in taking his family to Bendigo and they went to live in a hut near where the Princess Theatre now stands in View Street.
[A story of an attempted robbery of gold from Mr Harry Sen. is recounted.]
District Council of Burra, 7 July
Cr Pearse was re-elected Chairman for the year. It was reported that Councillors Hawkes, McWaters & Warnes had been re-elected.
54, 30, 26 July 1933, page 1
Football. Victoria Park on Saturday.
Kooringa 1.5 4.10 6.11 10.15 (75)
Hallett 3.2 7.4 8.5 10.6 (66)
Aberdeen 8.9 defeated Mt Bryan 6.9.
CWA held its AGM last Friday with President Mrs I.J. Warnes in the chair.
A report of the year’s activities is given at length in some 23⁄4 columns (the last 11⁄2 columns being on page 4.) They were in credit £33-3-5. Page 4 report of the election of officers: President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames J. Tennant, E. Jettner & C.D. Wilkinson; Hon. Secretary, Miss Minnie Rogers and Treasurer, Mrs S.H. Robinson.
54, 30, 26 July 1933, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will sell on 4 August for D. Jones who is leaving the district the listed household furniture. The sale will be at his residence near the Mine Bridge.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 29 July
The colossal spectacle in Colour of the Musical Operetta Dixiana
Plus Tom Keene in The Saddlebuster.
Ralph Hill’s well known and valuable racing draught filly Lightning died on Thursday last.
‘A promising career ended.’
[Lightning had come last covering the two furlongs in an official 15 minutes.]
Harmony Hounds dances continue to be popular.
54, 30, 26 July 1933, page 3
Burra Town Council, 17 July.
There was discussion about outstanding rates and dog licences.
An advertisement is to be inserted in the Record before more drastic action over dog licences.
Various street maintenance works were approved.
The whole Council will inspect and select the site for ‘Johnny Green’.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 1st round of the Fearon Trophy and best results were from C.H. Fearon and W. Woodman.
54, 30, 26 July 1933, page 4
Hanson CWA. The formation of the branch is reported as ‘recently’, but with no date.
54, 31, 2 Aug. 1933, page 1
Football, Saturday at Victoria Park
Kooringa 4.9 9.13 12.20 16.25 (121)
Aberdeen 0.1 3.1 6.2 7.4 (46)
Ironmine Memorial Hall celebrated its 10th anniversary on Tuesday with an entertainment.
Arbor Day was held at Burra School on Friday 21 July. 14 trees were planted in the reserve opposite the school house. (Most were Pinus radiata.)
54, 31, 2 Aug. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 5 August
The Officers’ Mess
Plus Gracie Fields in Looking on the Bright Side.
Rev. R.H. Davidson of the Methodist Young Peoples Department will conduct services at the Methodist Churches and will speak at a rally in the Institute at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Nancy Killicoat of Kooringa has been appointed telephonist at Kooringa.
54, 31, 2 Aug. 1933, page 3
Miss Stella Lawrence was farewelled at the home of Mr & Mrs Haese on Friday. She is leaving Burra. The farewell was on behalf of the Burra Harmony Concert Party of which she has been a member. Mr & Mrs A.O. Lawrence and their daughters Stella & Gladys left Burra for Prospect yesterday. Mr & Mrs Lawrence have run the Burra Hotel for the last seven years. On Saturday afternoon the ladies in the family were given a farewell at Dowling’s Café from a group including members of their staff. Mr A.O. Lawrence was given a farewell at the residence of Mr W. Anderson by friends.
Kenneth Kellock of the staff of Elder, Smith & Co. for 41⁄2 years since leaving school has gone to Minlaton and was farewelled on Saturday. He is the elder son of Mr & Mrs Arthur Kellock of Kooringa.
Mr David Jones, well known coach painter left Burra yesterday morning after a residence of 60 years. He has retired and his son C. Jones has taken a position in the city and is also leaving in a week or two.
Burra Homing Club races in June/July:
17 June from Carrieton won by L. Simpson
1 July from Eudunda won by Harold Pearce
8 July from Hawker won by S. Kuchenmeister
15 July from Tailem Bend won by H. Hill
21 July from Parachilna won by J. McDonald
28 July from Keith won by H. Hill
Obituary. Mary Woods died 30 July after a long illness. She was a long time resident of Burra. She leaves one daughter and two brothers, the Messrs Neidick. Mr Paul Neidick was particularly attached to his sister and we extend sympathy to him. [No trace in SA records of birth, marriage or death. The surname is probably Neideck.]
Obituary. Miss Bessie Young, sister of Mrs C. Woollacott of Redruth, died at Tyabb, Victoria on 2 July. She was the only sister of Mrs Woollacott and a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Young of Aberdeen and spent her early days in Burra and has been a frequent visitor since. The doctor stated she had died very suddenly from a blood clot from a gum boil going first to her temple and thence to the brain. [Born Elizabeth Selina Young 11 December 1861 at Ashmore (Burra).]
Burra Local Court, 31 July
Eddie Bowman, a part Aboriginal, was fined 5/- + 25/- costs for being in possession of liquor.
Copperhouse. The local committee of the [School] Welfare Club held a dance on Saturday evening. [Apparently at the school.]
54, 31, 2 Aug. 1933, page 4
Largely padding.
54, 32, 9 Aug. 1933, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park: a very rough game and not well umpired.
Booborowie 1.4 5.13 5.18 7.22 (64)
Kooringa 0.4 0.5 2.10 4.11 (35)
The Plains East of Burra
[This is a reprint of an article from The Register of 22 August 1898. It was supplied by N. Hiles Pearse and the suggestion is that it is equally applicable to August 1933.]
Hon. G. McGregor MLC, Messrs R.W. Foster, I. MacGillivray, L.W. Peake, J. Hutchinson & W. O. Archibald and press representatives visited the Eastern Plains at the invitation of Messrs E.C. Lockyer, W.P. Barker, H. Scott, F.T. Jones, T.H. Pearse and P.L. Killicoat, to see the state of the country in the recent drought. They arrived by the Broken Hill express on Thursday evening and were conveyed to the town by a ramshackle old bus and stayed half at Nankervis’s Burra Hotel and half at Vivian’s Commercial Hotel. They left at 7.30 a.m. Friday in three traps and were met at Baldina by Messrs Barker and Jones each in a buggy and the party divided between the five traps and proceeded by different routes. They met several teamsters trying to make a living by carting wood. The futility of farming in the district has been proved beyond doubt. This and overstocking in earlier days has led to a barren landscape across [which] the wind blows and carried away the top soil leaving a surface like a claypan or in places gravel. If caught in the worst brickfielders drivers cannot see the heads of their horses. Dust penetrates houses to an alarming extent and fine houses have been abandoned as unliveable. Nothing can stop the drift from filling in dams or piling up to make vermin-proof fences useless by burying them. Friday was a beautiful day. Sheep were rarely seen and few birds except for a soaring eagle and a few crows. An occasional rabbit. Mr J.H. Angas’s holding came from buying out a lot of small farmers, but now no stock is on his property. Mr McBride’s country is vermin-proof fenced and we halted at the dams. One was completely silted up and the other contains only about two feet of water when full. There have been no good rains for five years. Country worth £1 to 30/- per acre is not now worth 2/6.
Mr Scott had Redcliffe 40 miles from Burra (now Mr T. McBride’s). It comprises c. 60,000 acres: 2 blocks perpetual lease and 1 with right of purchase. Costs are impossible on this. Rent is 1d odd a mile, there is a land tax on the right of purchase leases, assessed at high value, interest on the vermin-proof fencing and in many cases a district rate as well.
It is impossible to say why this country was ever cut up into Hundreds and put under District Council control. Mr Scott said there had been no lambing for five years.
(To be continued.)
54, 32, 9 Aug. 1933, page 2
Advt. Oates & Co. announce the appointment of Phil. Killicoat to supervise private sales of stock etc. from 1 September.
Advt. Burra Talkies, Saturday 12 August
The War Correspondent plus The Power of Evil and a Crazy Cat Cartoon.
Advt. Burra Red Cross Annual Jumble Sale, Friday 18 August at Pearce’s Building.
Advt. Burra Institute, Monday 14 August: Minda Home Concert Party, Grand Concert & Dance
With Jack Fewster & His Famous Band
Mr W. Finlay has arrived to take the place of Mr Ken Kellock at Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd.
Norman Pearse of the Commercial Bank for over three years has been transferred to the city office. He has been notable in musical circles and in the Burra Harmony Concert Party.
Capt. H.C. Miller arrived at the local landing ground last Sunday and several residents took the chance to view Burra from the air.
The Harmony Hounds held the last of their dances on Monday evening and drew a large crowd.
54, 32, 9 Aug. 1933, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Last Wednesday the Mayor, A.D. McDonald MP, E.J. Harris, G.E. Dane and the Record representative visited the field.
At Mr Anderson’s claim he complained of the impossibility of getting capital to develop his claim.
‘The Ibis’ claim of Fred Lewis, Roberts & L. Kellaway* showed much driving on a seam of low values. There is a 112ft drive with some rich specimens along the way. On stuff sent to Peterborough the yield just paid expenses. They are on rations – 14lb of meat a month or 1⁄2lb a day.*
K. Kellaway on ‘The Burra Mongolata’ is on a narrow seam with a 110ft drive.*
At Pexton’s ‘Takati’ some large nuggets have been found.
Driving at Byles’ has extended 500ft one way and another and there is some sinking. The family has been at work for 22 months.
Norman Gillett’s residence was very comfortable and with George Evans they have drive 150ft, have got some gold and still have hopes. They are near Carpenter’s Café and call their show ‘The Rising Sun’ on a gully designated ‘The Old Kent Road’ and adjacent is ‘Rotten Row’ and ‘The Strand’ and a hut called ‘Willyama’.
Byles’ are sinking a shaft another 100ft. Mr Hogan is manager and he said in all there was some 1,500ft of sinking and driving for some 1,000oz of gold with 100 tons of ore at grass.
At Rampton’s claim a lot of work has been done and so there has at Terry’s where some 50oz has been won.
Mr McDonald said he was collecting information to place some definite scheme before the Government which had spent a lot of money at Moonta for little result.
The miners discussed the need to have fracture, [explosive] which Mr Richardson when Minister of Mines said was impossible to supply.
The visitors had an excellent meal at Mr Carpenter’s Café.
[Note that statements marked * are clarified and/or corrected in the next report 54, 33, 18 Aug. 1933, page 3.]
T.H. Woollacott writes about the needs for unemployed men working at Mongolata. There are miners employed for wages and small syndicates, but there are about 30 others who need to be supported to prove the field, but who need mining clothes for themselves and clothes for their families. Since the field started about £12,000 worth of gold has been obtained - £4,000 of it since the battery started four months ago. In reply to Mr A.D. McDonald MP the Premier recently said £25,000 had been spent at Moonta for a return of £10,000 worth of copper and £3,000 was spent at Mongolata for a battery and a water shed. We should make a special practical effort on behalf of the town and Mongolata to stop the drift on unemployment locally and to keep those working who are doing so. Thanks go to the ‘News’ Blanket Fund and Central Unemployment Relief Committee for blankets etc.
Obituary. Mr Simon Williams of Kooringa died in the Burra Hospital last week aged 75. He was a bachelor who leaves three brothers and two sisters. Mrs E. Wall of Booborowie is a sister and Mr J. Williams of Hampton is a brother.
[Died 2 August 1933 aged 74. Birth seems not to be registered in SA.]
The Baby Health Train will pay its fifth visit to Burra from Saturday to Tuesday.
Burra High School Debating
On 26 July the affirmative won the debate: That the compulsory school leaving age should be raised from 14 to 16 years.
On 3 August the negative side won the debate: That city life is preferable to country life.
Rev. R.H. Davidson, Director of the Young Peoples’ Department of the Methodist Church, visited Burra in the last week. On Saturday afternoon there was a Sunday school meeting at Redruth Memorial Sunday School. Teachers and officials from Redruth, Hallett, Mt Bryan, Leighton and Hanson attended. There was a demonstration, address and tea with a public meeting in the evening. On Sunday morning there was a Junior Endeavour Service at Kooringa Methodist Church, a church service and Holy Communion. On Sunday afternoon some 300 children from the district Sunday schools assembled in Market Square at 2.30 and marched to the Institute for a rally. Rev. Davidson also took the evening service at Redruth to end the week’s work.
Obituary. George Blowes formerly of Farrell’s Flat died in Adelaide 28 July aged 47. He was the son of Mr John Blowes of Saddleworth. He had been a blacksmith in Farrell’s Flat, Broken Hill and Elliston and then returned to Farrell’s Flat. He married Miss Ada Agars of Elliston some 20 years ago. She survives with a family. [Born at Saddleworth 3 March 1887 and died at Northfield, residence Farrell’s Flat.]
54, 32, 9 Aug. 1933, page 4
Stockowners’ Assoc. SA held its AGM last Friday in the Eastern Telephone building. President I.J. Warnes was re-elected. The President gave a speech touching on the death of T.H. Pearse, the 10% cut in award wages, commodity prices and galahs. There was an address by the State President Mr W.G. Hawkes who spoke on freight charges, interest rates, Alsatian dogs, trade with Japan, the outlook for wool and overstocking with sheep, especially in the out-side country and the role of the Association.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 2nd match for the Fearon Trophy and best scorers were: H.L. Riggs, A.B. Riggs, A.C. Aughey & W. Woodman.
54, 33, 16 Aug. 1933, page 1
Hallett Girls’ Friendly Club held its 3rd Annual Exhibition of Arts & Crafts last Saturday. Reported.
The Plains East of Burra: Reprinted form the Register 22 August 1898. (Continued.)
We followed the track to Morgan to the bottom of Greig’s Block, passing McBride’s and Pearse’s country. We passed a narrow strip of green some 14-15 miles from Burra, which had caught some rain in February and June. Greig’s Block is now owned by Mr Scott and enclosed by a vermin-proof fence. It was badly eaten out years ago and the bush killed. Feed is good after rain. He has a dam over 15ft deep with 10 miles of drains feeding it and despite banking to exclude silting it has silted rapidly. We halted at Mr Waddington’s homestead (now Grassville and owned by T.H. Pearse & Sons) 35 miles east of Burra of some 11,000 acres. He has c. 1,500 sheep left out of 3,000 and no lambing for three years. The country needs spelling, but it is hard to do this and pay rent and interest on fencing too. Drift has caused great damage to fences and at sheep yards and woolsheds. Dams are badly silted.
After agitation the country was opened to selection. One farmer put in three crops, got nothing and left. In places between Weddington’s and Barkers’ holdings the drift was within 9inches of the top wire of the fence. We met a rabbiter who lived in a hut and said he got 10d per lb for skins. (12 skins weighed about 23⁄4lb.) We stayed at Mr Killicoat’s homestead for the night. All agreed the country should be dealt with by the Pastoral Board in big blocks. Settlers affirm that miscellaneous and grazing and pastoral leases are the curse of the country.
The Land Board dealt with the country in 1889 which was the best season for 20 years. As a result the gross rental and purchase value of the lands was estimated at the highest with no effort to strike an average. No attempt to grow wheat will succeed.
Mr Pearse said he had 80,000 acres and was overstocked with 5,000 sheep. No lambing for 5 years and only a few this year. There was plenty of water, but no feed. He was paying £2-13-4 a mile for country and had spent thousands of pounds in improvements. Three years ago he put in 500 acres of wheat on half share and they reaped 50 bags. A year later 800 acres yielded 49 bags. 1,000 acres this year would not yield anything of a crop and half the stock in the district had died.
Mr Hall has 1,200 acres in Hd Mongolata, five miles from Caroona Station and is paying £4 a mile for it. This is his fourth year without wheat. He has teams on the Barrier and keeps the place rather than the place keeping him.
Mr Hutchinson said on their route in the Hd Baldina Mr Halliday purchased 640 acres 8 years ago at £1 per acre and built a house for £800, but could not live in it on account of the dust and sold the whole property to one of the Kellock Bros. for £600 and Mr Kellock has since had to leave on account of the dust.
Mr Barker had a dam 17ft deep with16ft of water, but no stock as there was no feed. At another dam sheep could not get within 12 yards of the water and died by the score faster than they could be skinned. The dam had been closed as it would not pay cleaning it out.
On the way back to Burra the drift sand at one of Kellock Bros. fences was to the top of the wire and the fence was only two years old. The Ranger’s house was deserted on account of dust. Mr Morgan’s three daughters used to clear the sand by the barrow load, but in the end the family left and the front and back verandahs were several feet under sand. The dairy and underground tanks were half filled with fine earth.
Copperhouse. The 3rd in a series of fortnightly dances was conducted by the Children’s Welfare Committee of the local school last Saturday.
54, 33, 16 Aug. 1933, page 2
Advt. CWA. Visit of Mrs H. Fairfax, Liaison Officer for CWA Australia, Wednesday 23 August.
Civic Reception at Burra Institute 2.30 p.m.
Advt. Band Concert by Burra Brass Band and Black & White Minstrels Wed. 23 August 8 p.m.
Advt. Burra Talkies, Saturday 19 August
My Wife’s Family
That’s Cricket
Zip Boom Bang
There She Blows (A whaling picture)
Mickey Mouse in Barn Yard Concert
54, 33, 16 Aug. 1933, page 3
MUIOOF. A New Hall for the Loyal Burra Burra Lodge was opened last Wednesday. The old hall has become the supper room and the addition is a fine hall 41’ x 31’6” plus a porch 6’ x 5’ and a kitchen 11’ x 6’. The additions were urged by the great increase in both adult and juvenile lodges. Opened by Grand Master Bro. I.R. Hanan. [Personal interest: Bro. C.R. Fuss was pianist.]
The speeches at the following banquet are reported at length. The contractors had been Bros. Fred Pearce and Wall. There is mention of an Aberdeen Lodge, but also a statement that after the mine closed the two amalgamated under the present name. At one time No. 10 Lodge used to meet in the Old German Church and when that was burnt the records of the lodge went up in smoke. Bro. Motley said when he joined they used to meet in the former secretary’s house and then in what is now the supper room. He made special mention of the great work done by P.G. Bro. Fuss who had been a tower of strength to the lodge.
Aberdeen Croquet Club held its AGM 9 August in the club room. The club is in a sound financial position. Elected were President, Mrs J.G. Sara; Vice-President, Mrs A.B. Riggs; Secretary, Mrs E. Steer; Treasurer, Miss L. Bartholomaeus; Captain, Mrs M.T. Fuller & Vice-Captain, Mrs W.H. Gare.
Mongolata Goldfield
Clarification is made of the last report for which the reporter’s notes got somewhat mixed due to the windy conditions.
‘The Ibis’ is owned by Messrs J.R. Barker, F. Lewis & L. Gordon and worked by Messrs F. Lewis & D. Pexton.
J. Kellaway is on the Burra-Mongolata claim. He has gone through several reefs on a 110ft drive; some with traces of gold. He also has a 45ft drive on the claim and a 40ft open cut.
Pexton’s wide seam is carrying 30dwt not the 3 dwt reported.
Ration men on the fields receive an extra 14lb of meat a month if working underground.
Norman Pearse was given a farewell at the Cheer-up Hall on Thursday. He will be missed in social, musical and sporting circles. Mr Pearse who works for the Commercial Bank has been transferred to Adelaide after three years in the town.
Hallett Garden. After the fine war memorial was erected a brave attempt was made to establish a garden around it. In a town without a constant water supply this was a problem that defeated the matter in summer. The garden was then taken over by Mr Summers, the local postmaster and the allotment is now enclosed with a thick hedge of clipped pine and on a recent visit we saw blue cornflowers and Shasta daisies and other beds set our for summer. Mr Summer is erecting a large rustic summer-house to be covered with climbing roses which are already in place. A bore costing £90 has been installed and paid for.
Football. Kooringa defeated Mt Bryan on Saturday (scores not given).
Booborowie 19.19 defeated Hallett 4.12.
Ping Pong. Aberdeen defeated Mt Bryan on Saturday (Scores not given).
Burra High School Debating Society held a meeting of impromptu speeches at the school on 9 August.
Advt. Burra Talkies 19 August: an All British Program
My Wife’s Family (A Comedy Burlesque)
That’s Cricket
A Mickey Mouse Cartoon and a Cinesound Review.
54, 33, 16 Aug. 1933, page 4
Burra Town Council, 11 August
The Town Clerk reported the death of the Corporation horse – a good animal, and that 127 dogs had been registered.
Township lots sold by the Council had returned just sufficient to pay the rates due and the Council had become the owner of six comparatively valuable blocks.
The Council debated the problem of parking between Drew & Crewes and Walker’s where the bend made it dangerous. The Mayor and Town Clerk will report on the matter next meeting.
Cr Dow raised the question of opening the road south from Justice Lane.
The Mayor reported there were 68 on rations in Burra and 33 at Mongolata.
There were no outstanding rates from 1932 and there would practically be none for 1933.
Cr Jennison was appointed Council representative on the Hospital Board.
54, 34, 23 Aug. 1933, page 1
Football. First Semi-Final on Saturday at Hallett:
Hallett 0.0 5.1 6.4 10.8 (68)
Aberdeen 3.1 3.2 6.5 6.7 (43)
54, 34, 23 Aug. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies
Marcha Eggert in Where is this Lady?
George Clarke in Here’s George.
Advt. Thursday 24 August at Burra Institute
O’Donnell & Ray’s Gorgeous Pantomime Beauty and Beast.
Dr & Mrs Steele left on Saturday last by the Strathaird on the popular winter cruise to Port Moresby, including a visit to Papua.
54, 34, 23 Aug. 1933, page 3
Max Haines of the Kooringa post office for the last three years was given a farewell at the Royal Exchange Hotel last week. He goes to Ceduna.
Golf. Booborowie defeated Leighton 12 matches to 2 at Booborowie.
Burra Benevolent Society reports that funds are very low and it is doubtful they will be able to supply firewood to those on their list for September.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM reports the main shaft advanced from 181ft to 190ft with no values encountered. They have timbered 31ft at the 92ft level and the south drive was advanced from 184ft to 210ft. One area of rich deposit was revealed. A seam about 200ft south of the Golden Harp tunnel is being opened and it seems to be a new one with pan tests up to 2oz per ton.
Red Cross. The jumble fair held last Friday in the Cheer-up Hall benefited Soldiers’ Hospitals etc.
54, 34, 23 Aug. 1933, page 4
The Baby health Train. The Mothers’ and Babies’ Health Assoc. is appealing for £450 to keep it going for another year. They are approaching the country councils where it has operated.
Burra Rifle Club. The 3rd stage of the Fearon Trophy was fired and best results were from F. Spencer, W. Woodman and A.B. Riggs.
54, 35, 30 Aug. 1933, page 1
Cricket. Vic. Richardson the great cricketer and R.B. Hone interstate tennis player visited Burra and gave addresses at the Institute on Monday last week. The mayor presided and quite a large audience attended. Richardson spoke of the need to revitalise the grand old game. He talked about the tour of England in 1930 and also about bodyline. The former is reported at some length in about 11⁄2 columns.
54, 35, 30 Aug. 1933, page 2
Notice. Kingston St Bridge will be closed from 7 a.m. on 4 September until further notice for repairs.
Advt. Burra Talkies
Stanley Lupino in Love Lies
Supported by The Flying Fool
Dr Geoffrey Builder of WA has recently been elected a Fellow of the Institute of Physics. He is holidaying in SA before carrying out research in Sydney for the Australian Radio Research Board (part of CSIR). He is a son of the late Alfred Builder and a descendant of the Burra family.
Mongolata Goldfield
We hear a number of new claims have been pegged recently including one by a party from Moonta.
54, 35, 30 Aug. 1933, page 3
CWA held a major meeting last Wednesday when the President of the NSW CWA Mrs Hubert Fairfax attended. She is also the liaison officer keeping the Australian CWA in touch with Associated Country Women of the World. 35 members of the Spalding branch attended the meeting in the Institute, which was also attended by the Mayor. The visitor was a guest of Mrs I.J. Warnes. Others came from Mt Bryan, Hallett, Farrell’s Flat and Hanson. Her address is reported.
The Minstrel Concert. Last Wednesday a splendid audience greeted the local Black & White Minstrel Troupe for a performance to aid the local Institute and the Burra Brass Band. The program was arranged by J.H. Murison and G.H. Dow was the Interlocutor. There were over 30 performers.
Minstrel Melodies The Band
Here we are again Minstrels
Back to Georgia Mr G.H. Dollman, The Minstrels & Chorus
(Encore: Old Black Joe)
The Parson and the Band Mr Murison
Ise gwine back to Dixie Master G. Dow & Chorus
Oh Dem Golden Slippers Mr P.L. Rosman & Chorus
My Old Kentucky Home L. Thomas
The body in the bag Old Rasmus (C.V. Opie)
(Encore: repeated)
Saw solo L. Thomas
Clarinet solo G.H. Dow
Banjo solo & encore Mr Philip Worth (from Adelaide)
Chorus Dark Town Brass Band
Interval
The Huskin’ Bee Band
Butterfly Dance Miss Lotus Bence
The Yeoman’s Wedding Mr G.H. Dollman
Song Miss Netta Thomas
Comic Monologue (& encore) Mr C.V. Opie
Banjo solo (& encore) Mr Worth
Elocution Item Miss Maud Riggs
Dance & Rhythm (Comic) (& encore) “Mademoiselles” Francesca Worth, Nelsona & Lauretta Hann
The Cobbler Lindsay Thomas
Without a Song Lindsay Thomas
Humorous Scottish Song (& encore) J. Murison
Banjo solo (& 2 encores) Mr Worth
Comic Song P.L. Rosman
It was in all a highly successful and first class entertainment.
Football. Pat McInerney of Booborowie has won the Mail Medal in the Association this year.
Chess Club. The handicap tournament is in its final stages with R. Fairchild & R. McWaters 12 points each ahead of G. Tuck on 8 points.
Ping Pong. Aberdeen 15 sets defeated Mt Bryan 6 sets on Saturday.
Golf. Saturday Burra 6, Hallett 5 and one halved.
Dr Steven won the club Championship from Norman Pearse who came up from Adelaide for the game.
Mongolata Goldfield
On Friday a ministerial party will visit comprising the Minister of Mines Hon. George Ritchie and MPs Messrs G.F. Jenkins, A. Melrose and A.D. McDonald with Chairman of the Mt Bryan DC Mr I.J. Warnes, the Burra Mayor Mr T.H. Woollacott and the Town Clerk Mr E.J. Davey. They will inspect the battery and field and meet miners at W. Carpenter’s Refreshment Rooms.
Burra Rifle Club gave little support to the Gawler meeting, but A.C. Aughey & H.L. Riggs were among prize winners.
54, 35, 30 Aug. 1933, page 4
Football. Second Semi-Final at Booborowie
Booborowie 2.4 5.9 5.9 8.20 (68)
Kooringa 1.4 1.4 7.7 7.7 (49)
RSL gave a farewell social for A.O. Lawrence and D.C. Jones. D.C. Jones goes to a responsible position in Adelaide.
Burra Town Council, 21 August
The Unemployment Department outlines a scheme whereby men would work for rations. The Council would pay 25% of the value of work done and the Department would supply the rations. No permanent employee is to be affected by this work.
The main road grant for the year will be £320 with the Council’s contribution to be £150.
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. asks permission to close Essex & Devon Streets near the Recreation Ground in order to fence a paddock.
The Town Clerk said the streets were unlikely to be needed for 100 years.
The matter was left in the hands of the Town Clerk after consultation with the solicitor.
A large number of trees are to be obtained for Kangaroo, Chapel, Thames, Quarry & Bridge Streets and Paxton Square and other places.
Council resolved to see if an offer of two horses on loan for the cost of feed still stood and if not to buy one from Mr Thomas for £11.
No action was taken on the Unemployment Department’s offer.
£1-1-0 was donated to the Mothers’ and Babies’ Association.
54, 36, 6 Sep. 1933, page 1
Ironmine Wesley Club held its final meeting for the 1933 season on 29 August. It featured a reception for the fictitious Australian poet Hezekiah Rhymer and is reported in an article of c. 11⁄2 columns.
Football. Final at Victoria Park on Saturday
Kooringa 3.1 4.5 7.7 9.10 (64)
Hallett 1.2 4.3 4.6 6.7 (43)
Indoor Bowls. The minor round of games was completed last week and the order of teams then was St Mary’s, Ramblers, Oddfellows’ Colts, Manchester & Wanderers.
54, 36, 6 Sep. 1933, page 2
Notice. The Corporation of Burra has banned parking in an area set out by a white line, from Elder, Smith & Co.’s office to the northern boundary of Walker & Son’s premises. Also in Market Street vehicles more than 13ft long are prohibited on west side from the corner of the National Bank to the gateway of the Roman Catholic Church. (They must rank on the eastern side with the front of the vehicle to the south.)
Advt. Prices for meat at M.T. Kuchenmeister’s per pound:
Mutton 31⁄2d (for 1⁄2 sheep) Pork 6d
Beef corned roll 6d Sausages 4d
Silverside 8d Chops 5d
Rib Roast 6d Stewing Beef 6d
Sirloin 7d Pie meat 5d
Rump Steak 10d
Top Side 8d
Advt. Burra Talkies, 9 September
Ziegfield’s Rio Rita. In Colour.
Mr Keith Hockley of the Bank of Australasia for a few months has been transferred to Victoria and has been replaced by Mr Pontifex from Adelaide.
Mr R. Motley was farewelled by Oddfellows’ Social Club on Saturday. He is moving for health reasons.
Sgt McDonald’s pedigree Jersey cow, Tattersall Lady Aristocrat, died last week through getting at some crushed wheat.
Mongolata Goldfield
We hear an option has been taken over 80 acres in the alluvial section and operations there will commence within the month.
The inspection mentioned last week took place. The party was met by Byles’ Mine Manager Mr C.J. Butler at the Bank of Australasia where they inspected a bag of valuable quartz recently obtained. Mr Warnes estimated the bag contained 140oz. Mr Butler said 852oz valued at £5,710 had come from Mongolata and gone through the bank.
Weather. Rain started on 31 August and by the end of Friday 197 points had fallen and so far in September a useful 88 points has fallen.
Falls to the east, while less, were also useful varying from 19 points at Quondong to over 200 at World’s End. Falls between 50 points and 1 inch were common.
The Black Bridge in Kooringa is being re-decked and will probably be out of commission for two months. The original wooden decking is suffering from dry rot after 55 years service and has become unsafe. Reinforced concrete decking will replace it. In the meantime traffic will have to go either via Aberdeen or the Pig & Whistle crossing.
Burra Rifle Club In the 4th stage of the Fearon Trophy A.B. Riggs, W. Woodman and H.L. Riggs did best.
54, 36, 6 Sep. 1933, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
The visit from the Minister of Mines etc. as noted above ,et a deputation of miners on 1 September. (G.F. Jenkins MP was prevented from attending by rain.) The miners asked for subsidies for driving, sinking and costeening, for assistance in obtaining mining tools, clothes and supplies of fracture and for an extension of water facilities.
I.J. Warnes welcomed the Minister. He said he was most interested in Byles’ Mine, being a director. Last year they had spent about £4,000 and the mine had between 7,000 & 8,000ft of drives and a shaft over 200ft and had taken over 1,000oz of gold. The mine had so far paid its way and they currently had c. £2,500 in the bank, 100oz at the battery and 100oz in the bank. Assistance now to the men would help SA along.
The Mayor said the field had been practically worked by prospectors and at present 1,000 tons was being treated. 2,500oz had been won worth £17,500 (at £6-18-6 per oz). The quality of Mongolata gold was generally bringing 6/- to 8/- an oz more than any other gold in Australia. He said some of the men on the field were on rations supplied by the Government and some were on rations supplied by local townsmen. Burra people had done their bit investing in the mines. The men were seeking a subsidy of 5/- per foot for driving the first 50ft and 2/6 thereafter and for sinking 7/6 per ft for the first 50ft and 2/6 thereafter. There were 20-25 prospectors and the subsidy would amount to about £1,000. If the men returned to town they were labelled loafers, but if they remained on the field they lost any chance of work from the Town or District Councils. The wanted a case of fracture so they could buy a plug when needed. They wanted a tap on the main from the bore to the battery so they could get water and for water to be laid on to W. Carpenter’s, as he was willing to install a bath for them.
Speakers in support were A. Melrose and Mr Seaton President of the Prospectors’ Association.
The Minister undertook to lay the request before the Minister of Industry & Employment, but could make no promises despite his sympathy.
Kooringa Methodist Guild Black Cat Fair was held last Friday at the Institute. It was successful despite the rains and is reported in just less than 2 columns. It raised £119, up £27 on last year’s effort.
A Dance in aid of the Adelaide Children’s Hospital was organised by the Mayor and a committee and was held in the Institute last Wednesday evening. It raised £12. [Corrected next issue to a nett £9-18-0.]
The Chess Club tournament concluded at the Institute on Monday. It was won by R. Fairchild from R. McWaters.
Obituary. Mrs James Holmes of Ironmine died 16 August. She was born at Yankalilla in 1858 and was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Burgess and married Mr James S. Holmes at Redruth in 1876. They lived at Manoora, Yarcowie and Mongolata before moving to Ironmine 49 years ago. She was a long time member of the Methodist Church. Her husband, two sons and three daughters survive: Messrs J.S.B. Holmes (Sod Hut) & R.W.J. Holmes (Ironmine) and Mesdames T.G. Sellars (Broken Hill), E. Spackman (Koonoona) & A.T. Hams (Braefoot). There are 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. [Born Jessie Burgess 16 April 1857 at Carrickalinga: died at Ironmine.]
Obituary. Mr Frederick Harris Parks died at the Burra Hospital on Saturday after a long illness. He was 31. He was the youngest son of Mr & Mrs Charles Parks of Kooringa and was born 19 October 1901 [at Kooringa]. He entered his father’s bakery business, but after some years suffered from flour on the lungs. In 1926 he married Miss E.M. (Bessie) Wingrove of Mylor who survives with two daughters: Betty & Fay. [Died 2 September 1933.]
54, 37, 13 Sep. 1933, page 1
Football. Grand Final on Saturday at Victoria Park
Booborowie 4.6 4.7 8.10 10.11 (71)
Kooringa 0.0 5.4 5.4 6.6 (42)
Johnny Green
At the last meeting of the Town Council the Mayor said four Councillors had inspected sites for placing ‘Johnny Green’. He considered the corner of McBride’s paddock on the left hand side of the Mine Bridge was the best. He said it deserved a formal opening ceremony.
Cr March said several old residents were supportive enough to contribute towards any expense involved. The Mayor said the idea was to invite Mr P.A. McBride MP to perform the ceremony. A.J. & P.A. McBride had given the Council the Mine Pool and the effigy.
Cr Jennison, with an eye to expense, was against any official ceremony.
The Mayor said there would be no expense.
Cr Dow thought that with the weather and vandalism the effigy would not last long and that it did not justify making a fuss.
The Mayor regretted the loss of old landmarks, but Cr Dow thought they blocked progress.
Cr Riggs also opposed any ceremony.
The Overseer said it was as solid as the day it was erected except for a few bullet holes. He had given it two coats of paint.
The motion to leave it in the hands of the Mayor lapsed.
The Mayor regretted there not being an opening ceremony where a collection for the unemployed could have been made.
Booborowie Matrons & Spinsters’ Ball is reported a social success in c. 13⁄4 columns.
Indoor Bowls. The 1st Semi-Final resulted in St Mary’s 30 defeating Oddfellows’ Colts 13.
54, 37, 13 Sep. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 16 September
British Comedy: Old Soldiers Never Die
And British Drama: The Outsider
Obituary. Arthur William Clode died 10 September at the residence of his son A.L. Clode of Aberdeen. He was the husband of Clara R. Clode and would have been 71 on 5 October. Mr Clode had been a road contractor and was born at Winnininnie, but spent most of his life at Burra. He was for 53 years a member of the Oddfellows Lodge. Hr was a son of the late Mr & Mrs H. Clode. He also leaves three daughters: Mesdames E.B. Walker (Aberdeen), Alice Young (Brunswick, Victoria) & S.E. Ryan (St Peters).
Weather. Rain continued on Wednesday and Thursday last and included some hail and sleet on Thursday afternoon. The total at Kooringa was c. 50 points. Mt Bryan recorded 1 inch.
Snow fell at Mt Bryan on Thursday night and could be seen on hilltops until Friday afternoon.
The Wild Monaro Rough Riders will visit Burra next Friday & Saturday.
Burra Local Court
N.F. Pens was fined £1 + 15/- for being drunk and a general nuisance at a dance in Aberdeen. He was warned that a repeat would result in three month in jail and in his being declared a habitual drunkard.
P.H. Darcy, a shearer, was fined 5/- for being drunk in a public place.
Colin Dormer was fined 5/- + 15/- costs for driving a motor cycle without a licence. (It was viewed leniently, as it had expired three days before.)
Obituary. Arthur Sara died 2 September at Glenelg and had been born at Willunga 2 April 1863. He was for some time a book-keeper for Sara & Dunstan, builders and timbers merchants of Aberdeen. About 1887 he went to Broken Hill to the office of T.K. Stubbins, timber merchant, later taken over by Globe Timber Mills Pty Ltd. Mr Sara continued in the office for over 40 years. He leaves a widow, a daughter of the late Mr James Tiver of Aberdeen and a family of three sons and one daughter: Rex, Harry & Archer and Hilda. There are three sisters: Mrs C. Roberts, Mrs J. Roberts & Miss Laura Sara, all of WA. Mr J.G. Sara of Aberdeen is a cousin.
54, 37, 13 Sep. 1933, page 3
[Unemployment] Burra Relief Fund
The News and The Mail in Adelaide have forwarded £50 to the Mayor’s Relief Fund. It was left to the Mayor to distribute and he advised the Council that he would spend half in Burra and half at Mongolata.
Cr Dow thought none should go to Mongolata: it being outside the Council area. Cr Jennison seemed to agree.
The Mayor thought there were a number of Burra people out there and it was the business people of Burra that would benefit.
The Council decided to send a letter of thanks, leaving it to be a personal response of the Mayor.
Golf. Farrell’s Flat visited Leighton 9 September and won 10 matches to 5.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM reported 200 tons crushed for 115oz 6dwt or 111⁄2 dwt per ton.
Golden Harp continues to produce a little gold, but the main seam remains elusive.
Tennis. Kooringa Tennis Club AGM was held at the Institute 7 September.
Elected were Patron, L.W. Gebhardt; President, L.M. Gordon; Vice-President, J.R. Barker & Secretary pro tem, M.W. Bednall.
54, 37, 13 Sep. 1933, page 4
Burra Town Council, 4 September
M.W. Bednall forwarded £21-9-6 as part proceeds from the sale of unclaimed allotments with £15 to come.
Thomason & Field applied for a petrol pump licence. (Decision held over.)
The horse offered by C.E. Thomson proved unsuitable.
A number of minor works were approved.
Consideration of employment for the unemployed as suggested by the Unemployment Dept. was referred to the Finance Committee.
Council resolved:
To ban parking between Elder, Smith’s and the north end of Walker’s.
That the area referred to in (1) be marked in white paint.
That a light on the rotunda illuminate the area in (1).
A licensed vehicle stand be made on the west side of the rotunda.
That the above be effective at once.
It was also resolved that vehicles over 156” long be banned from parking between the National Bank and the Roman Catholic Church gate.
Tom Canny of Gum Creek writes a long letter on Banking in Australia.
Ironmine Sunday School celebrated its 61st anniversary on 3 & 4 September when Rev. E.G. Neil preached. The report extends 1⁄2 column.
Accident. Last Wednesday night a two ton lorry loaded with 100 cases of oranges from Berri was negotiating the western bank of the Pig & Whistle crossing when the engine failed and it ran quickly backwards. It toppled off the north side of the ford and dropped seven feet, landing upside-down. The driver Roy Heard of Berri and a companion escaped unhurt except for a scratched hand. Mr Baulderstone rescued the major part of the load. T.H. Woollacott & Sons with the aid of others restored the lorry to its wheels on the road the next morning and it was amazingly little damaged – even the windscreen survived. The total loss was about 20 cases of oranges.
54, 38, 20 Sep. 1933, page 1
Crown Lands Act Amendment Bill
A speech by G.F. Jenkins MP is reported at length her and is concluded on page 4.
[The essential problem being addressed was that many lands in SA that were held on either agreements to purchase or on perpetual lease had been initially valued very highly in prosperous times in the past and this had produced payment schedules that farmers and pastoralists could not meet or could not meet if they were to remain viable. Jenkins also mentions properties along the Booborowie stock road which when resumed in 1919-20 and cut up a few years later were values at up to £32-10-0 an acre. These men would not be aided by this relief proposal and needed other means of help.
The amendments proposed to allow agreements to purchase to become leases so that interest alone would be payable, not purchase money in addition. Jenkins was concerned for those whose efforts to date had seen them pay off a substantial part of the purchase price. He had an amendment which would preserve the right to purchase at some later time if circumstances improved – and to protect the portion of purchase price already paid and to maintain the original price as fixed. He felt the Government would in any case have to reduce the purchase prices of many lands, however reluctantly. In looking at the prices fixed far too high, he refers specifically to the mallee areas of Eyre Peninsula. [Much more detail is included in the report.]
Stockowners’ Association of SA. The AGM is reported. The President’s address by W.G. Hawkes is reported, with its conclusion running on to page 4.
‘Impulse’ facetiously writes that Johnny Green should be mounted on a motor car radiator cap and held for the exclusive use of the Mayor of Burra as a mascot.
Indoor Bowls second Semi-Final: Ramblers beat Manchester 26 to 15.
54, 38, 20 Sep. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies
Warner Baxter in Dangerously Yours, supported by Humanity.
Martin Pederson Sen. who was taken ill last Friday has improved.
Weather. Another 53 points of rain have fallen since the last paper and it is still raining.
St Mary’s. Rev. Matthew Williams, who has served during the long interval between Rev. J.S.W. Coles and the arrival of Rev. Donald Redding, preached his last service on Sunday last and was then farewelled by the congregation. The Very Rev. Dean Jose will conduct the institution of the new Rector on 28 September.
T.P. Halls writes ti institute a 1/- subscription fund for the aid of the widow of the late Freddy Parks, struggling to raise two young girls. The editor agrees to receive and acknowledge donations.
The Chess Club begins its championship next Monday.
H.T. Seaton Chairman of Mongolata Sports Club writes seeking donations and support for their picnic sports meeting to be held 11 October.
54, 38, 20 Sep. 1933, page 3
CWA. A city visit during Show Week is reported in detail.
Rev. Donald Redding, to be instituted as Rector of St Mary’s on 28 September, has just returned from a visit to London where he was born 35 years ago. He came to Australia on leaving school in 1914 and worked on farms in WA and NSW before joining the AIF, seeing service with the 15th LHFA in Egypt and Palestine. On returning he entered St Barnabas College in Adelaide gaining a Licentiate’s Diploma of the Australian College of Theology. He was ordained a deacon in 1921 and a priest in 1922. He has been Curate of Christ Church Mt Gambier for three years. On his visit to London he was presented with the Freedom of the City, of which City his father was a deputy alderman for many years. On his return to Australia he has been in charge of parishes at Robe, Waikerie, Pt Adelaide and Henley Beach and from 1929 to Easter 1933 at Maitland.
54, 39, 27 Sep. 1933, page 1
Burra Town Council, 21 September
The Commissioner of Highways advises that the superstructure of the Kooringa Bridge is to be reconstructed.
The Mayor complained that the Department had not provided proper detour signs.
Cr March agreed and said a sign was needed at Ford’s to direct traffic to take the Redruth road.
Cr Dow was afraid it was Council responsibility.
Cr Jennison backed a letter to the Department, which was carried.
The shop in Kooringa recently Mr J. Allen’s was now transferred to Mr Aberg.
The Town Clerk reported the disappearance of ten young trees – he suspected mischievous children.
The Mayor however, thought they had been stolen. The Overseer had not been able to locate them.
The headmaster of the school will be interviewed.
The Finance Committee recommended borrowing £100, which would be subsidised by the Government with £300 to allow £400 worth of work to be done.
The Mayor said the Record had said the men would get rations, but they would be paid all the money and not get rations.
Unpaid rates amount to £80.
Wirth Bros.’ Circus is coming on 6 October.
Burra Indoor Bowls Final was held last week. Ramblers beat St Mary’s 20 to 16 making a play-off necessary.
54, 39, 27 Sep. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 30 September
Richard Tauber in The End of the Rainbow
Leslie Fuller in Tonight’s the Night
Advt. The Playbox presents a play in three acts: The Joan Danvers
Burra Institute 11 October. 1/2 & 2/4.
Obituary. Ethel Beatrice Beeck, wife of John Beeck of Gnowangerup WA died on 17 December [sic: error for September] as a result of a motor accident. She was the third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Wise of Prospect and late of Burra and Hallett. [Born 7 June 1880 at Cartapo.]
54, 39, 27 Sep. 1933, page 3
Burra Brass Band has an opening for recruits. Don & Keith Turnbull have departed with the family for Adelaide and Stan. Timms has also gone, possibly permanently.
The Governor Sir Alexander & Lady Hore-Ruthven spent half an hour in Kooringa en route to Ulooloo on Saturday and took afternoon tea at the Burra Hotel.
The Fair of Nations held at Hallett Institute 23 September was opened by C.A.S. Hawker MHR. The Governor and Lady Hore-Ruthven were guests of Sir John Melrose of Ulooloo and they paid an informal visit at about 5 p.m. A dance followed in the evening till c. 11.45 p.m.
Salvation Army. The Self-Denial Annual Fair was held in a portion of the former SAFU building last Friday and is reported in 3⁄4 column. It is said to have generated satisfactory proceeds.
Marriage. St Mary’s 16 September
Herbert W. Morgan, only son of Herbert Morgan & the late Mrs Morgan of Aberdeen, married
Sylvia A. Walker, only daughter of Mr & Mrs A.S. Walker of Aberdeen.
Obituary. Mrs John Beeck of Gnowangerup WA who was killed last week in a car accident was the third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Wise late of Kooringa and Hallett. She was born at Burra when her parents had a farm near Hallett. Mr Wise later retired to Burra. Miss Ethel Wise was associated closely with the Methodist Sunday school and choir. She went to WA on a visit to he brother and later married Mr John Beecke [sic] a farmer. She was killed instantly when a car she was driving overturned on a wet road. Her daughter Phoebe (20) survived with lacerations and shock. Her sisters are Mrs W.B. Gillett of Manila Farm near Burra and Mrs Tom E. Goodridge of Gum Creek. She leaves six sisters and four brothers, two of whom, Will & Bert Wise, live in WA.
54, 40, 4 Oct. 1933, page 1
Basketball at Peterborough last Saturday
Peterborough YMCA No. 1 28 defeated Burra No. 1 25.
Peterborough YMCA No. 2 21 defeated Burra No. 2 20.
Burra Benevolent Society met on 21 September and had only £5 in hand. They decided on one more supply of firewood and gave 10/- to a family laid low with influenza.
Burra Rifle Club. 1st stage of the Championship was fired 23 September. Best scores were from H.H. Byles, W. Woodman & A.B. Riggs. C.H. Fearon who is leaving Burra was farewelled last Saturday.
Hallett & District Schools Athletic & Exhibition Assoc. held its 6th annual event on 29 September and its success is reported for most of page 1 and concluded on page 4.
54, 40, 4 Oct. 1933, page 2
Advt. Back to Copperhouse school, Saturday 28 October at 11.45 a.m.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 October
Janet Gaynor & Charles Farrell in Tess of the Storm Country
Plus Mystery thriller No. 17
54, 40, 4 Oct. 1933, page 3
The Baby Health Train arrives on Saturday night and will operate here Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.
Burra Town Council
At the last meeting the Town Clerk reported that the current assessment shows a 50% reduction from 1929 and the Council considers that this should prompt those in arrears to pay up.
Rev. Donald Redding was instituted as Rector of St Mary’s by the Dean of Adelaide the Very Rev. G.H. Jose on Wednesday 28 September. Rev. J.S.W. Coles attended and conducted Evensong.
Mongolata Goldfield
An important find has been made at the Golden Harp, a subsidiary lease of Byles’ Co. A seam rich in gold was struck at 15ft on a lode going straight down and about 4ft wide. Mr Warnes believes it is the most important discovery in the mine.
Takati (Pexton’s) claim reports 31 tons crushed at 2oz per ton with tailings c. 10dwt.
A meeting has been called at the instigation of the Minister of Mines to establish some co-operative scheme for the purchase of explosive. To be held at Byles’ Mongolata Saturday 7 October.
The Raymond Concert Party appears at the Oddfellows’ Hall in Aberdeen 4 October. The concert will aid the Brighton Institute for deaf dumb and blind children.
Kooringa Masonic Lodge No. 6 saw the installation of Bro. M.S. Edwards as new Worshipful Master on Tuesday last week. After the ceremony a social and dance was held at the Institute.
[Details take 1 column.]
Parks Relief Fund has reached £12-15-0 including £5 from Sir John Melrose.
Mr D.H. Fendler the stationmaster at Hanson has been transferred to the city and was farewelled on 26 September.
Tennis. Burra District Lawn Tennis Assoc. this year will comprise five Burra Teams, Ironmine and Mt Bryan.
Kookaburra Association:
Paradise 7-50 defeated Spring Vale 5-55
Hill View 7-60 defeated High School 5-50
54, 40, 4 Oct. 1933, page 4
Indoor Bowls. In the challenge match to end the series Ramblers 15 defeated St Mary’s 14.
54, 41, 11 Oct. 1933, page 1
Burra Bowling Club. AGM 25 September. Elected were Patron, A.G. Gebhardt; President, E.F. Marston; Vice-Presidents, E.J. Davey & Dr Steele and Hon. Secretary, P.L. Rosman.
The financial position improved slightly with the overdraft falling from £162-18-11 to £154-14-3, but membership has fallen from 41 to 39. Inter-club matches resulted in the loss of the Clare Shield and the loss of the cup to Kapunda.
Hallett & Districts Schools Assoc. Combined Concert of 29 September is reported in 3⁄4 column.
Mongolata Gold Field
An article by ‘Wanderer’ provides very little new information, though Bill Carpenter’s place is referred to as the ‘Latagomon Eating House’.
Salvation Army. The Fancy Dress Frolic at the Barracks on 28 September is reported. Proceeds aided the Army Hall.
54, 41, 11 Oct. 1933, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council. Members retiring due to the effluxion of time:
Mayor: Thomas Henry Woollacott
North Ward Horton Joseph Barraclough Jennison
East Ward William Henry March
West Ward William Clement Sampson
Advt. Burra Show 25 October.
Special rail car from Adelaide departs Adelaide 7 a.m. arrives 10.57 a.m.
Departs Show at 5.45 p.m. and arrived Adelaide 9.30 p.m.
Admission: Adults 1/6, horse & rider 3/-, vehicles and motors 1/9, child 6d.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 14 October
Gene Garrard in Lucky Girl
Sir A. Conan Doyle’s romance of the Sudan: The Fires of Fate
Mr & Mrs E.F. Marston left on Tuesday afternoon for Sydney for the Australian Press Conference at which Mr Marston is a South Australian delegate. Prior to the conference he intends to spend a week at his old home in Numurkah, Victoria.
Mr Martin Pederson Sen. continues to improve.
An influenza epidemic is gripping the town.
The Parks Fund stands at £18-14-6.
54, 41, 11 Oct. 1933, page 3
Tennis
Kookaburra Assoc.
Paradise 12-72 defeated Arcadia 0-32
Spring Vale 7-58 defeated Hill View 5-60
Burra Assoc.
Ironmine 15-98 defeated Mt Bryan 3-59
Kooringa III played Kooringa II but final totals are not given.
Aberdeen II 10-84 defeated Aberdeen I 8-73
St Joseph’s Annual Fair at the Institute in aid of church funds was held last Friday and realised the splendid total of c. £121. [Details in c. 11⁄2 columns.]
Kooringa Methodist Church celebrated its anniversary 8 October with three services at which Rev. G.C. Hutchinson officiated.
Burra Croquet Club held its AGM 6 October and elected: President, Mrs P.L. Rosman; Vice-President, Mrs E.F. Marston and Secretary & Treasurer, Mrs S.H. Robinson.
The Club is in credit £5-16-0.
54, 41, 11 Oct. 1933, page 4
Burra Town Council, 2 October
The Local Government Department considers the present signage about the detour due to bridge work as adequate. The bridge would be repaired by the end of October and Redruth Bridge by Christmas.
The headmaster of the school Mr A.T. Tuck had been unable to identify any culprits for tree destruction, but had lectured all pupils on the problem.
Unpaid rates: North Ward £19-16-1
East Ward £18-0-10
West Ward £22-9-0
Cr Dow said the guns in Market Square required attention. They needed concrete blocks under the wheels and a coat of paint and plates explaining where they were captured and by whom.
[This is puzzling and presumably an error, perhaps for ‘the guns from Market Square’: there is no mention of the guns having been returned to Market Square from Lewis Gardens.]
Motion Carried.
Copperhouse. A debate at the school on Tuesday on The superiority of the Modern Age over the Victorian Age resulted in a verdict for the Victorian Age. The fortnightly Welfare Club dance aids school funds, which should also be increased by the forthcoming ‘Back to Copperhouse School’.
The Indoors Bowls Assoc. finished its program for the year with a social evening on Tuesday last. Awards were:
Open Singles Champion: D. Harris with P. Rule second.
Consistency: E. Angel with I. Wohling second.
Pairs: S. Sara & E. Angel.
Burra Rifle Club. At the 5th stage of the Fearon Trophy the best scorers were J. Schwier, J. Williams, J. Harris Jnr & H.H. Byles.
R.B. Jones Farrell’s Flat stationmaster has been transferred to Pt Wakefield.
54, 42, 18 Oct. 1933, page 1
Indoor Bowls held a wind-up meeting for the year last Tuesday. Playing members had decreased from 77 to 56 and the teams from 6 to 4. 20 rounds were played with the Ramblers emerging as premiers. There was at present £1-1-5 in credit, but some adjustments will reduce this considerably. In the year they had lost their old chairman Mr S. Kellaway at the start of the year when he decided not to play and his replacement R. Motley had to retire due to ill health. J. Allen Sen. then took over.
Basketball in the Burra Institute Tuesday 10 October (even though the Burra Basketball Assoc. was in recess.)
Peterborough YMCA ‘B’ 30 defeated Burra ‘B’ 24.
Burra ‘A’ 40 defeated Peterborough YMCA ‘A’ 23.
Supper followed.
Mongolata Sports were held on 11 October and were largely attended by people from Burra, World’s End, Robertstown and various stations. Events were run for all: tiny tots, boys, girls, ladies, men and old buffers and the Burra Brass Band enlivened the day. Results are printed.
All the kiddies got a bag containing cake, a saveloy & roll and an orange.
54, 42, 18 Oct. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 21 October
Boots Mallory in Handle with Care supporting feature: False Faces.
On Show Night 25 October
Zane Grey’s Robbers’ Roost plus Amateur Daddies.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd will offer 25,000 sheep at their off-the-shears sale 20 October.
Advt. Aberg & Son: The New Modern Meat Store, Kooringa, announces a very successful opening.
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will offer 10,000 sheep at their –off-the-shears sale 3 November.
Influenza continues to rage across the district.
Measles has also put in an appearance with several cases reported.
The Playbox Co. of Adelaide under its own and the Burra bowling Club’s auspices drew only a poor attendance at the Institute last Wednesday due to many other attractions.
54, 42, 18 Oct. 1933, page 3
Tennis
Kookaburra Assoc.
Arcadia 6-55 defeated High School 6-54
Paradise 6-59 defeated Hill View 6-52
Burra Assoc.
Aberdeen II 11-98 defeated Kooringa I 7-69
Aberdeen I 12-93 defeated Kooringa II 6-67
Kooringa III 11-88 defeated Mt Bryan 8-76
Parks Relief Fund stands at £20-1-6.
Marriage. Saturday at St Brendan’s Mt Bryan
Miss M. [Mavis] King married Mr G. [George] Greenshields.
Obituary. Mrs Dan O’Brien died suddenly on Wednesday morning. She leaves a husband and six little children from 12 years to 14 months. (Four boys and two girls.)
[Born Gertrude Kathleen Whelan 1 April 1896 at Stockwell: died 11 October 1933 at Aberdeen.]
Mongolata Goldfield
One claim got 15oz of rich gold last week.
Byles’ Mine is expected to put through 300 tons this week.
A number of fresh ‘residences’ have appeared and others are improving theirs in Petticoat Lane, The Strand etc. W. Carpenter has installed a large underground tank.
Children’s Christmas Cheer Fund. Contributors are acknowledged.
‘Old timer’ writes about Johnny Green, which stood as a weather cock on Morphett’s heads for over 60 years with pick and gad in hand, miner’s hat and candle. It can be seen overlooking where the old mine weighbridge once stood. Some will not notice and others will be glad or thrilled to see him re-erected in such a conspicuous position. We appreciate the Town Council for completing the work. The writer vividly recalls carrying pasties and oggans to his guardian parent past the iron man representing a weathercock on a pivot.
54, 43, 25 Oct. 1933, page 1
Burra Amateur Swimming Club AGM was held in the Council Chamber 18 October. The club was in credit £6-11-7. Elected: Patron, P.A. McBride; Vice-Patron, Dr D.M. Steele; President, T.H. Woollacott; Vice-President, P.L. Rosman; Hon. Secretary, F.L. Worth & Hon. Treasurer, L.R. Hann. The opening of the season is due in about one month. Subscriptions of 2/- for adults and 9d for children are now due.
Leighton & Ayers Forest Schools held a picnic at Ayers Forest last Thursday. The children were transported on the ‘quads’ lent by I.J. Warnes. Miss Snell of Ayers Forest had influenza and could not attend and Mr Holland the Leighton teacher was in charge of the sports program, the results of which are printed.
Black Springs School held a picnic on 18 October on Rowen Bros property. The sports results are printed.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 6th stage of the Fearon Trophy with best scores from J. Dowling and J. Schwier. After six stages W. Woodman leads with 17 points from A.B. Riggs 12 and J. Schwier 11.
Tennis
Kooringa Assoc.
Ironmine 13-97 defeated Aberdeen II 5-81
Kooringa I 11 sets defeated Mr Bryan 5 sets
Aberdeen I 10 sets defeated Kooringa III 8 sets
Kookaburra Assoc.
Spring Vale 8-60 defeated High School 4048
Arcadia 9-64 defeated Hill View 3-50
‘Enquirer’ writes wondering why Kooringa tennis courts are in use on Sundays when no Sunday play was a stipulation from Council when the courts were handed over.
54, 43, 25 Oct. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 28 October
George Arliss in The Man Who Played God.
Joe E. Brown in Fireman Save My Child.
St Mary’s Sunday School held its picnic on 21 October at Stone Chimney Creek in perfect weather.
Weather. Last Sunday had a strong hot northerly wind which lasted till 10 a.m. Monday. On Sunday the temperature was 96-100°F through the day. Crops and feed was badly affected. A few showers on Monday totalled only about 6 points.
Parks Relief Fund has reached £27-6-0.
54, 43, 25 Oct. 1933, page 3
Ironmine Tennis Club held its annual subscription dance at Leighton Hall 17 October. It was a great success and is reported in 2⁄3 column.
Mongolata Sports Club reports a balance of c. £12 from its sports day.
Burra Town Council
A new flagstone is to be placed on the footpath near the Methodist Church in Aberdeen [i.e. Redruth].
A new guard rail and posts in front of McKenzie’s shop.
Mongolata Goldfield
Work is proceeding well in Byles’ Mongolata GM and in the Golden Harp where gold is visible in the ore.
St Mary’s. The Bishop will visit next weekend for Holy Communion on 29 October at 8 a.m. and evensong at 7 p.m. at St Mary’s.
At 11 a.m. he will consecrate St Andrew’s at Mt Bryan and in the afternoon will preach at Black Springs.
From 5 November services at St Mary’s will be at 9 a.m. & 7 p.m. instead of at 8 a.m., 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Elder, Smith & Co. offered 25,800 sheep at their off-shears sale on Friday and a record clearance of 24,300 was achieved.
Burra Brass Band went to Spalding Literary & Musical Competition 13-20 October. Burra came top in the competition for Own selection, March & Hymn.
Burra players did well in individual competitions as well. S. Thomson was 1st in open brass and A.W. Andrews 2nd in cornet. Burra got 222 in the Band Aggregate Points, ahead of Clare 216 and Spalding 198.
54, 43, 25 Oct. 1933, page 4
E.A. Baker of the Farrell’s Flat station staff has been transferred to Thevenard.
54, 44, 1 Nov. 1933, pages 1 & 4
Burra Show on 25 October was a success. The weather was fine and rather cool and the special ‘Barwell’ [railcar] from Adelaide was well patronised. Sideshows were well represented this year.
Art and photography was poorly represented with no photographs at all.
Poultry and birds attracted a very large entry with 294 turkeys, geese and fowls and 265 pigeons.
Cattle have improved in recent years and Jerseys were much admired.
Cookery was one of the best displays in the pavilion.
Flowers were better than expected after the recent hot winds. Roses were very good, but the usual sweet pea show was much affected. Fruit as usual was limited and the dry season affected grain and fodder adversely.
Draught stock entries were up, but blood stock was limited.
Horses in action were good, especially in hack and hunting classes.
Implements were entered for display, but not competition.
Needlework was well represented.
Dairy produce was poor following the withdrawal of Mrs Eddie Finch after 1932, but fresh meat was excellent, especially from Messrs Jeffery & Byrne.
Pigs were barely represented with but four entries.
Sheep entries were of good quality, but numbers were disappointing.
Schoolwork was also down on previous years.
Vegetables were good and fleece wool was of excellent quality.
[Personal interest: R. Fuss was Flower Steward and offered a trophy for champion pansy, but apparently did not have entries, or at least did not win a prize.]
54, 44, 1 Nov. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 4 November
The Sentimental Bloke
Obituary. Mrs George Hardy, daughter-in-law of Mrs W.H. Hardy, died last week at Northfield Hospital. There is no family. [Born Edith Lonsdale Walters 26 November 1882 Unley: died 25 October 1933 Northfield, residence Keswick.]
A Measles epidemic is raging in the town and district and has greatly affected school attendance. It has caused the Redruth Sunday School anniversary scheduled for 5 & 6 November to be postponed to the 19 & 20 November.
M.W. Bednall has been appointed a public notary in SA.
54, 44, 1 Nov. 1933, page 3
Burra Show. President Mr Warnes entertained c. 200 at midday lunch. Toasts and speeches by Mr McDonald MP, I.J. Warnes, T.H. Woollacott, Mr Bagshaw of Saddleworth, Mr W.G. Hawkes President of the Stockowners’ Assoc. of SA, Mr G.F. Jenkins MP and F.T. Marston of the Eudunda Courier are reported.
T.H. Woollacott has acceded to the wishes of a deputation to stand again for Mayor.
Tennis.
Burra Association
Mt Bryan 14-99 defeated Aberdeen II 4-59
Ironmine 13-95 defeated Kooringa III 5066
Kooringa I 13-93 defeated Kooringa II 5-54
Kookaburra Association
Paradise 11-71 defeated High School 1-38
Spring Vale 9-60 defeated Arcadia 3-49
Mongolata Goldfield
Rumours of a recent rich find at Byles’ GM have sent share values to 10/-.
A good find at Golden Harp has been confirmed.
Parks Relief Fund is at £29-8-0.
The Chess Club has gone into recess for summer.
Burra Athletic Club farewelled N. Drummond.
Methodist Indoor Bowls Tournament was successfully concluded in the last fortnight.
Children’s Christmas Cheer Fund contributors are acknowledged.
St Andrew’s Anglican Church at Mt Bryan was consecrated by the Bishop of Adelaide Dr Nutter Thomas on Sunday and the church was taxed to its limits. St Mary’s Choir attended.
54, 45, 8 Nov. 1933, page 1
Fire. The wash-house at Mr S. Jones’s at Aberdeen (owned by H. Morgan) was burnt on Tuesday, probably as a result of children playing with matches.
A Rodeo Exhibition at Wayville recently attracted Australia-wide interest. Six sons of Mr & Mrs Walter Finch of Leighton took part: Reg, Ken, Jack, Ron, Aubrey & Spencer. Spencer (11) won the open steer riding competition from 52 competitors and got £12-12-0, a silver cup and a ribbon. Ken was leading in the best rider competition, but was disqualified for not dismounting immediately on the bell.
H.J. Button writes condemning the site chosen for ‘Johnny Green’ as a ‘dangerous spot’.
[His main point was that the appearance of the effigy would distract car drivers and lead to accidents.]
Burra Rifle Club fired the 7th stage of the Fearon Trophy and best scores came from J. Harris and R. Kellock. W. Woodman won the Byles’ Trophy for most points in the first seven matches.
54, 45, 8 Nov. 1933, pages 1 & 4
Back to Copperhouse School was held Saturday 28 October.
The weather was vile with a strong hot northerly, but by noon fully 200 had turned up at the school. W.A. Pitt MA Inspector came on the midday train. Some came in costumes of the past. Headmaster A.A. Nelson and C.P. Turner Chairman of the School Committee with present scholars greeted the arrivals. A.D. McDonald MP opened the day. The mayor of Burra and A.B. Riggs Chairman of the Burra School Committee also attended. Mr McDonald declared the event open, commenting on the presence of former head teacher Tom Nevin. The Mayor T.H. Woollacott was an old scholar.
Luncheon was served in the schoolroom on four long tables. The room was nice and cool and beautifully decorated and there was a sumptuous knife and fork spread. The speeches are reported at length.
Mr Brassey Woodgate proposed ‘Old Teachers’ as he represented one of the oldest Copperhouse families: the Dunnemans. His mother was a Miss Dunneman and spent her early life there. She is now almost 90 and living in Adelaide. Mr Woodgate recalled his old master Mr Nevin and was pleased to see Mrs R. Fuss nee Ellen Saunders [sic: for Sanders] another old teacher. He commented on the meagre salaries of past years.
Mr Nevin responded. He had taken charge in 1887 at a time when he had lung trouble and the school was about the size of a 400 gallon tank with no decent light, no ventilation and the worst of sanitary arrangements. He recalled Miss E. Saunders’ birth [1889] and never thought that before he left she would be assisting him as monitor. He had married Miss Agnes Rabbich of Aberdeen while teaching in Copperhouse. (She was also present.)
Mr Fuss [presumably Mr L.R. Fuss] gave the toast ‘Old Scholars’ and though not an old scholar himself Mr Nevin had been his first teacher at Burra Model School. He said he knew many Aberdeen lads who went to Copperhouse School, taking the short cut across ‘Dicky’ Austin’s paddock and sometimes riding his calves and chasing emus – after some such escapades having to go the long way round.
T.H. Woollacott responded for the scholars.
He had first gone to school at one kept by Miss Nevin and Miss Rabbich in the old German Church, since demolished. Later Mr Nevin was his schoolmaster. In fact his own mother went to the school 70 years ago when there were 75-80 girls on the roll. Other old scholars to speak were Cr Charlie Bevan and J.D. (Dunc.) Kelly.
Glen Finch then toasted ‘The School’ and Allan Lomman responded.
Luncheon took about three hours.
Mr Nevin was presented with a turned mulga tobacco bowl. In the afternoon a program of sports was gone through and the results are printed. There was also a pet show and in the evening a dance. F. Spencer took group photos of all old scholars. On Sunday Mr Nevin preached at the Copperhouse Service at 7 p.m. (shifted from 10 a.m. to enable more friends to be present).
54, 45, 8 Nov. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 11 November
Warner Baxter in Six Hours to Live.
Plus Zane Grey’s Smoke Lightning.
Accident. On Sunday a Chevrolet truck driven by Mrs H. Stockman collided with a sedan owned by Les White of Aberdeen and driven by J. Robins at Cobb & Co.’s Corner. Both vehicles were badly damaged, but the only person hurt was Mr Stockman with some cuts to the face.
Burra Bowling & Croquet Clubs opened the new season on Saturday 28 October.
54, 45, 8 Nov. 1933, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM took out a valuable pocket at 92ft level and 267oz 18dwt has been recovered.
On 4 November a further 322oz 16dwt was announced. This is from a partial clean-up of 200 tons with another 100 tons to go through.
Another claim is rumoured to be doing well while many are pegging quietly along.
Baldina Mongolata GM says the shaft has been sunk 16ft and timbered. The lode is 20” wide and carrying values of 10-12dwt.
Jennison Election Committee writes denouncing the contention that he is too young to be Mayor. Energetic young men are needed everywhere. Cr Jennison was born in Fiji and his first eleven years were spent there. His outlook has been broadened by that and by living in three states since and no one said he was too young or inexperienced when he joined the AIF and served in France. He has three years’ experience as a Councillor. John Drew was Mayor at 36 and Dr J.I. Sangster Jnr was still younger. Cr Jennison has developed a successful business with two branches from nothing. He has not been too young to represent 600 tyre dealers at an all-states conference nor to be President of the RSL sub-branch, or to be a JP. [At this time he was 35 & would be 36 in January 1934. The youngest Mayor was Edward Lipsett, who was 30 when elected in 1877, but Dr Robert Brummitt was 32 in 1883, Daniel S. Packard was 33 in 1885 and Stanley Lane was 37 in 1919, so Jennison’s situation was hardly unusual.]
Tennis
Burra Association
Kooringa I 10-99 defeated Ironmine 8-88
Kooringa II 12 sets defeated Aberdeen II 6 sets
Aberdeen I 12 sets defeated Mt Bryan 6 sets
Cricket. Last weekend at Aberdeen: Royal Exchange 116 defeated Hamley Bridge 95.
Concerning Mongolata’s needs
L. Keith Ward Director of Mines writes to T.H. Woollacott 18 September.
Place prepared at the Government Battery for prospectors to wash their prospects. No charge will be made for water, but the operations are to be done in working hours between 7.30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Water will be supplied to W. Carpenter if he agrees to pay for it and a water meter.
The general suggestion about a subsidy for sinking, driving and costeening is too sweeping to be acceptable, but a workable proposal would be further considered.
A supply of explosives is being considered and a further letter will follow.
Further letter 23 October
The Government advises that it cannot act as a storekeeper and sell explosives from the battery in competition with private enterprise, but if miners were to establish a co-operative arrangement better arrangements could be made to purchase explosives from Elder, Smith & Co.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church last Saturday
George T. Reynolds of Whyte-Yarcowie, eldest son of Mr & Mrs G.P. Reynolds of Broken Hill, married Amy Kathleen Cox of Aberdeen, fourth daughter of Mr Herbert Cox and the late Mrs Cox of Aberdeen.
54, 46, 15 Nov. 1933, page 1
Burra Brass Band held its AGM with J. Allen in the chair. The secretary reported a credit balance of £11-15-0. In the year the band held a series of dances and one concert in the Institute and gave open-air concerts at Kooringa and Aberdeen and two paid engagements at the RSL sports meeting and a continental at Leighton. There were also numerous free appearances. The band was successful at the Spalding Competitions with highest points in march, hymn and selection sections and winning the cup at only their second attempt.
Four players left the district this year: I.C. Halls, Stan Truscott, Don and Keith Turnbull. Newcomers Colin Clement, Frank Aberg [and someone else not named] joined. Recently the newly formed Hallett Band visited. Assets were about £100 of music, 4 cornets, 3 tenor horns, 3 euphoniums, 2 tenor trombones, 1 bass trombone, 3 Eb basses, 1 Bb bass, 1 bass drum, 2 side drums, 14 music stands, 25 uniform coats and 24 caps, 1 E.P. cup. There were no liabilities.
Thanks to P.W. Clark for the use of his hall at such a low cost. Elected were Patron, James Thomas; President, E.F. Marston; Hon. Secretary, J.T. Pascoe; Treasurer, J. Allen & Bandmaster, J.H. Murison.
The word ‘District’ was added to the band’s name. The band will wait on the Council concerning some minor changes to the rotunda to allow the band to play in it.
The Aberdeen Croquet Club season opened last Saturday. Mrs W.H. Gare provided a swing, see-saw and sand pit to amuse ‘the little folk’ who came along with mothers. Mrs J.G. Sara unveiled the Foundation members’ scroll executed by Mr James Bentley.
54, 46, 15 Nov. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies
Frederic March in Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Gertrude Lawrence in Aren’t We All?
Martin Pederson Sen. is confined to his room, but a little improved.
Burra Brass Band attended Redruth Methodist Church service last Sunday evening.
Noel Woollacott has been chosen for the interstate tennis team.
Qualifying Certificate. Over 50 children sat at Burra School last Friday. Students convalescent after measles were catered for in a separate room that was fumigated afterwards.
‘Ratepayer’ writes about Mr Jennison’s candidacy for Mayor, again taking up the question of age. Pitt was PM of England at 24. In Australia Hon. S.M. Bruce was an outstanding political figure when no older than Cr Jennison. Hon. C.A.S. Hawker was Minister of Commerce at 35. Professor Melville at 28 was Economic Advisor to the Commonwealth Bank. Dr Callaghan is Head of Roseworthy College at 27 and the Head of St Peter’s College is 31. Cr Jennison has all the necessary qualities to fit him for the position of Mayor.
H.J. Button writes again on the subject of Johnny Green’s siting.
The Parks Relief Fund has reached £34-5-6.
Children’s Christmas Cheer Fund acknowledges donations.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ GM has produced 939oz 4dwt in two weeks and further reports:
At the 200ft level the crosscut has advanced to 88ft, cutting the lode at 83ft when the lode was 5ft wide. Now driving 8ft south along the lode.
At 92ft level it is timbered south to No. 1 rise (64ft). Leading stope taken off to 33ft where a rich pocket was found (300+ oz of gold).
At 52ft level the north drive has advanced to 97ft with lode 3ft wide. Leading stope taken off 20ft with average test 10dwt.
Byles’ Shares are now at 20/6.
Golden Harp. Drive north in Baker’s tunnel to 21ft with lode formation 3ft wide. Values now 2-3dwt. Shaft reached 28ft. Driven north 11ft along seam 4” to 12” wide with average test 1oz per ton.
54, 46, 15 Nov. 1933, page 3
Burra Town Council, 6 November
Complaints were received from ratepayers about dust from a newly ploughed up road in Market Square. The Council said it was doing its best to minimise dust, but the road could not immediately be tarred.
Repairs to the bridge near Redruth Police Station and supports to the bridge near Gully’s are to be effected.
Once again a decision on spending money to be subsidised by the Unemployment Department was deferred. The Mayor wanted a ratepayers’ meeting before deciding. Cr Dow grew heated with the Mayor’s continual interruption of the discussion and moved that the Council adopt the Government Scheme to the limit of £25 of Council expenditure. Cr Jennison seconded. The Town Clerk advised there were funds in the General Account. [The actual mechanism for getting money and /or rations seemed to be unclear to the Mayor and involved the approval of Sgt McDonald who administered the rations.] Cr March said that Sgt McDonald would say who was to be employed by the Council.
[The Mayor wanted to wait for Mr Butler’s grant – whenever that was.]
Cr Dow said no borrowing was involved and asked the Mayor to put the question.
A discussion about rations followed and the Town Clerk clarified that men employed under the scheme could elect to receive either rations or money. Eventually Cr March moved an amendment that the matter stand over until after the ratepayers’ meeting. Riggs & March supported the amendment and Dow & Jennison were apposed. It passed on the casting vote of the Mayor.
Crs Jennison and Dow protested strongly against the manner in which the Mayor had sought to influence the debate and force the amendment.
Cr Jennison moved the ratepayers’ meeting be held on 16 November. The Mayor wanted longer to write his report and asked for 23 November. The Town Clerk said his report was ready.
Councillors generally felt 16 November gave ratepayers a better chance of judgement before the elections and that date was carried unanimously.
Cr March raised the issue of the tennis courts being used on Sundays. The Town Clerk said he would report on it at the next meeting.
Local Board of Health
Inspector E.J. Davey reported 25 cases of measles in the town.
Grass needed cutting and water tables cleaned.
Mr Hill is to be paid an extra 15/- for work done clearing cedar berries from footpaths.
Cr Jennison as President of the RSL invited Council to attend the Armistice Day Ceremony. Accepted.
Tennis
Burra Association
Kooringa II 10-95 defeated Ironmine 8-95
Aberdeen II 9-89 defeated Kooringa II 9-81
Aberdeen I 11-98 defeated Kooringa I 7-88
Armistice Day was observed at the Soldiers’ Memorial on 11 November with a good turn-out of returned men that included one sailor, Cyril Sedgman and a large group of the public.
[Cyril Charles Sedgman was born 14 March 1906 at New Aberdeen, so if he was the person mentioned he would have been a serving sailor rather than a returned one.]
Leighton Methodist Bazaar was held 11 November in Leighton Hall followed by a concert.
A mild earth tremor was felt at Leighton on Sunday morning.
54, 46, 15 Nov. 1933, page 4
Tennis
Kookaburra Association
Spring Vale 6-62 defeated Hill View 4-55
Arcadia 6-59 defeated Paradise 6-55
54, 47, 22 Nov. 1933, page 1
Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting
The largest meeting we have ever seen of ratepayers was held on Thursday to hear the views of the retiring Mayor and Cr Jennison, the two candidates for Mayor and also to hear the candidates for North & East Wards. Mr A.B. Riggs was elected to the chair.
The Mayor read his report for 1933, which was adopted.
The Mayor then gave his address, making no apology for seeking ratepayers’ support in the coming elections. His report and the financial state of Council though, should hardly make this necessary. This might be the last chance the people had to elect a Mayor, as the Government was preparing a Bill which would change Corporations and have Mayors elected by the Council, like the Chairmen of District Councils. This would lead to their being only five Councillors, to trickery, cliques and selfishness. This time he said he was not fighting ratepayers, but the local branch of the RSL. Cr Dow, their Secretary, was campaign leader for Cr Jennison and their President, Vice-President and Secretary were all present. They had been writing letters to the press. Eleven years ago when he first stood for Council Burra had no modern roads, public conveniences, a decent water supply or electric light and plenty of dust. (A voice said . . . still got the dust.) He could not claim credit for modernising the town, but he had played his part. In 1923 council had decided to construct the main roads when he was Chairman of Public Works and he had prepared nearly all plans and specifications needed by Public Works Committee with his knowledge as a builder and contractor. Cr Jennison had been a Councillor for three years only and was never on the Public Works Committee. He had welcomed many prominent people to the town irrespective of politics or position. In 1931 he promised a reduction in the assessment of rates, a cut in salaries and the practice of economy. He had asked the Government to receive a Disabilities Committee of Unemployment and also concerning Mongolata. He had carried out his promises. Ratepayers had been saved £1,413-17-0. His work as Mayor had brought £10,000 into the district, which had been spent in the last two years. The support of Council had been consistent till Cr Jennison decided to stand for Council. A few weeks ago Cr Jennison had told Council to let Mt Bryan look after Mongolata, Council refusing to send a letter of thanks to The News for £50 received for help of the unemployed. Some were also writing a stream of rubbish about ‘Johnny Green’ holding it up to ridicule and suggesting it as a mascot for Mayoral Cars. The statement it might cause drunken drivers to crash was a lot of rot. ‘Johnny Green’ was a relic of prosperity and peace of one of the most famous copper mines in the world and was as important to him as the guns which had been repainted and inscribed at public expense. If ratepayers thought the time had come to throw in the towel concerning unemployment they were wrong. Thousands were still out of work. The Government wanted work done, but at this time of the year only painting and kalsomining was available and what could they give to the unskilled? The town had eleven years of his record to judge and he had neither the time nor the energy for a press campaign.
When Cr Jennison rose to speak the Mayor left the platform for some time.
[54, 48, 29 Nov. 1933, page 2: Any inference that the Mayor’s actions in leaving the platform during Mr Jennison’s speech at the Ratepayers’ Meeting was an intended discourtesy is incorrect and after the explanation made to us we are sure such was not the intention.]
Cr Jennison felt keenly the unkind remarks of the Mayor. He however, intended to stick to his policy of fair play. He was not being backed by the RSL and even if he were this was no different to the Mayor being backed by his admirers. Mr Dow was certainly helping him, but otherwise the League was not involved. The Mayor’s remarks suggest that but for him the town and Mongolata would have been neglected. All members of the Council had worked hard and were entitled to share credit with the Mayor. He was not responsible for the letter in the paper two weeks earlier, while ‘Ratepayer’ the following week was no doubt by one of his admirers. He had every regard for Mongolata and had been among the first to invest in it. He congratulated the Mayor on the latter’s work to find relief for the men out there and he and other Councillors had assisted the Mayor in that. As for the money from The News. It had gone directly to the Mayor and been distributed without consultation with the Council, so how could the Mayor expect Council to write thanks for a matter they had nothing to do with officially. If anyone deserved credit for the restoration and erection of ‘Johnny Green’ it was Cr March, but he like other Councillors saw no need for a special function to mark the event. He was flattered to accept the request to stand and his decision was in part influenced by the Government’s move to change the way that Mayors would be elected. As a Councillor he had done his work without fear or favour. As a member of the Finance Committee he could speak with authority on the financial difficulties of the Council. The Council had not let slip any chance of securing relief funds as a result of untiring efforts by all members of Council and the capable assistance of the Town Clerk. As for Mongolata, though it was not in the Council’s territory, the Council had done many things for it and the Mayor had taken all the credit and not given sufficient where due to other Councillors. He could not foresee any relief for ratepayers given demands on the Council and much of what had been achieved was due to extra relief monies obtained. There was so far no sign the Government would make Christmas relief funds available this year. The Mayor’s casting vote had turned down a scheme that would have given many of the unemployed some relief for Christmas and the Mayor had so far not presented another workable scheme for consideration – a fact he regretted.
He favoured the preservation of the parks and trees and replanting where needed; attention to the cemetery and Fire Brigade. He would favour reduction of the rate when it could be done without sacrificing standards.
The Mayor in reply referred to the many laudatory comments on his work in the paper and to the expenses he incurred in entertaining visiting officials and to the long and honourable connection of the family with the town. He made reference to his late brother Robert who was the first Burra boy on active service in France in 1914 and the first Burra boy to give his life for his country*, and to his grandfather who had brought the big engine to Burra. The money from The News had been split equally between the needy men of Burra and Mongolata. He objected to borrowing money given the present high rates of interest. He produced various items of correspondence from the Minister of Industry and others, but the point being made was not really clear. He said Cr March had said some old resident might like to make a reunion of the erection of ‘Johnny Green’ and invite P.A. McBride to perform the ceremony, but Councillors had voted against acknowledging that gentleman’s generosity. He took up the RSL’s role again, but was cut off by the chair as it had been covered.
[*This assertion is something of an exaggeration. Robert Woollacott may have been the first to die in France (on 28 September 1915), but in Gallipoli and the Middle East earlier deaths were: A.E. Egan 25 April 1915, H.W. Skinner 2 May 1915, J. Camp 15 May 1915, C.A. Kuchenmeister 5 September 1915 and P.D. Killicoat 19 September 1915.]
Roy Jeffery, candidate for North Ward made a short speech saying he would do his best and work for the benefit of the town.
F.T. Sara said he was standing in response to a deputation and would also do his best for the town. Stan Kellaway, standing for East Ward, referred to his nine years’ previous experience. He was also a member of the Burra High School Council, Burra State School Committee, the Hospital Board of Management and Secretary of the Unemployed Relief Council. [He essentially stood on his record.]
C. Lott would do his best for Ward and town.
R.J. Bernhardt asked Cr Bevan why the creek on Cow Dung Hill had not been repaired. Cr Bevan said he did not know of such a creek. Cr Jennison said it had been repaired once or twice, but storm waters washed it out.
C. Lynch asked if all Councillors were financial in regard their rates. The Chairman disallowed the question.
Mr M.W. Bednall was confused regarding the various schemes for unemployment relief suggested by the Mayor and Cr Jennison at the recent Council meeting. The Mayor said the Government had put forward various schemes: one would subsidise Council expenditure 75% for tree planting and beautifying the ground, another offered loan money at 31⁄2%. Bills for these two had not yet passed the Legislative Council. To borrow money the Council needed ratepayer approval.
Cr Jennison said there was no proposal to borrow money. It was intended the Council spend £25, attracting £75 from the Government to enable £100 worth of work. The Government said men could take either rations and the 25% cash from Council or take it all in cash. But the proposal was turned down by the Mayor’s casting vote.
M. Tiddy asked if ‘Johnny Green’ was to get any inscription. The Mayor said he did not know of any.
Alfred Walker asked the Chairman’s permission to explain the origin of ‘Johnny Green’.
He said the figure was given by the late Sir Henry Ayers to commemorate what the discovery of the mine in 1845 had done to SA when the colony was in financial depression. Ayers had had the figure made typical of the miner with pick in hand and had it erected on Morphett’s Shaft where it stayed till the unfortunate fire a few years ago.
J. Murison wanted to make clear that the RSL was not supporting Cr Jennison and neither Cr Dow nor Cr Jennison was associating himself with the sub-branch or its committee in any way. The chairman ruled him out of order.
Mr Ratcliffe wanted to know the candidates views of sport on park lands on Sundays.
Messrs Bevan, Sampson, Jennison & Sara were opposed.
(The Kooringa Tennis Club denies that this question was asked by a member or at their instigation.)
Mr Jeffery would consider both sides before voting.
Mr Kellaway thought it an inappropriate time and place to ask the question.
The mayor’s reply was indistinguishable.
Mr E.A. Haese questioned the tree lopping practices of Council and whether they had read T. Wilkinson’s report.
The question of borrowing money to clean up the town was overlooked and not put to the meeting.
54, 47, 22 Nov. 1933, page 2
Notice. Corporation of Burra
To His Worship the Mayor
I have examined the Obstinate Artist’s Fund as distributed by yourself and have pleasure in reporting everything correct.
Yours faithfully
E.J. Davey, Town Clerk
21st November 1933
Notice. Town Council of Burra: Municipal Elections, nominations 11 November.
Mayor Horton Joseph Barraclough Jennison
Thomas Henry Woollacott
North Ward Roy Joseph Jeffery
Frank Tiver Sara
East Ward Stanley Kellaway
Robert Clifton Lott
West Ward William Clement Sampson (elected unopposed)
Elections will be held 2 December.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 November
Hot Pepper and supporting feature Broadway Bad
Advt. Burra Talkies on 15 & 16 December: Cavalcade. Box plan at Coverdale’s Pharmacy.
Advt. Sunday 26 November 6.45 p.m. Kooringa Methodist Church
Rev. Guthrie C. Hutchinson will preach. Special music by a Ladies Choir of 50 voices.
Longfellow’s Beautiful Poem Excelsior set to music by M.W. Balfe. Soloist: Mrs Max Pearce.
Obituary. Thomas Peak, second son of the late John & Jane Peak of Cross Roads, Burra, died 13 November 1933 at Adelaide [Linden Park] aged 68. [Born 20 October 1865 at Cross Roads, Burra.]
Burra Amateur Swimming Club will open its season next Saturday. A wooden fence now divides the shallow portion of the pool from the deeper.
54, 47, 22 Nov. 1933, page 3
Tennis
Kookaburra Association
Arcadia 9-69 defeated High School 3-34
Paradise 10-64 defeated Hill View 2-50
Burra Association
Aberdeen I 12-103 defeated Ironmine 6-74
Kooringa II defeated Mt Bryan 4-69
Kooringa I 14-105 defeated Kooringa III 4-69
‘G.U.R. Tough’ writes about breaches of the spirit if not the letter of the rules in tennis team’s selection by Aberdeen.
‘Echo’ writes disagreeing with the Mayor’s treatment of the problem of a drunk driver at the Mine Bridge as a joke: ‘that is just the type of man we should all sympathise with’.
H.J. Button writes condemning T.H. Woollacott for what he describes as an unwarranted attack on himself at the Ratepayers’ Meeting. He fails to see any sign of ‘muck’ as Mr Woollacott talked about. He apparently failed to understand that Button was not opposed to Johnny Green’s preservation, but only to his siting. It is all the stranger he says since Woollacott came to him a few days earlier and agreed that Johnny Green was on the wrong site.
‘Returned Soldier’ writes about the Mayoral election. The evidence of the report of the last Council meeting suggests we should change our Mayor and the scene at the Ratepayers’ Meeting was ‘quite sufficient to convince me that the change is absolutely necessary’.
‘Looking Back’ writes condemning those who have held Johnny Green up to ridicule.
‘Bushy Bill’ writes that he is also amused at the appearance cited by J.B. Button of Johnny Green appearing to float in the air as he appears over the hill.
Burra Brass Band gave a performance of sacred and secular music from the RSL rooms’ balcony on Sunday evening after church and was much appreciated.
Weather. Last Wednesday a dry thunderstorm passed over Burra. A useful fall was dropped in the Mt Bryan district with some hail and up to 55 points. Lightning started a small fire at Flagstaff that was soon extinguished.
On Sunday storms to the east brought useful falls with many registrations of 30-70 points. Pualco 96, Quondong 133, Pine Valley 109, but Woolgangi 7 and Koomooloo 4.
Children’s Christmas Tree Fund: contributions are acknowledged.
54, 47, 22 Nov. 1933, page 4
Mayor’s Report 1933
The depression continues with a low price for wheat and unemployment. The Council sold unclaimed allotments and bought some land along the creek with a view of beautifying the same.
Finance began in debt £42-12-10 and ends in debt £78-7-2, but by 30 November this will be a debt of only £26.
The parklands saw further plantings on Arbor Day and Mr Thomas L. Wilkinson provided a report on the management of trees.
The Burra Brass Band returned with a cup from the Spalding Competitions.
The cemetery is being cleaned up.
Local Board of Health had no serious outbreaks in the year and the town is in a healthy state. The hospital cost us c. £170 p.a.
The Main Roads are in good order and the top dressing started 10 years ago has been completed. The Highways Department has reconstructed the Kingston St Bridge.
Relief work has seen improvements in footpaths and streets with a double crossing from the stockyards to the station.
Johnny Green has been re-erected as a landmark.
The tennis courts in front of the school were graded with the aid of £25 from the Director of Education.
A deputation to the Minister of Mines Hon. George Ritchie has resulted in improvements for Mongolata miners.
The Hon. R.S. Richards Premier of SA was given a civic reception and so was Mrs H. Fairfax the Liaison Officer for CWA Australia.
The Unemployment Relief Council has provided boots and shoes for the unemployed of the town and Mongolata. Also The News and Obstinate Artist donated £50 which has been distributed to the needy.
The Council horse died and Council will have to consider replacing it with a young and active animal.
The Fire Station has functioned well and response time has been good: the reel leaving the station within two minutes.
Assessment for the year was: £14,488-0-0
Rates derivable at 2/3 in the £ £1,629-18-0
Rates collected £1,604-15-8
Arrears collected £36-3-5
Receipts by Ward:
North Ward £439-11-3
East Ward £664-13-8
West Ward £500-10-9
Financial Statement attached.
54, 48, 29 Nov. 1933, page 1
Burra Town Council, 20 November
Cr March who is retiring was thanked for his efforts.
Cr Bevan was welcomed back after a long illness and good wishes were expressed all round.
C.P. Thamm was granted building approval.
The Town Clerk reported tennis being played on Kooringa Courts on Sunday and said when the courts were taken over it was for a term of 15 years. The matter was left to the new Council.
A complaint concerning the Overseer’s employment of men was received and discussed.
Various minor road maintenance matters were resolved.
The Town Clerk advised that work on the Black Bridge at Aberdeen would be started at the end of the week.
Tennis
Burra Association
Aberdeen I 11-94 defeated Aberdeen II 7-72
Kooringa II 12-100 defeated Kooringa III 6-77
Ironmine 9-96 defeated Mt Bryan 9-81
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church 16 November
Pearl Kelly of Hallett married Ron Nickles of Copperhouse.
54, 48, 29 Nov. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 2 December
Cyril Maude in Grumpy
15 & 16 December
Cavalcade
Obituary. Hilda Symons Milner, wife of Percy Milner and sixth daughter of the late John & E.J. Pearce of Kooringa, died in Adelaide 21 November. [Born Hilda Symons Pearce 2 December 1887 at Kooringa: died 21 November 1933 at Eastwood, residence Dulwich. See extended obituary this issue, page 3.]
Kingston St Bridge reconstruction was completed last week.
Weather. Rain is falling as we go to press and reports from the east range so far from 50 points to 200.
Burra Amateur Swimming Club began its season quietly last Saturday.
Explanation. Any inference that the Mayor’s actions in leaving the platform during Mr Jennison’s speech at the Ratepayers’ Meeting was an intended discourtesy is incorrect and after the explanation made to us we are sure such was not the intention.
Parks Relief Fund has reached £34-13-6.
Children’s Christmas Tree Fund: acknowledgements of donations.
54, 48, 29 Nov. 1933, page 3
Christmas Employment Drive. A public meeting was held at the Council Chamber on Monday. About 20 gentlemen were present including the present Councillors plus Messrs Kellaway and Lott. The Government asked for returns showing the actual state of affairs concerning unemployment. The information in Burra was that Drew & Crewes and Walkers would employ some extra girls in the lead up to Christmas, but no men. Mr Rosman might be able to find work for one or two [at Thomas’s Mill]. Cr Jennison was unable to help this year. Rev. D. Redding had a couple of pounds worth of work at the rectory. Cr Bevan thought North Ward could do something with its credit balance of £66. Promises of a little work were needed from many.
[While a number of small offers were made no very definite plan of action seems to have been resolved upon.]
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its postponed anniversary on 19 November. Rev. E.G. Neil conducted the morning and evening services and Rev. G.C. Hutchinson preached in the afternoon. Services were held in the Memorial Sunday School. There was a tea meeting on 20 November.
Burra District Band came out on top at the competition at Clare last Thursday. The handsome cup is in R.D. Pascoe’s window. Burra won the march and selection while Clare won the hymn section. The aggregate saw Burra 170, Brinkworth 169, Clare 167, Balaklava 163 and Spalding 157.
C.J. Williams writes as Captain of Ironmine Tennis Club to assure all that none of the club was ‘G.U.R. Tough’, who complained last issue.
Frank Neagle writes asking Cr Jennison to explain why he moved and other board members supported that a higher tender be accepted for painting the hospital recently.
Cr Jennison wonders how Mr Neagle came by his information, but anyway he felt the lowest tenderer could not do the whole of the work in a first class job at that price and the £100 tender would result in a first class job.
Obituary. Mrs P. Milner of Dulwich who died 21 November was born at Kooringa as the sixth daughter of Mr & Mrs John Pearce of Chapel St. She was a resident of Kooringa till six years after her marriage. Soon after Mr Milner entered the employment of A.J. & P.A. McBride they moved to Dulwich with their young son and daughter in about 1918. Mrs Milner has not enjoyed robust health for some years and suffered a relapse a few weeks ago. She is survived by a husband and three children: Mr Keith Milner and the Misses Madge and Betty. She has five brothers: Alfred, Norman, Clem, Oswald and Edgar and four sisters, Misses C., G., & L. of Kooringa and Mrs A.S. Dearlove of Ketchowla Station. [Born Hilda Symons Pearce 2 December 1887 at Kooringa: died 21 November 1933 at Eastwood, residence Dulwich. The unmarried sisters above were Priscilla (C.), Gertrude and Laura while Mrs Dearlove was Victoria Nellie (Nell).]
Mongolata Goldfield
A 90oz bar of gold has come from a crushing of 15 tons 15cwt of ore from Curlew Mine and this does not include any cyanide gold.
A sharp earth tremor was felt at Leighton about 3.30 a.m. Sunday.
Burra Hospital Board met 9 October and reported 2 patients in the wing and 17 in wards with an average of 14 per day for the month.
Tenders for painting were received. Mr Davey moved that the three highest be struck out. Carried.
Sir John Melrose moved Mr Lomman’s tender be accepted. Not seconded.
He then moved Lomman’s tender for the Maternity Wing and General Hospital and Steer’s for the Isolation Ward be accepted. Seconded Woollacott.
Jennison amended that E.L. Steer’s be accepted for the whole at £100. Mr Dane seconded and carried.
Meeting 13 November
18 patients in the wards, 2 in private rooms and 2 in the wing with 1 in isolation.
Roof painting had commenced – the west side completed.
Mr Dane is to be asked to arrange the Christmas festivities’ musical program and Mrs Dow the other arrangements. £5 was donated for Christmas cheer for the staff and patients.
CWA met 17 November. They are appealing for old linen and magazines for local hospitals – to be left at the Rest Room next to Dr Steele’s. There is also an appeal for CWA Bush Libraries.
54, 49, 6 Dec. 1933, page 1
Leighton Hall Ladies Guild held its annual fete last Saturday, opened by A.D. McDonald MP. Mr Warnes extended his usual invitation to all present to partake of strawberries and cream at his expense. A dance till midnight followed.
Burra District Council. Lots 14-17 Copperhouse were transferred from James Gallagher to Gottlieb Carl Heinrich.
Weather. Clouds built up on Monday last week and on Tuesday rain set in from the east and continued all day. In the east it continued on Wednesday, though it stopped in Burra. At 4 p.m. word came through that Wandillah had recorded 170 points in an hour and the creek came down 15ft deep. In all they got 21⁄2”. At Baldina 116points fell and Deep Creek came down 200 yards wide. At E. Rooke’s the flood was a memorable sight after a fall of 275 points. Norman Farm, like the other properties lost fences and fallow land. At Stone Chimney Creek the dam filled for the first time since Herbert Morgan bought the property. Mongolata got 1” in five minutes and 3” in two days. Poonunda recorded 232 points and Baldina Creek there flowed a banker. The Deep Creek and Baldina fords suffered £100-£150 damages. Thistlebeds got 3”. Further to the east falls were steadier, but still 11⁄2 to 2” on such stations as Kia-Ora, Murkaby, Braemar & Faraway. Some watercourses flooded. From the top of Dare’s Hill a flood a mile wide could be seen. Ulooloo Creek ripped out fencing at Mallett while Ketchowla recorded 132 points without damage. Pine Creek got 170 points, but Mulga Hill recorded 373 and it was similar at Pandappa. I.J. Warnes at Sturt Vale and Warnes’ Lagoon received good rains on the 19th and feed is already showing. Oakbank and Quondong recorded over 2” and 3” falls were common in the Mt Bryan and Mt Bryan East areas. Falls to the south were less. ‘The Gums’ got just 61 points, Balah 56, L.M. Gordon at World’s End 75-80. Tom Heinrich at Dutton’s Cross recorded over 2” and E. Phillips of World’s End had 180 points in three showers, while Mr Duell did not get enough for run-off into his dam. Koo-owie and The Gap got about 160 points, Springbank c. 60 and Burra 82. Generally the best rains to the east since 1913.
Tennis
Burra Association
Kooringa II 10-95 defeated Ironmine 8-95
Aberdeen II 9-89 Defeated Kooringa III 9-81
Kookaburra Association
Hill View 10-68 defeated Arcadia 2-41
54, 49, 6 Dec. 1933, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council. Applicants for relief work must register their names with the Town Clerk at once.
Advt. Burra Talkies 9 December
Janet Gaynor, Will Rogers & Lew Ayres in State Fair
Supported by Walking Down Broadway
Jack Murphy of the Bank of Australasia and late of Burra, who married Leila Thomas of Aberdeen, has been promoted to Melbourne.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM. The Golden Harp seam continues to show well and at Byles’ good specimens found in the stope at the 92ft level; 20oz in 2 bags of specimens recovered.
Obituary. George Daly Teasdale died at Boree Creek NSW on 10 October aged 63. He was born at Blanchetown and went to NSW in 1897. He leaves a widow and one son and four daughters: Richard, Elsie, Gladys, Nancy & Claudie (Mrs W. Tudor of Gayndah Qld). Brothers are A.S. Teasdale (NSW), W. Teasdale (Adelaide), J. Teasdale (Semaphore) & H. Teasdale (Saddleworth). Sisters are Mrs W.T. Ley (Farrell’s Flat), Mrs H.W. Kellock (Thistlebeds), Mrs G.T. Ley (Barmera) & Mrs R. Cheek (Adelaide). He was the fourth son of the late W. & A.J. Teasdale of Oak Farm, Florieton. [Birth does not seem to have been registered, though 7 siblings were born at Blanchetown.]
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Parks Sen. died 5 December aged 85. She was a sister of George Herbert of Kooringa. [Harriet Martha. See more 54, 50, 13 Dec. 1933, page 1.]
Tennis
Kookaburra Association
Paradise 10-70 defeated High School 2-27
Burra Association
Aberdeen I 11-98 defeated Kooringa I 7-88
A.B. Riggs refers to Adelaide reports of the recent Burra election as being the Kooringa Election and urges the renaming of the Kooringa Post Office as Burra.
‘The Man in Question’ writes disputing the Overseer’s version of the complaint about refusal of work, made at the last Council meeting.
54, 49, 6 Dec. 1933, page 3
Burra Town Council. The election attracted the most interest for many years. About 500 people attended the declaration of the poll about 7.30 p.m.
Mayor T.H. Woollacott 271
H.J.B. Jennison 221
By Ward North East West
T.H. Woollacott 116 114 41
H.J.B. Jennison 62 82 77
North Ward Roy Jeffery 107
F.T. Sara 69
East Ward Stanley Kellaway 133
Cliff Lott 58
Weather. Further reports of rain for this week: Braemar 80 points, Kia-Ora & Faraway 40, Pandappa 70, Hallett 1”. Last week Princess Royal got over 2”.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 25 November
Sidney Essington Kuchenmeister, third son of Mr & Mrs G.C. Kuchenmeister of Kooringa, married
[Claudia Jean] Kemble, third daughter of Mrs & the late David Kemble of Kooringa.
Marriage. At the residence of the bride’s parents 18 November
Doris & May Pascoe, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs Fred. T. Pascoe, married
Stanley Edgar Truscott of Waikerie, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Edgar Truscott of Broken Hill.
Children’s Christmas Tree Fund was aided by a successful social and dance in the IOOF Hall Aberdeen on 29 November.
Redruth Methodist Ladies Guild held a ‘Days of the Week’ Fair at the Memorial Hall last Saturday. £50 was realised.
Louis Grow celebrated his 85th birthday at his home in Kooringa on 2 December.
54, 49, 6 Dec. 1933, page 4
Burra Rifle Club shot the 9th stage of the Fearon Trophy and best scorers were W. Woodman & R. Bourman.
54, 50, 13 Dec. 1933, page 1
Jack McDonald, son of Sgt G.E. McDonald of Redruth, who has been on the staff at the railway station, has been transferred to Adelaide.
Lance Irlam only son of Mr & Mrs W. Irlam of Redruth and on the staff at Burra Railway Station has been transferred to Adelaide.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Strawberry Fete at the Cheer-up Hall last Friday and receipts were up a little on 1932.
Obituary. Clair Goodridge who died recently in Adelaide was the son of I.J. and the Late Mrs Goodridge of Booborowie. He was born 26 January 1895 and enlisted a few days before his 21st birthday in 1916 and returned from active service in 1919. He was twice wounded, also gassed and shell shocked and twice mentioned in despatches. He carried shrapnel in his back and died as a result of war injuries. He married Annie Lomman, daughter of Mrs Jehu Lomman of Mt Bryan East who died in 1922 leaving a young daughter. In 1929 he married Irene, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs George Willmott of Booborowie who survives at Collinswood with his daughter aged 11.
[Clair James Goodridge died 26 October 1933 at Northfield, residence Collinswood.]
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Parks died 5 December and was a resident of 80 years and a colonist of 83 years. She was born in Edinburgh Scotland 5 October 1848. Her parents were Mr & Mrs Newman who arrived in SA in 1850 and came to Burra in 1853. Her mother was twice married. Miss H. Martha Newman married Thomas Parks, the eldest son of the late Thomas Parks, pioneer baker of Burra. Thomas Parks worked for many years for Bath & Pearce of Kooringa and then for Drew & Crewes. He died about 3 years ago. Mrs Parks was quite well up to the last few days. She is survived by four daughters: Alice Mrs Seymour (Pt Pirie), Flo Mrs B. Sugars (Kooringa), Hannah (Annie) Mrs Brown (Pt Pirie) and Edith Mrs Holwell (Pt Pirie) and by one son William Parks of Kooringa. There are 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
[Married and had children as Hannah Martha nee Newman: death registered as Harriet Martha Parks.]
Burra Town Council, 4 December
Congratulations were offered all around after the recent elections.
Government subsidy for the year was fixed at £84 compared with £94 last year.
The Council overdraft was £120.
A fair amount of rates were outstanding. [The Mayor’s report suggested c. £36.]
With respect to the Christmas drive for employment:
Cr Kellaway moved £25 be set aside and application be made to have it subsidised £2 for £1. [The sum was later changed to £50.]
The Mayor said if men got work in the Christmas drive rations were cut out.
Cr Dow said there were men who kept off the ration on the list who needed help and they should not merely take a list of those on rations.
Carried unanimously and an advertisement is to be placed in the Burra Record for names.
The Water Supply Department is to be asked to move pipes on the Black Bridge where they take up a yard of road space and to place them under the bridge. Cyclone wire is to be added to the south side of the bridge.
Queen St Footbridge to be repaired.
Local Board of Health
The Inspector reported one death from measles and 26 cases. The Mayor said many cases were not reported.
54, 50, 13 Dec. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 15 & 16 December
Cavalcade with 40 featured players and a cast of 3,500.
Advt. Burra Hospital Christmas Festival Tuesday 19 December.
A.P. Tuck headmaster of Burra School for two years has been transferred to Crafers, to be succeeded by Mr McConnon.
Parks’ Relief Fund at £34-16-6.
Mr Harrold Button’s car was involved in a minor accident at Whittney & Tiver’s Corner on Saturday afternoon. No one was hurt.
Burra Amateur Swimming Club has been popular in the hot weather. A carnival is planned for January. Boys are warned to stop throwing stones in the vicinity or face drastic action.
Children’s Christmas Tree Fund acknowledgements continue. Event to be held 21 December.
Mr W. Beale of Wentworth NSW visited recently and claims his grandfather J. Beal erected the figure of Johnny Green if he did not make it. Like many another old Burra resident he is almost certain Johnny Green is not the correct name. Mr Beal’s father, Johnny Beal worked for a number of years for John Pearce, builder of Kooringa.
Christmas Relief Work. The Government has granted a £1 for £1 subsidy for this work. Public Works Committee has granted four days work to each of the 32 married men on the list and two days to each of nine single men on the list.
Burra Brass Band is contemplating a Band Competition in Burra in 1934.
54, 50, 13 Dec. 1933, page 3
Bowls. At Kapunda on Saturday: Burra 93 defeated Kapunda 90.
Mongolata Goldfield
Takati (Pexton’s) put 25 tons through the battery for 1oz 19dwt to the ton with tailings to come.
New claims are still being pegged.
Burra Police Court, Wednesday
Melbourne Saul Bown was fined £5 or 14 days for understating his income in order to get rations.
Burra Rifle Club held the 2nd stage of the Championship with a disappointing turn-out. Best results were from J. Harris and W. Woodman.
54, 50, 13 Dec. 1933, page 4
Tennis
Kookaburra Association
Hill View 9-66 defeated High School 3-39
Burra Association
Ironmine 11-80 defeated Kooringa [which?] 7-79
Hallett Methodist Church has installed electric light of the free air variety to replace a failing gas system.
54, 51, 20 Dec. 1933, page 1
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held a Christmas Party, which replaced the picnic that had been cancelled due to the measles epidemic. It was held in the hall on 13 December.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 10th stage of the Fearon Trophy with best scores from J. Harris and J.A. Riggs.
Burra Benevolent Society had £6 to distribute for Christmas Cheer and now goes into recess till the third Thursday in March.
Church of England Day School held its break-up last Friday evening. A display of work and a program of items were presented. Miss H. Sinclair headmistress reported a successful year, though the small numbers means a lack of competition in most grades. The school joined in the Sunday school picnic. Inspector E.C. Loan found the school satisfactory with some weaknesses in History and oral Arithmetic. The Rector thanked Dr Steele for acting as chairman from the departure of Rev. Coles until his arrival and thanked Mr Bednall for carrying out secretarial duties. The prize list is printed. Top of the honour roll was David Steele.
54, 51, 20 Dec. 1933, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 23 December
George Wallace in His Royal Highness
25 December
Godfrey Tearle & Kathleen O’Regan in The Shadow Between
Will Rogers in Dr Bull
26 December
Jerome’s immortal story Three Men in a Boat
John Galsworthy’s drama Loyalties
30 December
I Loved You Wednesday supported by Best of Enemies
1 January 1934
Man of Mayfair Supported by Broken Lullaby
Notice. Public Meeting 10 January about the Burra Seaside Trip.
Notice. Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd
Christmas Eve Lighting. On no account must electricity be used for power purposes between 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. [sic] Christmas Eve and take care with lighting or the town will be plunged into darkness.
Salvation Army. Captain & Mrs J. Faulds have been advised of their move and write a letter thanking the people of the town and district for their goodwill during their two year stay.
Scouts. Scoutmaster Rev. G.C. Hutchinson of Kooringa and Scouts Frank Pearce of Kooringa and Max Morton & Brian Riggs of Aberdeen will leave on 26 December for Sydney via Melbourne Express for the Scout Jamboree.
Weather. A further 71 points of rain fell on Wednesday night locally with a sharp fall of large hail at 5 a.m. Thursday morning. Falls to the east inner country varied from 15 to 56 points at Baldina.
54, 51, 20 Dec. 1933, page 3
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday Clare 97 defeated Burra 93.
Obituary. Mrs Charles Drew Wilkinson died at her residence 14 December after a severe illness. She was born at Angaston the third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Nettell who later moved to Blackwood. She was a prominent member of the Women’s Branch of the Liberal Federation and for many years Vice-President and Acting-President in Mrs Warnes’ absence. She was also Vice-President of Burra Red Cross Circle and of Burra CWA. Her influence with Mr Wilkinson gave the CWA here a wonderful start with the use of a room at the rear of the pharmacy as a rest room. Gardening was also a keen interest. She married Charles D. Wilkinson in November 1899 (second son of the late T.W. Wilkinson) who survives. Her eldest child, a daughter, died in infancy and a son Mr Tom L. Wilkinson MSc, BScF is Senior District Forest Officer of Rhodesia who visited his parents with his wife, son and daughter in the past year.
[Born Adelaide Maria Frances Nettell 14 April 1871.]
[The reference to a daughter who died in infancy seems to be an error for a son, Charles Ronald who lived for three days in 1901.]
Obituary. Mrs William Blott died suddenly 13 December at the residence of her youngest daughter Mrs Thomas C. Parks at Semaphore. She was visiting her daughter who recently lost her eldest daughter aged 20, when the death occurred due to heart failure. She was born at Black Rock 3 January 1858 to Mr & Mrs Pounce who came to Burra when she was very young. She married William Peter Blott 10 November 1883. They lived for some years at Baldina and later at Kooringa. She was a stalwart worker for Red Cross and the Cheer-up Society and a long-time member of Kooringa Methodist Church and Kooringa Methodist Ladies Guild. Her husband died many years ago. Surviving members of the family are: May Mrs S. Whitehorn (Pt Adelaide), W. Rignold Blott (Kooringa), Len. W. Blott (Semaphore), Mrs T.C. Parks (Semaphore), Frank Blott (Kooringa) & Eric Blott (Pt Noarlunga). There are 12 grandchildren. [Born Sarah Pounce]
Notice. M.W. Bednall Hon. Secretary Kooringa Tennis Club.
Drawing attention to the fact that the Club’s trustees have agreed not to permit play on Sundays. If this is not obeyed the gates will have to be locked. Most of those who play on Sundays have no connection with the club and if so are trespassers and liable to prosecution.
Mongolata Goldfield
Work has been suspended till New Year.
Takati (Pexton’s) has recently put through a parcel averaging 2oz 18dwt per ton with 19dwt from tailings.
Fred Lewis’s claim adjoining has encouraging results with a shaft dug from old diggings over 40ft with a 30ft cross-cut east opening a big lode.
J. Kellaway’s claim south of Lewis’s gave excellent results at last crushing and warrants development.
Another promising discovery has been made out east near Chalk Cliffs Station and the claim named Anderson’s Reward. Gold was first found there 40 years ago and it will now be tested.
Burra District Brass Band Annual Social was held in St Mary’s Schoolroom last Thursday evening. A good short musical program was followed by toasts, speeches and a few dances.
Burra Town Council
A.L. Bence, Walker & Son and F. Harris petitioned against the parking ban in Market Square near their shops, as it interfered with business.
Cr Kellaway gave notice to rescind the ban.
There was discussion about pedestrians, especially at night using the road rather than the footpath to Aberdeen and the consequent danger to them of being struck by vehicles.
A move is being made to see if a by-law could ban walking on the road.
The Town Clerk reported the Government’s subsidy of £ for £ on Christmas Relief work. 50 men have been given work.
The Highway Dept. has allowed the Council to put cyclone wire on the Redruth Bridge. (At Council expense.)
The Mayor drew attention to A.B. Riggs’ recent letter about the confusion over the town’s name. He was in favour of Kooringa Post Office changing to Burra and Aberdeen to Burra North.
Cr Kellaway favoured the status quo, but was willing to refer it to ratepayers.
Cr Bevan wished to retain Aberdeen.
The Town Clerk pointed out that there was a Burra in NSW and also in Tasmania. Discussion ceased.
Various road and other works were approved.
The question of Sunday tennis on Kooringa courts was debated. The club will be advised it must stick to the agreement.
Crs Dow and Kellaway voted against this.
Miss Ruby Bass, daughter of Mrs E. Bass of Kooringa, was farewelled on Saturday on leaving for Booleroo Centre to commence a career as a nurse.
Mr & Mrs Tuck, son Gilbert & daughter Joyce were farewelled by Kooringa Methodist Church and Sunday School prior to their departure.
54, 51, 20 Dec. 1933, page 4
Tennis
Kookaburra Association, 9 December
Paradise 7-48 defeated Spring Vale 5-45
16 December
Spring Vale 7-55 defeated Hill View 5-53
Arcadia 7-50 defeated Paradise 5-54
Rainfall Figures for Burra monthly from 1880 to 1933 are printed.
Characteristics of the paper for 1933
This year the paper was particularly full of local news.
Page 1
This was dominated by news with a few large local advertisements.
Page 2
This carried large advertisements for Drew & Crewes and Bence’s along with smaller advertisements and notices, especially of sales and local government activities, public meetings and the like. Talkies and classified advertisements were also found here. Some news is generally found here, but late on the page.
Page 3
Several large advertisements especially by Matthews and Sara & Co. dominate the advertising, but it is mostly given over to news.
Page 4
Smaller advertisements are to the fore on page 4, but also non-local items of general interest in fluctuating amounts competing with local news.
There is not much in the way of editorial comment, but much reporting of the Town Council, mining efforts at Mongolata and sport.
Numbering of Issues in 1933.
The year began with Volume 54, Number 1 on 4 January 1933.
And continued to Volume 54, Number 51 on 20 December 1933.
55, 1, 3 Jan. 1934
Page 1 Advertisements
Walker & Sons Shoes, Kooringa
Pederson & Son Quality Shoe Store, Kooringa
Luke Day Home Grown Vegetables
Frank Spencer Watchmaker & Jeweller
H.J.B. Jennison Motoring Accessories
Fred. M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger
Jeffery & Byrne The Quality Meat Store, Kooringa
Page 2 Advertisements
C. Leslie Phillips & W. Ray Phillips Dental surgeon, Pearce’s Building
S.R. King Successor to the late T.F. Robertson, Railway & General Carrier
T.H. Villis COR Petrol Agent
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Auctioneers etc.
Drew & Crewes General Merchants, Kooringa & Mt Bryan
Bence’s Ltd Clothiers & Drapers
J.M. Tiddy Cash Draper, Aberdeen
Burra Talkies
T.W. Wilkinson & Co. Chemists
A.W. Martinsen Ladies Hairdresser, Pearce’s Building
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, etc. [Regular advertisers, but not this issue.]
Page 3 Advertisements
Sara & Co. Oil [& Petrol] Aberdeen
C.J. Pearce & Son Furniture Repairs, Upholstering & Undertaking
Matthew’s Emporium
Page 4 Advertisements
Kooringa Service Station (Tennis racquet re-stringing.)
[G. Dollman] Burra Motor Co. Kooringa Agents for Dodge Bros Cars & Trucks, Chrysler, De Soto, Plymouth, Hillman & Humber
Oxy Welding
A. Lomman Ducoworks Kooringa. General Painting & Decorating, Motor Trimming & Sign Writing.
Whittney & Tiver’s Garage, Kooringa
K.B. Watts Quality Meat Store, Aberdeen
W.G. Terry Practical Tailor, Kooringa
55, 1, 3 Jan. 1934, page 1
Fr Lee has been moved from St Dymphna’s at Booborowie.
Mt Bryan East Church was crowded for the annual Christmas tree on 20 December. Banbury School has recently re-opened and four scholars with correspondence lessons under the tuition of Miss Henty gave several items. Ay Mt Bryan East four scholars gained Qualifying Certificates: Dorothy Dare (627), Laurel Emmerson (613), Olive Doyle (475) & Rol Dare (534).
Bowls Carnival at Clare. Messrs Sandland & A.A. Davey were runners-up in the pairs. A rink from Burra beat Blyth & Clare easily, but went down to a team from Adelaide.
55, 1, 3 Jan. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Electric Supply Co. calls tenders for the removal of 16 poles on the Telegraph Route from Kooringa Post Office to the Burra Railway Station.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 6 January
The musical It’s Great to be Alive
Supported by Arizona to Broadway
Christmas Eve. Business in Burra was brisk for the week before Christmas and Christmas Eve itself was the best for some years. The streets were crowded on Saturday evening 23 December and on Sunday evening the Burra District Band gave a concert from the RSL Club balcony and had supper afterwards at E.F. Marston’s.
New Year’s Eve. The band gave a second concert and a large number gathered to listen.
Weather. Rain fell from monsoonal downpours to the east on 26 December, affecting part of Redcliffe, though Tom McBride reported only 17 points at the homestead 5 miles away. At Mulga Dam on Koomooloo 268 points fell and Sturt Vale recorded 32 points on Friday.
Burra Rifle Club. Fearon Trophy points at present show W. Woodman leading on 25 from A.B. Riggs on 18 and J. Harris with 15.
Obituary. W. George Lines (52) son of the late George Lines died suddenly at Aberdeen 24 December 1933. His wife died many years ago. An adult family survives. [William George Lines born 14 August 1881 Kooringa. Of seven sons, one was dead and one was aged 14 and another 20. Of three daughters one was dead, one was 21 and the youngest was 12.]
Obituary. O.J. Lynch died in the Burra Hospital 28 December after a long illness aged 61. A widow and young family survive. [See more at 55, 2, 10 Jan. 1934, page 3.]
Burra Hospital Christmas Festival was held on 19 December as usual in the open air. The weather was ideal. The place was beautifully decorated and chairs provided on the lawn, but scores stood up and others listened from cars drawn up outside. G.E. Dane organised the musical program. Burra District Band played. I.J. Warnes as Chairman of the Board presided. He said the hospital averaged 18 patients a week. He commended Sister G. Siegele and staff.
Farrell’s Flat School held its break-up in the Institute at Farrell’s Flat and is reported. All six Qualifying Certificate candidates passed.
Hanson School held an exhibition of work and break-up on 20 December. Prizes were given out. Qualifying Certificates were gained by Clarence Hermes (643), Alison Marchant (576), Melva Woollacott (493) & Maurice Dixon (435).
55, 1, 3 Jan. 1934, page 3
Burra Christmas Tree was organised by Mrs S. Dowling and was very successful. The depression having precluded on for 1932. The public appeal made it possible to entertain c. 470 children from Burra & District at the Institute on 21 December. Admittance was by ticket only. The Mayor opened the proceedings and thanked the organisers.
Burra High School held its break-up at the Institute on 20 December. A program of items was presented and then Mr Haese read his report. They had started with an enrolment of 56 and had an average attendance of 44 despite removals and illnesses. In February Miss M.T. Coghlan replaced Miss B.E.M. Dunstan who went to Woodville. From now on Woodwork and Domestic Arts would count as Intermediate subjects in the Technical Certificate. Certificates for 1932 results were presented in May. George Hann had 5 Leaving Honours subjects and Gordon Bruff won an Intermediate Exhibition worth £120. The school divided into Brown and Blue Houses for scholarship and sports and Browns won with 4211⁄3 to 3991/6. Next year we lose free education with the introduction of fees in the High School. The Mayor presented the prizes and the list is printed.
Best Intermediate results for 1932: Gordon Bruff.
Excellent Leaving Honours Results & Steele Prize for 1932: George Hann.
Dux of School 1933: Nathalie Neagle.
Second 1933: Gordon Bruff.
Dux of 1933 Intermediate: Gilbert Tuck.
The items then continued, concluding with a delightful play entitled: Tea-time Confidences.
A collection raised £5-10-0.
Dr D. McD. Steele, Chairman of the High School Council contributes a letter somewhat over 1 column long about the imposition of High School fees. He outlines the widespread opposition to this move by the Government. The Minister responded to all protests that he intended the system to be introduced for first term 1934 – parents could apply for exemption from all or part of the fee. The objections to this were spelled out to him by the various protests. Dr Steele appeals to all parents to send their children to High School. One suggestion to save on costs was to close all country high schools except for those at Pt Pirie, Peterborough and Mt Gambier. He warns that if numbers fall the Government might be tempted to implement this recommendation also. Those seeking exemption should see the headmaster on the first day of term. A reduction of – I think – 25% is made for a second child. The fee applied only to those students over the age of 14.
55, 2, 10 Jan. 1934, page 1
Leighton School break-up was held in the schoolroom on 21 December. An inspection of work was followed by items and prizes were presented by Mrs Warnes. The prize list is printed. Sylvie Lord was dux. Five candidates got their Qualifying Certificates.
Leighton & Ayers Schools Christmas Tree was given by Mrs Warnes on 16 December. In honour of its being the 25th time this had been done George Langsford was given a present again, as he had been the first child to receive one 25 years earlier. He received a toy horse. The other presents were then distributed. Dancing followed till midnight.
Copperhouse Welfare Club gave a Christmas Tree to schoolchildren on 20 December. Class duxes are listed. Sven girls sat for their Qualifying Certificates and all passed.
Tennis
Kookaburra Association
Arcadia 9-51 defeated High School 3-31
Hill View 7-60 defeated Paradise 5-41
Burra Rifle Club fired the next round of the Fearon Trophy and best were H.L. Riggs, J. Schwier, H.H. Byles & W.G. Wooodman.
55, 2, 10 Jan. 1934, page 2
Advt. Porter’s Lagoon Aquatic and Athletic Sports: Monday 29 January.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 13 January
Waltz Time and Trick for Trick
Salvation Army. Captain & Mrs J. Faulds left on Monday for Dandenong, Victoria after two years here. Captain & Mrs W. Roberts of WA are the incoming officers.
Mining. Anderson’s Reward at Chalk Cliffs has been worked by a syndicate employing two men from 18 December. The first shaft it down 24ft and timbered and the second has reached 12ft. There is encouraging colour in pan tests.
Qualifying Certificate Exhibitions have been awarded to:
Rhonda McDonald of Hallett, daughter of Mr & Mrs A.F. McDonald.
Flora Shackleford of Willalo, daughter of Mr & Mrs Shackleford.
Dorothy V. Dare of Mt Bryan East, daughter of Mr & Mrs C.W. Dare.*
The value is one year’s free tuition plus £10 and if living away from home an extra £10.
- This was corrected in the next issue to Mr & Mrs George Dare of ‘Glen Dare’ Mt Bryan East.
Mongolata Goldfield
Most claims had started work again by last Thursday. The battery begins today.
Joan Burns of Rose Park, third in the state in the Qualifying Certificate with 685/700 is the granddaughter of the late Samuel Burns of Kooringa and only child of Mr & Mrs Bob Burns. Bob is a war invalid.
William Adlim Smith a.k.a. William Adlim was arrested on 18 December by Sgt G.E. McDonald of Redruth who saw him near Smithfield and had been advised he was wanted for stealing horses from Broken Hill. The accused is known in Burra for being concerned in a sheep stealing case at Copperhouse when his companion Smith stole and killed a sheep, the property of C.W. Gare & Sons. He was then using the name William Adlim.
Fire. At 11.30 a.m. Friday 5 January Sgt G.E. McDonald was advised of a fire burning a mile north of Booborowie. On a fence near the fire were a charred blanket and a piece of charred canvas. Further on there was an Aboriginal in charge of a mob of horses. A strong southwest gale spread the fire in the property of I.J. Warnes section 620 where it burnt barley stubble and from there it entered a paddock of Francis Hogan. It destroyed 200 bales of straw and lucerne (valued at £5-5-0 per 60 bales) as well as 10 acres of Warnes’ barley stubble and 25 acres of Hogan’s grass – valued at £10-£12 per acre. Harry Donovan the Aboriginal was charged with a breach of the Bush Fires Act. Evidence from Dennis Kelly, Frank Kelly, Jack Kelly and Arthur Baynes told of seeing Donovan try to put out the fire with a branch and of its getting away from him. Donovan admitted lighting a fire and trying to put out the fire from a spark that got away. He was fined £5 plus 30/- costs or 10 days.
55, 2, 10 Jan. 1934, page 3
Burra Institute held its AGM 8 January. Only the committee and one subscriber attended. Income was up on 1932. On 31 December 1932 they had 7,399 books and on 31 December 1933 7,285.
Membership fell slightly: December 1932 December 1933
Double 67 Double 62
Single 160 Single 161
227 222
The Chess Club had a successful year.
The balance in the bank rose from £47-14-6 to £87-11-4.
The Burra Band again co-operated in organising several dances which grossed £93, from which the Band’s share was £37.
The Choral & Orchestral Classes have again operated successfully.
Elected were President, C.D. Wilkinson; Vice-President, Max Pearce; Hon. Secretary, L.S. Penrose & Treasurer, M. Pearce.
Obituary. The late O.J. Lynch was born at Mintaro 61 years ago. When he was 10 his parents moved to Hawker where he lived a large part of his life. About 20 years ago he bought land at Leighton where he married Lilian Hams. He is survived by four sons and three daughters. He was for some time Hon. Secretary of the Country Party. He was known as a man of highest integrity and a man of deep piety, being a regular communicant and generous donor of the Catholic community.
[Owen Joseph Lynch born 21 September 1872 Mintaro: died 28 December 1933, Kooringa.]
J.E. Hogan of Hanson writes about the economic woe of the world and recommends a lecture by Mr Angrave of Adelaide in Pearce’s Building on 13 January at 8 p.m.
[There is also an advertisement for the lecture on page 2.]
Frank Treloar writes commending the erection of ‘Johnny Green’. He recounts again some salient points of the Mine’s history and given the need to control water goes over the massive effort needed to sink Morphett’s Shaft and then build the pump house etc. He also tells of the huge effort to get the jinker etc. and load to Burra. He believes, though he cites no real evidence, that Johnny Green would have been put in place when the work at equipping Morphett’s Shaft was completed on 1 April 1860.
55, 2, 10 Jan. 1934, page 4
Gallagher’s Children’s Sports have become a custom over many years. This time the sports were held on 31 December 1933. Mr George Gallagher has continued the liberal subscription started by his father the late James Gallagher and the organisation has been carried out by Mr Alec Ratcliffe of the Royal Exchange Hotel and Mr J. Carpenter of Aberdeen. There was a record attendance on a perfect day. Results are printed.
Principal donors are listed as: George Gallagher £5
A.N. Ratcliffe £2-10-0
W. Gallagher £2
Len Gallagher £1-1-0
West End Brewery £1-1-0
B. Symonds £1
A long list of smaller donors of smaller sums is printed along with names of donors of items in kind.
55, 3, 17 Jan. 1934, page 1
Mrs R.H. Steele, wife of the former Town Clerk of Burra, celebrated her 70th birthday at Maple leaf Café. [Location not stated – perhaps Adelaide?] Among the guests listed are Major & Mrs J.A. Watt.
Fire. On 5 January, with a westerly gale blowing some drovers near Booborowie Bridge started a fire which left the stockyard there and entered I.J. Warnes’ property where only swift action by workers saved the lucerne bailing equipment. It then entered F. Hogan’s and after burning 40 acres of grass was stopped at the stock road. Beyond lay Phil. Beinke’s wheat and then wheat and grass for miles. One of the drovers was arrested and heavily fined. [See earlier report 55, 2, 10 Jan. 1934, page 2.]
Porter’s Lagoon. Bathing was very popular there last Sunday.
55, 3, 17 Jan. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Town Council requires a horse suitable for Council work.
Notice. E.T. Baulderstone denied emphatically any rumour that he is shortly going out of business.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 20 January
Radio Parade, supported by Warner Oland in Chan’s Greatest Case.
Notice. Salvation Army welcomes New Officers, Captain & Mrs Roberts on Thursday Night.
Sgt G.E. McDonald is to be transferred at Easter.
Obituary. Mrs E. Heinrich, mother of G.A. Heinrich of Flagstaff, was buried Tuesday afternoon.
Clarrie Hermes of Hanson received 643 at the recent Qualifying Certificate Examinations. He attended Eudunda Higher Primary.
Fire broke out last Wednesday in the quarry owned by Mr Tom Turner, Redruth, but was extinguished before any serious damage was done. Another fire in a pine hedge at a property near the Waterworks was soon extinguished on Monday morning.
The Bishop of Adelaide (Dr A.N. Thomas) is expected to confirm 36 candidates at St Mary’s on 24 January.
The Mine Pool has been popular of late among ‘those persons who practise the natatorial art.’
55, 3, 17 Jan. 1934, page 3
Burra Town Council, 15 January
Water Supply Dept. presented a bill for £50 for the Children’s Playground.
The Mayor said it was accumulated back rates. The water was now cut off.
[The sum was corrected in the next issue to £5.]
M.W. Bednall advised that the Committee of the Tennis Club had prohibited Sunday play and would deal with any infringement. Council agreed to meet a deputation from Kooringa Tennis Club on 5 February concerning their purchase of the courts.
Council agreed to buy a new horse.
Cr Kellaway moved to rescind the motion banning parking in part of Market Square. Passed.
Cr Dow then moved that vehicles over 13ft be banned from parking from the north end of Bruce’s to R.D. Pascoe’s. Carried.
Last year’s assessment was adopted with the necessary changes.
Tennis
Kookaburra Association
Hill View 8-64 defeated Arcadia 4-48
Croquet. At Clare on Saturday: Clare defeated Burra 2 games to nil.
Bowls. At Clare on Saturday: Clare 92 defeated Burra 69.
Burra Seaside Trip. The public meeting on Wednesday at the Institute heard that last year the trip made a profit of £7. The retiring committee members were re-elected. A trip this year was approved with the date left to the committee. The committee will try to arrange with SAR for 24 February to Semaphore.
55, 4, 24 Jan. 1934, page 1
Burra Christmas Cheer League. A meeting to finalise matters was held at Dowling’s Café 17 January. President Mrs S. Dowling took the chair. Total receipts were £44-15-2. Expenditure was £40-12-1 and the balance was £4-13-0. It was resolved to spend it on an easy chair or chairs for the women’s ward at Burra Hospital. The evening had been a great success and 500 children and 21 old folk had received presents from the tree and supper was provided for 800 people.
Tennis
Kookaburra Association
Spring Vale 8-62 defeated Arcadia 4-48
Burra Rifle Club fired the 12th stage of the Fearon Trophy with E. Cyril Collins and J. Williams doing best.
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club had a working bee on Saturday to prepare for the sports day on 29 January. The landing stage was extended and a new running track put in. A large crowd visited the Lagoon on Sunday.
55, 4, 24 Jan. 1934, page 2
Advt. CWA Continental at ‘Wahroonga’ on Wednesday 31 January. Burra District Band will attend. Supper and dance on the lawn to follow.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 27 January
Sleepless Nights supported by Mr Bill the Conqueror
Advt. Big Dance at Burra Institute 29 January. Old and New Gaiety Boys Full Orchestra
Dancing 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Latest Dances demonstrated by SA Champion of 1932, Mr Jack Ryan with Miss Ivy Skinner. Buses leave the city with select sociable people. Dress optional. 2/4
M-C Veitch of Redruth has been promoted to take charge at Iron Knob.
Sgt McDonald has been transferred to Kadina and will be followed here by Sgt Loughlin from Quorn.
Burra District Band gave a concert in the rotunda on Sunday at 8.15 p.m. of secular and sacred music and collected £1-15-7.
Sheep Dog Field Trials are set for 13 & 14 April.
St Mary’s Harvest Festival will be held 28 January when Archdeacon Ven. Raymond Walker of Mt Gambier will preach.
Anderson’s Reward Gold Mine at H.S. Warnes’ Chalk Cliffs Station appears promising. Herbert Morgan says his late father John Morgan found gold some 21⁄2 miles away some 40 years ago, but only a little was then recovered.
Weather. There was a heat wave from 13 January to 19 January. The south side of R.D. Pascoe’s shop recorded two days over 100°F and then it got hotter, rising to 106°F by 18 January. Other people recorded up to 110°F while to the east temperatures of 115 & 116°F were recorded. Friday was cooler at 102°F and then there was a brief cool change before it reached 102°F on Monday and 109°F on Tuesday 23 January.
55, 4, 24 Jan. 1934, page 3
SAR Accident. The Thursday night ‘Barwell’ [railcar] ran into a calf at a crossing one mile from Burra. It took about 30 minutes to get the car started again after the jolt, which of course killed the calf.
Pte Ray Flower’s mother reports getting a letter annually from a Madame F. Riguier, enclosing a flower from Ray’s grave and describing the well-tended graves.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church, 20 January
George G. Murray, son of Mr & Mrs W. Murray, Buckie, Banffshire, Scotland, married
Emily M. Flower, third daughter of Mr & Mrs James Flower of ‘Flowerville’ Braefoot, Burra.
Bowls. At Eudunda on Saturday: Eudunda 106 defeated Burra 81.
Anderson’s Reward Gold Mine. To 20 January No. 2 shaft was sunk to 25ft, timbered with a windlass erected. Reef widening 15-18”. About 1 ton of ore at grass.
Mongolata Goldfield
An alluvial syndicate near the battery has let a tender for a shaft.
Byles’ Mongolata GM. At 200ft level south drive advanced 140 to 158ft on lode 3ft wide with traces.
At 92ft level the cross cut west to 10ft with only traces in the lode.
At the 52ft level south drive off east crosscut advanced to 30ft on lode showing 2oz per ton.
Golden Harp. North drive advanced to 12ft on lode 2’6” wide showing 1oz per ton. 8 tons at grass.
120 tons ready for treatment at Byles’.
Burra Amateur Swimming Club is preparing for a carnival on 10 February. Children’s races for those up to 16 will be held 3 February.
55, 5, 31 Jan. 1934, page 1
Mr Angrave’s lecture on the Douglas Credit System is reported.
55, 5, 31 Jan. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 3 February
The Match King supported by Girl Missing.
Advt. Burra Amateur Swimming Club Carnival Saturday 10 February 2.30 p.m.
Notice. Mr M.W.J. Sullivan has sold his hairdressing and tobacconist business to Mr Ken Wohling.
Leonard Jarvis son of the late Rev. Stanley Jarvis has won a scholarship for Prince Alfred College.
Salvation Army. Capt. & Mrs Roberts were welcomed to the local corps at the Barracks recently. The Mayor greeted the new arrivals.
St Mary’s. The Bishop of Adelaide Dr A.N. Thomas confirmed 36 candidates at St Mary’s last Wednesday.
Weather. Last Wednesday by 10 a.m. it was 104°F and it peaked at 108°F. Thursday was delightfully cool with a thunderstorm on Friday morning and 19 points of rain. The heat returned on Monday with 103°F and plenty of dust from the northwest. Tuesday was again cool.
55, 5, 31 Jan. 1934, page 3
Porter’s Lagoon. Monday last was a terrible day for sports with a very hot northwest wind. The waves prevented all but two of the swimming events and they were swum with difficulty. Despite this the attendance, though down, was good. The lake is presently rather shallow with a maximum of 5-6ft. Sideshows did good trade. The running track was praised. Results are printed. The cool change towards evening helped make the dance afterwards in the Farrell’s Flat Hall a success.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Burra 112 defeated Balaklava 72.
Tennis
Kookaburra Association
Spring Vale 8-54 defeated Paradise 4-46
Hill View 12-72 defeated High School 0-16
Mongolata Goldfield
A dance in aid of the Wildildie Sports Club at the Wildildie Woolshed drew about 70 on Saturday last and raised £1-1-0.
J. Kellaway’s claim is being formed into a syndicate of £5 shares. The last crushing of 6 tons was satisfactory.
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church 20 January
Alan Rosewall, fourth & youngest son of Mr & Mrs Joseph Rosewall of Kooringa, married
Eva Carpenter, third daughter of Mr & Mrs T. Carpenter of Hallett.
Mrs Smelt & Mrs P. Wardle were farewelled from Mt Bryan on 25 January. Mrs Smelt and family have been 26 years in the district.
55, 6, 7 Feb. 1934, page 1
Youth Occupation Committee
A meeting at the Council Chamber last Thursday formed a committee to deal with the question of providing some sort of occupation for unemployed youths. The Governor had acted to get a conference in Adelaide on the issue. The Adelaide Conference discussed the setting up of local committees. The Government has agreed to contribute £ for £ for money raised locally to a total of £5,000. Sir Langdon Bonython has contributed £1,000 to the Central Committee. The original name was Youth Welfare League, but later correspondence bears the name Youth Occupational League. It was suggested instruction might be given in swimming, boxing, wrestling, gymnastics, running, jumping, cricket, football, tennis, etc. The idea was to keep unemployed youth morally and physically fit until employment opportunities opened up. Unfortunately Burra had no night school or the like. The Mayor said he was not there to attack Government policy, but he clearly felt there was an inconsistency with the above and the Government’s decision to cut High School expenditure. Mr Bednall also saw this inconsistency, but there was no harm in forming a committee and so one was formed comprising: Dr Steele, Rev. Hutchinson, Rev. Redding, Messrs A.B. Riggs, A.L. Walker, R.V. Warnes, H.J.B. Jennison & F.L. Worth. There was some discussion suggesting the committee needed more practical men as opposed to professional and sporting representatives, but the committee felt it would requisition such when plans were evolved. A call will be made for unemployed youths to enrol.
Tennis
In Burra there were two associations:
Burra Lawn Tennis Assoc. comprising: Kooringa I, II & III, Aberdeen I & II, Mt Bryan and Ironmine.
Kookaburra Assoc. comprising: Spring Vale, Paradise, Hill View, Arcadia, and High School.
Immediately to the south there was the Cavandale Assoc. comprising: Farrell’s Flat, Black Springs, Porter’s Lagoon, Manoora and in ‘B’ grade also Wirrilla [also known as Rose View near Manoora] & Hanson.
CWA Continental at ‘Wahroonga’ Leighton on Wednesday evening was a success thanks to the generosity of Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes who roped in her sons and house staff to assist. The elevated site of the house with wide balconies and spacious lawns and trees makes it an ideal choice for a continental. There was ample room on the balcony for the piano and Burra District Band. The program is reviewed. Mrs Warnes said proceeds would go towards paying the rent on the Rest Room in Kooringa and part towards the Seaside Homes the CWA hope one day to build for the use of outback women.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 18th stage of the Fearon Trophy and top scorers were J. Harris, J.E. Pearce & C.W. Pearce.
55, 6, 7 Feb. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Amateur Swimming Carnival 10 February 1934. 15 events.
Advt. Burra Talkies 10 February
Ruth Chesterton in Frisco Jenny
Joe E. Brown & Dorothy Lee in Local Boy Makes Good
Notice. Call for all boys and girls out of employment and aged 14-20 to register with the Youth Occupational Committee.
Notice. RSL AGM 10 February. Graham Dow Hon. Sec.
Notice. Burra Seaside Picnic Assoc. Annual Trip Hallett to Semaphore Saturday 24 February.
Return tickets from Hallett & Mt Bryan 8/4, children 4/3.
Places Burra to Manoora 7/6, children 3/9.
Obituary. Martin Pederson died at his residence in Chapel St 5 February aged 77.
[Extended obituary next page of this issue.]
Archie Kellock who was injured in a motor accident and sustained a broken leg has recovered enough to be moved from Riverton Hospital to Burra Hospital.
Miss Sheila Kain of Booborowie has done well in her Intermediate Examination, having studied by correspondence.
The Baby Train will visit Burra on its 8th tour, arriving next Saturday night.
55, 6, 7 Feb. 1934, page 3
Croquet. At Kooringa 3 February: Kooringa defeated Aberdeen 2 games to nil.
Bowls. Burra 103 defeated Kapunda 74.
Mongolata Goldfield
America has gone off the gold standard and the price of gold has risen.
Byles’ GM has declared a dividend of 6d a share. They are crushing about 130 tons at the Mongolata battery. For the fortnight ending 26 January work proceeded on a drive at the 200ft level and on a winze and a rise. At the 52ft level work continued on a drive in low grade ore.
Golden Harp. The north drive advanced to 26ft on a lode 2’6” wide giving a pan test of 1oz per ton. 12 tons at grass. They were erecting an aerial line from the dump to carry ore to the bottom of the range. 130 tons is at Byles’ ready to crush.
Several claims on exemptions for some time are being worked again and quite a number of claims are putting down main shafts indicating confidence in the field.
Poem by C.H. Souter on Burra Mine: The Green Pool.
Obituary. The late Martin Pederson who died early Monday morning was born in Denmark 20 October 1856 and migrated to Australia when about 20. He was first employed in Burra by the late J.T. Walker, now Walker & Sons. He was still a young man when he struck out for himself. His excellent workmanship, marked integrity and business acumen saw him make a success of the undertaking which he continued to control until a severe illness recently forced him to hand the reins to his son Jack who was in partnership with his father. He took a keen interest in town affairs and served as a Councillor during the Mayoralty of the late Dr R. Brummitt. He was also a member of the Institute committee. He was a keen member of the Bowls Club and soon a great interest in gardening and physical exercise. He took long brisk walks. He was a staunch member of the Kooringa Methodist Church and was the oldest of the trustees. He twice visited his native country, making his second visit after he turned 70. A brother, Dr Soren Pederson Krage was recently knighted by the King of Denmark and he and a sister survive in Denmark. Mr Pederson was twice married and is survived by a widow, three surviving sons and four daughters. His second son Pte Will. Pederson was killed at Pozieres in the Great War. Others are: Martin Pederson (Reade Park, Adelaide), Annie Mrs W. Jeffcott (Devon Park), Bessie Mrs W. Willis (Ottoway), Percy Pederson (Beulah Park), Dorothy Mrs Ray Jones (Woodville), Olive Mrs W.H. Spier (North Adelaide) and John Pederson (Kooringa). There are 15 grandchildren. He was also a member of Kooringa Masonic Lodge and the Oddfellows Lodge.
Burra District Band visited Waikerie on 27 January and on that evening played with the Waikerie Dance Orchestra at a dance. On Sunday morning there was a joint practice with Waikerie Band and at 2.50 the two bands marched through the town and gave concerts on the bank of the river from 3-5 and from 5-8 p.m. On Monday they visited the RSA Club, the Institute, the pumping station, distilleries, fruit-packing sheds, railway station, other sporting places and Mr Ekins’ drying sheds. They then had lunch at Mr S. Rainey’s home. Members were billeted by Waikerie bandsmen during their visit. Waikerie Band is better equipped with a fine set of almost new silver instruments. The band returned to Burra on Monday afternoon.
Tennis
Kookaburra Association: Spring Vale 7-63 defeated Hill View 5-54.
55, 7, 14 Feb. 1934, page 1
Burra Town Council, 5 February
Municipal assoc. advises the Council cannot forbid pedestrians from walking on the roads, but can pass a by-law that they must keep to the footpaths where available. Council will move to have the issue discussed at a Municipal Assoc. meeting.
The Mayor reported on the Youths Occupational Committee meeting.
The Town Clerk reported the assessment was £14,488 last year and £14,416 this year, a reduction of £72. On a 2/3 rate last year’s revenue was £1,629 and this year a 2/3 rate would produce £1,621. The report was adopted.
The Court of Appeal will meet 26 February and the rate will be 2/3. The road from the National Bank to SAFU corner will be tar-dressed.
Tennis
Kookaburra Association: the games between Arcadia & High School and Hill View & Paradise were declared drawn on account of rain.
Burra Amateur Swimming Carnival, 10 February
The event was somewhat marred by the weather and by the failure, for no explained reason, to start on time at 2.30 p.m. The carnival actually started at 3 p.m. Intermittent light rain spoilt the afternoon, despite which attendance was good. The arrangements made by the secretary were excellent and visitors unfamiliar with the pool were astonished to find such a nice sheet of water in such unusually rugged and beautiful surroundings. Many improvements had been made with racing strings and lines of bobbing corks. [Principal organisers are listed.] Entries were good in both swimming and diving. Results are printed. A splendid exhibition of diving was given from the cliffs by L. Winkley, R. Thorpe, D. Halliday and J.M. Tiddy.
J.E. Hogan writes on inflation and the monetary system.
F.H. Weston & W.G. Hawkes write on behalf of the Young People’s Employment Committee in the city calling on primary producers to place some unemployed lads on farms and stations.
55, 7, 14 Feb. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 February
Frederic March, Elissa Landi, Claudette Colbert & Charles Laughton in the Giant Spectacle:
The Sign of the Cross.
55, 7, 14 Feb. 1934, page 3
Mr George C. Sangster, who 12 months ago transferred from Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. in Burra to their Broken Hill branch, has now been promoted to their Stock Department in Adelaide.
Sgt G.E. McDonald of Redruth will leave for Kadina next Tuesday.
Correction. The article on Inflation published 7 February by the request of CWA was actually published by the request of the LCL.
N. Hiles Pearse writes in appreciation of Martin Pederson. He much regrets the passing of ‘a fine old scout’ with his optimistic and cheery nature, who had started from scratch and made good. He cannot ever remember Mr Pederson saying an unkind thing or passing a disparaging remark about any of his fellows and as a JP ‘one could imagine him giving the benefit of the doubt to “the other fellow” or the “under dog” every time’. His breezy and descriptive talent made his yarns about his trips to his homeland at all times most interesting. He was ‘one of nature’s gentlemen, a type of man who can ill be spared in any community’.
Croquet. Balaklava defeated Burra.
Bowls. Balaklava 88 defeated Burra 87.
Mongolata Goldfield
6 February
Byles’ GM Co.
Golden Harp: started to sink a winze in tunnel and after going 3ft a very nice lode was cut showing gold freely.
Byles’: expect to break through to winze from 200ft level this week.
9 February
200ft level now connects with winze from 92ft level. Distance between levels on underlay is 152’ 6” and lode formation averages 3ft.
52 ft level: No. 2 south drive of No. 1 east crosscut advanced to 50ft, connected to north drive off No. 2 east crosscut, average lode 2ft wide. No. 1 east crosscut on lode average 2ft wide with test pan average 1oz per ton.
Golden Harp: north drive off shaft to 39ft on 2ft lode, very broken, pan test 30dwt per ton.
Winze sunk to 10ft in north drive in Baker’s Tunnel, lode 2ft wide, pan test 1oz per ton.
85 tons of ore crushed and 60 tons at grass.
Anderson’s Reward GM at Chalk Cliffs
Main shaft is at 30ft. Started driving c. 10ft on 1ft wide lode. Directors well satisfied so far with prospects.
Redruth Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival last Sunday. Services were taken by Rev. G.F. Johnson of Spalding.
A. Hore-Ruthven Governor of SA writes thanking the Mayor and others for establishing the Youths’ Occupational Committee.
55, 7, 14 Feb. 1934, page 3 & 4
Weather. Last week the temperature peaked at 106°F on Wednesday, 107°F Thursday and 103°F on Friday with high humidity and a north wind carrying plenty of dust. Friday night produced a severe, but dry thunderstorm. A little rain fell to the east with most places getting 10-20 points. On Saturday Burra recorded 20 points with 4 more on Sunday.
55, 7, 14 Feb. 1934, page 4
RSL held its AGM in the Club Rooms 10 February. Attendance was very small.
President H.J.B. Jennison reported that there was a marked indifference to their work from a disappointing number of returned men. Social gatherings and meetings have been only poorly attended and yet absent members are the first to complain when something goes wrong. There was a marked lack of support for the Anzac Sports, which only succeeded because of non-digger friends. The membership is the smallest for many years and he appealed to all true diggers to recognise the tremendous work of the League for the less fortunate returned men and their dependants.
Members who left the district this year were: Dobson, Lawrence & Jones. Oliver Earle, though still a member was too far away for regular attendance. He reported on visits to Crystal Brook and Spalding and on a poorly attended lantern lecture by Comrade Downs. Anzac Sunday afternoon was a success when the address was by Padre G.C. Hutchinson supported by Salvation Army Capt. & P.L. Rosman. The Burra District Band under Comrade Murison ably supported and the evening service was at Redruth Methodist Church and there was a packed room. Anzac Sports were very successful and the best of its kind ever held in Burra. The sub-branch has greatly appreciated the support this year of the Burra District Band.
The Brandt Fund established in 1929 is now exhausted after paying out £168-2-5.
He suggested regular monthly smoke socials.
Mr R.C. Sexton is secretary following the departure of M. Dobson.
The sporting success has greatly helped the financial position. Elections: President, H.J.B. Jennison (re-elected); Vice-Presidents, J.H. Murison (re-elected) & T.J. Canny (re-elected); Secretary, G.H. Dow (re-elected); Treasurer, R.C. Sexton (re-elected). It was decided to hold the Anzac Sports on Saturday 28 April and monthly smoke social were decided upon.
55, 8, 21 Feb. 1934, page 1
Sgt McDonald was given a farewell and presentation at Burra Institute last Thursday. The Mayor expressed appreciation for Sgt McDonald who has done commendable service in administering the rations for the unemployed and had often acted as a veterinary surgeon. He also expressed his regret at the sudden recent death of Inspector Murphy.
Other speakers lending support to the Mayor were M.W. Bednall, F. Worth, Cr Jennison, P.L. Rosman, James Thomas, F.T. Sara, M-C Robinson (Kooringa), Mr Bence and Mr Harding of Booborowie. The presentation was a brief bag and handsome clock.
Mrs McDonald was given a farewell at the Royal Exchange Hotel at a bridge party hosted by Mesdames A. Ratcliffe and Goble.
Tennis
Burra Association
Kooringa I 10-89 defeated Mt Bryan 8-85
Aberdeen I 10-82 defeated Kooringa III 8-96
Aberdeen II 11-100 defeated Ironmine 7-89
Kookaburra Association
Spring Vale 7-59 defeated High School 5-44
Hill View 7-60 defeated Arcadia 5-10
Burra Rifle Club fired the 14th stage of the Fearon Trophy with best results from T. Heinrich & A.C. Aughey.
55, 8, 21 Feb. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Seaside Picnic Association Annual Trip Hallett-Semaphore, Saturday 24 February.
Depart Hallett 5.09 a.m. Depart Burra 5.50 a.m. Arrive Semaphore 9.35 a.m.
Depart Semaphore 8.05 p.m. Arrive Burra 12.14 a.m. Arrive Hallett 12.53 a.m.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 24 February
Renate Muller & Jack Hulbert in Sunshine Suzie
Gordon Harker & Renée Clama in The Man They Couldn’t Arrest
Mrs H.N. Potter and daughter of Kooringa presently holidaying in New Zealand send news of Mr James Richards late of Aberdeen and formerly employed by Samuel Burns wheelwright of Kooringa and now of Cook Tourist Co. of New Zealand on the South Island.
55, 8, 21 Feb. 1934, page 3
Harold J. Button agent for the Gulf Trip on MV Moonta reports heavy bookings.
Weather. Some patchy rain has extended to the east with falls from nothing to 37 points.
Burra Town Council, 19 February
There was some discussion over who should represent the Council on the hospital Board. Cr Jennison having retired from Council, Cr Kellaway was of the view Council could appoint anyone, but Cr Bevan thought they had to appoint a sitting Councillor.
The Mayor said there were already five members of Council on the Board, though not by virtue of being Councillors. Mr Jennison had approached the Mayor and it was his place to put the matter officially to Council. Cr Kellaway said the rules say ‘a representative appointed by the Council’. He felt until they were officially notified the position was vacant it was a roughshod method to appoint another. The Mayor held the present position to be illegal. The Town Clerk had informed the Board that Cr Jennison was the representative and now there was no Cr Jennison. He had automatically ceased to be a representative when he ceased to be a Councillor.
Cr Kellaway’s motion to defer consideration lapsed and eventually Cr Riggs was appointed.
A deputation from Kooringa Tennis Club said the Council owned the land on which the club had its courts and it wished to purchase the land. Ten years ago the block on the edge of the creek was a waste plot and the club had spent £500-£600 on building it up and installing two asphalt courts. There were 3 or 4 years of a 15 year lease to run. In view of their expenditure the club sought certainty of tenure. Mr Potter supported Mr Bednall in the request.
Cr Bevan asked whether they would support a 99-year lease like the Aberdeen Tennis club – he was strongly against Sunday tennis and felt that might be at the back of the move.
Mr Bednall said such had not been discussed. Financial inputs were hard to get without security of tenure. Mr Bednall was prepared to give his personal assurance concerning Sunday tennis and believed the majority of members would not take advantage of the position to play Sunday tennis.
Cr Dow wondered who would fix the price.
Mr Bednall felt the Council should sell for the value it was before it was improved.
They could sell because it was not parkland, but had been bought from the Mining Co.
The decision was deferred for a fortnight.
It was decided to re-tar the Bon Accord Bridge, closing it from 21-28 February.
Bowls. Burra 118 defeated Blyth 80.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival last Sunday. Rev. G.C. Hutchinson conducted the morning and evening services and Rev. E.G. Neil of Redruth the afternoon service.
55, 9, 28 Feb. 1934, page 1
Leighton Cricket Club held a successful dance at Leighton Hall last Wednesday.
‘Ajax’ writes on ‘Our Monetary System’. He puts the view that the depression is producing a mass of unemployed youths who are being kept fit by sport so that with three months intensive training they can be the finest soldiers in the world. Later we will introduce compulsory military training because apart from soldiers we have absolutely no use for them.
Marriage. Booborowie Memorial Hall Wednesday 21 February
Ezme Baynes, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Oliver Baynes of ‘Wynyard’, married
Claude Allen, fourth son of Mrs E. Allen of Andrews.
Burra Rifle Club. At Pt Adelaide for the Country Championships Burra came a disappointing 6th out of ten teams. The best performers were A.C. Aughey, P.W. Hogan & H.H. Byles.
Obituary. Mr Aughey, father of A.C. Aughey. [John Jardine Aughey born 5 October 1861 Apoinga: died 24 February 1934 Adelaide, residence Chain of Ponds.]
Ironmine Methodist Church held its harvest Festival last Sunday and Monday. Rev. G.C. Hutchinson of Kooringa officiated and there was a social evening on the Monday.
Annual Seaside Trip to Semaphore
Over 800 made the trip this year: about two-thirds from Burra. The train was drawn by a powerful mountain type locomotive. The train was on time at Burra where three carriages were added. A smaller engine took the train from Dry Creek across to Semaphore. The weather was ideal and at Semaphore many headed for the beach and lawns. Scores caught buses or trains to the city and others went to Glenelg to enjoy Luna Park. There was the usual Burra Reunion at the Botanical Gardens and other family reunions took place at Semaphore. A special picnic train to Gawler left Semaphore at 7.05 and officials had to get scores of Burra passengers off it. They had mistaken it for their train, which arrived at 7.55. The train was so long that at least four coaches were beyond the end of the lengthy Semaphore platform and ladders had to be employed to board passengers. Burra was reached at 12.15 a.m.
Obituary. Mrs William Collins died 20 February 1934 in NSW. She was born in Burra in 1856 as the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs James Prior of Burra. In 1880 she married William eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Henry Collins of ‘Lucernedale’ Mt Bryan. For about 20 years they then carried on farming at Mt Bryan East before moving to Mallett Station in Hd of Wonna. About 1906 they sold up and settled in NSW. Mr Collins died about 20 years ago. Five of eight children survive and there are 28 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. E.T. Prior of Chapel St is a brother and another brother and sister also survive: E. Prior (Hallett) & Mrs John Honan (Hallett). The deceased was here for Christmas and the New Year. [Born Charlotte Ann Prior from marriage, but no birth registered in SA.]
Obituary. Mrs Sarah Maria Harris died in Burra Hospital 21 February aged 71. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Robert James Phillips of Tothill’s Creek at Kapunda and went to Broken Hill where her husband died in 1912. After 36 years in Broken Hill she came to live at Booborowie with her daughter Mrs F.C. Affolter. Three of six children survive: Mrs F.C. Affolter (Booborowie), Mrs H.W. Perkins (Broadview) & Mrs George Harris (Booborowie). There are 10 grandchildren. Five brothers and one sister also survive: Mrs A.G. Kutcher (Sunshine Victoria), James Phillips (Booborowie), Thomas Phillips (Wirrabara), Henry Phillips (Hopetoun Victoria), Edward Phillips (Hanson) and William Phillips (Gawler). [Birth not traceable in SA registrations.]
55, 9, 28 Feb. 1934, page 2
Notice. Curlew Gold Mining Syndicate gives notice that Cyril Schwier has retired from the firm.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 3 March
Irene Dunn & John Boles in Back Street
Slim Summerville in What a Life
Mr Ken Paltridge of the staff of the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa for 41⁄2 years has been moved to Adelaide. E.B. Povey from Adelaide will replace him here.
Obituary. King Albert of Belgium was honoured in Burra on the day of his funeral by flags flown at half mast at the RSL Rooms and in Market Square. [1975-1934, reigned 1909-1934.]
55, 9, 28 Feb. 1934, page 3
Weather. Many dry thunderstorms out east and a few with rain varying from 17 points at Koomooloo to 134 at Quondong.
Ken Whitford working on Koonoona Station was injured last week when a dog tripped his horse causing him to be thrown. He sustained concussion and a wound needing stitches, but is now doing well.
Charles E. Baker of Hallett writes concerning a snippet of news published as a ‘filler’ which happened to concern his wife’s grandfather Adam Black, Lord Provost and Edinburgh MP.
Tennis
Burra Association
Aberdeen II 11-89 defeated Mt Bryan 7-69
Ironmine 9-91 defeated Kooringa I 9-82
Kooringa Ladies 11-89 defeated Ironmine Ladies 7-74
Burra Bowling Club held a Flannel Dance last Wednesday evening at the green. Those who did not dance played bridge or Bowls. Dancing continued till 12.30 a.m.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM. At 200ft level a chamber has been cut for erecting a windlass on the winze. Brace and windlass were erected and the winze advanced to 10ft.
At 150ft level commenced to drive south off No. 1 winze at 92ft level, lode formation 3ft wide & gold-bearing. Drive advanced to 9ft.
At 52ft level No. 1 rise advanced to 18ft with lode 2ft wide showing 10dwt per ton with pan test.
Golden Harp. No. 1 winze in Baker’s Tunnel advanced to 24ft on lode 3ft wide, gold bearing.
North drive off shaft advanced to 47ft on 2ft lode averaging 10dwt per ton by pan test. Shaft continuing to further depth. Expect to finish crushing 156 tons by end of the week.
Anderson’s Reward GM at Chalk Cliffs reports No. 2 shaft now to 40ft on an 18” lode with good prospects.
55, 10, 7 Mar. 1934, page 1
IOOFMU recently opened their new premises in Aberdeen and at the time the juveniles were promised a Children’s Frolic. This took place last Saturday. About 70 juveniles attended. Mr C.R. Bevan presided. Judges were Messrs E.S. Blunt & Robt. Fuss and Miss Pearce. The list of winners is printed. A wonderful supper followed.
Fire. A paddock of Mr R. Rogers at Hanson caught fire on Friday after the passage of the East-West Mail. It was soon extinguished.
The Hallett Tennis Tournament is reported.
55, 10, 7 Mar. 1934, page 1 & 4
Tennis
Burra Association
Kooringa I 9-94 drew with Kooringa II 9-94
Aberdeen II 15-112 defeated Mt Bryan 3-65
Ironmine 12-99 defeated Kooringa III 6-72
55, 10, 7 Mar. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 10 March
Jeanette McDonald & Jack Buchanan in Monte Carlo
Clive Brooks & Kay Francis in 24 Hours
Rev. Joseph Thomas of Stockton NSW is visiting his brother Mr James Thomas of ‘Northfield’ Aberdeen. Rev. Thomas was educated at the Burra model School and then at Mr Coles’ at Watervale. He went to college in England for four years and has been for 40 years a Congregational minister, ten years in SA and the last thirty in Newcastle NSW. He is a son of the late Mr James Thomas of Mt Bryan East and James Thomas of Aberdeen is his only brother.
55, 10, 7 Mar. 1934, page 3
Bowls. Wednesday: Burra 72 defeated Clare 63 and Burra 99 defeated Eudunda 94.
Croquet. Burra defeated Eudunda by 5 points.
Oliver Earle writes thanking H.J.B. Jennison for his kind acknowledgement of Mr Earle’s efforts for the RSL at the last AGM.
Mr & Mrs A.W. Dunn of Pt Wakefield and late of Black Springs celebrated their golden wedding at ‘Poplar’ Black Springs on Monday 26 February – the home of their elder daughter Mrs A.T. Butler. A guest list is printed.
G.F. Jenkin MP writes a letter concerning show dates and the Royal Visit – the problem being that a move to shift the Adelaide Show to 6-13 October, which would clash with many country shows.
Mongolata Goldfield
Tributers on Wildildie claim encountered a healthy looking seam and anticipated a big find further ahead. They asked permission to go onto the adjoining Baldina Claim and sink a shaft. Being granted permission they encroached about 20 yards on Baldina and were about 8ft down when they came across a remarkable find on 28 February. The ore was very rich and there was a find of pure gold. Up to Thursday 152oz of gold had been taken out and amongst the lot was a nugget of nearly 2 lbs. The sight of the second police escort from the field in a week had people asking who had ‘struck it’. The first escort had brought in the gold from the battery. On Friday a third escort brought in 97oz from the same claim. It is speculated that the battery will produce 30oz to the ton or more from the find with portions of it up to 100oz per ton.
More men were put on and yesterday 15 tons of ore was going through the battery and this will greatly enhance the value of the find, which is already fully £2,000. As we go to press another police escort has arrived. Rumour has it that the find was the largest made in SA and the grand total is on the order of 500oz.
Byles’ Co. The latest crushing of 154 tons returned 186oz. Since the battery started in April 1,175 tons have returned 2,201oz. Cyanide has recovered a further 31oz 8dwt 20gr to total 186oz 13dwt 20gr from 154 tons of ore. [Sic: but it doesn’t make sense.]
Burra Town Council, Monday
St Mary’s requested the movement of a street light to a better location – granted at the church’s cost.
The local Fire Brigade would cost £306 for the coming year.
A tender for £10 for the purchase of the ambulance held by the Council was accepted.
The Mayor said Mr Bence had offered £5 a year as rental for the garage and he thought it should be accepted as the place was falling to pieces. No decision.
The Mayor got the Town Clerk to bring in a deputation from the Burra district Band at short notice.
Cr Kellaway objected that they had not given two days notice to the Town Clerk as required by standing orders. He moved they not be heard that night, but he was not seconded.
The Mayor said standing orders were often over-ridden, such as happened two weeks ago when a horse was bought when Cr Riggs & Cr Sampson were to ‘view’ the horse only.
Cr Kellaway: ‘That is a downright lie.’
Cr Sampson also repudiated the Mayor’s allegation.
The Mayor said he was quite prepared to hear the deputation, as the matter (concerning enlarging the rotunda) had been before them three times and it is only blocked by a technicality.
Cr Dow sympathised with the band, understood Cr Kellaway’s objection, but thought the deputation should be heard. Cr Sampson was sympathetic, was for upholding standing orders, but thought that under the circumstances they should be heard. He so moved, but this too was not seconded.
Cr Riggs thought it best to postpone the deputation.
The Mayor claimed not to have been approached by the Town Clerk before [on this issue].
The Town Clerk said he had been.
The Mayor said it was up to him to decide on the receiving of a deputation.
Cr Sampson accused the Mayor of trying to force his ideas on Council and allowing no other ideas to prevail. [And the suggestion was that it was a habit of his.]
The argument then reverted to the horse issue.
The end seems to have been that the argument fizzled out without any resolution formally and the deputation was not heard.
J.H. Murison writes a letter ti the paper to explain what happened in this storm in a teacup. Because a Brass Band Musical Festival has been arranged in Burra for 27 & 28 April when the Waikerie District Band will visit, he was anxious to see if anything could be done to allow the bands to play within the railings as the rotunda itself will hold only half a band. He approached the Mayor about a deputation and the Mayor pointed out the irregularity of the procedure, but realised the need for action id anything could be done and promised his support. He did not promise anything, but expressed a belief that the whole Council had the interests of the Band sufficiently at heart to consent to waiving the formalities considering the urgency of the case.
55, 10, 7 Mar. 1934, page 4
Burra Rifle Club fired the 15th stage of the Fearon Trophy and best scores were by J. Harris, C. Collins & A.C. Aughey.
Hallett & District Schools Athletic & Exhibition Association held its annual meeting last night at Hallett and decided the next ‘day’ will be 31 August 1934. The Assoc. is in credit £24-6-2.
55, 11, 14 Mar. 1934, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield
Takati Claim. W. Pexton’s claim has maintained excellent returns and on two occasions in the past has placed Mongolata on the map. First a handsome pocket of gold in July 1932 and again on 17 January 1933 with a find of 154oz in two pockets. Last week when everyone was excited over the wonderful find at Baldina-Mongolata the Takati claim produced the biggest nugget yet found on Mongolata. This is what is known as red oxidised ore and weighed 183oz. The gold content is estimated at 120-130oz, valued at c. £1,200. Another nugget of pure gold weighing 12oz accompanied the big find. The discovery was at a depth of 35ft, the lode of which is 16ft in depth to the present by 3ft wide and has been opened up for 50ft.
The Takati Claim since it has been handled by W. Pexton & Sons has been noted for its consistency in producing payable ore as well as the spectacular finds. It was not originally intended to exhibit the ore, but before long streams of visitors were arriving at the premises of Edwin Harris, including a number of women. The lump of ore is fairly rounded and almost black and scintillant of gold from all angles. Scores of people viewed the nugget in the half hour or so before Mr Pexton took the nugget to Adelaide. The find failed to interest the city press, which gave it less attention than a 3dwt find at Woodside’s Bird-in-Hand.
Block 8 GM Co. held a meeting of shareholders on Wednesday 7 March and re-elected Messrs E.F. Marston & P.J. Flaherty as directors.
Mr & Mrs S.A. Wilkin, Misses E. & O. Wilkin & Mr Melville Fatchen were farewelled from Black Springs Hall on 6 March. Mr Wilkins [sic] has recently purchased a farm at Coombe.
[The name seems to be Wilkin, probably Sidney Arthur.]
55, 11, 14 Mar. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 March
Wheeler & Woolsey in Cuckoos
Tom Keene in Sundown Trail
Weather. There has been an exceptional heatwave since 2 March. The only day 100°F has not been reached was on Tuesday last when it was 98°F. On Monday clouds gathered and a short shower did little for the heat except raise the humidity unbearably. Many elderly folk are suffering greatly.
55, 11, 14 Mar. 1934, page 3
The Youth Occupational Committee decided on 6 March that if sufficient youths were registered they would find instructors for vocational training classes.
Arrangements are in hand for the formation of classes in:
Carpentry Motor Mechanics Book-keeping
Shorthand The Merino Sheep Farming
Wireless First Aid
Attendance is free of charge to unemployed youths. So far 15 boys have shown interest and it is hoped later to enrol unemployed girls and a meeting of ladies to consider the scheme’s application to girls is called for 15 March.
Hanson Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is now nearing completion. We hear the opening ceremony will take place on 9 April when it is hoped Hon. W.G. Duncan MLC will perform the duty.
Mongolata Goldfield Water Supply
We are disgusted to find how inadequate the water there is. About 12 months ago the Government sank a catchment which we believe to be a white elephant and a veritable flood will be needed to put any depth of water in it. But however much water it gets the quality is of doubtful standard for human consumption. The huge tank is lined with tar and the catchment itself is rubberoid. The taste is better imagined than described. It is a yellowy-black colour and unfit for drinking. Men had arranged for water to be brought out from Burra. The whole thing is a disgrace. Had the Government installed a supply similar to that for the Burra Electric Supply Co. an adequate supply would have been obtained.
[Burra Electric Supply had underground tanks fed from the run-off from a corrugated iron surface laid on the ground.]
Marriage. Mt Bryan Methodist Church 8 March.
Zeita Mavis Beckwith, second daughter of Mr & Mrs T. Beckwith of Mt Bryan, married
William Pettit, eldest son of Mr & the late Mrs Pettit of Melbourne.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 10 March
Zoë Rita Gillett, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Walter B. Gillett of Manila Farm near Kooringa, married Reginald Wood, second son of Mr & Mrs A.W. Wood of Terowie.
Tennis
Burra Association
Ironmine 14-104 defeated Kooringa II 4-65
Aberdeen II 17-111 defeated Kooringa III 1-62
Kooringa I 11-89 defeated Aberdeen I 7-91
Kookaburra Association
Arcadia 8-62 defeated Paradise 4-52
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. to 9 March
At 200ft level the winze advances to 32ft in lode 3ft wide showing traces.
At 150ft level the south drive advanced to 41ft on lode averaging 3ft wide with pan tests 5dwt per ton.
At 53ft level commenced stoping off No. 2 south drive on lode 2ft wide averaging 10dwt per ton by pan test.
Started to open cut on a nice lode 4ft wide 50ft east of the main shaft. Got 10 tons at average 10dwt per ton.
Tram line laid from cut to chute at 25ft level.
Golden Harp. No. 1 winze Baker’s Tunnel to 39ft on lode 3ft wide, low grade.
Shaft to 35ft lode very broken and underlaying west averaging 5dwt per ton by pan test.
Obituary. Mr Jesse Humphrys of Norwood died on Monday. He was uncle to Mr Roy Humphrys of ‘Blink Bonnie’ and was born at Stony Gap near Burra in 1864 and before retiring about 18 years ago had been a butcher at Penwortham and Snowtown. He was known as a keen and competent judge of stock and recently attended the Jubilee reunion of the Hanson Church. He leaves a widow, a son and daughter and two brothers: Mark Humphrys (Beverly WA) and Flower Humphrys (Medindie and late of Hanson). There is one sister Mrs Duke of Hanson.
[Born 13 May 1861, Stony Gap: died 12 March 1934 Kent Town, residence Norwood North.]
55, 11, 14 Mar. 1934, page 4
Burra Rifle Club fired the 3rd stage of the Championship on 10 March and the leaders were C.W. Pearce, H.H. Byles & A.B. Riggs.
Burra Burra Show Inc. held its AGM at the Eastern Telephone Building on Friday 5 March. President I.J. Warnes took the chair. The deaths of two old members are regretted in T.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ and Mr M. Pederson of Kooringa. Mr Pearse was a great supporter and for years helped with cups. Mr Pederson when younger was a great worker and took a keen interest and his opinion and advice was always reliable.
The Dog Trials were held 22 & 23 April. Entries were down, but quite satisfactory. The financial loss was not quite so large as usual and the effort helps sustain the standard of sheep dogs.
Membership was slightly down this year.
Working bees have helped to keep onion weed down.
The annual show on 25 October was very successful in good weather. Gate takings were up. Exhibits were of high quality and competition was keen.
This year we have been allotted 24 October for the show. The budget was balanced this year.
Last year one debenture was given back and some paid off. This year in response to an appeal the following gentlemen have returned debentures: A.J. & P.A. McBride (4)
A.D. McDonald (1)
D.E. Williams (1)
T.H. Pearse & Sons (1)
W.R. Chambers (1)
Thanks to all the above for helping to reduce the debt on money lent years ago. This has now been cleared except for 3 debentures amounting to £15.
Elected were Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, S.H. Robinson & A.B. Riggs.
55, 12, 21 Mar. 1934, page 1
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church last Wednesday
Elwyn Frank Longbottom, second son of Mr & Mrs Frank Longbottom of Ironmine, married
Liliam [sic] P. Leaney, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs Gilbert Leaney of Baldina.
[Actually Lilian Pearl Leaney.]
RSL is preparing for the Anzac sports on 28 April. Prize money will amount to c. £53.
A ladies’ race will be included. We regret the loss during the past year of Mr Ralph Hill’s racing draught horse ‘Lightning’, but we hear he has bought a replacement thoroughbred of which we have great hopes. It has been named ‘Thunderbolt’.
55, 12, 21 Mar. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 24 March
Nancy Carroll & Paul Lukas in The Kiss Before the Mirror
Tom Mix and his wonderful horse Tony in Texas Bad Man
G. Goodridge (Mt Bryan) & Rex C. Warnes (Koomooloo) have been appointed JPs.
Obituary. Miss Emily Preece of Aberdeen died at her residence on Monday evening aged 80. She was the daughter of a pioneer resident Mr Benjamin Preece.
[Born Theresia Emily Preece 10 July 1853 aboard the ‘Theresia’: died 19 March 1934 at Aberdeen. Extended obituary 55, 15, 11 Apr. 1934, page 3.]
Salvation Army Harvest Festival was held 11 & 12 March and was a success despite the heat.
Burra District Band gave a concert on Sunday evening in the rotunda under Mr J.H. Murison.
Sister Siegele who has been matron of Burra Hospital for nine years left on Monday for the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney to take the modern course in obstetrics and infant welfare. She has been granted leave for this and expects to be away 12-15 months. She was presented with a leather surgical case. Sister Robinson who has long been at the hospital will take over as Matron in her absence.
Mr & Mrs E.T. Prior of Chapel St celebrated their golden wedding on 15 March. They were married at Burra by the Bible Christian Minister Rev. James Pearce in 1884. Mr Prior is the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs James Prior of Burra and was born 4 April 1861. Mrs Prior is the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Richard Owens and was born in 1854. They had four sons and four daughters: Arthur (Springbank), Charles (Belalie North), Richard (Booborowie), Gilbert (Springbank), Mabel Mrs Jack Coon (Koonoona), Eva Mrs R. Honan (Kooringa), Clara Mrs W. Coon (Copperhouse) and Miss Elsie (Kooringa). There are 14 grandchildren.
Weather. The heatwave finally broke last Wednesday and on Thursday the temperature was 65°F. 35 points of rain fell replenishing tanks a little. Baldina topped the falls with 90 points and Mongolata got 70.
World’s End had a heavy storm and a small tornado struck Mr John Quinn’s homestead tearing the roof off sheds and other outbuildings. It continued to Sam Finch’s and was followed by a sudden downpour of 1-2 inches, filling all dams and catchments. It was very confined and neighbours got only a few points.
Youth Occupational Campaign. So far 16 boys and 2 girls have enrolled. Others are urged to join.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina-Mongolata Claim. 141⁄2 tons crushed to return 325oz.
Mongolata North also reports a satisfactory crushing.
55, 12, 21 Mar. 1934, page 3
Tennis
Burra Association
Kooringa I 14-109 defeated Kooringa II 4-72
Ironmine 16-113 defeated Aberdeen I 2-69
Croquet. Burra defeated Blyth winning both games 26-15 & 14-10.
Bowls. At Blyth on Saturday: Burra 95 defeated Blyth 91.
Annual St Patrick’s Day Sports at Booborowie were held on Saturday 10 March. Results are printed.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held its Harvest Thanksgiving 11 March. Rev. B. Weeding officiated.
Mr & Mrs C. Bruff were farewelled at Mt Bryan on 16 March after 27 years in the district. He has sold his farm.
Burra Town Council
Local Board of Health
Cr Bevan moved that the Medical Officer & Inspector visit Burra State School and inspect the tanks and facilities for drinking water. He had been told the water in the tanks was undrinkable and that lately the tap water was too hot to drink. Children had been taking their own supplies in bottles, but the headmaster had put a stop to this.
Cr Kellaway as a member of the School Board took exception to Cr Bevan’s remarks. The pump in the girls’ yard had recently been mended and the tank cleaned out. It was not fair to say the headmaster had forbidden children from bringing their own supplies. He had not heard any complaints. Motion carried.
55, 13, 28 Mar. 1934, page 1
Burra Town Council, 19 March
Burra electric Supply suggests the light at Kooringa Playground by discontinued, as it has been broken. Cr Dow moved for discontinuation. Seconded Cr Riggs.
Cr Kellaway said it had been installed to discourage vandalism. It did not cost the Council as the Company had generously installed it. He would like to see it maintained and Cr Bevan agreed. The Mayor agreed with Cr Kellaway, but thought the repair costs should fall to the Council, especially if it posed a danger to children. Cr Dow said he knew its purpose, but as the lights were switched off at midnight it seemed scarcely necessary. There was no light at the Aberdeen Playground. Cr Dow’s motion was lost. The Company also advised that the St Mary’s light would be in its new position by 25 March.
A weed which had been found in two thick patches at Aberdeen has been identified as the noxious plant Redeslda tutiloa. Action is to be taken to eliminate it wherever found.
The Commissioner of Highways advises that the placement of the road from the railway station to the Morgan District Road on the schedule of Main Roads will be considered when that schedule is next revised. No special grant was possible.
Burra Football Assoc. was granted the use of Victoria Park.
The Kooringa Tennis Club’s desire to purchase the tennis courts was discussed. The mayor said quite a lot of people had spoken to him concerned about Sunday tennis. Cr Dow said it was in the Council’s power to prevent Sunday tennis. Cr Bevan was strongly opposed to it and considered a 99-year lease as at Aberdeen was sufficient.
Cr Bevan said the Aberdeen Croquet Club had spent over £500 on its ground and when all was in order wanted the ground vested in the Council. [Or as the paper has it ‘invested’.]
Once the Town Council sold the Kooringa Courts it would have no control over them. The whole desire behind the move was to play Sunday tennis. Even today’s ministers seemed to take little notice of Sunday tennis unlike their old time ministers. In his opinion they were lacking in their duties in not trying to stop it.
Cr Kellaway said there was no need to bring Sunday tennis into it at all. The business before them was whether the Council will or will not allow the club to purchase the property. He believed £600 had been spent, but he was a bit dubious as to whether the purchase was the wish of the majority of the club and the deputation had not stated that as a fact.
The Mayor said Mr Bednall had said he was speaking for the whole club.
Mr Kellaway said he could not find that a special meeting of the club had considered the matter.
Cr Dow was in favour of selling the property and Sunday tennis had nothing to do with the matter, but as there was some doubt about the whole club desiring the sale he would move the matter be deferred to the next meeting. He wanted the definite proposal put to club members and then Council would know what to do.
Cr Riggs moved an amendment that the agreement between the Club and the Council be sustained for the full term of 15 years.
Cr Sampson said he could not attend the next meeting and his view was it would be better for the club to lease the ground for 99 years and he seconded the motion.
The Mayor thanked them for the frank discussion, but thought Cr Bevan a bit hard on the ministers. He was personally against Sunday tennis.
Cr Dow asked if they were not going to sell on account of Sunday tennis, then where did they stand on the agreement which clearly said no tennis on Good Friday or Sundays.
Cr Riggs amendment was passed on the casting vote of the Mayor.
Cr Dow then asked what this meant for the Easter Tournament, arranged for Good Friday.
Cr Riggs said he meant in his motion the agreement as it stood.
Cr Sampson said he referred to the sale of the property only.
The Mayor said he had no intention of upsetting the tennis tournament arrangements.
Cr Dow said there was a lot of humbug about Sunday tennis and yet nothing was said against Good Friday, the holiest day of the year.
Cr Kellaway said either a portion of the clause should be deleted or the agreement kept.
Cr Riggs said we were only asked to discuss the sale.
Cr Dow moved that the words Sunday and Good Friday tennis be deleted, but that lapsed for want of a seconder.
Plans by the Town Clerk to enlarge the rotunda were laid on the table.
Cr Dow moved:
The concrete floor be enlarged by increasing the diameter 6ft at its present level.
The balustrade be removed and provision made to replace it when required.
Electric lighting be changed to provide for eight points.
The cost be taken from the general fund.
Motion carried.
Mr & Mrs J. Fisher of Black Springs celebrated their golden wedding on Monday 12 March. Mr & Mrs Fisher have lived in the district almost all their lives. Before the railway reached Broken Hill Mr Fisher carted from Burra to Silverton. (1875-83.)
55, 13, 28 Mar. 1934, page 2
Advt. The Royal Blind Concert Co. will appear at the Burra Institute 10 April.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 31 March
Janet Gaynor & Herbert Mundin in Adorable
Spencer Tracy & Clanre Trevor in The Mad Game
Easter Monday
Genevieve Tobin & Roland Young in Pleasure Cruise
George O’Brien in Frontier Marshall
E.C. Warnes, brother of R.V. Warnes the stationmaster at Burra, is visiting here from Pt Pirie. He was born in England and came to Burra when 21⁄2 years old. He left Burra about 55 years ago. He was originally a printer, but gave it up about 20 years ago.
Polo. Clare Polo Club won the Melrose Cup against state and interstate players at the recent carnival at Birkalla on 20 March. Mr Rex Warnes of Koomooloo is a member of the winning team with G.S. Hawker (Capt.), R.C.C. Featherstonehaugh & J. Maitland.
Obituary. News of the death of Mrs Gulliver, wife of Gordon Gulliver dentist of Melbourne, was received last Thursday. Mr Gulliver visited Burra last January after an absence of 16 years. He lived here for some years as an assistant to the dentist E.A. Mummery.
55, 13, 28 Mar. 1934, page 3
Tennis
Burra Association
Aberdeen II 14-103 defeated Ironmine 4-95
Kooringa I 10-88 defeated Aberdeen I 8-87
Croquet. Aberdeen v. Kooringa. The results seem to me, judging from the names, to give Kooringa 3 games and Aberdeen nil.
Burra Town Council, Special meeting last Thursday to consider Sunday games.
The Tennis Association had written asking if the agreement with the Kooringa Club and its prohibition of Sunday play extended also to the Aberdeen courts. It said three days were needed for the tournament.
Cr Dow said a special letter had been sent to the Kooringa Tennis Club a couple of months previously emphasising the agreement again in terms of Good Friday and Sundays.
Cr Kellaway asked about the Aberdeen Club – he did not think the agreement there mentioned Good Friday or Sundays.
The Mayor said they had shut their eyes to play on Good Friday for the past 9 years.
Cr Dow said they had recently emphasised it in a letter. He said the agreement must be stuck to until it is replaced.
The Mayor said to Cr Dow: You are not against playing on Sunday are you?
Cr Dow said: Certainly not, or Good Friday either.
The Mayor then said: It is open to you to move a resolution.
Cr Dow moved to scrap the requisite clause.
Cr Riggs said he believed the whole question was raised to introduce Sunday tennis and Councillors were not there to be dictated to by a few tennis players.
The Mayor wanted to see a successful carnival and if it came to his casting vote he would support deleting Good Friday from the agreement.
Cr Kellaway seconded Cr Dow’s motion.
Cr Bevan wanted to defer the matter; believing strings were being pulled that were undermining the Council’s dignity.
A good deal of bickering then followed.
Cr Dow said he was against organised Sunday sport, but was also against an interdict on any section of the community having personal recreation as they desire.
Cr Kellaway suggested a notice of motion for next meeting concerning the sale of the land.
The Mayor couldn’t see how that would help the carnival.
Cr Kellaway said it would save a lot of hullabaloo if Council moved to suspend the agreement. He favoured allowing play on Good Friday. The motion was lost.
Cr Kellaway then moved that Council would have no objection to the carnival being carried on as arranged on Kooringa courts. Cr Dow seconded, remarking that this had the same effect as his motion. This was carried unanimously.
The Youth Occupational Committee will inaugurate its classes after Easter.
Ironmine Methodist Church held its 63rd anniversary 18 & 19 March. Rev. D.G. Longbottom of Kingston was the preacher.
55, 13, 28 Mar. 1934, page 4
Burra Rifle Club shot the 16th stage of the Fearon Trophy on 24 March. Best results were from J. Williams, C. Collins & T. Heinrich.
Cricket. The final of the Booborowie Cricket Association was won by North Booborowie by an innings and 79 runs.
55, 14, 4 Apr. 1934, page 1
Padding.
55, 14, 4 Apr. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 6 & 7 April
Jocelyn Howarth & Grant Lyndsay in The Squatter’s Daughter
Notice. E.J. McKenzie & Co. on retiring from the district thank their customers for the last 12 years and trust they will continue to support the new owners, Sara & Co.
Miss Mavis Riggs was farewelled on 27 March at Aberdeen Senior Girls’ Club. She is going to Adelaide to take up nursing. Miss Joyce Fairchild as President expressed their regret at her departure and presented her with a mulga inkstand and pen.
Keith Butler won the 135 yard Sheffield and the 100 yard sprint at Marrabel on Easter Monday.
W. Sexton, George Lines, Ken Gebhardt, Jack Rowe, Cliff Lee & ‘Dan’ Moore left Burra on Saturday for WA where they have been promised 12 months work rabbiting about 100 miles north of Perth.
Weather. Some scattered thunderstorms have dropped falls from a few drops to 65 points at Wahroonga and 86 at Mulga Hill.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina-Mongolata is reported to have put through 261⁄2 tons at the battery at 2oz 6dwt per ton. In early march 141⁄2 tons produced 324oz.
Block 8 crushed 5 tons 2cwt for 1oz 10dwt with tailings to come.
Byles’ Mongolata GM held its AGM in Adelaide 27 March. Local director I.J. Warnes was re-elected. The company has a credit balance of nearly £10,000 after paying March dividends. Development is to continue to water level.
Fortnight to 23 March.
At 200ft level No. 1 winze to 62ft on 3’6” lode of quartz & ironstone veins with traces of gold.
At 52ft level stope off No. 2 south drive produced 10 tons of milling ore averaging 10dwt by pan test.
Opencut northeast of the shaft on a lode 3ft wide averaging 15dwt by pan test. Drive advanced to 25ft and timbered.
Golden Harp. No. 1 winze Baker’s Tunnel to 51ft on lode averaging 3ft wide in low grade ore.
Shaft advanced to 48ft with lode at bottom 2ft wide with low values.
59 tons or ore at grass.
Pexton’s Takati Mine. The recent specimen estimated to contain 130oz of gold has been on display in Adelaide. Mr Pexton said the mine had sent 176 tons of ore to the battery and recovered 402oz of gold in 2 years. The largest find of 156oz in April last at a depth of 100ft.
Mongolata Battery. In the first year of operation the battery has produced bullion worth c. £19,700.
Operations began 16 February 1933 and in 12 months processed 43 parcels of ore totalling 1,691 tons 7cwt to produce 2,696ox 7dwt 21gr worth £10,800-3-11 at the old standard price of £4-4-111⁄2 per oz, but £19,700 at the premium due to the enhanced price of gold on London market and the exchange rate. Of the £10,800 mentioned £8,709-9-11 came from amalgamation in the battery and £1,091-14-0 from the cyanide process on tailings. The erection of the battery said Mr Grundy (General Manager of State Batteries) was fully justified.
55, 14, 4 Apr. 1934, page 3
Leighton School held a concert at the Hall on Wednesday. Reported in a 1-column article.
Mt Bryan Sports were held last Saturday in good weather, but attracted only a fair crowd. Results are printed.
Tennis: Easter Tournament
Men’s Championship Singles Dobson
Men’s Championship Doubles Sullivan & Collins
Women’s Championship Singles Miss Lomman
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘A’ Grade Jock Hill
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘B’ Grade R. Davey
Men’s Handicap Doubles ‘A’ Grade Hanlin & Blight
Men’s Handicap Doubles ‘B’ Grade Gask & Phillips
Women’s Handicap Singles ‘A’ Grade Miss Pearce
Women’s Handicap Singles ‘B’ Grade Miss Venning
Women’s Handicap Doubles ‘A’ Grade Mrs Kelly & Miss McEvoy
Women’s Handicap Doubles ‘B’ Grade Misses Dark & Venning
Mixed Handicap Doubles ‘A’ Grade Dobson & Mrs Barker
Mixed Handicap Doubles ‘B’ Grade March & Miss Davey
Boys’ Championship Singles Hopgood
Girls’ Championship Singles Miss Venning
Veterans’ Handicap Doubles Steele & Murray
Hanson School held its bi-ennial meeting and elected to the school committee were: Chairman, W.J. Woollacott; Secretary & Treasurer, H.E. Ashton; Committee, Messrs M. Humphrys, J. Peak & Green and Mesdames Humphrys & Green.
Obituary. Master Leon Hermes, taken by a shark at Manly NSW on 1 April was the nephew of the Hanson schoolmaster Mr Hermes. He originally came from SA and was the son of A. Hermes.
[Leon Ritson Hermes was born 15 March 1918 at North Adelaide and was the son of Alfred Hermes.]
Farrell’s Flat Racing Club held its annual picnic meeting 28 March. Results are printed.
55, 15, 11 Apr. 1934, page 1
Burra Football Assoc. AGM elected: Chairman, P.L. Rosman; Secretary & Treasurer J. Allen Sen. The Chairman was re-elected 27 March under Rule 14 when delegates held their first meeting. The program and arrangements for the season were decided.
Kooringa Football Club met at the Institute Lodge Room last week. Mt Bryan & Aberdeen were dropping out of the Association and Spalding was coming in. This will create more interest. Dick Reed the Captain of Aberdeen last year has accepted the position of Vice-Captain of Kooringa. Other former Aberdeen players will also play for Kooringa. Tom Kellaway with two years’ experience with SANFL with Pt Adelaide will lead Kooringa this year. Elected: Patron, C. Lynch; President, C.W. Samuels; Chairman, J. Allen; Secretary, Kev. Kennedy.
Sheep Dog Field Trials were held last Friday & Saturday. Due to a clash of dates with other trials some prominent exhibitors were absent. Winners:
Open Class & Final Test Open Class O.C. Will’s Peggy
Maiden Stakes Mr Bishop’s Noble Prince
Local Class P.J. Thomas’s Belle
55, 15, 11 Apr. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 14 April
Pat Hanna & George Moon in Diggers in Blighty
Slim Summerville & Zasu Pitts in Out All Night
J.D. Jordan, formerly of Kooringa and a brother-in-law of C.J. Pearce was 88 in Sydney on 7 April.
[John Dawson Jordan born London 7 April 1845: died Sydney NSW 11 December 1934.]
Baby Health Train on its 9th tour will arrive in Burra on Saturday 14 April with Sister Lapworth and will see mothers and infants from Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 April.
‘SETAGEHTMAD’ writes suggesting it was time the road to Mongolata had cattle ramps instead of gates not the road has become busier.
E.J. McKenzie was farewelled on Thursday evening in the Council Chamber. He has sold his Burra business and is taking over one in Torrensville. The Mayor presided and his remarks were supported by others. Mr McKenzie said he regretted leaving after 12 years’ residence. The Mayor made the presentation of a travelling rug.
55, 15, 11 Apr. 1934, page 3
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church 24 March
Murray Thomas, second son of Mr & Mrs H.N. Thomas of ‘Craiglee’, Manoora, married
Joy Tiver, fourth daughter of Mr & Mrs Edgar Tiver of Tiverville, Hallett.
Booborowie Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary 1 & 2 April when Rev. Johnstone preached.
Mt Bryan Methodist Sunday School held its picnic at Razorback at Easter.
Obituary. Miss Theresia Emily Preece aged 80 died recently at her home in Aberdeen. She spent most of those years in Burra except for brief periods at Peterborough and Adelaide. She arrived in SA with her parents on the Dutch ship Theresia in 1854 having been born on the voyage and christened on the boat. Her father started business in Burra as a blacksmith and continued successfully for many years. The family came to Burra on a bullock dray in a seven day trip. She attended the first Sunday school in Aberdeen established by her father. She loved reading and could still read the morning paper without glasses. [Born Theresia Emily Preece 10 July 1853 aboard the ‘Theresia’: died 19 March 1934 at Aberdeen.]
Reminiscences of Burra in the 1850s by Solomon Williams of Glenelg.
Reading Frank Treloar’s history has sparked old memories of the mine and town where I spent the first twenty-one years of my life. To begin by taking a walk around Market Square and Commercial St. The Institute was the building farthest north. I remember it being erected and have several times attended lectures there by Rev. D.J. H. Ibbetson and others. South of the Institute were several houses, one of which was occupied by Dr Maurau who with Dr Mayne were the mine doctors. Then came the mine surgery and then the general store of David Bayne – two of his assistants were H.T. (later Dr) Burgess and Mr Martin Burgess. This store was burnt down and rebuilt by the Insurance Co. Later T. Bath and W. Pearce were the occupants. Then came the National Bank; R.G. Wilkinson and later Mr Rosman were the managers. Then the small shop of Ewing, confectioner, then T. Richards, bootmaker. Nearby was Joseph Parker, chemist, later Greenwood, Dyer & Wilkinson. The descendant of the last is still in possession I believe. T. Park’s bakers & grocers were next. Then Marks & Gollin, later Stanbury. Now on the corner comes Samuel Drew & Co. sometimes called Young & Drew, Mr Young being a partner and other Drews coming in later. Now comes H. Dawson’s saddler’s, then Mr Splane a bootmaker and Thomas Jordan watchmaker and jeweller. Under this was a spacious cellar used as a wine and spirit store and kept by J.C. Jenders. Next came F.T. Jones, later Jones & Builder, metal workers & ironmongers. Adjoining this was W.H. Batchelor, paints, glazier, bookseller etc. Then there was a vacant space before David Mackay’s ironmongery. Next came J. Winnall’s drapery store with assistants T. Hosking, J.S. (later Rev.) Green, Miss Parsons & Chris Moody. Then three or four small shops – one occupied by Mr Holder, a butcher and David Well’ carpenter’s shop. Then a blank space and a shop I can’t recall before Baker’s blacksmith’s & wheelwright’s. A private house next was occupied by Mr Harrison, a painter on the mine. One of his sons, Dan, learnt his business with Mr Batchelor, and then joined H.L. Boss & Co. of Adelaide and became their foreman painter. Crossing the little creek we come to old Mr Gordon’s house and then Dr Mayne’s residence and surgery where I remember being vaccinated. Then Turley’s & Hosking’s in the hollow of the creek. Somewhat further on and across the road the Burra Hotel was kept by Mr Barker. The large assembly room was used for all entertainments by travelling artists, election meetings, Freemasons, Oddfellows etc. The Burra Brewery was nearby, but further back from the road. Returning after some open space to some cottages: one was occupied by Mr Oakford a schoolteacher and another by Mr Coglin the Crown Lands Ranger. A little further on and nearly opposite Dr Mayne’s surgery there stood a large old gum tree; I think it was the only one left in Burra after those in the creek were felled. Under this tree was Mr Hattam’s blacksmith’s shop and then the residence and workshop of Mr Cox a cooper. An open space before coming to the Catholic Church and across the footbridge to Mr Gubbin’s bootmaker’s shop. Across Kangaroo St was Pickering’s another Bootmaker and then Mr Grafe a baker and confectioner before John Roberts grocer and fruiterer and then W. Pearce tailor and Orchard a fellmonger, whose tannery was three miles down Burra Creek. Bruce’s furniture shop came next before Bock, hairdresser and tobacconist. Johnson watchmaker and jeweller was on the corner of Queen St. Across Queen St on the corner was the residence of Dr Wilkinson with a chemist shop managed by T.W. Wilkinson. Adjoining was H. Dawson’s residence and then J. Harden’s carpenter’s shop and Mardon’s bakery and grocery. J. Edwards had a butcher’s shop on the corner of Chapel St and across the street was the Police Station on the end of a row of cottages. I remember policemen Rollinson, Hunter & Catchlove. In the row lived Hill, J. Beal & Knuckey, a son of Mr Knuckey became a surveyor and was associated with Sir Charles Todd in the construction of the Transcontinental Telegraph Line. On the corner of Thames St was a tailor named H. Chory. Across Thames St was J. Stephen’s carpenter’s shop and then Jones a blacksmith, later B. Preece then Haskard, Hudson wheelwright was next and then the Miners’ Arms Hotel conducted by Fred Cowper. Adjoining was George Bennett’s ginger beer brewery and later Wade’s tailor shop was built.
Tennis
Burra Association
Kooringa I 9-91 defeated Aberdeen II 9-90
Burra Town Council, 9 April
Mr Bednall writes ‘That it is the desire of your Council (without any request on the part of my Club) that the clause of the agreement relating to tennis on Good Friday and Sunday be broken. I assume that your action has been duly noted and appreciated by the committee and members of or club.’
Mr Kellaway found the letter to be satirical and inferred that because the Council had broken a part of the agreement the club was entitled to do as it liked. It was adding insult to injury.
P.L. Rosman Hon. Secretary of the Bowling Club said that Mr W.H. Sandland owned the old Bible Christian Church site and was prepared to exchange it for the Council Depot next to the bowling green in the interests of the Bowling Club. It would be an improvement for the town, as they would put two lawn tennis courts on the Depot site.
The Unemployment Relief Council forwarded c. £4 being 50% subsidy on relief work carried out by Council. £84 was available, but to get it the Council would have to spend the same amount of its own money.
Council of Churches asked the Council to help in getting signatures against the establishment of betting shops. Council resolved to take no active part.
The Kooringa Tennis Club’s request to buy and the Bowling Club’s request to swap land will be considered at a special meeting of Council on 1st Monday in May.
The Mayor reported on the improvements made to the rotunda.
Cr Dow said the street between Dr Steven’s and Mr Gordon’s was an eyesore. He wondered whether the Council would sell it. Mrs Steven was permitted to plant some trees there.
Local Board of Health
Dr Steven reported the school water to be quite good. The head teacher denied having prevented children from bringing their own water in bottles.
55, 15, 11 Apr. 1934, page 4
Hallett Methodist Church held its harvest Festival 18 March with a service in the Institute Hall.
Burra Rifle Club. Best scorers last Saturday were A.B. Riggs, T. Heinrich & H.H. Byles.
55, 16, 18 Apr. 1934, page 1
Solomon Williams of Glenelg: Reminiscences of Burra in the 1850s.
Among the attractions of Whit-Monday Holiday was occasionally the roasting of a whole bullock, which I saw on two occasions. It took place on level ground just beyond the Burra Hotel. Complete with head and horns it was chained to a spit. Skewers about half an inch thick passed through the sides and through the spit and all was then placed on two forked posts and a cranked handle fitted. The wood was laid and the flames melted the fat. It was never properly roasted in this crude way. Wind deflected the flames and the heat and after hours of treatment no proper use could be made of it. On one such occasion a number of Aborigines were present and took away great quantities of half-raw beef to their nearby camp.
Games on the occasions included jingling in the ring, bobbing for apple and treacled buns, a greasy pole to climb and a greasy-tailed pig to be caught. The latter ran between the people in the crowd creating great mirth, excitement and screams before it escaped to open ground pursued by a trail of men and boys. Foot races were run for the boys; and Williams tells how he unexpectedly beat Chris Moody in one because the latter’s braces broke in the dash for the line. Chris later became a hotel valuer, agent and auctioneer. Cornish wrestling was promoted at Christmas time and was held in the stable yards of the Miners’ Arms Hotel with plenty of sawdust and manure. This was not like the modern game with its hate and venom and intent to maim the opponent. Opponents took a ‘hitch’ on each other and struggled till there was a fall, when they got to their feet and took a fresh ‘hitch’, unless it was a fair backfall, which settled the match. It depended on strength and feet and leg dexterity. Umpires called ‘sticklers’ judged the falls and were kept moving by cries from the onlookers whose views they blocked. Ginger beer was provided free by the lessee of the hotel to lubricate the throats of the contestants. Combatants took off coats and waistcoats and put on wrestling jackets specially made of strong canvas with strings in place of buttons. Contests went two or three days in the holiday season.
The pound yards were unusual. They were erected by the mining company and were large and strong, of heavy timber. As well as holding straying or trespassing cattle and horses they were used as a market place for fat cattle brought in for slaughtering. Some came from NSW and were wild animals.
Williams then tells a couple of tales about wild cattle and horses. After a large mob of horses were sold some miners acquired them and took to kangaroo hunts, but the craze soon died when fodder prices had to be met. Dr Mayne bought a good looking horse from this mob and called him ‘Bauek-a-ballagh’ which we were told was Irish for ‘Clear the Course’, but he failed to live up to racing hopes.
Burra Golf Club held its AGM 10 April. Elected were President, Dr D. Steele; Vice-Presidents, Dr W.E. Steven & Mr J.R. Barker; Secretary, E.W. Edwards; Assistant Secretary, J. Pederson. It was decided to erect a club house and to incorporate the club.
55, 16, 18 Apr. 1934, page 1 & 4
Hanson Soldiers’ Memorial Institute officially opened on 10 April
The idea was first mooted for a hall at a meeting on 7 October 1922, but the small attendance meant there was no definite decision. The gathering had concluded that the Methodist Church, school and Council Chamber were all too small for public functions. We believe M.J. Marchant was elected President and Tom McNamara was the first Secretary. Mr Marchant is still the Chairman. Mr McNamara resigned on leaving the district a few years later. The wood and iron hall has been erected in the park lands facing east and is the only building on the right hand side of the ‘Main St’ and is surrounded by a spacious park with several pine trees. The park and trees are a memorial to those who enlisted from the town and district in the Great War. The building has a hip roof and the floor measures 30ft x 40ft. There are two large escape doors on the north and east sides and two large windows on either side. The jarrah floor should prove ideal for dancing. There is a piano and the place is electrically lit with wind-driven power. The ceremony was performed by Hon. Walter Duncan MLC at 3 p.m. Also present were C.A.S. Hawker MHR, Hon. G.F. Jenkins and Mr A.D. McDonald & A. Melrose Members for the District. Cr Harold C. Atkins attended as Chairman of Hanson DC and Mr H.J.B. Jennison represented the Burra RSL.
[A list of others present is printed.]
Mr Marchant summarised the event leading up to the day. Having started 12 years earlier the effort faded for lack of funds and virtually went out of existence for six years. Then under Mr Boehme and Secretary Mr H. Schumacher interest was reborn and about £160 was raised. Then again the effort seemed to flag until the present Secretary Mr Pattullo came along and things began to move again and the sum in hand reached £200. This time they went ahead and constructed the building.
Hon. Duncan said he believed there had been talk of a hall for about 50 years, but finally it was the returned soldiers that saw the completion of the scheme. The town would now have a suitable building for social gatherings and would doubtless attract politicians to air their views too.
There are finishing touches to be added inside.
C.A.S. Hawker added his congratulations and spoke of the district’s sacrifice in the Great War and of the depression and its impact on the district.
Councillor Atkins also spoke saying he was pleased to be present. When the Council had been approached for the land six years before, he had not been in favour of the scheme, but had voted for them to have the ground. He felt the change from a hall to an Institute was a wise move, as it would encourage education and reading. Strong drink was ruining dancing at Farrell’s Flat, but he hoped that Hanson would have many happy functions in the new hall.
Mr Jennison spoke for the Burra RSL adding his congratulations.
Mr McDonald MP added his congratulations and hoped that those who came for pleasure would also read the honour roll and realise to some extent why the building was erected.
J.E. Hogan moved a vote of thanks to Hon. Duncan, seconded by Mr Pattullo.
Mr Jennison then unveiled the Roll of Honour and a minute’s silence was observed and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Mr Jennison and the National Anthem sung.
The Chairman said that they hadn’t quite completed the inside, but had to get the Hon. Duncan when he was available and for under £50 the committee could complete the work.
Afternoon tea followed.
A successful dance was held in the evening, which taxed the hall to its utmost seating and dancing capacity. Takings were about £32. Supper followed in the Council Chamber.
[Names of many helpers are included in the article.]
55, 16, 18 Apr. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 20 & 21 April
Shirley Dale & John Moore in The Hayseeds
Gene Gerrard & George Gee in Leave it to Me (by P.G. Wodehouse)
25 April
Edward G. Robinson & Richard Arlen in Tiger Shark
William Powell & Kay Francis in One Way Passage
Obituary. Margaret Agnes O’Leary, eldest daughter of the late John O’Leary died 15 April at her residence in Queen St aged 81. [Registered as 80.]
55, 16, 18 Apr. 1934, page 3
Weather – Floods
A storm brought rain to Burra last Wednesday, but the centre of the storm lay to the east. Locally only about 16 points fell with another 3 on Thursday.
On Thursday the news from the east was of much greater rains. Thistlebeds got 160 points and all dams were full. Redcliffe reported 70 points, Woolgangi 93, Lagoon 94, Koomooloo 30, Poonunda 84 and Princess Royal 67.
Then on Thursday afternoon very black clouds developed and again it looked darker and heavier to the east and south with a great display of thunder and lightning.
Mr Jennison & party were returning from Morgan and about three miles this side of ‘The Gums’ he got bogged hopelessly and they were forced to spend the night in their sedan car. He walked back through the slush to ‘The Gums’ in the morning and got a team of horses to pull him out. It all had to be repeated a few miles further on. The telephone line was down, but on Monday N. Hiles Pearse got through and reported the heaviest fall in April for 50 years. The homestead recorded 173 points, but the western end of the run got over 3 inches. The lightning was ferocious and accompanied by hail. Watercourses came down carrying away miles of fencing. Dams were flooded and some banks washed away. Sheep too had been washed away – at least 30 drowned at one dam and overall losses are yet to be counted. Klaebe’s Creek had never been known to flood, but it carried away huge gums and spread all over the country. The first fall Thursday had begun at 3 a.m., but it was another in the afternoon that had done all the damage, coming after the 90 points recorded earlier.
He also reported that Baldina Creek had come down through T. McBride’s Redcliffe and parts of Mr Mosey’s country carrying away miles of fencing there. So great was the flood that at Watson’s 35 miles from Thistlebeds Station the water was running a quarter mile wide and six inches deep. We believe it is the first time Baldina Creek has reached such a distance.
Despite the damage the water will give a great start to the season and provide plenty of feed for lambs. Already a green tinge has appeared.
Len Gordon’s ‘Coonabar’ adjoining ‘The Gums’ recorded 3 inches or more and miles of fencing have gone there too. Sheep losses are expected. A lagoon on W.E. Hodge’s known as Kickebusch’s adjoining Gordon’s has been empty for years, but is now full. A.G. (Tom) Heinrich cannot state his losses on his property adjoining ‘Coonabar’, as he is busy restoring fences. The first rain there yielded 40 points, but between 3 & 4 p.m. he recorded 280 points before hail blocked the gauge, so it was undoubtedly higher. Fallow land washed away and the flat at World’s End from Rooke’s to the creek (about 4 miles) looked like a lake and is now covered with about 6 inches of silt. He had to sandbag his homestead.
Colin Bruce at ‘Almonda’ reported 214 points with all dams full and no significant damage. F.J. Duldig got over 2 inches with some water entering the house. Others at World’s End: A. Duell, E. Phillips & W.H. McWaters reported about 75 points.
J.R. Rooke on the flat below Mr Heinrich’s heard the roar of the approaching rain from the Princess Royal Hills and he got upwards of 3 inches. He was caught in it trying to move some sheep to higher ground. About 11⁄2 miles from home he was surrounded by flood waters when C.H. Hentschke of Robertstown came along with a team of six horses and a wagon. They were able with this to negotiate water up to 3ft deep, though with difficulty. Mr Rooke has not seen the like in 40 years at World’s End. Neither had Mr & Mrs Sam Finch.
Klaebe’s Creek brought down sheep and their carcases were left in the tops of some of the old huge gum trees en route. At Princess Royal the afternoon rain was preceded by a hailstorm lasting three quarters of an hour. Damage to the homestead resulted from hail blocked gutters. Again the registration of 31⁄2 inches was underestimated by hail blockage. Heavy rain also fell at Black Springs.
Further reports came in on Friday: Faraway hill 100, Kia Ora 130, Woolgangi 138, Quondong 44, Koomooloo 88, Sturt Vale 23 and Baldina 112.
Mongolata Goldfield recorded between 1 and 2 inches and tons of earth were washed into diggings in some places.
Mt Bryan area reports falls between 40 and 150 points. Jack O’Connor of Mt Bryan reports the hail the largest he had seen. Further west Booborowie got only 35 and Leighton 30 points. Kooringa had 24 and Aberdeen 37.
Poem. Anzac Day: They’re Calling by J.G.B.
Burra District Band gave a concert on Sunday evening in aid of the Parks’ Fund. The attendance was good despite the chilly air and the collection realised £4. The Mayor congratulated the public on the new rotunda arrangements.
Obituary. Miss Margaret O’Leary died at her residence at 5 a.m. Sunday morning last. She was the elder daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John O’Leary butchers and was in her 81st year. Miss Margaret O’Leary [sic] her younger sister is now the only surviving member of that family.
[Margaret Agnes O’Leary died 15 April 1934 at Kooringa aged 80. The survivor was not of course Margaret, but Mary Teresa O’Leary who died 14 May 1937 when her age is variously said to be 75 or 77, but her registered birth might have been 24 October 1857, making her 79, though that birth to John O’Leary & Margaret Callaghan is simply registered as Mary. Another obituary see 55, 17, 25 Apr. 1934, page 2 seems an effort to correct this, but it gives the date of death as 13 April and if Sunday is correct above it was the 15th.]
Obituary. Mrs Alfred Bevan of Ayers St Kooringa died on Monday afternoon after a long and tedious illness. She was a well known and highly respected resident and was only 58 years old. She was the second daughter Margaret Helen (Maggie) of the late Mr & Mrs Boulton of Kooringa. All her life she had been closely associated with Methodism both in the Bible Christian and later in the Kooringa Methodist Church. She leaves a widower, two daughters and four sons: Alice Mrs Nicholas, Belle Mrs C.G. Phillips of Broken Hill, Eddie & Lex R. (both of Kooringa) and Henry & Peter (both of Broken Hill). There are several grandchildren.
[Born Margaret Ellen Boulton 25 August 1874 Kooringa: died 16 April 1934.]
[See also 55, 17, 25 Apr. 1934, page 2.]
Tennis
Aberdeen I 10-94 defeated Kooringa I 8-81.
Kooringa Tennis Club has had considerable attention both favourable and unfavourable from members of the Town Council. Cr Bevan in particular has made a most inaccurate discourse referring to statements he said were made by a guarantor of this club. Neither of our guarantors has discussed tennis matters with him and certainly would not mislead him by making the statement to which he has referred.
Mongolata Goldfield
SA produced 3,014 fine oz in 1932 and 6,361 fine oz in 1933.
Over 70% of this passed through Government batteries and cyanide works.
Mongolata battery produced 39.8% of the total.
Tarcoola 15.9%
Mt Torrens 10.8%
Peterborough 4.5%
The only private battery in operation is at New Deloraine Mine and was responsible for 10.2%.
Baldina-Mongolata GM Syndicate recently realised nearly 400oz from 41 tons and after paying battery charges was credited with £8-5-6 per oz. Tailings from the above went nearly 10dwt per ton for the last 25 tons.
Recent rains did considerable damage.
Fred Lewis had several tons of ore washed away.
Wildildie Mine had an anvil, bellows etc washed away.
Several mines had several feet of water in drives.
The battery is busy.
55, 16, 18 Apr. 1934, page 4
Burra Rifle Club paid a visit to Mr & Mrs E.C. Collins’ property at Mt Bryan on 14 April. Best shots were J. Williams, G. Herbert & J. Schwier.
‘Try Again’ writes about the road between Dr Steven’s and L. Gordon’s homes, which is said to be an eyesore. Some two years ago this road was cleared and a side path was gravelled. Now apparently some unknown people have again deposited rubbish there. This is no reason to close and sell the road.
Glendore Methodist Church (Black Springs) held its anniversary on 1 April when Rev. G.R. Parrott officiated.
Royal Institute for the Blind Concert Party gave a performance at Leighton Hall on Monday and takings were considered highly satisfactory.
The Rodeo held by Finch Bros. on the Mid-North Polo Ground in aid of Leighton Hall on 14 April was largely attended. Over 30 events were contested and the results are printed.
55, 17, 25 Apr. 1934, page 1
J.H. Pearse & Sons Write complaining that travellers have again been leaving gates open on the Burra-Morgan road through their property. This recently allowed recently shorn sheep out of the home paddock and required a re-muster aggregating at least 30 miles with horses already weary from constant riding. The offer £5 for information leading to a conviction. The writer admits that some of the cattle ramps are a bit rough and that perhaps people are using gates rather than negotiate the ramps and then leaving them open in protest, but such people are drones in the community.
H.P. Monaghan writes to contradict remarks made by H.C. Atkins at the opening of the Hanson Soldiers’ Hall. Atkins contended that dances at Farrell’s Flat have been of a very low order and that drink had almost compelled the Institute committee there to abandon this class of entertainment. Monaghan as caretaker and secretary of the hall says these statements are untrue and misleading. No liquor enters the hall and if any assistance is needed there it is only a phone call away.
C.R. Bevan replies to the Kooringa tennis Club writer who had accused Bevan of making an inaccurate report of a conversation with a guarantor of the club. Bevan re-asserts the correctness of his earlier statements and accuses the writer of being vindictive.
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church, 2 April
Eileen Carpenter, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs T. Carpenter of Hallett, married
Milton Abbott, only son of Mr & Mrs C. Abbott of Terowie.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church, Wednesday 4 April
Pearl Evans, third daughter of Mr George and the late Mrs Evans of Kooringa, married
Walter E. Loechel, son of Mrs Loechel of Gawler.
Mid-North Croquet Club Dance at Leighton Hall on Wednesday night was very successful.
North Booborowie Cricketers held a victory ball at Willalo Hall on Thursday 19 April.
55, 17, 25 Apr. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 28 April
Ben Lyon & Zasu Pitts in The Crooked Circle
John Boles & Lilian Harvey in My Lips Betray
Obituary. Miss Margaret O’Leary who died at her residence 13 April was the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John O’Leary of Kooringa. She was born in England and came to Burra with her parents since when she has lived here all her life. The only surviving member of the family is Miss Mary O’Leary. [Margaret Agnes O’Leary died 15 April 1934 at Kooringa aged 80. This corrects the earlier error re the surviving sister, but if the earlier statement is true that death occurred on Sunday, then that was the 15th.]
Mr A. Goodhart who visited Burra last week is the son of one of Burra’s earliest bank managers. He was born in Burra in 1873 when the Bank of Australasia was in what is now Dr Steele’s surgery. Mr Goodhart Sen. left Burra in 1877. Mr Goodhart Jnr’s mother is still alive at 92. Mr Goodhart is presently at Clare as relieving manager for the AMP Society.
[John Alexander Meakin Goodhart born Kooringa 8 October 1873, died 2 May 1944 at Gilberton.]
Football. At Kooringa on Saturday: Kooringa 15-14 (104) defeated Blyth 9-10 (64)
Obituary. Mrs Alfred Bevan died 16 April. Present at the funeral on 17 April were four sons: Alex R. (& wife), Henry, Peter, Archie (& wife). Absent were Mr Edwin Bevan (Broken Hill), Mrs W. Nicholas (Kanowna WA) & Mrs C.G. Phillips (Broken Hill. Her only surviving sister Annie was also unable to be present.
Mongolata Goldfield
The President of the AWU visited eastern shearing sheds and the goldfield on his return. He said it had produced 39.8% of SA’s gold in 1933 and was not being properly exploited. At present 80 men were working on the field.
Takati (W. Pexton & Sons) has crushed 26 tons at 3oz per ton with cyanide returns to come.
Water Supply
A.D. McDonald has received a reply from the Commissioner of Public works concerning water quality from the government tank at Mongolata. The water is discoloured due to the material used in half the catchment. A bacteriological examination shows it safe to drink. The matter is being taken up with the contractors who advised on the material used.
Anzac Commemorative Service last Sunday.
This was a huge success in fine weather. Brigadier General S. Price Weir who was in charge of the 10th Battalion at the Gallipoli Landing attended. At 2.45 p.m. a splendid company of returned men under Major R.C. Sexton assembled at the club rooms. With them was British Army Nurse Mrs W. Pickering who came to live in Burra some months ago. Mrs D. Keynes (Sister Armstrong) was absent for the first time in many years. Next came the Light Horsemen led by Lieut. Kenny, followed by the Scouts and then sons of departed soldiers. WO J.H. Murison led the Burra District Band at the head of the procession. The soldiers formed a large square on the south side of the Memorial. Rev. Donald Redding led the service assisted by Capt. Roberts of the Salvation Army. H.J.B. Jennison laid a wreath on behalf of the RSL. Rev. Redding gave the address (which is reported in full). The annual church parade this year was held at the Kooringa Methodist Church and the numbers exceeded its capacity of nearly 500. Rev. G.C. Hutchinson (late AIF) officiated and the address was given by Brig-Gen. S. Price Weir. The Burra District Band gave valuable service.
Visit to Sturt Vale. I.J. Warnes invited the Burra Show Committee to visit Sturt Vale Station Monday of last week. [Members attending are listed]
Departure was set for 7.00 a.m. On descending the Baldina Hills the effects of recent rains could be seen in the water in the distance in Hodge’s Lagoon. Baldina Creek still had a good flow and at Thistlebeds the evidence of recent flow was clear following the 360 points recorded there. At Chalk Cliffs the signs of flood were even stronger. King’s Well looked well washed. At Murkaby water was lying about. By Woolgangi dust began to rise, but there was still water about. The land was becoming green and at Bazentin there were green patches, but not much water about. It had a good rain in December. At Lagoon it was noted that the Lagoon itself did not contain much water. At Sturt Vale there were still signs of rain. Mr Warnes’ two lorries with four trailers loaded with wool were an interesting sight.
At Sturt Vale the party met up with Mr A.H. Codrington, Chief Instructor of the Wool Classes at the School of Mines. It was said that 1,000 kangaroos had been shot there in two months last year and that was only a fraction of the flock, which for a time had turned the plain into a dust heap.
The group then entered the shed where School of Mines students were sorting, packing and branding bales of wool as the shearers worked hard at their quota. Mr Codrington said it was the best clip for years in quality if not in quantity. From this country about 1,200 bales will be sent away. The shed is about 120ft long and broad in proportion. There were 20 shearers.
[Half a column of detail deals with the nature of the fleeces and how handling and sorting had been improved over the years.]
After inspecting the shed the visitors enjoyed an excellent dinner, after which A.B. Riggs gave a short speech of thanks to their host and to Mr Parks for providing the meal. Mr Warnes replied.
Last year from Koomooloo and Sturt Vale 1,408 bales of wool were sent away.
Anzac Sport. Draught Horse race nominations are listed.
55, 17, 25 Apr. 1934, page 3
Solomon Williams. Reminiscences of Burra in the 1850s & Early 1860s.
The mine was worked on the tribute system. Miners were paid a percentage of the value of the ore they produced. I think I am correct in saying the mine found power and appliances for raising the ore to the surface and timber for underground work, water and appliances for dressing and the miners found the labour. The ground was surveyed into blocks at various levels. These blocks were called ‘pitches’. The tribute was controlled by the richness of the ore contained therein. If it were rich 4/- or 5/- tribute would pay fair wages, but if it were poor 10/- or more would be required. As it was a piece-work system the harder the men worked the more they got paid.
Evert ‘pitch’ was numbered and contracts called ‘takes’ ran for two months when another ‘take’ was entered into. These short term contracts enabled the mine authorities to alter the tribute should developments warrant it. If rich ore was discovered then down would go the tribute. The day for new contracts was called servaday. The pitches were worked in companies of 2, 3 or more, one of whom attended on servaday to accept a new ‘take’. Pitches were numbered and called ‘No. 50, 7/6’ and a pebble was picked from a dish and thrown and if no objection came before it landed the pitch was let at that price. Enquiries the day before could discover if the tribute was to be reduced. If the tribute was reduced too far the men could refuse the take.
Ore was taken from the lode and wheeled to the ‘plat’, which was a timbered room opening into a shaft. When there was enough stuff deposited at the plat for a day’s hauling the whim was used to raise it to the surface. There it was carted to the ‘strakes’ and jigs where it was dressed or concentrated and then moved to a pile. Piles were 30ft or 40ft square and about 21⁄2ft high with a flat top. Two samples were taken for assay – careful procedures ensured fair samples from the inside of the heap were obtained. The sample was weighed and then dried in a frying pan and then weighed again. The ore was then weighed a hundredweight at a time in a barrow.
The most important machine on the mine was the pumping engine. When only a small boy I was taken to the boiler house of Schneider’s Engine with its three great boilers. Later I saw Morphett’s Engine House which seemed a marvel of ingenuity and force. The water it raised ran through wooden flumes or launders as they were called into the engine pool, filling it up during the night and by sluice-gate it was run out in the day to be used for dressing purposes. In summer this pool was used for swimming, although the water was very cold. There was a smaller pool near the engineer’s shop with warm water from the engine condensing water. This was shallower and swarmed with boys who played for hours with planks and rafts therein.
A waterwheel operated the giant lathe and drilling machinery of the engineer’s shop, while the largest waterwheel on the mine powered the rock crusher and sawmill. I estimate from memory its diameter must have been 50ft. This water came from the engine pool on its way to the dressers. There was a tram line and a truck which carried the rocks of ore to the crusher. From the crusher they dropped into a revolving screen and from there into a dray which carried them to the dressers. The saw-mill and carpenter’s shop had a large machine to hold a number of upright saws. I have seen the trunk of a gum tree four feet in diameter and some 30ft long with six vertical saws ready to start cutting.
Another spectacular machine was the steam-powered hauling engine or as miners called it the ‘firewhim’. A large iron wheel outside on which was wound a great length of thick flat rope. The kibbles used for hauling here were much larger than on the horse-powered whims.
[Williams then describes in some detail how kibbles were handles and unloaded.]
Kibbles or buckets used to carry the ore were of strong iron sheets riveted together. They were egg-shaped so the bulging sides would prevent the top rim from catching on the timbering of the shaft or from fouling each other as they passed in the shaft.
55, 17, 25 Apr. 1934, page 4
Anzac Day Sports. There is a humorous report of a meeting of the ‘Clattering Hoof’ Jockey Club in preparation for the Draught Horse Race, the Lynch Cup, to be run on the 28th. Mr Ralph Hill addressed those present; offering advice.
The entrants in this extraordinary event are then reviewed.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 18th stage of the Fearon Trophy and best on the day were J. Williams, J. Dowling & H.L. Riggs.
Burra Town Council, 16 April
The RSL sought and gained permission for a procession and service on 28th April.
T. Harrop was granted permission to conduct a pie stand in Market Square and then following discussion the Council decided to impose a fee of 5/-.
Burra Electric Supply Co. is to be asked to install a light in the rotunda.
The Sunday tennis discussion then broke out again. Argument ensued over the use of dates or names of days and the differences, if any, between them. Cr Bevan couldn’t see why there was all the fuss this year when the agreement had been broken without it for the past eight years. Eventually the matter was dropped without any action.
The usual business was then delayed by a visit from the Deputy Postmaster General Mr E.P. Ramsay with Messrs White and Farrell of the Postal Department in Adelaide and Messrs R.R. Bunney Kooringa Postmaster and W. Anderson of the Telephone Dept. with Messrs J.G. & F.T. Sara & E.J. Harris. Council had no complaints to raise about the operations of the Department in Burra.
The Government will be asked for a special grant to do up the road from Mr Bednall’s (corner of Smelts Rd & Ludgvan St) to Abberton Park.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary services on 15 April when Rev. Weeding officiated.
55, 18, 2 May 1934, page 1
Burra Football Assoc. met at Spalding on 17 April and settled basic matters for the coming season. The program of matches was accepted as submitted.
55, 18, 2 May 1934, pages 1 & 4
Burra School Concert was held on Tuesday evening last. This excellent concert is reviewed in considerable detail with the article extending for about 3 columns.
Mr T. Swindley who has been an assistant here for some years left on Thursday last on the Strathaird for England and a presentation of two suitcases was made on Tuesday. He had formed the school’s Fife & Drum Band and had taken charge of the school after the sudden death of Mr Oborn.
55, 18, 2 May 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 5 May
Will Rogers & Zasu Pitts in Mr Skitch
Victor Jory & Irene Bentley in Smoky
Croquet. Kooringa defeated Aberdeen by 21 points.
The Oddfellows Lodge held a picnic on Wednesday last, Anzac Day, at Stone Chimney Creek on land loaned by Mr H. Morgan. The results of the afternoon’s sports are printed.
The Douglas Social Credit System is explained in a 1-column article.
55, 18, 2 May 1934, page 3
The Anzac Sports Carnival was held last Saturday under the auspices of the RSL. The weather was excellent and the whole event was extremely successful. This second annual carnival eclipsed that held in 1933 and the organisation was very good. The cycling and athletic tracks had been very well prepared. It is estimated that about 2,000 people attended with some 400 cars. The horse events were excellent. The main interest focussed on the draught horse race. There were 13 starters and the favourite Ralph Hill’s Flying Vixen upset backers by tying with Con Lynch’s Gay Night for last place. Len Gordon on T. Kallio’s Wilful Winnie came first, just ahead of G. Dow on the same owner’s Waltzing Billy.
There were some thrilling motor cycle events and the cycling events were keenly contested.
The military events were in charge of Sgt Major R.J. Bernhardt.
[Personal interest: Ted Fuss won the cycle event for boys under 16.]
The Burra & Waikerie Bands played throughout the day.
The day began with a procession from the Burra hospital in charge of C. Sylvester Preiss. This set off at 12.30 p.m., led by the combined Burra & Waikerie Bands. Then came a detachment of the 18/23 Light Horse under Sgt. Major R.J. Bernhardt.
The program at the racecourse began on arrival and 40 events were all run off by 5.15 p.m.
The results are printed.
Mongolata Goldfield
A number of satisfactory crushings took place in the past week.
Block 8 had a second crushing for the month that was said to be somewhat better than previous crushings.
The RSL Smoke Social on the evening of the Anzac Sports was probably the biggest ever.
55, 18, 2 May 1934, page 4
Mt Bryan East School held its annual picnic on 21 April in Mr C.W. Gare’s paddock in the northeast corner of the district. There was a good flat place for cricket and other sports, the results of which are printed.
Leighton Golf Club AGM recently elected: Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, W.G. Holland; Vice-Presidents, Messrs A.T. McWaters, A.G. Drew, S.E. Stewart, A.D. McDonald, E. Jettner & A. Gask; Secretary & Treasurer, A. Lloyd and R. McWaters is the Captain.
55, 19, 9 May 1934, page 1
Obituary. Eric Rex Mickel aged 9; son of Mr & Mrs A.R. Mickel of Farrell’s Flat has died suddenly.
[Born to Andreas & Feaby nee Reilly at Redruth 27 August 1924: died 3 May 1934 Farrell’s Flat.]
Football. Opening of the season Saturday 5 May
Kooringa 4.2 5.4 9.9 14.11 (95)
Hallett 1.0 3.7 3.7 4.8 (32)
At half-time Mr Lel. Kellaway was presented by Mr Jack Allen Chairman of the Kooringa Football Club with a clock on the occasion of his retirement from the football field after playing for 28 years.
Mr L. Vincent (Trainer) was also presented with a clock and Mr Kev. Kennedy (Secretary was presented with a suitcase.
55, 19, 9 May 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies Saturday 12 May
Bebe Daniels & Victor Marconi in The Story You Gave Me.
Ben Lyon & Sally Eilers in A Passport to Paris.
Mr [Henry] Shipway of Kooringa aged 94 is recovering after a stay in hospital. He is very mentally bright despite his age.
Bert Broad, employed by K.B. Watts butcher of Aberdeen, had a number of stitches in a nasty gash in his right leg when a knife slipped while he was cutting down a carcase on Thursday afternoon.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM
52ft level. Stoping off north drive on 2’6” lode averaging 15dwt. Surface drive off open cut extended to 45ft on a 2ft lode averaging 1oz per ton by pan test.
Golden Harp. Winze in Baker’s Tunnel advanced to 83ft. Commenced drive north on 18” seam averaging 10dwt per ton. Drive off shaft advanced to 26ft on 2ft lode; broken material with pan test of 5dwt per ton.
No work in winze at 200ft for two weeks due to delay in delivery of hoist. 200 tons at grass. Commenced crushing on 26 April
Fred Lewis’s Claim. A syndicate has been formed to develop this. It adjoins Pexton’s Takati Mine.
Alluvial claim holders are reported to be satisfied with recent developments. We believe several new claims have been pegged by recent arrivals.
Indoor Bowls. St Mary’s No. 1, 27 defeated St Mary’s No. 2, 12.
Foresters Blue 17 defeated Foresters White 13.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary 6 & 7 May. As usual the children were accommodated on a commodious platform across the rear of the church. Rev. G.C. Hutchinson took the three services. There was a tea for the children on Monday. [Details occupy 2⁄3 column.]
Weather. The season is becoming grim for farmers, graziers and lucerne growers alike. Sheep are dying from lack of feed as well as water. Severe frosts were common in April and have continued into May.
The Waikerie Band visited Burra on 28 April and gave great support to the local band at the Anzac Sports and in the preceding procession. A dance after the sports at the Oddfellows Hall had music supplied by the Waikerie Dance Orchestra derived from the band. The crowd was much too large for comfortable dancing. On Sunday there was a practice session at 10 a.m. when Mr W. Symonds the Pt Adelaide Bandmaster conducted the two bands. In the evening the bands performed at the Market Square rotunda. The difference that Waikerie’s superior instruments makes was heard when some of the local boys were loaned Waikerie instruments for some items. The mass of nearly 50 bandsmen for the procession was an exciting event. Supper followed the Sunday evening performance. On Monday morning several carloads of locals accompanied the Waikerie men to Mongolata which was visited before they left for home in the afternoon. [The details of the visit extend for 2⁄3 column.]
55, 19, 9 May 1934, page 3
Booborowie Annual Bachelors’ Ball was held on 2 May and attracted over 300 from the district and beyond.
Burra Rifle Club. The 19th stage of the Fearon Trophy was fired on 5 May. H.H. Byles & A.C. Aughey scored possibles at 200 yards in a day of unremarkable shooting generally. H.H. Byles cannot now be overtaken for the marksman’s trophy. W. Woodman has a four point lead for the Fearon Trophy, but several people could yet cause an upset there.
H.C. Atkins writes denying that at the opening of the Hanson Memorial Institute he referred to the prevalence of drink at Farrell’s Flat socials etc. His remarks were general and not directed specifically at any one place.
The editor reports that several people have supported Mr Atkins version of the speech and he admits that the reported may have drawn an unwarranted conclusion knowing that Mr Atkins came from Farrell’s Flat.
Bowls. The final stage of the Championship on Saturday resulted in a win for Dr Steele from G.E. Dane. It is the 6th time he has won the championship. In other wins:
C.B. Tiver has taken the Singles Handicap
Dr Steel has won the Consistency Trophy
K.M. Drew & J. Pascoe have won the Pairs.
Croquet. The tournament has been won by Mesdames S. Robinson & J. Byrne.
Mrs S. Robinson has taken out the final of the handicap competition.
Mrs P. Rosman has won the final of the Championship.
Obituary. Mr William Martin Tohl was the son of the late G.J. Tohl and was born at Black Springs 6 January 1867 and lived there for a few years and then at Farrell’s Flat before in 1888 taking up land at Booborowie with his brother T.G. Tohl. Though he did not take an active part in public or sporting life, he was renowned for his generosity in giving liberally when help was needed for churches, hall, school or sports. He was honourable and upright in his dealings and his word was his bond. He was buried at Booborowie on Saturday when some 80 vehicles attended and school children of the district formed a guard of honour.
[Born 5 January 1867 Black Springs: died 3 May 1934, Kooringa residence Booborowie.]
Sister E.M. (Nellie) Winnall [Eleanor Manley Winnall] has recently returned to SA from overseas to live with her mother Mrs W.B. Page. She is the daughter of the late J.E.H. Winnall and was born at Burra where her father was a solicitor. She began her nursing training here. Later she worked abroad in connection with the Overseas Nurses’ Assoc. in such places as London, Ceylon and Newfoundland. For the last two years at the latter place where she found the inhabitants to be uneducated and very superstitious. Miss Winnall was not working at one of the two hospitals on the island, but served a district among the small harbour settlements in the southwest and north. The nearest doctor was seventy miles away by water and she had no special nurse’s quarters and no motor car. She dispensed all medicines required in her small surgery fitted up in one of the houses where she lived. In summer she travelled to her patients in a small boat and in winter she was taken to homes in a sleigh drawn by Labrador dogs or small horses. One visit saw her taken sixteen miles in three hours by five dogs. Some winter travel was across the hard frozen sea. Her duties included those of a public officer, welfare worker and veterinary surgeon. She said the chief food was white bread, black tea and molasses. Potatoes and cabbages were grown. All milk came as condensed milk, as there were no cows and she created great interest by importing a goat. Trade in the small harbour towns was by barter, exchanging fish for flour etc. In such places there was no currency. The locals did not travel and there was no compulsory education and no sanitation. When an epidemic breaks out it just spreads. The towns varied greatly: some were clean and fresh and others filthy and uncared for. On the whole she said the people were not sturdy because of intermarriage and malnutrition.
55, 19, 9 May 1934, page 4
Rev. Donald Redding. A sermon on Sunday Observance is printed in a little more than one column.
Solomon Williams: Reminiscences of Burra in the 1850s & Early 1860s. (Continued)
One day I witnessed the breaking of a chain when the kibble was nearly at the surface. As the kibble fell it pulled the loose chain and entangled posts and pulleys and broke timbers. Men ran in all directions to escape the falling debris.
On another occasion I saw a man kneeling by the roadway and knocking on a piece of wood with the head of a pick. After shifting position once or twice he commenced digging a square hole, but about a foot down he holed through to reveal a man dripping with perspiration who had been boring his way up to the surface. This was ‘rising a pass’, which was needed for ventilation and other purposes.
Another day I ran with a group and saw the head of a horse just above the ground. It was harnessed to a loaded cart which had broken through the ground. The horse was not hurt, but could not move because of the harness and the surrounding earth. The men lifted it out by means of a tripod and block and tackle, leaving the mine authorities to extract the cart.
I once visited my father’s pitch. His ‘pairs’ consisted of three men. (A company of miners was a ‘pair’ regardless of how many were involved.) On this day there was only room for two men to work at driving through the rock rubble. The pitch was about 20 fathoms down and reached by a ladderway down a hole about 21⁄2ft square. We had to descend about 120ft down a perpendicular ladder. My father went first with a lighted candle and he told me to hold tight with my hands and to be careful my feet didn’t slip. At the bottom we had to clamber through an old level which was half full of earth and the timbers had sunk so much that we had to crouch low or crawl. Eventually we reached a light ahead and a man appeared and eying me asked ‘What a new man? Are you going to shoe him?’ I later learned that this referred to a custom that when a new man joined the pair some beer was shouted all round. At the end of the pitch in a timbered area the work was in rock needing no timber. Here the worker took off coat, waistcoat, shirt and hat and put on a close-fitting calico cap called a hat-cap to keep dirt out of the hair. Rock was loosened by pick and wheeled along the level to be thrown into some old workings. It was strenuous work hour after hour.
I could only look on and think: ‘Why all this hard work?’ The answer came to me that this is his only way of providing for himself, his wife and his boys and girls. His paternal instincts prompted him to give to his children better equipment for the battle of life than he himself ever had. I was one of those for whom he was toiling and looking at his goodly candlelight casting long shadows on the walls he seemed a veritable giant whom I had never before seen stripped and in full physical action. To my boyish imagination there was something I could admire, something noble, which I could almost put upon a pedestal as a hero. When our work was done we climbed up through the old workings. I went first, but I could see no light ahead, for it was night and we wended our way through the silent mine, past the night watchman’s cottage, up the rise and down the long gully to the town, home and sleep.
A resolution formed itself in my mind that I would never become a miner. I have heard my father say he had worked in places where the air was so bad the candle would go out if held vertically and had to be laid on its side to keep it alight.
A fire in a mine is a time of great anxiety and often accompanied by loss of life. Burra Mine had this experience and two lives were lost, but I never heard of its origin. One morning at school a rumour was brought that the mine was on fire. We were all anxious for the welfare of our fathers and many of us were allowed to go to the mine to see. Our first act was to find our parents among the men standing about. Many women had come for the same reason. Smoke was coming from two shafts. An error of judgement had been made. Because some thought the burning timbers would lead to a collapse a suggestion had been made to tip a load of smalls down the shafts. Tragically this generated poisonous fumes and smoke. The men should have been got up first.
Captain Roach and Mr Challoner were capable officers of the mine for many years. They came to SA on the ship in which I was born and so they were my shipmates.
55, 20, 16 May 1934, page 1
Solomon Williams: Reminiscences of Burra in the 1850s & Early 1860s. (Continued)
No reminiscences of Burra would be complete without references to its religious institutions and activities. The community was largely made up of Cornish people who were well known for their regular church going habits and their adherence to one of three sections of the Methodist Church. Though there may have been some petty jealousies between the Wesleyans, the Primitive Methodists and the Bible Christians, each flourished and there was never any serious disturbance among them. Special evangelical meetings were usual by each section in the winter months and much enthusiasm was manifested.
I have pleasant recollections of the Rev. Denzil John Holt Ibbetson, Rector of St Mary’s Anglican Church on Limestone Hill; now long demolished. It was as a public lecturer that I most remember him. He would demonstrate scientific truths with ingenious models. He showed the elasticity of the atmosphere employing a fountain worked by compressed air. Three wooden lathes fixed together showed the strength of materials. He also had a model lattice bridge capable of carrying a 28lb weight. Most impressive of all was a model hydraulic crane. Rev. L.W. Stanton followed him and he was an entertainer with elocutionary subjects on prose and poetry, but I left Burra while he was still there.
Our family were Wesleyans. There are now few who can remember the three Wesleyan churches that occupied the same site. The first one was smaller and in the shape of a cross, having a nave and transept with three doors. It was first lighted with tallow candles that needed snuffing and I have seen men stand on a chair to snuff then during a service. Later sperm candles were used that did not require snuffing. In 1856 a second church replaced this and a few years later a gallery was added. This church was lighted by camphine lamps as shops were. These gave good light, but camphine was expensive at 6/6 for a half-gallon tin. [Camphine was a fuel obtained by distilling oil of turpentine.]
It seems to me that all my pleasures and entertainments centred upon the church, the Sunday school and the Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society. In my time the ministers were the Revs Harcourt, Flockart, Wilson, Lee, Lloyd, Colwell, Chester, Allen, Worth and Wylie.
I first remember the Bible Christian Church when Rev. Rowe was minister and the church was at the corner of Paxton Square. He was succeeded by Rev. James Way, I think about the time the new church was built. Other followed and Rev. J. Hancock was in charge when I left Burra.
The Primitive Methodist Church had been closed for some time when Rev. J.G. Wright came from England to resuscitate the cause. He was energetic and an interesting speaker. He began street preaching and then marched the crowd to his church and was quite successful. He was succeeded by Revs. Allen, Whittaker, Cole & Wellington. In Rev. Whittaker’s time they needed a gallery, but as the church was too low they borrowed screw jacks from the mine and lifted the roof seven feet an put in the gallery.
Each church had well-attended Sunday schools and the anniversaries were times of great interest to scholars. Special speakers were used on the Sunday and singing by the scholars was of great importance. The Wesleyans had their anniversary on Easter Sunday with tea on the Monday. The cake required for the teas for both scholars and the public was made by the teachers. On Thursday evening before Easter they met in the schoolroom where the ingredients were assembled. A long table was set up and two or three people shredded lemon peel. As there were then no Australian currants the imported article had to be prepared. These were covered in a white substance that had to be first washed off in sieve in a tub of water and the currants then spread on a table and carefully picked over to remove small stones. The dough was made in a large trough or trow as the baker’s called it and left to rise by morning, when it was taken by cart to the baker’s house where the baker did the rest. He returned the cakes to the schoolroom on Saturday.
The present church was built about 1914.
There was another building known as the Independent Church across the road from the south side of Paxton Square. This was long unused, but served for a while as a Presbyterian Church under Rev. W. Davidson. The discovery of copper at Moonta and Wallaroo caused the migration of many from Burra and all three Methodist Churches were weakened and attendance fell further when the mine closed. Ultimately all three combined in the Methodist Union [1900].
Burra Town Council, 7 May
Burra Electric supply wrote agreeing to light the Rotunda without charge if the Council bore the cost of connection.
Burra Golf Club was given permission to erect a galvanised iron structure on the Burra Sports Syndicate Ground at Aberdeen. [A club house.]
It was agreed to donate £1-1-0 to the News Blanket Fund.
Cr Kellaway moved the Council sell the Kooringa Tennis Courts to the club for £25.
The Mayor and Cr Riggs thought two motions were necessary: one to sell and one to fix the price.
Cr Jeffery seconded the motion.
Cr Bevan repeated his objections to Sunday sport and said he saw the Club’s request as a move to move in that direction and he believed a 99-year lease was quite sufficient, as at the Aberdeen courts.
Cr Kellaway objected that Cr Bevan’s remarks were irrelevant.
The Mayor pointed out that the Aberdeen courts were on park land and so could not be sold.
Cr Sampson was opposed to the sale; seeing it as a plot to override the wishes of some of the Councillors.
Crs Dow, Jeffery & Kellaway supported the motion; Crs Bevan, Riggs and Sampson were opposed.
The Mayor explained his position at some length before casting his vote against the motion.
Council then turned to the request that they exchange the Council Depot site next to the Bowling Club for that of the former Bible Christian Church. Cr Kellaway said he was prepared to exchange the depot, but not for the site suggested, which would be more unsightly and a greater nuisance if used as a depot than the present site. After discussion the matter was allowed to lapse indefinitely.
Local Board of Health
People were bringing meat into the town from outside that had not been killed in slaughterhouses and selling it in unhygienic conditions. A legal case being fought at Orroroo suggested there was little they could do to stop the practice with their present powers. It was decided to ask the Central Board of health to draft a regulation under which the Council could act to inspect any place where meat was being killed for consumption within the town.
55, 20, 16 May 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 19 May
Fay Wray & Robert Armstrong in King Kong
Supported by So This is Harris.
Salvation Army. Captain & Mrs Roberts leave tomorrow for Gawler. The move has been prompted by the breakdown in Mrs Roberts’ health.
Mr Rex Walker, second son of Mr & Mrs O.G. Walker, left Burra on Saturday for Adelaide where he has obtained a position. He had been employed by W.G. Terry of Kooringa.
Burra Boy Scouts are spending a few days in camp at the World’s End Gorge, supervised by Rev. G.C. Hutchinson.
Mr Linden Riggs, elder son of Mr & Mrs J.A. Riggs of Kooringa, who has been working for Elder, Smith & Co. has been promoted to manager of the Yorketown Branch. Mr Riggs (25) began his career in Burra and has served at Orroroo, Saddleworth and Snowtown.
Kooringa Police Court, 11 May
Richard John Reynolds, miner of Mongolata, was fined 15/- plus 10/- costs for drunkenness and £2-10-0 plus 15/- costs for indecent behaviour.
Mongolata Tennis Club has decided to renovate and improve the court. They will extend the space behind the back lines and level the court, which was over two feet lower on one side.
Mr Haese head teacher at Burra High School has been moved to Peterborough. Mrs Haese was given a farewell bridge evening at the home of Mrs Joe T. Pascoe on Saturday 12 May. Mrs Haese’s services as a pianist and singer will be missed.
Mr Charlesworth of the Adelaide Technical School will become the Headmaster at Burra High School and Mr L. Hancock has been appointed to replace Mr T. Swindley. [But this was changed to Mr Jennings before Mr Hancock arrived: see 55, 21, 23 May 1934, page 2.]
Mongolata Goldfield
There have been no great discoveries of late, but the battery is running at full pace and is working an extra four hours a day to handle the ore being delivered.
55, 20, 16 May 1934, page 3
Burra Golf Club opened its season last Saturday. The President Dr Steele said that following application for some tennis courts to be built at the grounds of the Sports Syndicate the club had agreed to some slight alterations to the links, but he was sure members would soon become accustomed to the new starting point. Approval had been given for the erection of what he humorously described as an ‘embryo club house’, which while not pretentious would serve a useful purpose until a more elaborate structure could be built. It would be of wood and iron 30ft x 12ft with a brick fireplace and be partitioned to provide room for the ladies. The estimated cost was £60. The incorporation of the club had been arranged and the ladies had decided to form a club of their own.
Mr Haese drove the first ball because Dr Steven, last year’s champion, had an injured finger.
The Burra Bowling & Croquet Clubs closed their season last Saturday. The Bowling Club had had a successful year. They had won the cup from Kapunda this year and the matches against Clare were even and Clare had retained the shield on aggregate. Against other clubs they had done well with wins against Blyth, Eudunda and Balaklava.
The trophies for both clubs were reported in the last issue.
On Saturday a croquet match resulted in a win for Aberdeen against Kooringa by 5 points.
Mr & Mrs Roy Walsh & family are leaving Hallett after 10 years at the Wildongoleche Hotel.
Indoor Bowls. St Mary’s No. 2 defeated Foresters White 13-10 [Though the paper says 10-13.]
St Mary’s No. 1 defeated Foresters Blue 19-13
St Mary’s No. 1 defeated Foresters White 23-12 in a game postponed from opening night.
Obituary. Miss Lawler of Aberdeen died on Saturday last aged 87. She had been a resident for over 70 years and a colonist of 86 years. She was a devoted member of St Joseph’s Church Kooringa and was active in church work until two years ago, especially in connection with the annual bazaar. She was of a bright nature and will be greatly missed by many friends.
[Mary Lawler died 12 May 1934 at Aberdeen.]
55, 20, 16 May 1934, page 4
Burra District Council. Councillors retiring on 30 June:
Kooringa Ward: E. Finch
W.H. Tiver
Baldina Ward: J. Kellock
King Ward: N.H. Pearse
55, 21, 23 May 1934, page 1
Football
Kooringa 1.5 5.11 5.11 6.14 (50)
Spalding 2.1 2.5 3.7 5.8 (38)
Hallett 13.13 (91) defeated Booborowie 8.11 (59)
Burra Homing Club will open its season on 2 June.
Senator O’Halloran (ALP) & Mr Lacey, Leader of the Opposition in SA visited Mongolata last Thursday and on Friday evening addressed a gathering in Market Square where the Mayor presided.
Mr Lacey was impressed by Mongolata, which was the most prosperous goldfield in SA. He saw it as a great benefit to the town and as offering prospects for further employment on the field. He thought the Government should be offering more assistance. He spoke at some length about alleviating the depression and providing employment and he is reported in about one column of detail.
Senator O’Halloran gave a very party-political speech with one eye on the next election, which he felt would be held earlier than most people believed. He outlined the party’s policy, especially with respect to banking and finance in a speech that is reported in about 2⁄3 column.
55, 21, 23 May 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 26 May
Wheeler & Woolsey in Hold ’Em Jail
Supported by Lucky Devils
Obituary. Albert Henry Brandt relict of the late Catherine Brandt died 16 May at Burra aged 85. He was the father of George & Henry. [See extended obituary on page 3 of this issue.]
Salvation Army. Captain E. Moore is temporarily filling in until a permanent officer is appointed.
Miss Edna Lynch, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs R.A. Lynch of Kooringa has left Burra for Gawler to take up nursing duties.
Mr Jennings has replaced Mr T. Swindley at Burra High School rather than Mr Hancock as previously advised.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club met on 15 May at the Fire Brigade Station and elected: President, S. Kellaway; Vice-Presidents, R.M. Reed & Alex Ratcliffe; Secretary, R.A. Bevan & Treasurer, C.V. Opie. The club intends to run cycle and athletic events during the football matches and also to have road races.
Indoor Bowls. Foresters Blue defeated St Mary’s No. 2 16-15.
St Mary’s No. 1 defeated Foresters White 28-10.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ GM. For fortnight to 18 May.
At 200ft level extended the winze to 90ft on 4ft lode with traces of gold
At 52ft level No. 1 stope north of shaft in 2ft lode averaging 1oz per ton.
No. 2 stope south of shaft on 2’6” lode 10dwt per ton.
50 tons won from stoping in the fortnight.
Golden Harp. Winze Baker’s Tunnel drive north advanced to 8ft on 1ft lode showing 5dwt per ton in pan test. South drive advanced to 10ft on 18” lode showing up to 10z per ton. Drive off shaft north advanced to 39ft on broken lode averaging 5dwt per ton. 150 tons ready for the battery.
On their visit to Mongolata Senator O’Halloran & Mr A.W. Lacey found a number of matters requiring attention including a telephone service, educational facilities, an improved water supply and assistance for prospectors to develop claims. They believed that for some unaccountable reason the field had not been recognised in its true value.
55, 21, 23 May 1934, page 3
C.J. Pearce was tendered a surprise evening last Saturday by the Adelaide Officers of the Albert District No. 83 Rechabite Lodge, marking the 58th year of his services as local Secretary of the Rose of Sharon Tent. Mr Pearce who is 78 still holds the office and looks fit for some years yet. Arrangements were made by William Geake & Edwin Harris, two old members of the lodge. The cost was borne by the District Executive Committee and all senior members of the male and female Rechabite Lodges, the honoured guest and his wife and family were guests of the committee.
Other visitors came from Hallett, Mt Bryan, Leighton, Ironmine and Hanson, while Mr E.J. Davey represented the Foresters Lodge and C.R. Bevan the Oddfellows.
Bro J.V. Earle (Pt Adelaide) presided. The evening began with the singing of the ode and then Mr Pearce’s granddaughter Miss Nancy Pearce played a piano solo. Bro Earle introduced the evening and said Bro Pearce had also been Secretary of the Juvenile Tent for 53 years and Secretary of the Female Lodge for 43 years. He was supported by Bro Lewis (Pt Adelaide) and Bro S.J. Goldsworthy. Misses Beth Haese & Nancy Pearce then played a piano duet followed by a speech from Bro Blight. Mrs Max Pearce then sang a song and Bro Bowey (Enfield) spoke. Messrs Bevan and Davey added their congratulations followed by Rev. G.C. Hutchinson and C.E. Thomas. Maude Riggs then gave a recitation and the Chairman presented Mr Pearce with a handsomely framed emblem and Mr Pearce responded. He said that when he took over as Secretary 58 years ago the Lodge met in the Baptist Church, now the Council Depot. Later they moved to the Institute where they still met. His predecessors as local Secretary had been the late David wells, then Mr Shapley, David Anderson and then himself. He mentioned the long and happy relationship of the Lodge with the various medical officers resident in Burra: Drs Dashwood, Cave, Nesbit, Brummitt, Sangster Sen. & Jnr, Ashton, Caw, and now Steele & Steven. Bro Bowey followed with a comic recitation and Bro Earle with a comic dialogue. Supper followed.
On Sunday morning a Lodge Parade was held at Kooringa Methodist Church when quite a number of members attended in full regalia. The service was conducted by Bro J. Earle assisted by Bro Lewis and Bro Bowey delivered the address.
Mr E.A. Haese was given a farewell at the Council Chamber on 15 May after eight years as headmaster of Burra High School. He has been transferred to Peterborough. The Mayor presided. The Mayor said he had had four sons and a daughter go through the school in Mr Haese’s term of office and he had given them of his best as teacher and adviser. Mr Haese had also thrown himself into tennis and golf and both he and his wife would be missed in musical circles. Dr Steele spoke as Chairman of the High School Council and for the Golf Club where Mr Haese’s assistance had been appreciated. Lin Thomas spoke for the Aberdeen Tennis Club where Mr Haese had been active and F.M. Pearce added his appreciation from the Burra Lawn Tennis Assoc. Other speakers were P.L. Rosman (St Mary’s), G.E. Dane, F.T. Sara, L.S. Penrose & A.L. Bence. A presentation was made of a travelling rug and a bridge outfit in morocco case. Mr Haese responded.
‘Ratepayer’ writes supporting the Mayor and those Councillors who stood up for ‘the moral welfare of the town’ by refusing to sell the tennis courts.
Obituary. Mr E. (Ted) Bywaters, the alleged finder of gold at Mongolata, died at Burra Hospital on Monday. He lived at Mongolata and was found by an employee of Mr P.V. Oates at his hut on Sunday in a very bad state. Mr Oates contacted M-Cs Robinson & Boyce and the sick man was taken to the hospital where he rallied briefly, but died the following day. Although a prospector for many years he is believed never to have come across a decent ‘find’ and is believed to have been in poor circumstances at the time of his death.
[Edward Bywaters died 21 May 1934, Kooringa, residence Mongolata aged 76.]
Obituary. Mr Albert Brandt died 16 May aged 85. He was born in November 1848 and was an old resident of Burra and a colonist of 81 years, arriving in SA with his parents when aged 4. He worked at the Burra Mine till it closed and then went to Moonta Mines for a time. Although his family remained in Burra, he went to work for a while in Broken Hill. After that he returned and worked for various building contractors including Sara & Dunstan of Aberdeen. He was invariably described as ‘a tiger to work’. His one purpose in life seems to have been to do his job and do it well. He married Miss Catherine Williams 29 September 1874, who died a few years ago. They had four sons and two daughters, but only two sons survive: [Arthur William George] Brandt of Adelaide and Mr [David] Henry Brandt of Broken Hill. One son the late August Brandt served with the 3rd Light Horse and died a few years ago of war injuries. The youngest, Fred, died as a lad. Minetta married W. Voumard of Kooringa and one of her sons looked after his grandfather in his latter years. [Albert Frederick was second youngest with August being younger. He died 9 October 1907 aged 21.]
Hallett Methodist Church celebrated its anniversary on 12 & 13 May. Services were held in the Hallett Institute Hall with Rev. G.F. Johnson of Spalding as preacher.
Marriage. Spalding Methodist Church 5 May
Jane Bartlett married Malcolm Campbell.
Mongolata Tennis Club held a table tennis tournament last week at the boarding house. The winner was E. Reid after a close match with Percy Carpenter. The results of matches are reported.
[Personal interest: A. [Aubrey] Fuss forfeited to R. Pexton.]
55, 21, 23 May 1934, page 4
Ironmine Wesley Club resumes activities for 1934.
Burra Rifle Club fired the final stage of the Championship over 600 & 700 yards on 19 May. The winner was A.C. Aughey with A.B. Riggs as runner-up. In the handicap event C.W. Pearce was the winner with J.E. Pearce & H.H. Byles tied for second.
Burra Benevolent Soc. met on 17 May. Another application for firewood would be granted. A large parcel of children’s clothing was gratefully received from an anonymous donor. Sir John Melrose sent a cheque for £2-10-0.
Solomon Williams: Reminiscences of Burra in the 1850s & Early 1860s. (Continued)
I lived in one of the huts in the creek over 80 years ago and the number alive who can say this must now be very small. People lived there from choice and necessity. In the 1850s wages were very low. I am told the dwellings were made quite comfortable, being cool in summer and warm in winter. The colony was very young and luxuries and even necessities were scarce. My parents arrived in Burra early in 1847 when I was under six months old and at first we lived on the Mine property for three or four years until a Mining Co. fiat forbade miners from living on the Mine site. My earliest memories are of this house on the hillside above the blacksmith’s shop. Here I first saw and gathered native violets. We then went to a newly dug hut in the creek vacated by a man who went to the Victorian gold diggings. My father also caught the gold bug and went to Victoria. Our hut had two rooms, lime-washed and with recesses either side of the chimney as shelving. It was under the bank south of Mitchell Flat. I could indicate the place within a few feet, as I often saw it in later years. There was a barricade in front made of long firewood banked with earth in an attempt to protect us from flood. We were ejected by flood waters, but I do not remember out tragic exit when my mother had to climb the bank against rushing water and carrying a baby. A younger brother and I must have been removed by an uncle who lived on the bank, before water entered the hut.
I have many times seen the flood marks covering the lime-wash around the rooms, two or three feet up. There was a hole high up in the side of the chimney breast and I was told that was where out little hoard of money was truly banked and then plastered over and lime-wash applied to appear the same as all the rest of the wall. We moved to a house near the bank on the north side of Mitchell’s Flat belonging to ‘Uncle’ John Magor. While there I attended a school kept by ‘Uncle’ John Pellew. He was a cripple using crutches to get around and wore an old-fashioned black beaver hat.
In a later flood a boy named Reed was drowned. He lived in a row of brick cottages in Thames St and slipped into the smaller creek at the back of the house and was carried into the main creek. His body was found near the slaughterhouse some days later. There were many fine gums along the creek, but they were felled by order of the Mining Co. because it was said they were being killed by the copper contamination from the Mine water. Walter Way had the contract for this. Dust storms were prevalent some seasons creating some very dark and dusty days. Whirlwinds were also common and sometimes three or more could be seen at a time sweeping across the town and carrying away any light material. Huge flocks of shell parrots passed through in migration, numbering hundreds of thousands.
Boys commonly built bonfires on midwinter night and old greasy bones, rags and other inflammable materials were collected in advance. The boys ran from fire to fire waving fire sticks and singing the slogan: ‘Hip hip hooray, midsummer day is passing away.’ When the fires burnt low boys would jump over them. Some boys indulged in smoking, but cigarettes were not known, so they smoked brown paper and cane and used the leaves of the native tobacco that grew on the hills. It spread out on the ground and the leaves were about three inches long and serrated and the underside was white.
The fired cleared away a lot of rubbish, but the smell on a still night was a great nuisance and the police would sometimes take action to suppress the fires. One year Corporal Collins arrived at one of our fires and the boys all scattered, but I and my brother had to put it out.
55, 22, 30 May 1934, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield
Reprint of an article from Smith’s Weekly
Mongolata Goldfield in SA has triumphed despite the withholding of Government assistance in its early development. It is now returning shareholders handsome dividends. All it asks now is for the Federal Government to establish a Post Office and telephone exchange.
The discovery was made by Harry Byles who went prospecting when his boss I.J. Warnes, a prominent pastoralist, no longer required his services. Today Mr Warnes is a director of the company formed as a result of his boundary rider’s discovery.
Mongolata is 116 miles from Adelaide. It was first developed by a syndicate that issued 50 £10 shares. Then it was decided to float Byles’ Mongolata Gold Mining Co. (NL) when production had reached the stage that it was able to pay a £4-17-6 bonus on each syndicate share, in addition to which 150 fully paid £1 shares were given to every holder of a syndicate share. About this time Bill Pexton a former South African and now a well-known horse owner had a 30cwt truck and five sons anxious for work. When his offer to cart the ore to Peterborough was rejected by the company he pegged out his own claim and as a result thousands of pounds worth of gold has been taken from the claim. In a safe deposit vault in Adelaide reposes one of his nuggets weighing 185oz, estimated to contain 130oz of gold. The whole area of Mongolata has already been pegged out and £19,000 worth of ore went through the Government battery last year.
From Byles’ discovery claim 1,166 tons 11cwt were put through and the total yield of the field was 3,569oz of which Byles’ claim put through 1,894oz. Total value without the gold premium was £14,184. Since Byles’ GM was formed over £14,000 has been returned to the company. During the control of the syndicate total gold production was 467oz from 79 tons. The syndicate spent £1,000 in wages and since the formation of the company £5,929 has been paid in wages, not including salaries. Twenty-seven miners are employed by the Mongolata Co. while 110 are at work on the field. The company’s wages bill is £200 a fortnight and last March it paid a 6d dividend with a similar payment expected in June. The gold averages 22 carat bringing about 5/- more per ounce than the standard gold. The gold from Baldina Mine on the same field shows the highest value gold in the world according to a Government expert. The directors George Milne, Archie Thornton, Doug Reid, Isaac Warnes and James Daly are all well known South Australians.
Government aid was not forthcoming until Sir Herbert Gepp made a highly favourable report and then a battery was installed. Since then the history of the field has been one of profitable development. Of 100,000 £1 shares 51,252 are unissued while the subscribed capital amounts to 35,050 fully paid and 13,698 paid to 10/-. The present goldfield is linked with the romantic past of the famous old Burra Mine opened in 1845 when it started with a modest paid up capital of £12,320, but produced millions of pounds worth of copper and returned shareholders nearly a million in dividends.
Mongolata Goldfield
A deputation of local MPs introduced by the Leader of the Opposition met the Chief Secretary Mr Ritchie last week and asked for further assistance for Mongolata. They asked for similar help to that given in WA: railway passes, loan of prospecting tools, sustenance orders of 13/- per week per man and help with the cost of explosives at £1 per man per quarter. Also there the state batteries deducted (after crushing and cartage charges were paid) 25% of each crushing as an offset against the assistance. Mr Ritchie said he would consider it after getting full details of the WA scheme.
Burra Town Council, 21 May
Advice was received that there would be no special grant for work on the Railway Station-Morgan District road.
The Town Clerk advised that the Unemployment Relief Council would permit the unexpended balance of their funds to be spent on this road if the Council matched it £ for £.
A refund cheque for £19-9-4 was received from the Fire Brigade Board.
The Central Board of Health advised that the Local Board already had a regulation that no meat could be sold in the Burra Corporation unless slaughtered in a slaughterhouse approved and licensed by the Local Board of Health. This had been gazetted 15 years ago.
The Inspector said that unless action was soon taken the north wall of Victoria Park would come down. An inspection would be made.
Football. Booborowie 10.8 defeated Spalding 8.9.
Mayor T. Woollacott writes complaining of a lack of interest shown by parents and friends in the Empire Day gathering at the Primary and High Schools.
55, 22, 30 May 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 2 June
Mary Brian & Leo Carillo etc. in Moonlight & Pretzels
Lew Ayres & Shirley Grey in Don’t Bet on Love
4 June
George Wallace in Harmony Row
Ralph Bellamy & Gloria Stuart in Airmail
Birth. On 19 May at Sister Villis’s Kooringa to Mr & Mrs Alfred Morgan of Ironmine a daughter, Lorna Mavis.
Bert & T. Preece, old Burra identities have been visiting Burra. Bert Preece learnt the printing trade at the Record office. [Presumably Thomas Henry Preece 1860-1939 and hid brother Albert Edward 1866-1950.]
L. Wicklein of Port Augusta also visited Burra at the weekend.
Mrs Frank Treloar was 82 on 10 May and Frank Treloar will be 82 on 1 June. Both are said to be in fairly good health.
Mrs W.H. Hardy is 73 today and has a family of 12 surviving children: ten daughters and two sons. There are 31 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Mongolata Goldfield
Golden Harp manager reports finding a seam estimated at 3oz per ton.
Byles’ GM Co. The Chairman of Directors Mr George Milne is seriously ill. We understand the company will pay a dividend in June.
M.W. Bednall writes a carefully worded attack that belittles Cr Bevan.
He is responding to Cr Bevan’s comments surrounding the Tennis Club’s bid to buy the courts. He says Cr. Bevan ‘has definitely stated as facts matters which he either knew to be untrue or concerning which he has negligently made no attempt to obtain information from the proper quarter. For instance regarding Club guarantors, but this is hardly sufficiently noteworthy to comment upon.’ Bednall also quite wittily explains that he has decided to take no legal action against Cr Bevan for some of his statements concerning Bednall’s actions and motives because he views those statements as vulgar abuse rather than as defamatory remarks and as such would not be actionable.
55, 22, 30 May 1934, page 3
Conference of District Councils
This meeting on Friday 25 May at the Eastern Telephone Building was convened by I.J. Warnes Chairman of the Mt Bryan DC to consider proposals by the Government to amalgamate DCs. Mrs Warnes was elected to the chair. Councils represented were: Booborowie, Hanson, Mt Bryan, Yongala, Spalding, Burra, Hallett, Terowie, Caltowie and Hutt & Hill Rivers. Also present were the MPs G.F. Jenkins, Alex Melrose & A.D. McDonald.
Mr Warnes seemed most concerned that pastoral and farming areas should not be mixed in the one Council and so if amalgamations were forced on them the new boundaries should run north-south rather than east-west. Mr Jenkins said all that could be done was to give evidence to the Royal Commission and wait for its recommendations. The Government could then be lobbied regarding the recommendations. They could accept or reject these, but not change them. [Though in one or two cases already dealt with the Commission had consented to alterations.] The meeting canvassed each Council for its views and not surprisingly they all thought they were doing things very efficiently and that amalgamations were not desirable. Despite a lot of talk there were no resolutions passed.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club. Great activity is being shown ahead of the first 5-mile race for the season on 2 June and an athletic event is planned for the half-time interval at football on 9 June. Among a number of reports about who will be riding what the writer makes the intriguing comment: ‘Cec. Opie has an option on Ted Baulderstone’s three-wheeler.’
Empire Day Observations at the Primary & High Schools, ending in the usual half-holiday for students, are reported in about 3⁄4 column. The day was an opportunity for parents and friends to visit the school and observe student’s work and the school program as well as to hear the patriotic speeches that went with it. The Mayor was disappointed that so few took the opportunity to do so.
Obituary. Mrs A. Bernhardt died in Adelaide at her daughter’s on 24 May. She was born at Redruth in 1861 in the house where her youngest son Mr R.G. Bernhardt now lives. She was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Wahlert. After marriage her first home was at Stockport for six years before they returned to Redruth where she lived till going to be with her youngest daughter Lena Mrs H. Miels about five years ago to look after her when the latter was seriously ill. After her daughter’s death she stayed on to care for the children. Her own health began to fail about two months ago and she went to stay with her daughter Mrs P. Nolan. She appeared to be recovering and was preparing to come and live with her youngest son at Redruth when she was taken suddenly ill and died. Of a family of 13, five daughters and three sons survive: Mrs T. Hirschausen (Adelaide), Mr Fred Bernhardt (Swan Reach), Mrs A.S. Walker (Aberdeen), Mrs P. Nolan (Adelaide), Mr Frances [sic] Bernhardt (Adelaide), Mrs H.B. Allen (Aberdeen), Mrs H. Evans (Pt Pirie) & Mr R.G. Bernhardt (Aberdeen).
There are 49 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. At the Kooringa Cemetery Bro. C.J. Pearce read the IOO Rechabite Lodge Service. Mrs Bernhardt had been a Lodge member for 50 years.
[Born Augusta Wahlert 21 May 1862 Redruth: died Amelia Augusta Bernhardt 24 May 1934 Adelaide.]
Wildildie Sports Club held a dance in the Oddfellows Hall at Aberdeen on Saturday 26 May.
[The club is also referred to as the Miners’ Sports Club of South Mongolata Goldfield.] A tennis court and net and football and golf links have been secured for club members.
55, 22, 30 May 1934, page 4
Indoor Bowls. St Mary’s No. 2 defeated St Mary’s No. 1 19-12.
Foresters Blue defeated Foresters Red 34-8.
Mrs E. Baldock of Booborowie, a resident of 32 years, has sold her property and will live in Adelaide.
Sid. Pearce Jnr of Leighton contributes a 2-page article (to be continued) on a Motor Trip to Southern Yorke’s Peninsula.
Solomon Williams. Reminiscences of Burra in the 1850s & Early 1860s (Continued)
In the 1850s it was an easy matter for families to keep cows for milk, cream and butter. There was plenty of surround country to be used as commons. They depended mainly on grass, though those in milk also required some bran. Cow-boys took the cows to pasture for a small fee. One mob went east, another west and another south. In all there were hundred of animals and they were a great asset to the people.
In the 1850s stray dogs were a great nuisance. This was before the Dog Act and police would deal with them summarily. At certain times soon after daybreak guns would be heard and many were destroyed in this way.
I remember seeing John McDouall Stuart returning from one of his expeditions. He left his party at Mt Remarkable and came on by coach, staying over night at the Burra Hotel. A group of businessmen met him at the hotel in the morning. He came out looking very thin, but well. He wore well-polished but old boots cut in places, no doubt to ease his feet. Dr Wilkinson spoke to welcome him and congratulate him on his achievements.
The streets then are unimaginable to residents of today. This was before they were formed or macadamised. In winter they were deeply cut up by the cartage of heavy loads of logs for the mine and by the mule teams for the Smelting Works. Crossing them was quite an adventure, but it was made easier in two places. From Drew’s store to the Police Station was a path made of hard material forming a ridge above the muddy surface. One day I saw a spring cart with four men in it drawn by one horse. When it met this ridge the belly-band broke and the shafts went up spilling the men out. T.W. Powell Clerk of the Local Court was one and he sustained a broken arm.
The other ridge went from John Winnall’s shop to Queen Street.
Election times were lively before the secret ballot was adopted. I did not witness, but can vouch for my informant who spoke of one such election when George Strickland Kingston was a candidate for Parliament. He was supported by the miners and a number of young fellows took the horses out of his vehicle and drew him up and down the street, giving the opposition a knock-out blow. The opposition then produced an advertisement announcing the sale of some first-class donkeys – in fact the very same which drew Mr G.S. Kingston about the streets of Kooringa.
It was a great time for the boys when a large number of mules and a few donkeys came to Burra accompanied by Spaniards in their distinctive dress and hair plaited and wound round their heads under large sombreros and with their ponchos, lassoes & large rowelled spurs. The boys went mad with improvised lassoes, catching dogs, cats, calves, posts and each other, though like all fads it soon passed. The mule teams of ten in a wagon were employed for years, but after a time the Spaniards disappeared to be replaced by other muleteers.
My school days ended about 1862 after several years, first with Mr E. Strike and then under Mr John Ricardo Stephens, later known as Dr Stephens who was rather proud of his 5th Class and I suppose we were rather proficient compared with the general public schools of that period. Occasionally there was an examination at which parents and friends were invited and one or two professional men assisted in the proceedings. Dr Mayne was present on one such occasion and put a few questions. I can remember two we failed to answer: if a herring and a half costs three half-pence, how many do I get for a shilling? And point out the 185° of longitude. The people living near the school must have been very patient to tolerate all the noise and disturbance when we were let out for recess with all the running, jumping, ball-throwing and yelling etc.
55, 23, 6 June 1934, page 1
Sid. Pearce Jnr’s account of A Trip to Southern Yorke’s Peninsula is continued.
Burra District Council, 1 June
The Royal Commission on Local Government Areas will take evidence at Kooringa on 21 June.
The Council appointed Chairman N.H. Pearse and Cr G.G. Hawkes as spokesmen. Council directed them to say that the Council was operating as economically as was possible given their need to cope with Broken Hill traffic and the Mongolata Goldfield and that they are the greatest contributors to the Burra Hospital of all contributing councils.
55, 23, 6 June 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 9 June
Paul Muni and 37 featured players in I am a Fugitive
Loretta Young & George Brent in They Call it Sin
The Baby Health Train makes its 10th visit to Burra next Saturday. Sister A.W.M. Lapworth will see mothers from Monday to Wednesday.
Weather. The dry spell has finally broken with 20 points on 31 May and then 27 on Saturday & Sunday. Some good falls were reported also to the east last week. Mulga Hill & Pulpara reported 130 points while Bendigo had 55 and a big flow of water from higher up. Directly east of Burra falls were 20-30 points.
An Earth Tremor was felt in Burra at 1.15 a.m. last Thursday. It travelled from north to south. An explosive sound was followed by a roar like thunder and the rattling of doors and windows. A second less severe shock followed at 3.15 a.m.
The Salvation army Silver Band from Renmark visited Burra on Wednesday last. They played several selections at the Burra Hospital and in the evening gave a concert at the Army Hall before which they played in the Rotunda. The local officer Captain C.E. Moore presided.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 20th stage of the Fearon Trophy on 2 June.
This should have been the final, but W. Woodman & C. Collins tied and so a shoot-off will decide the winner on 9 June.
55, 23, 6 June 1934, page 2
The Golf Club Ball was held in the Institute on the evening of 30 May. S.E. Stewart & A.L. Bence provided near life-sized caricatures of some of our prominent golfers as part of the decorations. They were wonderfully well done and caused much amusement. Music was by the Gawler Syncopators Jazz Orchestra.
Basketball
Aberdeen No. 1 defeated High School 30-29.
Aberdeen No. 2 defeated Kooringa 21-9.
55, 23, 6 June 1934, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Gordon, mother of Linly M. Gordon of Kooringa, died at Jamestown on 28 May [aged 70]. She had been a resident for almost 60 years. [Born Annie McLachlan.]
Obituary. Mrs F.R. Wigley died at her residence at Brighton at midday Saturday. She was the eldest daughter (MaryYoung) of Mrs & the late William Pitt Barker of Baldina Station and had spent most of her life in the district, having only recently gone to live at her summer residence on account of her health. After marrying Mr Wigley she lived for many years on their property ‘Carraca’ near Leighton. She took a keen and practical interest in both St Mary’s at Burra and St Edmund’s at Booborowie. She was for many years closely identified with the local Red Cross Circle, being at times President, Vice-President and secretary and was a liberal supporter of the cause. She was also closely associated with the Liberal Federation and assisted in almost any object of a philanthropic nature. She is survived by a husband, two sisters, Miss Muriel Barker & Mrs Whitlock-Jones (Adelaide) and one brother Mr John R. Barker (Baldina).
[Born Mary Young Barker 12 April 1876 at St John’s Wood SA: died 2 June 1934 at Brighton SA.]
Redruth Methodist Church celebrated its anniversary 3 & 4 June when Rev. W.O. Harris preached in the morning and evening and Rev. E.G. Neil in the afternoon. Details occupy 2⁄3 column.
‘Lest We Forget’ writes ironically congratulating the Mayor T.H. Woollacott on his recent letter criticising the lack of support for Empire Day observance at the school and saying wryly: ‘I do believe there was a time when His Worship was not in accord with public men airing their views through the Press.’
The Booborowie Correspondent explains at some length why people there are opposed to Council amalgamation.
There are tentative proposals to annex Anne Ward to Terowie and to form a new Council by amalgamating Ayers Ward with Hanson, Mt Bryan and Burra DCs. Ayers Ward became a DC in 1875, but little progress was made until c. 1910 owing to the paralysing tendency that large holdings had on progress. Anne Ward was added in 1888 when neither Hallett not Mt Bryan wanted it.
In 1909 the assessment for Ayers was £9,000 and for Anne £5,885 for a rate income of £522 from 131 assessments.
In 1929 the assessment for Ayers was £33, 199 and for Anne £18,328 for a rate income of £3,429-4-0 from 353 assessments.
This change was largely due to closer settlement.
Merging Booborowie district with other low priced districts will stop the progress of Booborowie in the same way the large estates did in the past. Not so long ago there was a yearly contract to destroy rabbits in the [unoccupied] area of the town. Now there are 3 churches, a hall, a hotel, 3 stores, a bank, a post office, continuous telephone service, a motor garage, a blacksmith & saddler, a butcher, a baker, a school, stock sale yards, tennis courts, a cricket pitch and football, golf & croquet grounds. In other parts of the district there are 2 churches, a hall, 4 schools, a post office, a cemetery and football, gold & tennis grounds. The roads compare favourably with those in similar districts. Mr Melrose might be right in asserting that the merging of Councils will not mean the destruction of small towns, but it will certainly stop any appreciable progress. The Council is one of the largest customers in the town and its location has a great impact on the town’s progress.
Golf. Hallett visited on Saturday and defeated the local team 7 to 3.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. 1 June.
At 200ft level the winze advanced from 90 to 107ft on a lode 7’6” wide with ironstone veins 3 to 6” wide with traces of gold. Division timbering in the winze to 90ft for ventilation.
At 92ft level the south drive advanced from 201 to 215ft on a 3ft lode pan tested at 2dwt per ton.
At 52ft level the north stope is on a 2’6” lode averaging 10dwt per ton by pan test.
30 tons of ore won from stope for the fortnight.
Golden Harp. No. 1 winze Baker’s Tunnel north drive advanced 10ft on a 3ft lode av. 2-3dwt per ton.
South drive advanced to 23ft on 3ft lode at 3dwt per ton.
Shaft. North drive advanced to 45ft on 2ft lode. Started to sink winze from level above to connect with drive at bottom level for ventilation. Winze advanced 11ft. Ore body 2ft wide testing 1oz per ton. Won 10 tons of ore for the fortnight.
We have finished crushing 200 tons of ore out of 400 ready for a return of 339oz 8dwt.
Byles’ GM Co. has declared a dividend of 6d per share payable 2 July.
Mongolata South GM Syndicate, known as Fred Lewis’s claim, has been floated. The directors are Mr McEwin (of Barker Bros. Adelaide), Mr W. Pexton (Glenelg) & Mr Pritchard (Adelaide). It is expected that work will start soon.
Fine gold has been quoted recently at £8-8-6 per ounce.
In Adelaide recently 20 MPs have inspected the large slug and other gold recently discovered at Takati Mine Mongolata.
Burra Athletic & Cycling Club. The first road race in connection with this recently formed club created great interest on Saturday and a large crowd assembled in Market Square to see the riders sent on their way over the 5-mile course. Riders went to Aberdeen then via Copperhouse Road to Dew’s Corner and back past the Hospital to end at the Billiard Saloon in Market Square. Bob Morton was first, then Les Irlam, Cyril Baker & Jack Cockshell. Cockshell was leading at Dew’s Corner when he unfortunately fell bringing down several riders and causing a deal of gravel rash. The intended foot race at the football on 9 June will not take place due to lack of local runners.
55, 23, 6 June 1934, page 4
Mongolata Table Tennis Club conducted its second tournament. The winner was L. Kellaway with Miss Joyce Carpenter second. Results are printed.
Mongolata Water Supply. The catchment tank has been renovated and the faulty portion re-sheeted with new rubberoid and it is probable the tank itself will be cleaned out. It is hoped this will end complaints about the water.
Solomon Williams. Reminiscences of Burra in the 1850s & Early 1860s (Concluded)
At the start of these reminiscences I asked where the Post Office & Court were in the 1850s. No one seems to know so I will now reveal the answer. There was, and perhaps still is, a small footbridge across the creek in Queen Street not far from Commercial St. About 60 yards south of this was Bruce’s [Bruse’s] carpenter’s shop and between there and the bridge were two small attached cottages. These were used as the Court House and Post Office and seemed quite unsuitable to house such institutions.
The vehicle that brought the mail was a large spring cart drawn by three horses, one in the shafts and two in the lead. It was timed to arrive at about 7 p.m., but sometimes due to bad roads and adverse weather it was an hour or two late. On such occasions the waiting boys had a good time at games etc. and I have often been among them. The veteran driver was Fred Gurney who lived near Commercial St where the creek crosses it. When driving past his home he would call out ‘Mail O, Mail O, Mail O and the boys said this was to warn Mrs Gurney to get his supper ready.
I was once a witness at the court. When I was about eight I was one day sitting astride the top rail of a cow yard when a woman with a cut and bruised face came from a nearby house to the Clerk of the Court to lay an information against her husband for assault. A few days later a policeman came and took me to the court to give evidence of what I had seen. Mr T.W. Powell was the Clerk of the Court and the postmaster.
I was interested as a boy to see them build the stone arched bridge across Commercial Street. This was the first time I had seen arch-building and upon its completion it was duly christened and declared open for traffic. A small daughter of Mr Samuel Drew had been selected to perform the ceremony. Preparation was made by fixing a post to the stone side of the bridge from which was suspended a bottle of wine. There were a number of people present when Mr Drew instructed the little girl what to say and then the bottle was shattered against the bridge. There were no speeches, but a few cheers and some coppers were scattered by Mr George Bennett to be scrambled for by the boys. Bennett was the ginger beer brewer whose place was next to the Miners’ Arms Hotel. All the water used for brewing ale by the Burra Brewery came from the well at the back of Bennett’s ginger beer works. The brewery was situated just past the Burra Hotel now the Hospital. A water cart drawn by a white horse called ‘Colonel’ was constantly plying between the well and the brewery for years. I think the water supply for Kooringa was quite inadequate because the rainfall was not generous and one seldom saw a corrugated iron tank, though they were being made in the 1860s. [Tanks were uncommon before iron replaced shingles for roofing in the 1870s & later.] Water was stored in zinc lined packing cases procured from the drapers. These were unreliable as they had a habit of springing a leak just when most wanted. In summer when rains came to fill them up the extra pressure burst the thin and rotten zinc. There were a few wells from which water could be carried with two buckets and a hoop. Water carts also operated, but there is a great difference between now and then in water supply. The scarcity of water was felt severely in case of accidental fire. One outbreak I witnessed showed how helpless people were. A stone and weatherboard house near the Wesleyan Schoolroom opposite Mr Geake’s shop in Queen St was owned by a German family named Langenbergen. Nothing could be done till the fire engine came down from the Mine and even then it was not very effective because it had to depend on three water carts bringing water from Sampson’s Well across the bridge near the Bible Christian Church. Despite many helpers the house burnt down before they could properly get going.
In the late 1850s there were four principal butchers in Kooringa: Messrs Watts, Uhlmann, Edwards & Gebhardt. They were all decent and honourable men, but there was a feeling in the town that the price of meat was too high and an agitation among the miners resulted in the formation of ‘The Anti-Butchers Association’. The premises secured were situated in Queen St on the corner opposite Mr J. Winnall’s residence (later McBride’s). This house was transformed into a butcher’s shop. The miners held working bees to erect yards for sheep, pigs, hay and slaughtering facilities, stables, cart sheds etc. The first manager was Mr Eddy and the secretary Mr Furness, a brother of Mr Furness the accountant at the Mine. [Furniss] A good start was made in supplying cheaper meat, but this did not last for long and I believe the credit system wrecked the enterprise. The manager could not easily deny credit to shareholders for fear of their returning to the other butchers and so many bad debts resulted; besides we know that a company is not usually managed as economically as a private business. After a few years the company had to go into liquidation and many lost money over the project.
55, 24, 13 June 1934, page 1
Football.
Kooringa 1.3 7.5 10.5 17.7 (109)
Booborowie 5.5 5.8 9.10 13.11 (89)
Hallett 9.19 defeated Spalding 4.5
LCL Women’s Branch AGM. President Mrs I.J. Warnes expressed regret at losing the minute secretary Miss M. Riggs who is leaving the district. Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames E. Jettner, C. Murray, J. Flower, S. Robinson & E. Marston; Secretary, Miss Wilkinson & Minute Secretary, Miss G. Riggs. Average attendance in the past year had been 8. Regret was also expressed for the passing of Mrs Wilkinson & Mrs Wigley during the year.
55, 24, 13 June 1934, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will conduct a clearing sale for E.J. McKenzie who has left the district, at the property at the south end of Queen St on Friday 22 June.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 16 June
Sylvia Sidney & Chester Morris in The Miracle Man
Randolph Scott & Sally Blane in Heritage of the Desert
Salvation Army. The new officers will be Captain & Mrs Lacey who will soon take over from the relieving officer Captain Moore.
Basketball. On Saturday High School and Aberdeen II drew 25 each.
Kooringa forfeited to Aberdeen I.
Mongolata Tennis Club held a successful dance at the Oddfellows Hall in Aberdeen on Saturday night.
Kooringa Methodist Young Worshippers’ League held their annual service last Sunday conducted by Rev. G.C. Hutchinson.
Burra Rifle Club. The shoot-off for the Fearon Trophy was won by W. Woodman who defeated C. Collins 92 to 87.
The shoot-off for the runner-up in the Club Championship handicap event went to H.H. Byles 91 over J.E. Pearce 87.
55, 24, 13 June 1934, page 3
Tom Canny writes a response to an article that had appeared the previous week The Futility of Socialism. He defends Government run enterprises.
H. Morgan writes in response to the Smith’s Weekly story on Mongolata. H. Byles did not discover the gold at Mongolata. His pegs were practically in the same place as those put out by the late Ted Bywaters years before and he duly registered his claim and the holes in which he obtained gold were only a few yards from the present shaft. Almost everyone had heard ‘Old Teddy’ talk about the gold he had been getting since 1924.
The editor also points out that Mr Byles was a station manager and not a boundary rider as the Smith’s Weekly article stated.
Burra Red Cross held its AGM with President Mrs J. Tennant in the chair. Mrs Wigley had been a great loss this year. Elected were President, Mrs J. Tennant; Vice Presidents, Mesdames C.J. Pearce, W.H. Sandland, D.M. Steele & Max Pearce and Secretary, Mrs Marston.
The usual jumble sale will be held at a date yet to be fixed.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate; fortnight to 2 June
J.E. Hogan reports having sunk the shaft to 39ft; timbered where necessary. The leader was now 5” wide with values estimated at 2-3oz per ton.
At 39ft level started driving on a leader north and south. North to 8ft and south to 4ft.
Expected to crush 25 tons on 15 June.
A.H. Farnden reports sinking a shaft to 45ft. Stopped sinking and has come up 25ft and started to stope out ore at the north end of the shaft showing good values.
We understand several interstate investors have put capital into the field.
The battery is still going at full pressure and gold has been quoted at £8-10-6 an ounce.
Marriage. At Gartrell Memorial Church 9 June
Gwen Humphris, only daughter of Mrs W.H. Sandland of ‘Heathmont’ Kooringa and the late C.H. Humphris, married O. [Oscar Gustav] Esselbach, only son of Mr & Mrs O. Esselbach of Westbourne Park.
Booborowie Ratepayers met on 9 June in the Booborowie Hall to discuss the proposals to amalgamate Councils. T.J. Wedding was voted into the chair. The meeting was to canvas ratepayers’ opinions. The combined revenue of Hallett, Mt Bryan & Burra DCs did not equal that of Booborowie DC. Ann Ward alone would produce as much as any of the eastern Councils. There was no advantage to Booborowie in enlarging the area of the Council. Mr A.C. Woodgate said amalgamation merely meant greater centralisation, which is already of sufficient detriment without extending it. H.A. Mayfield was also opposed. W.C. Catt was against it too, but said if any amalgamation was forced on them then areas to the north and south should be merged rather than east and west, owing to the ranges. The decision was that they should stay as they were, but if that failed then a merger with Hanson would be the least disadvantageous.
55, 24, 13 June 1934, page 4
Sid Pearce Jnr’s report on A Trip to Southern Yorke’s Peninsula is concluded.
Burra Town Council, 5 June
J.T. Pascoe as Secretary of the Brass Band drew attention to the generosity of Mr James Thomas in having a number of lights placed in the Rotunda at his own expense. A letter of appreciation will be sent.
E.J. Mortimer was permitted to keep a pig at the Bon Accord Hotel.
A move to waive the 10/- building fee on the Club House at the Golf Club failed.
The brass plate attached to the Burra Hall in the Adelaide Cheer-Up Hut has been returned to the Council. It reads:
The Central Portion of the Hut
Has been christened
THE BURRA HALL
In recognition of
THE MAGNIFICENT ASSISTANCE
Rendered to the
CHEER-UP SOCIETY
By the Mayor and Residents of the
Burra
November 24th 1915
A vote of thanks was passed to General Weir. A number of other Cheer-Up Hut memorabilia sent to the RSL will be treasured.
Burra Hotel proprietor was given permission to grow vegetables in part of the right of way adjacent to the hotel, there being no traffic using the right of way.
There was considerable debate over moved to impound loose dogs and destroy them after four days. This led into a discussion concerning recent poisoning of dogs, but eventually a motion to appoint a catcher was carried.
So far there has been no reply to a request that the Duke of Gloucester should visit Burra while on his SA tour. The matter was left with the Mayor and Town Clerk.
55, 25, 20 June 1934, page 1
The Annual St Joseph’s Dance was held in the Institute 13 June and was a great success. Music was by the local Harmony Jazz Orchestra: F. McGuire (drums), W. Ryan (banjo), N. Thorpe (Saxophone), A.W. Andrews (trumpet) & R. Pearce (piano).
Hanson School Committee raised £8 from a social and dance in the Hanson Soldiers’ Memorial Hall on 7 June.
Mr & Mrs A.C. Aughey were given a farewell social in the Hanson Sunday School Hall prior to their departure to live in Burra.
55, 25, 20 June 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 23 June
Maurice Chevalier & Jeanette McDonald in One Hour with You
Lionel Barrymore & Nancy Carroll in The Broken Lullaby
Salvation Army. Captain & Mrs Lacey have taken up duties.
Charles Grow who was born in the banks of the Burra Creek in 1858 will be 76 on 25 June.
Burra Homing Club. The first race of the season from Peterborough on 2 June was won by A.H. Broad. The one from Tarlee on 9 June was won by P. Byrne and that from Yunta on 16 June was won by A. Sampson.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club ran the second road race on Saturday 16 June. It was won by Pohlner in 18 min 50.5 secs.
55, 25, 20 June 1934, page 3
D. McDonald Steele writes reporting on the success of the Youth’s Occupational Campaign in Burra. It was a partial success in that some classes were run in useful subjects, but he was disappointed in the low number of entrants both from boys and girls, as many more were eligible. He was also disappointed at those who enrolled, but failed to attend.
Carpentry: 6 enrolled and it was well attended and good progress was made.
Motor Mechanics: 8 enrolled, but no one ever attended.
Shorthand & Typing: 6 enrolled and it was well attended with good progress.
Book-keeping: 6 enrolled and it was well attended with good progress.
The Sheep: 5 enrolled, but attendance was irregular and eventually fizzled out.
Wireless: 9 enrolled, but no one ever attended.
First Aid: six enrolled. [Outcome not reported.]
He did not believe the fault lay with the teachers and he placed much of the blame on the parents. A further attempt will be made to effect the enrolment of larger numbers.
Obituary. Mrs Agnes Lihou died at the residence of her daughter Mrs E. Bass on Wednesday 13 June. She had been suffering from pleurisy, but had made a good recovery when she died suddenly. She was 79 and had been born at sea in the vicinity of the Cape of Good Hope during the voyage of her parents Mr & Mrs Ferguson from Scotland to Australia. The family lived first at Brisbane, but most of her youth was spent in Victoria where she married Henry Lihou on 28 July 1873. In 1882 the couple and their young family came to Burra where they spent the rest of their lives. Mrs Lihou spent her life devoted to her children and then her grandchildren – sewing and mending and taking a great interest in their sports. Mr Lihou died many years ago [1903]. Of a family of nine, five daughters and two sons survive: Mesdames J. McVicars (Victoria), George Lawn (Adelaide), E. Bass (Kooringa), E. Wohling (Kooringa), F. Symons (Broken Hill), and Messrs Thomas & Lionel Lihou of Olary. There are 20 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren.
Obituary. Nurse E.H. Gray, sister of Mrs A.B. Feltus (formerly Nurse Woollacott) died after a serious operation at Berri Hospital. She was born at Redruth 33 years ago, the daughter of John Robinson Gray of Redruth and the late Nurse F.E. Gray. She was a sister of John R. Gray of Glossop and W.G. H. Gray of Adelaide. [Born Emily Helene Gray 28 March 1900 at Redruth: died 17 June 1934 at Berri. She was Mrs A.B. Feltus’ half-sister by Mr Gray’s second wife.]
Obituary. Miss Jane Brooks an esteemed resident of Booborowie died at Burra Hospital on Sunday aged 74. [Died 17 June 1934.]
A.A. Davey writes as a dog lover commending the Council’s moves to control dogs.
Football.
Spalding 25 37 76 89
Kooringa 14 37 49 81
Booborowie 11.11 defeated Hallett 11.8.
Delegates’ Meeting 11 June
Among more routine matters Mr Ledgard for Spalding said they were very dissatisfied with the umpiring, especially with that of S. Kellaway [Jnr] and asked that something be done.
Mr Rohde of Hallett said their instructions were to vote against S. Kellaway as a central umpire.
Mr Harding for Booborowie said they were very dissatisfied with the match of 9 June, especially the first half.
Mr Kennedy of Kooringa said they too were dissatisfied with umpiring, especially that of G. Harris and they wanted change.
S. Kellaway Sen. rose and said that as a delegate and not as a father he thought ‘S. Kellaway was making a very fair job of umpiring.’
It was resolved after considerable debate to appoint two more umpires from the list of previous applicants, effective 16 June.
Mr Kellaway Sen.’s amendment that there be no change failed for want of a seconder.
Mongolata Tennis Club’s 3rd Table Tennis Tournament was won by Vic. Donovan from Lel Kellaway.
Social & Dance at Wildildie Wool Shed on Saturday drew only a small crowd, but was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
55, 25, 20 June 1934, page 4
Reprint from Murray Pioneer of an article on Sailem Gam or Sailey Gam, an old Indian said to be about 100 and living on Brenda Park Station near Morgan. He fought with the Ghurkhas under Field Marshal Roberts in the Afghan Wars and came to Australia as an old man in 1892.
55, 26, 27 June 1934, page 1
Football
Hallett 2.2 4.7 7.11 8.14 (62)
Kooringa 2.1 8.3 8.6 9.6 (60)
Booborowie 7.11 defeated Spalding 4.9.
Burra Town Council, 18 June
A.A. Davey applied for permission to erect a house in Kingston St.
Cr Riggs was appointed Council representative on the Burra Hospital Board.
The Cemetery well has gone dry. Water pipes are to be laid from Cr Sampson’s well to the cemetery with his kind permission.
Mr Roach of Aberdeen reports roots of a tree are cracking his house. The Inspector will report on the situation.
55, 26, 27 June 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 30 June
Jan Kiepura & Sonnie Hale in Tell Me Tonight
Jack Payne & His Band in Say It With Music
Wanda Rooke of Baldina left Burra on Friday to take up nursing at Northfield General Hospital.
Basketball. Aberdeen I 34 defeated High School 32.
Aberdeen II 19 defeated Kooringa 14.
Foresters Lodge District Secretary Mr W. Brunell visited on 20 June. It is proposed to form a female lodge in Burra.
Obituary. Dr Elliott Brummitt died in Adelaide on Monday. Many folk remember his father the late Dr Robert Brummitt, though it is many years since he left Burra. Dr Elliott Brummitt was born in Kooringa in 1880 and spent his boyhood here before going to Prince Alfred College. He saw several years of service in the Great War. His only brother Dr R.D. (Bob) Brummitt died about two years ago [21 May 1933]. He is survived by his widow, his mother and two sisters: Mrs S. Forsyth & Miss Gladys Brummitt.
[Elliott Arthur Brummitt born 8 April 1880 at Kooringa: died 25 June 1934 Medindie.]
Vandalism to many trees at the racecourse is of great concern. It is almost certain who the culprits are and the committee of the Assoc. is determined to stop the damage and will prosecute offenders as indicated by a notice in another column.
Burra Rifle Club Trophies are on display in R.D. Pascoe’s window.
Mr & Mrs John G. Oates of Aberdeen celebrated their Golden Wedding on Monday 25 June. Mr Oates is the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Philip Oates of Ironmine and later of Prospect and Mrs Oates is the eldest daughter Eva of the late Mr & Mrs William Langsford of Ironmine. Six children assembled to celebrate with them: Miss Mabel (Prospect), Percy V. (Poonunda), Addie Mrs Walter Finch (Leighton), Oscar (Kooringa), Elsie Mrs R.H. Finch (St Peters) & Lily Mrs J.W. Pickering (Cheltenham).
Weather. Rain is falling as we go to press and since Monday evening 20 points has fallen. The eastern country urgently needs rain, as ewes are leaving their lambs due to lack of necessary nourishment.
Burra Homing Club. The race from Tarlee on 23 June was won by J. Harris.
55, 26, 27 June 1934, page 3
Stan Kellaway writes re a recent Burra Football Assoc. meeting at which Spalding objected to S. Kellaway Jnr as an umpire on the grounds of inconsistency. In addition Hallett delegates had been instructed to vote against him as central umpire. Mr Kellaway says he rose to object, not as a father, but as a delegate and member of the Umpire Committee. He said Hallett had condemned S. Kellaway Jnr before he had even bounced a ball in the first match and this they had not denied. Furthermore any complaint should have gone to the Umpire Committee. Since the resolution to appoint more umpires was passed, the meeting clearly over-rode the Umpire Committee, which he therefore regards as defunct. He therefore submits his resignation from the committee.
‘Turkish Bath’ writes suggesting the use of unemployed youths to dig out a public swimming pool by hand – their reward being free use of the baths for life. The Burra Council would control the scheme and the pool so built should be called the Stanley Jarvis Swimming Pool.
Mr & Mrs E.J. McKenzie were given a farewell social at the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School by the church on 20 June. Mrs McKenzie was presented with a tall silver vase for her support for the church. Books were given to Masters Mervyn and Reginald McKenzie.
Mongolata folk held a dance in the Wildildie Wool Shed on Saturday that was a great success.
They also fielded two cricket teams on Sunday and played a game: The Gentlemen of Bore Creek v. The Rest.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. to 15 June
200ft level. Winze advanced to 124ft & timbered. Lode 5-6ft wide on hanging wall; very broken requiring timbering. Narrow quartz & ironstone seams with traces of gold.
92ft level. South drive to 231ft with lode formation 4ft wide: low grade.
52ft level. No. 1 stope north, lode 3ft wide with av. pan test 10dwt per ton.
30 tons raised for the fortnight.
Golden Harp. Baker’s Tunnel. Winze advanced to 93ft. Samples from bottom gave pan test of 5dwt per ton. Seam width 2’6”.
No. 1 Shaft. Winze advanced to 21 ft on 2ft wide lode with pan test 5dwt per ton.
No. 2 Shaft on extreme south of lease advance to 12ft on seam 18” wide of quartz & ironstone with pan test 1-10dwt per ton.
Crushing expected by the end of the month.
Curlew, Baldina & Takati have had recent crushings said to be satisfactory.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club is moving to have the cycle track at Victoria Park put in order – graded and rolled.
H.H. Byles writes re who found the gold at Mongolata. He says he was in no way responsible for the statements in the Smith’s Weekly article. We all know, he says, that the late Ted Bywaters found small quantities of gold at Mongolata. It is also known that gold was found there 40 years ago by the late Ben Williams and the late W. Moore. What H.H. Byles can claim is that he found the reef and the payable gold that put Mongolata on the map as a goldfield. He also says the pegs put in by Ted Bywaters were 3-4 chains away from his own and that when he registered his claim the Department of Mines informed him they had no previous applications for a claim from there. Mr Bywaters had told H.H. Byles that he was glad Byles had pegged a claim, as he didn’t know where his gold had come from, having found it in the dirt in small quantities. Byles didn’t claim to have found the first gold, but it was by his perseverance and efforts that Mongolata was what it was today – a field that had produced £40,000 worth in a little over 3 years.
The Wesley Club at Ironmine held a ‘Back to Front’ social on 19 June, which drew a fair crowd despite the extreme cold. Hall seating was reversed and the evening began with the National Anthem.
Burra Benevolent Society on 27 June elected: President, Mr J. Thomas and Miss Wilkinson will assist Miss Coglin in the secretary’s role after the latter signified her intention of resigning.
55, 26, 27 June 1934, page 4
District Council Boundaries
The submission of the Mt Bryan DC to the Commission on Council Boundaries by I.J. Warnes & C.E. Collins is printed in full over some 21⁄2 columns. It outlines the history of the DC, saying it began about 1868, but the Hundreds of Mongolata & Rees were added in 1877. Gradually the district’s main and district roads have been brought up to standard and now need little money for maintenance except when flood damage occurs. Mt Bryan is the social centre of the district and the local Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is used for socials and dances and has a billiard room. The submission outlines the economic responsibility and efficiency of the DC and their method of working. It describes the geographical conditions. The western half of the district is good agricultural land within Goyder’s Line and the east is purely pastoral with the promising goldfield at Mongolata. The west naturally generates most of the income, but also has most of the roads requiring attention.
The submission is strongly against any amalgamation and outlines six grounds for their stance.
They took it as a basic principle that decentralisation was desirable and the effects of amalgamation on Mt Bryan would be deleterious. Presently pay day at the Council generates a lot of business for local businesses and the Council finds it suitable to circulate a certain amount of its expenditure there too. This would be likely to cease on amalgamation, unless Mt Bryan were the centre of the new Council, in which case the disadvantages of centralisation would afflict another small centre.
Amalgamation would likely see the control of the District Hall removed to more distant hands out of touch with local needs.
The presence of the District clerk was an advantage to locals who consulted him on Council business and other local matters.
To the west at Booborowie and to the south at Hanson the residents were out of touch with Mt Bryan people and shared little community of interest.
Amalgamation of land assessed at a much higher value would mean a new assessment and a higher rate to the disadvantage of the ratepayers here.
The move would run counter to local feeling expressed at a well-attended local meeting.
The present Council was efficient, well run and responsible in its conduct.
Burra Golf Club. Last Saturday the 3rd Annual Open Championship Tournament was won for the second time by Dr W.E. Steven of Burra with D.A. Bell of Hamley Bridge as runner-up.
Complete results are printed.
55, 27, 4 July 1934, page 1
Leighton Cricket Club held a dance at Leighton hall last Wednesday to raise money for a new pitch.
Basketball. Aberdeen I 34 defeated Kooringa 8.
Aberdeen II 27 defeated High School 25.
Two teams from Burra Association will play two from Spalding next week.
[Personal interest: In the ‘A’ team for next week are Edna Allen, Margaret Pearce & Joan Fairchild. In the ‘B’ team are Veronica Allen & Sheila Fairchild.]
Burra Rifle Club AGM
The captain Clem W. Pearce said they had had a most successful year and he thanked the officers and committee for such good work.
The Fearon Cup went to W. Woodman an employee of Baldina Station [which seemed appropriate as it had been donated by Mr Fearon of Baldina Station, now living interstate.]
The Championship went to A.C. Aughey
Handicap Championship was won by Captain C.W. Pearce.
Marksman’s Trophy was won by H.H. Byles.
First 7 matches winner was W.G. Woodman.
Second 7 matches winner was E.C. Collins.
Last 6 matches’ winner was A.G. (Tom) Heinrich.
Elected were Captain, Clem W. Pearce; Vice-Captain, J.A. Riggs; Secretary, H.H. Byles and Treasurer & Armourer, J.E. Pearce.
The year is reported in great detail over 23⁄4 columns.
55, 27, 4 July 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 July
Janet Gaynor & Warner Baxter in Paddy the Next Best Thing
Clara Bow & Herbert Mundin in Hoopla
L.H. Edwards of the National Bank staff here for four and a half years has been transferred to Auburn and will be succeeded by Mr W. Coombe.
Mr Alex Harris late of Kooringa and now of Vaucluse Sydney paid a brief visit on Monday.
Weather. There was some light rain Monday and on Tuesday morning amounting in Burra to 20 points. Falls to the east were reported in the 25-50 points range. It is raining as we go to press and a further 66 points has so far fallen in the afternoon.
Football.
Booborowie 4.2 5.9 8.11 12.12 (84)
Kooringa 4.2 8.4 10.5 11.7 (73)
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club. The fourth race of the season over 11 miles went from Market Square to Ford’s Corner and then via Aberdeen and Copperhouse Road to dew’s Corner and thence past the Hospital to Market Square again. The winner was [T.?] Allen with [K.] Lower second and [G.] Miller third. Victoria Park cycle track is now in good order.
[Personal Interest: Handicaps are given for the forthcoming 2-mile track race and T. Fuss got 370 yards. Ted?]
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 27 June
Priscilla E. Villis, second daughter of Mrs & the late Mr Isaac Villis of Kooringa, married
George B. Morgan, fifth son of Mr & Mrs John Morgan late of Baldina and Kooringa.
Mongolata Tennis Club held another successful table tennis tournament and again Vic Donovan was the winner, but only after a tough struggle with Joyce Carpenter.
Mongolata. Mr Bill Carpenter has opened a local store on the goldfield.
H. Morgan writes on who found the Mongolata gold.
In 1884 the late Sir Frank Moulden was spending the school holidays at the old homestead and found small quantities of gold. He recounted this to me in 1915 and arrangements were made then to prospect certain sections and a few weeks later he arrived with a party which camped for a week where the Curlew Mine now is situated. Only a small amount of gold was recovered and no effort was made to locate a payable reef. A little later I had two men prospecting on Wildildie, but again only small quantities were found. The information about Ben Williams and William Moore may be true, but I know of no evidence to support it. Mr Bywaters was next and though it was understood that he had found rich specimens I am not aware that any other person knew the location of his finds. I would like to ask Mr Byles who first drove him up to the locality and if it is true that he moved his pegs three or four chains west when it was discovered someone else intended to peg on that side of his claim? If so why? I do not wish to belittle Mr Byles’ role because it is well known he spent a great deal of time and energy on the spot after finding payable gold. On two occasions a group of Burra businessmen discussed taking over the claim on terms very advantageous to him, but no agreement was arrived at. Mr W.J. Richards then came into the picture and I will say he has done more than all the prospectors or any other person to place Mongolata on the map as a goldfield.
Aberdeen Croquet Club. End of the 1933-34 season.
Trophy for Singles Champion Mrs E.L. Steer
Trophy for Handicap Singles Mrs Steer
Handicap Doubles Trophy Mrs W.J. McBride & Mrs J.G. Sara
Mallett Games Mrs F.M. Pearce
55, 28, 11 July 1934, page 1
Solomon Williams: Some More Reminiscences
He recalls the 1850s or thereabouts by constructing an imaginary conversation between two old timers recalling the early days.
One recalls boys learning to swim in the Burra Creek at the top end of Aberdeen in a fairly good pool about four feet deep with a sandy bottom. He went up there with W.H. Skewes from the smelting works. They had chosen this pool over the closer pool near the Mine Store because it was less public and in those days no one wore bathing costumes. Also the other pool was muddy and a favourite place for drowning dogs.
One recalls also John Beal ‘roper’ at the mine who was an old sailor who made a model of a full-rigged ship which he sailed on the pool near the Mine Store, setting the helm so that it would sail in a curve and return to shore. Mr Beal owned a Newfoundland dog named ‘Flo’ who would carry his hot dinner to him.
He recalls Burton’s Circus with its big tent before they had heard of entertainments like football, tennis, golf, hockey, lacrosse and talkies. They played a very different game of cricket. There were no stumps, only an old tin and they had a pick-handle for a bat, or fashioned one chopped out of any old board. They also played rounders and ‘warmers’ using a soft ball made by themselves. They would wind string or worsted yarn around a cork and then sew or knit a cover over it using buttonhole stitch.
One remembers yabbying at Princess Royal with Jack, Jim & George Merrett who lived near the cemetery and had formerly lived at Springbank where other early families had been Bosence, Rowe, Baggs, Mosey and Berryman. He also remembers when a boy named Knevett was lost for some days in foggy cold weather on Sugar Loaf Hill and died from exposure. He was a bearer at the funeral along with other boys. It was a long way to carry the coffin from the Catholic Church to the cemetery. All coffins were then hand-carried to the cemetery except for the Welsh who had a table with an edge to hold the coffin from slipping and carried it on their shoulders. The custom was to sing all the way to the grave.
One remembers the felling of the large trees along the creek and of swallows nests in them. The other talks of birds making bottle-shaped nests from little nodules of mud and says they were Fairy Martins not swallows.
Football,
Kooringa 4.2 9.12 10.12 14.15 (99)
Spalding 0.1 1.1 2.7 4.9 (33)
Hallett 11.16 defeated Booborowie 9.16
55, 28, 11 July 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 14 July
Claire Trevor & Jimmy Dunn in Hold That Girl
John Boles & Rosemary Ames in I Believed in You
Basketball. Burra ‘A’ defeated Spalding ‘A’ 16-14.
Burra ‘B’ defeated Spalding ‘B’ 26-14.
Hugh Bell who will be 80 next month suffered a stroke and fell forward into the fire. Although he was immediately rescued and suffered no serious injuries, those he did have were painful. He is in hospital.
James Tiver according to a report in the paper built in 1859 the big iron bridge in Aberdeen known as the Black Bridge. [This is not true. The iron bridge in Aberdeen, known as the Redruth Bridge, was built in 1879 to replace an earlier wooden bridge that was in a poor state, having barely survived the great flood of the previous year. James Tiver may perhaps have been responsible for the wooden bridge or the stonework for the approaches.]
Burra Homing Club. The race from Mt Lofty on 8 July was won by P. Byrnes.
Burra Cycle and Athletic Club held its first track race of the season over two miles. C. Griffiths was first followed by B. Morton & T. Fuss. The next race is a 31⁄3 mile road race.
55, 28, 11 July 1934, page 3
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 7 July
Maude Riggs, third & youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Arthur Riggs of Kooringa, married
James Marsh, second son of the late Mr & Mrs Marsh of Spalding.
Mongolata Sport
The cricket field is to get a concrete pitch following Mr George Morgan’s offer to cover the expense. There will be three cricket teams: North Central & South.
Patrons: G. Morgan, E.J. Harris, R. Jeffery, J. Hogan & W. Pexton; President, W. Carpenter; Vice-Presidents, I.J. Warnes, J.R. Barker, C. Opie, H.W. Mumme, O. Aberg, B. James, A. Ratcliffe, R.A. Lynch & M.W. Bednall; Secretary & Treasurer, L. Kellaway and Assistant Secretary, J. Horne.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM to 29 June.
At 200ft level. The winze advanced to 147ft and timbered on 6ft lode showing traces of gold.
At 92ft level. South drive advanced to 250ft on a 3ft wide lode of low grade.
At 52ft level. No. 1 stope north is on 18” lode averaging 5dwt per ton by pan test.
160 tons ready to crush.
Golden Harp. No. 1 winze Baker’s Tunnel advanced to 104ft on 3ft lode of low grade.
No. 1 shaft winze to connect with bottom level broke through. Will continue to stope again on 2ft lode averaging 1oz per ton.
No. 2 shaft on the south end of the lease has advanced to 13’6”, lode 18” wide and averaging 5dwt per ton. There are 20 tons ready to crush.
Baldina Mongolata GM has just crushed 26 tons averaging 13⁄4oz per ton.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate to 30 June.
Drove 3ft in the drive in the creek, but no values.
Started on north end of plain and struck a 5” seam east of the seam in the shaft. We are about 20-30ft south of the shaft and getting ore at 1oz per ton. Prospecting on the south side of the creek has shown no results.
Two parties of tributers have put through parcels of ore at the battery with satisfactory results.
‘Diamond Drill’ writes on who found the Mongolata Gold. He takes issue with references to the role of W.J. Richards. He disputes that he has done more than all the other prospectors, saying the Pexton Bros. have put in splendid work and Curlew and Baldina have also done much and the writer feels sure Mr Richards would blush at the suggestion he has done more – perhaps Mr Morgan meant he had done more than the Government.
Hanson Dances are becoming increasingly popular and last week over 100 dancers occupied the floor.
Weather. Glorious rain fell last Tuesday and was accompanied by half an hour of hail, which blocked gutters and caused problems. Street gutters and drains were also blocked threatening flooding at Bence’s and for the shops from Frank Harris’s to Drew & Crewes’, but the danger was averted. Hail in spoutings did result in minor water damage to some buildings. At Leighton hail the size of marbles was reported. Burra received 66 points and 1 inch fell at Leighton, but the fall was confined to a belt extending to Baldina and World’s End. Springbank got only 5 points.
Another 66 points fell in Burra on Sunday and this fall was more general in the agricultural areas with many reports between 40 & 80 points. World’s End got 75 and Robertstown 114, but it did not extend further east, where only very low falls are reported. There was a good flow down Burra Creek.
55, 28, 11 July 1934, page 4
C.W. Stephens received severe head injuries when he fell from the scaffolding at the new Methodist Church at Farrell’s Flat on 4 July.
Burra Town Council, 2 June
£1 was donated to Minda Home.
Approval that was granted by the Town Clerk to grade and gravel the Victoria Park bicycle track was endorsed by Council.
Sympathy was extended to Cr Jeffery for the recent serious eye injury he sustained.
Council will inspect the deteriorating Victoria Park wall to decide on repair or a replacement with a hedge or other steps.
The Mayor said unemployment in the town was rife and he deplored the lack of Council funds to assist the men.
Satisfaction was expressed at the reduction in the dog nuisance. Applications are to be called for the
position of dog-catcher.
55, 29, 18 July 1934, page 1
Premier’s Visit to Burra
Last Friday Premier Hon. R.L. Butler accompanied by Hon. S.W. Jefferies Minister for Education, Employment and Attorney General visited to discuss Burra’s unemployment problem. District MPs G.F. Jenkins, A.D. McDonald and Alex Melrose also attended. They were met by the Mayor T.H. Woollacott and the Councillors.
After lunch they went to Copperhouse School where they met the head teacher Mr Nelson and members of the school committee. A deputation waited on the Minister re a land survey and a shelter shed for the students.
The Minister of Education then visited Burra Primary and High Schools. The Primary School was decorated with flowers and gum tips. Mr McConnon the headmaster of the Primary School received the visitors who were also welcomed by the school committee. The Minister said it was a pleasure to see the children in a well lit and well built school that was not overcrowded. After addressing the pupils he regretted that on this occasion he could not grant a half holiday, but he said that the September holidays this year would be extended by four days to mark the Royal Visit of the Duke of Gloucester. Each class then received a visit.
The party then proceeded to the High School where the Minister met the staff and addressed the students. The visitors then made their way to the Institute, picking up the Premier en route, for the main object of the visit. A deputation of the Mayor and Councillors expounded on the unemployment situation in Burra. They requested funding for local unemployment relief work. Mr McDonald in introducing the deputation pointed out that the Council had done all it could in this way and their actions had placed severe strains on Council funds. Burra’s location meant that unemployed from a large district gravitated towards the town.
The mayor took up Mr McDonald’s argument. He said that in 1930 their revenue had been over £3,500 while now it was only £2,000 and wards that had received £500 for their work now got only £150. As an old town Burra had many old building that produced very little in rates. Out of the £2,000 income unavoidable expenses such as the Burra Hospital contribution (£170), street lighting, fire brigade, salaries and rent took about two thirds of it leaving little to be expended on the town.
Funds expended on unemployment relief had been:
1931-32 £58-10-0
1932-33 £44-18-0
1933-34 £104-7-0
Total £207-15-0
An additional £290 had also been expended in extra labour employed to assist the unemployed in payment of rates etc. making a total pf over £500. As things stand now the Council will end the year with a deficit of at least £200.
Being located as it was with Goyder’s line only six miles east many local men were employed on sheep stations in good years, but because of the depression and the drought employment there was now minimal and the wheat farmers were in a similar position. As a result Burra was a centre to which much unskilled labour had gravitated. There was a population of about 1,800. Shearing used to be another source of employment for local men, but now most was done by companies that moved from shed to shed. When men were allowed to work off their rates they received no income for their labour, but the Council received no money either. The Mayor had a list of 70 unemployed men, many of them married. These men were not part of any union activity, nor were they of any particular political party: all they wanted was work and that urgently.
The Council’s second request was for a second tank at the town’s reservoir. The present tank held only 8,000 gallons, whereas the reserve there ought to be 150-200,000 gallons. The Mayor linked this request to the first by asking that local men get the work of building it. The present limited supply of water was insufficient in the event of fires. In summer the daily consumption was often 20,000 gallons and pumping had to go on day and night. At present after 4.30 p.m. pressures dropped in all parts of the town and in some places virtually to zero. A small town like Booleroo Centre had a reserve of 250,000 gallons and so he thought Burra equally entitled.
Other Councillors spoke in support of these requests. They said expenditure was needed on the roads and stressed the way that local expenditure on helping the unemployed had been significant. Cr Bevan also took up the cudgels for the men at Mongolata, acknowledging the benefits gained from the battery, but decrying the water supply, which was the colour of weak tea and tasted of rubberoid and tar and said that recent so-called improvements had merely meant new rubberoid and the water remained tainted. He also thought it wasteful that ballast was being brought in from afar when only one man was at the Aberdeen Quarry and its plant was lying idle when it could easily supply excellent quality ballast (and offer employment).
Cr Jeffery added his voice to the need for expenditure on roads and Cr Sampson agreed and also supported the need to assist Mongolata and the Aberdeen Quarry.
The Premier responded. He felt unemployment would have fallen this year, but for the drought. He said the Department was considering giving sums for unemployment relief and Burra had every chance of getting the £300 asked for. He asked that their requests be placed in writing and undertook to look into the Ballast Quarry question.
(Concluded on page 4.)
He would seek a report from the hydraulic engineer about the reservoir issue. He had expectations of a better year to come.
55, 29, 18 July 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 21 July
Joe E. Brown & Ginger Rogers in You Said a Mouthful
James Cagney & Madge Evans in The Mayor of Hell
Obituary. Clayton William Pens died 6 July at Adelaide Hospital. He was the brother of Jack, Murray, Norman, Emma, Doris and Eileen. [Born Clasen William Pens 21 September 1892 Kooringa: died 6 July 1934 Adelaide, residence Brompton as Clayton William Pens.]
W.A. Cole on the staff of the Kooringa Post Office for two years will go to Kalangadoo after his annual leave. He received a presentation from staff.
George A. Hann has received a position in the Taxation Office in Adelaide. This is quite an achievement, as there is a waiting list of over 500 applicants.
H.J. Clements, proprietor of the Ayers Forest Saw-mill on Mr Steele’s property, had the thumb of his right had amputated at the first joint after catching it in the saw on Friday.
The Institute Committee’s second dance for the season saw a marked increase in attendance on Wednesday. Profits aid the Institute.
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Rogers died at her residence in Hanson on Sunday aged 75. She was the second daughter of Joseph Ford of Basin Farm and her death removes one of Hanson Methodist Church’s most consistent members. She is survived by a husband, one son and one daughter: Reuben T.F. Rogers & Mrs H.E. Atkins, both of Hanson. There is also one brother Mr Elisha Ford and one sister Miss Annie Ford of Kooringa. [Born Cary Ford 20 October 1957 at Kooringa: died 15 July 1934 at Hanson as Carrie Rogers.]
Obituary. Mr Eddie Bennetts of Broken Hill died 16 July. He was an old Burra boy and a cousin of Miss Annie Ford of Kooringa. [See extended obituary 55, 30, 25 July. 1934, page 3.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM for fortnight to 13 July.
200ft Level. Winze to 164ft and timbered. Lode at bottom 8ft wide with traces of gold.
92ft Level. South drive advanced to 279ft on 3ft lode in low grade ore.
Commenced to open up on contact seam at two points north of the main shaft. Seam 6” wide in both locations with gold visible at times.
Golden Harp. No. 1 shaft commenced stoping and taken out 10 tons of ore, averaging 1oz per ton by pan test.
No. 2 shaft advanced to 81ft on 18” lode averaging 5dwt per ton by pan test.
Expect a crushing about 19 July.
CWA met on 13 July to form a Younger Set Burra Branch. President, Bernice Potter; Secretary, Molly Walker & Treasurer, Myrtle Robinson. First meeting to be 27 July at 2.30 p.m.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club. The 31⁄2-mile [handicap] road race drew 13 riders. Rex Opperman won from Griffiths and Morton. Fastest time was by Pohlner.
55, 29, 18 July 1934, page 3
Mongolata Water. The Commissioner of Works Office advises they have tested a sample of Mongolata water and conclude it is quite drinkable, although it has a slight taste of tar and bagging.
The editor comments that the sample he was given seemed worse and in any case no one wanted even a slight taste of tar and bagging in their drinking water.
The big tank is being cleaned out this week.
The Director of Mines writes explaining why WA conditions for the unemployed are not adopted in SA. [Several not very persuasive reasons are given, but two perhaps had more validity. One was that many of the Mongolata miners were inexperienced compared with those in WA and consequently it was prudent to be more restrictive in supplying explosives. Secondly in Mongolata the area of productive gold was quite small and that area was already being exploited. There have been no significant discoveries elsewhere on the field. The implication was clearly that the Department thought it a waste of money and resources to encourage prospecting where there was little chance of success.]
Mongolata Tennis Club. The club’s third table tennis tournament was again won by Vic. Donovan, this time with H. (‘Son’) Fisher second.
Burra High School
Literary & Debating Society debated the topic That there is too much sport in the World. The negative side had a narrow victory.
At Clare on 14 July:
Football: Clare 16-14 defeated Burra 0-4.
Basketball: Clare ‘A’ defeated Burra ‘A’ 9-5 and Burra ‘B’ defeated Clare ‘B’ 11-10.
Tom Canny writes a political letter outlining the ALP’s banking policy in response to an article in the previous issue on ‘Banking and Political Control’.
Indoor Bowls. Foresters Blue defeated Foresters Red 33-10.
St Mary’s 1 defeated St Mary’s 2 24-13.
Solomon Williams: More Reminiscences (Continued)
He continues the supposed conversation between two old Burraites remembering the 1850s or so.
Do you remember Johnny Paull the fighting man? Yes.
He then describes a gathering on Limestone Hill when about 50 men met to watch a fight. A couple of police came upon the scene and the two opponents pretended to be wrestling, but Johnny was arrested and taken away, but it seems that after a cup of tea with the police he was allowed to go, so it all ended in a farce.
Do you remember the 7 o’clock gun? Yes, it was said to date from the period when all the men went to the Victorian Goldfields and was to warn all the women to be at home.
I think it was really to ensure the simultaneous closing of all shops and Drew & Crews used it as a time signal for many years.
Do you remember Charlie Oldham? Yes he was a teller at the National Bank and a member of the Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society. I remember him entertaining a meeting at the Institute with recitations and readings when the lecturer, who was a legal man, was delayed by his court case going on longer than anticipated.
Do you remember the garden on the flat below the Burra Hotel? You mean near where the circus people used to pitch their tent? Yes. One then tells of raiding the garden for green almonds and the boys being scattered by the Burra Hotel barman Mr Brown coming down on them on a horse with a whip.
Did you see that Charlie Pearce has been secretary of the Rechabite Lodge for 58 years? You know his uncle was ‘Sawyer’ Pearce to distinguish him from his brother ‘Tailor Pearce’. Yes, I have seen him standing on a log above the pit guiding a pit saw.
A funny circumstance happened once when Kingston & Mildred were opposing candidates for the Burra District. In those days voters sometimes wore colours and it was green for Kingston and blue for Mildred. Businessmen mostly favoured Mildred and miners Kingston. ‘Sawyer’ Pearce was known to favour Kingston, but he happened to be in Drew’s store one day and I saw Drew get a piece of blue ribbon and pin it on the back of Pearce’s coat. He went along the street wearing the opposite candidate’s colour. When friends asked if he had changed his mind and pointed out the ribbon he laughed and promised he would get even with Sam Drew yet.
One day when I was on the footbridge in Queen Street I say a man running along the bed of the creek. He said a flood was coming and he ran on to warn any children playing in the creek. This was a surprise because there had been no rain, but in a few minutes the creek was running a banker. A thunderstorm had fallen in the headwaters. It was soon all over, but it was a wise precaution to have taken.
I say have you ever seen an iron roof put on with the screws in the bottom of the flutes?
No. – Well the roof on Winnall’s shop was fixed that way.
But it would leak!
Yes and the screws had all to be soldered over. I suppose it was the first time they had come across corrugated iron and didn’t know how to put it on. I can’t say it is still there, but when I was in Burra 15 years ago it had been changed into a motor garage, but I don’t think the roof had been altered. It was in 1863 when I saw it. It would certainly be an oddity today.
Do you remember the soap and candle factory? Yes it was across the creek from the slaughterhouse. I went once, but saw nothing of soap-making, but Mr Atkinson was in charge of making candles for the mine. They were not made in moulds were they? No – they were dips. Rather a slow game I would say. Not so slow. In a room was a post with a number of projecting arms. From each arm was suspended a frame holding several round sticks hanging from which were say a dozen wicks. The frame could be pulled down to dip the wicks in a vat of melted tallow. If each arm carried a frame with four dozen wicks it would not be so slow; even if several dips were needed to give the proper size. You would have seen them stuck on the miners’ hats with clay? Yes, but only a few miners wore them. I think those who worked in the engine shaft needed them because of the danger of something falling from above and the light left the hands free to work and climb ladders.
He then recalls some members of the Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society:
J. Leggo who became a missionary in Fiji. [He returned to Burra in 1886: see Burra Record VII. 508. 12 Jan. 1886, page 2.]
J.A. Burns became a Presbyterian minister. [John Abraham Burns 1851-1919 & brother of a Burra Mayor, Samuel Burns.]
W. Richards was for some time a Methodist minister and later editor of the Yorke’s Peninsula Advertiser.
J. Bodinner was a curate of the Church of England.
W. Williams became President of the Victorian Methodist Conference and later President of the Triennial Conference.
S. Sullivan was a schoolteacher and local preacher.
C. Oldham was a local preacher.
T.W. Wilkinson, W.H. Skewes, S. Williams, W. James and E. Whitford were all interested in trade and commerce and W. Earl who according to the late Dr Basedow first discovered the Jewel Cave in the NT – later called Lasseter’s Cave
55, 29, 18 July 1934, page 4
Burra Institute’s Liabilities
AA round-table conference discussed the financial difficulties of the Burra Institute and appealed to S. Jefferies to intercede for them with the State Bank. Mr Wilkinson said the Institute was up against it. In good times the then hall would not accommodate the people and so the then committee added a gallery and supper room. Since the depression they had not been able to meet the financial demand caused by the expenditure. The Treasurer Mr Max Pearce then read a statement about their financial position. They had been unable to meet their interest payments since the withdrawal of the Government subsidy in 1931 and the big shrinkage in revenue due to the depression. The terms required a repayment to the State Bank of £240-16-2 annually, made up of £86-4-4 of principal and £154-11-10 in interest. Repayment of principal had been out of the question for the last three years and now they were in arrears with interest about £326-5-7. In summary:
The loan was for £3,000
Less repayment of £304-5-3
Plus interest arrears
(to July 1934) £326-5-7
Total owing £3,121-10-10
They were seeking a way out. They had asked the Bank to capitalise interest arrears, and reduce the interest at least to 4% and suspend repayment of principal for a year or so and then they believed they could get through it. The Bank’s response had not been favourable and had they had simply repeated their demands.
Mr Bednall said for the last 12 months income had been only £450. When the loan had been granted the income had been about £800 p.a. with a Government grant of £150. With the exception of £50 that had to be spent on books the latter had been cut out. At present they could pay £140 p.a. and more as conditions improved. The only other solution was for the Council to take over the Institute and strike a rate for its maintenance, but they did not want to do that. The property was valued at £6,000.
Mr Jefferies said he could not see why the interest arrears could not be capitalised. If that were done the interest payments could be met and the whole position would mark time for a while. He wondered if a private loan might help – perhaps from the AMP Society. He would pass on a statement of receipts and expenditure etc. to the Bank, but stressed that the bank was an independent body and he could not exert political influence upon it.
A Civic Banquet for the visiting dignitaries was held at the Burra Hotel about 6.30 p.m. The speeches at the toasts are reported.
A Public Meeting was held at the Institute on Friday evening to hear the Premier and the visiting Minister and MPs. The Premier spoke of the work of the Lyons Federal Government in improving Australia’s financial position – producing large budget surpluses and saving £2,500,000 in interest charges. He went on to say how all this progress would be lost if labour were to be returned in the coming Federal Election. He also continued in this same election mode to deal with the agricultural situation. Unemployment had improved in the past year. He spoke of the Farmers’ Relief Acts since 1931 and of the Commonwealth bounty to wheat-growers and the reductions in rail freight charges for primary producers.
Mr Jefferies also spoke. He reflected on his visits to schools that day and on the way the Government was dealing with unemployment problems.
Burra Rifle Club. At a practice shoot on Saturday Byles scored a possible at 200 yards.
55, 30, 25 July 1934, page 1
Football.
Hallett 2.6 5.9 6.11 9.17 (71)
Kooringa 2.2 3.5 6.7 8.12 (60)
Burra Rifle Club started the new season on 21 July when the best scores in the 1st stage of the Baldina Trophy were from G.H. Robinson & G. Herbert.
Burra Town Council, 16 July
The Mayor said £10 worth of water had been used on Victoria Park, representing 207,000 gallons and the Football Club paid only £1 for the season.
Cr Kellaway could not see how such a quantity had been used.
Cr Bevan said he had been told the water had been running for some time and had been used to soften the ground for a match. The expense should not be incurred and he wanted the water shut off.
The Mayor suggested locking the main so that when the club wanted water they had to apply to the Overseer.
The Town Clerk said it was no use placing a locked box there, as it would simply be broken open; they would have to actually lock the tap.
It was resolved on Cr Bevan’s motion that the waste of water be pointed out to the club and they be asked to pay the bill.
It was also resolved to write to the Department objecting to the reading, as it was not possible to have used so much.
The Mayor then reported on the recent visit of the Premier. In reference to the proposed grant for unemployment the works to be carried out would have to be definitely decided upon. Application will be made to the Water Supply Dept. to have the reservoir enlarged by 150,000 gallons. It was resolved to contribute £5 towards the cost of the civic reception, which Cr Jeffery understood to have come out of the Mayor’s pocket.
The Finance Committee report estimated a deficit of c. £250 by the end of November.
Cr Dow said that overall they had done well to end the year with an overdraft not much different from last year and though there was nothing to spend for the rest of the year there was the almost certain grant of £300 from the Government to help them get through.
Burra Benevolent Society. Due to failing health Miss Craig has had to resign. Several parcels of clothing were gratefully received. The Burra Record was thanked for the space devoted to reporting and publicising the society.
55, 30, 25 July. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 28 July
Ann Harding & Richard Dix in The Conquerors
Leo Carrillo & Vivienne Osborne in Men are Such Fools
Plus film of the 1st Test Match of 1934 played ay Nottingham in June
The Baby Health Train makes its 11th tour and will arrive at Burra on 4 August. Sister A.W.M. Lapworth can be consulted from 6-8 August. The train will then leave for Terowie.
LCL calls nominations for a candidate to stand for the Northern District of the Legislative Council by 3 August.
Burra Homing Club. The 2nd race from Mt Lofty was won by P.J. Byrne.
Institute Dances. The 2nd in the series on 11 July drew a much larger attendance and the 3rd will be held tonight.
Indoor Bowls 1st Semi-Final: Foresters Blue defeated St Mary’s No. 2 24-15.
2nd Semi-Final will see Foresters White play St Mary’s No. 1.
55, 30, 25 July. 1934, page 3
CWA held its AGM 20 July with President Mrs I.J. Warnes in the chair.
The deaths of two prominent members during the year in Mrs C.D. Wilkinson & Mrs F.R. Wigley were acknowledged.
The annual report revealed an active year. Of special note was the 23 August meeting when the International Officer for Australia, Mrs Fairfax, addressed a gathering at the Institute, accompanied by State Officers. A Continental on 31 January at ‘Wahroonga’ was also very successful. The branch remained financially sound. Elections returned Mrs I.J. Warnes as President again, Mrs Robinson remained Treasure and Miss Minnie Rogers was re-elected as Secretary.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club. The 5th road race was run last Saturday over 12 miles with 18 starters. Taylor won from Opperman with the fastest time by Pohlner.
[Personal interest: T. Fuss participated in the above and also in heats for a One-mile handicap to be run at the next football match.]
Tom Canny writes a comment on the Premier’s visit. He regrets the need of the Institute committee to present such a tragic balance sheet, but points out that it is typical of the balance sheets of farmers and businessmen. He refers to the opportunity to change things at the coming election. He also comments on the way the visit was advertised as being non-political. In that case with reference to the public meeting he would like to hear them when they were trying!
Mr J.F. Fletcher of the staff of the Savings Bank was given a farewell at the Council Chamber on Monday evening before his departure for the Goodwood branch after four years here. The Mayor made the presentation of a travelling rug. Mr Fletcher had been active in the Emergency Committee, the Citizen’s League and the Swimming Club.
Basketball. Aberdeen II defeated Aberdeen I 33-23.
Kooringa forfeited to High School.
Burra High School. The Literary and Debating Society debated the topic That Country Life is Better than City Life on 19 July. The negative won 37-33.
Golf. Burra defeated visiting Farrell’s Flat golfers 9 matches to 2.
Obituary. Eddie Bennetts died at Broken Hill 16 July aged 56. He was born in Kooringa until a young man when he went to Broken Hill with his family. He was the youngest son of the Late Mr & Mrs James Bennett’s. He was practically the first person to make a move for the ‘Back to Burra’ in 1925 when he wrote a letter to The Record suggesting the movement. It was a great success and Eddie kept the home fires burning among the many old Burraites at broken Hill. He called in at Burra almost every year on his holidays. He was a great sport and had been in charge of the Manchester Department at J.C. Goodhart’s in Broken Hill for over 20 years. He was also eminent on Broken Hill’s Jubilee celebrations and leaves a widow and grown-up family of two sons and a daughter: Alf, Neil and Mabel. [Edward Bennetts born 28 December 1877 at Kooringa.]
Obituary. Mrs William H. March died in Burra Hospital on Sunday morning after a long illness. She was born at Cemetery Flat Kooringa 27 September 1868, the second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Owers and had lived virtually all her life in Burra. On 26 May 1889 she married Mr W.H. March, youngest son of Mr & Mrs W. March of Kooringa who survives with a grown-up family. Mrs March was a bright and happy person and while confining her interests mainly to her home life, was ever ready to assist in any matter. Six children survive: Roy (Kooringa), Mabel Mrs J. Seeley (Adelaide), Albert (Croydon SA), Will (Croydon Victoria), Muriel Mrs J. Barry (Adelaide) and Fred (Kooringa). There are 11 grandchildren. Mrs March had been a Rechabite for 45 years and the IOR service was read by Rev. G.C. Hutchinson. [Three sons had died: Edwin Henry (21), Raymond Kingsley (11) & George as an infant.]
[Born Sophia Catherine Owers 29 September 1868 at Kooringa: died 22 July 1934 at Kooringa.]
Empire Day Essays. A.B. Riggs offered two prizes valued at 10/6 each for the best Empire Day essays from Grade VI and Grade VII. The winners were Tom Ford for Grade VI and Geoff Rosman Grade VII. The essays are printed.
55, 31, 1 Aug. 1934, page 1
Football.
Booborowie 2.4 4.8 9.11 11.12 (78)
Kooringa 1.2 5.2 6.3 8.5 (53)
Arbor Day was held last Friday. Trees were planted in the plantation near the school house, largely replacing earlier losses. The winners of the Empire Day Essay Competition were given their book prizes and a half holiday was then declared. [Details occupy c. 1 column.]
Farrell’s Flat School Arbor Day was reported for 27 July.
55, 31, 1 Aug. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 4 August
Kate Smith & Randolph Scott in Hello Everybody
Tallulah Bankhead & Gary Cooper in The Devil & the Deep
Ross Humphrys, [8] young son of Mr & Mrs M. Humphrys of Hanson on last Sunday was playing with the chaffcutter and accidentally caught the index finger of his left hand and it has had to be amputated to the second joint.
The Institute Chess Club continues and has welcomed Mr J. McConnon as a member.
A fox wiped out the entire poultry stock of Mrs C.R. Bevan of Aberdeen when it killed 23 fowls in one attack the week before last.
Basketball. On Saturday Burra High School defeated Aberdeen I 30-15
Kooringa forfeited to Aberdeen II.
Burra High School Old Scholars held a successful social and dance in the Oddfellows Hall Aberdeen on Tuesday 24 July.
Obituary. Alma Thomson aged 16, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs T.H. Thomson of Kooringa, died at home on Wednesday after an illness of several months.
[Alma Laurel Thomson born 13 January 1918 at Millicent: died 25 July 1934 at Kooringa.]
Weather. Rainfall has so far been very low over much of the agricultural and pastoral country. Burra itself has been lucky to receive two substantial local downpours and has a total so far of 520 points.
55, 31, 1 Aug. 1934, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. held a General Committee meeting on Monday. Most of the lengthy report is concerned with preparations for the next show. Among this it is reported that debentures held by members have been returned and this generous act of donation has been much appreciated. Returns acknowledged are: D.E. Williams (1), A.J. & P.A. McBride (4), T.H. Pearse (1), A.D. McDonald (1), W.G. Hawkes (1) & W.R. Chambers (1). The only two now outstanding are held by the estate of the late Thomas McWaters.
Mr L.H. Edwards of the National Bank has recently been transferred to Auburn and a presentation of a Fordyte travelling case was made at a farewell. Mr Carne of the National Bank spoke along with the manager Mr W.F. Pickering and Mr R.R. Bunney the postmaster.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club. The race at Victoria Park on Saturday is reported. Morton won from Allen. An 18-mile road race is planned next.
‘Presto’ writes calling for the Burra Brass Band to put in an appearance. People are beginning to wonder if it has gone into recess.
Obituary. Mrs Maurice Collins died in Adelaide 14 July. ‘Throughout the district to know the deceased lady was to love her.’ Before her marriage she had resided at Hallett. She was Miss Effie Patrick, daughter of the stationmaster there. After her marriage to Maurice Collins of Mt Bryan they went to live at Mallett Station and out there her home was soon famed for the hospitality extended to visitors. Mr Collins later sold Mallett and the family came to live at Abberton Park near Aberdeen. Soon after arriving Mr Collins interested himself in municipal matters and later was elected to the Mayoralty, occupying that position for some years with credit to himself and the town. In this he was most ably supported by his wife who carried out her duties with grace and tact. Her practical sympathy that was extended to the aged, infirm and the needy of the town is remembered gratefully to this day. Many important visitors and events occurred while her husband was Mayor including the ‘Back to Burra’ movement. Among the dignitaries received were the Governor-General and his wife Lord & Lady Stonehaven. On selling Abberton Park when Mr Collins took up politics, they went to the city to live. Unfortunately soon after this Mrs Collins’ health began to decline, but as she made several rallies, it was hoped she would recover and though her death was a shock it was not we understand totally unexpected. She is survived by Mr Collins and two daughters, Jean & Pat.
[Born Effie Elizabeth Patrick 6 November 1883 Alberton: died 17 July 1834 Adelaide.]
Booborowie Memorial Hall AGM on 17 July is reported.
Golf. On Saturday Burra teams visited Hallett & Leighton. At Hallett the home side won 5-2 and at Leighton the players squared.
Burra High School Literary & Debating Society debated the topic: That the compulsory school going age should be raised from 14 to 16 years. The affirmative side won 41-36.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM for fortnight to 27 July.
200 ft level. No. 1 winze to 178ft and timbered on 8ft wide lode showing traces.
92ft level. South drive advanced to 293ft on 3ft lode of low grade.
Commenced to take off leading stope from No. 1 winze south, timbered level for 15ft with lode in stope 3’6” showing 5dwt per ton by pan test.
150ft level. Started to drive north off No. 1 winze on 3ft lode showing 5dwt per ton by pan test.
Surface work: opened contact seam 250ft north of main shaft, open cut for a distance of 15ft with irregular values.
Golden Harp. No. 1 shaft: raised 10 tons from stope averaging 1 oz per ton.
Commenced driving south from shaft on broken lode averaging 1 oz per ton.
No. 2 shaft. Advanced to 41 ft following a 12-18” seam showing 5dwt per ton.
Commenced crushing 250-260 tons on 19th.
In general things are a bit quiet at Mongolata at present. Going along the line of lode is reported as consistent. The battery keeps busy.
Indoor Bowls. 2nd Semi-Final: St Mary’s No. 1 defeated Foresters Red 32-10.
LCL Burra Men’s Branch held its AGM 27 July.
A.D. McDonald as President was in the chair. He reported a disappointing year, finding difficulty in sustaining the enthusiasm of members or attendance at meetings. Funds were short and the secretary had to stand out of his salary. Rent on the meeting room had not been paid. Mr McDonald was re-elected as President, despite his clear reluctance – he would have liked to see a local person take on the role. Vice-Presidents were S.H. Robinson & G.G. Hawkes.
55, 31, 1 Aug. 1934, page 4
Tom Canny and F.L. Alford both write party political type letters on the banking sector in Australia.
Mongolata.
Mongolata Tennis Club held a bridge tournament concluding 19 July. In the final Pexton Bros. defeated H. Seaton & R. Gregory.
In the club’s latest table tennis tournament (6th) the winner was again Vic Donovan despite his being handicapped 8 points. The runner-up was P. Carpenter.
The club also held another dance in the Oddfellows Hall Aberdeen last Saturday.
Several cricket matches have been played. At the weekend Bore Creek 80 defeated The Rest 44 & 52 (on the 1st innings).
A Sports Meeting will be held on Eight Hours Day.
G. Retter writes apparently in response to the letter from Mr Winton representing the Dept. of Mines. SA, he says, is the only state without Government assistance to mining interests. As to there not being miners and prospectors on the field, that is a great insult to those who have done their best to develop it in the past few years. The assistance asked for was little enough: an increase in rations, some clothing and a medical chest.
The Editor commented that the paper sympathised with the prospectors who were certainly doing their best to keep off the dole and should receive reasonable assistance. Also on best authority the paper had been informed that there are quite a percentage of experienced miners on the field.
55, 32, 8 Aug. 1934, page 1
Hallett: 3rd Annual Exhibition of Arts & Crafts under the auspices of the Girls’ Friendly Club & its President Mrs G.S. Penrose is reported in c. 1 column.
Red Cross. The Annual Jumble Fair was held in the Cheer-up Hall on Friday between 2.30 & 5.30 p.m. and raised £20, which was considered a pleasing result for that period of time.
Football.
Kooringa 1.4 5.7 5.9 8.9 (57)
Spalding 1.3 3.5 4.7 5.11 (41)
Advt. Burra Talkies, 11 August
Jessie Matthews in The Man From Toronto
Supporting features: The Speckled Band, coloured cartoon Little Red Hen and
A Mickey Mouse cartoon Mad Dog with News etc.
Obituary. Kingsley Horace Phillips, only son of Ethel & Horace Phillips, died at Burra Hospital 31 July aged 16 months. Brother of Gwen, Valerie & Shirley. [55, 33, 15 Aug. 1934, page 1 ads that it was from complications following tonsillitis.]
Burra Town Council. The meeting of last Monday lapsed for want of a quorum. This is only the second time this has happened in the almost 25 years Mr E.J. Davey has been Town Clerk.
55, 32, 8 Aug. 1934, page 3
St Mary’s Day School received a good report from the visiting inspector who reported marked improvements since the October 1933 inspection. The inspection of Miss Sinclair and her students revealed few weaknesses and many strengths.
Weather. Some light rain in the week delivered 39 points to Kooringa. To the west and southwest falls slightly in excess of half an inch were reported.
Visit of H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester. Attempts to have the Duke include Burra in his visit have failed. He will leave the train from Perth at Peterborough and motor to Adelaide via Jamestown and Clare.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 2nd stage of the Baldina Trophy and best scores were from G. Herbert, E.C. Collins & A.G. Heinrich. Collins scored the only possible for the day on the 500 yard range.
The Methodist Churches held their annual Sunday School Rally last weekend. Rev. R.H. Davidson of Adelaide, Superintendent of the Young People’s Dept. came to Burra and addressed the teachers on Saturday along with Miss I.E. Brown who also spoke on teaching young people. Tea and a social hour followed with a public meeting at 7 p.m. On Sunday afternoon scholars from Hanson, Ironmine, Redruth & Kooringa met at Market Square at 2.45 p.m. and marched to the Institute for the annual rally presided over by Rev. G.C. Hutchinson with Clem Davey at the piano. Mr Davidson gave the address. He also took charge of a service in the morning at Redruth and at Kooringa in the evening assisted by Rev. G.C. Hutchinson.
Indoor Bowls. In the Final: St Mary’s No. 1 defeated Foresters Blue 25-20.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club. The 18-mile road race on Saturday drew 9 riders. Kerin won comfortably from Robins and Lower.
[Personal interest: in heats for a coming event R. Fuss & T. Fuss took part. Presumably Russell & Ted.]
Last week Jack Pederson (7’1” on a penny farthing bike) rode in a private trial race against Nigel Thorpe (the 3ft nothing bank boy on a boy’s bike) last week. Jack drove Shorty into the bank on the turn where he lost all interest in the proceedings and Jack won by a long neck. After the race Nigel claimed Jack was tacking too much and had the hide to claim a win over a (glace) kid.
R. Fuss writes an angry letter following last week’s report from the Burra Burra Show Committee meeting where they passed a resolution ‘That Stewards of Flowers be requested to stage flowers better.’ He says this is a gratuitous insult and a fine way to dispense with the services of stewards. Disgruntled competitors should be called upon to place their complaints in writing and the committee should have then called for a report. This would pander to the exhibitor’s sense of his or her own importance while treating the stewards with decency. Every year the flowers have too little space and every year the stewards complain on this account, but there is no more space to be had and stewards do as well as they can in the circumstances. It is a miserable act of the committee to publicly censure the stewards for its own shortcomings in accepting more entries than they can accommodate.
Mongolata Goldfield
Pexton & Sons Takati Claim has crushed 25 tons in the last month for 49 oz.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate to 28 July.
Continued stoping ore north of the shaft and expect to have all ore from here out in the next 10 days.
Values are not holding up as well as hoped at an estimated 1⁄2-1oz per ton.
Once ore is stoped out we will continue to sink the shaft.
Approximately 16 tons at grass.
Continued sinking trial shaft and costeening with good values in several places.
Locals at Mongolata continue to express disappointment at the low recognition given in city places to Mongolata compared with unproven discoveries elsewhere, despite the fact that last year 47% of SA’s gold production came from Mongolata.
55, 32, 8 Aug. 1934, page 4
Tom Canny & F.S. Alford contribute letters of 1⁄2 column each on Banking & Political Control.
Hanson Tennis Club AGM is reported.
Arbor Day at Copperhouse School last Friday. Rev. E.G. Neil addressed the pupils on tree care. Mr G. Finch spoke on birds (good & bad). Flowering gums and wattles were planted on the east side of the school where recently surveys of the school lands were made. The children were each given a naval orange and a half-holiday was declared.
Golf. At Hallett on 28 July Hallett 4 matches defeated Burra 1 match and 1 all square.
55, 32, 8 Aug. 1934, Supplement
Burra Burra Show Inc. Prize List for 1934 Show.
55, 33, 15 Aug. 1934, page 1
Advt. H.J.B. Jennison
Besides our usual agencies, Stromberg Carlson, Raycophone and Airzone, we are manufacturing our own radio sets at our Waikerie branch under our own name ‘Myona’. Get our quote for our ‘Myona’ sets and save £s. [Available] in A.C. or battery operated.
Scarlatina has broken out at South Booborowie recently.
Mongolata
Cricket: Centrals 185 defeated Bore Creek 80 last week.
In the 7th Table Tennis Tournament Lel Kellaway defeated Joe Horne in the final.
[Personal interest: A. [Aubrey] Fuss was defeated in round 1.]
Football.
A team of old-timers played Kooringa to raise funds for the Kooringa Club
Optimists/Old Timers 2.0 2.4 7.6 13.7 (85)
Kooringa 4.4 7.6 8.6 12.7 (79)
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club held bicycle races at the football.
The half-mile race was won by Rex Opperman from Ted Fuss & C. Griffiths.
The two-mile event was won by C. Griffiths from T. Allen & C. Wilson.
55, 33, 15 Aug. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 18 August
Joan Blondell & Glenda Farrell in Havana Widows
William Powell & Mary Astor in The Kennel Murder Case
Frank Treloar of Croydon and formerly of Burra is very unwell.
William Fitzgerald is an old Burra Boy who was farewelled from the staff of the Government Printing Office [Adelaide] on Friday, having reached retiring age. Mr Fitzgerald left Burra in 1888 and entered the Department as a temporary employee and later became permanent. His knowledge of Parliamentary procedures gained him the position of parliamentary clicker. [The foreman of a group of compositors.] He has been President of the SA Trades & Labour Council, President of SA Branch of Printing Industry Employees’ Union of Australia, clerk of the chapel and secretary of the Government Printing Office Assoc. He was presented with a clock from the staff. Mr W. Fitzgerald, who is a brother to Mr Ned Fitzgerald of Kooringa, learnt his trade at the Burra Record office.
Burra High School Old Scholars held their second general meeting on 7 August at the High School. After the conclusion of business a mock wedding was held:
Minister Rev. Doolittle Alan Lomman
Bride Miss Nagga Lott Ruby Bass
Groom Mr Horace Henpecked Colin Fuller
Best Man Mr R.O. Tund Bruce Dowling
Weather. There has been welcome rain in Burra and the agricultural areas with falls between 50points and 1 inch and some has extended to the east as far as Chalk Cliffs & ‘The Gums’ (20 points), but further east it has been dry with terrible gales. It is raining heavily here as we go to press.
Accident. Cliff Turner had a narrow escape while bringing in a load of furniture to Burra on Thursday per trolly. About two miles out of Spalding the horses shied and Mr Turner who is well over 6ft fell in front of the vehicle and the four wheels passed over his body and feet. Fortunately they were rubber-tyred. His employer was following in a dray and drove Mr Turner to Gill’s for assistance. He was attended to at Spalding Hospital and transferred to Burra on Friday by Rev. Cannon of Spalding. He has broken ribs and other bruising.
Aberdeen Croquet Club held its AGM on 8 August and reported a very successful year. Elected: President, Mrs W.H. Gare; Vice-President, Mrs A.B. Riggs; Secretary, Mrs F.T. Sara; Treasurer, Miss L. Bartholomaeus; Captain, Mrs J.G. Sara & Vice-Captain, Mrs F.M. Pearce.
Basketball. On Saturday:
Burra High School defeated Aberdeen II 26-15
Kooringa forfeited to Aberdeen II.
55, 33, 15 Aug. 1934, page 3
Miss Betty Walker has been given a number of farewells in the past few days before her approaching marriage next Saturday.
Indoor Bowls. In the challenge match on Saturday:
St Mary’s No. 1 defeated Foresters Blue 28-16.
Burra homing Club.
The race from Tailem Bend on 4 August was won by A. Sampson.
The race from Tailem Bend on 11 August was won by A. Sampson.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate held its AGM on Monday. The Chairman of Directors Mr A.E. Hamilton presided. The mine is at present being worked by tributers. In six months 81 tons 6cwt returned 445oz 16dwt 17gr or an average of c. 51⁄2oz per ton. After paying losses on the first 18 months of operations the account now showed a credit of £639-16-0. J.R. Barker & W.J. Richards were re-elected as directors.
Byles’ Mongolata GM to 10 August.
200ft level. Winze advanced to 195ft and timbered with lode more solid and 6ft wide with improving values.
150ft level. Intermediate drive north of No. 1 winze advanced to 22ft on 21⁄2ft wide lode pan test 10dwt per ton.
92ft level. No. 1 stope south on 3ft wide lode is averaging 5dwt per ton.
South drive advanced to 295ft on a 3ft lode of low grade.
52ft level. Stone [sic: stope?] off No. 2 crosscut on 2ft lode showing 15dwt per ton.
Golden Harp. No. 1 shaft south drive advanced to 12ft on 2ft lode very broken showing 10dwt per ton by pan test.
No. 2 shaft south end of lease advanced to 49ft on 2ft wide lode with consistent values about 5dwt per ton.
Farrell’s Flat Methodist Church. The new church was opened and dedicated 12 August. It has been erected on the site the old church occupied for over 60 years. The material from the old building was re-used where suitable. It was opened by J.G. Sara of Aberdeen whose late mother laid the foundation stone of the old church. Mr Sara traced the growth of the church from early days when services were held in his parents’ home. [Details of this history are not reported.] Rev. W.J.H. Brasher conducted the morning service. There was a children’s service in the afternoon with another service by Rev. Brasher in the evening. The cost of the new building was approximately £147 for erection only. A portion of the sand and all the stone was given and carted gratis. All work done was supervised by Mr J. Denton. Celebrations continued on Monday when a high tea was served in the Institute supervised by Mrs J. Denton. Rev. G.C. Hutchinson of Kooringa and Rev. E.A. Pederick of Clare also attended.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club
[More details of the Saturday races reported on page 1.]
On Sunday the club had an enjoyable run to Mongolata.
Ralph Hill the old time cycling champion denies he has disassociated himself from his trainer Cec. Opie because of his decision to play in the Old-Timers football team last Saturday.
Leighton Bachelors’ Ball on Thursday evening last in aid of hall funds is reported in c. 3⁄4 column.
55, 33, 15 Aug. 1934, page 4
This page is missing from the microfilm.
55, 34, 22 Aug. 1934, page 1
Burra Rifle Club, 3rd stage of the Baldina Trophy produced best results from Stan. Truscott, A.C. Aughey & G. Herbert.
Burra High School. The Literary & Debating Society on 9 August debated That advertisement is carried too far today. The affirmative won 23 to 20.
On 15 August the topic was That it required more courage to fight in the last war than in the time of Henry V. The affirmative won 39-38.
55, 34, 22 Aug. 1934, pages 1 & 4
CWA 4th Exhibition of Wool & Handicrafts was held in Burra Institute last Friday. The exhibition was opened by Hon. Walter Duncan MLC, President of the Royal Adelaide Show. The speeches are fully reported. There was a mannequin parade organised by Matthews Emporium with the co-operation of Bence’s Ltd, Drew & Crewes, Messrs Waler & Sons and M. Pederson & Son. [The mannequins are listed.] Description of the mannequin parade and the list of prize winners continues on page 4.
55, 34, 22 Aug. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 August.
Jessie Matthews in The Midshipmaid
Supporting feature The Sport of Kings
Obituary. Allen Mathew, infant son of Mr & Mrs George Dare of Mt Bryan East, died on 13 August aged 2.
Frank Treloar’s health has slightly improved.
Mrs Klaffus will be 88 on 27 August.
Tom Goodridge of Gum Creek has a large white cross Berkshire sow that has just had a litter of 19 piglets of which 17 have survived. He thinks this might be a record.
Mongolata
Three carloads of School of Mines’ students from Adelaide visited the field last Friday.
Women’s Basketball. At Spalding on Saturday:
Spalding ‘A’ defeated Burra ‘A’ 27-21.
Burra ‘B’ defeated Spalding ‘B’ 24-19.
Spalding Primary School defeated Burra Primary School.
Indoor Bowls. St Mary’s Tournament:
Ladies’ Singles won by Mrs E. Angel
Ladies’ Doubles won by Misses W. Harris & D. Weston
Mixed Doubles won by D. Harris & Miss Harris
Gent’s singles won by W. Broad
A Girl Guide Troop has been formed at Hallett.
Weather. Good rains have fallen in the last week. The total of 149 points brings the monthly total so far to 231 points. It was widespread over the agricultural areas, but did not extend to the east. While it was raining heavily here on Tuesday night and Wednesday, eastern residents were being choked by severe dust storms that rained gravel onto roofs that sounded like heavy rain and great damage was done to the surviving feed. Snow fell on Tuesday at Mt Bryan during the storm.
55, 34, 22 Aug. 1934, page 3
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 18 August.
Betty Walker, second daughter of Mr & Mrs A.L. Walker of Kooringa, married
John F. Fletcher, youngest son of Mr & Mrs John Fletcher of ‘Windfield’ Robe.
Mongolata
Mongolata Cricket Club played its first match against an outside team last week.
Mongolata 60 & 8 for 94 defeated Aberdeen Colts 30 & 70.
Mongolata Cricket Club has elected L. Kellaway as Captain and C. Thomas as Vice-Captain.
[Personal interest: A. Fuss was named as one of the Cricket Club’s auditors.]
Tuesday night’s storm delivered 98 points at Mongolata and 20 more fell on Friday night.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co.
Speaking at the recent CWA Exhibition, I.J. Warnes spoke about the company’s treatment of ore.
Nett weight treated 1,323 tons for 2,233oz comprising 2,020 oz from the battery plus 214oz from cyanide process. Gross value: £16,845-16-9.
Major costs had been:
Payments to the battery £888-10-3
Wages £7,466-1-1
Timber, stores, petrol & replacements £1,902-6-7
Plant £931-7-0
Bore £309-5-8
[£11,497-10-7]
Paid in two dividends: £2,400-2-8
Cyanide returns for the last 200 tons were not yet available and a further 300 tons was being processed. This should produce an estimated 220-240oz worth c. £1,800.
This he said fully justified the erection of the battery.
Block 8 tributers G. Howse & J. Horne report 25 tons ready for the battery. Previously 10 tons from the same source had returned 10dwt par ton.
Farrell’s Flat Annual Catholic Ball on 15 August is reported in about 1⁄2 column of detail.
Port Pirie Disaster
[Pt Pirie suffered from a severe storm surge (described as a tidal wave) on 14 August that created extensive flooding.]
An appeal has been launched for blankets, clothing and funds.
Football. First Semi-Final at Hallett:
Kooringa 5.5 5.7 10.10 11.12 (78)
Spalding 0.1 4.4 5.4 9.8 (62)
Burra Cycling & athletic Club. There were 9 competitors in Saturday’s 6-mile road race, which was won by Opperman from Wilson.
55, 34, 22 Aug. 1934, page 4
Leighton Golf Club. Spalding visited Leighton on Saturday and Leighton defeated Spalding 4 games to 3.
Miss Netta Thomas was given a farewell at Redruth Memorial Sunday School by adherents of the school and church when the assembled to wish her well before she left to live in Adelaide. Miss Fairchild sang and Miss Joyce Fairchild spoke on behalf of the YWCA & Girl Citizens. Others spoke on behalf of the choir and congregation. Miss Thomas joins her mother and sisters who have already settled in at Fullerton.
Mr Lindsay Thomas who has recently resigned as Redruth Methodist Choirmaster was presented with a combined fountain-pen and pencil.
55, 35, 29 Aug. 1934, page 1
Mt Bryan East School pupils held a fancy dress frolic on 22 August to raise funds to pay off the balance owing on the shed and stables erected for the comfort of the scholar’s horses. The event was both a social and financial success.
Gum Creek School Committee held a concert and dance at Hanson Memorial Institute on Thursday to raise funds for the school. Supper was served in the Council Chamber.
Leighton Golf Club. Booborowie paid a visit on Saturday.
Leighton men defeated Booborowie men 6-2, while Booborowie ladies defeated Leighton ladies 4-1, giving Leighton an overall victory 7-6.
Burra Town Council, 20 April
Kooringa Football Club responded to the water bill recently sent to them. The Secretary K. Kennedy said firstly the club had no money and secondly from tests made the water could not possibly have been used by the club.
The Water Supply Dept. replied on the same issue that the District Engineer reported two large sprinklers had been kept going to soften the ground and a reduction could not be recommended.
The Mayor said the Inspector had drawn his attention to the water use and the meter was new. The club paid them only 36/- a year.
Cr Kellaway said the annual charge to the club of £2-2-0 had been reduced to 35/- and in any case the account should have been sent to the Football Association, which handled the funds.
The mayor said that on occasion the club had let the water run all night.
Resolved that the bill be sent to the Football Association.
The Employment Relief Council wrote asking if there was a site suitable for landing an aircraft within the town and if so a grant might be made to put it in order.
The Mayor thought there were certain blocks in Aberdeen that could be bought.
Cr Dow said the racecourse was too small.
The Mayor thought there was room between the Drill Hall and the Creek. [Which seems an extraordinary suggestion given the position of the school.]
It was resolved to seek clarification on the area needed and for the Chairman of Public Works to make an inspection.
Council resolved to donate £2-2-0 to the Pt Pirie Appeal.
R.C. Lott was granted permission to build.
The steps in front of the Record office are to be removed. They had always been dangerous and the set in front of Mr Pascoe’s was sufficient.
55, 35, 29 Aug. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 1 September
Will Rogers & Louise Dresser in David Harum
Amy Veness & Hal Gordon in Hawleys of High Street
Gilbert Gillett, only son of Mrs & the late William Gillett late of Kooringa, visited the town at the weekend. Since severing his ties with Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. he has visited the Northern Territory and says that bit for family ties he would not have returned. He is presently growing tobacco and has a property at Penola. [Gilbert William Benjamin Gillett 1905-38.]
Frank Treloar continues a slow improvement.
Miss Mary Bentley, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs James Bentley, has now passed her final nursing exams at Adelaide Hospital.
Sgt C. Kain has taken up duties at Redruth Police Station.
Mr W. Carpenter has been appointed postmaster at Mongolata, for which the income was a munificent 4/6 a week until a recent increase brought the total to a generous 5/-.
[Mongolata Post Office opened 1 April 1933 and closed 31 December 1946, though there had been several earlier periods of operation at Mongolata.]
Burra Homing Club. The 3rd race from Tailem Bend on 25 August was won by P.J. Byrne.
55, 35, 29 Aug. 1934, page 3
Advt. A Relief Dance in Aid of 5CL Pt Pirie Relief Fund
Will be held in the Burra Institute Monday 3rd September. Music by the Harmony Dance Orchestra.
Gents 2/- and Ladies 1/6. Buy a tickets whether you go or not and help those in distress.
The Institute Committee has granted free use of the hall, the Burra Record has provided free advertising and the Orchestra will provide free music.
The Institute chess Club continues to meet.
Old Collegians. Old scholars of St Peter’s and Prince Alfred Colleges revived their annual dinner after a lapse of five years when they met last Saturday at the Kooringa Hotel. Those attending are listed.
Old Mt Bryan Methodist Church held a sports meeting and fete in aid of the church funds last Saturday. The fete followed the sports at 5.30 p.m. in the Institute Hall.
Stockowners’ Association of SA. The Burra Branch held its AGM last Friday in the LCL rooms.
The Chairman I.J. Warnes presided. He was re-elected Chairman for the coming year.
A vote of appreciation for his 30 years of service was recorded.
The annual report revealed a very hard year for man and beast. Farmers and graziers had been at their wits end to cope with the drought that was made worse by low prices for wheat and wool.
Mr Warnes reported on moves for the registration of earmarks and to get foxes declared vermin.
He was concerned too about higher award rates for shearing, but on the positive side reported 1 20% reduction in rail freight charges, though they were still too high.
Another matter was the licensing of trucks that would aid in detecting stock stealing. They wanted Alsatian Dogs confined to the city or sterilised.
The main address by the General President Mr W.G. Hawkes is reported at length in c. 13⁄4 columns.
55, 35, 29 Aug. 1934, page 4
Booborowie Matrons & Spinsters’ Ball was a brilliant success and is reported in about 1 column of detail.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club. The abandonment of the football match at Victoria Park on Saturday meant that the planned track race was not held.
[Personal interest: T. Fuss is listed in handicapping for a coming 10-mile road race.]
Football. At Spalding on Saturday, the 2nd Semi-Final:
Booborowie 3.4 8.4 13.9 16.14 (110)
Hallett 1.1 5.8 6.10 11.16 (82)
In the Stanley Association Farrell’s Flat 15.13 defeated Blyth 12.7 to take the Premiership for the first time in 40 years, after being bottom of the Association last year.
Mongolata
Labor candidates for the coming elections Messrs E.R. Dawes (Senate) & M. Smedly (House of Representatives) addressed a largely attended meeting at the boarding house with W. Carpenter in the chair.
The Mongolata Tennis Club held another dance at the Oddfellows Hall in Aberdeen on Saturday last.
The State Centenary. The Premier’s Office has written asking Local Governments to form committees to determine how best to celebrate the Centenary of SA in 1936. In Burra this will also coincide with the Diamond Jubilee of the Town Council.
55, 36, 5 Sep. 1934, page 1
Mr R. Sexton was given a farewell from the RSL on Thursday afternoon. Mr Sexton is on six months furlough (on account of ill health), but does not expect to return to Burra in his business capacity. He left by the East-West Express for WA on Friday. Mr Sexton had done much for the RSL members and was outstanding in his effort on behalf of the ex-servicemen, their dependants and orphans. He has been President of the sub-branch and more recently Treasurer.
55, 36, 5 Sep. 1934, page 1 & 4
Hallett & District Schools Athletic & Exhibition Association held its 7th annual meeting at Hallett on 31 August. It was a most successful event. Participating schools were: Yarcowie, Terowie, Hallett, Mt Bryan, Booborowie North, Ulooloo, Petherton, Willalo, Mt Bryan East, Sunny Brae & Yongala Vale. The report with full results continues on page 4.
55, 36, 5 Sep. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 8 September
Marlene Dietrich & Clive Brook in Shanghai Express
Alison Skipworth & Roland young in A Lady’s Profession
12 September (Date changed due to use of the hall on 15 September for election purposes.)
Stanley Lupino & Jose Collins in Facing the Music
Spencer Tracey & Helen Twelvetrees in When New York Sleeps
Burra Homing Club. The race from Coonalpyn on Saturday was won by P.J. Byrnes.
The Pt Pirie Relief Dance at the Institute on Monday was not widely supported and raised only £5-10-6.
Pt Pirie Relief Fund Dance organised by Wildildie & Mongolata Sports Clubs & Oddfellows social Club at the Oddfellows Hall in Aberdeen on Saturday night raised £11-1-0 for the cause.
Burra Gold Associates Dance on Wednesday 29 august was a pronounced success both socially and financially.
55, 36, 5 Sep. 1934, page 3
A Lucky Escape. Last week two sons of John Allen of Mt Bryan, grandsons of Mr J. Allen of Kooringa, were out playing when they saw a person draw water from a well. Later they went to have a look. They got the cover off and while peering down, Robert (5) the elder of them overbalanced and fell in. The water was 40ft down and at that depth there were four landings. Don (31⁄2) calmly put the cover back, walked home and told his mother that Bobbie was down the well. She told her husband who is the manager for Drew & Crewes at Mt Bryan and when Mr Allen uncovered the well and asked, ‘Are you all right Bobbie?’ he was surprised when the reply came back ‘Yes daddie.’ Bobbie who was up to his waist in water was standing on one of the platforms. Mr Allen lowered the bucket and the 5-year-old climbed in – not an easy job according to well-sinkers – and his father pulled him up. Apart from two grazed knees from trying to climb up the pole he was unhurt. After a hot bath and bed he awoke next morning to greet his mother with the remark, ‘Gee whiz mum, I did make a splash, did you hear me?’
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. has declared a dividend of 6d a share payable on 1 October.
To 24 August:
200ft level. Winze extended to 205ft and timbered. Lode getting more solid. Put in a drive south to 12ft and began a crosscut to test the width of the lode, advanced it 4ft so far with width of lode 9ft with traces of gold.
92ft level. Crosscut west from stope advanced to 21ft on a 9” wide seam showing 3-5dwt per ton.
52ft level. Rise south of the east crosscut advanced to 21ft. Some gold, but not payable.
Expect to finish crushing c. 300 tons this week.
Golden Harp. Stoped out section north of the shaft.
Commenced to drive north again on a 2ft-wide lode showing 2oz per ton.
No. 2 shaft advanced to 55ft on lode 12”-18” showing 2-3dwt per ton.
Good reports continue to come in from Mongolata with several claims working rich gold which is currently at a record £8-12-0 per oz.
Hanson Methodist Ladies Guild held a Blossom Fair on Saturday 1 September to aid Church Trust Funds.
Salvation Army. The Self Denial Appeal benefited from an All Nations Fair held in the CWA Hall on Friday 31 August.
Obituary. Mr Reg. Wilson who was once teller at the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa died after six weeks of severe illness aged 44. [Robert Reginald Wilson born 28 May 1890 Kent Town: died 29 August 1934 Adelaide, residence Norwood.]
Obituary. Mrs Wilson, the mother of Mr Reg. Wilson formerly of the Bank of Australasia in Kooringa, died last Saturday. [Born Jessie Buchanan Harvey Grant 11 September 1864 Adelaide: died 31 August 1934 Norwood.]
Obituary. Mrs M. Barratt was the eldest daughter (Mary) of the late Mr & Mrs John Jenkin of Kooringa and after her marriage lived here for a number of years before moving to the city. She was 82 and leaves no family, but is survived by three sisters: Mrs Will Geake (Kooringa), Mrs W. Batchelor (Croydon) & Miss Edith Jenkin (Kooringa). [Born Mary Jenkin 28 February 1853 Adelaide: died 29 August 1934 Hindmarsh, residence Brompton Park.]
Obituary. Mr Herman Fuss died on Tuesday aged 91. He was a member of the old Burra family well known in years gone by for their gardening abilities. A surviving brother is Mr August Fuss of Prospect, late of Aberdeen. Messrs Robert and Ray Fuss of Aberdeen are nephews.
[Frederick William Herman Fuss born 6 April 1844 Clausthall-Zellerfeld Germany: died 29 August 1934 Fullarton.]
Obituary. Mr William Dare aged 81 was the only son of the late William Dare of Piltimitiappa Station which adjoins Collinsville. Messrs Charles W. Dare and George Dare of Mt Bryan East represent the family of the late gentleman. [Born 16 January 1851 Mt Bryan: died 29 August 1934, Norwood.]
Obituary. Mr Henry Shipway of Kooringa died on Monday after a long illness aged 94. He was a man of wonderful mentality who could tell many interesting stories of the early days of the state and until his last illness lived alone and in good health. [Born 4 February 1840 at Leighterton, Gloucestershire UK: died 3 September 1934, Kooringa.]
Obituary. Mrs Rosman the mother of Mr P.L. Rosman of Kooringa died on 26 August aged 91. She had been mentally alert and able to get about until a week before her death. She was a colonist of 83 years. [Born Mary Ann Whiting about 1843. Married Friedrick Theodor Wagner in 1865 and subsequently Thomas Hutchins Rosman.]
Mongolata Tennis Club. In the 8th table tennis tournament H. Fisher defeated H. Pearce in the final.
[Personal interest: A. Fuss was defeated by H. Pearce in the semi-final.]
Cycling. Throughout the year there had been a number of humorous articles reporting on men training for the Anzac sports and then races with the Burra Cycling & Athletic Club. One long running series of comments followed the training and supposed interaction of Ralph Hill with his coach Cec. Opie of the Kooringa Hotel. The following tall story seems to be the culmination of the series to this point.
Worlds’ End to Johnny Green Cycling Record
The utmost secrecy has been maintained concerning the attempt by Ralph Hill on the above record and it was no surprise that only a few officials and press representatives were present when Ralph set off at midnight on Saturday. As previously stated the travelling café of Tom Harrop is journeying with the record breaker to enable facilities for refreshment to be taken without the rider dismounting. The rider, as is his custom, refused to be pushed off and made his start under his own power, and kept right on Tom’s wheel for the first half mile when a bat, blinded by the cyclist’s electric light, which was now generating 250 volts, struck the unfortunate rider in the eye. Ralph, who thought Tom had thrown a pie back at him, dashed up to the café la movable and abused Tom until he was convinced of his error, because of his actions in the meantime Ralph had run 20 minutes behind schedule and Tom had to use the whip on Dobbin to keep up to Ralph for the next ten minutes.
Disaster again befell the rider at the Gorge crossing, where Ralph alleges someone had strewn tacks on the roadway with intent to puncture his tyres, and their action had the intended result. As Tom had become used to being somewhat in the lead he took no notice of the non-appearance of Ralph for some minutes, coming out of the creek, and unfortunately carried on his spare tube. In the meantime Hill had removed the tube and had walked up the creek to find a pool to find the puncture. He blew the tube up slightly and placed it under the water and while awaiting the moon to appear from behind a cloud to spot the bubbles a crayfish nipped the tube clean in halves. Ralph certainly let go more hot air than did the tube, but it was of no avail to the delay. Upon returning to his cycle he found that someone had removed his three-speed gear arrangement, which meant in any case he could not have peddled up out of the creek. He then made towards a nearby homestead to ring up Tommy Halls to bring down the necessary equipment when a bull put him up a tree where he spent the night in knickers, athletic singlet and much fear.
In the meantime Harrop had returned to find Ralph only to see a racing cycle lying in the creek minus the front wheel and other equipment. After searching for Ralph with a hurricane lantern until daylight Tom decided to come to Burra and report the matter, but before anything had happened in the way of a search party going out, Ralph arrived by car suffering from the flu. Cec. Opie gave him two rums and put him to bed, but it is doubtful whether he will be fit to continue on the record ride for at least a week. His trainer is certainly disappointed, but is confident of success on the next attempt.
55, 36, 5 Sep. 1934, page 4
Football Final at Booborowie
Hallett 3.2 4.3 10.6 11.8 (74)
Kooringa 2.5 6.9 8.13 9.20 (74)
The game will be replayed next Saturday at Booborowie.
Mrs A. Carter & family were farewelled from Farrell’s Flat at the Institute on 28 August at a social and dance.
55, 37, 12 Sep. 1934, page 1
Football. Burra Football Assoc. Final replayed after the previous week’s drawn game.
Kooringa 2.3 4.9 9.10 11.12 (78)
Hallett 1.1 3.4 6.7 7.10 (52)
Burra Town Council, 3 September
A response was received about aeroplane landing requirements. For lage planes a 660yard run in from all directions was needed. For medium planes a 550 yard run in could be licensed and for light aircraft 440 yards would suffice.
The Town Clerk said the racecourse would not do for a big machine.
The Mayor said the ground could be used for other purposes also and he had an idea for a site.
The letter is to lie on the table for consideration.
Burra Football Assoc. advised that the account for water would be considered at the end of season meeting.
A Government communication said £300 was available for unemployment relief. The whole had to be expended on labour with the Council to find materials and only men in receipt of Government relief were to be employed. A special meeting of Council was called to consider this.
Unpaid rates stand at £61-7-9 and final notices have been sent. It was resolved on the casting vote of the Mayor to send a further notice stating that if rates were not paid by the next Council meeting legal actions would be taken.
The Town Clerk reported that the Pt Pirie Relief Fund had reached over £32 plus clothing parcels.
Local Board of Health
One case of scarlatina was reported, but the outbreak seems to have been contained.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Red, Blue & White Fair on 7 September and realised £107-1-0. Mrs E.G. Neil, wife of Rev. E.G. Neil of Aberdeen, opened the fair. Reported in c. 1 column.
55, 37, 12 Sep. 1934, page 2
The Influenza epidemic has finally reached Burra and is daily claiming more victims including many of the leading businessmen. A mild epidemic of chickenpox has swept through the children and some cases of shingles have been reported.
Weather. Some 62 points of rain locally have been useful to farmers, but to the east the boisterous winds of Wednesday & Thursday last brought dust storms. Rain is seriously needed in the pastoral areas.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. The last crushing of 494 tons realised 600oz 16dwt. The last three crushings have realised nearly 1,900oz.
For the fortnight to 7 September
200ft level. No 1 winze advanced to 214ft with lode the full width of the winze.
A crosscut west was put in for 21’6” through a lode formation of quartz & ironstone seams with traces of gold.
92ft level. No.1 stope lode formation 3ft wide, but low grade.
52ft level. Commenced driving southwest on 3ft-wide lode testing 2-3dwt per ton.
Golden Harp. No. 1 shaft north drive advanced to 50ft on 2ft-wide lode averaging 1oz per ton for last 15ft.
No. 2 shaft on south boundary advanced to 64ft following a vertical seam 18” wide testing 1-2dwt per ton.
Gold is at £8-14-9 per ounce.
Of all the gold mines registered in Victoria only one is paying dividends. In SA only Byles’ Mongolata GM is paying dividends.
55, 37, 12 Sep. 1934, page 3
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club. On 1 September the 19-mile road race was won by Scroop from Wilson. 13 riders contested the race.
On 8 September a 6-mile road race was won by C. Wilson ahead of E. Scroop.
Burra Town Council met on Monday to consider the £300 unemployment grant from the Government. Each married man is to be given four days’ work and after that each single man is to get one day’s work. Any balance after that is to be balloted for by married men with three or more children. Council has accepted the grant. £100 will be allotted to each ward.
The Old Mt Bryan Methodist Church held its anniversary on 9 & 10 September when Rev. W.H. Robinson the Conference Secretary preached.
55, 37, 12 Sep. 1934, page 4
Tom Canny & H.J. Cadd contribute party letters of 1⁄2 column each on credit and banking.
M.A. Smedley Labor candidate for Wakefield addressed electors at Kooringa last Friday. He was introduced by T.J. Canny of Gum Creek. He spoke about Labor’s policies concerning banks, their intention to establish a wheat pool, unemployment and pensions.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 4th stage of the Baldina Trophy. Best results were from P.W. Hogan, C. Dixon, J.H. Schwier & G. Herbert.
Solomon Williams of Glenelg writes a letter concerning Australites. When at school in Kooringa over 70 years ago he recalls another boy bringing what he believes may have been examples of these small meteorites to school. They had come from Hampton, which was then quite a new suburb with only a few houses. Two of them farthest out were perched well up on the side of the hill having a southerly aspect and 3-400 yards west of them lower on the slope was a large bare patch with many black ironstone rocks protruding and it was here the boys found numbers of these items the boys called ‘petrified apricot stones’ from their appearance.
Cricket. Aberdeen 70 & 8 for 93 defeated Mongolata 45 & 92.
55, 38, 19 Sep. 1934, pages 1 & 4
Football. Burra Football Assoc. Premiership Match
Booborowie defeated Kooringa in a rough and crowded game at Victoria Park on Saturday.
Booborowie 4.3 9.8 12.13 14.8 [sic: though the last score must be wrong.]
Kooringa 3.6 4.7 7.11 9.15
55, 38, 19 Sep. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 22 September
Gloria Stuart & Alan Dinehart in Sweepings
Bruce Cabot & Betty Furness in Midshipman Jack
Advt. RSL. Free rail passes are available for ex-servicemen and women from 8-20 October for the Royal Visit. Men applying must be available to line the city streets during the Royal Procession on Friday 12 October.
Advt. Victoria Park Saturday 29 October. Finch Bros. Mullaby Rodeo
Thrilling exhibition of riding with and without saddles, steer riding, double banking on horses & steers. Balloon fight on donkeys.
Birth. To Mr & Mrs T.H. Eustice nee A. Torpy on 13 September at Kooringa, a son.
Obituary. Louis Grow, husband of Rose M. Grow died 11 September at his residence in Kooringa aged 88. [See extended obituary page 3 of this issue.]
Obituary. Ross Finch, infant son of O. & T.M. Finch, died 16 September at Burra Hospital aged 81⁄2 months.
Election Results for Wakefield
C.A.S. Hawker LCL 27, 827 votes. Other candidates 8, 098 & 6,727.
Mr Philip McBride LCL standing in the seat of Grey 19, 378 defeated M.J. Murphy by 6,717 votes.
Weather. Following a dust storm on Friday some useful rain fell on Saturday. 63 points settled the thick dust. Falls to the east were lighter ranging from less than 10 points to about 25.
55, 38, 19 Sep. 1934, page 3
Obituary. Mr Joseph Noel Williams of Hallett died at Burra Hospital on Saturday of pneumonia aged 37. He had been employed by SAR. He was a member of the Church of England at Hallett, being Church Warden at the time of his death. He was an English Reservist and served right through the Great War, enlisting in 1914 at the age of 17. His funeral was attended by a number of returned men of whom J.R. Clark, H. Dunneman, F. Sumner & P. Findlay acted as bearers. H.J.B. Jennison sounded the Last Post and the service was by Rev. Donald Redding (late AIF). He is survived by a widow and one child. [Died 15 September 1934.]
Obituary. Louis Grow died on Tuesday night [11 September] after an association with the town of 86 years. He was born in Hanover, Germany on 2 December 1845 and came to Australia with his parents as an infant. He could recall very interesting parts of the history of the town and state and retained his mentality to his death. He had been a carrier and was renowned for the integrity of his dealings. He was active until the last few months when his heart failed and he was eventually confined to his bed. He was a member of the Kooringa Methodist Church and a fine Christian character. He was twice married. The surviving members of his first family being: Charles Grow (Perth), Will Grow (Melbourne), Chris Grow (Boulder WA), Fred Grow (Pt Pirie), Hannah Mrs Tom Nicholls (Croydon) & Alice [Mrs A.J. Hann] (Payneham). In 1889 he remarried and is survived by his widow and from the second family: Alfred Lewis Grow (Balhannah), Hilton Grow (Detective Force Adelaide) & Philip Grow (Mounted Police at Farina). There are 28 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.
At the funeral on Friday bearers were members of the Oddfellows Lodge of which Mr Grow was a very old member. They were: S. Kellaway Sen. Lance Tiver, W.H. March, A. Lomman, Robert Fuss & Alwin T. Pearce. [Marriage records suggest three marriages. He first married Martha Keam or Kearn in 1866; who died in 1885. Then he seems to have married Mary Jane Tilling in 1886, and although there is no registration of her death in SA, he married Rose Margaret Sanders or Saunders in 1890. She survived, dying in 1939. The children came from the first and third of these marriages.]
Obituary. Frank Treloar’s death at his West Croydon home on Sunday [16 September] last came as a shock, as although he had been very ill the recent news had reported an improvement in his health. He was born at North Adelaide 1 June 1852, the eldest son of one of the pioneers of SA. His parents had arrived in SA in the early 1840s. His father after a successful trip to the Victorian gold diggings took up lad at Watervale and with his wife and Frank, then only five months old, left by bullock wagon for their new home, which was a tent until a house could be built. Mr Treloar was one of the first scholars at Mr Coles’ well-known school at Watervale. At 14 he went to work for an auctioneer for four years and then went into the wheat trade at Hoyleton, which was then the shipping station for all wheat grown north of there. He next tried his hand at farming, but unfortunately chose those dry areas near Orroroo. He was married at that time and for five years he and his wife tried hard to make a success of it, but after losing all their money gave up the idea of fighting nature and went back to the old home at Watervale. There for six months he acted as a wheat agent before being appointed manager of Gum Creek Station, owned by Sir John Duncan. At the time the station comprised 32,000 acres and there was also an eastern block belonging to the proprietors who ran from 100,000 to 130,000 sheep. He held the position for many years. Mr Treloar, like his wife, knew and loved horses and was a recognised judge of good stock and whilst on Gum Creek had the satisfaction of riding and driving some of the best horses in SA. While he was manager of Gum Creek the then flourishing Burra Coursing Club had many successful meetings there and in every instance Mr Treloar held the position of judge. On leaving Gum Creek he came to reside in Burra, now some 35 years ago. During that period he acted as Secretary for the Burra Hospital, the Burra Agricultural Society [Show Society], Burra Sports Assoc. and was also clerk for a number of years for the Hanson DC. Mr Treloar also occupied a seat on the Burra Town Council and was one of the most consistent members of the Kooringa Masonic Lodge on whose roll his name occupies second place. He was also a member of the IO Oddfellows Lodge and of the AOF Lodge. Up to a few weeks of his death his marvellous energy never flagged. He left Burra in November 1930 to reside at Croydon, but he maintained close contact with the town until his death. He was a clever writer and many interesting articles from his pen have appeared in the columns of the Record. We can truly say Mr Treloar was beloved and esteemed by every person in the town and district for his geniality and honourable manner in which he carried out his duties and his death, even at such a great age, is sincerely regretted by all with whom he came in contact. He is survived by his wife, three sons and three daughters: Messrs Leonard, Clement & Roy Treloar and Olive Mrs Rossini, Mrs Hartwig & Miss Hilda Treloar. His second son Percy was taken prisoner by the Germans during the war and never heard of.* A daughter Ida also died some years ago [1900]. A long cortege followed the remains to the Kooringa Cemetery after the arrival of the East-West Express on Tuesday afternoon. The service was conducted by Rev. Donald Redding and members of the three lodges provided the bearers.
[*Percy Treloar was reported k.i.a. 11 April 1917. The Burra Record of 5 September 1923, p.3 reports that his remains have been found and interred, and the identity discs returned to his family.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Following a question in Parliament Mr Butler said he would call for a report on Mongolata to see whether it was advisable to adopt the WA scheme to aid development.
Baldina. No. 1 Have sunk a trial shaft almost 256ft from the shaft on the north end of the claim. Struck a seam about 3” wide about 2ft from the surface with good results showing about 2oz per ton.
Continued sinking to 11ft and seam widened to 8” with better values.
Sinking further south, but to date no seam carrying gold.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. On checking rumours of a rich find we learn that a lode about 20ft wide has been struck and tests suggest it should yield up to 10dwt per ton, which is a good value for such a wide seam. Some directors have subsequently paid a visit. (D.R. Reid & A.A. Thornton accompanied by I.J. Warnes.)
Takati. A big lump of ore richly studded with gold was recently found weighing about 30lb.
Marriage. September 15 Kooringa Methodist Church
Corris M. Walker, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Alfred L. Walker of Kooringa, married
Glanville Tiver, fourth son of Mr & Mrs Thomas Tiver of Glenelg and late of Aberdeen.
Details in 1 column.
Cricket. At Mongolata 16 September. Mongolata 139 & 6 for 96 declared defeated Cec. Opie’s team 50 & 126.
A Dance at the Hanson Institute Hall on 12 September organised by Mrs H. Hermes aided the Tubercular Soldiers’ Fund.
55, 38, 19 Sep. 1934, page 4
Mongolata Tennis Club. A social and table tennis tournament was held on Wednesday last with the tournament concluding on Thursday. In the final L. Winkley defeated J. Horne 31-21.
Leighton Golf Club Championship
Men’s 36 Hole Stroke Championship E.R. McWaters
Men’s 36 Hole Handicap C.A. McDonald
Afternoon Round 18 Hole Handicap C.A. McDonald
Eclectic E.R. McWaters
Leighton Associates
Stroke Championship Miss A. McDonald
18 Hole Handicap Miss A. McDonald
9 Hole Handicap Mrs A.G. Drew
Eclectic Miss A. McDonald
55, 39, 26 Sep. 1934, page 1
Burra Benevolent Society met on 20 September in the Lodge Room at the Institute. The report is mainly concerned with the need for second-hand clothing.
Burra Rifle Club at Clare on 22 September Burra 507 defeated Clare 403.
Wildildie Sports Club held a Masquerade Ball at the Oddfellows Hall in Aberdeen on 10 September that was very successful.
Football last Saturday
West Broken Hill ‘B’ Grade 3.1 9.5 9.6 15.11 (101)
Burra Association 4.3 5.6 11.13 12.15 (87)
Redruth Methodist Church held an arbor day at the manse on Saturday afternoon 22 September. Rev. E.G. Neil has done a lot of work designing and established a garden and the day was used to plant shrubs to become a more permanent feature of it. 27 shrubs were planted.
Farrell’s Flat Football Club held a Victory Ball at the local Institute on 20 September preceded by a dinner to celebrate winning the premiership of the Stanley Association.
55, 39, 26 Sep. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 29 September
Stanley Lupino & Thelma Todd in You Made Me Love You
George O’Brien & Mary Brian in Ever Since Eve
Edgar Schutz of Kooringa brought into the office examples of tobacco light, dark and medium and several varieties of cigars made and grown on the plantation of his Brother Herbert Schutz of Gisborne New Zealand. We must say the product was good and superior to the Australian article. Mr Herb Schutz is well remembered in Burra.
Weather. We have had some more nice rain of just over half an inch, which is needed if only to overcome the weekly dust storms. This week’s dust storm was the worst yet and on Tuesday morning broken boughs from trees swept by the fury of the north gale could be seen on the ground everywhere.
55, 39, 26 Sep. 1934, page 3
Redruth Methodist Sunday School staged an Antarctic Fair in the Institute on Friday last. Takings were about £70. Details occupy about 11⁄2 columns.
[Personal interest: Sheila Fairchild helped on the sweets stall, Mrs Bob Fuss served at the flower stall, Edna Allen was a cake stall attendant, Ted Fuss assisted with cool drinks and Miss J. Fairchild was on the work stall.]
Mrs A.E. Thomas was visited at her new residence in Fisher St Fullarton on Sunday 9 September and she was presented with an illustrated address on behalf of the Redruth Methodist Trust.
[Details extend for about 1⁄2 column.]
Cricket. The newly formed Aberdeen Cricket Club visited World’s End where they defeated the home side: Aberdeen 68 & 173 (241) defeated World’s End 109 & 118 (227).
Mongolata Goldfield
Some quiet developments recently have seen pegs appear as far down as the turn-off on the Broken Hill Road some six miles from Byles’ Mongolata properties and several new claims we believe to have been pegged on the western side of the range. Swift development may take shape at any time.
We have seen the rich piece of ore recently obtained from the Takati Claim; it looks like an ordinary block of building stone.
At Mongolata several little homes have recently been erected and the ‘town’ is gradually growing.
Burra Cycling and Athletic Club. A 20-mile road race on Saturday drew only six starters. Opperman won easily from Wilson with Robins a distant third.
At the interval in the football a one-mile cycle race was won by Griffiths who was half a wheel in front of Wilson.
55, 39, 26 Sep. 1934, page 4
Burra Town Council, 17 September
The Unemployed Relief Council confirmed that the money was to be allocated on the basis that each married man is to be given four days’ work and after that each single man is to get one day’s work. Any balance after that is to be balloted for by married men with three or more children, but added that of thought fit a portion of the grant could be used for people in need and yet not on the ration list.
Cr Kellaway moved that deserving men not on rations be included and this was passed.
There was a proposal from Inspector Davis of the Highways Department that the Department wished to give the loose road idea a trial from the end of the present bitumen to the south boundary of the Corporation near Jeffrey & Byrne’s slaughterhouse. This length of about 60 chains would be scarified and a road formed with a low crown. It would be rolled in and two yards of slag per chain would be spread over it. Government Grants had allowed £100 for the work.
The Mayor argued against it, as the road was good now.
The Town Clerk did not like the loose road idea either.
Cr Kellaway said a loose road was classed as a non-slip road and as the Department was paying, it would be as well to give it a trial. If it were unsuccessful the Department would have to restore the road.
Cr Riggs thought it a good idea and the suggestion was accepted.
Three minutes’ silence was observed in memory of the late Frank Treloar and a letter of condolence sent to his family.
Hallett Pastime Fair in aid of the Church of England Building Fund was held last Saturday in the Institute and £60 was raised. [Report in c. 1 column. On page 3 of the next issue Mrs Melrose reports receiving another £3-3-0 to bring the total raised to £54-11-11. If this is correct the previously mentioned £60 appears to have been a gross figure rather than the nett proceeds.]
55, 40, 3 Oct. 1934, page 1
Mongolata
Salvation Army Captain Stacey & Mrs Stacey visited Mongolata on Thursday and held a children’s service in the afternoon and an evening service in the Boarding House.
Mongolata Tennis Club held another tournament on Wednesday last in which the final was won by H. Fisher who defeated Miss J. Carpenter 31-25.
Burra Rifle Club shot the 5th stage of the Baldina Trophy in very boisterous conditions. Best scores were by E.C. Collins, J.A. Riggs and R. Pexton. A.C. Aughey and A.B. Riggs scored possible at 200 yards and E.C. Collins one at 500 yards.
Leighton Cricket Club held its annual meeting on Saturday 15 September. Elected were Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, M. Jacka and Secretary, M. Williams. The club will play in the Leighton District Association with Andrews, Hilltown, Borinia & Farrell’s Flat.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club held a dance in the Oddfellows Hall, Aberdeen on Saturday last and raised £11. The club was formed when Mr Alick Bevan convened a meeting following the success of the Anzac Sports that resolved to try to maintain interest in cycling and athletic competition. In the evening trophies were presented. Mr S. Kellaway before making the presentations said the membership was 80 with 28 riding members. 17 track and road cycling races had been run and the interest was greater than when they started. [Though the athletic side seems to have faded out.]
Highest points have been scored by Rex Opperman of Redruth, a lad aged 18, but interested in cycling from a small child. Leo Taylor won the cup for the 25-mile handicap event in which T. Pohlner of Hallett won the sash for fastest time. Clem Wilson of Kooringa was the runner-up in both over-all points and in the 25-mile race.
Football. The Kooringa Club’s final meeting for the season was held and T. Kellaway and Dick Halliday tied for most useful man. The club was financially sound.
55, 40, 3 Oct. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 6 October
George Brent & Lois Wilson in Female
Paul Muni & Aline McMahan in The World Changes
10 October
Clive Brook & Lila Lee in The Night of June 13
Supporting feature Guilty as Charged
Mrs J. Jennings of Perth WA is visiting her aunt Mrs Charles Parks. She is Rita, elder daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Ben Harris, late of Perth & old Burraites. The late Mrs B. Harris was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Chenoweth [Chynoweth] of Kooringa.
55, 40, 3 Oct. 1934, page 3
The Mayor T.H. Woollacott will be presented to H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester next Thursday at Clare.
Weather. The last week produced some very rough weather. As we went to press last week we were experiencing one of the worst of dust storms and after a lull on Wednesday morning it returned in almost as severe a form and continued till Friday night when about 15 points of rain began to fall, continuing into Saturday. Strong wind and rain continued over the weekend with rain, hail, sleet and a little snow. By 9 a.m. Monday 46 points had fallen.
To the east the pastoral country has been experiencing the worst dusts storms for many years. Last Tuesday 24 September the dust was so dense that in many homesteads it was impossible to see folk standing in the same room, to say nothing of its blinding and choking nature. At Mallett after the event everything had to be taken outside and the walls and ceilings washed down. Residents there quite expected the curtains to tear away from the curtain rods so great was the weight of dust adhering to them and caught in the folds. Many places had sheds unroofed and other damage done. Herbage has been badly affected. Rainfall there has been minimal with Koomooloo reporting 8 points and Sturt Vale 9 points.
In the agricultural country damage from the dust storms was also reported. E.W. Hawker & Sons of North Booborowie lost the roof from their lucerne shed when it was lifted into the air and dropped onto the nearby chain road completely blocking it. At Koonoona a cottage roof was lifted 50ft and carried 150 yards away. A.T. McWater’s chaff house at Mt Bryan suffered a similar fate. Burra was somewhat protected by the surrounding hills, but large tree branches were brought down and only prompt action saved some roofs.
Snow
Mt Bryan, Hallett and areas to the north were treated to a heavy snow storm with deposits about 21⁄2 inches deep. Sunday was the third coldest day for the year and the coldest in September. At Willalo snow on Sunday began about 7 a.m. and fell for c. 21⁄2 hours in large flakes. The hills were thickly covered and wheat crops 6 inches high disappeared under it. The minimum depth of snow was 3 inches and was the heaviest fall ever seen in the district.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate. The battery has crushed 41⁄2 tons of ore for 1oz 15dwt per ton without tailings.
Continued sinking the shaft to 20ft with values c. 21⁄2oz per ton. The seam continues the same width and is still going down on the under lay at about 1ft per 4ft.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. 21 September
200ft level. No 1 winze advanced to 220ft. Water inflow is too strong to continue. Crosscut 10ft above water level extended to 32ft in lode, but in the last 5ft there were only traces of gold, though earlier up to 10dwt per ton. Work will cease in the crosscut for now.
92ft level. Crosscut to connect with main tunnel behind the shaft on the west side advanced to 131⁄2ft.
52ft level. Southwest crosscut advanced to 38ft on 4ft-wide lode showing 3-5dwt by pan test.
A new shaft has been started farther west.
Baldina Mongolata GM Co. has 4 parties of tributers working at present.
Golden Harp. No. 1 Shaft. North drive advanced to 68ft on a 2ft-wide lode very broken yielding 5dwt per ton by pan test.
No. 2 Shaft. North drive advanced to 17ft on 3ft-wide lode of low grade ore.
5tons of 1st grade ore and 15 tons of 2nd grade ore was taken from the winze at 400ft level for the fortnight. 25 tons of 2nd grade ore was taken from the 52ft level.
Curlew. 141⁄2 tons crushed for c. 51oz or c. 31⁄2oz per ton without tailings. This mine produces the best gold in the world, realising 6-7/- an ounce higher than any other gold sent to the Melbourne Mint.
Block 8 crushed 26 tons for 81⁄2oz with cyanide still to come.
Fred Lewis’s Claim has now been successfully floated as the Mongolata South GM Syndicate. It has a good lode showing and good prospects.
Jack Kellaway’s Claim has been floated as The Burra Mongolata GM Syndicate and should soon be on the map.
As previously reported new ground continues to be pegged and big results are anticipated for the field.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club held its championship road race in boisterous weather last Saturday. 11 riders took part. Theo Pohlner was fastest in this handicap event, but the winner was Leo Taylor.
Finch Bros. Mullaby Rodeo rough riders gave a great performance at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon. The lads are sons of Walter Finch of Leighton and late of Mullaby. Two horses, ‘Jimmy’ & ‘The Terror’ lived up to their reputations. The brothers Reg [23], Ken [21] & Jack [19] gave some wonderful exhibitions of riding skills. The wild weather unfortunately reduced attendance. The donkeys provided much amusement and pleasure, especially for the small fry. Master Spencer Finch [12] showed great pluck at steer riding, as did Jack Rowe [27]. Ken Finch gave a great exhibition of buckjumping.
[There is 3⁄4 column of detail.]
Cricket at Mongolata must have been an unusual game given the weather conditions as well as the rather casual attitude of the players at the best of times. It was played in heavy rain showers with batsmen nearly blinded by a hailstorm at one stage. Cec. Opie’s Team 43 & 3 for 53 defeated Mongolata 16 & 69.
Ironmine Sunday School celebrated its 62nd anniversary on Sunday & Monday last. Rev. A.M. Davis of Riverton preached.
55, 41, 12 Oct. 1934, page 1
Geological & Proposed Development Report on Byles’ Mongolata GM by Theodore Price
Mining Geologist, on the field 14, 18, 19 & 20 September 1934.
First visited on the 14th and noticed the fractured and disturbed nature of the country with no promising formations likely to carry a permanent and reliable gold content. But from certain metamorphic rocks, in the deeper parts of the mine especially, I concluded that no detrimental comments should be made before a thorough geological survey of the property and surroundings.
Subsequently I found a quantity of semi-decomposed creamy slate west of your workings, which was impressive. Your workings have not gone far enough yet to intersect this line of formation. What was impressive was that the solutions carrying the gold came in from the west at great depth in this zone and the country is more settled than at the present workings. At the summit of the ridge I found a large lode formation 20-30ft wide capped with sedimentary rocks and encased on either side by layers of light blue slate. Further west lie two large quartz lodes of entirely different characteristics. Though heavily leached and unattractive to ordinary prospectors, they are to my mind the most attractive proposition on the field. These are not on your property and are not held by anyone else. The whole of this western section of the field should be pegged out and surveyed.
[Subsequent comments below suggest that this was done before the rest of the report was produced.]
[Price then describes the general location and geology of Mongolata at some length.]
Extremely rich pockets of heavy coarse gold have been found in certain catchments for the precipitation of the solutions and gases, usually where a small fault, dislocation or disturbance in the country has taken place. Apart from rich pockets there is an enormous tonnage of surface stuff at certain zones that may prove by systematic investigation a payable proposition to work on a large scale by surface methods.
The sulphide zone has not yet been reached. At best a semi-sulphide lode has been struck at 263ft. It would be interesting to see the structural formations of this load at depth and at least 100ft beyond the present workings. The average work done so far does not assist in forming a definite opinion of the extent or possibilities of the field. So far it looks as if everyone has been seeking the rich pockets and has not been concerned in the possibilities of striking a large and permanently payable body of ore in the settled strata.
The present position of the mine warrants immediate expansion by way of opening up a method whereby to test and mine the big lode at the foot of the winze. Water is a problem and eventually a shaft will have to be put down several hundred feet ahead of the workings.
Now that the western portion of the field has been secured and attractive lode formations located there, I strongly recommend considering driving of the northern section of the tunnel which is now at 405ft into the hillside, to the centre of the outcropping lode formation, which according to the distances given me by the surveyor the actual distance to drive will be 671ft. I prepared a general plan and a working plan. In addition it will be necessary to sink a shaft to connect up with the tunnel at 195ft from the proposed starting point. This is necessary for ventilation and later will be deepened to work the 20ft lode. When this has been done you will know you have a valuable goldfield that can be worked on an economic system and if the lodes prove too poor to work you will have secured that knowledge for a moderate outlay.
Burra Town Council, 1 October
The Premier’s Office advises that the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry would not be re-opened for the present.
St Mary’s Cricket Club was advised that the fee for use of Victoria Park for the season would be 10/6.
The Mayor reported he had an invitation to meet HRH the Duke of Gloucester at Clare at 4 p.m. on 11 October.
Council pledged itself to help with the celebrations of SA’s centenary in 1936, which would approximately coincide with the Council’s diamond jubilee.
The Town Clerk reported donations of £38-7-3 for the Pt Pirie Fund and a number of private donations had brought the town total to about £50 plus some clothing parcels.
The Mayor reported that by 30 November the Council deficit would be c. £171.
Burra Homing Club. The race from Keith on 22 September was won by P.J. Byrne.
The race on 6 October from Keith was also won by P.J. Byrne.
55, 41, 12 Oct. 1934, page 2
Notice. RSL. Returned servicemen are invited to Clare 11 October where HRH the Duke of Gloucester has expressed a desire to inspect returned servicemen and nursed.
Graham Dow. Hon. Sec.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 13 October
John Boles & Henry Ainley in The First Mrs Fraser
Maisie Gay & Harold Ruth in The Old Man
Election for Northern Division of the Legislative Council
C.A.S. Hawker MHR will broadcast on behalf of Mr A. Lyell McEwin on 5AD 16 October 7.30 p.m.
Wednesday 17 October, Mr P.A. McBride MHR
19 October Mr Lyell McEwin
16 October Mr T. Shott MP will address a meeting at Kooringa in support of Independent Candidate T.H. Dunsford.
Mr T.H. Dunsford will speak to electors on 5PI Thursday 18 October at 9.30 p.m.
Notice. Owing to certain unfavourable rumours E.A. Threadgold invites inspection of his dairy and yards at Copperhouse, already inspected and approved by the health officer.
Mrs C.C. Williams of Royston Park Adelaide and late of Burra will be 80 on 9 October.
Mr John McLaren of Unley and late of Burra will be 79 on 15 October.
Hanson DC. Under the new Corporations Act the DC of Hanson will be amalgamated with other Councils and Mr Pattullo the District Clerk will be without a job. Fortunately he has been chosen from 80 applicants to be District Clerk of the Freeling DC.
Cricket. A meeting on 24 September at the Parish Hall decided to form the St Mary’s Cricket Club – open to members of all denominations. President, Rev. D. Redding & Secretary & Treasurer, L. Hann.
55, 41, 12 Oct. 1934, page 3
Golf. The Burra Golf Club Championship was won by M.W. Bednall who beat Dr Steven.
Kooringa Methodist Church held anniversary services on 30 September with Rev. A.M. Davis of Riverton presiding.
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew Mine reports tailings from the last crushing brought in 17dwt per ton for a total of approximately 41⁄2oz per ton.
Burra Croquet Club held its AGM on 5 October and elected: President, Mrs C. Pearce; Vice-President, Mrs P. Rosman; Secretary & Treasurer, Mrs S. Robinson; Assistant Secretary, Mrs O. Walker; Captain, Mrs P. Rosman & Vice-Captain, Mrs E.J. Davey.
Burra Bowling Club held its AGM 3 October with retiring President E.F. Marston in the chair. The balance sheet showed a slight deficit. The subscription for the year will be £2-10-0. Elected were Patron, A.G. Gebhardt; President, P.L. Rosman; Vice-Presidents, E.F. Marston & Dr D.M. Steele; Secretary, J.T. Pascoe & Treasurer E.J. Davey.
Marriage. Mt Bryan Township Methodist Church, 6 October
Frederick Stolte married Mable Phillips, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs A. Phillips of Mt Bryan [sic].
[Registration says Fredrich Charles Stolte & Mabel Caroline Augusta Phillips.]
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church 27 September
Elsa Miller married George Morgan.
Burra Rifle Club members at the King’s Shoot in Adelaide did quite well. H.G. Oates won the Heaslip Aggregate and E.C. Collins shot well in the snap shooting and won 10/-.
55, 41, 12 Oct. 1934, page 4
Glendore Methodist Church [Black Springs] held anniversary services 23 September conducted by Miss E. Dunn of Kadina.
55, 42, 17 Oct. 1934, page 1
Mr & Mrs George Earle of Willalo celebrated their golden wedding on 2 September. They were married at Uroonda in 1884. They spent their life farming in the north, first at Belton and later they moved to Willalo. The bride’s mother Mrs Salter of Gawler attended the celebrations.
Hanson DC met on 10 October and accepted the resignation of the District Clerk Mr Pattullo.
A ratepayers’ meeting on the same day resolved to start a petition asking the Royal Commission on Local Government Areas to join Hanson District with the Booborowie District.
Tennis. Burra District Lawn Tennis Assoc. ASG elected: Patron, T.H. Woollacott; President, F.M. Pearce; Vice-Presidents, F.G. Scholz & Dr D.M. Steele and Secretary & Treasurer, E.W. Edmonds of the Bank of Australasia. The teams for the coming season are to be Booborowie, Kooringa I, Kooringa II, Aberdeen I, Aberdeen II, Hallett, Mt Bryan & Ironmine.
First games were scheduled for 6 October, but Kooringa & Aberdeen forfeited, being unable to arrange teams.
55, 42, 17 Oct. 1934, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd will offer 21,000 sheep on 19 October in their annual Sheep Off-Shears Sale.
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will offer 10,800 sheep on 2 November in their annual Sheep Off-Shears Sale.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 19 & 20 October
A great international cast in The Silence of Dean Maitland
Supporting feature is Cinesound Varieties: Australian Musical Comedy Review.
24 October
Mae West in She Done Him Wrong
Lily Damita & Charlie Ruggles in This is the Night
55, 42, 17 Oct. 1934, page 3
Notice. The illness of Mr T. Stott MP prevented the meeting announced for 16 October at Kooringa.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate reports that tributers are presently raising ore at about 21⁄2oz per ton.
Obituary. Mrs Harry Lord died at her home in Tusmore Adelaide last Wednesday. Mrs Lord, nee Ada Scott was well known in Burra. Her late husband was a son of Mrs and the late Mr George Lord formerly proprietor of the Burra Hotel. During her long residence in Burra the deceased lady had a wide circle of friends. Mrs K.R. Crewes of Springbank near Burra is her only surviving sister and Mrs W.H. Sandland of Heathmont Kooringa is a sister-in-law. There is no family.
[Born Ada Jane Scott 6 July 1880 Yongala: died 10 October 1934 Tusmore.]
Royal Visit. The children have had a short vacation in honour of the visit of HRH the Duke of Gloucester. Many of them were able to visit Adelaide and see the Royal Visit decorations and festivities and to visit the Royal Show.
Weather. Locally 50 points fell in the last week and the falls were widespread over the pastoral country to the east where totals from 20 to 60 points were reported.
55, 42, 17 Oct. 1934, page 4
Mongolata Sports were held on Eight Hours Day 10 October on grounds lent by Mr G.B. Morgan and the success owed much to the hard work of the secretary Mr Bill Carpenter and his band of assistants who worked hard in preparing the grounds. Trees and stumps had to be removed and temporary structures erected etc. The day concluded with a dance in the Oddfellows Hall Aberdeen. The results of the sporting events are printed.
Stockowner’s Assoc. of SA. The annual meeting of the central body is reported. The outgoing
State President was W.G. Hawkes and the incoming President was Mr Sutton.
55, 43, 24 Oct. 1934, page 1
Burra Town Council, 15 October
The Government Grant for Main Roads will be £350 with local contribution to be £100.
The Unemployment Relief Council responded to notification of payment for persons on rations for relief work and advises the Council that it would have to pay for the employment of those not on rations from its own resources: the latter cost being so far £5-15-0.
Permission was granted for the Electricity Co. to swing a light in the middle of the intersection of Chapel & Commercial Streets to better illuminate all corners.
There was discussion over the employment of the men on relief work and the payment from the Unemployment Council. It was generally thought the limitations imposed were unfair in that they penalised those who were endeavouring to help themselves and tended to drive people onto the rations, but as Cr Dow said: ‘the condition was not a good one, but the point was that the grant was clearly made for rationees only’.
It was resolved that the assessment for 1934-35 would be that of 1933-34 with the necessary alterations and additions.
There was debate about trees and the need to trim some and replace others.
The Mayor thought that ‘crates’ [i.e. tree guards] were out of date and a post either side allowed trees to grow straight and provided them with better light and made cultivation of the ground easier so that they grew better.
Cr Riggs said in his part of the town wandering cows still did a lot of damage. He moved that action be taken to abate this nuisance. Passed.
Cr Dow wanted the town gardens put in order. They needed regular attention rather than major work after being allowed to fall into disorder. The Mayor said they couldn’t afford the sort of attention he sought. Nevertheless, it was resolved to employ a man to tidy the gardens and plant new lawns in the Kooringa gardens.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 6th stage of the Baldina Trophy on 20 October when the best scores were from H. Woodman, P.W. Hogan & C.W. Pearce.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 13 October
Norma I. Steer, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs E. Steer of Aberdeen, married
Edmund J. (Ted) Reed, elder twin son of Mrs & the late Mr James Reed of Aberdeen.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. is said to have found a rich vein in the main tunnel, but the company has not released any details.
In Parliament the Leader of the Opposition has asked why no publicity was given to the handsome samples from the Takati Claim that were shown to HRH the Duke of Gloucester.
Mt Richards MP has protested the small assistance given to prospectors.
Mr Jenkins LCL said few fields could claim to be developed out of their own profits, but this could be said of Byles’ Mongolata. The battery had been established chiefly with Federal Government money and the niggardly provision for watering the field was an instance of the poor encouragement given by various SA Governments. The Premier thought if the field were all that was claimed it should not be necessary for the Government to assist.
In the Advertiser ‘Vox’ reports visiting a veritable Aladdin’s Cave when Mr W. Pexton took him to the safe deposit that holds the big nuggets of gold and the gold-studded ore from the Takati Claim. One piece like a small cabbage contains about 180oz of gold valued at c. £1,000. These were shown to the Duke of Gloucester on his visit. He asked the Duke to select a beautiful specimen of crystalline gold as a gift from Mr Pexton to Princess Elizabeth [later Queen Elizabeth II].
In the annual report of the Director of Mines for 1933 the Burra District produced for that year:
Gold worth £19,638
Magnesite £280
Asbestos £113
Total gold produced in SA from other sources was worth £36,295.
Farrell’s Flat Spinsters’ Ball on 16 October is reported.
55, 43, 24 Oct. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 27 October
Wynne Gibson & Onslow Stevens in The Crosby Case
June Knight & Neil Astell in Ladies Must Love
31 October
Anne Gray & Edmund Breon in Leap Year
Claude Allister & Betty Astell in That’s My Wife
Mr M. Stott of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. leaves Kooringa this morning to take up the position of relieving manager at the Penola branch. He has been her for two years and has been known for his courtesy, integrity and sociable nature and he made many friends both among the clientele and outside of business.
Mr J.H. Murison has left the Burra Hospital after his serious bout of pleurisy and pneumonia.
The Duke of Gloucester has given mementos of his visit to a number of people closely associated with its organisation, including two old Burra boys in Detective Hilton Grow and Superintendent Giles. Inspector J.R. Johns, formerly Police Sergeant at Burra, was also prominent during the royal visit. [A further reference in 55, 44, 31 Oct. 1939, page 2 reveals that Grow & Giles were in charge of the royal train, while at Tarlee Sgt T.M. Rowe, son of the late Rev. T.M. Rowe who served a term at Redruth Methodist Church, took charge of the train.]
Weather. Thunderstorms have delivered 32 points of rain in the last week in Burra and have dropped similar amounts on some of the eastern stations.
55, 43, 24 Oct. 1934, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Edith Burns relict of the late Samuel Burns died at her home ‘Kia-Ora’ in Dulwich. Her late husband was born in Chapel St 22 June 1858 and died 4 June 1916. In conjunction with the late James Harry he carried on a wheelwright’s business for over 30 years. He was also Mayor and a member of the Town Council and took a lively interest in all public and church matters. He married his late wife in 1883. She was born in the Wakefield District in 1859, the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Oates. After the marriage they lived in Chapel Street until Mr Burns’ death. The deceased was a large hearted and sympathetic woman who despite caring for 9 children gave her husband every assistance in his town life and especially in his church interests. Before Methodist Union they were staunch supporters of the Bible Christian Church and after union they continued their enthusiasm with the Methodist Church. They extended hospitality to visiting ministers and to a wide circle of friends. They were also the centre of a social circle of young folk especially those moving in musical circles. After Mr Burns’ death and her removal to Dulwich Mrs Burns led a more retired life. Nine children survive: Louie Mrs A. Murrie (Torrensville), Norman & Jack (Melbourne Victoria), Garfield (Crystal Brook), Lydia Mrs Frank T. Treloar (Baratta Station, Far North), Robert, (Toorak) and Miss Melva Burns (Dulwich). There are 13 grandchildren. Two sons Garfield & Robert served in the Great War and the latter is an invalid as a result of war injuries.
[Born Edith Oates 2 April 1859 near Watervale: died 20 October 1934 Dulwich.]
Tennis. Kooringa II 14 sets defeated Mt Bryan 5 sets
Booborowie 15-112 defeated Kooringa I 3-57
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. to 19 October
Main tunnel advanced to 436ft and timbered. On the south side of the tunnel an east-west seam with traces of gold was exposed apparently running with the line of the tunnel. At 434ft a small vein produced specimens.
No. 2 shaft has been sunk to 24ft.
Golden Harp. Crosscut west advanced to 23ft on a 2ft-wide lode of low grade.
Poppet legs are being erected on No. 2 shaft.
Burra Electric Supply Co. Annual Meeting of shareholders with Chairman E.F. Marston presiding. The balance sheet showed the company to be in good shape. The retiring directors E.F. Marston & Frank Reed were re-elected. A dividend of 5% was declared. A new and more powerful engine has been ordered through SAFU and it was hoped to have it commissioned by Christmas, but some delay is now expected.
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Nevin died at her residence in Millswood last Friday aged 67. She was Agnes, second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Rabbich of Aberdeen and lived in Burra till her marriage to Mr Thomas Nevin formerly a teacher at Copperhouse. She was educated at Burra State School after which she entered the Education Department and was a teacher till her marriage. Both Mr & Mrs Nevin visited Burra last year for the Back to Copperhouse school celebrations. Prior to his retirement Mr Nevin was for many years headmaster at Victor Harbor. Mrs Nevin’s death from pleurisy and pneumonia followed from influenza. She is survived by her husband and two daughters; one a nurse and the other married.
[Born Agnes Ann Rabbich 10 September near Kooringa: died 19 October 1934 Millswood Estate.]
55, 43, 24 Oct. 1934, page 4
Cricket. Aberdeen Colts held a meeting on Tuesday and elected: President, A. Ratcliffe; Vice-President, M. Morton; Captain, E. Scroop; Vice-Captain, A. Andrews and Secretary & Treasurer, Eddie Carpenter.
Aberdeen Colts 103 defeated Aberdeen 42 & 60.
At Mongolata during the week:
Mongolata 73 & 9 for 83
Aberdeen Colts 94 & 4 for 68
55, 44, 31 Oct. 1934, page 1
Cricket. A drawn game:
Opie’s Team 55 & 174 v. Aberdeen Colts 77 & 8 for 118.
Leighton & Ayers Schools held their combined annual picnic last Wednesday on the property of Mr J. Steele of Ayers in perfect weather. Mr A.G. Drew of Leighton provided a lorry and trailer for the transport of the students. The sports results are printed.
55, 44, 31 Oct. 1934, pages 1 & Supplement
Burra Show.
Rain set in at 11 a.m. and consequently attendance was reduced. The temperature was mild and without wind many people accustomed themselves to the conditions, but those without greatcoats or in light shoes suffered. Many were sustained by the knowledge of the good it was doing the crops. Entries were up by c. 400. President I.J. Warnes was enthusiastic as usual and had a cheery greeting for visitors. The weather greatly affected sideshows. The exhibition in the pavilion was excellent.
Art & Photography section was notable for the absence of the latter. Master Leonard Bence gets a special mention for his landscape in watercolour and Miss Mollie McBride one for her drawing in crayon.
In the Birds Section there were over 600 entries and competition was keen. White Leghorns were the strongest class, but Orpingtons and Hamburgs were also very good. Turkeys were particularly good this year and the ducks, drakes and geese were described as an excellent lot. The pigeons were also a fine collection.
Cattle entries continue to grow with the best competition in the Jerseys.
Cooking was commendable as usual.
Dog entries were not strong in numbers, but were up to the usual standard.
Flower entries were up this year due to the favourable season and space was only found with difficulty to display the entries.
[Personal interest: this year R. Fuss was not listed as a steward and did not get any prizes. He did give the trophy for champion and reserve champion pansy and both positions went to Mrs E.C. Collins.]
In Fresh Fruit, which always has few local entries, C. Raethal of Tanunda took all the prizes except first & second for lemons which were won by W.H. Sandland.
Grain & Fodder entries were of a high standard due to the splendid season.
Draught Horses were few in number, but in fine condition.
Blood stock has become a very small section.
Horses in Action is always a large section, but this year the lateness of the season did not allow the local district competitors time to prepare entries and so almost all prizes went to outside ‘professionals’.
In the Implements Section much interest was taken in the Hallstion Kerosene Semi-Automatic Refrigerator. This runs on a small lamp that burns for 11⁄2-2hrs overnight at a cost of 3d and gives refrigeration then for 24 hours.
In Needlework much fine work was displayed.
Produce brought in some new exhibitors and there was healthy competition in both dairy produce and between local butchers.
Pigs drew only one exhibitor Mrs W.E. Steven, but the animals were of an excellent type.
Sheep were up on last year, but there is still much room for improvement. Competition was left mainly to the smaller growers of Merinos.
The Champion Ram prize went to Harold Doyle of Mt Bryan East.
In the competition for Champion Ewe H.J. Dunn of Black Springs was successful.
Schoolwork produced the most entries and stiffest competition seen for many years.
‘Vegetables’ is another small section, but those shown were well grown and competition was keen in cabbages and lettuces.
The Wool exhibition was a credit to the district and the display ran the whole length of the pavilion. Tom J. Bailey of Booborowie took champion fleece.
55, 44, 31 Oct. 1934, page 2
Advt. The Wonder Train is showing in Kooringa Opposite the Public School, also High Swing Boats, Ocean Wave and Strength Tester for Men. Adults 6d & Children 3d.
Advt. Burra Talkies 3 November
Wheeler & Woolsey in Peach o’ Reno
Bill Boyd & Mae Clarke in Flaming Gold
Plus the special feature: The Fourth Test
7 November
Ester Ralston & Hugh Williams in The Rome Express
Supporting feature: Chance of a Nightime [sic]
L.W. Gebhardt of Mokota has accepted a seat on the board of directors of Bennett & Fisher Ltd. He is one of the leading stud masters of Merino flocks and also owns properties in the northeast: Aroona and Devonborough Downs.
E.J. Hilary has taken up his duties at the Kooringa Post Office in place of Mr Cole.
55, 44, 31 Oct. 1934, page 3
Croquet. Farrell’s Flat defeated Burra by 7 points.
Burra Homing Club. The race on 20 October from Wolseley was won by H.W. Pearce.
Mongolata Goldfield
Takakti Claim of W. Pexton & Sons: 51 tons with tailing was put through the battery at 31⁄2oz per ton.
Hallett Institute will benefit by c. £120 from the Garden Fete at the residence of Sir John Melrose at Ulooloo, organised by Miss Melrose last Saturday. [The report runs for c. 11⁄3 columns.]
Burra Bowling Club. President P.L. Rosman opened the season last Saturday.
Burra Croquet Club. President Mrs C. Pearce hit the first ball to open the season on Saturday.
Burra Show Luncheon. President I.J. Warnes gave a Show Luncheon to 80-90 guests on Show Day. Catering was by Mrs Rowe. Sir John Melrose opened the show. Speakers were partly drowned out by the noise of the rain on the roof. Speakers were Sir John Melrose, Mr Alex Melrose, Mr A.D. McDonald MP, I.J. Warnes, Mayor of Burra Mr T.H. Woollacott and Mr Ferguson President of the Jamestown Show. Details occupy c. 11⁄2 columns.
55, 44, 31 Oct. 1934, page 4
Mr G.T. Pattullo was given a farewell at the Hanson Institute with supper in the Methodist Hall. He has been District Clerk for 9 years and now, with the Hanson DC about to merge with other Councils, he has won the position of District Clerk for the Freeling DC ahead of 80 applicants. A presentation was made of a handsome clock. Mrs Pattullo was presented with a copper jardinière and also with a picture from the Ladies Guild. Dancing continued to midnight. Mr & Mrs Pattullo left for their new home on 22 October.
Tennis. Burra Association
Booborowie 10-91 defeated Hallett 8-81
Mt Bryan 14-110 defeated Kooringa I 4-65
Ironmine 10-86 defeated Kooringa II 8-80
Aberdeen II 15-105 defeated Kooringa III 3-75
Marriage. At St Andrew’s Mt Bryan 27 October
Dorothy G.J. Bishop, only child of Mr & the late Mrs W.B. Bishop of Mt Bryan, married
Clifford G. Edwards, third son of Mr & Mrs H.H. Edwards of Mt Bryan.
55, 45, 7 Nov. 1934, page 1
Dances held recently to aid St Joseph’s Church have suffered from rain on the last three or four occasions and the one last Thursday was no exception.
55, 45, 7 Nov. 1934, page 2
Hurtle Bald recently appointed postmaster at Kadina is a son of W.J. Bald, late of Hallett and brother to R. Bald, manager of the Burra branch of Elder, Smith & Co. Mr David Ball, grandfather of H. Bald, was present at a reception for the new postmaster at Kadina. He is an old Burraite.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. to 3 November
The main tunnel advanced to 478ft and timbered. Now in soft slate country. Several seams of 1” to 6” width were cut giving traces of gold to 5dwt per ton by pan test.
Golden Harp. Have cut 18”-wide lode in western crosscut. 15 tons of ore raised on this section.
Sir John Melrose is said to be about to present his nephew Jimmy Melrose with a cheque for £500 in appreciation of the young man’s great flight from England. [A reference to Charles James Melrose born 13 September 1913 to Sir John’s brother James.]
Guy Fawkes Day celebrations were marred by rain and the electrical display aloft dwarfed the bonfires and crackers of the small fry below.
Harry Lihou, father of Mrs John Allen of Kooringa, is 80 today.
Mr A. Turner of Chapel St will be 80 on 9 November. [Alfred Tavender Turner.]
John Roach of Aberdeen was the guard on the Royal Train recently and received a new uniform for the occasion and a thank you note and souvenir from the Duke of Gloucester subsequently.
Advt. Burra Talkies 10 November
Janet Gaynor, Lionel Barrymore & Robert Young in Carolina
Heather Angel & Nigel Bruce in Murder in Trinidad
14 November
Ralph Lynn & Winifred Shotter in Just My Luck
George Gee & Betty Astell in Cleaning Up
55, 45, 7 Nov. 1934, page 3
Weather. Valuable rain has fallen in the pastoral country. Some placed got it so steadily that little ran off, but elsewhere dams have been filled. Most falls last Thursday were in the range 40-70 points.
More rain fell on Monday 5 November when Burra received 49 points. To the east thunderstorms on Monday & Tuesday were patchy, but many falls were between 70 & 120 points. At Hallett H.A.J. Scholz recorded 240 points to make a total of 6 inches in a week. At Terowie Hiles Lagoon has filled for the first time in seven years.
Aberdeen Croquet Club’s season for 1934-35 was opened by Mrs E.G. Neil on Wednesday last and coincided with President Mrs F.T. Sara’s 70th birthday, which was duly celebrated with a cake and special afternoon tea.
Cricket. At Mongolata last Sunday there was a drawn game:
Mongolata 91 & 5 for 67 declared v. Ramblers 86 & 0 for 53.
At Victoria Park on 3 November
St Mary’s 196 played Aberdeen Colts 4 for 74.
Last Sunday Aberdeen Colts 206 defeated Aberdeen 51.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its Anniversary last Sunday & Monday when Rev. S. Forsyth of the Methodist Central Mission preached.
Obituary. Charles E. Baker, father of Mrs George Melrose of Willogoleche Station died 26 October. Mr & Mrs Baker came from England to live with Mrs Melrose eight years ago and they soon settled into the new climate and conditions. Both took a great interest in local social and other activities and particularly those associated with the Anglican Church. The deceased was a very energetic gentleman until his health began to fail in the last few months. He was born at Montague Place, London in 1855, the son of the late Sir Charles John Baker and was educated at Haileybury College and then articled to Sir Hugh Hassard and Richard Webster, later High Chief Justice and Lord Chief Justice of London. He was admitted to the Law Society in 1875 and was a Parliamentary Solicitor in Westminster for 50 years. He was Secretary to the Non-County Borough’s Assoc. for 37 years and of the Urban Clerks Assoc. He was a member for Kent on the London Metropolitan Water Board and for 35 years a member of the Beckenham Urban District Council and Chairman of it 12 times. In the Great War he was a Machine Gun instructor for the National Guard and later a Captain in the Royal Fusiliers Cadet Battalion. In 1879 he married Janet Duncan the daughter of William Duncan of Edinburgh and a granddaughter of Adam Black, a famous publisher and MP for Edinburgh. Prior to coming to Australia in 1926 the couple had visited the country and had celebrated their golden wedding at Willogoleche. There are two surviving sons in England and one daughter, Mrs Melrose. There are three grandchildren.
[Registered as Charles Edmund Baker died 25 October at Hallett aged 78.]
55, 45, 7 Nov. 1934, page 4
Mongolata Goldfield
Central Mine. Bill Lord, an old Burra identity, required three stitches when struck by a rock dislodged from the side of the shaft recently.
Fred Day fractured ribs when he slipped and fell over a form.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 7th stage of the Baldina Trophy and best scores were from Ken Dawson, P. Hogan & G. Robinson.
55, 46, 14 Nov. 1934, page 1
Burra Town Council, 5 November
The new Act controlling District Councils and Corporations provides for postal voting and has closed the municipal year on 30 June instead of in December as previously for the Town Council. As a result the Mayor and Councillors will remain in office till June 30 1935.
Kooringa Football Club wrote saying they found the charge for Victoria Park to be excessive and they enclosed £5. Cr Dow’s motion that the £5 be accepted on account with the balance to remain due and owing was passed.
Secretary J. Allen of the Football Assoc. wrote saying that it was not a responsible body and money was distributed to the clubs which each had to pay its own expenses.
The kerbing in front of Whittney & Tiver’s is to be removed.
It was resolved to take drastic [but unspecified] action to reduce the stray dog nuisance.
Cr Kellaway in reporting from a conference on unemployment said it had been suggested that in reference to the Mayoral Fund for the relief of the unemployed instead of sending to Adelaide for clothes, coupons should be issued on local traders. The present system was a nuisance as often clothes did not fit and had to be returned.
The Mayor said he had sent for £16 worth of clothes from the city, but the Government was buying up to £20,000 worth at a time and could buy more cheaply than the local merchants. Women got the advantage of the goods and in some instances if money were given it would never reach the home.
Mr & Mrs Gordon Grubb were given a farewell at the Oddfellows Hall in Aberdeen on Tuesday. Mr Grubb had been in Burra for a number of years as goods clerk and assistant stationmaster. He has now been promoted and moved to Gawler. While here he has shone at football. A dance followed the speeches and presentations. Mr A. Ratcliffe spoke and presented a travelling rug, an inscribed tobacco pouch and a gross of matches. Mr Warnes the stationmaster spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr Grubb’s capabilities and popularity. Mr H. Schumacher of the SAR also spoke.
The Leighton Strawberry Fete was followed by a well-attended concert and proceeds were satisfactory. [Details are given in c. 11⁄2 columns.]
55, 46, 14 Nov. 1934, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 November
Nancy Brown & Betty Stockfield in Maid of the Mountains
Leslie Fuller & Faith Bennett in The Pride of the Force
Miss Morrissey, who has been keeping house for her uncle Father F. Morrissey for two years, is returning to her Ballarat home. She will be missed by a host of friends both from the congregations and outside it.
Mr Thomas McBride of Redcliffe Station is seriously ill with heart trouble and other complications and has been taken to his Henley Beach home to be nearer medical attention.
St Mary’s day of special offerings in lieu of a fete realised £115. The Bishop of Willochra officiated at all services on 4 November and in the afternoon 24 persons were confirmed.
The annual church picnic was held at Stone Chimney Creek on 10 November.
55, 46, 14 Nov. 1934, page 3
Weather. Thunderstorms have delivered some rain locally to bring the total to 31 points for the week. On Wednesday at 2 p.m. a terrific storm broke with much thunder & lightning, a sharp fall of rain & hail and gale force winds which blew down the chimney of Mrs C.L. Phillips in Chapel St, damaged hoardings and broke boughs from trees, but fortunately it was all over in about ten minutes.
To the east torrential rain fell in some areas. Koomooloo recorded 189 points in one hour and similar falls were reported from Woolgangi, Hogback & Wyoming. The watercourses have come down and several travellers reported confronting streams 500-600ft wide. A. & L. Kellock and Stan Woollacott en route to Braemar found they had to turn back from water courses in places one to three miles across and too deep to wade through. I.J. Warnes says it is the best start to a summer season he has known. Damage to fencing is far outweighed by the benefits to the country.
Balah recorded 273 points at Hideaway Hut and 112 at the homestead. Oddly, in those places which missed the downpours dust storms raged on Wednesday.
The agricultural areas are doing wonderfully well and lucerne paddocks at Booborowie are a picture and the area is also producing mushrooms 6-8” across with similar finds between Hallett & Mt Bryan. In the storm on 5 November R.L. Steele at Ayers Forest had two sheep struck by lightning.
Mongolata Goldfield
A question in Parliament by Mr Melrose reveals that Byles’ Mongolata had requested the Government supply a diamond drill to test the field and the Department was looking into it.
Byles’ Mongolata is also reported to have taken over Block 8.
There was the usual complaint that the field was receiving less publicity and assistance than it merited.
Tennis.
Booborowie 14-111 defeated Mt Bryan 4-74
Kooringa I 12-97 defeated Aberdeen II 6-80
Kooringa II 12-98 defeated Aberdeen I 6-71
Obituary. Fred A. Robertson died at his residence on Sunday. He was the eldest son of Mrs & the late T.F. Robertson and was born in 1882. After leaving school he assisted his father in his carrying business until the latter’s death. He marries Miss Bertha Heinrich about 13 years ago, who survives with a family. His death was not unexpected. He was noted generally for his courtesy and kindness. He had been a member of the Oddfellows Lodge for many years. [Born Frederick Amelius Robertson 24 May 1882 Kooringa: died Frederick Amelious Robertson 11 November 1934 Aberdeen. There is no record of any children to the end of the Births CD in 1928.]
Armistice Day fell on Sunday and so the usual observances were not held locally, but at Redruth Methodist Church a two-minute silence was observed at 11 a.m. and an Armistice Service was held in the evening. At Kooringa Methodist Church an Armistice Service was held in the morning.
The Burra District Band was at practice on Sunday morning and adjourned to the yard at the rear of the hall to observe the 11 a.m. silence. They played O God Our Help followed by Last Post and Reveille.
55, 46, 14 Nov. 1934, page 4
Hanson Hall. The inaugural fete in the new Hall fell on a day of very unfortunate weather last Wednesday, but £22 was taken, which is expected to nett about £11.
55, 47, 21 Nov. 1934, page 1
Mr George Bass was given a farewell at the Royal Exchange Hotel on Thursday last. He has obtained a position with Mr E.J. McKenzie in the city, having worked for him when Mr McKenzie had a business in Kooringa. Mr Bass was widely interested in sport, being a member of the Kooringa Football Club, Kooringa ‘A’ Grade Tennis, Burra Basketball as well as being a keen pedestrian and high jumper. Representatives of these bodies wished him well and he also received a gift from his employers Messrs Sara & Co. of Aberdeen & Kooringa.
Salvation Army Prospect Citadel Band visited Burra at the weekend. The arrived in Kooringa about 7 p.m. on Saturday and were entertained by the Mayor T.H. Woollacott to tea at Mr Charles Parks’ tearooms, after which they played a few pieces in the Rotunda before marching to the Army Hall where they gave a first class performance before a large audience.
On Sunday they played selections in various streets of Kooringa and at 11 a.m. visited the Hospital where they presented a varied program. The band played at the Kooringa Methodist Church service on Sunday evening when the seating accommodation was taxed to the limit. This was followed by a concert in the Institute which was also filled to capacity. The band was given supper afterwards at the rear of the hall by Mrs Hutchinson and members of Kooringa Ladies’ Guild, after which they started for Adelaide by motor, expecting to arrive between 2 and 3 a.m.
[Details of the concert etc. are reported in c. 11⁄2 columns.]
Glendore Methodist Church [Black Springs] held its annual fete in the form of an All Seasons Fair on Saturday. In a candle-lighting contest Miss Connie Butler lit 45 candles from 1 match and Mr Gordon Harding managed to light 80 to lead the men in the competition.
Proceeds were a satisfying £36-7-4.
55, 47, 21 Nov. 1934, page 2
Mr A. Darcy has moved into the fine modern residence he has built in Kingston St after a residence of 30 years in the house on the Institute property.
Polo. At the Centenary Polo Carnival at Ranelagh Victoria last week the SA ‘B’ team had good success. Mr Rex Warnes of Koomooloo is a member of the team.
The Baby Health Train will make its 13th visit this weekend and will be open from Monday to Wednesday.
A.L. Bence writes complaining of certain statements made by the Mayor Mr T.H. Woollacott concerning clothing for the unemployed. A suggestion had been made that instead of sending to Adelaide for clothing, coupons could be issue to local traders. The Mayor said he has sent for £16 worth and the Government was buying up to £20,000 worth at a time and could thus buy more cheaply than local merchants.
Mr Bence challenges this, saying that neither he nor other storekeepers had been approached or their prices asked for. He challenges the Mayor to supply any article which he and other storekeepers could not supply at the same or better prices. In any case the principle is wrong. Patronage of local business is the first step to prosperity. It is the Mayor’s duty to take the first step to see that business is kept in the town.*
Another thing is that the system of distribution is unbusinesslike and unfavourable to recipients. Any woman would prefer to pick out her own articles rather than depend on goods sent up to her order that in some cases prove to be unsuitable or poorly fitting and subject to delays of sometimes seven to eight weeks. Cr Kellaway’s suggestion about coupons is the right and only solution.
The money is earned in the town and the earners should have the option of picking their own clothing.
[*It seems likely that it was the implication that the Mayor had failed to do his duty as well as the confrontational tone that provoked the angry response from the Mayor in the next issue.]
Marriage. St Peter’s Church, Glenelg
Dorothy Bartholomaeus, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs C. Bartholomaeus of Glenelg, married
E.R.C. (Jack) Pearce, fifth son of Mr & Mrs F. Pearce of Aberdeen. [Eric Ross Carleton Pearce.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 24 November
Lilian Harvey & Gene Raymond in I Am Suzanne
Lew Ayres & Alice Faye in She Learned About Sailors
55, 47, 21 Nov. 1934, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Rev. D. Redding went out for a service on Wednesday evening and this was followed by community singing and items from the visiting party of Messrs G. Dollman, L. Hann & Percy Rosman aided by Mr Seaton & Misses G. Carpenter and Lang.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. to 16 November
The main tunnel has advanced to 519ft with a small 3” vein at 505ft giving 2-3dwt per ton.
Golden Harp. South drive advanced to 12ft on a lode yielding 10dwt per ton.
We understand a Government bore has been sent to a field where the average yield is 3dwt per ton so why has one not been sent to Mongolata which produced over one third of gold raised in SA in 1933?
A further test of Mongolata will be made this week when 25 tons from a claim three miles north of Byles’ Mongolata will be put through the battery.
55, 47, 21 Nov. 1934, page 4
Cricket. A meeting of St Mary’s and Aberdeen Cricket Clubs decided on 14 January to form the Burra Burra [Cricket] Association.
Teams will be St Mary’s Blues, St Mary’s Reds, Aberdeen & Aberdeen Colts.
Aberdeen 65 v. St Mary’s Blues 111.
Miss Jean McDonald was given a farewell at Leighton Hall on Thursday as she is leaving to take up nursing.
Tennis.
Kooringa II 11-94 defeated Kooringa III 7-81
Booborowie 14-106 defeated Ironmine 4-75
Hallett 11-94 defeated Aberdeen II 7-78
Willalo Tennis Tournament, 14 November
Men’s Singles Handicap F.P. Sullivan
Mixed Doubles Handicap Kimber & Adams
Men’s Doubles Handicap Tiver & Richards
Ladies Singles Handicap Mrs Kelly
Burra Rifle Club shot the 8th stage of the Baldina Trophy with a bad mirage. Best results were from K. Dawson, R. Pexton & C.W. Pearce.
55, 48, 28 Nov. 1934, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 1st stage of the Championship and the leaders are A.C. Collins, A.B. Riggs & A.C. Aughey. With handicap the leaders are K. Dawson, J.E. Pearce & A.B. Riggs.
T.H. Woollacott wrote a reply to A.L. Bence’s letter.
[Woollacott’s letter is incoherent in places, with poorly constructed sentences and blustering rudeness, but his main line of argument is clear. Part of the problem seems to have arisen from the newspaper report, which was written in such a way as to make some of Bence’s apparently incorrect conclusions logical assumptions based on what the paper said.]
Mr Woollacott makes the following points:
Mr Bence says he is speaking for other business people as well as himself, but I have been assured by many that he spoke for himself.
There is no Mayor’s Fund for the relief of unemployment.
I have not in four years in office appealed to Mr Bence or anyone else for clothes or money to help distress in the town caused by unemployment.
I challenge you to say when and where I have done the round of the shops for the unemployed and sent money to the city for clothes or for anything else.
Not a penny of the public money collected in the town has ever been spent in the city or even sent to Melbourne.
A few months ago £50 was sent from the city (AOF) and Mr Bence had his share with every other businessman in the town.
Your correspondent will no doubt be surprised to learn the town has just received and spent £300 for unemployment relief: all spent in the town coming from the same source as the clothes - [sic: I cannot clarify this further.]
‘I might say during the Premier’s visit on disabilities of the town what it cost the Mayor to entertain the first citizen of the State and mainly due to the Mayor’s effort and Council’s support’.
I have been well paid for my effort by receiving from the Government the sum of £300 for the unemployed.
As to the few clothes about which so much has been written the facts are the Government made available to the URC a limited amount of money for the purchase of boots, clothes etc. The Mayor of every town is asked to co-operate and assist the URC in the distribution, and control in their areas, the amount allotted to Burra is under £20, to work for clothes, and not cash and a schedule is sent for sizes, articles, values etc. Each applicant sends in his or her requirements which are everyday requirements and after completion the list is sent to the URC. The clothes are forwarded to the Mayor under the conditions, and are worked out under the basic wage.
The men and their wives are delighted with their goods, first quality and no misfits and had I refused to assist, the men would have been the worse off and it makes no difference to the business people as those receiving would not be in a position to buy.
The report of the delegate given in the Council Chamber is not Cr Kellaway’s suggestion. It was like many other things talked of at the conference. The remark that money is sent to the city is not true and neither my policy public or private.
[Mr Woollacott then calls on Mr Bence to substantiate his claims or apologise. In the process he accuses Mr Bence of stupidity and says it is not his (Woollacott’s) role to criticise Government policy and might be thought to imply that it is not Bence’s either. His anger leads Woollacott into being rather insulting. It is easy to see how Mr Bence got some of his ideas. The paper certainly speaks of a Mayor’s Fund and at least implies that the Mayor sent money to Adelaide when it says the Mayor ordered £16 worth from the city.]
55, 48, 28 Nov. 1934, page 2
Father F. Morrissey and his niece left Burra for Melbourne last Sunday. After staying at the presbytery for two years Miss Mary Morrissey is returning permanently to her home in Ballarat.
Miss Nance Miller, a sister of Miss K. Miller of Burra School, has just gained her BA degree. Another sister, Margaret, gained a similar distinction a few years ago. They are daughters of Mrs J. Miller nee Miss Maggies Lally late of Burra and now of Clare. All are teachers.
The Federated Girl’ Club & Girl Citizens had a social in Redruth Memorial Hall on Saturday and a combined community service in the Kooringa Methodist Church on the following Sunday morning.
On Sunday Miss Jones of Adelaide YWCA assisted Miss Mavis Fairchild who had charge of the church service. Rev. G. Hutchinson preached the sermon.
Marriage. St Joseph’s Church Kooringa, 24 November
Con. W. Samuels, second son of Mrs & Mrs H.J. Samuels of Kadina, married
Melva Lynch, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs R.A. Lynch of Kooringa.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 30 November & 1 December
Warner Baxter & Bebe Daniels in 42nd Street
Irene Vanbrugh & John Stuart in Head of the Family
55, 48, 28 Nov. 1934, page 3
Tennis. 25 November
Kooringa III 11-99 defeated Kooringa I 7-92
Hallett 10-88 defeated Aberdeen I 8-76
The Aberdeen [II?] versus Booborowie match was abandoned due to rain.
Mt Bryan 11-97 defeated Ironmine 7-84
Mongolata Goldfield
Rumour reports a rich pocket has been discovered on the Golden Harp of between 100 & 200oz.
The bore of which much has been heard is now said to actually be en route and expected this week.
The 25 tons crushed from a claim 3 miles north of Byles’ Mongolata is said to have returned 2dwt per ton.
Burra Water Supply. With reference to the deputation which waited on the Hon. The Premier on the 13 July 1934 at which reference was made to the water storage at Burra the Engineer of the Water Supply Department has the question of providing a new storage in hand and an estimate is being prepared.
55, 48, 28 Nov. 1934, page 4
Cricket. Conclusion of a game started the previous week: St Mary’s Blues 111 & 0 for 71 defeated Aberdeen Colts 65 & 116.
St Mary’s Reds 99 & 2 for 36 defeated Aberdeen 71 & 54.
Ramblers 138 versus Mt Bryan 87 & 77
Burra Town Council, 19 November
F. Spencer writes complaining of damage caused by stray cattle to hedges & gardens and fouling of footpaths.
A letter will be sent to the owner warning of prosecution if the nuisance continues.
Other routine business was transacted.
55, 49, 5 Dec. 1934, page 1
Redruth Methodist Ladies Guild held a successful strawberry fete in the Memorial Hall on 28 November. It was opened by the Mayoress Mrs T.H. Woollacott.
[Personal interest: Mrs R. Fuss & Miss Clarice Reed were co-convenors of the strawberries & cream, cool drinks & ices stall.]
55, 49, 5 Dec. 1934, page 2
Obituary. Melva Heinrich, wife of A.G. (Tom) Heinrich of World’s End, died at Burra Hospital 27 November aged 28. [Extended obituary on page 3 of this issue.]
Weather. A useful 48 points of rain fell on Thursday and crops in the district are looking as good as in any season.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 8 December
Charles Bickford & Greta Nissen in Red Wagon
Gene Gerard & Camilla Horn in The Love Nest
55, 49, 5 Dec. 1934, page 3
Burra Town Council
No nominations had been received for the extraordinary vacancy in North Ward. There was a great deal of discussion about what was then legally possible and whether an extension of time for nominations was allowed etc. There was reluctance to draft in someone against their wishes with the possible cost of a fine if they refused to serve. It was finally decided that discussion with H.J.B. Jennison had revealed he was not unwilling and finally he was declared the new Councillor for North Ward.
Sgt Kain of Redruth advised that the Government had approved additional food rations for Christmas and an extra cash grant of 10/- for a man and 10/- for his wife and 2/6 a child to a maximum of 22/6 for a family for those on rations. This amount had to be worked for. Among the names Sgt Kain submitted for Burra were about 20 from Mongolata which Council considered were outside its district. The total granted for Burra was about £30. It was resolved to place the list of unemployed with the Overseer and for Ward Councillors to find the work to be done.
The Mayoral allowance was fixed at £12 for 7 months to carry the Mayor on till when the new date for elections will come into force.
Accident. Joe Ridgway, Horace James & Hurtle Allen were travelling to Adelaide in a truck on Saturday evening last when a fault in the steering gear caused the vehicle to swerve and then capsize over an embankment. Mr Ridgway [24] sustained a broke arm, Mr James [26] shock and bruises and Mr Allen [20] shock and a cut over the eye. They were treated at Gawler Hospital.
Burra Red Cross at its Christmas meeting decided to spend £20 on Christmas cheer. They sent £5 to each of the following institutions: Bedford Park, Keswick & Burra Hospitals and to Angorichina Hostel.
Tennis. Kooringa I 11-103 defeated Kooringa II 7-95. Note corrected next issue to:
Kooringa II 11-103 defeated Kooringa I 7-95
Booborowie 16-112 defeated Aberdeen I 2-50
Mt Bryan 12-99 defeated Aberdeen II 6-74
A.L. Bence writes again saying he had previously expressed criticism of the present system of the Unemployment Relief Committee. He says:
I admit the system is state-wide and not confined to Burra. In this system goods and clothing are supplied from the city, instead of which I advocated the same being provided locally.
According to the Council notes published on 13 November any alternative to the present system is not favoured by the Mayor, hence my criticism. I was also critical of his remarks about the Government being able to supply the goods more cheaply that the local storekeepers.
Bence then goes on to accuse the Mayor of making ‘rambling comments’ in a letter which is ‘very hard to understand’, but says Bence perhaps this is due to his stupidity or lack of intellect, which the Mayor was so kindly able to point out. On reflection he is afraid he has made the grave error of daring to pass criticism on the Mayor and so he has decided to apologise, not to the Mayor, but to the Editor for being the cause of a good column of the Burra Record ‘being wasted on such absolute rubbish as your letter’.
‘[After] reading your comments I find it is only a waste of time on my part and I am too busy a man at present to enter into any further press communications with you. It takes a big man to appreciate a criticism and to answer same in the right spirit.’
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. 5th AGM with Chairman of Directors Mr A.A. Thornton presiding.
The present mining activity was located about 16 miles from Burra and about 6 miles northwest of the main Broken Hill Road. Geologically the field was of great interest as reported by Mr H. Theodore Price, a mining geologist. Standing on the highest summit of the ridges and looking north-south and east one can plainly see the remains of a coastline of an inland sea with the water replaced by a great fertile plain. The report tells of a richer lode to the west of the original claim and this area has now been pegged and it is proposed to develop it. The report says the present position of the mine warrants development. Development will require driving into the hill 671ft. In addition to the extension of the tunnel which has so far reached 405ft it will be necessary to sink a shaft to connect up with it at 195ft. Mr Price suggested the Government should be asked to subsidise the cost of the work.
The meeting resolved that the work should continue and it was optimistic of the future.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. to 30 November.
The main tunnel has reached 555ft and crossed several small veins showing no values.
No. 5 shaft has reached 76ft through blue slate with small quartz veins.
Golden Harp. No. 1 shaft. South drive has advanced to 24ft following very broken lode 3ft wide showing 1oz per ton by pan test. 35 tons at grass will be crushed in the New Year.
Unofficially we understand a small crushing from Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate realised 9oz from 19cwt with 2oz expected from the tailings. This is a very good result.
Obituary. Mrs A.G. Heinrich of World’s End died 27 November after a very long illness aged 28. She was very highly esteemed in Burra and her home district. She was born at Manoora 11 August 1906, the second daughter Melva [Mary Riessen] of Mrs C.H. Mann of Baldina and the late Mr Riesson [sic: for Riessen]. On 15 January 1930 she married Mr A.G. Heinrich of World’s End. Her death is a great loss not only in her own home, but in her mother’s where another daughter Miss Doris Riesson died in September 1926 aged only 22. Just a fortnight ago the deceased said she wished to give a trophy to the Burra Rifle Club in which both her husband and she had a great interest. She was a good rifle shot and always a competitor in the ladies’ matches arranged by the club. She was also a worker of fine needlework. There are no children. Six members of the Burra Rifle Club acted as bearers. She is survived by a husband, mother & step-father Mr & Mrs C.H. Mann of Baldina, a sister Mrs J.L. Sullivan of Reade Park and a step-sister Miss Millie Mann of Baldina.
55, 49, 5 Dec. 1934, page 4
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held anniversary services 25 & 26 November. The Hallett Brass Band under George Bald assisted. Rev. Weeding officiated.
Mr & Mrs George Morgan [recently married] returned to Mongolata on Saturday night to a noisy greeting by an improvised band and about 200 people gathered at the woolshed for a welcome and impromptu concert.
Mongolata. Rev. Redding conducted his usual Tuesday evening service, which was followed by community singing and other items.
Burra Brass Band held its AGM 27 November
Mr Murison was welcomed back after his recent illness. The secretary reported a year of considerable achievement. The band had won the competition at Clare early in the year. Illness had prevented their holding a series of dances this year and consequently the band’s finances were low. They had just one dance this year for £7-4-9 compared with six in 1933 for £33-13-3. But they had held 11 open-air concerts for £24-12-7 compared with 5 in 1933 for £8-8-9. During the year they had visited Waikerie, which was very enjoyable and financially rewarding. They had also received a visit from Waikerie Band with similarly pleasing results. The committee is planning for a Band Competition in Burra as soon as possible with the hope of attracting seven or eight bands and upwards of 100 bandsmen. P.W. Clark was particularly thanked for the use of his room. Elected were Patron, Mr James Thomas; President, Mr E.F. Marston; Secretary, J.T. Pascoe; Treasurer, J. Allen; Bandmaster, J.H. Murison & Deputy Bandmasters George Terry & A.W. Andrews.
55, 50, 12 Dec. 1934, page 1
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club will hold a Boxing Day Sports Meeting.
Burra Rifle Club shot the 9th stage of the Baldina Trophy when the best scores were by C.W. Pearce, W. Woodman & E.C. Collins.
55, 50, 12 Dec. 1934, page 2
Mr & Mrs Arthur Dearlove of Gwalia WA visited Burra last weekend. It is 25 years since Mr Dearlove was here and it is his wife’s first visit.
E.H. Woollacott writes accusing Mr A.L. Bence of hiding his head in the sand. He says: initially Mr Bence wanted to strongly criticise my policy as Mayor of purchasing goods outside the town and then he decided to criticise the system in vogue of the distribution of unemployment relief which he assumes that I favour. In reply I pointed out that no goods were purchased outside, but that the Government made available a certain limited quantity of clothing available entirely outside and supplemented to the system of unemployment relief, which as any informed person knows is conducted on a very different basis.
‘Luckily for them he is quite unable to drag other local businessmen into this fragrant retreat. Finally I have no objection to paper criticisms, constructive if possible and based on facts and any other kind is a waste of good time and space.’
Croquet. At Aberdeen on Wednesday Aberdeen 52 defeated Kooringa 37.
Tennis. On Saturday last a little rain combined with boisterous weather conditions caused three of the four matches to be cancelled. Hallett 10-84 defeated Kooringa I 1-43.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 15 December
Spencer Tracy & ‘Pat’ Paterson in Bottoms Up
Hugh Williams & Helen Twelvetrees in All men are Enemies
Kooringa Methodist Ladies Guild held a strawberry fete in the Cheer-up Hall on Friday afternoon between 2.30 & 5.30 and raised £19.
Jimmy Melrose the well-known aviator flew very low over Burra on Monday afternoon. He was en route to Adelaide after spending a few days with his relatives at Hallett. He was known to be in the area, having visited the Goldsbrough, Mort sale on Friday with Sir John Melrose. School children rushed to the windows to get a glimpse of ‘My Hildegarde’ as it passed. He is said to have surprised a man east of Burra last week when he landed and asked the most direct route to Hallett. Others say he stopped for a drink.
55, 50, 12 Dec. 1934, page 3
Cricket. St Mary’s Blues 128 & 3 for 63 defeated St Mary’s Reds 92 & 77.
Aberdeen 82 versus Aberdeen Colts 86.
Burra Brass Band put on a concert last Wednesday evening at the Institute to raise funds for the Institute, but attendance was only fair and receipts barely exceeded £10.
[The concert is reviewed in almost 1 column.]
[Personal interest: Miss Mavis Fairchild sang The Captive Maid.]
Obituary. John Dawson Jordan of Ashfield Sydney died 11 December in Sydney after a short illness aged 89. He was well known in Burra, having carried on a business here many years ago as a watchmaker and jeweller. He then went to Broken Hill and upon retiring went to Sydney. He was born in April 1845 and remained in excellent health until his last brief illness. He married Miss Mary (Polly) Pearce, a daughter of the late William (tailor) Pearce of Burra. She died two years ago. The couple had celebrated their diamond wedding. There is a family of four surviving sons and two daughters: Arthur (Gawler), Ernest (Mitcham SA), Albert (Melbourne) and the Misses Gertrude & Ruby (Sydney). For many years her parents resided with their elder daughter. Three sons and a daughter died before their parents: Edgar, Jack, Clarence & Annie. Mr C.J. Pearce of Kooringa is a brother-in-law. [Born 7 April 1845 London, England.]
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Burra defeated Kapunda by 40 points.
Mongolata Goldfield
Mongolata Central GM Syndicate
Contractors are clearing up mullock and stripping back south of old workings. Advanced 5ft on a slight underlay. The bottom is slate on which is a 15” layer of ironstone and quartz showing traces. A small fissure in this contains gold varying from traces to 10dwt. The country is much disturbed.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate directors visited on Monday. Matters are looking promising. A recent crushing of 17cwt realised a handsome return of 12oz, but for 1grain.
55, 51, 19 Dec. 1934, page 1
Salvation Army. A Christmas tree and party conducted by Brigadier & Mrs Rust who had come to conduct the young people’s anniversary service are reported.
Another Christmas tree was provided for Mongolata Goldfield.
A children’s picnic was held at the Aberdeen Children’s Playground, organised by Captain & Mrs Lacy.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its Christmas party on Wednesday evening last with a Christmas tree. Details occupy almost 1 column.
St Joseph’s Convent School and parish children from Mt Bryan were treated to a Christmas party and tree at the schoolroom on Thursday evening. Details fill about 3⁄4 column.
Leighton Christmas Tree. The usual celebration was given in Leighton Hall for scholars of Leighton & Ayers Schools and for all the tiny tots of the district by Mrs I.J. Warnes prior to the annual strawberry fete. Usually the events are separate, but busy harvesting operations caused them to be brought together. Mr & Mrs Warnes have put on the party for 26 years and it began in their first home which stood just beyond where ‘Wahroonga’ now stands, but the occasion soon outgrew this and was moved to the hall. On this occasion Mr Warnes was absent in the city.
[Details extend for just less than 1 column.]
55, 51, 19 Dec. 1934, page 2
Notice. Burra Electric Supply Co. warns that electricity must not be used for power purposes between 7 p.m. & 11 a.m. on Christmas Eve. Disregarding this may plunge the whole town into darkness.
Advt. Burra Talkies
21 & 22 December
Viennese Nights (All Technicolor)
River House Ghost
25 December
Mary Brian & Geoffrey Kerr in Waiting for the Bride
Irene Dunne & Charles Bickford in No Other Woman
26 December
Frederick March & Carole Lombard in The Eagle and the Hawk
W.C. Fields & Peggy Joyce in International House
29 December
Claudette Colbert & Ricardo Cortez in The Torch Singer
Randolph Scott & Sally Blane in Wild horse Mesa
1 January 1935
Renate Muller the Sunshine Susie Girl in Marry Me
George Robey in The Mayor’s Nest
5 January 1935
Claudette Colbert & Clark Gable in It Happened One Night
Dianne Sinclair & Jackie Searle in Dangerous Crossroads
Grasshoppers invaded the town in the last week and swarmed on bowling greens and croquet lawns as well as badly damaging gardens. At Baldina the flying mass near Mr C.H. Mann’s home on Wednesday sounded like an aeroplane overhead. At Tom Goodridge’s at Gum Creek they stripped all the green stuff. At Mt Bryan the wheat was advanced enough not to interest them, but they stripped gardens and attacked the lucerne.
55, 51, 19 Dec. 1934, page 3
Burra Town Council, 17 December
H.J.B. Jennison was welcomed as the new North Ward Councillor.
The Mayor was absent in the city because of the sudden death of a relative.
Cr Sampson was granted 8 weeks leave due to business away from the district.
Other maters were routine in nature.
Mongolata
Rev. Donald Redding went out on Wednesday last with c. 20 members of St Mary’s Choir and held a full choral service in which Christmas carols replaced the usual hymns.
Bowls. Despite grasshoppers being thick enough to shovel from the greens on some days last week, their numbers were low enough on Thursday night to allow play. On Saturday too play was possible, but grasshoppers had to be frequently wiped from bowls. The greens are now brown.
Aberdeen Croquet Club had visitors from Mintaro on 11 December and the home team won by 26.
On 12 December a Burra team visited and this time the home team won by 10 points.
Mongolata Goldfield
Takati GM Co. (Pexton’s) reports crushing 571⁄2 tons for 3oz 2dwt 10gr per ton with tailings bringing in 15dwt 14gr per ton. This is considered a splendid return from ore that was not a picked lot.
A small lot of ore from the north end of the field went through the battery recently at 31⁄2oz per ton.
The mines are closing for the Christmas break for a couple of weeks.
Weather. A Major Dust Storm
The 17 December 1934 should be remembered as Red Monday. Sunday was hot and sultry, but cooled a little at night. On Monday morning there were low clouds that seemed to threaten rain, but by 10 a.m. a dust haze had displaced the clouds and both wind and temperature began to rise. By lunchtime it was 100°F and dust was blowing furiously. The school could not be seen from the post office. At 2.30 the temperature dropped to 92°F and thunder and lightning began. Lights had been required in businesses for hours. In the eerie red dust streetlights and car lights appeared a deep blue in a most unnatural manner. The children were sent home at 3 p.m., unable to see to do their work. At this time rain began to fall as red mud and by 4 p.m. the temperature had dropped to 80°F. On Tuesday it was cooler and people were busy washing red mud from buildings etc. and window cleaning was the order of the day. Water in tanks was too discoloured for laundry use and it will take a couple of days to clear.
Mr & Mrs I.D. Kelly were given a farewell from the Booborowie Tennis Club on 15 December, as they are moving to Laura to reside.
Booborowie reports great losses of lucerne to the grasshoppers and at North Booborowie farmers report the entire loss of the millet crop. A great flight of the pests was reported on Thursday last, but overall Booborowie people consider they got off relatively lightly compared with some other areas.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held a Children’s Fancy Dress Frolic on 8 December in aid of the Christmas tree, which in turn was held last Saturday in the Memorial Hall. Father Christmas and Mickey Mouse arrived in a goat cart with a billy-goat in the shafts. Details in 1⁄3 column.
Obituary. Peter Farrelly of Booborowie died in the Burra Hospital on 6 December after a long illness. He was born at Saddleworth 3 June 1863, the third son of the late Michael & Christina Farrelly late of Booborowie and Mallala. He married Mary, third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs James Gardener at St Mark’s Church Pt Pirie 2 July 1891. The deceased was of a bright and happy disposition and very hospitable. He was interested in all sports and particularly in football and racing and was a goal umpire for the South Booborowie Football Club for many years and a starter at many race meetings. He served for 4 years on the local District Council, but was otherwise not vitally interested in public affairs. He leaves a widow and two sons: P.W. Farrelly & Clair Farrelly of Booborowie. There are twin grandchildren, Peter & Kathleen. Two brothers and two sisters also survive: Thomas Farrelly (Mallala), James Farrelly (Enfield), Mrs C. Robinson (Gawler) & Mrs E. Hogan (Booborowie). [Sometimes Peter Joseph Farrelly]
55, 51, 19 Dec. 1934, page 4
Burra Benevolent Society, 13 December
President J. Thomas was welcomed back after a serious illness. Some very useful parcels of clothing have been received and are acknowledged. Some 28 or more names were set down for a Christmas box of 7/6 each; a nice help to brighten the lives of the elderly at this season.
Leighton Strawberry Fete followed the Christmas tree at the Leighton Hall last Saturday.
St Brendan’s Church Mt Bryan held a strawberry fete in Mt Bryan Hall on Saturday 8 December.
Characteristics of the paper in 1934
Page 1.
Large advertisements and news. The news generally occupies about half the space, but can dip to three of eight columns or rise well above the 50%.
Page 2.
A couple of large advertisements, Cash Column of small advertisements, public notices, sales and small items of local news.
Page 3.
A couple of large advertisements and a heavy dose of local news including sport. Some general interest items are fairly common.
Page 4.
Some smaller advertisements; not all of them local. A fluctuating mixture of general interest items and local news.
In general the paper provided a good coverage of local news.
Numbering of Issues in 1934.
The year began with Volume 55, Number 1 on 3 January 1934.
And continued to Volume 55, Number 51 on 19 December 1934
56, 1, 3 Jan. 1935
Page 1 Advertisements
Walker & Sons Shoe Store
Pederson & Son The Quality Shoe Store
Fred. M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Ironmonger, Aberdeen
A. Lomman Ducoworks, Kooringa. General Painting & Decorating, Motor Trimming and Sign-Writing
Cec. Opie Proprietor of the Kooringa Hotel
H.J.B. Jennison Tyre Specialist, Radios & Refrigerators
Page 2 Advertisements
T.H. Villis COR Petrol Agent
Leslie Phillips & W. Ray Phillips Dental Surgeons, Pearce’s Buildings, Kooringa
_____________ Excell Bakery, Redruth
Walter Kliche Ladies’ Hairdresser, Pearce’s Building
M.W. Bednall Solicitor
K.B. Watts Quality Meat Store, Aberdeen
Drew & Crewes Pty Ltd General Merchants, Kooringa & Mt Bryan
Bence’s Ltd Drapers & Clothiers
Page 3 Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen & Kooringa
C.J. Pearce & Son Cabinet-makers, Upholsterers & Undertakers. Mattresses re-made
Matthews’ Drapers & Clothiers
Page 4 Advertisements
Whittney & Tiver Garage & Ford Dealers
[G. Dollman] Burra Motor Co. Motor & General Engineers. Agent for Dodge Bros. Cars & Trucks, De Soto & Plymouth Cars, Hillman & Hunter Cars. Oxy-welding
Mumme’s Burra Hotel
W.G. Terry The Practical Tailor, Kooringa
T.H. Villis Agent for Opaline Motor Oils & Sinclair Agricultural Oils
Jeffery & Byrne The Quality Meat Store, Kooringa
Regular advertisers not represented in this issue:
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc.
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc.
Oates & Co. Auctioneers etc.
56, 1, 3 Jan. 1935, page 1
[Note the irregularity of date. The paper says it was published on Thursday 3rd: the usual day for publication was a Wednesday.]
Farrell’s Flat School break-up of 19 December 1934 is reported.
Burra High School Annual Break-up Celebration of 19 December 1934 at the Burra Institute
Takings at the door amounted to just over £20.
The entertainment began promptly at 8 p.m. and after very creditable performances marred only by a lack of volume from some, the headmaster gave his report.
Mr Charlesworth said that with the introduction of fees it had been feared that enrolments would fall, but 51 students had enrolled in February. He stressed that no fees were charged for pupils under 14 years of age, not if parents could not afford to pay them and when they were charge it was according to the ability of parents to pay. Despite removals and illness during the year the average attendance was c. 44. There had been several staff changes. In February Miss Parry took the place of Miss Coghlan and Miss Waterhouse had taken Miss Dunstan’s place in Domestic Arts. In the May vacation Mr Haese had been transferred to Peterborough after being here since 1926. Mr Charlesworth was his replacement.
This year two students sat for the Leaving and 5 for the Intermediate Exams, but of course the results are not yet known. The Minister of Education Hon. S.W. Jefferies visited in July and he was pleased with what he saw. An Old Scholars Assoc. was formed and a number of pleasant and profitable re-union functions had been held. Electric light has recently been installed through the efforts of the High School Council. Average attendances had been: 1931, 52.8; 1932, 46.3; 1933, 43.7 & 1934, 44.
Dr Steele said a few words as President of the High School Council urging people to keep their students at school and of the necessity of this if the school was to continue. He favoured raising the school leaving age to 16. The Mayor Mr T.H. Woollacott was then called upon to make the presentations.
Dux of the School Laurence Walker
Dux of Intermediate Joy Bentley
Dux of Sub-Intermediate Nancy Pearce
Dux of First Year Kath McConnon
[Other prize winners are then listed.]
The second half of the concert program followed presentations.
The school banquet was held at the school on Thursday 20 December on which occasion the headmaster announced Miss O.C. Prior had been transferred to Adelaide High School and Mr Roy Jeffery had been appointed in her place.
Burra Primary School
Certificates were distributed on 20 December 1934
The headmaster Mr J. McConnon introduced the Chairman of the School Committee Mr A.B. Riggs and he thanked Mr Riggs and the committee for their assistance in getting electric light installed in a classroom, the off ice and the corridor [sic: it does say ‘a classroom’] and he thanked the Burra Electric Supply Co. for extending the main to the school without charge. Mr Bednall was also thanked for his efforts in this matter and for presenting the school with a wireless set.
Qualifying Certificates were then presented to:
Geoffrey Rosman Clare Penrose Mary Jesser
Ruth Morrison Vida Bourman Joyce Lee
Violet Sampson Francis Dollman Peggy Dollman
Lotus Bence Helen Gordon Jean Aughey
Jean Kellaway Betty Moore Alan Walker
Lance Warnes Jack Oates Glen Kakoschke
Max Fairchild Clyde Sellars Rex Schmidt
56, 1, 3 Jan. 1935, page 2
Miss Connie Crewes, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs K.R. Crewes of Springbank, gained 611 marks in her Qualifying Certificate at Rose Park School.
Herb Allen formerly of Aberdeen visited Burra in the holidays for the first time in c. 16 years. As a lad he was employed by the Burra Record, but now works for United Paint Co. of Port Adelaide. He has also written two plays and had one performed a dozen times by an amateur dramatic club and the other is in rehearsal. [Presumably Herbert William Allen (1900-83) the son of William Allen & Sarah Rogers.]
Weather. Rain on 1 January produced 22 points and a further 31 fell on Wednesday. This will greatly help the bowling greens and croquet lawns to recover from the grasshoppers, but it held up harvesting for some days.
Hallett School’s break-up for 1934 is reported. Qualifying Certificates went to:
Harry Wright David Jenkins Betty Meadlam
Frank Venning Norman Inistre Ray Jones
Gladys Longford
Terowie School. Qualifying Certificates were awarded to:
Valerie Jenkins Shirley Van Senden Stan Adams
Molly Roach Ron Tuck Brenda Maloney
Ray Besanko Don Thurlow Robert McKennan
Colin Horner
Christmas. Business reported good trading before and on Christmas Eve when the town was crowded with people. Burra District Band came out on several occasions and late on Christmas Eve played several numbers before adjourning to the home of their President E.F. Marston where they were entertained to supper. They had also visited Aberdeen where in an interlude in the music the Mayor conveyed to the town his Christmas message and greetings for the New Year.
The holidays were quiet except for the sports organised at Victoria Park by the Burra Cycling & Athletic Club, which drew a fair crowd, though not the number planned and hoped for. The World’s End Gorge drew the usual crowd of picnickers who had a good time bathing and playing tennis.
‘Ginger Mick’ writes a humorous letter which reveals some of the New Year’s Eve pranks played in the town. Apparently the lads:
Shifted a few gates.
‘Bowled over a parlement house or two.’
Were going to give Johnny Green a go, but when they got there no one was sober enough to climb the pole.
Ran a ‘karasine tin’ up the Market Square flagpole.
Ran Bill’s best Melbourne Cup up the Institute flagpole and ‘now Bill’s in trouble with the Missus because some of the best spare room furnichur is missing’.
Burra Hospital Christmas Festival was held on 18 December 1934 and the promoters were lucky to have a good night for it considering the weather about that time. Mr G.E. Dane arranged the concert program. Mr G.H. Dow attended to the out-door seating arrangements and with Allan Dane also attended to the powerful lighting. The verandahs were decorated with lights and the Institute Orchestral & Choral Classes provided a good program. The Burra District Band under J.H. Murison chose a position on the eastern drive and was heard to good advantage by both patients and audience. The Chairman of the Board Mr I.J. Warnes presided and attendance was splendid. In introducing the evening Mr Warnes took the opportunity to thank the CWA Younger Set & the Red Cross Circle for donations that enabled the hospital to buy a wireless set. The much-appreciated program is listed in c. 1⁄4 column.
Burra Rifle Club. The 10th stage of the Baldina Trophy had to be abandoned when the wind blew a gale and the dust could barely be seen through. At the same time the Christmas Shoot was being held and with its shorter distance was completed with some difficulty over 200 & 300 yards. The best scores were by J.E. Pearce, N. Villis & E.C. Collins. J.E. Pearce’s two scores of 47 over each range were remarkable in the conditions.
The Mt Bryan correspondent regrets that the newly appointed committee of the local recreation ground made the decision to organise Sunday sport, thus lowering the standard of the district and setting a poor example to the rising generation.
56, 1, 3 Jan. 1935, page 3
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club Boxing Day Sports at Victoria Park
There was an excellent program that was carried off without a hitch. There was only one mishap that resulted in some painful gravel rash, but no serious injury. The organisers were disappointed with the support shown by the town, nevertheless the attendance showed that interest in this kind of sport, so long dormant in Burra, had been awakened. The Burra District Band played throughout the day. In the evening a ball was held in the Oddfellows Lodge Hall, Aberdeen. Results are printed.
Mongolata Goldfield
During the holidays Byles’ Mongolata GM directors visited the mine with a noted English mining man Dr Moore. Apparently he confirmed the report of Mr Price who recently reported most hopefully on the mine’s prospects. Mr A.D. McDonald MP was present and it was decided to ask all local MPs to push Mongolata’s interests and to get some Federal grant to get the field tested with diamond drills.
Mongolata. A party organised for 18 December went off quite well with games and items interspersed, but somehow Father Christmas failed to appear to the great regret of the younger folk. Things improved with the arrival of the Salvation Army on the following night and this time Father Christmas did appear and distributed presents to each child, handing out a useful gift, a bag of sweets and a balloon.
56, 1, 3 Jan. 1935, page 4
Mt Bryan East & Banbury Schools met on the evening of 18 December 1934 at the Mt Bryan East Methodist Church for a Christmas party and after the presentation of the concert items Father Christmas duly distributed gifts. The beginning of 1935 marks the 50th anniversary of the Mt Bryan East School. A tasty supper concluded the evening. Olive Doyle gained a Qualifying Certificate in 1934.
Copperhouse School had a social to end the year on 19 December. Mr Nelson as head teacher announced the arrival of Father Christmas. After the distribution of gifts and the handing out of the Qualifying Certificates a sumptuous supper was followed by dancing at 10 p.m. The Dux of the school was Glen Finch (Grade II).
Leighton School break-up drew parents and friends to inspect books and children’s work after which a short program was given and Mrs Warnes distributed the prizes. The Dux was Milton Rice. Afternoon tea followed. The prize list is printed.
Ayers School break-up was held in Leighton Hall on the evening of 22 December. A short program of items was followed by a report from the Chairman of the School Committee Mr Roy Humphrys. He said the year had not been as good as they could have wished owing to several setbacks, notably influenza. The school was open for 208 days in 1934 with 26 on the roll and an average attendance of 24.5, but it was the first year ever that no child had attended every day. Nellie Byles was Dux of Upper grades and Connie Byles was Dux of Lower Grades. Further items followed the distribution of prizes and supper closed the evening. The prize list is printed.
Qualifying Certificates went to:
Maurice Brandon Jack Earle Dulcie Heinrich
Willalo School break-up was in the form of a concert at Willalo Hall 16 December 1934. Mr Joe Thomas as President of the School Committee presided. Santa Claus (Mr Phin) arrived after the National Anthem had concluded the concert and gifts and ice creams were distributed.
Mr & Mrs Bob Tanner the late manager at Braemar Station were given a farewell there. They have decided to purchase a property of their own. About 50 people assembled for the occasion and the social was held in the large woolshed – a standing relic of past prosperous days when many thousands of sheep were shorn there annually. Dancing was enjoyed interspersed with songs and recitations. A presentation was made to Mr & Mrs Tanner and also one to Fred Miller the mailman. A sumptuous supper was provided by the ladies.
56, 2, 9 Jan. 1935, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. Although the 10th stage of the Baldina Trophy had been postponed on 22 December, the 11th stage was fired on 6 January. A.C. Aughey scored the only possible for the day at 200 yards. The best results were by K. Dawson, C.W. Pearce & J.E. Pearce.
In the aggregate for the trophy so far there are four in the lead on 15 points each: G. Herbert, P. Hogan, K. Dawson & C.W. Pearce.
In the marksman’s competition A.C. Aughey leads with 27 points from W. Woodman with 22.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church, 3 January
Kenneth L. Finch, second son of Mr & Mrs Walter Finch of Leighton, married
Grace M. Jettner, third daughter of Mr & Mrs E. Jettner of ‘Floralyn’ Leighton.
56, 2, 9 Jan. 1935, page 2
Obituary. William Cullen who died recently at Hawthorn SA was an old Burra identity and though over 80 was a man of great energy. He married a Miss Riggs of Burra, a sister of the late John A. Riggs of Mullaby and Kooringa and of Harry Riggs of Gawler. He was in Burra for the Back to Burra celebrations in 1925. [Born 25 August 1850 at Canterbury, England: died 24 December 1934 at Hawthorn and registered as 80 years old.]
Obituary. Mr Charles Rawlings an old Burraite died on 24 December 1934 at Broken Hill aged 82. He had visited Burra in 1925 for the Back to Burra celebrations. [Birth not traceable in Births CD, but perhaps the son of Charles & Mary nee Martin who BISA says was born 1853.]
Burra Seaside Trip Committee held a public meeting on Monday evening where Alwin Pearce Secretary & Treasurer said the credit balance was slightly over £200. It was decided to have a trip this year to Semaphore. The committee received advice from SAR that they could provide a special train at last year’s rates on 16 February and this offer has been accepted.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 12 January
Jack Hulbert & Leonie Corbett in Love on Wheels
Supporting feature: The Sleeping Cardinal
56, 2, 9 Jan. 1935, page 3
Advt. Sara & Co. offer a grand sale of goods slightly affected by smoke, but every article is guaranteed sound. All are discounted 25%. £1,000 worth of groceries, hardware, china, glass, fancy goods, patent medicines and hardware items must go.
Cash only. No Delivery. Be Early Thursday Morning
[Another small advertisement on page 2 says they were giving away unsaleable, but sound goods to ‘needful deserving folk’.]
Fire in Commercial Street in the early hours of Saturday 5 January
Fire broke out in Ken G. Wohling’s hairdressing shop. Before it was discovered the fire had a complete hold on the shop and was threatening adjacent buildings.
Frank Pascoe dreamed he was being smothered and awoke to find his bedroom full of smoke. He lives with his father R.D. Pascoe whose hairdressing shop and stationers and also his residence, a two storey building, is two doors from Wohling’s and is the fifth shop west of Drew Lane.
Starting from the lane the shops are:
Sara & Co. general merchants
Bowey & Montgomery’s fruit & cool drink shop
K.C. Wohling hairdresser
The Burra Record office
R.D. Pascoe & Sons hairdressers & stationers
Mrs E.F. Marston owns the first four of these.
Mr F. Pascoe threw on a few clothes, roused his father and rushed to the street where flames were licking the verandah of Wohling’s and had already set fire to the huge telephone pole on the footpath. He ran to the nearby fire station and roused the man in charge Mr F. Spencer at 3.35 a.m. The siren soon roused firemen and the town, though a stiff westerly wind meant many quite close to the blaze slept through the event. Mr & Mrs Gordon Torr, staying at the Commercial Hotel were aroused by the noise of the fire opposite and Mrs C.J. Butler of the Bank of Australasia was aroused by the glare from it on their sleep-out, even with Mr Pascoe’s two storey premises in between.
The brigade was there by 3.45. Fortunately there is a fire plug in front of Pascoe’s and another just opposite and the water pressure was good. Firemen were assisted by Messrs Ron Burt, Ted Motherall & Fred Seaford, [and Harry Yon: see next issue] while M-C Robinson watched the crowd and rendered other assistance. The buildings, though modernised are among the oldest in the town and are over 70 years old. The old paling roofs were still under the later iron. Partition walls were weatherboard packed thickly with sawdust and ceilings were wood covered with more than 6 inches of sawdust. [See clarification re the walls in the next issue.] In less than 20 minutes the firemen, Will Lee, P.J. Byrne, H. Hill & F. Spencer were clearly winning, but the wind had driven the flames along the roofs and smoke was pouring from the eaves of Sara & Co.’s on the end of the row. Water was forced under the iron roof of the shops adjoining Wohling’s.
The Record office was deluged as was Bowey’s while smoke and water were also giving Sara’s a bad time.
The Record office has four rooms. In the front room the glass windows were soon smashed with heat and water and the façade and verandah [partly] burnt. The fire from Wohling’s spread into the roof and ceilings of the first three of the rooms, each of which is fitted with large skylights. When these broke they admitted much air to the fire, but also much water. Pascoe’s balcony caught fire, but was extinguished and the flooding of the Record office roof area saved Pascoe’s from the fire.
In the Record composing room over 100 cases of type were filled with water and all newspaper copy on the files ready for Monday was destroyed. The stapling machines, cutter and fixings in the second room were much damaged. The books etc. from the front office were saved although the place was flooded and the floor covered with charred wood from the ceiling and roof. The fourth room was built strongly of stone in recent years and had an iron ceiling. When the door connecting it to the front rooms was opened it was found to be in perfect order without even smoke damage. A little water had run down one wall. The printing press was safe and the £2,000 worth of equipment in the room was undamaged.
While working at the back of the shops Mr P.J. Byrne (fireman) & Mr Ron Burt both received severe electrical shocks. Mr Burt was knocked backwards onto a lean-to roof of Bowey & Montgomery’s and Mr Byrne received a greater shock because of his wet boots and was thrown heavily. The rear room at Bowey & Montgomery’s was saved, but the long room adjacent to Wohling’s was destroyed and with it all the stock. Nothing in Wohling’s was saved, as it was fully ablaze before the alarm was raised.
Behind Wohling’s is a thick-walled storeroom with cement floor, used as a storeroom by the Record and this was saved with only minor losses of stock due to water and smoke.
We believe the stock of Bowey & Montgomery, who have occupied the premises for only a few weeks, was not insured.
At Sara’s the main damage was due to smoke – even a pound of butter left on the counter on Friday night was quite firm and butter and other goods in the cellar were in perfect condition. The ceiling is black and damaged where the fire got under the roof. Four extra hands have been engaged to clean up and prepare for a big sale [advertised for Thursday].
Insurance covers everything except Bowey & Montgomery’s stock.
In Mr Pascoe’s house there was also smoke and water damage. Water from the efforts to save the Record office poured down the wall of the sitting room, damaging wall-paper and linoleum in this downstairs room which is on a level with the Record’s composing room. Smoke also penetrated and blackened the ceiling. Water from here ran into the adjoining shade house and thence to the cellar.
We have been told Mr Wandke employed by Mr Charles Parks baker of Kooringa, passed down the lane on his way to work at 2 a.m. and heard a crackling noise and thinking it came from Drew & Crewes shone his torch on the property, but saw nothing amiss. Unfortunately he did not look in the other direction.
Some idiot whose behaviour passes all understanding let down the tyres of Mr Will Lee’s bicycle while he was fighting the fire.
The firemen did a magnificent job and have created a great feeling of confidence. A fire that was the biggest in the town for many years could easily have been a terrific conflagration. Thanks are also due to the hydraulic engineer Mr Jim Isaac who started pumping as soon as he heard of the fire.
Police are interviewing witnesses and preparing a report for the coroner.
56, 3, 16 Jan. 1935, page 1
Cricket. Rain prevented play on 5 January and so the match was reduced to a one-day game.
Aberdeen Colts 138 defeated St Mary’s Blues 119.
56, 3, 16 Jan. 1935, page 2
Notice. Dissolution of Partnership
The partnership between Bowey & Montgomery, Fruiterers of Kooringa, was dissolved by mutual consent 10 January 1935. Account may be paid to either of the undersigned.
C.R. Bowey
M.W. Montgomery
Salvation Army. The newly appointed officer to the local corps Captain T. Thompson with his wife and infant arrived last Friday and were welcomed last Sunday. Captain & Mrs Lacy the previous officers have moved to Pt Augusta.
Bob Allen employed by G.H. Betts, baker of Aberdeen, was struck in the eye by a grasshopper while making deliveries during the recent invasion of the pests. It was feared he would lose the sight of the eye, but after two to three weeks treatment he now seems likely to regain his sight.
The Fire: Corrections
Mr Harry Yon also capably assisted the firemen.
When we said the dividing walls were of weatherboard packed with sawdust, this only applied to the wall between K. Wohling’s and Bowey & Montgomery’s. The walls of the Record office are 18-24 inches thick and so is that between Sara’s and Bowey & Montgomery’s.
Old residents gave the age of the premises as 80-90 years.
[Note. A photograph taken during WWI shows the eastern wall of Sara’s along Drew Lane being built and this shop appears to have been totally rebuilt at that time, though the party wall to the west may still have remained from the earlier construction.]
Sir John Melrose of Ulooloo celebrated his 75th birthday on 12 January. The Hallett Brass Band under G. Bald serenaded him at his home and there was a party with a number of notable guests.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 19 January
May Robson & Guy Kibbee in Lady for a Day
Richard Cromwell & Robert Armstrong in Above the Clouds
56, 3, 16 Jan. 1935, page 3
Croquet. At Clare on 12 January: Burra defeated Clare 49-44.
Croquet. A team from Hallett visited Aberdeen on 5 January and Aberdeen won 100-65.
‘Ratepayer’ writes calling for the Town Council to resume its struggle against stray dogs, which had been admirably successful for a while, but the problem had now returned.
Obituary. Rex Bown, the only child of Mr & Mrs Alfred Bown of Springbank, died at Burra hospital after an operation for appendicitis. He was a fine looking, well built boy who looked older than his years and was very popular with his schoolmates for his manly qualities and good behaviour. Many children from Copperhouse School attended the funeral and over 50 cars composed the cortege, which left the residence of his aunt Miss Netta Bown on Monday afternoon, and scholars and staff of the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School lined the path to the grave. [Rex Alfred Bown born 11 March 1923 Adelaide: died 13 January Burra, residence Springbank near Burra.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. to 11 January
The main tunnel has advanced to 608’9” in blue slate.
92ft level. South drive advanced to 323ft on a 3ft lode with colours of gold by pan test.
Golden Harp. South drive off No. 1 shaft advanced to 56ft on broken lode and with lower values. Have taken 5 tons of ore expected to average c. 10dwt per ton.
Work on the field has generally resumed after the holidays and the battery starts about the 16 January.
Several claims are said to have been pegged about 6 miles north of Byles’ at Newikie Creek. The late Red Bywaters is said to have told people he got gold in the stone as big as dolls’ eyes there.
Mongolata
A downpour on 2 January delivered 55 points, most of it in about 15 minutes. A further 55 points on Friday from a steadier fall was more useful.
A treasure hunt for children was held last Saturday through the generosity of Mr & Mrs Tom Brown. A gorgeous tea was followed by the excitement of the hunt and for the older folk a dance followed.
Booborowie. The Christmas tree of 19 December is reported and also the New Year’s Ball where the MC was Frank Hogan. Many farmers have sown Japanese millet again after the depredations of the grasshoppers. [Details occupy 1⁄2 column. This delayed report was rewritten after the original was lost in the fire.]
56, 4, 23 Jan. 1935, page 1
Burra Town Council, 14 January
J.H. Harris the Ranger reported that while he was taking stray cows to the pound Mr Nankivell claimed one and offered to pay the pound fee. The Ranger refused, upon which Mr Nankivell forcibly took possession of the animal.
Cr Dow thought taking the fee would have been the easy way out.
The Mayor said taking the cow was an action that could not be allowed and it was resolved to send a letter to Mr Nankivell advising him of the heavy penalty for forcibly taking impounded animals, but waiving any extra penalty on this occasion provided the pound fee was immediately paid.
The Town Clerk advised that under the New Act the Council had to declare a seven months’ rate to the end of June to clear the Council for that period. The amount necessary would be 1/6 in the pound. The Council would then begin a new financial year on 1 July. This was adopted.
A minute of appreciated was recorded for the work of the Fire Brigade in the recent fire and for the prompt action of Mr J. Isaac the water supply engineer.
Cr Kellaway reported that in Lower Thames St and Stock St cars continually used the footpaths. Police will be asked to co-operate in the matter.
Cr Jennison raised the question of giving work to men not on rations.
The Mayor said the Council could employ whoever they liked at their own expense and the overseer said when deserving men not on rations applied he gave them gravel to raise.
Local Board of Health
Cr Jeffery raised the issue of the disgusting practices of certain individuals in the shelter shed on the road to Aberdeen, saying the stench was dreadful and an absolute disgrace.
The usefulness of a notice was discussed, and dismissed as was the suggestion that Councillors keep watch. Council ordered a clean-up with stringent action to be taken if further offenders were caught.
56, 4, 23 Jan. 1935, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. have been instructed by Isaac Tralaggan (who has decided to dispose of his property due to ill health) to sell his property in five lots at Mt Bryan Institute on 30 January. It comprised 1,787 acres freehold, 1,936 acres Right of Purchase Leasehold and 115 acres Miscellaneous Leasehold. (East of Mt Bryan) [Precise details are given.]
Advt. Burra Talkies 26 January
Bernice Claire & Walter Pidgeon in Kiss Me Again
Esmond Knight & Greta Hansen in The Blue Squadron
28 January
Edward Robinson & Bebe Daniels in Silver Dollar
Douglas Fairbanks Jnr in The Parachute Jumper
Braemar. Mr R.W. Tanner former manager of Braemar for Messrs A.J. & P.A. McBride has moved to the South-East and his place has been taken by Mr Ian Cunningham, formerly of Wilgena for the past 10 years. Mr Bob Shearer who has been at Braemar for seven years has left there to take a position in Melbourne with Metters Ltd.
The Baby Health Train arrives on 2 February for its 14th tour and will be open from the following Monday to Wednesday.
Mongolata Goldfield
Work has resumed after the holidays.
Rumour says a nugget weighing 41⁄2oz was found on one claim last week and another claim further south is said to be on promising strata. The battery is in full swing. Ore from Terry’s Reward is being processed this week. There are several new prospectors on the field and we hear more are going out.
56, 4, 23 Jan. 1935, page 3
Burra Rifle Club fired the 12th stage of the Baldina Trophy with best results from J.E. Pearce, C. Dixon, E.C. Collins & J. Harris.
Bowls. At Eudunda on Saturday Eudunda 112 defeated Burra 79.
Mongolata Goldfield
Captain & Mrs Thomson of the Salvation Army visited on Thursday for a service.
56, 5, 30 Jan. 1935, page 1
RSL Burra Sub-Branch AGM was held 22 January. The President H.J.B. Jennison reported a slight increase in membership for the year, but regretted the loss of Mr Sexton the Treasurer and past President who had left the district in very poor health. W. Pickering had taken over as Treasurer. The Anzac Sports were a wonderful success and the financial results were splendid. The branch was in a sound financial position. This year’s Anzac Service was very largely attended. It was resolved to hold Anzac Sports on 27 April 1935. Elected were President, W.F. Pickering; Vice-Presidents T.J. Canny & J.H. Murison; Secretary, G.H. Dow & Treasurer, W. Anderson.
Burra Institute held its AGM 22 January. No subscribers other than committee members attended and due to three of those were unavoidably absent it was necessary to draft in two subscribers from the vicinity to make a quorum. The continuing depression had meant a continuation of the financial struggle. Book in the library 31 December 1933 7,285
31 December 1934 7,565
Removals saw a decrease in membership:
31 December 1934 Double 61
Single 161
222
31 December 1935 Double 53
Single 153
206
The Chess Club went into recess earlier than anticipated due to lack of interest.
Finance. Money in the National Bank 31 December 1933 £87-11-4
31 December 1934 £130-5-2
Efforts to organise dances with the local Jazz Band did not succeed and raised only £7-4-3.
The floor has been reconditioned and is in excellent form for dancing.
During the year the caretaker Mr A. Davey moved from the Institute cottage into his own new premises after 30 years in residence. The Institute cottage has been let to Mr Wandke without any renovation being necessary.
The Institute Choral & Orchestral Classes under Mr G.E. Dane again contributed the major part of the Christmas Concert at the Hospital.
In the coming year work will be needed on the front of the building.
Elected were President, Max Pearce, Vice-President, A.B. Riggs; Treasurer, M.W. Bednall & Secretary, F.T. Sara.
56, 5, 30 Jan. 1935, page 2
Obituary. Lill Wise, wife of Herbert Wise and eldest daughter of Mrs W.H. Hardy and sister of Mrs A.E. Opperman, and late of Burra, died 16 January at Katanning WA aged 59.
Notice. Burra Record. Due to the recent fire the Record Office has been moved to the Garage Premises next door to C.J. Pearce & Son’s establishment. The printing machinery has not been moved and entrance to that will be found at the rear of the original building.
Ernest F. Marston, Proprietor.
Jack Vivian who left here for Broken Hill in 1886 is visiting the town. He is a son of Sam Vivian, a pioneer of Burra. When living in Burra Mr Vivian was employed by Messrs S. Drew & Co.
[Probably John Vivian born 1866 at Wallaroo Mines, son of Sampson Thomas Vivian, but if so this family is not easy to trace.]
Alfred Pearce (no relation to any of the Pearce families living in Burra) is also visiting. He was born in Burra in 1866 and left when 22 years old. He now lives in Sydney. He is a son of Mr & Mrs Joseph Pearce, late of Paxton Square. [This may be true, but he was married in Burra in 1889 and had children here in 1889, 1893 & 1899.]
Mr Braddock a new teacher at Burra High School arrived this week.
Sister Barron of Burra Hospital has left Burra for Adelaide.
Miss Nell Bentley, second daughter of Mr & Mrs James Bentley, has left Burra to take up nursing at Mareeba Hospital.
Alf Phillips of Mokota was thrown from his horse while mustering cattle on 22 January and suffered broken ribs as well as being shockingly bruised.
Burra High School. The Intermediate results are very good. Four of the five who sat gained certificates.
Joy Bentley 8 subjects (2 credits)
Clem Davey 7 subjects
Kathleen Drew 6 subjects
Jean Neil 5 subjects
Frank Pearce 6 subjects (1 credit), but failed to get a certificate because he failed English; almost certainly due to severe illness in the fortnight before the exams.
Laurie Walker passed English to complete a certificate.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 2 February
Will Rogers & Peggy Wood in Handy Andy
Wheeler & Woolsey in Oh, Oh Cleopatra
Obituary. Mrs W.H. Hardy of Kooringa received news of the unexpected death of her eldest daughter Lily Mrs Bert Wise of Katanning WA. She was born at Springbank near Burra and prior to marrying lived in Kooringa, being well known and highly esteemed. She was educated first at Miss Josling’s Private School and later at Burra Public School. On 21 September 1897 she married at Kooringa Mr Herbert Wise, second son of the late Mr & Mrs John Wise of Cartapoo, Hallett. The minister was Rev. T.M. Flood of the Bible Christian Church of which the bride was a consistent member and worker. The couple made their home first at Broken Hill where Mr Wise worked in the mines for some years. They then moved to Katanning WA where Mr Wise secured a good farming property and made a permanent home. It was virgin land and after working hard and winning through to prosperity they had retired to Katanning when death claimed Mrs Wise. She is survived by a Husband and family of five: Herb. Wise (on his parent’s farm), Mrs L. Stead, Mr Roy Wise and the Misses Pearl & Elva Wise. There are five grandchildren. This is the first death among Mrs Hardy’s ten daughters and two sons. [Two children died in infancy: a daughter in 1883 and a son in 1894, but this seems to be the first death among those who survived childhood.]
Although all were born in Burra only Mrs Bert Opperman resides here now.
[One, Mary Ellen, was born at Hallett in 1880.]
[Mrs Bert Wise was born 22 September 1877 at Kooringa and the birth was registered as both Minnie Anna Sophia Kroncke and Minnie Anna Sophia Finch. She was a half sister to the Hardy children. She died 16 January 1935 at Katanning WA.]
Advt. Annual Seaside Trip Hallett to Semaphore
Depart Hallett 5.09 a.m. Depart Burra 5.50 a.m. Arrive Semaphore 9.35 a.m.
Depart Semaphore 8.05 p.m. Arrive Burra 12.14 a.m. Arrive Hallett 12.53 a.m.
Tickets: Hallett return 8/6 & 4/3 children and Burra return 7/6 and 3/9 children.
56, 5, 30 Jan. 1935, page 3
Cricket. Colts 144 & 4 for 154 declared
Aberdeen 129 & 6 for 84
Tennis
Mt Bryan 11-98 defeated Kooringa III 7-78
Ironmine 12-101 defeated Aberdeen I 6-75
Hallett 14-107 defeated Kooringa I 4-57
Waikerie Band visited with bandmaster T.H. Dunstan last weekend. On Saturday evening the local band promoted a dance at the Aberdeen Lodge Hall with music provided by the Waikerie Dance Orchestra.
On Sunday visits were arranged in the morning to the old Mine, Mongolata, the Lagoon and Clare. Both bands gathered at 2.30 p.m. at the Hospital for a few selections before marching to the Aberdeen Playground for a splendid program of music. A visit was also made to Mr James Thomas, Patron of the Burra Band, at ‘Northfield’ Aberdeen. He has been very ill for some weeks. Another concert was given in Market Square after church on Sunday evening. Here the Mayor gave the visitors a belated welcome and in the same breath farewelled them with best wishes and thanks. Some band members stayed till Monday when a friendly cricket match was played in the morning.
56, 6, 6 Feb. 1935, page 1
Cricket. On 19 January St Mary’s Blues and St Mary’s Reds played a good first day of a two-day game, but on 26 January St Mary’s Reds forfeited, apparently for no reason, since players were available. On 2 February St Mary’s Reds again forfeited, this time to Aberdeen Colts. It they do not intend carrying on they should say so.
On 2 February St Mary’s Blues 9 for 120 declared defeated Aberdeen 63 & 42.
Ramblers visited Peterborough and played two games against Tourists Club.
The heading says ‘One Match all Against Tourists’, but the results read
First Day: Ramblers 124 & Tourists 185
Second Day: Tourists 172 & Ramblers 5 for 162
56, 6, 6 Feb. 1935, page 2
Notice. From 6 February 1935 L.T. Paroissien has purchased the business of Mrs T.M. Godlee at Booborowie and is conducting it as a General Store.
Mr R.C. Sexton of the Savings Bank in Burra who has had six months sick leave is expected to resume duties in the next fortnight.
Burra High School will open today after the holidays and the enrolment is a pleasing 51. The return of 31 of last year’s 44 students is pleasing, but 18 new enrolments are not as pleasing a figure.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 9 February
Warner Oland & Drue Leyton in Charlie Chan in London
Rosemary Ames & Victor Jory in Pursued
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its annual picnic on 28 January at Stone Chimney creek on land kindly loaned by Mr Herbert Morgan. The weather was excellent for a very pleasant outing.
56, 6, 6 Feb. 1935, page 3
Tennis.
Aberdeen II 10-101 defeated Aberdeen I 7-75
Booborowie 10-97 defeated Kooringa I 8-85
Ironmine 14-110 defeated Kooringa III 4-80
Mt Bryan 13-97 defeated Kooringa II 5-77
At Wildildie on Sunday Aberdeen 6-48 defeated Wildildie 5-47
Bowls. On Saturday Kapunda defeated Burra by 15, but Burra takes the cup for this year as it was 40 up over the two games played to decide it.
Mongolata Goldfield
Two carloads of gentlemen from the city visited last Thursday and included were two representatives of English capital. They were shown a wonderful lot of gold from the Curlew Mine of Messrs Tom Villis & E. Finch (part owners).
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. to 25 January.
Main tunnel advanced to 631ft, passing through a 4” clay seam at 626ft and is now in more solid slate, but with no values.
92ft level. The south drive advanced to 328ft on a 3ft-wide lode with traces of gold.
52 ft level. The south drive advanced to 190ft cutting a small seam at 182ft that gave 5dwt per ton by pan test. Values in the end of the drive are low.
Golden Harp
South drive off No. 1 shaft advanced to 72ft on 21⁄2ft-wide lode yielding 1oz per ton of low grade ore. Started to stope out ore off the shaft and expect to have 100 to 120 tons to crush at an estimated 15dwt to 1oz per ton.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate: tributer’s report for block 1 for fortnight to 26 January.
Sunk 16ft then drove 6ft south and 8ft north in values of c. 2oz per ton in a seam of oxidised iron and quartz with gold evenly distributed. Expect 10 tons to crush in a week or two.
Gold still underfoot in the shaft, but presently driving south on the seam where good specimens were found before the holidays.
56, 6, 6 Feb. 1935, page 4
Burra Rifle Club had a trip to Balaklava on 28 January and Balaklava 1019 defeated Burra 946.
On Saturday last fired the next stage of the Baldina Trophy when A.C. Aughey was best off the rifle followed by P.W. Hogan. With handicap for the trophy the best were Ron Pexton, W. Nankivell & J.E. Pearce. In aggregate to date for the trophy E.C. Collins 17 leads R. Pexton 16 and P.W. Hogan 16. In the marksman’s aggregate A.C. Aughey 33 leads E.C. Collins 25 and W. Woodman 22.
56, 7, 13 Feb. 1935, page 1
Burra Town Council, 4 February
T. Halls & Alex Bevan asked for a continuation in the reduction of licence fees as in recent years. Granted.
W. Marshall, through his solicitors, sought the support of the Council in his efforts to get the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry re-opened.
The Mayor said he understood the Railway Commissioner had said it was cheaper to get metal at Yatala and that metal from Sleep’s Hill was being used as far north as Hallett if not Terowie. This was a shame with such excellent ballast at hand from Aberdeen Quarry. If it were used the quarry would employ a number of men. Mr Marshall the lessee had received no orders from the Government.
Cr Kellaway said he knew what had been done at the quarry in the past. Unfortunately owing to local jealousy and petty quibbling (he was not here referring to Mr Marshall) the Government had found the easiest way out was to close their dealings with the quarry. The Council by backing this appeal would be doing a good thing and the SAR should be asked to procure at least a portion of their ballast from the Aberdeen Quarry.
Cr Sampson supported this, as did Crs Jennison & Jeffery. The latter was inclined to think someone was benefiting [improperly] from the arrangements in place especially when Mr Marshall had told the railways he could supply the metal at the same price as Sleep’s Hill. When SAR said it was a nuisance to have to shunt to the quarry Mr Marshall had offered to put it on trucks at the station, but that too was turned down. With Cr Riggs support as well, the motion was carried unanimously.
Cr Jeffery said every time the Burra Band played at Aberdeen it took about three hours before the concert to fix the necessary lights. Council could assist by installing a plug. It was resolved that North Ward Councillors interview Bandmaster Murison to see what was required and report back at the next meeting.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 14th stage of the Baldina Trophy on 9 February when the best shots were E.C. Collins, W. Nankivell & P.W. Hogan.
56, 7, 13 Feb. 1935, page 2
Burra High School enrolments have risen to 56 of whom 36 are returning from last year.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival services last Sunday when the preacher was Rev. P.H. Chennell of Kapunda.
Redruth Methodist Church held Harvest Thanksgiving services last Sunday with Rev. B. Weeding of Hallett officiating. The festival concluded on Monday with a concert in the Memorial Hall.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 16 February
Jack Buchanan & Elsie Randolph in Yes Mr Brown
Sydney Howard & Mark Daly in Up for the Derby
56, 7, 13 Feb. 1935, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield: ‘Phenominal Returns’ [sic]
The Mining Review for the six months ending 30 June 1934 reports very interesting returns, but although Mongolata produces the bulk of gold in SA it is not even mentioned in the preface. The following returns are from the record of ore treated at the Mongolata Battery.
Mine Quantity of ore treated Gold recovered
Baldina Mongolata 64 tons 431oz
Byles’ Mongolata 1,180 tons 2,203oz
Curlew Mongolata 168 tons 582oz
Takati Mongolata 177 tons 394oz
Golden Guinea Mongolata 20 tons 8oz 13dwt 10gr
Iron Battler 2 tons 15cwt 6oz 7dwt 10gr
Mongolata No. 2 80 tons 220oz
Mongolata No. 3 11 tons 31oz
Mongolata No. 4 14 tons 37oz
Mongolata No. 5 6 tons 18dwt 17gr
Mongolata No. 6 1 ton 9cwt 1oz 1dwt 12gr
Mongolata No. 7 3 tons 1oz 5dwt 12gr
Mongolata No. 8 34 tons 129oz 6dwt 7gr
Retriever Mongolata 10 tons 2oz 7dwt 16gr
Section 30 Mongolata 1 ton 17cwt 1oz 4dwt 3gr
This gold is mostly recovered by pick and shovel without the use of expensive machinery.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for the fortnight to 8 February
The main tunnel advanced to 654ft, cutting several veins of quartz with traces of gold, in the last 20ft.
92ft level. South drive advanced to 333ft on a 3ft-wide lode showing a little gold by pan test.
52ft level. South drive advanced to 237ft on a 3’6”-wide lode. Got c. 20 tons of ore from here in the last fortnight, averaging 5dwt per ton by pan test.
Golden Harp. Stoping off shaft in 3ft-wide lode that is very broken and averaging 1oz per ton by pan test.
From The News 7 February 1935
In Parliament Mr Lacey, the Leader of the Opposition, said unemployment had improved less in SA than in any other state and he again placed the claims of Mongolata before the House.
While in SA recently Mr R.H. Jeffery, a director of Exploration Co. Ltd, London, a major investor in mineral developments, visited Mongolata. As a result the possibility of English capital being injected into this neglected field is being discussed on the Stock Exchange. He specifically inspected Byles’ Mongolata and spoke in complimentary terms of the work being done there and expressed the view that the field should be tested by diamond drill.
The Chief Inspector of Mines Mr L.J. Winton is presently at Mongolata inspecting operations on the field.
Mr Lacey, Leader of the Opposition, referred to the Government’s neglect of gold mining in SA and predicted big developments in the near future, while speaking in the Address-in-Reply debate. Today he said he was referring to the English capital to be invested in the Byles’ Co.
The Mongolata Goldfield is 6 miles long and about 120 men are working it, mostly in small groups, all of which are getting gold. If the Mines Department would test the field there is no reason why more men would not be employed. The Government battery is presently operating 12 hours a day, but there is no reason it couldn’t be working 24 hours a day.
CWA Ladies organised a Flannel Dance in the Institute on Wednesday 6 February. The local Harmony Jazz Orchestra supplied the music (Messrs P.L. Rosman, N. Thorpe, A.W. Andrews & F. McGuire). They wore their new uniforms for the first time: smart double-breasted white Eton coats with black facings and buttons and dark trousers. As a result of the dance £11 was raised for the CWA Seaside Home Fund.
Tennis.
Ironmine 12-98 defeated Kooringa II 6-88
Mt Bryan 11-92 defeated Kooringa I 7-85
Marriage. Holy Angels’ Church, Farrell’s Flat, 7 February
Elsie Garrard, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs S. Garrard of ‘LenMars’ Merildin, married
Hubert Siney, second son of Mrs A. Carter of Clare & the late Mr Hugh Siney.
Obituary. Mr Francis (Francie) J.A. Bernhardt died in Adelaide on 2 February after a short illness. He was well known in Burra, having lived in Aberdeen until ten years ago. He was the third son of the late Mr & Mrs F. Bernhardt of Aberdeen and was born in Burra in 1891. He was educated at the Burra School. He was a man of fine physique who out of working hours devoted himself to sport and was for years one of Aberdeen’s foremost footballers and cricketers, being noted for the true sporting spirit in which he ‘played the game’. He married Miss Ivy Pearce of Mt Bryan and after his marriage settled in Aberdeen until going to Adelaide ten years ago where he had obtained a position with the Tramways Trust. Three weeks prior to his death he caught a severe cold which led to bronchitis and finally to pneumonia, which caused his death. He leaves a widow and family of seven children; the youngest only a few weeks old. He also leaves two brothers and five sisters: F. Bernhardt (Swan Reach), R.G. Bernhardt (Aberdeen), Mrs T. Hirschausen (Adelaide), A.S. Walker (Aberdeen), P. Nolan (Adelaide), H. Evans (Pt Pirie) & H. Allen (Aberdeen). [Francis John Andrew Bernhardt born 28 November 1890 Millerton (Burra): died 2 February 1935 Adelaide, residence Ovingham.]
56, 8, 20 Feb. 1935, page 1
A suggestion is reported from a visitor to the town that a footpath be constructed on the western side of the road between Kooringa and Aberdeen to take advantage of the shade offered by the trees.
Marriage. At Glendore Methodist Church [Black Springs] 2 February.
Lilliam Pearl Brealey married Victor Charles Gilbert, 3rd son of Mrs & the late Mr H.T. Gilbert.
56, 8, 20 Feb. 1935, page 2
Advt. Oates & Co. advertise a clearing sale for Mr R. Uppill who is leaving the district. Saturday 26 February.
Birth. On 13 February at Burra Hospital Maternity Wing to Mr & Mrs Gus Tohl of Booborowie, a daughter.
R.C. Sexton returns as manager of Savings Bank of SA at Kooringa after long sick leave.
Accident. Ron Pexton, riding to Adelaide on a motor cycle on Friday, collided with a car at Prospect. He sustained fractures to his right wrist and leg and R. Baldock who was travelling with him fractured his right arm and injured his right leg. Both are in Adelaide hospital.
Mongolata. Tennis enthusiasts are applying a clay top dressing to their court.
‘Nothing Said’ writes to complain that Kooringa Tennis Club is using the courts on Sundays. (Again!) [Page 3 carries an article of just over 1⁄3 column approving of Sunday sport with a few qualifications.]
Annual Seaside Trip. This took place in cool conditions on Saturday 16 February and conditions were ideal for swimming and picnicking. The train left Hallett at 5.09 and departed Burra 5.50 a.m. Others joined at stations to Manoora. Breakfast was taken at Riverton and the engine was changed at Dry Creek for the ‘back country’ run to Semaphore. Numbers this year were down to just over 700. The mayor and Town Clerk of Pt Adelaide greeted the visitors. About a third immediately went to the city for shopping or the Interstate Cricket match etc. Others enjoyed the sea at semaphore and picnicked. The return train left at 8.10 p.m. and arrived at Burra at 12.20 a.m.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 23 February
Jack Hulbert & Cicely Courtneidge in Jack’s the Boy
Marjorie Brooks & Reginald Gardiner in Flat No. 9
56, 8, 20 Feb. 1935, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Reprint from The Mail, Adelaide.
Less than four years ago Mongolata was a peaceful country place with no activity, then gold was discovered and since then £45,000 worth of gold has been taken and about 100 miners are scattered over the area digging out the precious ore. The only machine to help miners is the air compressor of Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. This company has taken more than £20,000 worth and paid £9,000 in wages and after other expenses has returned to its shareholders £3,642 in three dividends.
Those connected with the field consider it warrants diamond drilling to explore it further and needs an organised scheme for its development. At present about 120 men are engaged in scattered groups, all getting gold and the battery is working 12 hours a day.
Recently W. Pexton put through 110 tons for 378oz at an average 31⁄2oz per ton. It is high quality and the Melbourne Mint increased the weight to 388oz to bring it to standard value. Mr Pexton has some £3,000 worth of specimens in safe deposit.
Early in 1931 Henry A. Byles (who had been overseer for I.J. Warnes) began to drive a tunnel into the hill and won 12 tons on ore yielding 73oz at the Peterborough Battery. W.J. Richards interested Mr A.A. Thornton in the work and on 9 July 1931 they formed the Mongolata GM Syndicate with a capital of £500 in 50 shares of £5 each. Thornton became chairman and Messrs Reid & Goodes were co-directors. With 8 men the syndicate continued the tunnels and also began sinking. 76 tons yielded 467oz of gold to May 1932. In March 1932 it was decided to extend operations and form a company. On 19 April 1932 the first meeting was held and a company was formed with a nominal capital of £100,000 in £1 shares. 38,000 have been issued fully paid and 13,000 paid to 10/-. The late Mr George Milne was elected chairman and the other directors were: A.A. Thornton, D. Reid, H.A. Goodes & I.J. Warnes. Mr Thornton is now the chairman and other directors are Messrs Reid, Warnes, Daly & W. McEwen.
Following a visit by Sir Herbert Gepp the Commonwealth provided a battery.
The company continued the tunnel to 609ft and a shaft has been cut to 200ft with an underlay shaft a further 220ft where water has been struck. A lode discovered at water level has not yet been worked. On the advice of a geologist from England the company is now driving the tunnel a further 671ft to pick up several lodes at a depth of 389ft. This is expected to be completed in two months. They originally pegged 17 acres and now hold 180 acres of goldmining leases.
The company is also working at the opposite end to the Byles’ lease on the Golden Harp leases where there are two shafts and two tunnels. The company has an air compressor and employs 24 men.
All other work on the field is by small syndicates and individual miners using pick and shovel.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Co. has just put through the battery 130 tons for 103oz with tailings to come (c. £1,000 worth).
It is said that almost 2,000oz have been produced since the report printed in last week’s Record which was up to 30 June 1934.
Bowls. Burra 102 defeated Clare 91.
Croquet. Clare 52 defeated Burra 24.
Cricket. Leighton 160 defeated Aberdeen Colts 128.
Tennis. Aberdeen I 12-92 defeated Kooringa III 6-66
Hallett 15-111 defeated Mt Bryan 3-55.
56, 9, 27 Feb. 1935, page 1
Burra Town Council, 17 February
Sgt Kain (Redruth) asks on behalf of the Betting Control Board the Council’s opinion of the suitability of the billiard room adjoining the Royal Exchange Hotel as a betting shop.
Cr Dow thought there should be one at each end of the town.
Cr Jennison felt the site, which was in fact on the hotel premises, was too close to the hotel.
Cr Dow moved approval of the suitability.
Cr Jennison said the Act distinctly said a betting shop had to be a certain distance from a hotel.
The Mayor when asked for his opinion several times refused to be drawn.
Eventually an amendment by Cr Jennison drawing attention to the site being on hotel premises was carried.
Council extended its sympathy to the mayor’s mother in her illness and to Mrs Davey the wife of the Town Clerk in her illness.
Pepper trees that mask the approach to the Kingston St Bridge are to be removed. [Just where is unclear, but the corner nearest Paxton Square is discussed.]
Burra Rifle Club. On 23 February Burra 601 defeated Burra Light Horse 492.
‘Shop’ writes urging the banning of hawkers in the town unless they also own a shop there.
56, 9, 27 Feb. 1935, page 2
Obituary. Mr Reuben Hunt died recently at Longreach, Queensland following a bite from a tropical caterpillar. He was the second son of the late Mr & Mrs Hunt of Kooringa and for many years carried on his late father’s saddlery business. He worked also on many stations as a saddler and was working on one near Longreach when he was bitten and died. Mrs W.S. Field & Mrs P.L. Rosman of Kooringa are sisters. [Born 10 December 1887, Kooringa.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 2 March
Gold Diggers of 1933
Pat Paterson & Esmond Knight in The Bermondsey Kid
Burra District Band is having a drive for funds for new instruments.
Hanson Concert. A performance on Wednesday with the Redruth Methodist Choir and others is reported in some 2⁄3 column of detail. Performers included: Miss Margaret Pearce, Mrs Charlesworth, Miss Mavis Gare, Miss Lotus Bence, Mr Rosman, Mr W. Woollacott Jnr, Mrs Jennison, Miss Mavis Fairchild, Mr Lindsay Thomas & Miss C. Reed.
56, 9, 27 Feb. 1935, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for fortnight to 22 February.
Main tunnel to 664’6”. At 92ft level south drive to 337ft. At 52ft level south drive to 249ft.
The late manager Mr Hogan has left and been replaced by Mr Rae the assayer.
Golden Harp: leading stope taken off for 25ft, timbered lode, very broken.
Wildildie Sports Club has elected Patron, J.R. Barker; President, J. Kellaway & Secretary, E.R. Pexton.
Accident: Joe Horne (or elsewhere Horn) received a nasty gash to his face requiring 8 stitches when a gust of wind caught a sheet of iron he was putting on the roof of his home near the woolshed.
Ron Pexton is doing well after his motor cycle accident, but Reg. Baldock’s knee was shattered and will be slow to mend.
Rev. Redding and party came out to Mongolata during the week for a service and musical evening.
Tennis. Aberdeen II 12-98 defeated Kooringa I 6-76
Aberdeen I 9-86 defeated Kooringa II 9-77
Hallett 11-89 defeated Ironmine 7-69
Booborowie 10 sets defeated Mt Bryan 6 sets
Bowls. Burra 109 defeated Balaklava 80.
Porter’s Lagoon is drying up. In the oldest memories it has always been there and it was for long a hunting ground for wild fowl until closer settlement, since when black swans, sea gulls and water fowl have lived in peace. In 1926 the Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club was formed and aquatic sports were held every year except for two years until last year when the water was too low. Years ago it was 16 miles in circumference and 50 years ago Mr Charles Drew of Samuel Drew & Co. kept a boat there for shooting as did other folk. They were left in the care of Mr Jeffery who lived on the edge of the lagoon. At present the greatest depth is only six inches and the water is a heavy brine. Farmers and pastoralists have removes scores of tons of salt for stock use.
Burra Annual Reunion. This took place in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens last Saturday and there was a large attendance. The oldest person to attend was Mr W. James aged 90. Other old Burraites there were M. Harris & S. Williams; both 88. Those present are listed.
[Personal interest: the list includes W., K., & J.H. Fuss.]
56, 10, 6 Mar. 1935, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 15th stage of the Baldina Trophy and best scorers were: J. Schwier, R.G. Bernhardt & P. Hogan.
Mt Bryan East. A new cement cricket pitch was opened on Saturday 23 February for the recently formed cricket club. It is located in one of Mr L.W. Gare & Sons’ paddocks about 400yds due north of Mr S. Webber’s home. It was opened by Mr Lewis Gare as Patron.
Mt Bryan 2nd grade 188 defeated Mt Bryan East 66 & 110.
56, 10, 6 Mar. 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Electric Supply Co. will be installing a New Generating Unit and power will be turned off for a maximum period of from midnight on Saturday 9 March to 7 a.m. Sunday 10 March and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 10 March. The times will be reduced if possible.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 9 March
Shirley Temple & Claire Trevor in Baby Take a Bow
Clifford Morrison & Constance Shotter in Meet My Sister
Special Cartoon: Jack and the Beanstalk
Bowls. Last Wednesday Burra 73 defeated Clare 69.
On 2 March Burra 104 defeated Eudunda 88.
Croquet. Burra 43 defeated Eudunda 34.
The Burra Band played in Market Square on Sunday evening under Mr J.H. Murison in one of their best concerts yet staged. The writer complains of some pieces being spoiled by uncontrolled young children running around the rotunda area. A list of contributors to the instrument fund is printed.
[Personal interest: H.C. Fuss 2/- & C. Fuss 1/-.]
A Christian Endeavour Rally at the Redruth Memorial Hall on 23 February is reported in 1⁄2 column.
56, 10, 6 Mar. 1935, page 3
Burra High School
Laurie Walker completed his Leaving Certificate by passing Maths I in the supplementary exam. He also passed in Arithmetic to give himself 5 subjects.
Hallett Methodist Church held its harvest Thanksgiving on 24 February when services were conducted by Rev. A.R. Broadbent of Terowie.
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew Syndicate crushed 25 tons and expect good results.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. announces it has struck a wide lode at 642ft and had not reached its end at 664ft in the tunnel at the 92ft level.
This is believed to be an important development. A bulk sample from the tunnel taken between 647ft & 652ft shows 4oz to the ton. Surface indications suggest the lode would extend more than 1,000ft.
The company intends to sink on the lode almost immediately to thoroughly test it.
Driving of a tunnel to cut another lode at a further 300ft west and 400ft below the surface will continue.
Baldina Mongolata syndicate Block 1Baldina to 23 February
Driven 8ft north on 30ft level in poor values.
Driven 14ft south on 30 ft level with fair values. Ground very broken.
10 tons are ready for the battery and should yield 11⁄2 to 2oz per ton.
Salvation Army held its harvest Festival last Sunday. Brigadier Rust and Commandant Meade who were stationed here 20 years ago gave special lessons.
Tennis. Kooringa I 12 sets defeated Aberdeen I 6 sets
Hallett v. Aberdeen scores are not totalled
Kooringa II 12 sets defeated Kooringa III 6 sets
56, 11, 13 Mar. 1935, page 1
Burra Town Council, 4 March
T.H. Woollacott was given permission to build a house for Miss Lott in Kooringa.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club sent a deputation of President Sylvester Preiss & Secretary Alex Bevan to ask permission to lay a saucer track around Victoria Park. Neither football nor cricket would be affected and there would be no cost to the Council. C. Sampson had offered to grade the oval for the material needed for the changes, and this would also improve the oval. Approval was given.
Cr Dow moved work be done to repair the road and pedestrian bridges known as Lewis’s and to repair the wheels of the guns in the enclosure. Carried.
There was some discussion re damming of Burra Creek to create a pool below the mill as a state centenary celebration effort, but there was no decision.
Cr Dow move enforcement of the ban on playing tennis on the Kooringa tennis courts on Good Friday and Sundays. [This was a tactical move because it becomes apparent that while he may have been prepared to go along with Sunday tennis, he was strongly of the view that Good Friday was the very basis of Christianity and no sport should be played on that day. The general hypocrisy over this issue can be traced through the Council for many years.]
The Mayor pointed out that at the last meeting the Council had approved metal being used on the Aberdeen courts in preparation for the Easter Tournament [which would involve both the Aberdeen and Kooringa courts]. Cr Dow’s motion failed to attract a seconder.
Cr Dow then gave notice that he would move at the next meeting to rescind the agreement between the Council and the Kooringa Tennis Club.
The Mayor thought that the Jubilee Avenue drinking fountain should be put in order for the King’s Silver Jubilee to be celebrated on 6 May, but nothing was resolved.
Mongolata
Rev. Donald Redding and party came out on Tuesday for a service and community singing.
On Thursday Brigadier Rust and Commandant Mead of the Salvation Army came out for a service.
The tank is running low. Since last year’s cleaning the quality is good if a little on the dark side.
(Since this was written 50 points of rain eased the situation when it fell last Monday.)
Burra Rifle Club. Burra 586 defeated Burra Light Horse 534 in their return match.
E.C. Collins did well in the Centenary Shoot in Victoria. In the ‘Kings’ he was 50th out of over 500 and in the ‘Junior Kings’ he ranked 9th.
56, 11, 13 Mar. 1935, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. announces the sale on 18 March of household effects for Mrs H.C. Randles of Hanson, who is leaving the district.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. announces a clearing sale on 19 March for E. Prior who is giving up farming at Hallett.
Accident. Mr B.E. Chapman, employed by SAR and who was knocked unconscious by the equipment while doing repair work on the line with a welding plant attached to a tractor, has recovered sufficiently after more than a month in the Burra Hospital to be sent home to Cowandilla. He suffered concussion and a fractured skull, severe facial abrasions and an eye injury. Mrs G.S. Melrose brought him to hospital in her car, probably saving his life.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 16 March
Warner Baxter & Madge Evans in Grand Canary
Tom Brown & Anita Louise in Judge Priest
56, 11, 13 Mar. 1935, page 3
Sam Baker of Redruth turns 95 on 17 March. He was born on North Terrace Adelaide in 1840 and must therefore be one of the oldest SA born citizens.
Obituary. The wife of Mr H. Shipway of Paxton Square died on Sunday after only a few hours’ illness. She was aged 42 and prior to her marriage to Mr Shipway seven years ago was the widow of W.J. Nankivell of WA & late of Burra. She is survived by a husband, and three daughters: Lorna & Olive Nankivell aged 15 & 12 and Mavis Shipway aged 5. [Second marriage & death registrations suggest she was born Lillian (or Lilly) Victoria Shillinglaw in either 1890 or 1893 and not in SA. She died 15 Match 1935 at Kooringa.]
Weather. 19 points of rain fell on Tuesday last week and that night 1 to 2 inches fell in a cloudburst in a very small area around Hanson.
Some thunderstorms delivered good falls to the east on Tuesday & Wednesday: Braemar 60, North Koomooloo 96, Old Koomooloo 82 and Lagoon 60-70 points.
On Monday steady rain in Burra delivered 46 points and falls to the east of 30-50 points were useful, but failed to produce run-off.
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew has crushed 36 tons for 73oz 10dwts 10gr, with tailings to come. This is crystalline gold and 7/- per oz dearer than ordinary gold. Mr T.H. Villis of Curlew also has a magnificent lot of specimens taken from another promising outcrop. Since the erection of the battery we believe Curlew has produced 700-800oz.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. to 8 March
Golden Harp has completed a rise to the surface on 26 February allowing aid [sic: perhaps air?] to the bottom level. A seam on the rise has been followed 11ft at 3dwt per ton.
A shaft is being sunk to the west tunnel level and has been sunk and timbered to 6ft in 5 days.
The west tunnel is being aired with a windsail and 15ft has been driven in 5 days compared with 12ft for the fortnight to 22 February. Sinking is underway.
Cricket. St Mary’s Reds 133 & 97
St Mary’s Blues 163 & 5 for 73: a win to Blues by 5 wickets.
Croquet. 9 March: Burra 49 defeated Blyth 38.
Bowls. Burra 112 defeated Blyth 88.
Tennis. Hallett 12-90 defeated Aberdeen I 6-68
Kooringa III 11-96 defeated Kooringa I 7-88
Mt Bryan forfeited to Ironmine.
Mt Bryan Old Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival 3 & 4 March when Rev. B. Weeding presided.
56, 11, 13 Mar. 1935, page 4
Burra Burra Show Inc. Annual Meeting, 4 March at Eastern Telephone Building.
Mr Warnes regretted the death during the year of their oldest member Mr F. Treloar who had been a long serving secretary.
The Dog Trials and Horse Events were held 6 & 7 April. Fewer dogs had attended than usual, perhaps due to a mix up with dates at the annual meeting. R.W. Humphrys supplied the sheep.
Working bees had attacked the wild onion problem.
Subscriptions rose this year by c. £20.
The 1935 show will be held on 23 October.
The 1934 show was on 24 October. The drought broke on show day which, however welcome in itself, resulted in a reduced attendance and less gate money. The loss on the day was c. £20 and overall there was a profit on the year of £25-10-8 due to debentures given back. This year debentures were returned by Mr W.G. Hawkes and Messrs S. & W.H. McWaters have promised to return theirs. This would clear the debt from the building of the luncheon room at the racecourse. [Before the show moved to its present grounds.]
Several members of the committee and others made the trip to Sturt Vale for the shearing last season and Mr Warnes hoped they would repeat the trip this year.
The elections resulted in the unopposed election of: Patron, Charles Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes and Vice-Presidents, S.H. Robinson & A.B. Riggs.
56, 12, 20 Mar. 1935, page 1
Mr & Mrs W. Satchell of World’s End celebrated their golden wedding on 12 March. About 60 guests attended the celebration. All their children attended except for the eldest son, Ern, who is presently in the far north. The others are: Horace (Booborowie), Len (Ardrossan), Mrs W. Symons (Brady Creek), Mrs E. Spackman (Maitland) & Mrs B. Symons (Tothill’s Belt).
Booborowie St Patrick’s Day Picnic Race Meeting was held on 16 March to aid the Catholic Church. Results are printed.
Burra Rifle Club. The shoot on Saturday was one of the series for the Baldina Trophy and the best shots were J. Whimpress, J. Schwier & A.C. Aughey.
56, 12, 20 Mar. 1935, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will conduct a furniture sale at Aberdeen on 5 April for Mrs E.P. Rabbich who is leaving the district.
Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Goodridge, relict of the late Thomas P. Goodridge of Gum Creek, was buried last Saturday. She was aged 81 and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs P. Honeychurch at Emu Downs. Three children survive: Mrs P. Honeychurch, Mrs H. Gilbert (Black Springs) and Mr Thomas Goodridge (Gum Creek). There are a number of grandchildren.
[Born Elizabeth Whellum, 15 July 1853 (Burra Families Database: not in SA). Died 14 March 1935 near Robertstown.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 22 & 23 March
Hay Simpson & Jack Appleton in When the Kellys Rode
Marian Marsh & Claude Hulbert in Love at Second Sight
Burra District Band played a concert under Bandmaster Murison at Best Place Aberdeen on Sunday night. Once again it was marred by children rushing around playing games and shouting.
Accident. Mr Bert Pexton and his pillion passenger were thrown from his motor bike when it hit a dust hole near Baldina Creek last week. Mr Pexton sustained a dislocated shoulder and bruises while his passenger was badly shaken and bruised. Mr Ron Pexton is making a satisfactory recovery after his accident some weeks ago.
Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd.
Last Tuesday the directors and other guests met at the power house to see the Chairman of the Company Mr E.F. Marston start the newly installed generating unit that was recently imported from overseas. This is the latest model Petter Atomic Diesel cold starting airless injection vertical two stroke twin cylinder crude oil engine, type T.Y.2. It develops 102 brake H.P. at 375 r.p.m. and is coupled to a Harland 63KW, 3 phase 50 cycle 4 15/240 volt alternator. The makers are the same as for the original set of machines. Installation was supervised by Mr F.D. Taylor, manager of Engines & Machinery Dept. of the SAFU.
M.A. Radford writes to say that the Mayor’s memory in saying that Mr Radford had previously proposed the damming of the Burra Creek was faulty. He (Mr Radford) had consistently opposed any such move.
Any overshot dam would soon fill with debris and clearing it would be beyond Council resources.
Hindering the flow in a big flood would be dangerous and threaten houses.
He also warned about getting earth from the oval to make the banked cycle track. There is bare rock barely beneath the surface and earth was brought in to cover it.
Croquet. 13 March: Aberdeen 45 defeated Kooringa 44.
Bowls. 13 March: Burra 100 defeated Clare 87.
16 March: Balaklava 112 defeated Burra 68.
56, 12, 20 Mar. 1935, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Vigorous development continues on all claims. A lot of ore that has been lying about Terry’s Reward for several years has been put through with satisfactory results.
A reprint from The Australian Worker of 6 June
Byles’ Mongolata in its latest report says it has discovered a new lode 5ft wide and averaging rather less than 5oz per ton: a promising find.
The formation in the hills to the west of Byles’ original show is of an enormous extent, running into hundreds of feet, but with values of only 1 or 2dwt per ton. Byles’ Co. is the only show of any kind which can claim to be a mine. From appearances it will develop into a really big show and it appears more than possible it alone will employ the thousand men which years ago Mr M.J. Murphy (President of the AWU) claimed the field would employ. Just at present all with an interest in the field are waiting to hear if Byles’ Mongolata will come to terms with the English Co.
Mt Bryan Township Methodist Church held its Harvest Thanksgiving on 11 March when Rev. B.J. Weeding officiated. There was a concert on 12 March.
[Personal interest: soloists included Miss M. Fairchild.]
Obituary. Mr B. Campbell, the local railway ganger, died last Friday after being rushed to the Burra Hospital with blood poisoning. He leaves a widow, one son and two daughters, all adults.
Cricket. Burra Ramblers 173 defeated Peterborough Tourists 63.
56, 12, 20 Mar. 1935, page 4
Hallett Tennis Tournament is reported.
RSL AGM is reported. Elected were: President, W.F. Pickering; Treasurer, W. Anderson; Secretary, Mr Dow. Membership last year was fair. The Anzac Sports will be held on the holiday 6 May.
56, 13, 27 Mar. 1935, page 1
Hanson. A dance in the Memorial Hall on 18 March aided the Catholic Church Funds.
Leighton Golf Club AGM was held last Saturday. Elected: Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, W.G. Holland; Secretary & Treasurer, A. Lloyd & Captain, R. McWaters.
It was resolved to extend the course to 18 holes if permission to use the ground could be obtained. Sites for the new holes were chosen on Saturday evening.
Cricket. Semi-Final. Aberdeen Colts 50 & 141 (191) defeated Aberdeen 87 & 73 (160).
The other semi-final between St Mary’s Reds and St Mary’s Blues was a farce. On the first day the Reds with only 9 men scored 86 and the Blues then scored 0 for 123. On day two due to a misunderstanding some Reds turned up and then left. The Blues came later and subsequently the Reds forfeited to the Blues.
Mt Bryan Boys 57 & 43 (100) defeated North Booborowie 36 & 51 (87).
56, 13, 27 Mar. 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 30 March
Warner Oland & Drue Leyton in Charlie Chan’s Courage
Richard Barthelmess & Sally Eilers in Central Airport
Advt. Mrs George Hann of ‘Ithaca’ Kooringa has resumed tuition in Music and Dancing.
Burra Cycle and Athletic Club ran a 6-mole road race on Saturday. C. Longford of Hallett won from Les Robinson of Kooringa.
Weather. Further useful rain fell on 20 and 21 March. To the west and the south falls from 46 to 66 points were common while Burra received 49 points. To the east falls from 10-23 points were reported.
56, 13, 27 Mar. 1935, page 3
Tennis. Hallett 10-97 defeated Kooringa II 8-84.
Mt Bryan 13-96 defeated Aberdeen II 5-67.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival 17 March with Rev. B.J. Weeding officiating.
Mongolata. The usual fortnightly service and sing-song by Rev. D. Redding is reported.
Recent rain has replenished the big tank and the water shows no signs of being unfit for use.
Mongolata Goldfield
Central Mine is putting 10 tons through the battery: the first parcel by this mine which is a neighbour to Curlew Claim.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate is putting through several tons.
The expiration of the 90-day option which the English Co. had from Byles’ is being anxiously awaited.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for the fortnight to 22 March.
Golden Harp. A rise going south following a seam advanced 23ft.
Now measuring and surveying a shaft put down 60ft when prospecting was carried out.
[Byles’Claim] 52ft level: South Drive resumed and advanced to 254ft in values 4-7dwt.
Two short drives made in the west wall.
92ft level: South Drive to 357ft in values 2-5dwt per ton.
No. 2 Shaft is being sunk as an air shaft to the 92ft level and is now at 130ft.
West Tunnel at 92ft level advanced to 682ft. Now definitely on solid quartz lode 4’11” wide coming in from the north wall and running south.
56, 13, 27 Mar. 1935, page 4
Marriage. Farrell’s Flat Methodist Church 20 March.
Reginald Williams, second son of Mr & Mrs J. Williams of Prospect, married
Beatrice (Trix) Rasmus, second daughter of Mr & Mrs A.J. Rasmus of Porter’s Lagoon.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 10th stage of the Baldina Trophy and best shots were Ron. Kellock, J.E. Pearce and J. Harris.
Burra Town Council, 18 March
Cr Dow moved his motion on notice that Clause 10 of the agreement with the Kooringa Tennis Club that prohibited play on Sundays and Good Friday be cancelled with the consent of the trustees.
The Mayor considered this important enough to be considered by full council.
The Town Clerk read the clause and said the agreement had five years to run. He also confirmed that with the consent of the trustees a clause could be cancelled.
Cr Dow said the trustees were Messrs J. Barker, H.W. Tiver & Andrew Tennant.
He said he was not acting on behalf of the tennis clubs and that there were two factions for and against Sunday recreation and that some with no objections to Sunday play objected to play on Good Friday. Cricket he said was played on Sundays and some people could only play on Saturdays and Sundays. To prohibit Sunday play savoured he said of class legislation. Not seconded.
Notice having been given Cr Jennison moved that the words Good Friday be deleted from the agreement with the Kooringa Tennis Club and Cr Riggs seconded this.
No agreement appeared to exist with the Aberdeen Club.
Cr Dow wanted to know why Good Friday and not Sunday should be deleted and why there was an agreement with Kooringa and not with Aberdeen.
He felt that he was trying to get through to Council that Good Friday was the basis of Christianity and the one day that should be held sacred above others.
Cr Jennison said he wanted the two agreements brought into line. [Which two agreements?]
Cr Dow’s motion would be the thin edge of the wedge for organised sport on Sunday.
Cr Riggs thought all the rest of the state played sport on Good Friday.
The Mayor said they played tennis everywhere on Sundays.
Cr Dow said, ‘You can’t keep back the sea.’
The motion was carried with Cr Dow opposed.
Con Samuels applied to have Ridgway’s premises in Aberdeen registered as a betting shop. This letter was received.
The Redruth Police advised that A.T. Pearce had applied for approval to use the storeroom owned by F.M. Pearce on the corner of Moorhead & Cooper Streets Aberdeen as a betting shop.
A motion to approve this was carried.
A letter from lawyers for W. Marshall of the Aberdeen Quarry asked Council to wait on the Minister for Railways concerning ballast contracts for the quarry.
SAR wrote saying that Sleep’s Hill ballast was superior and no more costly.
The Mayor said Burra ballast was the finest in SA and was being offered at the same price as that from Sleep’s Hill. He would help the Council in the matter.
Cr Jeffery said using the quarry would make a difference to the town and a deputation should wait on the Minister and a motion to that effect was then carried.
56, 14, 3 Apr. 1935, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will hold a furniture sale on 9 April for Mrs H.K. Button.
Advt. Kit Kat Klub meeting is called for 8 April by the joint secretaries W.J. Findlay & L. Wedd with a view to receiving the balance sheet for 1934 and to consider reforming the Klub.
The Goodwood Citadel Band of the Salvation Army will visit Burra over Easter.
Mrs S. [Samuel] Davey of Broken Hill, who has been having an extended stay in SA and who has been visiting her brother R.D. Pascoe in Burra for some time, has now returned to Broken Hill.
[Born Elizabeth Rowe Pascoe.]
Mr & Mrs Hector Bagg of Paradise are about to leave Burra to live at Port Noarlunga. Mr Bagg is a son of the late Mr & Mrs E. Bagg of Baldina and has lived in the district all his life. Mr Hector Bagg’s departure has been delayed by the illness of his brother Mr Walter Bagg who is in Burra Hospital. [The only Hector Bagg I can trace is Edmond Hector Scott Bagg whose father was Frederick, but known as Ted, which might just account for the E. Bagg. But his brother Walter Edgar Bagg died in 1896 aged 20. There must be some others of this name not readily traced in Births & Deaths CDs.]
Bicycles are now required to have rear lights.
Royal Institute for the Blind members will give a concert in Burra Institute 9 April.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 6 April
Joan Blondell, Ann Dvorak, Bette Davis, Warren Williams & Lyle Talbot in 3 on a Match
Douglas Fairbanks Jnr, Loretta Young & Guy Kibbe in The Life of Jimmy Dolan
Bence’s Ltd ran a mannequin parade in the Burra Institute on Friday afternoon and evening. Mrs Hann & Laurie Hann played the piano & violin respectively during the parades and in the interludes between sections songs were rendered by Miss Joyce Fairchild & Mr H.W. Mumme. Some £6 was collected and handed to the Burra Hospital.
Weather. Rain fell to the east with reports coming in on Monday of heavy showers that produced run-off. Sturt Vale 136 points, Quondong 175, Woolgangi 49, Koomooloo 43 & The Gums 20. Falls were also recorded in the agricultural areas: Mt Bryan 2 inches, Mackerode over 50 points, Hanson 50 points, but Burra only 19.
56, 14, 3 Apr. 1935, page 3
Tennis. Burra Lawn Tennis Assoc.
Hallett 15-107 defeated Booborowie 3-63
Ironmine 11-102 defeated Mt Bryan 7-83
Burra High School visited Clare on Saturday.
Cricket. Clare 152 defeated Burra 68 & 66 by an innings and 18 runs.
Tennis. Clare 7-58 defeated Burra 5-52
Notice. A. & L. Pearce announce that they have taken over the Hanson Store previously carried on by Mr Randles.
Mongolata Goldfield
Central GM Co. put through a parcel of 10 tons recently but results are not yet to hand.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate have just put through about 15 tons.
The battery is currently treating 30-40 tons from a show at the north end of the field.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club. The race of 30 March was cancelled with too few entrants, but a six-mile race will be held 13 April.
Marriage. Hallett Institute, 30 March
Murray Stockman, third and youngest son of Mr & Mrs W. Stockman of Shafton, Burra, married
Stella Pohlner, fourth and youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs A. Pohlner of Tooralie Station, Hallett.
56, 15, 10 Apr. 1935, page 1
Burra Golf Club meeting of 3 April. E.W. Edmonds, Secretary, read his report for 1934.
The season opened on 12 May. Mr Haese drove off the first ball. The length of the course was increased by approximately 300 yards [though the figure is indistinct] with the creation of three new greens and the abandonment of the old 15th and 18th holes. A new set of local rules has been drawn up for approval tonight.
In the open tournament the Championship was retained for the second time by Dr Steven. Mr M.W. Bednall was Club Champion for this year. The club became incorporated during the year. And thanks are tendered to Mr M.W. Bednall for attending to the legal work without charge.
1933 closed with the club in credit £11-17-0, but 1934 saw the construction of a clubhouse for £70 leaving an overdraft now of £45-5-9 to which must be added bank interest of £1-3-0 and incorporation fees of £4-11-3. The ball and open meeting generated £13-12-7 & £6-6-0 respectively, but the Club Championship produced a loss of £1. Membership fell from 40 to 32, but Associates increased from 27 to 35 and junior members rose from 2 to 4. There is a real need to cultivate younger player and to maintain membership numbers. Match results for the year were poor.
Mr Edmonds went on to admonish members for apathy, too little practice and for failing even to return cards from games so that handicappers had data to work from. He felt there was little club spirit in the past year. Elected were: President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-Presidents, Messrs J.R. Barker & M.W. Bednall; Secretary & Treasurer, E.W. Edmonds & his assistant, J. Pederson.
T.H. Pearse & Son Ltd of ‘The Gums’ report on a successful 250ft sub-artesian bore in the bed of the Burra Creek. The homestead well that usually could supply 50,000 gallons a day had gone dry in the drought and the new site was chosen by dowsing by Mr F. Dagenhardt of Robertstown.
[Details are given in 2⁄3 column.]
Burra Rifle Club shot the 17th stage of the Baldina Trophy. Best scores were by W. Nankivell, R.G. Bernhardt & A.J. Whimpress. Best off the rifle was P. Hogan.
56, 15, 10 Apr. 1935, page 2
Obituary. Anna Elsie Voumard died at her daughter’s residence on 2 April aged 92. She is survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters: R., A. & W. Voumard and Mrs A. Hirschausen (Burra) & Mrs B.J. Taylor (Adelaide). There are 21 grandchildren & 8 great-grandchildren. [Born Anna Elsie Guerrion 27 August 1843 died Anna Elise Voumard 2 April 1935, Marleston, but in the children’s births in SA she appears also as Annie Elsie and Anna Eliza and the surname as Guerrin, Guerrion and Gunnen: the last probably due to bad hand writing. In one case Voumead also appears. The longer obituary offers yet another option.]
Mrs Hannah E. Voumard, relict of the late John Voumard of Burra, died 2 April in Adelaide in her 92nd year at the home of her daughter Mrs B.J. Taylor. With her husband and five children she came to SA from Switzerland in 1876 in the ship Forfarshire and after a few weeks at Pt Adelaide they made their home in Burra. Mrs Voumard was essentially a home woman and very highly esteemed. Until the last fortnight of her life she maintained a wonderful vitality, though slightly deaf. She is survived by her sons Robert, Amos & William (Kooringa) and daughters Hannah, Mrs A. Hirschausen (Aberdeen) and Marie, Mrs B.J. Taylor (Adelaide) with 21 grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren.
Father F. Morrissey of St Joseph’s will attend the enthronement of the new Bishop of the Diocese, Dr Gilroy, at Peterborough at the weekend so there will be no masses at St Joseph’s.
Croquet. On Saturday Burra played Blyth at Blyth and the paper asserts that Burra won by two points, but the figures cited suggest to me that Burra with 48 lost to Blyth with 50 points.
Whooping Cough. Four cases have been reported to the Local Board of health.
Weather. Later reports of the recent rains show that Braemar got 130 points and all dams are full. Loch Winnoch received 48 points at the homestead and more elsewhere. Caroona had 107 points, but Hogback recorded only 37.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 13 April
Rudy Vallee, Jimmy Durante & Alice Faye in George White’s Scandals
William Powell & Joan Blondell in Lawyer Man
56, 15, 10 Apr. 1935, page 3
Marriage. St Augustine’s Church Spalding, 4 April
Charles Kevin Moy, son of Mrs M.A. Moy of Kensington Park & the late Michael Moy of Bundaleer, married Mary Julia (Maisie) Horgan, eldest daughter of Mrs H. & the late David Horgan of Booborowie.
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church, Saturday
Frank McDonald, youngest son of Mr & Mrs C. McDonald of Hallett, married
Beryl Peters, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Peters of Hallett.
Lawn Tennis Final. Hallett 15-106 defeated Ironmine 3-74.
Mr & Mrs J. Fisher Sen. of Black Springs were farewelled 29 March. They will retire to Manoora.
Mongolata Goldfield
Rev. Donald Redding held his fortnightly service and sing-song on Tuesday last week. Attendance was c. 40.
A cricket team visited from World’s End and 30 March: Mongolata 53 defeated World’s End 21.
The return match was played at World’s End on Saturday: Mongolata 53 defeated World’s End 21.
This was a game in which six Mongolata players scored ducks and so did four World’s End players while a further five World’s End players scored only one run each. (8 extras were by far the top score.)
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. 28 March to 6 April
25ft level: small seam giving 4 to 6 dwt per ton.
50ft level: drive to 271 ft on a trace leading to a seam yielding c. 4 dwt per ton with good prospects.
92ft level: south drive to 367ft, turning to miss a solid quartzite bar & entered country with traces of gold. West tunnel in the last 5 ft has attractive ore with one sample of 10-12 dwt, but further testing is needed – cannot advance here without air.
No. 2 Shaft: advanced to 132ft. Drive started in western tunnel to connect with this shaft.
50ft level of old workings: on very rich 3” seam in which 1lb of dirt yielded 3 dwt. Timbering is needed before follow-up is possible.
Golden Harp: Southwest Drive continued for 17ft, but no values.
Wildildie are putting through 10 tons crushing with no results known yet.
Cricket. Premiership 30 March
St Mary’s Blues 249 defeated Aberdeen Colts 139 & 92.
56, 15, 10 Apr. 1935, page 4
Burra Burra District Council, 5 April
Received Highways & Local government Dept. letter re proclamation in Government Gazette providing for the union of the District of Booborowie (as altered) with the District Councils of Burra, Hanson & Mt Bryan, effective 1 May. Other Councils to be advised and a meeting called re this for 10 May.
Burra Town Council, 25 March
Letter from Mr Bednall re the reserve at Hampton sold to Mr Turner for £5, since when a portion had to be resumed for a road. A refund of £3 was applied for and granted.
J. Allen Secretary of the Burra Football Assoc. wanted the Council to inspect the oval, as he says that if the Cycle Club acts as proposed to grade the surface it would leave only a very thin layer of soil. K.W. Kennedy as Secretary of the Kooringa Football Club lodged a similar request and objection.
The Mayor said the Cycling Club proposal would add soil if anything.
Cr Kellaway was strongly opposed to any grading scheme, believing it would be detrimental to football. Later he moved to rescind the motion giving the Cycling Club permission to form a saucer track, but he was not seconded.
He then moved that the action of the Cycling Club by stayed until the Council had inspected the site and after some discussion this was carried.
The Unemployment Relief Committee offered money for work for the unemployed if Council would give a 25% subsidy.
The Town Clerk said they had £40 from a similar grant from last year, but could not afford to subsidise it.
A by-law was adopted for the issue of trading licences in the town for non-resident firms for £2-2-0.
[A move aimed at hawkers and door-to-door salesmen.]
Kooringa Tennis Club wrote it had no objections to Good Friday being withdrawn from their agreement with the Council, but would also like to be allowed to play on Sundays.
Cr Dow said a special meeting of Council would be needed under the circumstances.
Cr Kellaway said if the club was not willing to carry out the agreement it could be cancelled.
Council must adhere to the resolution or have the agreement cancelled.
Cr Riggs moved that Council was not in favour of deleting the clause prohibiting Sunday playing. He was seconded by Cr Jennison. Carried.
56, 16, 17 Apr. 1935, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. Second stage of the Club Championship was fired over 600 & 700 Yards. Best were A.C. (Pat) Aughey, J.E. Pearce & A.J. Whimpress.
Rev. & Mrs Weeding were farewelled at Hallett Methodist Church prior to their departure for Booleroo Centre.
56, 16, 17 Apr. 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Burra Show Society Sheep Dog Trials will be held 26 & 27 April with Horses in Action on Saturday 27 April.
Mr M.A. Radford has brought in a large trombone weighing 47 lb from Canegrass Station. It will go to the Burra Hospital.
Obituary. Mrs E. Leighton of Booborowie died at the Burra Hospital on Sunday from heart trouble following pneumonia. She was 71. [Born Alice Sarah Baldock 8 May 1864, Noarlunga: died 14 April 1935 Burra, residence Leighton.]
Burra Golf Associates held their AGM for 1935 and elected: President, Mrs J.R. Barker; Vice-President, Mrs D.M. Steele; Secretary & Treasurer, Miss M. Davey; Captain, Miss M.V. Pearce & Vice-Captain, Mrs C.J. Butler.
Mongolata Gold Field
Work is proceeding very satisfactorily with some good results from recent crushings.
Curlew has had an excellent crushing.
The Central Mine has had a satisfactory crushing.
Wildildie put through 9 tons that averaged about 11⁄2 oz to the ton.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate crushing averaged about 1 oz per ton.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. is vigorously developing its claim.
H.J. Lomman at Mt Bryan East reports 84 points of rain in an hour and the biggest flood down the creek in 20 years. [Is this Dust Holes Creek?]
Annual Visit of Institution for the Blind Concert Party
The concert & dance at the Institute last Wednesday was poorly attended. Total takings were £14-14-0. The dance could not be held because of the poor attendance of young people.
Notice. Nelson Hann advises he has taken over the International Harvester Co. Agency.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 20 April
Johnny Weissmuller & Maureen O’Sullivan in Tarzan the Ape Man
Jean Harlow & Chester Morris in The Red-Headed Woman
22 April
Tom Wallis & Anne Grey in The Blarney Stone
Winifred Scholter & Owen Nares in The Love Contract
56, 16, 17 Apr. 1935, page 3
Salvation Army. Captain & Mrs Thompson held a meeting at the Mongolata Boarding House on Thursday evening.
Burra High School played Clare High School at Burra on Saturday.
Girls’ Tennis: Burra defeated Clare 10 sets to 2.
Cricket: Clare 5 for 207 declared defeated Burra 101.
Tennis. In the Premiership Hallett 10-92 defeated Booborowie 8-91.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club held a 6-mile road race on Saturday that was won by Opperman from Taylor by 4 inches.
At the Town Council meeting on Monday Cr Kellaway moved to rescind the motion permitting the club to form a saucer track at Victoria Park. From 1926 he sais £150 and much labour had been spent on the playing surface and grading it to form the track would be detrimental to the playing area. Cr Jennison seconded the motion. Cr Jeffery said he understood if there was not enough soil available on the oval the club would get it from elsewhere. Cr Dow thought they had too few details from the club and all would be well if adequately supervised. In this respect Cr Jeffery thought that they were adequately protected given that Cr Sampson was doing the work. The motion was carried.
Cr Kellaway then moved that the club be permitted to build the track up provided they did so without touching the playing area. Carried.
The Institution for the Blind Concert raised £12 at Leighton on Monday.
The Leighton Golf Course is being expanded to 18 holes. The new distance should be 6,000 yards.
56, 17, 24 Apr. 1935, page 1
Burra Town Council, 15 April
A special up-to-date picture of the King in uniform is being prepared for his Silver Jubilee.
The premises recently occupied by H.J. Button were approved as a betting shop.
T. Harrop asked for a ramp to his premises in Thames St to enable him to bring his pie-cart out of the yard. East Ward Councillors will inspect the premises with power to approve at Mr Harrop’s cost.
Work for the unemployed was discussed, but any payment to them would mean loss of rations and yet the Council had too little money to subsidise any significant amount of work, so it looked as if rations would have to continue. (Despite the fact the unemployed needed money for clothing etc.)
Cr Kellaway said: ‘While the Government continued its present rotten scheme it seemed impossible for any controlling body to try and help men who were honestly trying to help themselves.’
The Town Clerk confirmed that if the Council used its funds to subsidise a man earning 15/- a week with 3/4 that man would have to live on that for three weeks.
Cr Dow said that unless the Council had quite a sum of money to spend the policy of the Relief Council was of no value to this Council.
The Mayor said numbers on rations were lower than in 1934 both at Burra and at Mongolata.
He also reported on the Deputation to the Commissioner of Public Works re the Aberdeen Quarry. A good case had been made, but no reply had yet come from the Railways Department. The Mayor was disgusted by the apathy shown by the Government and the SAR.
The Governor Sir Winston & Lady Dugan will visit Burra soon, but the details will depend on the Governor’s health.
Celebrations for the King’s Silver Jubilee will run from May till June and it is expected the Governor’s visit will fall within this time. A Grand Ball is being planned.
One idea of the Mayor’s was to get the drinking fountain erected in honour of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in 1887 into working order. This should cost comparatively little.
The Mayor thought the main celebrations should take the form of a big affair for the children to instil in their minds what loyalty and patriotism stood for and to impress upon them how the king wanted nothing but peace and goodwill to prevail. In the evening of the 7 May they would have a big patriotic demonstration in the Institute. Cr Jennison gave his support and promised the wholehearted support of the RSL.
Other Councillors offered their support for these proposals and the fountain project was approved.
Plans to add to the beauty of the area around the Aberdeen croquet Club by planting trees were endorsed as long as trees were not planted in the creek where they could impede the flow.
Local Board of Health
No further cases of whooping cough were reported and the notices served had been attended to.
Kooringa Football Club elected Patron, H. Mumme; President, Mr Con. Samuels & Chairman, Mr R.A. Bevan.
Trip to Sturt Vale
The trip to Sturt Vale was remarkable for not seeing a single sheep for the 80 miles to the station house, despite the thousands that must have been along the route. About 8 kangaroos were seen. The country was in quite good condition owing to recent, if patchy rain. As President of the Burra Burra Show Inc., Mr I.J. Warnes had once again invited members of the committee to go out during shearing to inspect the method of working the property. [22 of the 25 who went out are listed.]
It was a cold day for Sturt Vale with a temperature of 60°F. En route they called in at ‘The Lagoon’ where the visitors found Mr Fred Gebhardt had one of the finest collections of birds in the state. The variety included all sorts of parrots including the King parrot, eastern rosellas, rock pebblers, blue bonnets and so on, cockatoos, canaries, kookaburras, budgerigars, pink-faced black-cheeked Nyassa (from Africa), the Bourke and rainbow lorikeets and many others. The aviary ran the whole length of the house and was spotlessly clean. He also had some Chinchillian Rabbits [sic] once worth up to 15/- and now about 2d. There was a small patch of lucerne and a fine vegetable garden.
At Sturt Vale the group was met by Mr rex Warnes who welcomed all and by Mr Codrington Chief Instructor in Wool Classes at the School of Mines. Of the many kangaroos that once lived on the immense plain in front of the homestead few remain. About 1,000 were shot in 1933 after they had reduced the plain to a dust heap. The next visit was to the shearing shed where some 20 shearers were hard at work with about 10 School of Mines’ students classifying the wool under the eye of Mr Codrington. The shearing shed without the sorting room is about 120 ft long. ‘Skirting’ was being undertaken to separate the inferior wove of the fleece to enhance its value. The inferior portions were passed to the students detailed to sort them according to type and value. Skirting, neck and back wools were graded as were belly and locks.
The average weight of water in a bale was 12 lb and there are 500 types of wool in Australia. The watercourse at the station starts near Yunta and last flood was a foot deep and about a mile wide. Joe Parks provided an excellent lunch and A.B. Riggs made a few remarks and thanked Mr Warnes on behalf of the Society for the invitation. Mr Codrington gave a more technical lecture on wool for the benefit of the pastoralists present. He had been appointed to the School of Mines in 1920 and soon afterwards Mr Warnes had asked him to take charge of the clip. At the time strong and fine wools were packed in the same bales and buyers set their price to the lower grade. He had adopted practices of sorting and eventually removed possibility of buyers basing their prices on the percentage of coarser stuff in a bale. Mr Rex Warnes thanked the visitors.
Mr Warnes said at that time the firm was employing 71 people, excluding the family, including Koomooloo and Booborowie – among them six women and seven cooks. They had 32,000 sheep.
The blowfly doubled the work on the pastoral areas and was one of the reasons so many men were employed on the station. They were greatly disadvantaged by railway freight charges and as a consequence had obtained trucks and were now taking their wool direct to Port Adelaide. [He mentioned having previously taken the wool by road to the railway at Mt Mary.] There was also a considerable amount of back loading for the trucks. He estimated they saved £200 a year: sufficient to pay for a new lorry in five years. The railways would need to offer considerably more in concessions before he would return to them.
56, 17, 24 Apr. 1935, page 2
Obituary. Hugh Bell died 16 April at the Burra Hospital aged 80. He was the husband of the late Jane Bell and leaves five sons and two daughters. [See extended obituary page 3 of this issue.]
Mr Hilary of the Kooringa Post Office has been transferred to Adelaide and Mr Bruce Cornelius has been appointed to Kooringa.
Miss Lila Opperman who left home to train as a nurse at the Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in Pinnaroo has passed her final exam at the Adelaide Hospital.
The Governor & Lady Dugan will visit Burra 28 & 29 May, staying in their private railway carriage while here.
Rabbit fur is increasing in demand and prices are expected to rise. Fox skins are also increasing in value.
F.F.W. Richards, stationmaster at Mt Bryan will retire after his annual leave beginning on 9 May after 51 years’ service with the SAR. He began in 1884 as a t ram conductor on the old horse trams. He then became a clerk in the goods shed at Gawler and at 21 was appointed stationmaster at Littlehampton. After 5 years he was transferred to Hallett for 18 months before a move to Ambleside [Hahndorf] and after 8 years was moved to Miller’s Corner (Glenelg). 18 months later he went to Pinnaroo for 18 months and then served for 5 years at Stockport before being transferred to Mt Bryan where he has served 21 years. He has been a popular and esteemed officer. He begins 7 months long service leave on 2 June, retiring on 31 December to live in Adelaide.
Rev. Donald Redding continues his fortnightly services at Mongolata.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 April
George Arliss in The King’s Vacation
Richard Barthelmess in Massacre
27 April
Janet Gaynor in Change of Hearts
Edward G. Robinson in Dark Hazard
56, 17, 24 Apr. 1935, page 3
Obituary. Mr Hugh Bell who died 16 April was born in Glasgow in 1854 and arrived at Pt Adelaide in the City of Benares in 1874. He worked for several years on stations in NSW before purchasing a bullock team and wagons and commenced wheat carting in the northern districts of SA. From 1881-86 he carted merchandise to the far north of NSW and into Queensland, purchasing his goods from Drew & Crewes of Kooringa. In 1884 he married Jane Develaing of Aberdeen and for several years he lived in Warri-Warri* NSW before settling in 1893 at Yalpunga* where he had a general store for nearly 30 years. In 1918 he was involved in an accident which partially crippled him for the rest of his life. In 1922 he settled in Kooringa. His five sons are all in Queensland and he has two daughters: Mrs J. Kellaway of Kooringa and Captain F. Bell of Bayswater in Victoria. There are 6 grandchildren. [* Neither of these places is readily traceable on maps, but the Warri Gate on the Queensland-NSW border lies north of Tibooburra.]
Obituary. Mrs F. Leighton of Booborowie died at Burra Hospital 14 April after a short illness. She was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Baldock of Hackham where she was born 8 May 1864. At the age of 14 she came to Baldry (Leighton) to live with Mr & Mrs P. Taylor and on 23 March 1882 she married Mr E. Leighton at the Leighton Methodist Church, they being the first couple to be married there. The reception was at the home of Mr John Baynes. They lived at Leighton for seven years before moving to Booborowie where they lived until her final illness. She is survived by her husband, three sons and three daughters: F.J. Leighton (Kadina), S.J. Leighton (Moonta), R.E. Leighton (Clare), Olive Mrs C.T. Baldock (Kimba), Gladys Mrs Joe Parks (Kooringa) & Linda Mrs M. Pritchard (Kooringa). A daughter Merriel Mrs G. Reynolds predeceased her as did two sons: Horace and Hurtle, the latter of whom died in the Great War. There are 17 grandchildren.
The Goodwood Citadel Brass Band & Glee Party visited last weekend. They arrived at 7.30 p.m. and after a hurried hot tea played a few numbers in Market Square before a concert in the Barracks. Captain Thompson welcomed Bandmaster Hoskins and his men. On Sunday at 9 a.m. they played several selections at Aberdeen and visited the ill Mr James Thomas at his home. They assisted at all services at the Barracks and gave a concert in the Rotunda in the afternoon and another in Burra Town Hall after the evening service. On Monday they played selections at the home of Mr J.R. Barker en route to Mongolata for a concert and also paid a visit to the Byles’ Mongolata Mine. They played at the Burra Hospital before going to Booborowie for a concert at 6 p.m.
F. Spencer has donated a silver cup for the rider of the last horse to check in from the draught horse race at the Anzac Sports.
Tennis: Burra Easter Tournament
Men’s Championship Singles G. Mosey
Men’s Championship Doubles A.L. Collins & J. Gebhardt
Women’s Championship Singles Miss H. Mosey
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘A’ Grade G.J. Walker
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘B’ Grade Malcolm Fairchild
Men’s Handicap Doubles ‘A’ Grade March & Walker
Men’s Handicap Doubles ‘B’ Grade Harris & Hogan
Women’s Handicap Singles ‘A’ Grade Miss H. Mosey
Women’s Handicap Singles ‘B’ Grade Miss Russell
Women’s Handicap Doubles ‘A’ Grade Misses H. & J. Mosey
Women’s Handicap Doubles ‘B’ Grade Misses Dates & Russell
Mixed Handicap Doubles ‘A’ Grade L. Mosey & Miss H. Mosey
Mixed Handicap Double ‘B’ Grade Hutchinson & Miss Saunders
Boys’ Championship Singles L. Hopgood
Girls’ Championship Singles P. Mumme
Veterans’ Handicap Doubles Potter & Butler
56, 18, 1 May 1935, page 1
Marriage. Kent Town Methodist Church, Easter Saturday
Joyce Gladys Goodwin, second daughter of Mr & Mrs A.H. Goodwin of Pt Lincoln, married
Carl Frederick Pearce, elder son of Mr & Mrs F.M. Pearce of Aberdeen.
Burra Burra Show Inc. Sheep Dog Field Trials were held on Friday & Saturday last. Entries were double those of 1934 and the weather was excellent. 23 dogs took part in the Open Class. Winners:
Local Class P.J. Thomas’s Belle
Maiden Stakes A.B. Kemp’s Homeleigh Frisk
Puppy Stakes F. Whittington’s Miss Wally
Open Class G.A. Bishop’s Romp
Final Test Open Class (1st four dogs from Open Class)
F. Whittington’s Red Chief
Before and after the final test horse events were run.
Bowls. Easter Tournament
Pairs: G. Robinson & Whittney won on aggregate.
Rinks: S. Robinson’s Rink won (S. Robinson, Bentley, Whittney & Mumme).
Anzac Day Tournament: Wilkinson’s Rink won on aggregate (H.L. Riggs, J.E. Pearce, Mumme & Wilkinson).
56, 18, 1 May 1935, page 2
Advt. Anzac Sports, Monday 6 May
Athletics, Cycling, Horse Racing, Military & Motor Cycle speed events. Grand Ball in the evening.
At Aberdeen Racecourse. G.H. Dow, Hon. Sec.
Advt. Celebration of the King’s Silver Jubilee, Burra Institute Tuesday 7 May
7.45 p.m.-8 p.m. Community Singing
Opening Remarks by the Mayor T.H. Woollacott
Message to the King read by E.J. Davey Town Clerk
Remarks by I.J. Warnes JP
Song by H.W. Mumme
Remarks by Dr D.M. Steele
Community Singing with the Burra Brass Band
Song by Mrs Max Pearce
Remarks by President RSL, Mr W.F. Pickering
Remarks by Rev. E.G. Neil
Selection by Burra Brass Band
Advt. Burra Talkies, 4 May
On Our Selection
Over the Garden Wall
6 May
Jessie Matthews & Owen Nares in There Goes the Bride
Arthur Wontner & Jane Welsh in Condemned to Death
Mr Darcy Dane was farewelled on Sunday evening at Kooringa Methodist Church after the service. He is going to Ararat in Victoria where he has obtained a position. Mr Dane has been a Sunday school teacher and a choir member. He was presented with a travelling rug.
Mr Harold Pearce, elder son of Mr & Mrs Clem Pearce of Kooringa, left on Friday for Mutooroo Station where he has obtained a position.
Mr A. Hermes, schoolmaster at Hanson, has been transferred to Mt Torrens from after the winter vacation.
Miss Myrtle Isaac, sister of Mr Jim Isaac of the Waterworks Department, who was a member of the Burra Cheer-up Ladies’ Band is now part of the Adelaide Girls’ Band.
Mrs J. ickles [sic] who has been in charge of the Copperhouse Post Office for 91⁄2 years will hand over today to Mrs R. Voumard. Mrs ickles [sic] always did the utmost for residents.
[Departmental records say S. Nickels operate the PO 1926-35.]
[A John Nickles of Burra died in 1942 and his wife was born Sarah Matilda Ryder, so the identity of the above remains uncertain.]
Burra Institute Chess Club has called a meeting for the 13 May at the Lodge Room to open the 1935 season.
Mary O’Connell (12) has been given a wheelchair as a result of donations from Aberdeen residents. It was made by Mr R. Fairchild and is Mary’s as long as she needs it, after which it becomes the property of the Burra Hospital.
A Combined Anzac Service was held at St Mary’s on Sunday evening. The Rector Rev. D. Redding officiated and Mr G.H. Dow played the organ.
56, 18, 1 May 1935, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew Mine
A collection of specimens worth c. £100 was seen at F. Harris’s shop on Friday from Curlew Mine.
From a small area at the mine last week gold worth c. £200 was recovered. It was in a lode about 3 ft wide, but the gold-bearing portion is only 6 inches wide.
The syndicate includes: T.H. Villis, Eddy Finch, H. Morgan & Mr & Mrs G.B. Morgan.
Another lot from a lode about 60 ft away was richer with coarser gold valued at c. £200. Mr H. Lewis is managing Curlew and Mr T. Villis is the principal shareholder.
Obituary. Ellen Gladys Byles of Aberdeen died at Adelaide on Saturday aged 39. She was born in Kooringa and spent her early years in the district. She took up nursing with her early training at the Adelaide Hospital and was later matron at Bedford Park Hospital and her last appointment was as Matron of Riverton Hospital from which she resigned due to ill health in April 1934. She was buried at Burra. [Born 10 May 1896 Kooringa: died 26 April 1935 North Adelaide, residence Riverton. See more at 56, 19, 8 May 1935, page 2.]
Obituary. Milton Tiver, elder son of Mr Henry Tiver of Crystal Brook (late of Aberdeen), was buried at Kooringa on Tuesday 23 April. He died in Adelaide aged 31 after a short illness. He was a grandson of the late Mr W. Bentley of Aberdeen.
[Harry Milton Tiver born 9 February 1904 Aberdeen: died 23 April 1935 Adelaide, residence Gawler.]
Burra Golf Club opened its season on Saturday. President Dr D. McDonald Steele performed the ceremony.
The 1935 Anzac Commemoration Service was held on Sunday. It was grey and showery and so the service was transferred to the Institute Hall. At 3 p.m. the hall was filled. Members of the RSL met at the club rooms with members of the 18/23rd Light Horse and the Scouts. Major R.C. Sexton led the RSL men, Lieut. H.S.T. Warnes headed the Light Horse and the Scouts were under their Patrol Leader B. Riggs. Mr W.F. Pickering President of the RSL was in the front line of the march and Mrs Pickering was the only returned nurse present. The Burra District Band was led by WO J.H. Murison. Captain Thomson of the Salvation Army late British Imperial Force presided at the service assisted by Red. D. Redding late AIF & Rev. G.C. Hutchinson late AIF. Rev. Redding gave a short address as Rev. Hutchinson was a little late after having to conduct a funeral. Rev. Hutchinson then gave the main address which is printed. The offertory aided the Tubercular Soldiers’ Fund. After the service the procession marched to the Rotunda where they formed a square and wreaths were laid by Mr Pickering (RSL) and others.
Mongolata Goldfield
A reprint from the Adelaide News
Mr E. Finch, a farmer of Burra who is visiting Adelaide, reports a steady yield of gold from the mine of the Curlew GM Syndicate of which he is the chairman. To date 266 tons of ore have been put through the battery from the property and yielded 736 oz. The March crushing of 36 tons returned 78 oz and April is expected to exceed this.
Baldina GM Syndicate has put through a small parcel expected to go well over 1 oz per ton.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. is making good progress.
It is said that if Mongolata were 500 miles away from the city it would be employing 1,000 men, but the State government seems to ignore this most valuable field for some reason.
‘Eagle Eye’ submits a column on preparations for the Draught Horse Race. F. Spencer, owner and trainer of Silver King, has presented a cup for the last to finish.
‘Great consternation was caused in local racing circles when one of the stewards caught Hunt plaiting a battery at one end of a whip, but the matter was cleared up by the explanation that S. Sara (rider of My Pick) had ordered the invention to use as a tail light when returning from the course late at night. The explanation was accepted.’
‘Cec. Opie has been leaving Astern out in the frost unrugged with the hopes of the horse contracting rheumatism to run last for the Spencer Cup, but [R.] Hill is confident that his horse [Paydirt] only needs to do its best to run an easy last.’
The suggestion is that the winner will come from Tom Kallio’s stable.
56, 18, 1 May 1935, page 4
The Burra District Council held its last meeting last Friday and to mark its ‘passing’ members were entertained by Cr & Mrs Kellock at dinner.
Chairmen Cr N. Hiles Pearse, Cr H.W. Tiver, Cr Reg. Warnes, Cr W.H. McWaters, Cr G. Glen Hawkes, Clerk Arthur A. Davey & Overseer John J. Parker. Cr Eddie Finch was absent in Adelaide.
Cr Kellock reminisced about the Council when he joined it 19 years ago when the members had been the late T.H. McWaters, Edwin Finch & C.B. Warnes, all now deceased along with Robert McBride, John Reed & N.H. Pearse. The deaths had led to the election of H. McWaters (son of T.H.), Eddie Finch (son of Edwin) & Reg Warnes (nephew of C.B.).
He praised N.H. Pearse as a perfect Chairmen, who allowed all to debate a point and then quietly gave his own opinion. He gave great assistance and wise guidance over 14 years in the chair. Cr Warnes seconded these comments.
Cr Pearse responded. He referred to the great spirit of co-operation and team work on the Council.
‘The new Council he wished the best of luck, but why the change he could not see for as far as economy was concerned he did not think it possible the Council could be run on less expenditure.’
Cr Hawkes then proposed the District Clerk and eulogised Mr A.A. Davey who had been clerk for 25 years. He hoped the new Council would appoint him to carry on. Cr Tiver seconded his words.
Mr Davey replied saying each Councillor had carried on in a courteous and happy manner. When he took office in 1910 he said he found the old Councillors hard yet just, but he weathered the storm and got on amicably thereafter. He also failed to see where the amalgamation of four Councils could bring economies.
Cr McWaters then proposed the Overseer & Mr Parker responded saying his 14 years in the office had at first not been as difficult as they might have been thanks to the help of the Chairman and Mr Davey and the other Councillors.
History of Burra DC: courtesy of A.A. Davey.
The first meeting was held in S. Drew & Co.’s office 9 December 1872. Cr Isaac Killicoat was appointed chairman. The other Councillors were H. Dawson, S. Drew, J. Dunstan & D. McCulloch.
J. Dunstan was appointed Clerk pro tem.
The next meeting was 26 December 1872 at the [original] Burra Hotel when J.D. Cave was appointed Clerk and Collector at £75 p.a. Messrs cave & Goodfellow were appointed joint assessors at £40 each and the first assessment was ordered.
On 6 February 1873 tenders were called for an office in Kooringa, Redruth or Aberdeen.
On 20 March 1873 Mr Tiver offered them two rooms at £24 p.a. and this was accepted.
On 30 September 1873 the Secretary of the Burra Institute advised it was available for meetings at £20 p.a. It was resolved that this offer be accepted provided a new room was built for the clerk’s office by the end of three months.
On 23 December 1873 the Clerk was instructed to have the furniture, safe etc. removed to the Institute and the Council had met there ever since. In June 1876 Burra was proclaimed a Corporate Town.
Present Councillors:
N.H. Pearse elected July 1914 Chairman from 1 July 1921 – for 21 years
J. Kellock elected 10 June 1916 19 years
R. Warnes elected 12 June 1920 15 years
E. Finch elected 29 October 1921 14 years
H.W. Tiver elected 4 July 1924 11 years
A.A. Davey appointed Clerk 10 July 1910 25 years
J.J. Parker appointed Overseer 10 June 1921 14 years
Burra Rifle Club: Burra 637 defeated Burra Light Horse 584.
[Total in paper for Burra is incorrect at 337.]
Farrell’s Flat Anzac Service is reported. Rev. G.C. Hutchinson gave the address and A.W. Andrews of Kooringa sounded Last Post and Reveille.
Miss Nancy Bird was Australia’s youngest woman with a ‘B’ Class commercial flying licence at the age of 19. She was then touring NSW country centres. [Died 2009.]
56, 19, 8 May 1935, page 1
Mt Bryan East School held its annual picnic at one of C.W. Gare & Sons’ paddocks. The sports results are printed.
Leighton Golf Course was opened as an 18 hole course on Saturday by Mr I.J. Warnes as Patron of the club. The course now measures close to 6,000 yards.
Cricket at Mongolata 27 April: Mongolata 72 defeated World’s End 66. Tea and a dance at the Wildildie Woolshed followed the game.
Mongolata. Rev. D. Redding officiated at the usual fortnightly service.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 18th stage of the Baldina Trophy on 4 May when best scorers were K.S. Dawson, W. Nankivell & A.B. Riggs. Possibles over 500 yards were scored by W. Nankivell, P.W. Hogan & W. Woodman.
On 6 May the holiday shoot at Burra was won by Peterborough 1032 from Balaklava 1009 and Burra 993.
56, 19, 8 May 1935, page 2
Mr E.W. Edmonds who has been with the Bank of Australasia at Kooringa for 7 years has been transferred to Adelaide from 14 May. He has been secretary of the Burra Tennis Assoc. and for the Burra Golf Club.
Accident. Three young men: Jack Robins, Horace James & Walter Williams, borrowed a car to attend a wedding on Saturday afternoon. About two miles south of Mt Bryan, opposite Collins’s Stud Park, the car overturned twice on loose gravel at a corner and was thrown right over the fence. The three occupants were thrown clear, but rendered unconscious. Robins suffered a broken collar bone and a lacerated arm and the others were bruised and shaken.
Obituary. Ellen G. Byles who died 26 April aged 39 was the younger daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Byles of Aberdeen. She was born at Kooringa 10 May 1896 when her parents were resident at Douglas, now known as Thistlebeds. Her parents later went to Broken Hill before returning to the Burra district after a few years. Miss Byles was educated at Burra Model School and Copperhouse School. From an early age she wished to become a nurse and a day or two before her 21st birthday she started her career at Kapunda Hospital. After two years her health failed, but after a rest she resumed her training at the Adelaide Hospital. She was at Burra Hospital for a time and then went to the McBride Memorial Hospital to go through the midwifery course. She then undertook private nursing before being appointed a charge nurse at Bedford Park Hospital and later became Matron there. She then purchased the Warraweena Hospital which she conducted until ill health again forced her to relinquish charge of it. She was ordered to the far north and much needed rest. After regaining her strength she took up nursing once more in Sydney, Jamestown and Clare Hospitals and six years ago became Matron of Riverton Hospital until ill health forced her to resign in April 1934. She died at Memorial Hospital North Adelaide and was buried at Kooringa. She is survived by her parents, one sister Mrs S.M. Bettison of Mt Mary [and four brothers] P.B. [Philip Brettel] of Ironmine, Alex [Alick Herbert William], Frank [Frank Morgan] & Walter [Walter John] of Pt Lincoln. She was a granddaughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Morgan, pioneers of Douglas.
[Born 10 May 1896 Kooringa: died 26 April 1935 North Adelaide, residence Riverton.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 11 May
Norma Shearer & Robert Montgomery in Riptide
Otto Kruger & Una Merkel in The Woman in His Life
56, 19, 8 May 1935, page 3
3rd Anzac Sports.
These were one of the biggest fixtures ever held in Burra. Separate committees managed the sections: Military, Racing, Cycling, Athletics & Motoring.
The grounds and tracks were in great condition. The day dawned grey and foggy, but by 9.30 a.m. it was glorious sunshine with no wind for a beautiful day. The Nomis public address system was a great help and could be heard wonderfully clearly everywhere. Music was played between events. There were a couple of unfortunate occurrences.
In the Ladies’ Hack Race Miss Pat Jeffery of Hallett, who was riding Mr A. Reed’s Patriola, was thrown when the horse ran off into a barbed wire fence. Though not seriously injured, she did need medical attention.
In the 5-mile amateur motor cycle race A. Nolan the winner seems to have struck a hole in the track just after the winning post and lost control of his machine. The cycle struck the post and rail fence throwing the rider against a post and then struck two girls, the Misses Joseph of Mt Bryan, before knocking down Mr Joseph and Mr R. Sharp Sen. of Kooringa. At first it was thought Mr Nolan had been fatally injured, but condition is now reported as less serious than feared, with a fractured arm, concussion and severe abrasions. Miss Mary Joseph sustained badly cut legs and her sister suffered similar injuries. Mr Joseph suffered bruising as did Mr Sharp who is also in hospital with an injured knee. The second rider in the race, Jack McWaters of World’s End, swerved across the track into the rails on the other side receiving some bruises and abrasions, but escaping fairly well. As the crowd rushed towards the injured they forgot that four other machines were still on the track and those four riders were lucky to be able to stop without striking other members of the crowd.
The results of events are printed.
The event of the day was said to be the Lynch Draught Horse Race: minimum weight 14 stone.
[89 kg] M.W. Bednall had a feather duster confiscated when he mounted Roy Lloyd’s Rogilla. He was also penalised. After a fine description of the race we learn that the winner was Roy McWaters on Prior Bros’ Tiger. The struggle for F. Spencer’s cup for coming last was fought out between Ralph Hill on his Arachne and Con. Lynch who was eventually disqualified for jamming Arachne on the rails and for finishing sideways.
56, 19, 8 May 1935, page 4
Burra DC History. The article of last issue is repeated with a few additions: mostly comprising the number of meetings the last Councillors had attended.
56, 20, 15 May 1935, page 1
‘Tango’ writes about learning with regret of the demise of the Kit Kat Klub due to lack of interest. Last year the dancing and good company was enjoyed, but this year there were only 15 replies from 130 invitations. The writer says people are doing ‘what too many in this town seem to do – I mean leaving it to a few to push the business.’
‘The club fills a well needed vacancy in the night life of the town and undoubtedly is the type of attraction and entertainment to stem the lure of the ever demoralising pair of evils DRINKING and GAMBLING, - and to assist in the fostering of the good fellowship of the “younger set”’.
Mr E.C. Collins has perfected a crow trap that is more humane than poisoning and equally effective. He has a square enclosure 5 ft in height of wire netting and inside is hung a portion of meat. Access is through a long slot in the roof wide enough to admit a bird, but too narrow to allow for a bird on the wing to fly out. On day’s catch accounted for 33 birds.
Football. Spalding 7-17 defeated Kooringa 7-14.
56, 20, 15 May 1935, pages 1 & 4
Accession Day – The Silver Jubilee of King George V
The gathering at the Town Hall to celebrate this occasion was comparatively small, which must have disappointed the Mayor who had gone to a great deal of trouble in the matter. We feel it was the great number of events that have followed one another in the past week rather than any reduction in people’s love for the Throne and Empire that was the cause of the absence of so many prominent citizens.
After the National Anthem the Mayor read a message from Mr George Ritchie Acting Premier and the Town Clerk read a message to be conveyed to His Majesty through the Governor. The Mayor then expressed his feelings of loyalty, love and respect for Their Majesties, the Royal Family and the British Empire.
Mr A.B. Riggs supported the Mayor’s remarks – but he seemed to wander off the point somewhat into criticism of the public or ratepayers for their lack of appreciation for the work of Councillors and Mayors. He criticised the town for not pulling together and went on to speak of unemployment and unemployment relief options.
Dr Steele’s address returned to a patriotic outpouring related mostly to the greatness of the British Empire and finally assured all that ‘The United States will never exercise such an influence as does our own Empire’.
Mr Murison led the band and crowd in singing Tramp, Tramp, Tramp and It’s a long long way to Tipperary.
A.D. McDonald MP and Mr W.F. Pickering for the RSL both gave addresses.
Guy Dollman sang The Veterans’ Song: Long Live the King.
There was then more community singing before an address from Rev. E.G. Neil followed by votes of thanks and the meeting ended with the singing of The Song of Australia and a cheer for the King.
56, 20, 15 May 1935, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council. The following members of Council will retire on the 1st Saturday in July by the effluxion of time.
Mayor, Thomas Henry Woollacott and Councillors H.J.B. Jennison, G.H. Dow & J.A. Riggs.
Nominations are called by 8 June.
Notice. RSL: W.F. Pickering, President and G.H. Dow, Hon. Sec.
All ex-servicemen and women are invited to attend the Civic Reception for Their Excellencies Sir Winston & Lady Dugan at the Burra Institute 28 May 1935. They will parade opposite the club rooms at 1 p.m. and then march to the Institute where they will form a guard of honour for the Governor & Lady Dugan who will be accompanied by an escort of the 18/23 Light Horse. His Excellency has expressed a desire to meet all ex-servicemen and women residing in the town and district and will visit the club rooms for that purpose.
John Roach a well-known guard on the SAR has received from the King a printed address and a Silver Jubilee Medal, ribbon and clasp. Mr Roach was on the train when the Duke of Gloucester left SA. He is an old Burra boy now residing in Adelaide. His sister Miss Nellie Roach and brother Mr Michael Roach still live at Aberdeen.
St Mary’s Annual Vestry Meeting
The Rector Rev. D. Redding reported a substantial increase in Sunday collections. Appreciation was expressed for the work of the wardens, lay readers, organist, choirmaster, choir, Sunday school teachers, servers, sidemen and the ladies who decorate the church, especially Miss Fuss.
[This is likely to be a reference to Miss Doris Fuss.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 18 May
Alice Faye & James Dunn in 365 Nights in Hollywood
Bette Davis & Donald Woods in Fog Over ’Frisco
56, 20, 15 May 1935, page 3
Bowls. The following trophies were presented on Saturday.
Singles Handicap A.A. Davey
Consistency Target J.T. Pascoe
Draw Shot J.T. Pascoe
The Championship has yet to be completed.
The Pairs Tournament has been abandoned.
Croquet. Aberdeen 52 defeated Kooringa 47.
Tournament: Handicap Doubles won by Mesdames W.H. Sandland & J. Byrne.
Handicap Singles won by Mrs W.H. Sandland.
Championship won by Mrs S. Robinson.
Cricket. At World’s End: World’s End 76 defeated Mongolata 64. There was a dance in the evening at Eugene Rooke’s.
Accident. A car stolen from Dr Isenstein of Terowie was found upside down on the railway crossing some six miles from Burra north of Wandillah homestead of Mr Eddie Finch.
DC of Burra Burra, first meeting of the new Council on 10 May
The ballot for Chairman went to I.J. Warnes with 8 votes from G.G. Hawkes with 7 votes.
A.A. Davey was appointed temporary District Clerk. The present office of the Burra District Council is to be retained as the office of the DC of Burra Burra. Various procedural matters were gone through concerning the transfer of assets from the old Councils to the DC of Burra Burra and other matters relating to the continuity of services.
Hallett DC. A 1⁄2-column History of the Hallett DC is printed.
The first meeting was at Mann’s Hotel 24 September 1877.
Richard Collins was appointed Chairman with F. Mattey District Clerk pro tem.
1878 Cr Brayley was elected Chairman.
1879 Cr John Dunstan was elected Chairman.
1880 Cr James Thomas was Chairman till 9 January 1882 when he resigned.
1882 Cr James H. Tiver was Chairman from 23 January 1882 to June 1882 when Cr Brayley took over, resigning on 5 February 1883 as both Chairman and a Councillor.
Cr T. Wilks was Chairman from then till June 1883 when J. Stephens was Chairman till 1884.
He was followed by Cr James H. Tiver who was again Chairman from 1 July 1884 to June 1888.
Thomas Wilks was Chairman from July 1888 to June 1890.
A.J. Lewis was Chairman July 1890 to June 1894.
Sir John Melrose was Chairman from July 1894 to June 1902.
Cr C.W. Bowman was Chairman from July 1902 to June 1914.
Cr T.E. Richards was Chairman from July 1904 to 8 July 1933. (He was elected to the Council in July 1904 and is still in office.)
Cr C.W. Gare was Chairman from July 1933 having been elected Councillor for Banbury Ward in July 1909 and being a member ever since.
Sir John Melrose was a member for the Ulooloo Ward from July 1884 to 1887 and again from 1890 to the present.
J.R. Clark who was in office on amalgamation had been appointed in August 1922.
Mr E.W. Edmonds left Kooringa on Tuesday after 7 years here with the Bank of Australasia. A presentation of a travelling rug was made for services to the Burra Golf Club where he had been secretary. Mr C. Les. Phillips has agreed to take over that role. Mr Edmonds will also be missed in his job as secretary of the Easter tennis Tournament.
56, 20, 15 May 1935, page 4
Burra Town Council, 8 May
Mr W. Marshall lessee of the Aberdeen Quarry inquired if there had been any response to the deputation concerning the use of metal from the quarry. There had not.
The dog nuisance in the town continues, but no one is interested in the position of dog-catcher.
Another letter will be sent to the SAR on the poor state of the Station Road.
Following a series of test call-outs for the Fire Brigade the Councillors resolved to send a letter to headquarters asking that in future such practice calls be kept to one locality. They were afraid they needlessly disturbed the public and would lead to a situation where the cry of ‘Wolf’ would be heard once too often.
56, 21, 22 May 1935, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 19th stage of the Baldina Trophy over 200, 300 and 700 yards and the best scorers were G. Herbert, J.A. Riggs & K.S. Dawson.
Possibles were scored over 200 yards by K.S. Dawson, J.E. Pearce, A.C. Aughey & A.J. Whimpress. One was scored by E.C. Collins over 300 yards and one by J.A. Riggs over 700 yards.
Football. Spalding 8.10 defeated Kooringa 6-8.
56, 21, 22 May 1935, page 2
Advt. Waiata Maori Choir. Burra Institute 5 June at 8 p.m.
M-C George Robinson of Kooringa has been transferred to Maitland and will leave on 3 June. He will be succeeded by M-C Armstrong from Summertown.
Obituary. Mrs C. Topsfield of Purnong Landing has died aged 79. She was the mother of Mrs M.S. Edwards of Kooringa. [Born Laura Mary Barnes 1855 probably in Dorset, arrived SA 1858: died 20 May 1935 Mannum, residence Purnong.]
[Una Beatrice Topsfield married Murray Schubert Edwards 20 January 1925 at Purnong.]
Mr Dave Jones late well-known painter and resident of Burra was 90 on 19 May.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 May
Pat Paterson & Herbert Mundin in Love Time
Claire Trevor & Hugh Williams in Elinor Norton
56, 21, 22 May 1935, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Takati GM’s manager Mr W.K. Pexton reports 501⁄2 tons put through for 133 oz 16dwt 6gr.
Curlew Mine reports 101⁄2 oz pure gold banked last week/.
Byles’ Mongolata GM is raising good ore and the outlook is encouraging.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, Saturday evening last
Reginald L. Black, eldest son of Mr & Mrs L. Black of Saddleworth, married
Thelma Morton, the only daughter of Mr & Mrs Max Morton of Aberdeen.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Sunday School held its Anniversary on 12 May when two services were conducted by Rev. O.L. Noske.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club will now resume its road races after the Anzac Sports.
56, 21, 22 May 1935, page 4
Rev. D. Redding continues his regular fortnightly services at Mongolata.
56, 22, 29 May 1935, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 3rd stage of the Championship on Saturday 25 May in good weather over 600, 800 & 900 yards. In the Championship the win went to P.W. Hogan from K.S. Dawson and in the handicap section K.S. Dawson won from J.E. Pearce.
Kooringa Cemetery [An article on the early history of the Cemetery.]
Several preliminary meetings were held before a meeting was held on 8 September 1854, chaired by W.H. Challoner. The secretary pro tem, Thomas W. Powell, reported on progress. The committee had requested that SAMA grant an extra half an acre to the existing cemetery and an extension of 12 ft all round for the purpose of planting. He could now report that SAMA had agreed to the additional land on a 99-year lease, provided that it was fenced and a management committee was initiated, appointed by the public and approved by SAMA directors. It was decided that iron hurdles would be inadequate and a stone wall was decided upon. Mr Oliver offered to fence it at 7/- per yard, superficial measurement. Subscription lists were set up with donors of 50/- to receive a single grave and those of £5 to get a double grave, each for a term of 99 years. A public meeting was then called for 15 September 1854 in the Wesleyan Schoolroom.
At that meeting it was revealed that £225 had been promised towards the wall and a committee of thirteen was elected: Revs James Pollitt, Matthew Wilson & James Rowe and Messrs W. Varcoe, W.H. Challoner, T. Burgess, T.W. Powell, A. Barker, R.B. Robinson, Thomas Richards, D. Mackay, I. Killicoat & R. Elphick. A vote of thanks was moved to SAMA for their donation of the lad and £50.
In the early days burial records reveal the high infant mortality. For example from 1 September 1859 to 31 December 1859 interments total 42, made up as follows:
Aged less than 7 31
Aged 7-20 6
Aged 21-32 4
Aged 62 1
From 1854 to 1864 interments averaged two per week.
No register of interments was kept from June 1864 to 12 June 1881.
[The paper than says the population of Burra was then 15-20,000, but the 1861 census records a population of 4,347.]
Football. Kooringa 7.11 defeated Hallett 4.8.
Hallett Anglican Building Fund benefited from a Silver Jubilee Ball held on 6 May in Hallett Hall.
56, 22, 29 May 1935, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council Members retiring first Saturday in July:
Mayor: Thomas Henry Woollacott
North Ward: Horton Joseph Barraclough Jennison
East Ward: John Arthur Riggs
West Ward: Graham Harry Dow
Nominations called by 8 June.
Mrs W.H. Hardy will celebrate her 74th birthday on 30 May.
The Baby health Train will visit Burra from 1-5 June with Sister A.W.M. Lapworth.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 1 June
Kay Francis & Dick Powell in Wonder Bar
Neil Hamilton & Sheila Terry in The Silk Express
Seats 1/- & 2/- plus tax, with children under 12 half price.
56, 22, 29 May 1935, page 3
Mr Norrell James fell and fractured his wrist while working on the dump at Byles’ Mine on Thursday.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club. The 10-mile road race on Saturday was won by Opperman from Taylor.
Burra Golf Club held its annual match against Clare, at Clare. Clare won 5 matches to 4.
Mongolata Goldfield
Last week W. Pexton & Sons took 133 oz from 51 tons of ore.
Curlew has produced a handsome ingot valued at over £100 and weighing 97 oz 13 dwt from 27 tons of ore, with tailings to come.
Byles’ is said to have obtained c. 200 oz in the past week and a new lode from 3-5 ft wide is reported.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for fortnight to 16 May:
The western crosscut at 92 ft has reached 325 ft.
The North Drive advanced 54 ft with no values and at the 350 f t mark began driving south, advancing 5 ft in a lode formation 3 ft wide with a trace of gold.
At 92 ft level the South drive advanced to 379 ft with yield varying from a trace to 10 dwt per ton.
At 50 ft level the South Drive advanced to 226 ft with erratic values. At 14 ft below this level underhand stoping of oxide seams continued with values c. 10 dwt.
27 May
South Drive of the main tunnel is at 68- ft with no values.
A rich seam in the stope at the 50 ft level has produced half a ton of bags with an estimated 200 oz. The seam is continuing.
At 92 ft level quartz veins are yielding 5 dwt per ton.
Golden Harp. Stoping continues in unsettled country.
56, 22, 29 May 1935, page 4
Burra Town Council, 20 May
The Fire Brigade has written denying their practice callout could have disturbed hospital patients. It says the Brigade has to test the water pressure at all parts of the town.
A Government proposal to allow men to do some paid work without losing rations was discussed. It was seen unfair that city Councils did not have to match this offer £ for £, while country Councils were compelled to do so. The possibility of employing men to plant trees was discussed.
Cr Jeffery raised the matter of adjusting ward boundaries. He wanted the south boundary of North Ward moved south to include that newly developed part of East Ward, which was accessed from North Ward. [Graham, east of the Burra Creek and south of St Just St.]
The Town Clerk said he thought a referendum would be needed and a previous one on this issue had been defeated by a large majority. He will investigate and report back.
Cr Kellaway thought perhaps North, South, East and West Wards were needed.
Cr Sampson complained at some length abut recent reports in the Burra Record over the request to form a saucer cycle track at Victoria Park. He believed the reports implied he was not efficient at his job. He could, he said, have easily made the track without injury to the oval’s playing surface.
Cr Kellaway said he had never questioned Cr Sampson’s ability, but he did not think that gentleman had taken into account the rocky nature of the surface and the very shallow depth of the soil that had been placed there. He said that in the discussion on the topic Cr Sampson’s name had not been mentioned.
The Council discussed re-election intentions.
The Mayor, T.H. Woollacott, said he would stand again, as he would like to be Mayor for the Centenary Year, 1936.
Cr Dow was prepared to stand again, if no one else came forward.
Cr Sampson was away from town with his work so frequently that he felt he could not stand again.
Cr Riggs did not think he would stand again.
56, 23, 5 June 1935, pages 1 & 4
Visit of the Governor Sir Winston Dugan and Lady Dugan
The Governor arrived by train at 1.36 p.m. on the 28 May. He was greeted by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr & Mrs T.H. Woollacott) and the Town Clerk, Mr E.J. Davey. A procession was formed to the Institute, headed by the No. 1 troop A squadron 18/23 Light Horse under Lt H.S.T. Warnes. At the Institute the Burra District Band, led by J.H. Murison waited on the footpath just below the Guard of Honour comprising returned soldiers led by Burra RSL President, W.F. Pickering, and the Boy Scouts. The Governor met Councillors and their wives, (except Cr & Mrs Simpson, who were unavoidably absent) before proceeding to the Hall for the civic reception. Here the Mayor formally welcomed the distinguished visitors to the town and the Town Clerk read the official address, to which the Governor responded.
The Governor then went to Mongolata. It was bitterly cold. I.J. Warnes and E.J. Harris representing the Byles’ GM Co. were presented to the Governor and an inspection of the battery was followed by one of Byles’ Mine. A meal was then taken at W. Carpenter’s boarding house. Mr Warnes gave a speech about Mongolata. He said some £50,000 worth of gold had been through the battery and Byles’ Mine had produced about £20,000 worth of gold in two years and Curlew Mine was also doing well. He criticised the lack of Government support for Mongolata, especially since Byles’ was the only gold mine in SA that was paying a dividend. Wages and other expenses for the year had totalled £5,000. The owners of Curlew had prepared a fine display of gold in Mr Frank Harris’s shop window, which he was sure would delight His Excellency. The Governor responded.
On returning to Burra, the cars stopped outside F. Harris’s shop where the party viewed Curlew’s display, which included ore, pan wash, nuggets and a gold ingot of over 97 oz – arranged by Mr Arthur Harris. In the opposite window Mr Arthur Harris had arranged a display of polished specimens of Burra malachite. Mr Harris valued the collection at £200-£300. The Governor was introduced to Messrs F. & A. Harris and Mrs Arthur Harris and then to Messrs T.H. Villis & E. Finch, representing Curlew Mine. Two specimens of malachite, suitable for a tie pin and a brooch, were presented to the Governor.
A visit was next paid to Mr R.D. Pascoe’s collection of stud sheep photographs, where His Excellency met Messrs Richard, Joe & Claude Pascoe.
Dinner was taken at the Burra Hotel under the direction of Mr & Mrs Harry Mumme.
[Speeches from this occasion are printed.]
After the meal an adjournment was made to the RSL rooms where the Governor met returned men at an informal gathering.
Lady Dugan did not travel with her husband in the afternoon, but instead visited the CWA Rest Room in Pearce’s Building, where she met with members of the CWA, Red Cross and the Burra Benevolent Society. She was greeted by Mrs I.J. Warnes, President of Burra CWA; Mrs John Tennant, President of Burra Red Cross Branch and Mesdames W.H. Field, A.B. Riggs & G.C. Hutchinson representing the Benevolent Society. [Speeches from this occasion are printed.]
On Wednesday morning the Vice-Regal visitors went to the Burra Schools where scholars from the Church of England Day School, St Joseph’s Convent School and Copperhouse Primary School had also gathered to form a guard of honour with the Primary School Fife & Drum Band. Again it was bitterly cold with a piercing wind. While the students marched around to the yard for an assembly, the visitors inspected the classrooms. Many parents and friends also attended the assembly, which celebrated Empire Day as well as the Vice-Regal Visit. The Governor said he was so impressed with the school that he granted an extra day’s holiday. [Again speeches are reported, but they were short on account of the bleak conditions.]
This visit was followed by an informal one to Burra Hospital. This started with morning tea, after which there was an inspection of the buildings. The Governor met members of the Board, which included Sir John Melrose.
In the afternoon Lady Dugan visited the Girl Guides and Brownies at Hallett Hall where the girls entertained her with items and afternoon tea. At 5.15 she went to Ulooloo as the guest of Sir John and Miss Melrose.
56, 23, 5 June 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 8 June
Harold Lloyd & Una Merkel in The Catspaw
Pat Paterson & David Burnaby in The Dionne Quintuplets
Notice. The partnership is dissolved between Leonard James Vincent and Clarence Albert Lomman, bakers of Aberdeen. The business will continue as the Excel Bakery with L.J. Vincent as proprietor.
Weather. 75 points of rain were recorded for the week.
Football. Kooringa 8.7 defeated Booborowie 5.18.
56, 23, 5 June 1935, page 3
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club farewelled Les. Robinson, a promising young member.
M-C George Robinson was farewelled after four years in charge of Kooringa Police Station. He has been transferred to Maitland. He was given a presentation on Saturday morning at the Council Chamber. [The details occupy c. 13⁄4 columns.]
The Vice-Regal Ball at the Burra Institute saw the hall transformed into a night scene in an Italian garden. [The report extends for almost 3 columns.]
56, 24, 12 June 1935, page 1
Willalo Hall. At a meeting on 22 May it was resolved to install a new floor and make other repairs. The hall was also used for a school and had been condemned by the Inspector of Health.
Mongolata. The usual fortnightly church service was followed by community singing, led by Mr Dollman. [A list of songs is printed.]
Burra Town Council, 3 June
The Railway Commissioner advised that he was considering the use of the Aberdeen ballast Quarry instead of the Sleep’s Hill Quarry, following his meeting with a deputation from the district, led by the Mayor.
Council agreed to co-operate with the Unemployed Relief Council in a £ for £ scheme of work for men on rations. The work had to be such as would not otherwise be done by Council. Cr Kellaway moved acceptance of the scheme, though he did not like the fact that those who would not do some casual labour would get rations all the same. Cr Dow thought some trees might be planted. The Mayor agreed and thought some straightening of creek banks could also be undertaken. It was left to the Public Works Committee to devise a scheme of work.
L. Cullen resigned as pound keeper and was replaced by W. Voumard, who had been acting pound keeper.
Ways to assist the News blanket fund were discussed and a committee formed to promote the effort.
Crs Riggs and Jennison said they would stand for re-election.
Local Board of Health
Ralph Hill was re-appointed as scavenger.
Central Board of Health visited Burra last Friday and Saturday and met with the Town & District Councils. There was no serious objective of the visit, merely a desire to keep in touch with the Councils. With modern sanitary conditions typhoid outbreaks were rare and the biggest problem now faced was TB. This was difficult to control because it was often not diagnosed for a long period and this gave a long period during which sufferers could be unconsciously spreading infection. Early reporting was essential. Dr Steven said in his twelve years in Burra there had only been on typhoid case.
56, 24, 12 June 1935, page 2
Obituary. William Robert Stewart died at his residence ‘Petherton’ Mt Bryan 9 June aged 59. He was the husband of Myrtle Stewart.
Mr Stewart had suffered heart trouble, but had been quite well to within a few minutes of his death. We understand he collapsed while attending to his car radiator preparatory to going to church. He leaves a widow, born Myrtle Wardle, but no family.
[Born 29 February 1876 Goolwa.]
M-C Armstrong & family are settling in after his appointment to the Kooringa Police Station.
Stationmaster R.V. Warnes has been transferred to Outer Harbour from the beginning of July.
Obituary. Mr R. Shuttleworth died at Burra Hospital on 31 May. He had been believed to be recovering quite well and had been out in the street only the day before his sudden death. Mr Shuttleworth was manager of the local branch of the Commercial Bank. Six months ago pleurisy claimed him and complications made him a prisoner of his room. He was 35 and the only son of his widowed mother, who was a resident of Kooringa while he was manager here.
[Robert Thomas Shuttleworth born 8 April 1900 Prospect.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 15 June
Joan Crawford & Franchot Tone in Dancing Lady
Jean Parker & Robert Young in Lazy River
56, 24, 12 June 1935, page 3
Weather. Some useful rain fell in the past week, but good soaking rains are still needed. Burra recorded 14 points and falls between Booborowie and Mt Bryan East were in the range 20-30 points.
R. Anderson of Mongolata writes thanking the Mayor of Burra for securing warm clothing and boots for those in need on the goldfield. He also thanks E.J. Harris for his help in distributing the items.
Burra Bowling Club held its AGM 18 May. The club was doing well and had increased its membership. Elected were: Patron, J.E. Pearce; President, C.W. Sampson and Chairman, W. Broad.
Obituary. I.J. Goodridge, who died recently, was born at Bournemouth UK 21 April 1856 and came to SA with his parents in 1863. Eventually they settled at Black Springs where he spent his youth. He was connected with the Glendore Methodist Church. After his mother died the family moved to Gum Creek. In 1881 he married Mary Ann, daughter of the late Thomas Hutchins, in the Ironmine Methodist Church. When Booborowie opened up, he took a workingman’s block and with his young family settled there in 1890 and has lived there ever since. Shortly after arriving there he, and a few other pioneers, established the Booborowie Wesleyan Church and he has held all offices associated with that church, except that of organist. His interest continued after Methodist Union and he encouraged his family to take a role in Sunday school matters. [The surviving family are:] Messrs T.E.G. Goodridge of Mt Bryan and A.E. Goodridge of Booborowie and Mesdames A. Todd of Adelaide, F.J. Pratt of Collinswood, W. Lomman of Booborowie, H.R. Edwards of Mt Bryan, F.J. Pratt of Mt Bryan East and 23 grandchildren. His son, C.J. Goodridge, died of war injuries in 1933 and his wife predeceased him two years ago.
[Isaac James Goodridge died 6 May 1935 Adelaide, residence Collinswood.]
Burra Red Cross held its AGM and elected President, Mrs John Tennant and Mrs E.F. Marston as Secretary/Treasurer.
Redruth Methodist Church celebrated its Anniversary 2 & 3 June when Rev. E.H. Harrison of Eudunda gave three fine addresses. The choir under W.H. Gare gave excellent service, as did soloists Mr Lindsay Thomas and Mavis Gare and the duet by the Misses Mavis Fairchild and Jean McWaters was excellently rendered. Miss Clarice Reed and Miss Margaret Pearce were the organists.
During the year the Sunday school has been repainted.
Burra Primary School travelled to Booborowie for sports on Saturday.
Football: Booborowie 6.8 defeated Burra 2.1.
The girls’ basketball game was drawn, 6 goals each.
Marriage. Christ Church North Adelaide, 18 May
Norma Rabbich, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr H.E. Rabbich of Aberdeen, married
Keith Paltridge, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Lee Paltridge of Malvern.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM advises that the offer made for some London interests to take up the unallotted shares in Byles’ Co. has been cancelled. The London interests south an extension of time, but the directors felt that, as prospects were good, London should not be allowed to come in at the last minute to the detriment of Australian shareholders. Negotiations have therefore, for the time being, been cancelled.
At the company’s AGM in Adelaide last week Mr Williams, former underground manager of Lake View and Star Mine in WA, addressed the meeting. He was very hopeful of prospects at Mongolata following three visits to the field.
Report to 30 May
South drive from Western Tunnel at 680 ft point has advanced 48 ft to 53 ft in lode. Values from nil to a trace.
92 ft level. South drive advanced 18 ft to 397 ft. Some stoping carried out with values 5 dwt per ton.
50 ft level. Prospecting likely seams, but so far only traces of gold found. Underhand stoping is proceeding on oxidised seams that are at times very rich. They are almost vertical with values av. 5-10 dwt.
This fortnight c. half a ton of dirt was bagged, estimated to contain 200 oz.
Some 200 tons of ore is at grass.
Curlew Mine. Good yields are being maintained. To date 2 53 tons of ore have yielded 810 oz of gold.
Wildildie Co. has a small crushing going through the battery.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club ran a 12-mile road race on Saturday in boisterous weather. In the end T. Allen won from C. Longford, by 20 yards, with R. Opperman third. Opperman had the best time.
The Waiata Maori Choir performance drew a capacity crowd to the Burra Institute last Wednesday. Proceeds of the tour will benefit Methodist Maori Missions and SA Home Missions.
[The concert is very favourably reviewed.]
Mongolata Prospectors’ Association met last Tuesday. Jack Smith was elected President with A. Fuss [presumably Aubrey Fuss] elected Secretary. The Association will seek all information that would aid prospectors, from the District MPs. The need for a public telephone on the field was discussed. The Mt Bryan DC will be approached to repair the road from Morgan’s gate to the Battery. The retiring Chairman, H.T. Seaton and retiring Secretary J.W. Carr were thanked.
Captain Thompson of the Salvation Army conducted their fortnightly service at Mongolata on Thursday. Attendance was not very good.
56, 24, 12 June 1935, page 4
Mr Clayton H. Dunn has been farewelled from Black Springs. He leaves to take a position on his father’s property ‘Ryeland’ near Tarlee.
Football. Booborowie 10.9 defeated Kooringa 7.12.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 20th stage of the Baldina Trophy over 500, 600 & 700 yards. Best scores came from J. Whimpress, G. Herbert and W. Nankivell.
Burra Burra DC Elections. Nominations.
Kooringa Ward: Glen Gaskell Hawkes
Edwin Finch
Baldina Ward: John Kellock
William Hedley McWaters
Mt Bryan Ward: George Stanley Hawker
Horace Ambrose Allen Edwards
Mongolata Ward: Isaac James Warnes elected
Hanson Ward: Frederick Gustav Scholz elected
Leighton Ward: Archibald Donald McDonald elected
Farrell’s Flat Ward: Harold Carter Atkins elected
Booborowie Ward: Theodore Julius Wedding
Peter Brown Armstrong
Matthew Lambert
As one person is wanted for each of Kooringa, Baldina, Mt Bryan and Booborowie Wards, elections will be held in those wards.
Burra Town Council Elections. Nominations received:
Mayor: T.H. Woollacott
North Ward: H.J.B. Jennison
East Ward: J.A. Riggs
West Ward: G.H. Dow
R.C. Lott’s nomination was declared informal and the above were all elected unopposed.
56, 25, 19 June 1935, page 1
Football. Kooringa 6.13 defeated Spalding 6.10.
Basketball, 5 June
Gold 25 defeated Red 18
Red 21 defeated Brown [score not cited]
Gold 18 defeated Green 13
Ladies: White tied with Gold 14.
Mr F.W. Richardson Sen., stationmaster at Mt Bryan, was farewelled on his retirement from SAR on 12 June after 21 years at Mt Bryan and 51 years’ service with the Railways.
Golf. At Leighton: Leighton won 5 matches to Farrell’s Flat 3 with 3 square.
56, 25, 19 June 1935, page 2
Obituary. A Return Thanks Notice reveals the death of Francis Bannan.
[Died 4 June 1935 at Kooringa, residence Mt Bryan East aged 76.]
Weather. 55 points of rain were recorded in the past week.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 22 June
Royal Cavalcade: Events of the last 25 years in the Empire, chosen to commemorated the King’s Silver Jubilee.
Janet Gaynor & Lew Ayers in Servants’ Entrance
56, 25, 19 June 1935, page 3
Capt. Frank Hurley had requested that someone arrange a kangaroo hunt for inclusion in the talkie travelogues he is making for the Centenary Executive Committee. Mr H. Byles of Kooringa says, ‘We have a regular hunt club down here.’ He says that about thirty or forty miles out, there are plenty of kangaroos. ‘We got 23 over the weekend. Mostly motor cars are used for chasing them.’ He said. Capt. Hurley has indicated that he will try to take up the offer.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club ran a 6-mile road race on Saturday in wintry conditions. I. Venning won by a length from B. Prior. Opperman again secured the fastest time.
Burra Golf Club. Hallett 7 matches defeated Burra 3 matches.
Mongolata. Rev. D. Redding continued his fortnightly services with community singing afterwards.
Marriage. St Edmund’s Booborowie, last month
Elsie Olive Glover, second daughter of Mr E. & the late Mrs Glover of Booborowie, married
Lewis Baynes, only son of Mr & Mrs H. Baynes of Booborowie.
Mongolata Goldfield
Production for the past year from batteries in SA:
Mongolata produced 28.1% of SA gold
Tarcoola produced 20.8%
Mt Torrens produced 9.3%
Peterborough produced 2.1%
The only private battery, at the New Deloraine Mine produced 23.9%.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. to 1 4 June
50 ft level. Operations are temporarily suspended. Sinking a winze from 50 ft level to a depth 18 ft below.
90 ft level. Drive ex tended to 412 ft showing a trace of gold. South drive off the Western Tunnel at 680 ft has been extended 8 ft to 86 ft in lode 3 ft wide showing a trace of gold.
400 ft level. Preparations to commence work here have been completed. Mr Williams, late underground manager of Lake View WA, visited on Thursday with the directors and all were pleased with the lode formation at this level.
200 tons are going through the battery.
Obituary. Thomas Builder died at Toorak on Friday. He was born in Kooringa in 1874, the youngest son of Mr & Mrs W. Builder, pioneers of Burra. His father carried on business in the premises now occupied by the Burra Record. He was the last member of his family. Others who died a few years ago within a short span of time were: Mesdames H. Austin & A. Jennings and his brother Mr Alfred Builder.* Tom Builder was educated at Burra Model School and later in Adelaide. After school he entered the stock firm of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis at their Kooringa branch and later joined Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd in Adelaide, where he rose to a position of prominence, which he maintained till his death. He frequently visited Burra in his capacity as an auctioneers and valuator. He was a brilliant salesman. In recent years he was Pastoral Inspector for the firm. He married Miss Jessie Killicoat, eldest daughter of the late P.L. Killicoat of ‘Abberton Park,’ who survives with an adult family. He was interred at the North Road Cemetery.
[Thomas Thorman Builder born 17 May 1875 Kooringa, died 14 June 1935 at Toorak, Adelaide.
- Mesdames H. Austin and A. Jennings both died 30 July 1932 and Alfred Builder died in WA in November 1932.]
56, 26, 26 June 1935, page 1
SA Stockowners’ Assoc. Burra Branch, AGM was held on Friday.
The guest of honour was Mr Sutton, the General President, who had come from Mt Gambier and had just opened the Burra Wool Exhibition. The Branch President, I.J. Warnes, presided and reported on a hard year for graziers. Wool prices had recently risen, but most producers had already sold their wool. The price was still too low to be viable. Railway freight was still too costly. These conditions plus a drought made for hard times. Spring rains had brought grass, but also a plague of grasshoppers and now the country was subject to drifting dust. [Mr Warnes then went on to speak at some length on taxation changes, shipping freights, Alsatian dogs, export of meat, the grazing of stock routes, sheep stealing, a proposed duty on skin wool in England, the bounty on wild dog scalps, the Monday lamb market, a levy for pastoral research, railway freights and the registration of vehicles used solely on pastoral properties.] M.S. Edwards continues as secretary and I.J. Warnes was re-elected branch President.
SA Centenary. Sir George Ritchie (Acting Premier) announced that £5,000 had been made available to subsidise, £ for £, money raised by country districts to celebrate the State’s Centenary in 1936.
Burra Primary School will hold Arbor Day on 28 June when 14 trees will be planted along the creek near the school.
Hallett & District Schools and Exhibition Assoc. held its AGM on Friday. This year’s sports and exhibition will be held on 27 September. Schools represented at the meeting were: Terowie, Yarcowie, Hallett, Mt Bryan, Mt Bryan East, Booborowie North, Ulooloo and Petherton.
Burra Golf Club: Open Competition was held last Saturday.
Championship R.B. Jackson
‘A’ Grade Open 36 Hole Handicap R.B. Jackson
‘A’ Grade 18 Hole Handicap Morning Round R.A. Williams
Afternoon Round M.W. Bednall
‘B’ Grade 36 Hole Handicap F.L. Millington
‘B’ Grade 18 Hole Handicap Morning Round F.L. Millington
Afternoon Round A.J. Nettle
Championship Teams Event Hallett: R. Jackson, F. Gaskell, C. Longford &
W. Phin
Handicap Teams Event Booborowie: R. Tyacke, S. Cordon, A.J. Nettle &
McLachlan
Booborowie Agricultural Bureau had a visit on 17 June from Mr Frederick Coleman of Saddleworth who delivered an address on Wheats: Their Variety and Origin.
Madge Farrelly, daughter of Mr & Mrs Michael Farrelly of Booborowie, was farewelled from Booborowie to take up a nursing career at Calvary Hospital in North Adelaide.
56, 26, 26 June 1935, page 2
Obituary. Aileen June Lines, daughter of Mr & Mrs [William] George Lines, died at Burra Hospital 18 June aged 5 years.
Obituary. Mahomie Turner, wife of Thomas Turner, died at her residence at Aberdeen 19 June aged 77. [See more on page 2 of this issue.]
Burra Burra DC, Nominations for elections to be held 6 July.
Kooringa Ward Glen Gaskell Hawkes
Edwin Finch
Baldina Ward John Kellock
William Hedley McWaters
Booborowie Ward Peter Brown Armstrong
Matthew Lambert
Theodore Julius Wedding
Mt Bryan Ward Horace Ambroze Allen Edwards
George Stanley Hawker
Advt. Burra Talkies, 29 June
Wallace Beery & Fay Wray in Viva Villa
Laurel & Hardy, Jimmy Durante etc. in Hollywood Party
Adelaide Wool Sales. I.J. Warnes & Sons of Koomooloo topped the recent sales at 1/41⁄2 per pound.
Weather. Nice rain fell locally this week. Burra recorded 63 points, but no rain of any consequence was reported for Eastern pastoral country.
Obituary. Mrs Caroline Launder died at Sunset Lodge Adelaide 19 June. She was a former Burra resident who was born in Redruth, Cornwall, in 1838 and so was 97 when she died. As Miss Caroline Wells she married Mr Burt and on his death in 1872, with her only son George, came to SA. In the same year she married Mr James Launder and the couple came to Burra. Their first home was in Paxton Square and later Mr Launder built a home in lower Bridge Terrace where they lived till Mr Launder’s death. In 1921 she moved to the city to live with friends and later to Sunset Lodge near Mitcham. Though she was very frail she retained a wonderful mentality to the end and many Burra folk continued to visit her. Her son died some years ago and at her funeral in Kooringa on Thursday three grandchildren were present: Mr Reg. Burt of Broadview, Mr Les. Burt of Nailsworth and Lily Mrs J.F. Scott of Reade Park. Mrs Burt’s youngest daughter, Stella Mrs S. Tressida resides in Melbourne. There are six grandchildren.
[Died 18 June 1935 at Mitcham aged 96. She married James Launder at the Bible Christian Manse Kooringa 10 August 1875.]
Obituary. Mrs Thomas Turner died at her residence on 19 June. She was the eldest daughter, Mahomie, of the late Mr & Mrs Gillett of Manila Farm near Burra. She leaves a husband, one son, Mr Cliff Turner and one surviving daughter, Miss Hilda Turner. Mrs E.J. Harris of Kooringa is a sister and Mr W.B. Gillett of Manila Farm is a brother. Mrs Jane Pearce of Adelaide is another sister.
[Born Mahomie Gillett 18 May 1858 (Not on SA Births CD).]
Obituary. Mrs W. E. Satchell, a respected resident of World’s End, died at Burra Hospital on 21 June from pneumonia aged 79. [Born Emelia Jarman 31 March 1865 near Penwortham and married as Eleanor Amelia Jarman: died as Amelia Satchell 21 June 1935 Kooringa residence World’s End.]
56, 26, 26 June 1935, page 3
Burra Wool & Handicrafts Exhibition, organised by the CWA, is the fourth such annual event. It was opened last Friday by Mr A.F. Sutton, President of the SA Stockowners’ Assoc. [Mr Sutton’s speech is reported in c. 1 column.] After Mr Sutton’s address the scholars of the Church of England Day School presented a play, The Toy Shop, in a very commendable manner.
[Entries are described and prize winners are listed in just over 1 column.]
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club decided to form a junior section at a meeting held at the Kooringa Hotel on Thursday.
St Joseph’s Annual Dance was held in fine weather for the first time in some years. The local Harmony Orchestra provided the music. Mr P.W. Hogan was MC and the event was a great success both socially and financially.
Mr Ray V. Warnes, our popular stationmaster, received a wire ordering him to leave on Thursday instead of on 3 July. Arrangements were hurriedly made by Messrs Eddie and Glen Finch for a send-off at the Bon Accord Hotel at which the Mayor, T.H. Woollacott, presided. Mr Warnes had been here for 31⁄2 years. He had fostered sport and assisted in getting the four young cricket teams together for local contests. Speakers were: the Mayor, S. Kellaway, L.M. Gordon, H.N. Potter, A.L. Bence, Max Pearce, T.P. Halls, W.D. Thompson, Con. Lynch & Mr Nelson (the Copperhouse Schoolteacher.) A presentation was made of an Onkaparinga travelling rug and also a gift for Mrs Warnes.
56, 26, 26 June 1935, page 4
Burra Town Council, 17 June
The Mayor and Crs J.A. Riggs, Jennison & Dow were all returned unopposed.
The Railway Department advises it is intended to repair the lower road at the station and asks the Council to give a price for the work.
The Council did not have the necessary plant and so outside prices were being obtained and the Council would not interfere in the matter.
A letter of condolence will be sent to Mrs Builder on the death of Mr Thomas Builder.
[There was considerable discussion over road work and how it was allocated to various people.]
Burra Rifle Club fired the 21st and final Stage of the Baldina Trophy in cold and windy weather.
The winner was K.S. Dawson with 26 points from P. Hogan with 25. Possibles were scored by E.C. Collins & A.C. Aughey on the 200 yard range and by G. Herbert on the 500 yard range.
Best scores on the day were achieved by J. Harris, R. Kellock & W.G. Woodman.
Trophy for the last seven stages went to R.G. Bernhardt.
The Marksman’s Trophy went to P.W. Hogan with 58 points ahead of A.C. Aughey on 45 points.
Football. Hallett 10.12 defeated Kooringa 6.7.
Willalo Hall has been equipped with a new floor as the result of a busy bee on 8 June.
Mongolata Goldfield. A Review by the Department of Mines
Byles’ Mongolata controls three leases: Byles’ Mongolata, The Golden Harp and Block 8.
Block 8: little work has been done here in the recent period.
Golden Harp. The lower tunnel has been extended and connected to the upper workings, improving ventilation. Patches of low-grade ore were passed through in the tunnel. Best values are being followed in the upper workings.
Byles’ Mongolata. Work is being extended at 50 & 92 ft levels. No workable values have so far been found in this work. The main crosscut west at 92 ft has been driven to a point c. 50 ft beyond the ventilating shaft. From this crosscut a drive 30 ft long connects with the shaft, making a passage for air. 25 ft west of the airway a formation was cut in the crosscut with traces of gold. A drive started a little east, and put out 30 ft from the crosscut, met the same formation pinched down to 6 inches wide and a winze, now 10 ft deep, has been started near the face.
Some patches of ore have been broken between the 50 & 92 ft levels south of the crosscut and two men are engaged in prospecting in that section.
1361⁄4 tons of ore were treated at the battery for 103 oz 6 dwt of gold by amalgamation. Only 25 tons of the tailings from this parcel were treated by cyanide for 8 dwt 18 gr per ton. The rest assayed at 20 gr and was not treated.
Total tonnage treated from this mine is 1862 tons for a return of 2918 oz. 23 men are engaged in mining operations.
Eastview Mine (Rampton’s). Three men are engaged continuing the south drive, now at 310 ft and expected to break through to the surface on the south side of the hill. The last 40 ft is in low grade ore. 25 tons of the old dump have been treated at the battery for 2 dwt per ton. In total, 144 tons here have produced 252 oz.
Terry’s Mine. Some driving has produced poor results. A portion of the shaft timbers have been removed at the 30 ft level and preparations made to re-open an old drive north of the shaft, from which payable ore was won. 251⁄2 tons of underground and dump material has passed through the battery for 5 dwt 16 gr per ton. In all, 62 tons of ore have been put through the battery from this mine for 51 oz 7 dwt 19 gr.
Mongolata North Area. [Maps from the Department of Mines show that claims farther north than those mentioned here as the extreme north end, were worked in previous years.]
Reynolds and two men are extending a tunnel close to Terry’s boundary. Results so far are disappointing.
Mr Feltus, at the extreme northern end of the field, has exposed a ferruginous quartz formation about 14 inches wide, by open cut. A parcel from this is at the Battery for treatment.
Mr Fayre has abandoned his most northerly working and made an open cut on a small vein adjoining Mr Feltus on the north side of the hill.
Rosewall’s Show, nearby, has a small vein that has been followed into the hill about 40 ft in low values.
Evans & Shipway are working two parallel quartz formations by drive and open cut and have been said to obtain values in panning.
Curlew Mine. Activity is confined to extension of drives north and south at the adit level. Some rich patches of ore were encountered, but values are very erratic and all appear to be at one side of the levels. This property is a very difficult proposition to follow. Values can only be detected by constant use of the dish. The main tunnel, in my opinion, should be driven further west to prospect country in that direction, in the hope of picking up veins carrying gold that are known to exist on the surface. 341⁄2 tons of ore were treated recently and returned 2 oz 5 dwt 6 gr per ton and from a total of 2263⁄4 tons treated 736 oz 10 dwt 20 gr of gold have been recovered, plus a considerable amount of specimen gold not put through the battery.
Central Mine. Three men are engaged in driving and the 92 ft level has been connected with the vertical shaft. Only low grade ore has been found. 10 tons treated returned 6 dwt 7 gr per ton and tailings assayed at 1 dwt 15 gr were not treated.
Wildildie Mine. A considerable amount of driving has been carried out from the 30 ft shaft. Values are very poor. A new shaft is being sunk to try to pick up the shoot of ore previously worked.
Baldina Mongolata. Two tributers are sinking a new shaft west of the old workings. Nothing of values has been found so far.
Takati Mine. Connection has been made to lower workings by an inclined winze. This gives access to all the mine without using the main shaft. The richest portions of the lode formation are being followed underground at various depths and from a recent crushing of c. 50 tons about 2 oz per ton were obtained. Prior to this crushing 3113⁄4 tons had returned 846 oz 15 dwt 8 gr. The shaft put down on this property by the Baldina Company to try to locate Pexton’s Lode is 50 ft deep. A recent crosscut west picked up the lode and 99 ft was driven on it northwards. The lode did not, however, disclose payable ore. The crosscut was then put out an additional 33 ft west.
Mongolata South. Drives and crosscuts out from the bottom of the shaft 40 ft deep have opened a series of veins and though short patches show low values, most of the work has been in barren country. Several veins in the workings from the tunnel level are said to carry up to 6 dwt and therefore it appears to be a better proposition to follow the best of these and to abandon the deeper workings, at least for now.
Threadgold’s. South* of the Burra Mongolata Syndicate near the surface a vein of crushed quartz and mullock was followed down on a very flat underlie south for 30 ft, but no values were found. The shaft is being sunk deeper in an effort to pick up another leader.
[*The 1978 Department of Mines & Energy Map shows Threadgold’s immediately north of Burra Mongolata & south of Mongolata South.]
Burra Mongolata Syndicate (Kellaway & Riggs.) A new shaft is being put down about 40 ft west of the tunnel. No veins were cut in sinking.
Mr R. Anderson has carried out some shallow prospecting on the block of ground south of Threadgold’s. The outcropping reef striking north-south and dipping west has been exposed for a length of 40 ft and to a depth of 10-12 ft. Private assays are said to report 12 dwt to 2 oz per ton. Deeper sinking and driving have yet to be done to form any opinion as to the continuity of length and values.
C. Gaghen’s Show has four men sinking pits on small quartz leaders. Ore has been followed down 20 ft and driven on for 30 ft north of the shaft. Lode formation at the end of the drive is 18 inches wide with traces of gold. No loaming has been done on this section and it was advised that miners loam the hillside before putting down holes indiscriminately.
R. Anderson’s south of Gaghen’s is an open cut 15 ft by 10 ft deep exposing quartz and ironstone formation. The formation has been privately sampled, but results are unknown. The lode is c. 4 ft wide near the surface, but appears likely to pinch on sinking deeper.
Pinnaroo Gold Prospecting. The old tunnel workings have been abandoned, but a short open cut has exposed a quartz formation higher up the hill. It is not known if values will occur. The men have not the means of testing the stone.
The total number of men employed on the Mongolata Goldfield at present (20 May 1935) is c. 70.
56, 27, 3 July 1935, page 2
Advt. Byles’ Mongolata GM calls tenders for:
Carting ore from the mine to the Government battery
Carting goods from Burra to the mine
Sinking a shaft 10 ft by 5 ft, timbered with 2 inch timber.
Burra Bowling Club. In the finals of the Championship W.G. Terry 25 defeated H.W. Mumme 18.
Weather. Burra has been overcast with foggy mornings for the past week. Rainfall was only 2 points. To the east dry conditions continue and the shortage of feed has led some squatters to begin pulling scrub for feed.
Obituary. Mr Harold Pank of Laubman and Pank, Opticians, died in New Zealand last week. He was well known in Burra through his visits here on business and years ago also for assisting the local orchestra with his bass viol playing. He was 53.
The Blanket Fund Dance, in aid of the News Blanket Fund, grossed £17-17-0. Expenses, including the orchestra reduced the nett proceeds to £14-15-0, to which Mr W.H. Sandland added a cheque for £5-5-0.
Willalo Concert & Dance on 26 June was very successful and the new floor in the hall was appreciated.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 6 July
Joe E. Brown & Patricia Ellis in Circus Clown
Ian Hunter & Mary Newland in Death at Broadcasting House
56, 27, 3 July 1935, page 3
Burra Town Council, Monday
Cr Dow moved that the Mayoral allowance be increased from £20 to £50, knowing that it cost His Worship a large amount from his private purse to carry out the duties of office.
Cr Jennison sympathised with the problem in principle, but could not support such a large increase, given the present financial position of the Council.
Crs Kellaway and Jeffery had similar views.
Bearing in mind that the Centenary Year 1936 could be expected to create extra expenses for the Mayor an increase was justified. After discussion an increase to £30 was passed.
Damage done by stray cattle at Aberdeen was discussed.
Cr Jeffery said the pound was no deterrent. The owners laughed at the fines, saying they got back more than the cost in grass off the roads.
The Mayor said the pound-keeper had no power to prosecute, but the Ranger could. The Town Clerk said they had a Ranger. The Ranger said he had been through Aberdeen night after night and never saw any stray stock; they must be let out very late at night. It was resolved to prosecute owners of stray stock. There was some debate over whether this was fair for owners whose stock made the occasional escape, but Cr Dow said there were people who had made a habit of it for years. A conviction with court costs would amount to 35/-. An amendment was carried that prosecution be instituted for second offences only.
Mongolata. Captain & Mrs Thompson went out for their fortnightly service and last Wednesday Rev. Donald Redding was out as usual for a service and community singing.
Mongolata Gold Field
Byles’ Mongolata GM closed on Friday when all hands were paid off. This is believed to be a temporary measure, pending alterations to working conditions following the alleged theft of gold from the strong room.
Byles’ Mongolata GM for the fortnight to 28 June
50 ft level: the stope 12 ft below this has holed through to winze and worked out with values 12 dwt per ton. The drive south showing only traces has been suspended.
90 ft level: the drive south has been extended 36 ft to 448 ft with no values. The drive off the western tunnel has been extended to 113 ft.
Golden Harp: the winze west of the old workings has been sunk to 14 ft underlie with a small seam, values about 4 dwt.
A crushing of about 200 tons began on 24 June. On 28 June all work was suspended and all men paid off. It is hoped to re-open 8 July.
Curlew Syndicate has received a cheque for £816 from the Melbourne Mint for gold smelted at Mongolata.
Wildildie Cricket Club was formed with Patron, J. Barker; Chairman, Mr Sexton and Secretary & Treasurer, J. Horne.
Aberdeen Croquet Club. Presentation of trophies on 22 June.
Open Championship Mrs E.L. Steer
Singles Championship Mr James Isaac
Singles Handicap Event Mr R. Fairchild
Handicap Doubles Mrs A. Riggs and Mr R. Fairchild
Mr James Isaac has promised a cup for the Open Championship in the 1935-36 season.
Burra Cycling and Athletic Club had a race for under 16s over 5 miles. Venning won from Thomson. [Ivo Venning?]
Empire Day. Mr A.B. Riggs offered two prizes for essays from Grades VI & VII. Tom Ford won the Grade VII prize and the essay is printed.
Obituary. Mrs W.J. Richards of Aberdeen received news on 22 June of the death of her youngest daughter, Mrs Arden of Adelaide, on the previous day. She was 35 and leaves a family of six children. Prior to her marriage she lived with her parents at Ironmine.
[IGNORE THIS BADLY BOTCHED REPORT AND SEE INSTEAD 56, 28, 10 July 1935, page 2
[Born Harriet Victoria Vervene Williams 30 March 1901 near Kooringa: died Hariet Victoria Harding 21 June 1935 Adelaide, residence Mile End.]
Obituary. Mr R. Sharp died at the Burra Hospital last Sunday. He was born 18 June 1856 and migrated from England in 1874. He worked on sheep stations for a number of years. In May 1906 he married Mrs King of Hallett. On retiring some years ago the couple came to live in Kooringa. Mrs Sharp died in October 1931. At the Anzac Sports on 3 June he was one of the four injured when a motor cyclist crashed through the boundary fence and it is thought the shock and subsequent complications caused his death. [Robert Sharp died 30 June 1935 at Kooringa. He actually married Mrs Sara Ann King nee Honan 6 May 1905.]
Obituary. Mr Albert Blight of Hallett died at the Burra Hospital on Saturday evening aged 64. He was born at Hallett and was a member of one of the oldest families in the district. His funeral was one of the largest in the district for many years. He is survived by a widow and two sons.
[This was corrected in 56, 28, 10 July 1935, page 2 to say that Mrs Blight died 10 months earlier in September 1934.]
[Born 22 February 1871 Cattapool, District of Burra: died 29 June 1935 Kooringa, residence Hallett.]
Obituary. Mrs Charles Muller, nee Isabel Robertson, died at Croydon last week aged 43. Mr Muller died about twelve months ago after a few days’ illness and Mrs Muller, who was ill at the time, never recovered from the shock. She was a daughter of the late F.T. Robertson of Aberdeen. She leaves two sons. [Born Adela Isabel Robertson 7 April 1888 Redruth: died Isabella Adela Muller 28 June 1935 Croydon.]
56, 28, 10 July 1935, page 1
Burra Town Council, 1 July
The Local Government Department advises that gravelling the Aberdeen-Peterborough Road would be considered.
The Mayor said no ratepayers’ meeting had been held this year and in view of the approaching centenary celebrations he thought one should be held. It was resolved to have one on 31 July.
56, 28, 10 July 1935, pages 1 & 4
Burra Rifle Club held its 37th AGM, which is reported at great length in some 31⁄3 columns.
[Those present are listed.]
In the absence of the Captain, Mr J.A. Riggs presided. He reported on the year’s activities.
Average attendance at the range was 15 and the membership was 45, which was an increase of 5 on 1934. Two good riflemen had left the district in Stan Truscott (to Waikerie) and M-C G.E. Robinson (to Maitland.) The Baldina Trophy (Handicap) had been won by K. Dawson from P.W. Hogan.
The closely fought Championship was won by P.W. Hogan and Edgar Pearce had won the Handicap Championship.
In teams shooting they had met Clare and Balaklava and been beaten by the latter at Balaklava, but had turned the tables at the return match. They had also fired three matches with the Local Light Horse Troop and although victorious each time, the troopers had pressed them hard.
Treasurer Mr Edgar Pearce reported a credit balance of £44-17-6 at the start of the year with a membership of 25. This year members totalled 28 [which seems strangely at odds with the report above] and after improvements had been made the balance now on hand was £41.
Mr H.J.B. Jennison then spoke and presented trophies.
[This speech and those in reply from trophy winners are all reported at length.]
Winners for group shooting were:
200, 500 & 600 yards G. Herbert
300, 500 & 600 yards A.B. Riggs
200, 300 & 700 yards J.E. Pearce
500, 600 & 700 yards G. Herbert
Double 800 yards J.H. Schwier
Mr Jennison commended C.H. Dixon on his enthusiasm in riding a push bike from Farrell’s Flat to each fortnightly match.
Election:
Captain: H.H. Byles
Vice-Captain J.A. Riggs
Secretary N. Villis
Treasurer & Armourer J.E. Pearce
56, 28, 10 July 1935, page 2
Burra Homing Club ran its first race for the season from Carrieton. The winner was A.H. Broad.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 13 July
John Boles & Carlotta King in The Desert Song
John Wayne & his Devil-Horse Duke in Ride Him Cowboy
Obituary. William Robert Stewart died suddenly at Petherton Mt Bryan on 9 June. He was the only son of the late Mr William Stewart who was for many years a Master Mariner. Mr Stewart was born at Goolwa 29 February 1876 and when he was four his father took up land at Erskine, near Orroroo, where the family resided for many years. After several years of drought it was decided to leave Erskine and a farm was secured at Petherton when that estate was subdivided. Mr Stewart Sen. died however, before leaving Erskine. Mr Stewart, his mother and youngest sister moved to Petherton. In 1916 Mrs & Miss Stewart left the farm to live at Yongala and Mr Stewart was married to Miss Myrtle Wardle of Mt Bryan in 1917. They lived on the farm till Mr Stewart’s death. He took a keen interest in farming matters and was an enthusiastic worker for the Methodist Church, having been a member of choirs at Peak Vale and Mt Bryan Churches. His mother died in 1927. His wife survives, but there are no children. He is survived by three sisters: Mrs C.F. Symons (Balaklava), Mrs F.L. Ward (Yongala) and Mrs T.W. Thomas (Huddlestone.) (Another sister, Mrs A.T. Symons of Mannanarie, died five years ago.)
Obituary. Harriet, Mrs Harding of New Mile End, died on 21 June aged 35. She was the daughter of Mrs W.J. Williams of Aberdeen. She leaves a family of six young children. Prior to her marriage she lived with her parents at Ironmine. [Born Harriet Victoria Vervene Williams 30 March 1901 near Kooringa: died Hariet Victoria Harding 21 June 1935 Adelaide, residence Mile End.]
56, 28, 10 July 1935, page 3
The Limbless Soldiers Musical Comedy Co. appeared at Burra Institute last night and there was not a dull moment in the evening. Takings in Burra were £12-2-0 and in Mt Bryan £13-0-8.
[Reviewed in 1⁄2 column.]
Basketball.
Men’s Gold 57 defeated Green 25 and White 44 defeated Red 20.
Ladies’ Orange 22 defeated Green 7.
Burra Burra DC Elections 6 July
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch 32
Glen Gaskell Hawkes 31
Baldina Ward John Kellock 24
William Hedley McWaters 20
Booborowie Ward Theodore Julius Wedding 36
Matthew Lambert 29
Peter Brown Armstrong 24
Mt Bryan Ward Horace Ambroze Allen Edwards 39
George Stanley Hawker 36
Mongolata
Captain & Mrs Thompson held the usual fortnightly service.
Miss E. Reid won the table tennis tournament.
The above mine has resumed operations with Jack Smith as manager. About 12 men are engaged so far. [But no ‘above mine’ is named! It is presumably Byles’ Mongolata GM, given previous news.]
Burra Golf Club. Clare visited on 29 June in the return match for the shield presented by Dr F. Smith of Clare and Dr D. McDonald Steele of Burra. Burra won 7 to 3. Previously at Clare, Clare had won 5 to 4, so that overall Burra won 11 to 8.
56, 28, 10 July 1935, page 4
Football. Kooringa 10 15 defeated Spalding 4-10
Booborowie 10-11 defeated Hallett 7-11.
56, 29, 16 July 1935, page 1
NOTE THE CHANGE OF PUBLICATION DAY FROM WEDNESDAY TO TUESDAY
Basketball.
Men’s White 35 defeated Green 27 and Brown 29 defeated Red 24.
Ladies’ Orange 20 defeated Green 10.
Eastern Telephone Line
Last Wednesday Mr J.V. Lord of Oakvale Station required urgent medical assistance. A phone call soon had Dr Steele heading out for the station 140 miles from Burra. This private telephone line is a vital link for the eastern stations, with the potential to save lives. It is thus very unfortunate that all too often people interfere with the line. Sometime wires are cut to repair a car or other vehicle. At other times the wires are tied down to fences. One of the most difficult causes of interruptions to find occurs when the wires are tied tightly to insulators. All such behaviour has the potential to place lives in danger.
LCL Burra Men’s Branch held its AGM in the Liberal Union Room last Friday. Elected were: President, Mr A.D. McDonald; Vice-Presidents, Messrs S. Robinson and G.G. Hawkes and Secretary, M.S. Edwards. Attendance was small and interest lacking. Mr S. Hawker blamed some of this on the extended length of Parliament to 5 years. Elections stimulated interest.
Burra Rifle Club. The annual trophy this year has been donated by Mr Richard Reed and the marksman’s trophy by Mr H.J.B. Jennison. The first match for the season will be on 20 July.
56, 29, 16 July 1935, page 2
A.W. Pearce of Booborowie has been appointed a Justice of the Peace.
Miss Lou Waldeck of the Children’s Hospital, Perth, came top in the final Nurses’ Examination in WA. She is daughter of Mrs George Waldeck, nee Annie Lane of Kooringa and now of Perth.
[Annie Lane was a daughter of Philip Lane, Burra’s first Mayor and sister to Stanley M. Lane, another Mayor of the town.]
Will J. Findlay of the Kooringa staff of Elder, Smith & Co. has been transferred to Bordertown. Mr C.C. Heath comes from Bordertown to replace him.
Obituary. J.J. Sullivan of Booborowie died at his home last week aged 76.
[John Joseph Sullivan died 12 July 1935 Hallett. See extended obituary 56, 30, 23 July 1935, page 4.]
The Baby Health Train is on its 17th tour and will arrive in Burra 27 July and leave for Terowie 31 July. Sister G.D. Steer is in charge.
Weather. It has been bitterly cold in the last week with 31 points of rain from a thunderstorm on Monday. Sunday and Monday were boisterous, with dust storms raging ‘Out East.’
Oddfellows’ Social Club conducted the 2nd heat of the Burra & District Waltzing Championship on Thursday 11 July.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 20 July
Roy Rene & Yvonne Banvard in Strike Me Lucky
Ralph Richardson & Ann Todd in The Return of Bulldog Drummond
56, 29, 16 July 1935, page 3
Empire Shopping Week. A range of patriotic and trading organisations offered prizes for the best essays on Why we should buy Empire goods.
There were three divisions:
Senior High School (4th & 5th Year)
High, Central & Higher Primary Schools (1st to 3rd Year)
Primary Schools
Burra did remarkably well. In Division 1 Joy Bentley won the special prize for best essay submitted.
In Division 2 Nancy Pearce won the 1st prize and Geoffrey Rosman gained the 2nd prize.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 11 July
Richard William Launer, 4th son of Mr & Mrs W. Launder of World’s End, married
Elsie Rubell Wahlert, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Wahlert of Kooringa.
Mrs W.H. Anderson has been farewelled on a pleasant holiday to her homeland [England.]
Mr & Mrs Clyde Tiver and daughter Beverley have left Burra to live in Adelaide.
Mrs Tiver was farewelled at the residence of Mrs Charlesworth on Saturday evening and a presentation was made of a crystal vase. A silver serviette ring was given to Beverley. [Who was 4 years old.]
Mr Tiver was given a farewell at the Aberdeen Lodge Hall on Monday evening. The Mayor presided. A presentation was made of a wallet of notes. Mr Tiver had been prominent in football and also took part in cricket, golf, tennis, bowls and basketball.
Mongolata Cricket Club held its AGM and elected: President, W. Carpenter; Secretary, R. McConnell; Captain, L. Kellaway and Vice-Captain, C. Gaghan. Best scores for last season:
Batsman, L. Kellaway with 213 runs in 8 innings for average of 26.62.
Bowler, L. Kellaway with 17 wickets for 91 at an average of 5.35.
The club played 14 matches, winning 10 and losing 4.
[Personal interest: Aubrey Fuss was one of two auditors.]
Mongolata
Rev. Donald Redding made his usual visit for a service and community singing.
56, 29, 16 July 1935, page 4
Burra Burra DC, 12 July
The Council had been meeting in the Council Chamber at the Burra Institute. The Institute Committee now offered exclusive [daytime] use of the Lodge Room for £30 p.a.
The Council decided to consider the offer.
Football. Kooringa defeated Hallett 6-7.
Mongolata Gold Field
Byles’ Mongolata GM
Report from W.M. Williams formerly underground manager of Bewick Moreing & Co. Lake View and Star Mine WA.
Inspection on four occasions since my first report last May convinces me the lodes will live to a great depth and that the field has a wonderful future.
At the greatest levels in the incline winze (at 420 ft), on which a crosscut has been driven through a well-defined lode 20 ft wide, samples were taken over 3 ft sections and assayed. The highest value was 1 oz 14 dwt. I advise sinking a shaft to work the mine, as I am convinced this lode will live to a great depth as well as length. The property warrants more vigorous development with large and up-to-date plants.
56, 30, 23 July 1935, page 1
Burra Town Council, 13 July
There was considerable discussion concerning setting money aside to be used for the Centenary Year projects. This would be subsidised by the Government and the Council could then employ the unemployed as it wished. It was resolved to set aside £100 for 1936 and in the meantime to prepare the ground for planting trees as suggested in the discussion. It was also resolved that a big proportion of the relief grant be set aside to raise metal [from the Mine and Hospital Quarries.]
Aberdeen Croquet Club has improved its area greatly as a result of work by Mr R. Fairchild. When planted this area would have a fine appearance. The Club was now interested in buying some adjacent blocks. The Town Clerk will look up the names of owners for them.
56, 30, 23 July 1935, pages 1 & 4
The State Centenary
Acting Premier Sir George Ritchie and the Director of the Tourist Bureau, Mr Victor H. Ryan, visited Burra on Thursday last. They met local men in the Town Council Chamber concerning proposals to celebrate the State Centenary in country areas next year. The proposals for the state celebrations were explained to the meeting.
His Worship welcomed the visitors, congratulated Sir George on his knighthood and for being Acting Premier and mentioned that Mr Ryan had been born in Thames St, Burra. 1936 would not only be the State Centenary, but also the Diamond Jubilee of the Town Council. Burra’s role in the development of the state meant it could not allow the celebrations to pass without taking a prominent part in them.
The Town Council had set aside £100 to supplement private and Government contributions. It had resolved to beautify the banks of the Burra Creek by planting suitable trees and hardy shrubs. It had obtained from Mr Tom Wilkinson MSBSA (an old Burra boy, now in South Africa and late of the SA Forests Department) a valuable report on the most suitable trees and shrubs and where to plant them.
With some 50 men working under the Government’s rations-plus-cash scheme and with many others on the bread line, he urged Sir George to give a special grant to the town for the unemployed, in addition to the centenary grant. He also wished to raise the matter of sealing the main road from either Kapunda or Tarlee as a suitable centenary project.
Cr Kellaway suggested the enlargement of the waterworks scheme as a suitable centenary project.
Sir George gave some general background to the conference. He was able to say that the grant would not be so very large, but that the Centenary Committee would ensure that it got plenty of publicity and give whatever help was possible in other ways.
He then outlined the plans already in hand:
There would be a sporting carnival in Adelaide as a pre-cursor to the Olympic Games in Berlin and only representative who took part in Adelaide would be eligible for the Berlin Games.
An Empire Exhibition would be staged from March to May.
The Adelaide Show would be a Special Centenary Show.
A National Thanksgiving Service was planned.
A Flower festival would run in Adelaide from 9-16 October.
A Music Festival would be held.
There would be a Racing Carnival.
The eight days around 28 December would see a special carnival.
There would be a host of other sporting events and celebratory activities.
January and February had been set aside as the main time to organise for country events so they would not clash with either each other or the main city based events.
Sir George thought the idea of a beautification scheme for Burra combined with some sort of carnival to attract visitors to the town was a good concept.
He said it was the view of the Country Organisation Committee that it was in the interest of country towns to form a local Centenary Committee to arrange the local activities and to co-ordinate with the general program of the Executive Committee. Indeed it was on the basis that there was such a local committee that Centenary Grants would be made available. Any such grant would have to be subsidised £ for £ by the local Centenary Committee and would have to be spent on schemes entailing work for those presently unemployed.
It was usual for the local government body to initiate the formation of these local Centenary Committees.
Mr Ryan elaborated a little on this and said that activities approved by the Central Committee would receive more extensive publicity than ever before and the state would benefit from more extensive advertising than at any time in its history.
When it was suggested focussing Burra’s activities around the time of the Burra Show, Mr Ryan indicated that it would be difficult with so many other events approved for that period. Sir George said 36 towns were already involved in planning activities.
Mr Bence thought that with no other large town in the district, Burra ought to get a larger grant of, say, £500 to enable a big affair to be staged here. [The subsidy implications of this do not seem to have been discussed.] Mr Ryan said there was one time period that might be possible; after the Royal Show and before 9 October, but the application for this time should be made quickly.
A.B. Riggs thought they should apply for the fourth week in September and if that were to fail, then for the third or fourth week in February. January he considered useless with all the schools on holidays.
[The meeting closed with the usual exchanges of thanks and acknowledgements.]
56, 30, 23 July 1935, pages 1 & 5
The Royal Empire Society is running a World-Wide Essay Competition in three age groups: under 14 years, 14-16 years and 16-19 years. The topic is The uses of the cinema and radio for Empire education and trade.
Empire Shopping Week Council Essay Competition.
Joy Bentley’s winning essay is printed.
56, 30, 23 July 1935, page 2
Byles’ Mongolata GM has let the tender for a shaft 10 ft x 5 ft onto the lode as recommended by Mr Williams.
Weather. 56 points of rain fell for the week, but there have also been severe frosts. There was a dust storm on Thursday and the rain then washed the dust into the tanks, which remain still cloudy from it.
Mr Cliff (Storker) Lee was farewelled on Wednesday prior to his departure for WA where he has employment. He has been associated with football and basketball in Burra.
Accident. On Thursday evening a car driven by Mr G.H. Dow, Secretary of the Burra Hospital, collided with a big Hudson containing six shearers, in front of the Maternity Wing of the Hospital. The Hudson was seen to be being driven erratically and on the wrong side of the road. Even pulling far to the left Mr Dow could not avoid the collision. The cause seems to have been a heated argument between the driver of the Hudson (who was sober) and one of the men in the back seat. No one was injured and as the speed of both cars was not great, damage to the vehicles was not severe.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 27 July
Marie Dressler & Wallace Beery in Dinner at 8
Margaret Lindsay & Guy Kibbee in Merry Wives of Reno
Obituary. Mr R.H. Lackman died in a private hospital in Perth on Saturday 29 June aged 42. He was born at Bordertown and joined Elder, Smith in 1910. In WWI he served with distinction, rising to the rank of Captain and Acting-Major. When he was discharged he was transferred to WA, where he became the manager of the company’s branch at Narrogin in 1923 and has held the position ever since. He was a keen golfer and gained the title of Country Champion. He is survived by a widow and two young children. ‘Paddy’ Lackman was well known in Burra, as he was at Elder, Smith & Co. in Kooringa prior to WWI and was very popular here.
56, 30, 23 July 1935, page 3
Burra Branch CWA held its AGM 19 July with President, Mrs I.J. Warnes, in the chair. Elected were: President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Secretary, Miss Minnie Rogers and Treasurer, Mrs S.H. Robinson.
[The annual report runs for about 2⁄3 column.]
During the year the Rest Room was moved to a large airy room in Pearce’s Building.
Mr & Mrs Fred Dew celebrated their Golden Wedding on 19 July. It took place 19 July 1885 at the residence of the bride’s parents, Mr & Mrs James Cullen of Hampton. The couple lived first at Hampton, but on the death of Mr Dew’s father they went to live at the old family home, Bluebell Farm, at Springbank, where they remained till 1923. Mr Dew then retired from farm life and they made their home at Redruth. Mr Dew has always had a keen interest in the Show Society. Three daughters attended the celebrations:
Mrs Elliot Wise of Jervois
Mrs Arthur Przibilla of Strathalbyn
Mrs Bob Motherall of Hanson
Two sons were unable to attend due to distance:
Gordon (Bob) of Konnongoringa WA
Robert (Tim) of Kerolocking WA
The eldest son, Bert, was killed in action at Morlancourt on 30 July 1918.
There are 17 grandchildren.
Obituary. Mr Henry Winter Lihou died at Pt Pirie on Thursday night. He was 80 and had been living with his son Mr A.W. Lihou, on Three Chain Road. His health has been failing for about two years. He was born at Salisbury in 1854. As a young man he was a miner at Burra, a dam-sinker in the Far North and a teamster in the rougher parts of the state. He lived in many places including Burra, Kapunda, Terowie and Peterborough before moving to Pt Pirie in 1900. He worked on the top floor of the smelters for many years. Seventeen years ago his wife died and since then he has done little work, living mainly in peaceful retirement. He was the first man to take a load of cordials to Terowie. He leaves behind as a curio a florin representing the first wages he earned. Years later he had it made into a brooch for his wife. He never completely recovered from an accident in a sulky six years ago. Seven children survive, four daughters and three sons:
Mrs J. Allen of Burra
Mrs F.J. McMahon of Solomontown
Mrs L.E. Alderson of Solomontown
Mrs W. Higgins of Solomontown
Arthur & Hurtle (twins) of Solomontown
Stanley of Brighton
There are 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
One sister, Mrs Alice Birt of WA, also survives.
[Born 8 November 1854 Cox’s Creek: died 18 July 1935 Pt Pirie. H.W. Lihou was also a butcher and had a partnership in Burra with Mr. Bromley, which was dissolved 12 April 1878. His father, Nicholas Lihou had an aerated waters and cordial factory in Queen St, Burra for several years before going out of business in 1881. He operated it with several of his sons.]
Mongolata
Percy Carpenter defeated Bill Smith in the third table tennis tournament.
Captain & Mrs Thompson went out for a service on Thursday, but the congregation was small in vile conditions with the wind blowing a gale.
Booborowie’s Annual Blue & White Ball was a great social and financial success and is reported in 3⁄4 column.
Basketball
Men’s Red 49 defeated Gold 37 and Brown 22 defeated White 21.
Ladies’ Orange 20 defeated Green 12.
56, 30, 23 July 1935, page 4
Football. Booborowie 9.16 defeated Kooringa 10.8.
‘B’ Grade: Spalding 8.10 defeated Booborowie 6.10.
Obituary. John Joseph Sullivan died after a short illness at his residence on 12 July aged 75. He was a man of good nature, reserved, calm, gentle and unassuming. In his youth he was a keen sportsman and held the state 100 yard record for running. He spent his early life in the Northern Districts and came to Willalo area in 1911. Here he achieved the success that was a reward for hardships experienced at Eurelia and Carrieton. He married Miss Hemingway of Carrieton who survives with three sons and four daughters. The funeral cortege comprised over 60 cars.
Tom Canny of Gum Creek writes on Foreign Traders and the Sugar Agreement.
He is in favour of protecting Australian producers from that ‘produced by foreign black labour.’
[His letter is in response to a letter of opposite views from Mr Craigie.]
56, 31, 30 July 1935, page 1
Obituary. Mr Friedrich Schuppan died 21 July at Emu Downs. He was the last of the original farmer-pioneers, having settled here with his parents in 1870. Even in his youth he took a keen interest in community affairs. When the Apoinga DC was formed he was elected a Councillor and served continuously for 25 years. He had a genial disposition and a great sense of justice. He took a lively interest in the Lutheran Church. For a long time he was a lay reader and until his death a trustee and elder of the church. He was born in Germany 1 January 1852 and emigrated with his parents in the sailing ship Bielefeld, which arrived in Melbourne in February 1859. They came at once to Pt Adelaide by steamer. The family went first to Hope valley and then to Modbury for three years. They then moved to Mt Torrens, Springton and North Rhine, where they stayed till 1870. Mr Schuppan married Miss Johanna Auguste Eckert on Emu Downs in 1879 and the couple celebrated their golden wedding six years ago. In the early days he cut the crop with a sickle and scythe. He saw the bullock wagon give way to first a buggy and then a motor car. He died aged 83 years six months and leaves a widow and a son and daughter: Mr Ted Schuppan of Emu Downs and Mrs A. Schwart of Waterloo. His younger daughter was the late Mrs W. Heinrich of Apoinga. There are 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Marriage. Glendore Methodist Church 30 July
Hazel P. Rodda, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs H.L. Rodda of Black Springs, married
Leonard A. White, elder son of Mr & Mrs A.W. White of Porter’s Lagoon.
St Mary’s School Junior Red Cross held a frolic in the Parish Hall.
[The report runs for 1⁄2 column.]
Scrub Feeding of Sheep is discussed in half a column.
The Empire Shopping Week Council Essay
Nancy Pearce’s first prize-winning essay in the Intermediate Section is printed.
The Robbins Family was farewelled from Copperhouse before their departure to live in Adelaide.
[Or the Robins Family on another line of the report.]
56, 31, 30 July 1935, page 2
Obituary. A Notice to Creditors reveals the death of Francis Bannan of Hallett, a labourer, who died 4 June 1935. [Died at Kooringa, residence Mt Bryan East aged 76.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 3 August
Jeanette McDonald & Ramon Navarro in Cat and the Fiddle
Mary Astor and John Halliday in Return of the Terror
56, 31, 30 July 1935, page 3
Miss Lorna Brandon’s effort in a window display for Sara & Co. of Aberdeen has won second prize of £5 in a state-wide contest run by Persil Aust Pty Ltd.
Obituary. Well-known hawker of the Eastern Pastoral Country, Nihl Singh, died at Terowie Hospital on Sunday after a long illness. He was known as a man of fine integrity and was proud to be a Sikh and to have been a British soldier in the Indian Army.
[Nihal Singh died 29 July 1935 Terowie aged 75.]
Weather. Intensely cold conditions continued, with 30 points of rain for the week.
Mongolata. Rev. Donald Redding came for his fortnightly service and community singing.
Mongolata Gold Field
Byles’ Mongolata GM to 25 July
92 ft level. Finished cutting a chamber for a new shaft in the west crosscut. Winze in the south drive sunk 12 ft to 24 ft on a 3 ft wide lode showing no values. The drive off the winze between the 50 and 92 ft levels showed a little gold.
Golden Harp. Crosscut east from old north drive on a seam from 6 inches to 1 ft wide showing 10 dwt per ton. All work above has been stopped since 20 July and all but 8 men paid off.
Contractor started sinking a shaft on 20 July and is now at 10 ft.
New truck road constructed through the old shaft at 92 ft to the west crosscut.
Cyanide recovery on the last parcel was 22 oz 13 dwt 8 gr for a total return of 111 oz 13 dwt 8 gr from 170 tons.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club. In the 24 mile road race on Saturday R. Taylor was 1st, I. Venning 2nd and R. Opperman 3rd.
Burra Burra Show Inc. With the Centenary of the state approaching together with the silver jubilee of his presidency, the president of the Society, Mr I.J. Warnes, some time ago offered to donate £250 if a matching sum were collected. The greater part of that sum is in hand and Mr Warnes has forwarded his cheque for £250. He suggested that a suitable centenary year project would be the building of a brick Centenary Hall on the showgrounds. A meeting of the society on 27 July accepted his cheque and resolved to build a brick hall and convert one of the present iron buildings to a sheep shed. A letter will be sent to Sir George Ritchie asking for his support. Arrangements to proceed were made.
56, 31, 30 July 1935, page 4
Football. Kooringa 12.14 defeated Booborowie 12.12.
Farrell’s Flat Golf Club Annual Tournament
18 hole Championship C.L. Philips [Probably: his name heads the list, though the score is printed as 86 where it seems likely to have been 76.]
18 Hole Handicap J. Denton
Secret 9 Hole Handicap H.C. Hoile
Associates Competition
18 Hole Stroke Handicap Miss A. Denton
Secret 9 Hole Handicap Miss A. Denton
Burra CWA Younger Set presented their first Annual Report.
President: Bernice Potter
Vice-President: Gwen Humphrys
Secretary: Molly Walker
Treasurer: Myrtle Robinson
There were 23 financial members. They met in the Rest Room on the 1st Friday of the month.
56, 32, 6 Aug. 1935, pages 1 & 4
Burra Town Council Ratepayers’ Meeting was held last Tuesday.
Only about 8 ratepayers were present at the tart and numbers were about 15 by the end.
The Mayor was disappointed at the turnout and the apparent lack of interest.
The Mayor’s Report
The town has a well kept appearance, though still suffering the effects of the depression and the low prices for wool and wheat. Many men are still unemployed, though Mongolata has absorbed many of the unemployed and will, I believe, eventually be an asset to the town. Five new houses have been built in the year.
I have made every effort to aid the unemployed and received £426 from the Government as a special grant. This has been distributed equally amongst those on rations. About 44 men are now on relief works.
Public work this year has seen many roads and footpaths repaired and bridges re-decked and repaired. Sara’s corner has been improved and many new signs erected to benefit the travelling public. The Main Roads are in good order. Extensive alterations were made to the Rotunda.
Deputations
On 13 July 1934 I invited the Premier, Mr Butller, and The Minister of Labour, Mr Jeffries, to visit Burra and received £300 from the Premier and other benefits. Four deputations from townspeople have been received in the year. Cr Jeffery and myself waited on the Minister of Public Works concerning getting the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry re-opened.
Distinguished visitors have been the Premier, Hon. R.L. Butler; His Excellency the Governor, Sir Winston Dugan and Lady Dugan. The Waikerie Band also paid a visit.
The Town is in a healthy state and every effort has been made to control the stray dogs and cattle nuisance.
The Unemployment Relief Committee is doing good work supplying clothing, boots, flannelette and blankets at Burra and Mongolata and in helping to find work for the unemployed.
We are now beginning to plan for the State Centenary and the Diamond Jubilee of the Town Council in 1936.
[After the report there was discussion and questions from the floor. A considerable part of this concerned the number of Council employees and how Council jobs were distributed in a time of economic depression. The poor state of the cemetery and how this might be improved also attracted attention. The Mayor commented on how change to the law affecting hawkers would have an effect. He also considered that the law disenfranchising those who did not pay their rates produced unintended injustices during a period of depression. A person with four or five properties might pay all his rates except a shilling on one and yet lose his vote, while another person who paid only the minimum rate on one property got to vote. He thought the Government had treated Burra fairly with its £426 grant. Burra, he said, should play a significant role in the state’s Centenary Celebrations in keeping with its large part in the state’s history.]
Cr Dow said he had been criticised for proposing the Mayoral allowance be increased to £50, but he knew the Mayor’s expenses were not nearly met by his allowance.
Cr Jeffery spoke in favour of changing ward boundaries to include ‘New Toorak’ now in East Ward. To get there residents had to use North Ward Roads and their interests were mainly in North Ward.
Cr Kellaway was not opposed to changes to ward boundaries. He also spoke disapprovingly of hawkers. He was personally opposed to Sunday sport, but would leave it to ratepayers’ consciences. He felt that the system that meant that men not on rations could not be helped at all was wrong, but they had to work within the system.
56, 32, 6 Aug. 1935, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council
Drivers are notified that they must keep to the left when passing any silent cop.
Vehicles must also be driven as near as possible to the left hand side of the street.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 10 August
Warner Baxter & Conchita Montenegro in Hell in the Heavens
Tom Brown & Anita Louise in Bachelor of Arts
56, 32, 6 Aug. 1935, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. The General Committee meeting with reports from the various sub-committees met to consider recommendations and is reported in about 1 column of detail.
Weather. Good rains have fallen at last with 156 points at Burra and more in some parts of the district: Booborowie reports 212 points and World’s End 180. At Mt Bryan East Mr Vic. Hughes reported 150 points of rain and glorious falls of snow on Saturday. To the east it remained dry with falls up to 10 points, though to the northeast Ketchowla got 65.
[Somewhat oddly the report then cites Thistlebeds as getting 54 and Balah 19.]
Intense cold after shearing has resulted in some places experiencing heavy stock losses. There were gales with dust to the east on Friday.
SNOW
In Burra high wind and driving rain dominated Friday, accompanied by piercing cold. Just after midnight a heavy fall of hail awakened many people and those that ventured outside to see were shortly greeted with a glorious fall of snow in large flakes. Everything was soon covered and trees were weighed down with snow, but a heavy fall of rain before dawn obliterated it except in the shelter of buildings and where it clung densely to pines and dense shrubs.
At 8 a.m. light snow again fell and between 9.15 and 10 a.m. it was almost continuous, with neither rain nor wind. After that snow was mixed with each shower till about 7 p.m.
At Hallett the country was said to be more like Switzerland than Australia and snow was still covering the hills on Monday, especially on Sugarloaf and Mt Bryan.
N.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ contributes about 1⁄2 column on trees as stock feed in droughts.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its annual Teachers’ Conference and Sunday School Rally last weekend. Rev. W.J. Bailey, Director of the Methodist Young People’s Department, was present with Miss I.E. Brown of the Adelaide Primary and Kindergarten Department. On Sunday Mr Bailey took the Redruth morning service and in the afternoon there was a combined rally in the Burra Institute of scholars from Farrell’s Flat, Ironmine, Hanson, Redruth and Kooringa. This was surprisingly well attended considering the sloppy state of the roads. The hall was nearly full, with Rev. E.G. Neil presiding aided by Rev. G.C. Hutchinson and Rev. Bailey. In the evening Rev. Bailey preached at Kooringa where he had been first stationed 20 years ago with Rev. J.H. Nield.
The Empire Shopping Week Council Essay
Geoffrey Rosman’s second prize-winning essay in the Intermediate Section is printed. He is 13.
Mongolata. The 4th Table Tennis Tournament was won by B. Smith from Miss Joyce Carpenter.
56, 32, 6 Aug. 1935, page 4
Basketball.
Men’s Green 36 defeated Red 30 and Brown 51 defeated Gold 36.
Ladies’ Green 20 defeated Orange 18. [Ladies’ Orange is sometimes termed Gold.]
Oliver Baynes writes as a goal umpire at the football, complaining that spectators intruded into the goal umpire’s boundary, causing him to give a doubtful decision.
H.J. Turner writes concerning hawkers.
He considered those prominent businessmen who formed a deputation to Council protesting against hawkers were selfish. Hawkers, he felt, had a right to earn a living by selling fish, fruit, or whatever. The majority of the town’s businessmen also ‘hawk’ their goods by means of motor lorry to other districts where they compete with local stores. He also disliked the way Mr Harris suggested hawkers were dishonest: ‘are all Burra businessmen strictly honest?’ He considered local businessmen could do more for local employment by employing horses using locally grown fodder and local drivers, rather than resorting to motor vehicles. They could also pay local providers of produce a fairer price for commodities like eggs.
E.J. Craigie writes in response to Tom Canny on the topic of the sugar monopoly.
The Salvation Army Dutch Fair at the Burra Institute on Friday was part of their Annual Self Denial Appeal. Mrs I.J. Warnes presided at the opening, which was performed by the Mayoress, Mrs T.H. Woollacott. [Details extend for c. 11⁄3 columns.]
56, 33, 13 Aug. 1935, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 2nd stage of the Kookaburra Trophy on Saturday 10 August. R. Pexton was best in the handicap and 2nd in the marksman’s contest. J. Whimpress was 1st off the rifle.
Tom Canny writes again on the Sugar Agreement.
‘Worried’ writes, concerned about worsening cracks in the Smelts Chimney and the need to protect school children from the danger of falling bricks.
C.R. Rowe writes on the question of hawkers. Local traders have to stock a full range of items, some of them not very profitable, in order to provide a rounded service. They cannot pick just one line like the hawker who can also come just when he pleases. So, he asks, who deserves more consideration?
Burra Town Council, 5 August
Councillors received an explanation of the by-law dealing with hawkers, from Mr Bednall and decided to get an opinion from the Municipal Association on the desirability of drafting their own by-law.
Council resolved to remind motorists, by way of a notice in the Record, of the laws requiring them to keep to the left of silent cops and to drive as close as practicable to the left hand side of the road.
The Town Clerk reported that 114 dogs had been registered.
A rate of 2/3 in the pound was adopted.
56, 33, 13 Aug. 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 August
Johnny Weissmuller & Maureen O’Sullivan in Tarzan and His Mate
Laurel & Hardy, Charlie Chase & Mae Busch in Sons of the Desert
Obituary. John Talbot, husband of Ann, late of ‘Carlo’ Hallett, died 1 August at Adelaide hospital aged 67. [Born 7 April 1868 Wirrabara: died 1 August 1935 Adelaide, residence Morgan. See more detail at 56, 34, 20 Aug. 1935, page 3.]
An Entertainment in the Kooringa Methodist Hall on Monday evening raised funds for the bazaar.
[Personal interest: performers included Mavis Fairchild.]
Weather. 66 points of rain for the week. At ‘The Gums’ Mr W.H. Pearse reports 85 points for the previous week and a further 23 in the week just gone. Much of the Eastern Country is still in the grip of dust storms.
56, 33, 13 Aug. 1935, pages 2 & 3
Obituary. Mr Isaac Tralaggan, late of Mt Bryan, died at Aberdeen 12 August after a long illness.
[Born Isaac Trellaggan 4 February 1868 Upper Wakefield, died 12 August 1935 Aberdeen, residence Mt Bryan. See further details 56, 34, 20 Aug. 1935, page 3.]
56, 33, 13 Aug. 1935, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. Special Meeting concerning Centenary Hall
The sub-committee meeting on 30 July recommended building a brick or stone building on the west side of the present exhibit hall, to face the same way as the present halls and run parallel to them. The new building to be 75 ft x 30 ft inside, comprising a hall 60 ft x 30 ft, a kitchen 20 ft x 15 ft and a copper room 10 ft x 15 ft at the rear, separated from the main hall by a single brick wall. The hall to have board floors and a small fluted iron ceiling. The kitchen and copper room to have double doors. The main hall to be fitted with six electric lights, with one in each of the back rooms. J.E. Pearce will prepare estimates for the cost. The present kitchen is to become a secretary’s office and committee room, with a place for stewards and judges to wash their hands.
At a special meeting of the General Committee on 5 August Mr Edgar Pearce submitted a cost estimate.
Mr Riggs said that the money thus far collected had been donated to build a sheep shed and if not used for that would have to be returned to donors. The present shed would accommodate the merinos and two or three other lots. Foundations for the proposed building would cost up to £100. Although it seemed a lot of money he favoured going on with the project.
Mr Bednall agreed and thought there was some prospect of getting help from the Government. He suggested circulating members soliciting donations of bricks and cement.
The secretary thought the scheme would run the overdraft up to c. £500, but it had been more than that before.
Not all the committee members were enthusiastic and some wanted to build a sheep shed, but after discussion the decision to erect a Centenary Hall, provided the cost did not exceed £600, was carried without dissent. Members will be circularised and subscriptions asked for.
Basketball.
Men’s Red 50 defeated White 37 and Green 2 8 defeated Gold 27.
Ladies’ Orange 14 defeated Green 10.
Mongolata
Rev. Donald Redding held his usual service on Wednesday last, followed by Community singing.
Mongolata Gold Field
Byles’ Mongolata GM Ltd: fortnight to 8 August
92 ft level. New shaft sunk to 24 ft in hard lode formation. Work suspended due to compressor failure and expected to restart 9 August.
50 ft level. Two men crosscutting to tap a gold-bearing seam carrying good values between the 50 & 92 ft levels.
Takati Mine. 51 tons 15 cwt crushed for 106 oz 8 dwt plus from cyanide 27 oz 3 dwt 9 gr for 133 oz 11 dwt 9 gr at an average 2 oz 11 dwt 14 gr per ton.
Burra Hospital. The Board has decided to open a Plunket Mothercraft Centre in the Maternity Wing. Matron Siegele has just completed a course of specialist training at the Royal Hospital for women, Paddington and at ‘Karitane’, Sydney.
[Matron Siegele’s report of the Plunket System is printed in about one column of detail.]
A slight earth tremor was felt at Leighton last Tuesday at about 4 a.m.
Obituary. Ann Baker, wife of Mr Samuel Baker of Aberdeen, died at her residence 8 August after a very short illness. She was aged 94. She was born at Swansea, Wales 18 December 1840 and arrived in SA with her parents John & Mary Edwards in the Richardson in 1848. Her father came to take charge of the refining for the Burra Smelting Co. and their first home was a dugout in the creek bank. Miss Edwards was married at Kooringa in 1862 to Samuel Baker and the couple had 73 years of happy married life. Their first home was in the street leading to Hampton and 71 years ago they moved to their present home, where, with one exception, their thirteen children were born. And we are informed, where all of their grandchildren were born. Eleven of the family survive. Mr Baker will be 96 on 17 March 1936. He remains a tall, striking personality with a fair measure of health. Mr Baker was born at North Terrace, Adelaide 17 March 1840 and must be one of the oldest, if not the oldest born South Australian. Eight daughters and three sons survive:
Mary Ann, Mrs J.V. Lord, Kingswood, SA
Jane, Mrs A.T. Pearce, Sydney
Louisa, Mrs J.C. Gleeson, Mrs L. Baker, Glenelg
Olive, Mrs J.C. Gleeson, Richmond, SA
Minetta, Mrs M. Cain, Glen Osmond, SA [Mrs Martin Kain: born Etty, married and died as Hettie.]
Lily, Mrs E.H. Oakes, Broken Hill, NSW
Miss Sarah, Aberdeen
Miss Mabel, Aberdeen
Thomas, Aberdeen
John, Robertstown
James, Broken Hill
There are 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
56, 33, 13 Aug. 1935, page 4
Football. Booborowie 8.10 defeated Kooringa 7.12.
Woolshed Dance at Gum Creek on 8 August is reported in 1⁄2 column.
Burra Burra DC
Among routine matters it would appear that the amalgamation of Councils resulted in the sale of surplus furniture and the cancellation of telephone accounts at Booborowie and Mt Bryan.
56, 34, 20 Aug. 1935, page 1
A Centenary Committee was formed last Tuesday. It was resolved to hold celebrations in Burra 2 October to 8 October inclusive, provided the Show Committee would work with the Centenary Committee. A ‘Back to Burra’ celebration is to be a feature. A sub-committee was appointed to draw up a rough program. Next committee meeting set for 28 August.
Annual Red Cross Jumble Fair was held in the Cheer-up Hall last Friday. A little over £20 was raised between 2 and 5 p.m.
5th Hallett Arts & Crafts Exhibition was held under the auspices of the local Girls’ Friendly Club, in the Hallett Institute on Saturday 10 August. [The report extends for 11⁄4 columns.]
Burra Rifle Club fired the 3rd stage of the Kookaburra Trophy on 17 August over 200, 300 & 700 yards. Best shots were A.C. Aughey, J. Harris and S. Quinn.
His [whose?] 103 off the rifle is the best ever over those ranges, beating the previous score of 102.
He is leading in both the handicap and marksman’s competition at this stage.
56, 34, 20 Aug. 1935, page 2
Influenza epidemic in Burra.
Mrs Klaffus will be 89 on 27 August.
St Joseph’s Church. Redemptionist Fathers will hold a week’s mission from next Sunday with daily 6 a.m. Mass & Instruction. 9 a.m. Children’s Mass & Instruction. 7.30 p.m. Rosary, Sermon and Benediction. The Mission at Mt Bryan will begin on 1 September and run to the following Wednesday when it will move to Booborowie from Wednesday to Sunday 8 September.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 24 August
Shirley Temple, James Dunne & Judith Allan in Bright Eyes
Spencer Tracy & Wendy Barrie in It’s a Small World
56, 34, 20 Aug. 1935, page 3
Obituary. Isaac Tralaggan of Mt Bryan, who died at Aberdeen on 12 August, was the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs Henry Tralaggan of Aberdeen. He was born at Mintaro 4 February 1868 and came with his parents to Mt Bryan aged 2 and resided there till within a few months of his death. For about 8 years he was a member of the Mt Bryan District Council and had represented that Council on the Burra Burra Hospital Board. He was at one time President of the Mt Bryan Agricultural Bureau, in which he took a great interest in his younger days. He was a great worker for the Methodist Church until ill health forced him to relinquish the work. He was attacked by illness abut a year ago and declined after a relapse in March. [Born Isaac Trellaggan 4 February 1868 Upper Wakefield, died 12 August 1935 Aberdeen, residence Mt Bryan.]
Obituary. Mr John Talbot aged 67 died at Adelaide Hospital after a short illness. He was the son of the late Mr & Mrs Henry Talbot of Jamestown and was born at Stone Hut. He married 44 years ago and then lived at Collinsville and later at ‘Carola’ Hallett, where he was well known and respected. In later years he lived at Morgan. He leaves a widow (at Morgan), one son, Wilfred of Morgan, one daughter, Madge Mrs E.M. Dansie of Adelaide and one adopted son, Mr Roy Henbest of Hallett. There are three grandchildren. [Born 7 April 1868 Wirrabara: died 1 August 1935 Adelaide, residence Morgan.]
Obituary. Mr Robert (Bob) Burns, fourth son of the late Mr & Mrs Samuel Burns of Kooringa, died at Memorial Hospital, North Adelaide on Thursday 15 August after a long and trying illness, the result of war injuries aged 42. He was born in Burra in Chapel St. In his early manhood he went to Fiji, where he lived for some years and it was from there he enlisted for service in the Great War and was attached to a British Regiment, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He remained in the UK after the war for some time. He married an English girl and later returned to Fiji and Australia. After selling his Fijian property he became for a time the owner of Barrata Station near Quorn and though not in good health hoped to regain his strength. This was not to be and he had to retire from active life. He bore his long illness with fortitude. He leaves a widow and one daughter, Miss Jean Burns. He also leaves five brothers: Norman, Jack, Garfield, Gladstone & Charles and three sisters: Mrs P. Murrie, Mrs F. Treloar and Miss Melva Burns. [Robert James Burns born 7 August 1893 Kooringa.]
Obituary. Miss Lou Parks, elder sister of Miss F. (Sis.) Parks of Kooringa, was buried at Kooringa on Tuesday. She arrived in SA as a child and lived with her relatives, Mr & Mrs Charles Parks of Adelaide, but for many years has resided with her cousin Mrs N.H. McBride, nee Hilda Parks, at Glenelg, or on their northern station ‘Wy Wirra’ where she died after a few hours’ illness on Sunday morning last. [Louisa Parks died 18 August 1935 Mannahill aged 56.]
Football. [Personal interest: E. Fuss is listed as an emergency player for the Kooringa v. Hallett game on Saturday.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM 3rd AGM 13 August
In the past year the mine has been worked partly on tribute and partly by day labour. On 6 July the last tribute expired. Since then all work has been by day labour with Mr G.F. Riggs in charge of operations. In the year 64 tons was crushed for 70 oz 12 dwt 13 gr. Total returns from this mine are 501 oz 12 dwt 13 gr from 128 tons 14 cwt. The manager advises he has cut Pexton’s Lode after driving 14 ft from Lean’s Shaft at a depth of 93 ft. The lode is 15 inches wide with low values. 10 tons are at grass and estimated at 8-10 dwt per ton. Retiring directors A.E. Hamilton and S. Rymil were re-elected.
Basketball. Men’s Green 34 defeated White 28 and Red 34 defeated Brown 34.
Ladies’ Orange 23 defeated Green 2.
Mongolata. The 5th table tennis tournament was won by the visitor Jack McWaters.
56, 34, 20 Aug. 1935, page 4
Football. Kooringa 17.16 defeated Spalding 9.9.
Leighton Cricket Club held its AGM and elected Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, M. Jacka and Secretary & Treasurer, A. Morgan.
H.J. Turner writes again defending his position in favour of hawkers and replying to his opponents.
Farrell Flat Annual Catholic Ball was held on 15 August. [Details occupy 3⁄4 column.]
Yakilo School Arbor Day is reported. Each child planted a tree and there were races for the children in the afternoon.
56, 35, 27 Aug. 1935, page 1
The Minister of Railways replied to questions on notice from Mr McDonald:
Yes: he was aware of the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry.
The quality of the ballast from there was not as good as that from Sleep’s Hill and the price was 1/- per ton more than from the latter.
Yes, ballast used north of Burra recently had come from the Sleep’s Hill Quarry and this was the most economical option for the railways, who owned the Sleep’s Hill Quarry.
Mr McDonald regarded the answers as unsatisfactory.
An autogyro piloted by Mr Gatenby, with Mrs O.V. Roberts as passenger, landed at Spalding on Friday. It is owned by a mining prospecting company of which Mr J. Smith Roberts is a director.
Burra Town Council, 19 August
Three applications to work out rates were approved.
Cr Kellaway considered the work load required of the Council horse was excessive.
The Mayor disagreed and considering the Council finances was opposed to buying another horse. After discussion the matter was allowed to drop.
Local Board of Health
The Inspector reported 20 unregistered dogs.
Football. Hallett 8.13 defeated Kooringa.
56, 35, 27 Aug. 1935, page 2
Obituary. James Thomas died 23 August at his residence ‘Northfield’ Aberdeen aged 75. He was the husband of Ada M. Thomas and the father of Ralph, Frank and Alan.
[A page 3 note adds that his funeral was one of the largest in Burra for many years. See an extended obituary at 56, 35, 3 Sep. 1935, page 3]
[Born ‘Three Gums’ District of Burra 3 April 1860: died 23 August 1935 Redruth.]
Obituary. Alexander Balfour Feltus died suddenly at Retrever [sic] Mine, Mongolata, 21August. He was the husband of Martha Ann Feltus, formerly Nurse Woollacott of Myrtle Home, Redruth and the father of Lily and Bert (NSW.) [Reportedly born at Woodville in 1856, but not registered. See extended obituary next page of this issue.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 31 August
Max Baer & Myrna Loy in Every Woman’s Man
Charlie Ruggles & Ann Dvorak in The Friends of Mr Sweeney.
56, 35, 27 Aug. 1935, page 3
Obituary. Mr Alexander Balfour Feltus died suddenly at Mongolata last Wednesday. He would have been 79 on 23 August. He was a man of fine physique, well read and well informed. About six years ago he married the widow Mrs W. (Nurse) Woollacott, widow of the late W. Woollacott of Redruth. He at once identified himself with the Redruth Methodist Church and was a most acceptable local preacher. He took up a claim at Mongolata about four miles from Byles’. His knowledge and experience of such work he gave freely to others and, as prior to coming to Burra he had been a blacksmith, he had a number of such jobs brought to his ‘humpie’ for attention. On Tuesday he seemed his usual self and on returning to his little home he seems to have sharpened a number of tools ha had been given to attend to. A fellow prospector found him dead in his bunk at about 1 p.m. on Wednesday. M-C Boyce and the Mayor T.H. Woollacott went out to investigate. They found the place all neat and tidy. The deceased had had breakfast and washed up. All his tools were piled up ready for a day’s work. Evidently he had felt unwell and had lain down and peacefully died from heart failure. Before coming to Burra Mr Feltus had lived at Belalie, where he had a blacksmithing business and other property. He leaves a widow and a son and daughter resident in NSW.
[Born 23 August 1856, Woodville (but not registered): died 21 August 1835 Mongolata, resident Redruth.]
Obituary. Mrs John W. Reed, nee Myra Ford, died at Gawler last Friday aged 30. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Francis Ford of “Diprose’s” and only last year married Mr John H. Reed, eldest son of Mr John Reed of Gawler. She was buried at Kooringa on Saturday. She is survived by a husband, two sisters, the Misses Eva Ford of Kooringa and ivy of Mintaro, and five brothers: Norman, Will, Joe, Alick and Gilbert.
[Born Myra Isobel Ford 5 May 1905 Diprose’s Creek: died 23 August Gawler.]
Obituary. Mrs N.J. Tiddy died at a private hospital in Prospect on 9 August. She was born Alice Hill, the daughter of Mr & Mrs John Hill of Dry Creek and was born in October 1859 as one of thirteen children of whom four survive. Her father owned a large property at Dry Creek and at one time also owned the land on which stands the Beehive Corner at the intersection of Rundle and King William Streets in Adelaide. Prior to her marriage to Mr Tiddy in 1890, she was a teacher with the Education Department. After her marriage she attached herself to the Redruth Methodist Church and was an untiring member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union of Aberdeen. She was a foundation member of the IOO Rechabite Lodge in SA. Mr Lionel Hill, the late Premier and Agent General for SA, was her nephew. Her health has been failing for the last five years, during which time she was a patient sufferer. She is survived by a husband, two sons and an adopted daughter: Mr Guy Tiddy (Woodville), Mr J. Milton Tiddy (Aberdeen) and Mrs Lloyd Pearce of Renmark, born Muriel Tiddy (a niece.) She was buried in Dudley Park Cemetery.
[Born Alice Hill 2 October 1859 Dry Creek SA: died Ada Alice Tiddy 9 August 1935 Prospect.]
Mongolata
Rev. Donald Redding conducted his usual fortnightly service followed by community singing.
Mongolata Cricket Club held a successful dance on Saturday in Mr G.B. Morgan’s woolshed, with supper in the hands of Mr W. Carpenter.
Mongolata Sports Club gave its second annual report. Thanks went to Mr G.B. Morgan for allowing the sports ground to be moved to the more suitable site it now occupies. The ground has been marked out and a bicycle and running track graded. [Thanks to a long list of helpers follow.]
On the sports day the gate (in charge of Mr Phil Rule) took £3-1-5. The dance afterwards at Burra made a small profit. The sports day saw about 80 boys and girls given a bag of food, fruit and sweets.
There have been many departures from Mongolata and the population has fallen from over 120 to about 80.
[The Secretary, W. Carpenter, goes on generally to express his confidence in the field and how he has hopes for a school to be opened. Social activities continue and thanks are due to Rec. Redding and his band of assistants and to Captain & Mrs Thompson of the Salvation Army. The entire report extends to about 1 column.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 24 August.
The shaft at 88 ft level has been timbered where the stage was removed. A new stage was erected at 93 ft level. The drive was underhand stoped for a depth of 5 ft and a distance of 12 ft into the footwall of the lode. Driving has been started north and south for about 3 ft. No gold.
10 tons are at the battery estimated at 8-10 dwt per ton.
Byles’ Mongolata for fortnight to 22 August.
Work on the shaft has progressed to 37 ft of which 18 ft is timbered. The compressor is now working satisfactorily. Stoping has been done between 50 and 92 ft levels with 15 tons of ore raised at an estimated 12-15 dwt per ton.
Tom Canny writes on home and foreign trade and urging raw primary production to be sold at home and manufactured products to be exported so that Australia benefits from the value added.
Kooringa Football Club held a dance at the Institute on Wednesday evening. [Details in 1⁄2 column.]
Redruth Methodist Church Concert at the Institute on Wednesday aided church funds. W.H. Gare arranged the event.
Burra Golf Club. M.W. Bednall won the final of the Club Championship from F.J. McMahon. These two players tied for the 36 hole handicap trophy.
56, 35, 27 Aug. 1935, page 4
Booborowie Jubilee Ball took place in the Hall on 14 August and is reported in 3⁄4 column.
56, 36, 3 Sep. 1935, page 1
M.A. Radford writes advocating changing the name of Kooringa post office and telephone exchange to Burra, to eliminate the name confusion caused. At the same time he suggests Aberdeen post office could become North Burra.
M.A. Radford writes on foreign trade in answer to Tom Canny and opposing tariffs, which increase wages and production costs.
Mongolata Goldfield
W. Williams of Parkside visited the mines last week and is optimistic that the field will do well if properly worked. He is a former manager of leading WA goldfields. He was born in Burra and left with his parents 74 years ago when only 10 months old. He says the gold at Mongolata is similar to that of the Rand in South Africa.
Although aged 75 Mr Williams is a man of remarkable personality and build and it is to be hoped he will be spared to see the fruition of his present intense interest in Mongolata. If the field were in WA he believes it would before now have had 2,000 men employed there. He is a consultant for Byles’ GM Co. and expects to see a marked development in a few months.
[The commonness of the name makes identification uncertain, but Mr Williams may have been William Williams born 9 December 1860 at Kooringa to David & Hannah Williams, nee Clark.]
Centenary
The Local Centenary Committee met in the Council Chamber last Wednesday. Kapunda and Murray Bridge have also applied for the first week in October. Government grants were intended for the beautification of towns, but not for building purposes.
The sub-committee suggested the program be:
Friday 2 October Visitors greeted at a meeting at night.
Saturday 3 October Procession and sports with an evening concert, dance and pictures.
Sunday 4 October Church services and a sacred concert in the Institute in the evening.
Monday 5 October School demonstration and exhibition with an evening dance.
Tuesday 6 October Visits to Mongolata and other places of interest.
Mayor’s Ball and Bridge at night.
Wednesday 7 October Burra Show, pictures and dance at night.
Thursday 8 October Valedictory.
Dr Steele thought the ‘Back to Burra’ theme did not sufficiently advertise the district. Films of the great sheep stations and other industries should be made. He regretted there was no Concert organised by Mr Dane. Mr Dane said that could easily be added.
Mr Bednall thought there were too many dances and one or two would be ample.
Some scheme should be evolved to beautify the town and stress the part Burra had played in the progress of the state.
Mr Dane felt more had to be done to make the two events of the Centenary and the Show complement each other.
It was decided that the General Committee would appoint the chairmen of sub-committees, who would then select their own workers and they consequently appointed:
E.J. Davey Souvenirs and advertising
G.E. Dane Musical
E.J. Harris Accommodation
H.J.B. Jennison Decoration and reception
The Mayor Beautification
The Chairman of the Burra Burra DC was placed on the executive.
56, 36, 3 Sep. 1935, page 2
Obituary. Caroline Lord, the wife of the late George Lord, died 29 August, at her residence in Toorak Gardens aged 75. [Born Caroline Phillips 24 June 1860 North Adelaide. See an extended obituary on page 3 of this issue.]
Malcolm Thompson, second son of W.D. Thompson, left for a ten day course at the Non Commissioned Officers’ School O’Halloran Hill. He is the only SA trooper to obtain entry before getting his Sergeant’s stripes.
C.A.S. Hawker MHR will give a lantern lecture at the Burra Institute tonight on his recent tour to Europe, including impressions of Russia. All welcome: no charge.
The League of Wheelmen will hold a road race starting in Burra on 28 September. First prize is £75 and there will be a five mile event for boys under 16. The route will be Burra-Mt Bryan-Burra-Riverton-Tarlee-the City.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 September
Jackie Cooper & Thomas Meighan in Peck’s Bad Boy
Lew Ayres & Pat Paterson in Lottery Lover
56, 36, 3 Sep. 1935, page 3
Mrs Klaffus celebrated her 89th birthday on 27 August.
Mrs L. Grow was given a farewell on Tuesday last at the home of Mrs Bert Sugars. A presentation was made of a handsome blue dressing gown and slippers and a bouquet of Lorraine Lee roses. Mrs Grow will leave for Balhannah on Friday. [Her husband, Louis Grow, had died in September 1934.]
Obituary. James Thomas died 23 August at his residence ‘Northfield’ Redruth. He was born at Kooringa 3 April 1860, the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs James Thomas and the last surviving of a family of four sons. He received most of his education at Burra, at private schools of that period. On the closure of the Burra Mine he went to Wallaroo with his parents, where he gained business experience by working in drapery, bakery and chemist shops. However, the land called him and he left Wallaroo to join his father and brothers at Banbury (Mt Bryan East.) Later he got together a team of bullocks and went to Mt Gipps, the other side of Broken Hill, for wool. This was certainly a venturesome enterprise, for he was still only a lad. Sheep farming appealed to him and he battled hard shepherding sheep in rough country with plenty of wild dogs about. He endured great hardships, often losing instead of making money, but he set the foundations for a more successful career to come. In 1890 he married Miss Ada M. Gare and their first home was on a property known as Martindale, near Ketchowla Station. They then moved to Tomkinson near Caroona Station, where they struggled to make ends meet. In 1899 they came into the Razorback, just beyond Mt Bryan and soon after secured ‘Wallinga’ Mt Bryan East, where they lived with their family until their retirement. One of Mr Thomas’s outstanding achievements in the sheep farming business was the producing of fat lambs for the Freezing Works in a country considered to get too little rainfall for that purpose. He succeeded in this for a continuous period of over ten years. He took an active interest in all public matters and was a Hallett District Councillor for many years and an active member of the Agricultural Bureau. He was a great lover of music and organised and trained a piccolo band of boys at the local school – one of them is now the world-famous explorer, Sir Hubert (George) Wilkins, who was born at and spent his early years at Mt Bryan East. When he retired in 1921 Mr & Mrs Thomas came into Burra and purchased the property ‘Northfield’ at Redruth, where they lived until his death. In retirement he was not active in public affairs, but was busy in good works, which he performed quietly and unostentatiously. He was the Chairman of the Burra Benevolent Society and a member of the Unemployed Relief Committee, where the aid was often out of his own pocket. He was a regular visitor to the sick and suffering in our local hospital and at the home of the aged until illness claimed him. As in his early days, he continued to love music and took a great interest in the Burra District Brass Band, of which he was Patron. He paid for extra lighting at the Rotunda.
The funeral on 24 August was very largely attended. The Burra Band, under Bandmaster J.H. Murison played Jesu lover of my soul as the funeral procession went down the long avenue to the grave. He leaves a widow and three sons: G. Ralph Thomas (Hogback Station), Frank G. Thomas (Mt Bryan East) and Alan L. Thomas (‘Wonnara’ Terowie.) There are seven grandchildren.
[Born ‘Three Gums’ District of Burra 3 April 1860: died 23 August 1935 Redruth.]
Obituary. Rev. Joseph Thomas of Stockton NSW died 25 March 1935. He was the fourth and youngest brother of the late Mr James Thomas. The news was not broken to Mr James Thomas, who was seriously ill at the time and subsequently it never seemed expedient. Like his brother, Rev. Joseph Thomas was born at Kooringa, his parents having arrived here in 1848. After a few years Mr Thomas Sen. went onto the land. Consequently they are among the pioneer settlers of the district. Mr Thomas took charge of his sons’ education. Early on Joseph Thomas expressed a wish to join the ministry and asked his parents to give him a college education. They agreed and he was sent first to Watervale Grammar school and thence to Prince Alfred’s College and then Shebbear College, Devon, England. He returned to SA as a Congregational Minister and laboured in SA until 1903, when he went to NSW, where he laboured to within a month of his death, having then retired from active work after 50 years devoted service. [Born 15 February 1868 Kooringa.]
Obituary. Mrs George Lord, who died at Toorak Gardens on 29 August, was well known in Burra. She and her late husband were resident here for many years when they owned the Burra Hotel. During that time they both interested themselves in town matters. Mrs Lord particularly played a role during the period of WWI, when she was often seen in the big marquees erected in Market Square when luncheons etc. were held there. The Burra Hotel was not just a hotel, but a home where visitors and busy workers could rely on getting all the assistance she, her husband and family could provide. No matter how great the rush, Mrs Lord maintained that great quiet dignity and charm of manner habitual to her in her relations with people of all classes and creeds. Since their retirement their visits to Burra have not been frequent and especially since her husband’s death, [1928] when her own health has not been the best. She leaves one surviving daughter, Mrs W.H. Sandland of ‘Heathmont’ Kooringa and two surviving sons: Will & Cecil Lord of Adelaide. There are a number of grandchildren.
[Born Caroline Phillips 24 June 1860 North Adelaide.]
Football. Hallett 10.10 defeated Spalding 4.16.
Mongolata Sports Club held its AGM 26 August.
Elected: Patron, G.B. Morgan; President, H.T. Seaton; Secretary, W. Carpenter and Auditors, L. Kellaway & A. Fuss.
It was resolved to hold a sports day on 8-Hour Day.
Mongolata
The sixth table tennis tournament was won by Miss Beryl Carpenter from Lel Carpenter.
Captain & Mrs Thompson came out for a service last Thursday.
Bence’s Ltd staged a Spring Mannequin Parade at the Burra Institute on Friday afternoon and evening. Local mannequins assisted three of Adelaide’s finest. Locals were: Mrs H.V. Armstrong, Mrs A.L. Bence, Miss Dulcie Bourman and Miss Lotus Bence. [Details extend for c. 1 column.]
Burra Homing Club. A three-bird race was flown from Hawker on 17 August with all three to clock to be counted. The winner was A. Sampson.
On 24 August the race from Coonalpyn was won by P.J. Byrnes.
Porter’s Lagoon Tennis Club held its AGM 4 September and elected: Chairman, J.M. Howard; Secretary, M.L. Rasmus and Patron, G.G. Hawkes.
56, 36, 3 Sep. 1935, page 4
Basketball
Men’s Red 50 defeated Gold 25, and Brown forfeited to White.
Ladies’ Orange 16 defeated Green 11.
Men’s Red 64 defeated Green 45 and Gold45 defeated White 40.
Ladies’ Green 15 defeated Orange 13.
Ironmine Tennis Club held its AGM and elected: Patron, A.G. Drew; President, J. Williams; Vice Presidents, Mesdames A.G .Drew & I.J. Warnes and Messrs A.D. McDonald, A. Gask, C. Scholz and R. Wigley; Secretary & Treasurer, Mr B. Scholz; Captain, F. Scholz and Vice-Captain, L. Phillips.
A Weekly Air Service has been inaugurated between Adelaide and Darwin by Transcontinental Airways Ltd. Planes depart Adelaide on Mondays 6.30 a.m. for Farina and Oodnadatta to reach Alice Springs at 5 p.m. Depart Alice Springs Tuesday 6.30 a.m. for Tennant Creek, Newcastle Waters, Daly Waters and Pine Creek, to reach Darwin about 5 p.m.
The same route is followed from Darwin to Adelaide, departing Darwin Thursday morning, staying overnight in Alice Springs and reaching Adelaide Friday at 5 p.m.
56, 37, 10 Sep. 1935, page 1
Football. Booborowie 16.15 defeated Kooringa 9.8.
Burra Town Council, 2 September
The newly formed Ladies’ Hockey Club was granted the use of Victoria Park.
The Aberdeen Croquet Club sought help in beautifying land recently acquired. The Mayor felt that Council finances at present precluded any aid. North Ward Cr Jennison also regretted that finances prevented Council assistance and after discussion the matter was dropped.
Cr Kellaway again raised the question of the need for a second horse for Council work. The present one was not up to the work required of it. In any case, at present it had a bad foot and needed a spell.
[With the Mayor opposed to any purchase, the debate seems to have meandered somewhat and the subject of a truck was also raised.]
Eventually it was resolved to hire a horse when necessary and that the present animal be spelled when possible.
The Commissioner of Public Works advised there was no intention of sealing the road to Burra as a centenary project and no prospect of doing it at all for at least three years.
The Mayor thought the road east from Mr Bednall’s (corner of Ludgvan St and Smelts Rd) should be taken over by the Main Roads Department.
Cr Jeffery said, if it were not, the Council would have a big job and the dust was also bad there.
Kooringa Methodist Church and Trust benefited from a fair held on Friday afternoon with the theme of an Australian Bush Fair. It was opened by the Mayoress, Mrs T.H .Woollacott. With gross takings of £108-12-3 and a nett profit of just over £102, it was a most satisfactory affair. [Details in c. 11⁄2 columns.]
Mr S.E. Stewart was farewelled on Friday 6 September. He is leaving Burra to go into business in Adelaide. He will be missed in sporting circles, especially at the Burra Golf Club. He was presented with a travelling rug.
56, 37, 10 Sep. 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 14 September
William Powell & Myrna Loy in The Thin Man
Franchot Tone and Jean Moir in Gentlemen are Born
Obituary. Matilda Rowe aged 76 died on 5 September, suddenly, at the residence of her granddaughter at World’s End. She was the mother of Mary, Mrs W.J. Bown of Aberdeen.
Mrs M. Rowe died suddenly last Thursday evening while spending a holiday with her granddaughter, Mrs Percy J. Thomas of World’s End. She had a sudden heart failure. She was born in SA on 17 July 1860 and spent virtually all her life in the Robertstown, World’s End and Burra district. She was a Miss Jones before marriage. After her husband died 20 years ago she worked for 17 years for Messrs A.J. & P.A. McBride, Mr Reg. Warnes and Mr W.G. Hawkes at Koonoona. She retired three years ago. She leaves three children: Mrs W. John Bown (Aberdeen), Mrs T. Duell of Jamestown and Mr Ted Rowe of WA. There are 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
[Births, Marriages and Deaths records for this family are confusing. At her death Matilda’s husband (deceased) is said to have been Henry. At marriage he was Edward. Birth records say Matilda Jones was born 24 July 1860 at Pekina. Her daughter Mary Matilda [Bown] was born Mary Matilda Roe with her father cited as Edwin Roe and mother Matilda James. The father becomes Edmond when Mary Matilda marries. When her daughter Alice [Duell] was born the father is not stated, but is said to be Edward on her marriage. He mother is cited as Matilda Rowe nee Jones.]
The Baby Health Train is on its 18th tour and with Sister A.W.M. Lapworth will be in Burra 22-24 September, when it will leave at 11.39 a.m. for Terowie.
The Burra District Waltzing Championship continues, with the fourth heat held on Monday 2 September in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Aberdeen.
Mongolata Goldfield
Messrs Rampton & Son, who are among the oldest prospectors at Mongolata, have recently got onto some ‘good stuff’ with excellent battery returns. They recently came on a very rich vein showing gold clearly. Their claim is near Byles’ Mongolata. Two years ago they were only seven feet away from the present find, but a flood washed down tons of earth and they abandoned the area.
Curlew Claim had had processed 261⁄2 tons for 88 oz 4 dwt, or an excellent average of 3 oz 4 gr per ton.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate had 10 tons 4 cwt pass through the battery for 3 oz 8 dwt 17 gr plus 1 oz 7 dwt 5 gr by cyanide, for an average 1⁄2 oz per ton.
Adelaide Wool Sales. W.H. Sandland’s Balah wool did particularly well with up to 181⁄2d and an average 151⁄3d: the highest average for the sale. The highest price was 183⁄4d for seven bales from H. & R. Warnes of Kooringa.
Aberdeen Tennis Club held its AGM 3 September in the Memorial Hall, Redruth, with A.B. Riggs in the chair. Elected: Patron, Frank Reed; President, A.B. Riggs; Vice-Presidents, Messrs T.H. Woollacott & F.M. Pearce; Secretary, J.M. Tiddy; Treasurer, L. Clode; Captain, R. Nickles and Vice-Captain Bert Hirschausen.
56, 37, 10 Sep. 1935, page 3
Hanson Methodist Fete ‘In a Rose Garden’ on 4 September in the Methodist Hall is reported in 2⁄3 column. Takings were £28.
Burra Basketball Association. Leading goal throwers were:
I. Wohling 183
K. Wohling 165
R. Davey 133
The Burra Reunion & Social League held a gathering at Moore’s in Adelaide. Burra’s oldest townsmen, Mr W. James (90) and S. Williams (89) were among the more than 60 people present. A.B .Riggs gave a talk referring to centenary matters.
[A list of those present is printed, but only surnames are cited without initials.]
Marriage. St Mary’s, Burra, 24 August
Dorothy H. Weston, only daughter of Mr & Mrs E. Weston of Wynbring and granddaughter of Mr John Weston of Kooringa, married I.J. Morrison, eldest son of Mrs Morrison of Adelaide.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church, Wednesday 4 September
Joy Finch, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Walter Finch of Leighton, married
Allen G. Filmer, son of the late Mr & Mrs E.F. Filmer of Corny Point.
Old Mt Bryan Methodist Church Sports & Fete was held last Saturday and is reported in c. 1 column. The 5-mile cycle race was won by Rex Opperman with Leo Taylor second.
56, 37, 10 Sep. 1935, page 4
Burra Bowling Club held its AGM at the Burra Hotel 4 August. Secretary J.T. Pascoe reported a good year. The overdraft had been slightly reduced, largely due to good support from the Ladies’ Croquet Club. Membership had fallen slightly. Interclub matches were quite successful this year with eight wins from thirteen matches. The Kapunda Cup was retained, but the shield was again lost to Clare. A plague of grasshoppers in the year greatly affected the green, but it has now largely recovered. Elected were: Patron, Dr Steele, President, E.J. Davey; Vice-Presidents, M. Pearce & H. Mumme and Secretary & Treasurer, J.T. Pascoe.
Tom Canny contributes another long letter of c. 1 column on foreign trade.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 4th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 500, 600 & 700 yards. Best were H.E. Calvert, A.G. Heinrich and A.B. Riggs.
56, 38, 17 Sep. 1935, page 1
Marriage. Yorketown Methodist Church, 22 August
A. Linden Riggs, eldest son of Mr & Mrs J. Arthur Riggs of ‘Linville’ Kooringa, married
Gwendoline M. Friebe, second daughter of Mr & Mrs J.A. Friebe of Yorketown.
Football. Hallett 8.21 defeated Kooringa 2.5.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 5th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 200, 500 & 600 yards. Best scores were from H.E. Calvert, E. Reed and R. Pexton.
Burra Burra DC, 2 September
The Hanson Memorial Hall Committee was granted permission to use the Hanson Council Chamber as a supper room for 2/6 for each occasion.
It was resolved that the assessments of the late District Councils of Burra, Hanson, Mt Bryan and of the amalgamated portion of Booborowie, be adopted by the Burra Burra DC for the financial year ending 30 June 1936.
56, 38, 17 Sep. 1935, page 2
Mrs W.H. Field will leave Burra this week to reside in Prospect. She has spent practically all her life in Burra and has been one of the most indefatigable members of the Burra Benevolent Society.
An Earth Tremor was felt at Redcliffe Station by Mr T. McBride last Sunday at 5 p.m. Some people in Burra reported hearing a rumble which they attributed to thunder, but no shaking.
The Rambler Cricket Club held its AGM 12 September at the Kooringa Hotel and elected: President, C.V. Opie; Vice-Presidents A.N. Ratcliffe, R.A. Lynch & H.N. Potter; Secretary, C. Attrill; Assistant Secretary, L. Parks; Captain, K.M. Drew and Vice-Captain, Reg. Davey.
Theft. A valuable ram is believed to have been stolen from Koonoona Station between 30 August and 4 September. It is valued at £200 and is branded.
Burra Ladies’ Cheer-up Band. Mrs J. Heinrich (nee Ruby Cock) of Lockleys, and a member of this once famous band, is desirous of having a reunion during show week in Adelaide, on Thursday afternoon the 19th at the ‘Green Gate’ tea rooms in Richmond Arcade, Rundle St. Several of the old girls have been contacted and it is hoped to make the reunion an annual fixture.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 21 September
Richard Tauber, Jane Baxter & Carl Esmond in Blossom Time
Clifford Mollison & Wendy Barrie in Freedom of the Seas
C.A.S. Hawker gave a lantern lecture on 4 September to a fair audience at the Burra Institute, on his recent trip abroad. The Mayor presided.
‘Mr Hawker spoke in commendable terms of how Germany, Poland, and lesser nations are trying to reinstate themselves.’ In Russia ‘he saw for himself the awful plight of peasants under the “Collective system” etc.’
World’s End School benefited by c. £8 from a dance held in Mr Ern Phillips’ woolshed on 4 September, organised by the teacher, Mr J. Condon.
St Joseph’s Church, Burra, benefited from a dance held in the Institute last Wednesday.
56, 38, 17 Sep. 1935, page 3
Hallett Church of England benefited from an ‘Ideal Home Fete’ last Saturday. As well as the fete itself there was a mannequin parade shown by Bence’s Ltd with Mrs G. Hann as pianist. There was also a Baby Show and a dance in the evening. [Details occupy 2 columns.]
Burra Primary School has farewelled Miss Molly Quinn, who has been transferred to Kapunda Primary School. She was presented with a handsome bedroom clock. One of the staff, Mr E. Jennings, who is to be married this week, was presented with a crystal glass vase and silver butter dish.
Obituary. Mr Harry Parks of Kooringa died last Sunday somewhat suddenly, after a long illness. He was the eldest son of Mr & Mrs Charles Parks of Kooringa and was born in October 1888. After school he worked with his father, now in retirement, but then running a baking business. Later flour affected his health and he went to Yardea as a cook for Messrs A.J. & P.A. McBride for some time. Having regained a measure of health he returned to Burra and the baking business, but the old trouble returned and he was forced to give up active work. He was fond of sport and gardening and had a particular love of cricket. When coursing was popular here, he found it most enjoyable and had some very classy greyhounds. He married Miss Dora Phillips, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs James Phillips of Booborowie, who survives with three sons and one daughter: Lloyd, Joffre, Jim and Ilah Mrs W. Coles of Adelaide. There is one grandson. He is also survived by his parents and two brothers: Joe Parks (Kooringa) and Tom Parks (Semaphore.)
[Born 3 October 1887 Kooringa: died 15 September 1935 Kooringa.]
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club. Bad weather caused the postponement of the 12-mile road race planned for Saturday 14 September. It will be run on 21 September.
Weather. We have had a week of good rain generally throughout the agricultural areas. Burra recorded 122 points and Hanson (Glen Finch) 116, The Gap 110, Mongolata 88 and the World’s End area 80-100 points. Much less fell to the east with ‘The Gums’ reporting c. 40, Ketchowla 53 and many other reports between 25 and 50 points.
56, 39, 24 Sep. 1935, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. The Sa Rifle Association Prize Meeting was held at Pt Adelaide. Captain H.H. Byles won £5-5-0 and former member S.E. Truscott, now with the Waikerie Club, won £2-5-0.
Football. In the Premiership match Booborowie 13.17 defeated Hallett 8.20 and so retained the shield.
At half time P.L. Rosman, Chairman of the Association, presented W. Hales of Spalding with the Mail Medal for most consistent and fairest.
56, 39, 24 Sep. 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 28 September
Gloria Swanson & John Boles in Music in the Air
Richard Arlen & Madge Evans in Helldorado
Advt. Mongolata Picnic Sports, 3rd Annual Meeting, Eight Hours Day, Wednesday 9 October.
[The program is printed.]
The Burra Ladies’ Cheer-up Band held a reunion at the Green Gate Café in Richmond Arcade on Thursday afternoon. Many could not attend due to the short notice given. Those present included: Mrs J. Heinrich (Ruby Cock), Mrs C.C. Lord (Jessie Hunt), Mrs B.C. Richmond (Freda Truscott), Mrs L.R. Clark (Amy Harris), Mrs P.C. Herbert (Gladys Lawn), Miss Ethel James, Miss Pearl Pressick and Miss Myrtle Isaacs. Apologies were received from Mrs W.H. Spier (Olive Hopgood), Mrs Archie Dearlove (Nell Pearce), Mrs Ray Jones (Dorothy Pederson), Mrs J.H. Murison (Dorothy Harris), Miss Hazel Pressick, Miss Thelma Harris, Miss Melva Burns and Miss G. Pearce. A message of best wishes came from Mr James Bentley, once their popular bandmaster. In the sixteen years since disbanding two members have died: Miss Trix Pearce and Mrs Reg. Scott (nee Hilda Kellock.) Myrtle Isaacs has kept up with her cornet playing and has joined the recently formed Adelaide Ladies’ Brass Band. Another reunion is planned for 1st Friday in November.
Obituary. Mrs Frederick Pearce died last Thursday from pneumonia after a short illness. She was born at Pt Elliot on 6 September 1859. In connection with the Methodist Church she was associated with the Guild and assisted in all church work when and wherever she could. The croquet club has also lost a member. In WWI Mrs Pearce was a most active member of the Soldiers’ Aid Society and continued to assist until it was disbanded a few years ago. She was a bright and happy personality. She is survived by a husband and family of six sons and one surviving daughter: Fred M. Pearce (Aberdeen), Elliot Pearce (Adelaide), Lloyd Pearce (Renmark), Eric (Jack) (Adelaide), Elbourne (Bourn) Pearce, Alwin T. Pearce (Aberdeen) and Miss M.V. (Ola) Pearce (Aberdeen). There are several grandchildren. One daughter, Hazel (Mrs A. Dawes of Adelaide) and one son, J.E. (Boz) Pearce, predeceased their mother. [Born Elizabeth Anne Trigg. Died 19 September 1935 Aberdeen.]
Mongolata School. For some time the residents at Mongolata have been appealing for a school. The number of children is present and costs would be moderate. Mr W. Carpenter has worked hard to this end and all concerned were disappointed when on Wednesday last Mr McDonald MP wrote to say that the Mines Department has expressed its opinion that it could not vouch for the field being a permanency and consequently the Education Department would not proceed with a school. Mr McDonald says he will not let the matter drop. [The reporter thought the Department of Mines’ stance was beyond understanding.]
Salvation Army. Lt Colonel F.W. Ede, the Head of the SA Division of the Salvation Army, paid a visit to Burra on Monday evening. There was only a small attendance at the evening meeting. Envoy A.O. Aberg extended a hearty welcome and introduced the Mayor, T.H. Woollacott, who welcomed the Lt Colonel on behalf of the town. Lt Colonel Ede gave an interesting account of his own life from his birth at Pt Pirie to his work for the Salvation Army. In the evening service he gave an address based on the 1st chapter of St John 8th verse.
Advt. Mongolata Central GM Syndicate calls tenders for a 7 ft x 5 ft tunnel approximately 100 ft long.
56, 39, 24 Sep. 1935, page 3
Burra Town Council
The Highways & Local Government Department advises that a motion to disallow the by-law on hawkers would be brought forward in the House of Assembly this week.
The Mayor saw this as ‘City influence again.’
Three ratepayers were allowed to work off their rates.
The Fire Brigade requested a space at the rear of the station for a back yard, with the intention of it being made into a garden, which would improve the property and the town. The only trees there were cork elm suckers. Council resolved to inspect the site before deciding.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata for the fortnight to 20 September
The main shaft has been sunk to 71 ft.
In the open cut stripping timber from the No. 1 shaft has been completed and open cut work has commenced.
The consultant W.M. Williams and directors visited the mine on Monday and we believe they are very satisfied with the preliminary work done on the open cut and the main shaft. It is anticipated the whole open cut will be a payable proposition.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 21 September
Driving in Lean’s Shaft continued from the 92 ft level. The north drive was extended to 12 ft and the south to 16 ft. In the north drive the lode is split into two seams. In the south drive towards Pexton’s, the seam on the west wall is getting a little wider. There is some colour in the north drive, but none in the south drive.
Erecting a windlass and collar on Farnden’s Hill, to sink on a new seam.
Mongolata
The Church of England service and community singing took place as usual on Wednesday evening with Rev. Donald Redding.
About 80 points of rain has fallen in the last fortnight.
E.J. Davey, Burra Town Clerk writes urging motorists to pay more attention to the school signs covering the exit from the swing bridge opposite the Institute.
Kooringa Tennis Club held its AGM 12 September and elected: Patron, Dr D.M. Steele; President, M.W. Bednall; Vice-President, J.R. Barker, Secretary & Treasurer, C.L. Phillips; Assistant Secretary, F. Pontifex, Captain, H.N. Potter and Vice-Captain, C.L. Phillips.
Burra Homing Club, The race on 7 September from Coonalpyn was won by H.W. Pearce. That on 13 September from Parachilna was won by C. Hill and the race on 21 September from Keith was won by F. Pearce.
56, 39, 24 Sep. 1935, page 4
Mongolata Sports. Results held over from last week are printed.
Tennis: Hanson 11-84 defeated Mongolata 5-67.
Cricket: Hanson 42 & 149 v. Mongolata 53 & 5 for 72.
The Table Tennis Tournament was won by Miss Glad Carpenter. (Some of the best players were otherwise engaged this week.)
Cricket: World’s End 31 v. Mongolata 63. This was played at World’s End for the opening of their new pitch.
Burra Basketball Association. Burra 76 defeated Peterborough 72 at Burra on 17 September.
56, 40, 1 Oct. 1935, page 1
Burra’s Water Supply. In response to a question in Parliament the Hon. The Minister has authorised the provision of a new plant and the construction of a 250,000 gallon storage tank at an estimated cost of £4,150. The existing plant will be retained as a standby. This follows the assessment of the water supply as most unsatisfactory, due to the inefficiency of the plant.
Burra Rifle Club. On 28 September Town Members played Country Members.
Town 370 defeated Country 362.
Burra & District Waltzing Championship. The final heat was held in the Oddfellows Hall on Monday 23 September with the Grand Final to be held on 8 October. [Finalists are listed.]
56, 40, 1 Oct. 1935, pages 1 & 4
Hallett & District Schools Athletic & Exhibition Association held its 8th Annual Sports and Exhibition at Hallett Recreation Grounds on 27 September.
Schools in Division A were: Yarcowie, Terowie, Hallett, Mt Bryan and Booborowie North.
Schools in Division B were Ulooloo, Petherton, Willalo and Mt Bryan East.
[Details and results occupy c. 51⁄2 columns.]
56, 40, 1 Oct. 1935, page 2
Birth. To Mr & Mrs H.W. (Bert) Morgan at Burra Hospital on 30 September, a son, Adrian Clifford.
A Grasshopper Plague is affecting the Eastern Country. ‘The Gums’ and Baldina Downs are specifically mentioned. Lack of feed will impeded their development on many properties.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 5 October
Bert Baily & Fred McDonald in Grandad Rudd
Randolph Scott & Martha Sleeper in Broken Dreams
St Joseph’s Convent Music Exam results are printed.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM. Work is proceeding on the open cut.
Kooringa Methodist Church will celebrate the 88th Anniversary of Methodism in Burra and the 21st Anniversary of the present building on 12 & 13 October. On the Saturday there will be a reunion followed by ‘high tea’ in the Sunday School. In the evening there will be a reminiscences gathering with a huge birthday cake, which will be cut into pieces and sold.
On Sunday Rev. A.J. Finch will preach morning and evening. In the afternoon there will be a music festival directed by G.E. Dane.
56, 40, 1 Oct. 1935, page 3
Burra Golf Club closed its season with a dance on Thursday night.
The Aberdeen Ballast Quarry
Further questions in Parliament resulted in the Minister of Railways saying that at present there was no work in progress requiring ballast in the neighbourhood of Burra. The greater part of the broken stone requirements must come from Sleep’s Hill and Yatala. In anticipation of their being able to make use of broken stone from Burra, the stores branch has been instructed to place an order (provided the price is satisfactory) for 500 tons of Burra stone to be supplied as and when required.
Tom Canny writes challenging Mr Hawker’s conception of conditions on collective farms in Russia. For bad living conditions on farms one only has to go to some of the West Coast of SA or to the Murray Flats, to say nothing of the unemployed who are living in humpies on the banks of the Torrens and elsewhere. ‘I have not heard Mr Hawker’s voice raised on behalf of those unfortunates.’
‘While I would like it known that I condemn the Communistic doctrine, I do not consider it any worse than the other extreme, i.e. Fascism and Nazism.’
56, 40, 1 Oct. 1935, page 4
M.A. Radford contributes another 1-column article on Foreign Trade, arguing against Tom Canny and for freer trade.
Basketball.
Men’s Red 59 defeated Gold 35 and White forfeited to Green. Later in the report it says Green 33 defeated White 29, but White had to use two players from Gold to make up a team. [Perhaps we can reconcile the two statements if the substitutions didn’t allow the match to count in the premiership table. Or perhaps White forfeited part way through the game.]
Ladies’ Gold and Green drew with 10 goals each after extra time.
56, 41, 8 Oct. 1935, page 1
Redruth Methodist Ladies’ Guild held a Pet Show at the Aberdeen Children’s Playground last Saturday. There were also sections for decorated dolls’ prams, bicycles and tricycles.
[Results are printed and the entries described in a report of 11⁄4 columns.]
Burra Rifle Club fired the 6th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy on 5 October over 300, 500 & 600 yards. Best on the day were E. Reed, N. Jesser and S. Quinn.
56, 41, 8 Oct. 1935, page 2
Obituary. George Freeman, a former Burra resident, died at Ballarat recently. The gentleman was born at Burra in 1858, the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs George Freeman. He was educated in Burra and we understand his father drove the mail between Burra and Kapunda before the railway reached Burra. Two brothers, W.B. & W.S. Freeman survive. [This George Freeman is not readily traced in SA Births, Deaths and Marriages. The brother, W.S. Freeman appears to have been Walter Stanley, born 28 August 1873 at Redruth. W.B. is also untraceable.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 12 October
James Cagney & Ruby Keeler in Footlight Parade
George Brent & Margaret Lindsay in From Headquarters
Accident. Alfred Launer of Stone Hut Creek, Robertstown, has a road contract and was working at a quarry about half a mile from Koonoona Station last Thursday. He was shaking the dust off a detonator preparatory to putting in a charge, when it exploded. He lost three fingers of his left hand, injured his right hand and sustained facial cuts and other mutilations. Despite these injuries and shock, he managed to run to Koonoona Station, arriving a little after 6 a.m. Mr Glen Hawkes was up and drove him at once to Burra Hospital.
56, 41, 8 Oct. 1935, page 3
Mongolata
Table Tennis Tournament last week was won by Miss Joan Lang.
Captain & Mrs Thompson conducted a service again last week, but to a rather small congregation.
Cricket. At Mongolata on Saturday World’s End 82 defeated Mongolata 62.
On Wednesday evening Rev. Donald Redding preached to a large congregation, after which there was community singing led by Mr Dollman.
The last table tennis tournament for the season was played on Thursday and was won by Bill Robinson.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 5 October
Lean’s Shaft. The south drive has been extended to 25 ft. The south drive has been extended to 16 ft.
Farnden’s Hill. The shaft has been sunk about 80 ft east of the old diggings, to a depth of 16 ft and a windlass erected.
Loomed up the south end of old workings with colour visible in the dish. Cut the seam on the south end and presently opening up a hole at this point with the seam carrying a little fine gold.
Burra Centenary Committee met on Wednesday night last week.
The mayor reported that the State Organiser had approved of the proposed Burra Program.
Dr Steele moved that application be made to the Central Committee that 2 October to 8 October be allocated to Burra, to make it possible to work with the Show Committee and that it be advised that they were unable to propose an alternative because it depended upon the decision of the Show Committee. Carried.
Dr Steele then suggested a move should be made to level the school ground, as many accidents occurred there.
The Mayor thought that an approach should be made to the Education Department, which might do this without encroaching on the centenary funds.
Dr Steele thought this would not be likely: ‘the constant cry nowadays was the cost of education.’
Mr Pickering suggested that application be made for a £200 grant with £100 to be spent on the ground. The mayor said if there were an application from the School Committee it would be brought before the Government. Dr Steele said that being the case, he would drop the question s far as the Centenary was concerned.
Dr Steele then moved that the State Organiser be asked for a subsidy of £200 to be spent on wages in tree planting and the beautification of streets and reserves, given that £150 had already been promised and the Committee was confident of public subscriptions of another £100. Carried.
56, 41, 8 Oct. 1935, page 4
Booborowie Annual Old Time Ball was held in the Memorial Hall and is reported in c. 1⁄2 column.
Kooringa Masonic Lodge No. 6 installed Bro. H.J.B. Jennison as Worshipful Master last Wednesday. After the ceremony a banquet was held in the Lodge’s supper room. [Details in 1⁄2 column.]
Tom Canny makes a further reply to Mr Radford on the subject of Foreign Traders.
56, 42, 15 Oct. 1935, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. On Labour Day a Prize Meeting was held at Kapunda. Five Burra members attended. Generally heavy competition from city clubs kept them well down the list, but A.C. Aughey got in the money at 300 yards. H.H. Byles collected some at 600 yards. J.E. Harris collected as a tyro at 300, 500 and in the aggregate. K.S. Dawson collected as a tyro at 300 and 600 and got into the open prizes at 500 and in the aggregate, where he finished 15th.
Last Saturday there was a District Union Teams’ Match at Auburn. Auburn scored 654 off the rifle and Burra 667, but the final result will not be known till handicaps are added.
Farrell’s Flat Bachelors’ Ball was held at the local Institute on 9 October and is reported in 1⁄3 column.
Mongolata Sports was held on 9 October. The morning looked good, but by noon the wind had risen and with it a red haze became more pronounced. Despite the brickfielder many visitors attended and most of the dust was lying more to the east until a change of wind at about 4 p.m., after which dusty conditions prevailed. In cycling Leo Taylor of Burra carried off the two and one mile handicap events and Rex [Opperman] won the half mile race. [Report with results extends for 11⁄4 columns.]
56, 42, 15 Oct. 1935, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Annual Off Shears Sheep Sale Friday 18 October. 25,923 sheep on offer.
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Annual Off Shears Sheep Sale 1 November. 12,000 sheep on offer.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 19 October
Alice Faye & James Dunn in George White’s 1935 Scandals
George O’Brien & Dorothy Wilson in When a Man’s a Man
Guy Fawkes Day has not yet arrived, but already ‘young cannon’ are being exploded in the streets and in some cases accidents only narrowly averted. One bomb exploding under a car on the Black Bridge caused the driver to swerve, only barely missing the side of the bridge. Letting off fireworks in the street is an offence.
Obituary. Mrs Harriet Highett, who was a resident of Kooringa for many years, died recently in Adelaide, at her son’s residence aged 80. She leaves a large family and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. [Born Harriet Lines 9 September 1855 District of Adelaide: died 24 September 1935 Norwood.]
Obituary. Mrs S.A. Short, late of Aberdeen, died at the residence of her daughter at Mile End on 10 October. She was born at Rhynie SA in July 1850. She was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Camp and came with her parents early in life to live at Springbank near Burra and until two or three years ago had lived there ever since. She was first married to Mr John Collins, but was widowed and left with a young son and daughter. She later married Mr Short, who died 42 years ago. For many years Mrs Short was an invalid and of late has resided with her eldest daughter Grace, Mrs Ford of Mile End. She leaves three daughters: Grace Mrs Ford, Maud Mrs H. Warner of Jamestown and Lena Mrs S. Kellaway. There are 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her son predeceased her some time ago. [Born Susan Agnes Camp 5 September 1851 Gumeracha (not as above): died Susan Ann Short 10 October 1935 Mile End. Joseph Short died 4 September 1895 aged 35. Her first husband was William Collins, (not John as stated above) who died 1883 aged 30. Her marriages use the names Susan Agnes. Of her daughters Grace was from the first marriage and Maud and Lena from the second.]
56, 42, 15 Oct. 1935, page 3
The Kooringa Methodist Church celebrated the 21st anniversary of the present building and the 88th anniversary of Methodism in Burra last Saturday and Sunday. The weather for the occasion was excellent and many old members of the congregation returned for the occasion. Rev. John H. Nield was the minister when the present building was erected, but he could not attend as his wife died on 8 October. They had been married in Burra in 1912. She had taken a leading part when the foundation stones of the new building had been laid. Rev. Alfred Finch had followed Rev. Nield and he accepted the invitation to conduct the anniversary services.
On Saturday afternoon the reunion of old friends went very well and there was community singing.
[A list of old choir members present is printed. Among many present were Mr & Mrs John McLaren and Mrs August Fuss.]
At 5 p.m. all adjourned to the Lecture Hall for a magnificent ‘high tea’. A presentation was made to Miss Jean Herbert who had only recently left the town. [This is reported in 13⁄4 columns and the Saturday activities get 1 column, while the Sunday services are covered in c. 1⁄2 column.]
Obituary. Mrs Nield died on 8 October.
[Born Clementina Riggs 16 August 1866 Gawler Hills, married John Henry Nield 18 September 1912 at Pirie St Methodist Church, Adelaide. Died 8 October 1935 at Prospect.]
Burra Homing Club. The second race from Keith on 5 October was won by A. Sampson.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 9-86 defeated Mt Bryan 9-69
Aberdeen 9-120 defeated Ironmine 9-86
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 17-130 defeated Ironmine 1-45
Kooringa I v. Kooringa II was un-[finished?]
56, 42, 15 Oct. 1935, page 4
Burra Town Council, 7 October
Council was invited to attend the Anniversary Celebrations at the Kooringa Methodist Church. They decided to attend the afternoon service.
The Minister of railways advised that although no ballast was presently required 500 tons would be ordered from the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry. A letter of appreciation for their efforts will be sent to the District MPs.
The Commissioner of Public works advises a new reservoir and pumping plant will be erected at a cost of £4,150. Another letter of appreciation will be sent to the District MPs.
The Mayor said Burra slag was now being used on roads as far away as Mt Lofty. The Highway Department’s last purchase was for 5,000 tons. The immense heap would gradually disappear.
Cr Dow thought not for many years.
The Mayor thought they should apply for a portion to be set aside for local use, as it was a valuable asset. [The discussion then went on for some time about making good roads by sufficient rolling.]
Eventually it was decided to send a letter to the owners of the slag heap, Goldsbrough, Mort & Co., asking for an agreement for some of it to be reserved for the Burra Town Council use.
It was resolved that new post in reinforced concrete be put in for the bridge at Gully’s Wharf.
World’s End creek School held their annual picnic at Burra Creek on Saturday 5 October. Titling on horseback was the star attraction. In the afternoon there were sports for the children. [Results are printed.]
18/23 Light Horse
The Australian Efficiency Medal (with 1st clasp) has been awarded to Squadron Sergeant-Major (Warrant-Officer) R.G. Bernhardt and Pioneer Sergeant O.J. Oates. Both are members of the Burra Troop 18/23 Light Horse Regiment. The medal and clasp follow completion of 18 years ‘Efficient’ service with the unit. S-M Bernhardt joined the troop on 1 July 1916 and was promoted to Corporal 1 August 1921, to Lance-Sergeant 28 February 1925, to Sergeant 1 March 1926 and to his present rank 1 March 1934. Pioneer Sergeant Oates enlisted 19 December 1912 and has served continuously ever since. He was made a Corporal 1 March 1926 and Pioneer-Sergeant 29 December 1928. The medal is awarded for 12 years’ ‘efficient’ service with a clasp for each succeeding 6 years.
56, 43, 22 Oct. 1935, page 1
Black Springs School held its annual picnic on the property of Rowen Bros on 12 October.
[The results of the sports events are printed.]
Black Springs Hall Committee has decided to put in a new jarrah floor and a new stage curtain. Both should be ready for the concert on 25 October when the Black Springs Entertainers will stage their first program.
Glendore Methodist Sunday School held its Anniversary on 12 & 13 October. Rev. P. Chennell of Kapunda delighted congregations with splendid discourses.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 7th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 200, 300 & 700 yards. Best scores were by A.B. Riggs, W.G. Woodman and J.E. Pearce. Best off the rifle were H.H. Byles, W.G. Woodman and J.E. Pearce.
Burra & District Waltzing Championship
The grand final was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall Aberdeen on 8 October. The judges were Mr & Mrs A.H. Tremethick of Adelaide. Sixteen couples danced for the finals. Heats of four couples were danced with two couples selected from each heat. Winners of the championship were Mr Tom Williams and Miss Hooper with Mr T. Pohlner and his sister, Mrs M. Stockman, second.
[Details occupy 1 column.]
Ironmine Tennis Club held a dance in Leighton Hall on 17 October. [Details in 2⁄3 column.]
Mongolata School. Hon. G.F. Jenkins MP advises that the Minister of Education has agreed to establish a school at Mongolata Goldfield for 13 children at the site. A portable building at Silver Vale, which has not been used since last April, will be transported to the site.
[This news represented an about turn by the Government since the news of 56, 39, 24 Sep. 1935, page 2, when the appeal for a school was denied.]
56, 43, 22 Oct. 1935, page 2
Obituary. John Berryman was buried on Saturday last. He was aged 80 and had resided at Spring Bank for many years, on the property now owned by Mr K.R. Crewes. On retirement he went to live at Glenelg. He married Miss Annie Snell, daughter of the late John Snell of Kooringa, who died a few years ago [1929.]
[Born 5 October 1855 Johnson’s Troughs, District of the Murray: died 18 October 1935, Helmsdale.]
Burra Croquet Club held its AGM 17 October. Elected were: President, Mrs Clem Pearce; Vice-President, Mrs E.F. Marston; Secretary, Mrs O. Walker; Captain, Mrs W.H. Sandland and Vice-Captain, Mrs S.H. Robinson.
Burra Electric Supply Co. held its annual meeting on Thursday. About a dozen shareholders attended to hear that the company was in good shape and a dividend of 5% was declared. The retiring directors, W.H. Sandland and J.E. Pearce, were re-elected.
Burra Benevolent Society has elected Rev. G.C. Hutchinson as acting President following the death of President Mr James Thomas.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 & 26 October
Shirley Temple & Lionel Barrymore in The Little Colonel
Edward Horton & Karen Morley in 10 Dollar Rise
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 9-92 defeated Ironmine 9-87
Aberdeen 12-97 defeated Booborowie 6-62
‘B’ Grade Kooringa I 14-101 defeated Ironmine 4-54.
Burra Homing Club flew its second race from Farina on 10 October. It was won by C. Hill.
Mongolata
Rev. Donald Redding made a special appeal at Wednesday evening’s service for a donation in lieu of the Strawberry Fete. Since he and his party have been coming out to the goldfield for about twelve months without taking up any offertories, this would show a little appreciation of their efforts. Mr Dollman led the community singing afterwards.
The week produced 105 points of rain.
Weather. Rain on Friday was steady and in Burra totalled 94 points. To the east rain was general, but tailed of the further to the east one went. Mongolata had 70 points, Woolgangi 22 and Koomooloo 14.
Heavy rain followed on Sunday and the creek past the Burra Hospital flooded for the first time in eight years. Kooringa registered 129 points (73 of them in one hour.)
Similar falls were common in the agricultural areas, but were more variable further east. Mallett reported 135 points in less than an hour and there was flooding from Ulooloo Creek. Koomooloo registered 86 points, Quondong 100, Canegrass 125, Pine Valley 49, Mongolata 39 and World’s End 74.
56, 43, 22 Oct. 1935, page 3
M.A. Radford writes a letter of some 3⁄4 column in reply to Mr Tom Canny. He discusses several aspects of the economy, especially the gap between the prices paid to the primary producer and those paid by the consumer.
The Red Hill Railway
A speech of Mr C.A.S. Hawker MHR is reported from Hansard. [c. 11⁄2 columns.]
He considered the various possibilities with respect to the tangle of gauges involved, particularly with an eye to defence needs.
One possibility was to reduce the gauge of the Pt Augusta-Kalgoorlie line to 3’6”, which would have linked the whole of the WA network with that of the Northern Territory line and those of northern SA.
A second possibility would have involved converting the Pt Augusta-Kalgoorlie line to 5’3” and perhaps extending this to Perth, thus giving one gauge from Melbourne, through Adelaide to Perth.
The Defence department wanted a standard gauge line from Broken Hill to Pt Augusta, giving an unbroken gauge from Sydney & NSW lines, through to Kalgoorlie.
He also mentioned the fact that 1st class passengers were deserting rail for aerial travel.
[Somewhat ironically, in view of his death in October 1938 in Australia’s worst aviation disaster.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. Report to 18 October
The main shaft has been sunk to 97 ft and is being timbered.
A spur off the main lode was encountered at 86-90 ft, carrying visible gold.
The open cut has been extended in all directions.
350-400 tons are ready to be crushed at the battery on 21 October.
Hallett Institute Garden Fete was held at Sir John Melrose’s home, in aid of Institute Funds. A dance followed at the Hallett Institute. In all the nett result was £15117-9. [Details in 1 column.]
56, 43, 22 Oct. 1935, page 4
Motor Show at Burra
On Friday 11 October General Motors Holdens sponsored a grand parade of vehicles followed by parking in Market Square to display the firm’s up-to-date range of vehicles. The value of vehicles shown was over £6,000. The Mayor welcomed the visitors to the town. The firm’s factory at Woodville covers 50 acres. The vehicles included Buicks, Chevrolets, Vauxhalls, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and trucks. [Details in c. 2⁄3 columns.]
Marriage. St Joseph’s Church, Kooringa, 9 October
William V. Bass, elder son of Mrs E. & the late Mr W. Bass of Kooringa, married
Vera Garrard, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs A.G. Garrard of Mintaro.
Leighton & Ayers Schools held their combined annual picnic at Ayers Park, the property of Mr J. Steele, last Wednesday. [Sports results are printed.]
56, 44, 29 Oct. 1935, pages 1 & 4
The Burra Show was held last Wednesday in glorious weather. Gate takings were 30% up on 1934. The special train from Adelaide was well patronised. Noted visitors included: G.F. Jenkins, A.D. McDonald and A.J. Melrose, the MPs for the district, also Mr H. Shannon MP, the Anglican Lord Bishop of Adelaide, Rt Rev. Dr N. Thomas, Sir John Melrose and Mr John McLaren.
The grounds were in good condition and entries were 100 up on the previous year. Luncheon was provided by Mrs J.B. Rowe and the show was opened by Dr D.M .Steele.
Results are printed on pages 1 and 4.
[Personal interest: there is no Fuss presence indicated in the prize list this year.]
56, 44, 29 Oct. 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 2 November
Warren Williams & Mary Astor in The Case of the Howling Dog
Margot Grahame & Harold French in I Adore You
Weather. Light steady rain is falling as we go to press.
St Mary’s Church Picnic was held last Saturday at Gum Creek homestead picnic grounds, making use of the shearers’ dining room.
56, 44, 29 Oct. 1935, page 3
Burra Show Luncheon is reported in c. 1 column.
Old Collegians’ Reunion. Almost 50 old collegians attended the 4th Mid-Northern combined dinner of St Peters and Prince Alfred Collegians at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Aberdeen on 26 October.
[Details extend for c. 1⁄2 column.]
56, 44, 29 Oct. 1935, page 3
Burra Bowling & Croquet Club opened their 1935-36 season in a haze of red dust last Saturday. The delayed championship presentation from last season was held and Mr George Terry received the trophy for Club Champion, with Mr H. Mumme being the runner-up.
Mr E.F. Marston as senior member rolled the first jack and Mr Weston put down the first bowl.
For the Croquet Club, Mrs Clem Pearce, as President, drove the first ball.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Hallett 11-88 defeated Kooringa 7-89
‘B’ Grade Hallett 10-99 defeated Kooringa I 8-86.
56, 45, 5 Nov. 1935, page 1
Black Springs Entertainers staged their first concert program successfully at the hall on 25 October.
LCL Burra Women’s Branch heard an address from the LCL General Secretary, Mr A.S. Dunk, on Friday last, in the Eastern Telephone Building. President Mrs I.J. Warnes presided. The Hon. A.L. McEwin MLC also attended. [The speeches of both men are reported in c. 11⁄2 columns.]
56, 45, 5 Nov. 1935, page 2
Obituary. A Bereavement Notice reveals the death of H.H. Edwards of Mt Bryan.
[Henry Herbert Edwards born 7 January 1876 Laura: died 22 October 1935 Malvern, residence Mt Bryan. Wife born Mary Elizabeth Fisher.]
Mr C.J. Coventry, newly appointed magistrate of the Northern Circuit, will sit at Burra for the first time tomorrow.
Keith Butler, elder son of Mr & Mrs C.J. Butler, is home this week to say goodbye before going to a new venture in New Guinea.
The Baby Health Train will arrive in Burra on Saturday evening and depart on Monday night.
Accident. Mr Glen G. Hawkes, manager for Koonoona Pty Ltd at Koonoona, had a shocking accident on Wednesday evening. While attending to a windmill, he fell from the platform. Before striking the ground his right hand got caught and almost severed. Dr Steele attended quickly and Mr Hawkes was taken to Burra Hospital, where it was necessary to amputate the hand. The patient is making a marvellous recovery and is wonderfully bright.
Obituary. Henry Walker of Kooringa died on Tuesday morning following an attack of pneumonia. He would have been 85 next Sunday, 10 November. [Born 10 November 1850 Ayr, Scotland: died 4 November 1935 Kooringa. See more at 56, 46, 12 Nov. 1935, page 2 and an extended obituary at 56, 46, 12 Nov. 1935, page 3.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. report for the fortnight to 1 November.
The Main Shaft has been sunk to 109 ft and timbered to 80 ft. Began crosscutting at 108 ft to intercept the spur exposed in the Main Shaft at 86 ft. The crosscut is expected to be about 15-20 ft.
Open Cut: work here has been temporarily stopped with 500 tons ready for the battery, which has started crushing. A large part of this trial crushing is overburden.
The battery is presently operating two shifts.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 9 November
Charles Boyer & Loretta Young in Caravan
Rochelle Hudson & Slim Summerville in Life Begins at 40
56, 45, 5 Nov. 1935, page 3
Burra Town Council, 4 November
Mr N. Villis of the Burra Rifle Club sought permission to cross the road from the range to Mr Gare’s paddock for long range shooting and the telephone. Granted on conditions all precautions were taken for the safety of the travelling public.
Cr Jennison said the cemetery was in a deplorable state.
The Mayor hoped the Christmas grant would enable work to be done. The usual process was to burn off the grass.
The Overseer thought it would be dry enough to burn in about a fortnight.
Cleaning of watertables was also waiting upon the Christmas grant.
The bridge near Kakoschke’s at Aberdeen had been broken by one of Kakoschke’s drivers who said it was not wide enough, but they could not alter bridges just to suit all sizes of truck.
There was a discussion then on the placement of silent cops.
Cr Jennison then objected to people parking in front of his business, blocking access to his bowsers and to free air.
[The Mayor’s response seems to have been most unsympathetic.]
The Mayor said parking had to be allowed or it would drive business away.
The other Councillors thought Cr Jennings had a legitimate grievance.
Cr Jennison complained that he paid an annual licence fee of £1 per bowser and yet his clients could not get in.
[This debate seems to have gone nowhere very definite before a question was asked about whether the area around the Rotunda was a parking area.]
The Mayor said it was a parking area.
The Councillors generally disagreed with him.
Cr Jeffery said that when City Motors Holden Ltd parked their cars there recently all the numbers had been taken and he asked what the result of that was.
The Mayor said permission had been given.
Discussion then turned to the matter of the block on the day the Adelaide-Burra cycle race was run.
Councillors said they were all out to help sport, but the whole position needed to clarification.
The Mayor said he disliked a whole lot of by-laws.
Cr Dow queried whether Council had the power to waive by-laws.
Cr Jeffrey said he brought the question up because the poor attendance at a recent Band Concert had been put down to people fearing they would be fined for parking there.
The Mayor said their fear was ill-founded as nothing had been done in Council.
Finally Cr Jeffrey moved that on particular occasions the Town Clerk be empowered to alter regulations. After a long argument this motion was carried.
It was resolved that the bridge damaged by Kakoschke’s driver will be repaired and the account sent to Kakoschke.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Ironmine II 11-89 defeated Booborowie 7-71
Aberdeen 12-93 defeated Hallett 6-87
Mongolata
A table tennis tournament against St Mary’s at Burra last Tuesday resulted in St Mary’s 16 defeating Mongolata 12.
The usual Anglican service was held by Rev. Donald Redding and was followed by community singing and other items.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 8th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 800 & 900 yards. Best scorers were W.K. Pexton, A.B. Riggs & E.C. Collins.
At this stage for the Kookaburra Trophy the leaders are A.B. Riggs, H.E. Calvert & E. Reed with 12 points each. In the Marksman’s Contest H.H. Byles with 25 points leads A.C. Aughey with 22.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its Anniversary last Sunday and Monday. Services were held as usual in the Memorial Hall and there were good congregations. The preacher was Mr M.H. Thomas, Superintendent of Halifax Methodist Mission, Adelaide, assisted by Mrs Thomas.
The scholars’ tea on Monday night was held in perfect weather. An innovation on this occasion was that the whole of the arrangements for setting out, waiting and washing up were done by the male officers and teachers of the Sunday school, who managed it all in a very proficient and professional manner, dressed in dark trousers, white shirts and black ties.
[Personal interest: among those listed was Ted Fuss.]
The handsomely decorated birthday cake was made by Mr Norrell Baynes, but it amazed everyone when it was cut and found to contain only sawdust: ‘Never judge a book by its cover.’
[Details of the Anniversary occupy 2⁄3 column.]
56, 45, 5 Nov. 1935, page 4
Mongolata Water Supply. From the SA Parliament recently:
Mr Lacy: Last year £150 was voted for a water supply for prospectors at Mongolata. £11 was spent. This year £25 is provided, an increase of £14. In 1931 the then Government put down a water catchment of a very temporary nature, consisting of rubberoid nailed onto timber – the field then not being regarded as permanent. By 1933 the rubberoid was frayed and frayed portions entered the water supply, leading to illness among the men – some becoming seriously ill.
Requests to have the rubberoid replaced with galvanised iron have not been successful and each year the rubberoid deteriorates. When there is a heavy flow of water into the tank the overflow keeps the water clear. In summer reduced inflows cause rubberoid to enter the tank and cause illness. With a company presently contracting for a shaft to 400 ft there should be a better supply and yet only £25 is provided. I contend that £150 should be spent to replace the rubberoid.
Hon. S.W. Jeffries: How many are on the field?
Mr Lacy: About 150.
Hon. S.W. Jeffries: What is the capacity of the tank?
Mr Lacy: About 30,000 gallons and that is sufficient: there is not an actual shortage of water.
[Hon. H.S. Hudd then gave a non-answer on the part of the Government.]
Tom Canny contributes yet another 2⁄3 column on Foreign Traders.
Burra Homing Club flew its last Northern Line race for the season on Friday 5 November, from Marree. Six owners sent 21 birds and the winner was S. Kellaway.
56, 46, 12 Nov. 1935, page 1
Hanson Strawberry Fete to benefit the Hanson Memorial Institute was opened on 5 November by the Mayoress of Burra, Mrs T.H. Woollacott. It was a huge success with dancing following in the evening.
Cricket. The newly-formed Hanson Cricket Club is playing this season in the Leighton Association.
Ironmine Methodist Strawberry Fete was held in Leighton Hall on 9 November. It was opened by Mrs E.G. Neil, the wife of the circuit minister and had a satisfactory result.
Apoinga School held its annual picnic on 2 November in Mr J. McNamarra’s paddock.
[Details, including the sports’ results occupy 2⁄3 column.]
56, 46, 12 Nov. 1935, page 2
Obituary. Henry Walker died 4 November at Kingston St, Kooringa aged 85. He was the father of Mrs Josiah Rosewall of Kooringa, Mrs Joe Geach of Boulder, WA and Mrs Jean Geach of Alberton.
[Born 10 November 1850 Ayr, Scotland: died 4 November 1935 Kooringa. See an extended obituary at 56, 46, 12 Nov. 1935, page 3.]
Very Rev. F.B. Morrissey of Kooringa has been appointed a Consultor of the diocese of Pt Augusta.
Mrs A.S. Field, who has lived in Burra since her early childhood, will leave Burra to live in the city at the end of this week. She has been a prominent helper in benevolent work in the town and a very active member of the Soldiers’ Aid Society during and after the Great War.
Mr R.C. Sexton of the Savings Bank has been transferred to the Strathalbyn branch after six years here. Mr S. Burr is the new Burra manager.
Snakes. Nurse L. Opperman spotted a large snake and several small ones near the fence at J.G. Wardle’s in Redruth last week. She alerted Mr Johnson Carpenter and as he approached, the larger snake swallowed four of the smaller ones and was in the act of swallowing the fifth when he killed it.
Messrs T. Tyack and K. Fennessy, at Booborowie, have constructed a glider and have made a trial run, launching it with the aid of a tow rope attached to a car. The first flight was short and ended in a bump and some minor damage, but the two mechanics are hopeful of success after some adjustments.
The Burra Institute Committee has bought an upright concert grand piano, which will be officially opened on 27 November with a grand concert.
Armistice Day. The 17th anniversary of the Armistice was commemorated with one of the best attendances for many years at the memorial in Market Square at 11 a.m. The service from the Cross of Sacrifice in Adelaide was played, followed by the two-minute silence. Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Trumpeter A.W. Andrews. Among those present were the President of the Burra RSL, W.F. Pickering and the Secretary, G.H. Dow. There was a good attendance of returned servicemen.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 16 November
Bing Crosby & Marion Davies in Cinderella’s Fella
Edward G. Robinson & Mary Astor in Man with Two Faces
56, 46, 12 Nov. 1935, page 3
The Travellers’ Aid Society. The 9th anniversary of the local branch of the society was presided over by President Mrs I.J. Warnes. The address was given by Miss Howard Clark of Adelaide, who gave an interesting account of the society’s activities. The society was established to aid travelling women, girls and children. Their helpers meet overseas and interstate boats, long distance trains and buses, and assist those travellers in distress or who are in need of help. [Details in 2⁄3 column.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the three weeks to 7 November.
A new tunnel was driven across the north portion of Lean’s Hill for 35 ft in decomposed sporadic limestone with small quartz veins.
Farnden’s Hill: open cut operations were continued to 60ft. Values in the seam are low on the south end, but showing gold on the north end. A small patch of specimen gold was recovered – about 25 oz. We expect to have a parcel of 10 tons of ore for the battery by the end of November.
Burra Benevolent Society gave Mrs A.S. Field a farewell at Miss Coglin’s on Saturday before she left for her new home in Prospect. A presentation was made of a silver cake dish.
Aberdeen Croquet Club recently held an evening’s entertainment at Mrs E. Finch’s home ‘Wandillah’. The club benefited by more than £5 from the evening.
A garden has been established in front of the entrance to the ground. The block has been fenced and planted. Thanks go to Mr R.J. Fairchild, who has planned and fenced the area and planted the garden. The Burra Town Council provided the land, fencing materials and shrubs. This is the club’s effort towards beautifying the town for the State’s Centenary. Mrs A.B. Riggs hit off the first ball to open the new season on Wednesday 6 November. The result of the match played was a draw with Aberdeen and Burra scoring 66 points each.
Hallett Methodist Strawberry Fete was known this year as a Peach Blossom Fair and was held in the Hallett Institute on Saturday. In the evening items were rendered by the Hallett Brass Band. The nett proceeds were £68-10-0.
Burra Basketball. The Grand Final was played at the Burra Town Hall on Tuesday night. In a thrilling and fast game Red 48 defeated Green 44.
The men’s goal throwing finished in a dead heat for the season with both K. & I. Wohling throwing 284 goals. R. Davey was next with 238.
The winning lady goal thrower was Miss F. Lamey with 116 and second was Miss J. Lee 113.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 11-101 defeated Aberdeen 7-75
Hallett 10-91 defeated Ironmine 8-72
Mt Bryan 13-104 defeated Booborowie 5-65
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 10-89 defeated Kooringa I 8-86
Hallett 15-109 defeated Ironmine 3-66.
Obituary. Henry Walker died at his Kingston Street home on 4 November after a brief illness aged 85. The cause of death was pneumonia. He was born at Ayr in Scotland on 10 November 1850, the youngest son of Mr & Mrs James Walker. His parents decided to migrate to Australia in 1876 and their family decided to accompany them. Mr Harry Walker had married Miss Grace Hope of Dumfrieshire Scotland in 1870 and they migrated with their small daughters Margaret and Agnes. They came in the Bencleugh. On arrival they came almost straight to Burra and have lived in Kooringa ever since. Mr Walker was first employed by Messrs Sara & Dunstan of Aberdeen. Leaving them, he worked for the Unicorn Brewing Co. until it disbanded about 1903. Later their large buildings were demolished and four dwelling houses have been erected there on the old brewery property. When the brewery was working scores of mothers used to make their own bread and we believe that the bakers also in the town procured the yeast necessary for bread and cakes, from the brewery. Many folk today, then scholars at the Burra School, can recall running the flight of steps to the cool cellar and leaving the yeast can with Mr Walker, who was in charge, and collecting it again after school. Mr Walker’s quiet, kindly, but firm manner with his little customers has never been forgotten, no one ever feared him. That characteristic was uppermost in his dealings with his fellows; consequently he was highly respected by everyone. When the brewery closed down Mr Walker became a member of the house staff of the Burra Burra Hospital, a position he held for about 18 years, when he decided to retire. He took a keen interest in town matters and was at one time a member of the Town Council. Until the last twelve months his health was good. His last illness was of only a few days’ duration. His wife predeceased him in 1924. He leaves three daughters: Mrs Josiah Rosewall of Kooringa, Mrs Joe Geach of Boulder WA and Mrs Jean Geach of Alberton. There are 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
56, 47, 19 Nov. 1935, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 9th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 800 & 900 yards. A.C. Aughey scored the club’s first possible at 800 yards. For the Marksman’s Trophy A.C. Aughey with 27 points leads H.H. Byles with 25. For the Kookaburra Trophy E. Reid with 17 points leads, followed by A.C. Aughey, H.E. Calvert & A.B. Riggs who each have 12 points. H.E. Calvert won the aggregate for the first 7 matches. Top three scorers for the Kookaburra Trophy on Saturday were E. Reid, B.E. Cornelius and R.J. Kellock.
Mr & Mrs Maurice H. Carne were given a farewell at Redruth Memorial Sunday School on 11 November. After 61⁄2 years here the family has gone to Pt Pirie. Mr Carne is an officer in the National Bank. Both Mr & Mrs Carne have been conscientious workers in the Redruth Methodist Church. A presentation was made of a handsome blackwood traymobile and a fountain pen for Mr Carne and a cut glass rose bowl for Mrs Carne. Members of the banking fraternity farewelled Mr Carne on Monday afternoon 11 November. He has been the accountant and teller at the National Bank in Burra.
Willalo Tennis Tournament
Men’s Handicap Singles L.G. Collins
Ladies’ Handicap Singles G. Piggott
Men’s Handicap Doubles F.P. Sullivan & L.G. Collins
Mixed Handicap Doubles F.P. Sullivan & Mrs Pearce [Probably Mrs A. Pearce.]
Glendore Methodist Church held its Blue Bird Fair on 9 November. [Details in 1⁄2 column.]
St Joseph’s Strawberry Fete was held on Friday last in fine, but unseasonably bleak and cold weather. As a consequence sales of ice creams, cool drinks and iced strawberries were down.
56, 47, 19 Nov. 1935, page 2
Weather. As we go to press the town is enveloped in a mantle of brick-red dust.
Accident. Mr Stan Irlam of Aberdeen cut his foot severely while wood cutting on Sunday.
Advt. Burra Institute 27 November. A Grand Concert for the official opening of the new upright Concert Grand Piano will feature The Aberdeen Glee Party and the Burra District Band conducted by Bandmaster J.H. Murison with leading artists of the district:
Mrs T.W. Charlesworth Mr H.W. Mumme
Mrs Max Pearce Mr L.H. Thomas
Miss Mavis Gare Mr J.M. Tiddy
Miss Mavis Fairchild Mr P.L. Rosman
Advt. Burra Talkies, 23 November
Gracie Fields & John Loder in Sing As We Go
Sir Gerald Du’ Maurier & George Curzon in The Scotland Yard Mystery
56, 47, 19 Nov. 1935, page 3
Mr R.C. Sexton, Manager of the Savings Bank for 6 years, leaves today for Strathalbyn. In 1934 he had six months leave of absence due to ill health. He has taken an active interest in the RSL while here, having served terms as President, Treasurer and a committeeman. He was farewelled by fellow bank officers on Tuesday morning. [Details in 2⁄3 column.]
Mrs Sexton was farewelled on Wednesday afternoon 13 November at the Bank of Australasia residence at a bridge afternoon.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 16 November
The tunnel across Lean’s Hill advanced to 60 ft. Not much is expected until the tunnel is under the open cut 90 ft in from the face.
Farnden’s Hill. The open cut has been sunk to 19 ft. A small shoot of gold-bearing ore was taken out 12 ft from the surface. Gold is showing by pan test in the face and floor of the open cut.
There will be 15 tons of ore for the battery when it can take it – estimated at 21⁄2 to 3 oz including tailings.
B. Howard Clark writes about the Travellers’ Aid Society, saying it was not founded by Miss C.E. Dixon alone, but by a group of women of whom she was one. She has been secretary from the start and has borne the brunt of the work. Through her discoveries of the ‘White Slave’ traffic in Adelaide and her representations on it, the women police force came into being.
Tom Canny presents another 1⁄2 column on Foreign Traders.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 9-88 defeated Booborowie 9-83
Aberdeen 11-86 defeated Mt Bryan 7-77
‘B’ Grade Kooringa I 15-109 defeated Kooringa II 3-80
Mt Bryan Township Methodist Church held its Strawberry Fete on 15 November. This was very successful. The Hallett Brass Band attended in the evening.
Burra Burra DC
Mrs M.E. Edwards advises of the death of her husband with reference to his position at pound-keeper at Mt Bryan. Cr Wedding moved the appointment of Mr R.H. Edwards as pound-keeper under the same conditions as his late father. Carried.
Mrs M.E. Edwards was appointed caretaker of Mt Bryan Hall in the place of her late husband.
56, 48, 26 Nov. 1935, page 1
Burra Basketball Assoc. held a dinner followed by a ball on Wednesday, to wind up the season.
Trophies were presented:
Fairest Lady Player Miss Joyce Halliday
Fairest & Most Gentlemanly Player Norman Villis
Highest number of goals (Men) Mr Ivon Wohling of White Team (184)
Highest number of goals (Ladies) Miss Florence Lamey
[1 column of details is printed.]
Bowls. At Eudunda on Saturday: Eudunda 100 defeated Burra 85.
Croquet. At Eudunda on Saturday: Burra 45 defeated Eudunda 34.
56, 48, 26 Nov. 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 30 November
Warren William & Mary Astor in The Upper World
Laura La Plante & Ian Hunter in The Church Mouse
Keith Butler, who was going to New Guinea, contracted a form of coastal fever at Brisbane, and had to return home.
The Burra District Brass Band gave a concert in Best Place on Sunday evening. The ‘offertory’ was £1-7-3.
A Brilliant Meteor on Sunday evening at 8.20 p.m. illuminated the sky with a bright trail of light as it passed, faded and then ended in a large burst of flame in the western sky.
Obituary. John V. Lord died at his residence in Kingswood on Sunday aged 73. He was a very successful pioneer pastoralist of SA and the Broken Hill district. He was well known in Burra. His parents, Mr & Mrs John Lord, came from Cornwall, but J.V. Lord was born at Callington SA. As a young man he lived in Kooringa with his parents in one of the miners’ cottages almost opposite the Masonic Hall. Later he kept a store at the Pinnacles near Broken Hill, before the silver-lead mines were discovered there. With little money at his disposal, he took up a block of 10,000 acres of virgin country he called Silverdale. He was successful on this small block and later acquired all the country around it, consolidating it into one fairly large station. In 1904 he took over an abandoned station east of Burra, known as Pine Valley and he converted this into a thriving station. His next station was Oakvale, previously owned by Mr Cudmore, which he purchased in 1909 and in 1911 he acquired Wondervale, adjoining his original 10,000 acres in the Broken Hill district.
He left the Broken Hill district in 1912 and one of his sons carried on the station there. He then purchased Sandergrove Estate near Strathalbyn, but sold it in 1924. He purchased Thackaringa Station, adjoining Silverdale, in 1923 and formed the partnership J.V. Lord & Sons. He next bought Kalkaroo Station, formerly a portion of Boolcoomatta Station, north of the Cockburn line. In the past few years he has lived at Kingswood while maintaining an active interest in his station properties and visiting them frequently. A few weeks ago while visiting Pine Valley Station he was taken seriously ill. The trouble was then with his heart and other complications. He married Miss Mary Ann Baker, a daughter of Mr Samuel Baker of Redruth. He is survived by his widow, six sons and two daughters: H.V. Lord [Harold Vivian] (Pine Valley), Hurtle Lord (Silverdale), Percy Lord (Thackaringa), Sylvester Lord (Kalkaroo), T.L. Lord [Thomas Leslie] (Oakvale), Eric Lord (Oakvale), Miss A. Lord [Alice] (Kingswood) and Miss M. Lord [Mabel] (Kingswood.) [Born 30 December 1862 Callington: died 24 November 1935 Kingswood.]
56, 48, 26 Nov. 1935, page 3
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 10-8 [sic!] defeated Ironmine 8-91
Mt Bryan 12-96 defeated Kooringa 6-71
‘B’ Grade Kooringa I 11-85defeated Hallett 7-76
Aberdeen 14-101 defeated Ironmine 4-74
Mongolata. Rev. Donald Redding and party were out for a service on Tuesday evening, followed by community singing.
56, 48, 26 Nov. 1935, page 4
Burra Town Council
W. Kakoschke reported damage to the bridge at Aberdeen by one of his lorry drivers. He asked for allowance to be made, as the bridge was too narrow for large lorries. An account for the repairs will be sent to Mr Kakoschke.
The Relief Council sent details of the Christmas Relief work arrangements with no payments to be made until 23 December.
Woods, Bagot & Co. architects of Adelaide wrote about a sleep-out for the National Bank in Kooringa. [From the discussion it would seem the intention was to build it over the footpath, since the Council said it was not in favour unless the pillars were placed level with the kerbing. Two trees would have to come out.]
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. reply that they were not prepared to reserve a portion of the slag heap for Burra Council use, but the Council was welcome to have any amount they wanted while supplies lasted.
A ratepayer was granted permission to work off his rates.
Local Board of Health
The Medical Officer Dr Steven discussed privy pits and whether they posed a threat to the town’s water supply [apparently in response to a query from the Central Board.] He concluded that given their distance from the source of water and the cleansing effect of the earth any effluent material would pass through, the threat of contamination was very slight. The Central Board would be so advised.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 1st Stage of the Championship over 300, 500 & 600 yards. J. Whimpress had the only possible (at 500 yards) and he came first off the rifle with A.C. Aughey second. In the handicap contest J. Whimpress was also in the lead with B. Cornelius second.
E. Jettner writes 1⁄2 column on Foreign Traders, taking a different position from Mr Canny’s.
56, 49, 3 Dec. 1935, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield
Data from the ‘Mining Review’ showing the total ore treated by the Mongolata Battery and cyanide works up to 30 June 1935.
Values are calculated on a gold price of £4-4-111⁄2 per fine ounce.
The total value of the above is £23,637-2-0, or at current prices about £40,000.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate. The manager advises that 15 tons 5 cwt delivered to the battery on 22 November yielded 76 oz 1 dwt with tailing to come estimated at 1⁄2 oz per ton.
Byles’ Mongolata GM for the fortnight to 16 November:
Crosscut off the main shaft was opened out at the 200 ft level, drove off the shaft south for 9 ft then turned east. Cut the seam carrying values by dish sample some 31⁄2 ft from the shaft. Going east in nice looking lode 18 ft from the line of the shaft. The lode is 31⁄2 ft wide and showing values.
The battery is still crushing a parcel, having done about 210 tons to date.
The Burra Institute Committee Grand Concert to launch the new grand piano and collect funds for it drew only about half a hall of patrons. Music lovers turned up, but the social fraternity were absent, though they will be the ones to benefit from it for dance music.
[The concert is reviewed in an article about 1 column in length.]
56, 49, 3 Dec. 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 December
Loretta Young & John Boles in The White Parade
Edmund Lowe & Victor McLaglen in Under Pressure
Sister Dunning has left Burra hospital after 12 months there.
56, 49, 3 Dec. 1935, page 3
Weather
On Sunday last 1 December the district experienced one of the worst dust storms for some time.
The morning was hot and humid and towards midday it grew thundery with a red haze. About 5.45 p.m. the wind rose to a gale and enveloped the district in dense red dust. After a few moments there was thunder and lightning followed by a downpour of 16 points.
At Farrell’s Flat at 6 p.m. a cyclone swept over Harold Atkins’ farm near Porter’s Lagoon doing great damage to sheds. Some 30 gum trees, with trunks at least a foot in diameter, were snapped off about two feet from the ground. A sheaved hay stack, which had stood since 1915, disappeared without trace. A shed 120 ft long lost half its roof and timber and iron were hurled around like matches. One piece of timber 14 ft x 4 inches x 3 inches was carried 100 yards and pierced the roof of another building. Mrs Atkins was caught outside getting some kindling, and unable to return to the house, sought refuge in the cellar.
At F.H. Reed’s on the turn-off to Flagstaff Hill, a shed roof was carried 60 yards and very large gums were snapped off. Telegraph poles along the railway were partially blown over.
[This ‘cyclone’ would now be described as a tornado.]
Mongolata
Rev. Donald Redding and party came out again on Wednesday evening and another good congregation gathered for the service, after which Guy Dollman again took charge of the community singing.
Cricket. At World’s End on Saturday Mongolata 87 defeated World’s End 40. The hero for Mongolata was Lel Kellaway who scored 23 runs from the opening over and took 6 wickets for 5 runs.
The Bon Accord Hotel is under new management. Mr G.D. Smallacombe is the new proprietor. Before coming to Adelaide, Mr Smallacombe spent six years in WA. He is keenly interested in sport (golf, cricket, football, tennis and racing.) He played two seasons with the Perth League football team. He was Captain and coach of Carnarvon Football Club in WA 1925-28 and last season coached Goodwood Amateur League. The Smallacombe Family will be remembered by many around Wirrabara and Booleroo as great racing men some 20-30 years ago. Mr Smallacombe’s mother’s people came from that area. Mrs Smallacombe was Miss Eileen Farrelly of the Glenelg Baths, a State Champion swimmer, who in 1921 received £50 and a gold watch from the people of Glenelg for her plucky rescue of two girls. The hotel is to be renovated and put in first class order.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 15-98 defeated Ironmine 3-64
Mt Bryan 10-86 defeated Hallett 8-73
Booborowie forfeited to Aberdeen
‘B’ Grade Kooringa II defeated Ironmine
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 30 November
Lean’s Hill. Driving continued under the north end of the hill to 78 ft. The face of the tunnel is now penetrating the west bar, which is prominent in Lean’s Shaft.
Farnden’s Hill. The floor of the cut has been taken up for 16 ft and the upper part has been timbered to secure the hanging wall. About 12-14 oz of specimen ore was extracted. 30 bags of ore are at grass, estimated at 1 oz per ton. Gold is showing in the face of the lower cut.
The tailings referred to on page 1 of this issue produced 16 dwt per ton, adding another 12 oz to the total.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for fortnight to 30 November
Crosscuts off the main shaft: east crosscut was extended at 200 ft level from 20 to 41 ft and has now been halted. Have opened out on the lode 18 ft east of the shaft and began driving on this lode. Advanced 9 ft south on the lode, which was 31⁄2 ft wide. Advanced north on the lode 8 ft. The lode is broken and erratic and showing fine gold by sampling.
Open Cut: in the southwest end have gone down 18 ft through overburden and have picked up a rich vein carrying rich gold.
56, 49, 3 Dec. 1935, page 4
‘AJAX’ writes 1⁄3 column on Foreign Traders.
Tom Canny writes another 3⁄4 column letter on his view of foreign traders.
Copperhouse School funds benefited from a dance held at ‘Pencarrow’ 26 November. Some 200 people attended.
56, 50, 10 Dec. 1935, page 1
Burra Primary School Pet Show & Fancy Dress Parade was held on Saturday. It was a great success and raised £62-7-7. The street parade started at the Institute at 2.30 p.m. and went to Market Square, led by the School Fife & Drum Band, thence across the big bridge to the Kooringa Hotel corner, left past the old sale yards and so to the school. There Mesdames A.L. Walker, John Kellock, A.B. Riggs and L.S. Penrose acted as judges. [The description of the participants occupies c. 11⁄4 columns.] Prize winners:
Best decorated umbrella Betty Marcus
Best decorated pram Heather Murison
Best doll Edna Voumard
Unclassed special award Alice (Joyce) Hopkins (A cart drawn by two 10-week-old lambs in red harness with a representation of Father Christmas in the cart.)
Best decorated bicycle Brian Dearlove
Fancy Dress Prizes:
Boys under 8 Brian Andrews (bumblebee)
Girls under 8 Aileen Young (fairy)
Girls under 10 June Kuchenmeister (poppy)
Girls over 10 Pat Aughey (‘buy Australian goods’)
Boys under 10 Bob Aughey (a paper parcel)
Boys over 10 Jim Nattrass (black cat)
Best Pair Dorothy Marshall & Joyce Marcus (Dr Stork & Nurse)
Pets:
Cat & Kittens Roma Clode
Cat Ron Hopkins
Dog Clyde Fitzgerald
Pet Dog Mercia Opie
Pony Harold Tiver
Rabbit Tom Wooton
Birds: pigeons and bantams Ray Kellaway
Mixed birds Jill Pearce
There was also a popular child competition in which the winning child, Rex Rosman collected sponsorship of 3,216d or £13-8-3 [Though clearly this should be 3,219d] The entrants collectively collected £46-9-81⁄2.
There were also several competitions.
Mr Jim Bentley won the rooster competition.
Mrs M. Phillips guessed the correct length of the string, but no one guessed the names of the dolls given by Mrs Dollman (Gladys) and Mrs Jesser (Jessie).
56, 50, 10 Dec. 1935, page 2
Rev. P. Eckersley of Adelaide has been visiting the district to raise funds for Kuitpo Colony. Rev. Eckersley and Mr Len Eckersley took the services at both Methodist Churches on Sunday last.
W.J. (Jack) Richards and his brother Thomas Richards visited Burra last week after an absence of 30 years. Mr Richards is Chief Inspector in the Sewers Department and left Burra 40 years ago. He was in the employ of the late Mr Harry Pearce, tinsmith, the only brother of Mr C.J. Pearce. Mrs W.J. Williams is his only sister. [This ambiguous statement does not make clear which Mr Richards is which. When their father Thomas Richards Sen. died in 1908 Thomas was cited as living in Adelaide, so presumably he was the brother who had been away for 40 years in 1935. W.J. Richard ran a bicycle shop in Burra North and later a garage in Kooringa, firstly on his own account and then as manager for Murray Aunger. He left the town for Adelaide in 1916. They had a second sister, Elizabeth Mary, Mrs John Prior who was still alive at this time.]
Kooringa Methodist Strawberry Fete was held in the Institute last Friday.
Stray Dogs are a big nuisance to local farmers at present and several reports of mauled sheep are to hand. Roy Humphrys of ‘Blink Bonnie’ found three sheep horribly mauled one day recently and they had to be put down. Two nights later the dog returned about 5 p.m. and another group of sheep were savagely mauled.
Music Results for students of the Sisters of St Joseph, Kooringa, are printed.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 14 December
Lionel Barrymore, Jackie Cooper, Nigel Bruce & Dorothy Peterson in Treasure Island
Joan Blondell &Pat O’Brien in I’ve Got Your Number
56, 50, 10 Dec. 1935, page 3
Obituary. Mr Harry Bentley died in Adelaide last week, suddenly after an illness of only ten days, from which a fatal outcome was not expected. He was the third son of the late Mr & Mrs William Bentley, pioneer residents of Burra. He was born at Redruth in 1875 and educated at Burra Model school. He was then indentured to F.W. Holder (later Sir Frederick Holder) who owned the Burra Record office at the time. When Mr Holder sold the business to Mr P. Murrie, Mr Bentley continued with him and later continued with Mr W.J. Davey. He then went to Broken Hill where he formed the partnership of Martin & Bentley, printers. He lived in Broken Hill for over 30 years and about five years ago moved to Adelaide where he worked for Messrs Harman & Jacka, printers. About twelve months ago he began successfully to conduct a small business at Thebarton. He leaves a wife and one daughter. Mr James Bentley of Redruth is a brother and Misses Tot and Alison Bentley of Aberdeen are sisters. [Henry Robert Bentley born 16 February 1875 Moonta: registered at death as Harold Robert Bentley 4 December 1935 Adelaide, residence Thebarton.]
Obituary. Mr H.A. Mayfield of North Booborowie died suddenly last week aged 61. He was on his way to Burra to seek treatment when he died. He leaves a widow and grown up family. We believe he was born at Victor Harbor. [Apparently born Henry Mayfield 14 February 1875 Kulpara: died Henry Arnold Mayfield 7 December 1935 Booborowie, residence Booborowie North.]
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 11-92 defeated Aberdeen 7-70
Mt Bryan 13-95 defeated Booborowie 5-67
‘B’ Grade Kooringa II 14-97 defeated Aberdeen 4-68
56, 50, 10 Dec. 1935, page 4
Burra Town Council, 2 February
Council will take no action on the Advertiser Swimming Campaign this season. In previous years the swimming committee had done all it could to make the pool safe and to engage instructors, but the movement had finally languished for lack of funds.
The Relief Council has supplied the names of 30 men entitled to Christmas Relief. Council was pleased the list was so much shorter than for 1934. Moves will be made to get them working promptly.
No general work has yet been started on the enlargement of the town’s reservoir. There were questions about the use of local labour, but in the absence of actual work there were no answers to the queries.
Kooringa Playground needed repairs. There was a letter asking that the area be used instead for tennis courts. There was a lengthy and at time heated debate on this and the Mayor and Cr Kellaway got quite agitated.
Cr Kellaway wanted the playground restored as part of the State Centenary beautification scheme. Most of the other Councillors appear to have favoured the tennis court solution either in total or in part. Cr Dow said that it ‘at present was only used as a lavatory’.
Cr Kellaway moved that £20 be spent to improve the playground.
Cr Jennison thought £20 was too much and if money were spent there ‘naturally the same would be expected for the Aberdeen ground’.
[The report then appears to me to become confused because when the motion is put Cr Kellaway appears to be the only vote against. I would have expected him to be the only one for!]
Cr Dow then initiated a discussion about people playing tennis on the Kooringa courts on Sunday and wondered why the Kooringa Club allowed this – those playing apparently not being members.
It was resolved to take steps to prevent Sunday play.
Mr H.W. Mumme asked Council to place a kerbing around the lawns he had established in front of the Burra Hotel.
While complimenting him of his good work, Council was not moved to comply. The mayor feared the precedence it would set and there was also the fear that pedestrians might trip over the kerbing.
Eventually the matter lapsed.
There was also discussion about the care and maintenance of the Market Square garden.
E. Jettner writes a letter of some 3⁄4 column on Foreign Traders.
‘A Tree Lover’ writes deploring the damage done to a lovely bushy mallee type tree near the Aberdeen swing bridge. Apparently a hole was bored right through it to attach some sort of support for part of the bridge.
56, 51, 17 Dec. 1935, page 1
St Brendan’s Catholic Church at Mt Bryan held a Strawberry Fete on 7 December and realised a nett profit of £35.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held Anniversary Services on 1 December when Rev. O.L. Noske preached two fine sermons.
Mr & Mrs John G. Sara celebrated their Golden wedding on 9 December. Both are children of pioneer residents of Aberdeen and were born at Aberdeen. Mrs Sara is resident in the old family home from which she stepped forth as a bride fifty years ago. Their only son was born there. Mr Sara is the eldest surviving son of the late Mr & Mrs George Sara (Mr Sara Sen. was one of the old well-known firm of Sara & Dunstan, builders & contractors of Burra and Broken Hill.) Mrs Sara is the eldest surviving daughter (Emma) of the late Mr & Mrs James Tiver, who previously owned the business now owned by Mrs Sara’s husband and son, Mr Frank T. Sara at Aberdeen. They were married at Redruth on 9 December by Rev. G.E. Rowe. Their family comprises one daughter Mrs Theo Carey of Broken Hill (Mr Carey is Chief Engineer at the Big Mine) and one son, Mr Frank T. Sara of Aberdeen, who married Miss Hazel Bartholomaeus, second daughter of Mr & Mrs Charles Bartholomaeus, now of Glenelg. Mrs Carey has four daughters, the eldest of whom married Mr J.L. Watkins BE ICE (Lond.) Aeronautical Engineer. Another daughter, Jean, has just completed four years training on the nursing staff at the Broken Hill Hospital. Mr & Mrs F. Sara have five children – four young daughters and a son. All the close relatives residing in the Burra district that could attend were present on this occasion. The reception and breakfast took place on the long verandah at the rear of their residence and there were just over thirty guests, plus children. Mr Sara gave a brief resume of their married life.
Starting with very little they had made their first home at Terowie, where their daughter was born. After a couple of years they moved to Cockburn and whilst there they saw the first engine cross the border into NSW. Cockburn at the time was a great place for teamsters and at times hundreds would pass through the town with stores for Broken Hill. There were no churches and the first service was held in their own business premises. Among those who conducted services there were the late Dr H.T. Burgess LLD and Sir Frederick Holder. After the railway reached Broken Hill they moved there. During their stay there they had an interesting time and experienced many things including the big strike and a water famine. Later they went to WA, but circumstances arose which drew them back to Burra. Mr Sara took over the business and with the help of his son Frank had built up a thriving trade. Now over 70, he was content to take life more easily and to leave the management to his son.
[The whole of the report occupies over 2 columns.]
56, 51, 17 Dec. 1935, page 2
Obituary. Sarah Rose Parks died at her home in Kooringa on 12 December aged 67. she was the wife of Charles Parks and mother of Harry & Fred (Deceased), Joe of Kooringa and Tom of Semaphore. [Born Sarah Rose Harris 9 May 1868 Kooringa.]
Mrs Parks died after a long and trying illness. Her death came as a surprise to many who were unaware of the serious nature of her illness. She was born in 1868 at Rose Cottage, Kooringa, the third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Ambrose Harris, pioneer residents of Burra and District. Prior to her marriage she was a valued member of the Kooringa Methodist Church Choir and with her three sisters, assisted in all musical matters in the town. Throughout her married life she maintained her music and always derived much pleasure from playing the organ. When her family grew up Mrs Parks assisted her husband in the business and was highly esteemed by customers for her kindly, bright manner and benevolent spirit. When his health forced Mr Parks to retire they lived quietly at Darton Cottage. Her health has been causing Mr Parks grave anxiety for some months. Mrs Parks had been a member of the Rechabite Lodge for fifty years. As well as her husband she is survived by two sons: Joseph Parks of Kooringa and Tom Parks of Semaphore. Her eldest son, Harry, died in September last and her youngest, Fred, just over two years ago. Three sisters survive: Mrs J.A. Watt of Payneham, Mrs R.H. Steele of Glenelg and Mrs J.E. Greenwood of Adelaide.
There are several grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Tennis
Mt Bryan 11-89 defeated Aberdeen 7-71
Kooringa 9-84 defeated Hallett 9-81
56, 51, 17 Dec. 1935, page 3
Mongolata
The last service for the year was conducted by Rev. Donald Redding and was again followed by an evening of community singing, this time with Christmas carols.
Cricket. At the weekend Mongolata 50 & 120 defeated Colts 64 & 93.
Tennis Tournament: ‘A’ Grade won by Mr H. Fisher and ‘B’ Grade won by Harold Lang.
‘AJAX’ and Tom Canny each contribute a letter of about 1⁄2 column on Foreign Traders.
Burra Town Council, 16 December
G.E. Dane, on behalf of the Hospital Board, invites Councillors to the Burra Hospital Christmas Festival on 18 December.
J. Williams of Hampton asks to have the road leading to his residence widened. The Town Clerk will inspect the site.
A letter of sympathy will be sent to ex-Councillor Parks on the death of his wife.
A number of street lights are out while the Company waits for a supply of globes to be sent from Melbourne.
Bowls. At Clare 11 December: Burra 98 defeated Clare 65 & Clare Colts 59 defeated Burra Colts 34.
At Kapunda 31 December [sic!] Kapunda 90 defeated Burra 81.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 14 December
Tunnel under north part of Lean’s Hill advanced to 92 ft and passed through the western bar, now in fumed slate. Crossed a small vein of quartz and decomposed iron with no gold showing by pan test.
Farnden’s Hill. South open cut 67 ft and from 2 to 20 ft deep. Sunk a small winze on a gold shoot, 4 ft deep. About 60 oz of specimen ore was taken and lodged in the bank. The seam here is carrying about 1⁄2 oz per ton.
100 bags at grass, estimated to average 1 oz per ton. Two tons of low grade ore also at grass.
In the past 5 or 6 weeks we have been told of satisfactory results from a number of claims.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate crushed 16 tons for 8 oz.
Terry’s Claim had a crush which averaged more than 1 oz per ton.
Another private claim crushed 25 tons for 55 oz.
Another party crushed 50 tons for over 100 oz.
The mines are now closed for Christmas.
The battery has been going all the year and of late has been running two shifts.
Byles’ Mongolata GM crushed 223 tons of overburden and quartzite from the beginning of the open cut and obtained 21 oz 16 dwt 13 gr by battery.
56, 51, 17 Dec. 1935, page 4
Leighton Christmas Tree & Strawberry Fete
The Christmas tree was arranged by Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes as it has been for the last 27 years and was held on Saturday evening. The strawberry fete was held as part of the same occasion. [Report in 2⁄3 column.]
Burra High School Headmaster’s Report.
At the end of 1934 Miss Prior was transferred to Adelaide High school after four years at Burra. Her place as Commercial Studies teacher was taken by Mr L.A. Braddock, who has proved to be a tower of strength. This is the first time that a second male teacher has been appointed to this school. Since two thirds of the students are boys, this in a desirable innovation. Attendance this year has averaged about 49 compared with 44 last year. Of the 44 on the roll last December, 36 re-enrolled in February, which is very pleasing. The parents allowing children to leave as soon as they are 14, to swell the ranks of the unemployed, or to enter ‘blind-alley’ occupations, are few. The 1st year class this year was small. Last year five sat for the Intermediate and two for the Leaving Exam. The results were very satisfying with five Intermediate Certificates and one Leaving Certificate. These certificates were presented on Empire Day by the State Governor.
Intermediate Results
Joy Bentley 8 subjects with 2 credits
Clem Davey 7 subjects
Kathleen Drew 6 subjects
Jean Neil 5 subjects
Laurence Walker 1 subject to complete a certificate
Frank Pearce 6 subjects with 1 credit but no certificate (no English)
Leaving Results
Laurence Walker 5 subjects & certificate
Jack Pengilly 4 subjects (no certificate)
Joy Bentley completed the three year course in two years and yet got the best results, indicating outstanding ability.
This year ten sat for Intermediate, two more sat for individual subjects to complete a certificate and two sat for Leaving.
Sport has seen considerable activity this year. On 30 March we went to Clare for tennis and cricket. The boys were easily defeated in cricket, but the girls suffered only a narrow loss in tennis.
On 13 April in the return matches the boys were again defeated, but the girls won the tennis 10 sets to 2.
This year a sports day for our own students was an innovation and was a great success.
Senior Boys’ Cup Warren Mumme
Senior Girls’ Cup Joy Bentley
Junior Boys’ Cup Laurie Bevan
[There is no mention of a Junior Girls’ Cup]
In the Combined Mid-Northern High School Sports on 11 September at Clare, the shield went to Kapunda for their sixth successive win.
The Governor, Sir Winston Dugan, attended the Empire Day celebrations and presented the University Certificates [Intermediate and Leaving] to successful students and Minda Badges to those who had collected most for that institution. The recently purchased House Shield was presented for the first time and the Jubilee Portrait of HM the King [George V] was unveiled.
A hobby display was also arranged for this occasion.
On returning to Adelaide, His Excellency passed some very flattering remarks to the Director of Education, concerning what he had seen at Burra High School.
Other school activities included debating, a school magazine and students also took part in outside events such as the Empire Shopping Week Essay Competition, in which Burra High School students were successful in taking three of the top four prizes.
Joy Bentley got a gold medal for best essay.
Nancy Pearce came first in the Intermediate Division and won a gold medal.
Geoff. Rosman came second in the Intermediate Division and won a silver medal.
In the Royal Empire Society Competition five essays from Burra have been forwarded to London for final judging. Those of:
Joy Bentley and Nancy Pearce in Division A
Brian Riggs and Ray Prior in Division B
Geoff. Rosman in Division C.
The inspectors have commented very favourably on the school.
Two members of staff will leave this year: Miss Parry and Miss Waterhouse have been transferred to Woodville High School.
56, 52, 24 Dec. 1935, page 1
Burra Homing Club flew its last race for the 1935 season from Ararat on 2 November when the birds were released at 7.10 a.m. P. Byrne’s bird was first back at 9.45 a.m. Sunday and second was A. Simpson’s at 9.50 a.m., but both these were disqualified, not being race rung. At 10 a.m. G. Grace clocked the winning bird. The wind-up meeting for the year showed a very successful club with increasing membership. The aggregate points trophy went to Mr S. Kellaway Jnr.
Hallett School Prize List is printed.
Qualifying Certificates, in order of merit, were awarded to:
David Jenkins
Mary Wright
Gladys Longford
Heather McDonald
Betty Gaskell
Dorothy Arthur
Jack Statton
Walter Watkins
Norman Trusler
Lloyd Jones
Burra Rifle Club fired the 11th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy (presented by Richard Reed of Redruth). Best were N. Villis, W. Pexton and S. Quinn.
In the marksman’s contest A.C. Aughey led from W. Pexton and then J. Schwier.
The club has lost Ern Reed of Mongolata, as he left the district.
He was leading in the Kookaburra Trophy points with 17, ahead of R. Pexton 15.
In the Marksman’s contest A.C. Aughey leads with 32 points from H.H. Byles with 27 and K. Dawson 19.
At the committee meeting on Saturday night at the Fire Station it was decided to extend the telephone line across the road to the 800 and 900 yard firing mounds and the program for the next six months was drawn up. The next match will be on 4 January.
Burra Hospital Christmas Festival
The hospital was well decorated with countless electric lights on Wednesday night and a large floodlight over the central lawn lent a wonderful brilliance. Verandahs were gay with bunting and the pillars were bedecked with pines and small flags. The decorations were carried out by the Secretary, Mr G.H. Dow, Mrs Dow and the house and nursing staff. Seats were obtained from the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School and the Salvation Army Hall. Cars began to park in good positions as early as 5.30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. start and people were wending their way to the hospital before 6.30 p.m. The threatened thunderstorm at 5 p.m. delivered only a few spot before clearing by 6 p.m. for a perfect night. Attendance is hard to estimate, but perhaps 600-700 people. Cars parked for easily half a mile either side of the hospital and police aided the control of the traffic. Patients were brought to the curved side verandah. G.E. Dane arranged the program. As well as local talent some of Adelaide’s most prominent artists assisted: Miss Elsie Woolley, Madame Marcelle Berardi and Mr Peter Worth, banjoist. The Burra District Band occupied a position under the trees on the eastern side, with the Choral & Orchestral Classes in front of the building on the wide drive. The male voices of the choir were immediately above on the verandah.
Mr E.J. Davey, as Chairman of the Board, welcomed performers and guests.
[The program is described in some 3⁄4 column of detail.]
56, 52, 24 Dec. 1935, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 December
Eric Colman & Isabelle Mahon in Splendid Fellows
Irene Vanbrug & Cyril Maude in Girls Will Be Boys
26 December
Robert Montgomery & Madge Evans in Fugitive Lovers
May Robson & Lewis Stone in You Can’t Buy Everything
28 December
Jan Kiepura & Marta Eggert in My Heart is Calling
James Dunn & Mae Clarke in Daring Young Man
30 December
George Wallace in A Ticket in Tatts
Burton Churchill & Sally Blane in Half a Sinner
1 January
Margaret Sullivan & John Boles in Only Yesterday
Slim Somerville & Leila Hyams in Horse Play
Front Stalls 1/- plus tax, Back Stalls and Circle 2/- plus tax.
Children under 12 half price. Reserved seats 3d extra.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 21 December
The Tunnel under the north end of Lean’s Hill advanced to 99 ft. country of block slate fern stained with occasional small quartz seams.
Farnden’s Hill. Taking up bottom of open cut a further 5 ft.
110 bags of ore at grass plus 3 tons of low grade ore.
Takati Claim. Manager W.P. Sexton reports a magnificent return from the December crushing when 50 tons yielded 101 oz 16 dwt 6 gr plus with cyanide 11 oz 13 dwt [8 gr] for a total 113 oz 9 dwt 14 gr at an average of 2 oz 5 dwt 11 gr per ton.
Burra Primary School held the usual happy Christmas parties on Wednesday. Prizes were distributed. Qualifying Certificate results this year are very gratifying.
Christmas Services were held at Redruth Methodist Church last Sunday with carols old and new. Rev. P.C .Eckersley of Adelaide preached two impressive sermons.
At Kooringa Methodist Church similar services were held and in the evening the choir presented special carols. Rev. G.C. Hutchinson took both services.
The Burra District Band will go carolling on Christmas Eve staring at 11 p.m. in North Ward and then proceeding to East and West Wards in turn. The businesses commitments of band members
prevent an earlier start.
Marriage. St Mary’s, Burra, last Saturday
Priscilla (Cill) [Elizabeth Emily] Villis, younger daughter of Mr T.H. Villis & the late Mrs Villis of Aberdeen, married Ernest Leslie Richardson, eldest son of Mr & Mrs J.E. Richardson of ‘Helmscott’, Alberton.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, last Saturday
Harry Chambers, younger son of Mr & Mrs H. Chambers of Aberdeen, married
Muriel Joyce Woodman, fifth daughter of Mrs Jane Woodman of Kooringa.
Marriage. St Mary’s, Burra, last Saturday
Florence Jean Voumard, second daughter of Mr W. & the late Mrs Voumard of Kooringa, married
Murray Opperman, elder son of Mr & Mrs Bert Opperman of Aberdeen.
56, 52, 24 Dec. 1935, page 3
Mr & Mrs W. Holland & family were farewelled at Leighton Hall on 19 December prior to their leaving the district. Speakers praised Mr Holland’s qualities as a headmaster and both his and Mrs Holland’s involvement in district activities. Mr Holland had been a foundation member of the Golf Club and active in the Cricket Club, of which he had been secretary. Mrs Holland had been a member of the Ironmine Croquet Club. Presentations were made and dancing followed.
56, 52, 24 Dec. 1935, page 4
Willalo School held its annual concert and Christmas tree on Saturday 14 November [sic: error for December.][The prize list is printed.]
Farrell’s Flat School break-up and exhibition of work was held in the Institute there on 18 December. Items were interspersed with dancing. [The prize list is printed.]
Qualifying Certificates were awarded to: Sidney Williams, Kenneth Kirk, Mary Crocker, Kathleen Monaghan, Jack Short, Matthew Smith and Robert Jennings.
St Mary’s Day School held its break-up concert in the Parish Hall on 19 December. Items presented were a credit to headmistress Miss Sinclair and her assistant, Mrs Hodson. The Rector said he regretted Miss Sinclair’s departure. She had been in charge for three years and in that time much progress had been made. The enrolment had been doubled and an assistant, Mrs Hodson, appointed this year. The Inspector’s report was very favourable. Both Qualifying Certificate candidates this year were successful. Presentations were made to Miss Sinclair from the students and by Mr Bednall on behalf of the School Council. Mrs Hodson will be headmistress in 1936 with Miss Dorothy Taylor as assistant. Qualifying Certificates went to Veda Butler and Mollie McBride.
[The prize list is printed.]
Booborowie School and District Christmas Tree was held on Wednesday 18 December in Booborowie Hall. [The prize list is printed and details extend for 1⁄2 column.]
Qualifying Certificates (in order) were gained by: Maurice Brandon, Jim Hogan, Herb Woodgate, Alex Kelly, Myrtle Lomman & Murray Brandon (tie), Arthur Clapp, Sheila Pride, Edith Metcalf, Roma Reynolds and Peter Paroissien.
St Joseph’s School, Kooringa held its Christmas tree on 19 December. The children presented items and Very Rev. Fr Morrissey read the school report. Qualifying Certificates were gained by Spencer Killicoat, Margaret McConnon and Kathleen Moore. [Other results and the prize list are printed and details extend for 3⁄4 column.]
Copperhouse School held its Christmas tree and distribution of gifts last Thursday evening. The opportunity was taken to farewell Mr A.J. Nelson, who has been head teacher for some years and is now transferred to Burra staff pro tem. He was presented with a travelling rug and a xylonite shaving set. Mr Murdoch, his successor, was welcomed. Prizes and gifts were distributed, after which supper was followed by dancing.
Burra High School Concert & Speech Night was held on 16 December in the Burra Institute. A very good program was arranged. A short play Such is Fame was staged and also the trial scene from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The headmaster did not read his report, which was rather long and had been printed in the Burra Record on 17 December. Mr Charlesworth did add some comments on school fees. No fees were charged for any student under the age of 14. All students over 14 were given a form on which application for exemption from fees or a reduction in them can be made. In Burra, of the 34 applications made during the past year, a total exemption was granted in 30 cases and the other 4 paid half fees or less. No fees were charged to any student who had to board away from home. No parent has a reason to deny a child continued education on the grounds that they cannot afford the fees.
Dr Steele gave a brief address as Chairman of the High School Council. He hoped the school leaving age would be raised from 14 to 16 as was being discussed.
The Mayor T.H. Woollacott was then asked to present the awards. [The list of prize winners and awards is printed.] Joy Bentley was dux of the school.
A presentation was made to Miss Parry, who is being transferred.
[Details of the evening occupy 21⁄4 columns.]
Burra Primary School. [The prize list is printed.]
Qualifying Certificates went to:
Errol Burdon Pearl Drew
Tom Ford May Dunning
Ensley Nattrass Norma Young
Brian Dearlove Frances Spencer
Bob Goble Ivy Woodman
Norma Rogers Len Bence
Patty Aughey Reg Dow
Mary Mumme Kingsley Prior
Ken Fuller Joan Oates
June Armstrong Harold Timms
Cecil James
A woodwork display was arranged for Thursday evening last week.
E. Jettner writes again on Foreign Traders. [1⁄4 column.]
Characteristics of the paper in 1935
Coverage of the local news was quite detailed and it is a good paper of record for this year. Advertising is dominated by larger advertisements. The activities on the Mongolata Goldfield are reported at length. Sport is covered in considerable detail. The Council activities are well canvassed.
Page 1
A few larger advertisements, but dominated by news – about half and half in column space.
Page 2
Several large advertisements, but mostly devoted to small advertisements, public notices, sales notices and notice of public events. News may start late on the page.
Page 3
Some large advertisements, but dominated by a mixture of news and items of general interest. There generally occupy more than half the column space.
Page 4
Similar to page 3, but articles of general interest are more likely to be here that on page three.
Numbering of Issues in 1935.
The year began with Volume 56, Number 1 on 3 January 1935.
And continued to Volume 56, Number 52 on 24 December 1935.
Publication changed from Wednesdays to Tuesdays with the issue on 16 July 1935.
57, 1, 7 Jan. 1936
Page 1 Advertisements
Walker & Sons Shoe Store, Kooringa
Pederson & Son Quality Shoe Store
H.J.B. Jennison Tyre Service
Jeffery & Byrne Quality Meat Store, Kooringa
M.T. Fuller Agent for Shell, Shearer’s Farm Implements, Healing Radios, Diabolo Separators & National Mutual Insurance
Page 2 Advertisements
T.H. Villis COR Agent, Delivery of Bulk Motor Spirit within 15 miles of Burra
C. Leslie Phillips & W. Ray Phillips Dental surgeons, Pearce’s Building, Commercial St
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers, etc.
______________ Burra Talkies
Fred M. Pearce Builders’ Hardware
Wilkinson & Co. Dispensing Chemists
Drew & Crewes Ltd Universal Providers, Kooringa and Mt Bryan
Bence’s Ltd Drapers & Clothiers
Page 3 Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Store, Kooringa & Aberdeen
C.J. Pearce & Son Glass and Furniture Repairs, Polishing,
Agents for Morgan’s Monumental Masons
Thomson’s Garage
Matthew’s Emporium: Drapers & Clothiers
Page 4 Advertisements
Whitney & Tiver’s Garage, Ford Agent and Second Hand Cars
W.G. Terry The Practical Tailor, Kooringa
[Guy Dollman] Burra Motor Co. Motor & General Engineers, Agent for Dodge Bros, Chrysler, De Soto, Plymouth, Hillman & Humber Cars. Oxy Welding
A. Lomman Duco & Enamel Motor Refinisher, Hoods, Curtains and all General Motor Trimming, General House Decorator,
Sign Writer
K.R. Watts Quality Meat Store, Aberdeen
Charles Maeder Ladies’ Hairdresser, Pearce’s Building
57, 1, 7 Jan. 1936, page 1
Burra Hospital Board, 3 January
The Matron reported the visit of Miss King, daughter of Sir Truby King, founder of the world wide Infant Welfare System. She had visited the hospital with Dr & Mrs Burden. Mrs I.J. Warnes had entertained them at luncheon after which Miss King had given an address on her father’s work.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club held its annual sports day on 26 December at the Burra Racecourse. With a record crowd of spectators, gate takings were £26 compared with £15 last year. Weather was ideal with a slight southerly wind. The tracks were in first class order. The publican’s booth had a radio so the racing enthusiasts could keep in touch with the Cheltenham races. Local identity B. Thomson carried off the honours in the two-mile Mid-North Race. Stafford won the 1 mile and the 11⁄2 mile wheel races and a wheel race for locals was won by Rex Opperman. I.R. Burton won the 220 yard and 440 yard handicaps in the pedestrian events, with E.S. Chellew winning the 75 yard sprint and the 130 yard Sheffield. In the afternoon the Burra District Band under Bandmaster J.H. Murison enlivened the proceedings. [Results are printed.]
Mt Bryan East School. The end of year concert and Christmas tree was held on 18 December. Banbury School, which is a correspondence school with five scholars, and their teacher Miss Marjorie Sandland, also attended and contributed two items. [Details of the concert in 1⁄2 column.]
The Head Teacher Mr Yeates reported a year of good attendance and that the school had won the ‘B’ Section of the Hallett & District Schools Athletic and Exhibition Assoc. event. Twenty-two lucerne trees had been planted on Arbor Day. Three candidates sat for the Qualifying Examination and all were successful: Aileen Hughes, Ken Emerson and May Hughes. May & Ken will now leave school. [Prize lis is printed.]
Father Christmas then arrived and distributed gifts.
Weather. On the last day of 1935 Mt Bryan East had a severe thunderstorm. Falls of around 2 inches were recorded in the district. Dust Hole Creek received a heavy run-off and the flood was perhaps the highest known since settlement. In places the water was 15 ft deep and over a chain wide. All fences went before it and trees and rubbish of all sorts was carried to the swamps out Mongolata way.
57, 1, 7 Jan. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 11 January
Jack Hulbert & Nancy O’Neil in ‘Jack Ahoy’
Mick the Miller (a greyhound), Sonnie Hale & Leonore Corbett in Wild Boy
Mr R.R. Bunney has returned from his long sick leave and it is thought he will take up his duties as postmaster in the coming week.
Salvation Army. Captain Cresswell and Lt Smith will be welcomed next Sunday.
New Year’s Eve in Burra was very quiet. Not a bell was rung or a gun fired, nor any singing or other noise in the street. We hear on all sides that the rising generation is worse than the previous, but we do not think so when we remember past New Year Eves, when gates were lifted off their hinges, outhouses were overturned and black-paint would be splashed all over every object with the figures of the coming year displayed. Cows and horses would be let out of their yards, the latter often with a tin tied to its tail. Watchnight services would be interrupted by the ringing of bells and the discharge of guns.
Aberdeen Croquet Club members have been transforming its environment by planting trees and shrubs. The blue agapanthuses are at present making a fine show with over 70 heads. Mr R. Fairchild is making a beauty spot of the locality of the demolished White Hart Hotel.
Burra Town Council Chamber. The newly renovated and refurnished chamber will soon be reopened. The walls and ceiling were renovated and photos and pictures all cleaned and re-hung on brass rods and a handsome suite of eleven chairs and a table grace the room. The one thing lacking is a suitable floor covering to match the massive and ornate furniture. Surely there are some gentlemen who could outlay the £13-£15 necessary to complete this very fine room.
Obituary. Mr William D. Roach died at Terowie recently. He was an early settler and prominent figure in the northern farming and pastoral world. ‘Roachdale’ sheep have always been prominent in the Peterborough and other northern shows, winning many championships. Mr Roach was the son of the late James Roach, who came to Australia from Cornwall in 1848 and was born in Ballarat in 1857, coming to SA as a lad. After spending some time in Burra, he went to White Hut and Clare. At 17 he took up land at Terowie, being one of the original settlers on the eastern side. He concentrated on farming till 1901, after which he turned entirely to sheep. He was a member of the original Terowie DC formed in 1888 and was Chairman for 27 years. He was an original trustee of the Terowie Institute, of which he was a member for 56 years. He was also one of the original trustees of the Terowie Methodist Church and a member of the Board of Management of the Peterborough Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. He managed the Petherton Estate for several years after the death of Mr George Hiles and went to ‘Roachdale’ Terowie in 1903, living there until his death. He took an interest in sport and in his younger days was a good cricketer. He was educated at Burra under Dr J.R. Stephens and at White Hut. For a considerable time he was Chairman of the Terowie School Board of Advice and took a keen interest in school and town matters generally. He married Emma Hiles, daughter of the late Mr George Hiles of Petherton Estate, Hallett. She predeceased him, but three children survive: Mrs A.H. Smith of Huddlestone, Gilbert Roach of Terowie and Mrs D.L. van Senden of Naracoorte. He remarried in 1902 Ada Hiles, widow of the late George Hiles Jnr, who survives him. He is also survived by his brother and sisters: Henry Roach of Terowie, Mrs A.R. Tuck of Terowie and Mrs G.H. Teague of NZ. There are 12 grandchildren. [William Dunstan Roach died 23 December 1935 Terowie aged 79.]
Weather. Last Friday night a severe thunderstorm struck Burra at about 2 a.m. At the post office the measure was 31 points, but at A.L. Kellock’s, just past the Burra Hospital, 75 points fell, while Clem Pearce and Frank Harris recorded 48 points, though Frank Reed got only 12. Little rain fell to the west, but to the east falls were varied, but heavy: Koomooloo 40, Woolgangi 117, Pine Valley 140, Oakbank 38, Sturt Vale 214, Braemar 81 and The Gums 21 points. Sunday was fine, but more rain fell on Monday with further falls for example: Oakbank 58 points, Sturt Vale 96, Koomooloo 35, Woolgangi 30 and Pine Valley 97.
Rain continued through Monday with The Gums recording another 60 points.
This morning (Tuesday) Burra was enveloped in a thick fog and the weather is still mild with rain looking likely.
Ironmine. Mr & Mrs Holland were farewelled at the Ironmine Memorial Hall prior to their departure for Croydon. There were items and speeches and the presentation of a handsome bedroom clock for Mrs Holland and a mulga inkstand for Mr Holland. A fountain-pen and pencil were given to Masters Drew and Mervyn and to Dawn and Kitty a mulga serviette ring each. There was also the presentation of a crystal salad bowl.
57, 1, 7 Jan. 1936, page 3
Burra Town Council, 6 January
A.T. Pearce has applied to transfer his betting shop from Moorhead St to Best Place. Council decision was deferred.
Cr Kellaway moved a minute of appreciation be recorded for the splendid effort of the Mayor in obtaining the handsome suite of furniture for the Council Chamber, which was being used for the first time on this occasion. It was a credit to the Mayor’s forethought and to the townspeople and was a fitting way to honour the State Centenary and the Diamond Jubilee of the Corporation. The Mayor had obtained over £100 from citizens.
The Mayor thanked Cr Kellaway for his motion. The furniture previously in use was a disgrace and when distinguished visitors came it had reflected credit on neither the Council nor the citizens of Burra.
The motion was carried.
The Mayor read Christmas greetings from the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Scotland.
A.L. Bence offered prizes of 15/- and 5/- for the best two letters to Father Christmas.
First prize went to Verona Brown aged 6 of Wildildie, Mongolata.
Second prize went to Barbara Jennison of Aberdeen aged 6.
A special second prize was awarded to Mavis Shipway of Mongolata aged 6.
Joy Pascoe submitted the most humorous letter:
‘Dear Santa Claus, will you please give me a doll and a posher and a sume more things for us. My grandmother noes a boy who set a rabbit trap to catch you but you dint come that way when you cum to our place I will show you wher mums cake is and you have sum, wake me up and show me your things and how you go up the chimley all our sox are ther. Good bye have you got a mum little and any little girls to XXXXX from
Joy Pascoe’
Ayers School held its break-up and prize night on 19 December. Six Qualifying Certificates were given to: Ivy Heinrich, Margaret Humphrys, Robert Steele, Donald White, Colin McCormack and Max McCormack. Dux of the school was Colin Humphrys and Dux of lower grades was Billy Byles.
Gum Creek School held its annual break-up on 19 December. Dux of the school was Aileen Canny. Qualifying Certificates were awarded to Iris Harris, Joan Canny and Colin Garrard.
[The prize list is printed.]
Leighton School held its annual break-up on 19 December, when about 20 parents attended. Mr W.G. Holland, the head teacher, is leaving. Qualifying Certificates were awarded to Eric Field and Drew Holland.
[The prize list is printed.]
57, 2, 14 Jan. 1936, page 1
Weather. A severe rain storm struck Farrell Flat last Thursday, depositing 212 points in about 90 minutes. The home of T. Crocker was flooded.
Burra Burra DC, 6 January
A.B. Schoenberg was appointed ranger.
It was resolved to sell to the DC of Hallett one 3-cylinder roller Dennis buckscraper and three fire tanks, presently in the Hundred of Anne.
Hospital contributions for the year were set at £640 for the Burra Hospital and £7-1-6 for the Clare Hospital.
Arrangements are in hand for the transfer of the Mt Bryan Hall to the trustees: Messrs L.W. Gebhardt, T. Beckwith, J. Beaglehole, E.C. Thomas and I.J. Warnes.
It was resolved to hold a ratepayers’ meeting at Booborowie to consider a further lease of the east and south parklands at Booborowie for tree planting.
57, 2, 14 Jan. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 January
Paul Muni & Bette Davis in Bordertown
Warren Williams & Claire Dodd in Don’t Bet on Blondes
Joy Bentley sat for seven Leaving Exam subjects at the end of 1935 after only three years at high school. She has passed all seven. She was the only candidate outside the Metropolitan Area to pass seven subjects. Joy is the youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs James Bentley of Aberdeen.
Burra Primary School
Errol Rex Burdon, second son of the stationmaster at Burra, who was 13 on 1 September last, gained 669 marks at the recent Qualifying Certificate Examinations. This gained him an Exhibition offered to boys under 14, giving him two years’ tuition at any high school. Two other lads at Burra also scored over 600 marks: Ensley Nattrass and Tom Ford.
Obituary. Henry Arnold Mayfield died recently at Booborowie. He was a son of the late Mr James Mayfield of Bald Hills. He was born in 1874 and took up land at Hackham and lived there for a number of years. When North Booborowie Estate was allotted in 1911 he obtained a block on which he resided till his death. He took an active part in community life and was a councillor for a number of years and a member of the Australian Dairy Council for some time. In the last few years he has been concerned with breeding fat lambs. He leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters: M.A. Mayfield of Glen Osmond, R.G. Mayfield of Booborowie, Mrs H.B. Jagger of Encounter Bay and Mrs T.B. Ashby of Gulnare.
[Born Henry Harnel Mayfield 13 October 1874 Bald Hills: died Henry Arnold Mayfield 7 December 1936 Booborowie, residence Booborowie North.]
Bowls. 11 January: Burra 100 defeated Clare 89.
Mongolata Goldfield
Work has started again after the Christmas break.
Mongolata is producing most of the gold mined in SA.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for fortnight to 14 December
200 ft level. South drive extended off the east crosscut to 17 ft 6 inches with 8ft 6 inches driven on lode. North drive extended to 13 ft 6 inches, driving 5 ft 6 inches on lode.
December treatment at Mongolata Battery:
Baldina Mongolata 15.2 tons for 85.3 oz
East View 25.4 tons for 54.6 oz
Reynolds’ Mongolata (North Mongolata) 4 tons for 1.6 oz
Takati 50 tons for 113.5 oz
Terry’s (Mongolata No. 4) 4.9 tons for 5.3 oz
57, 2, 14 Jan. 1936, page 3
E. Jettner contributes 1⁄2 column to the on-going debate on Foreign Traders.
Weather. Between 4 and 11 January good rains fell to the east. These rains were general and in some instances exceeded all records for January since 1890. Their chief value was in being initially a heavy soaking fall, followed by continuous light rain, which soaked in to the ground. This was followed by falls of a more tropical nature, much heavier in some places than in others.
On Wednesday for instance M.A. Radford at Canegrass received 200 points in 40 minutes. At midday on Thursday World’s End received from 250 to 400 points and the biggest flood in memory. N.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ was en route to Burra, but had to turn back. Most wheat had been reaped, so little damage was done to crops, but gates and fences have been widely destroyed.
This week’s rainfall at World’s End amounted to 550 points. Mr Len Gordon’s lagoon near S. Finch’s is a sheet of water extending to the main road to ‘The Gums.’ A ford at Klaebe’s corner about 13 miles from Burra, which was built by the late Tom McWaters and Richard Bruce, was thought to be impregnable, but was swept away. At ‘The Gums’ Mr Pearse reports the 1890 record of 203 points for January has been replaced when he gauged 227 points up to 9 January.
The Burra Creek ran the biggest flood for years. Two or three times last week Baldina, Deep and Pine creeks were in heavy flood and at one time Baldina Creek was flowing more than 4 ft deep over the ford.
On Friday morning a big flood came through Thistlebeds. The flows down the creeks which empty out onto the Eastern Plains will be of great value to the various owners. Collinsville watercourse, Ulooloo Creek and Newikie Creek all ran strongly and the mail has been unable to get through to Ketchowla.
Torrential rain has fallen at Mt Bryan East area, but with no mail getting through there are few figures to hand. Some of the falls from 4-11 January: Sturt Vale 453, Oakbank 408, Canegrass 401, Quondong 250, Old Koomooloo 162, Balah 212, Braemar 223 and Ketchowla 220.
Burra has registered 207 for the week, but falls have been very localised. While the post office recorded 75 F. Harris in Kooringa reported 51 and at Aberdeen J.G. Wardle recorded 161.
Hanson and Farrell Flat had heavy falls, but Gum Creek got nothing.
On Wednesday the Burra creek flowed strongly from local flooding, but it has received nothing from further north.
Burra Seaside Trip. The committee has £176 in hand. It resolved to hold a trip to Semaphore on 22 February and it not available then to ask for 15 February. Fares are to be the same as last year. From Hallett and Mt Bryan 8/6 adults and 4/3 for children. For stations from Burra to Manoora 7/6 adults and 3/9 for children.
57, 3, 21 Jan. 1936, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 13th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy. Best were C.D. Pexton, S. Quinn and R.G. Bernhardt.
For the Kookaburra Trophy Sam Quinn leads with 18 points ahead of E. Reed 17.
For the Marksman’s Trophy A.C. Aughey with 32 points leads H.H. Byles and K.S. Dawson each with 29.
Burra Brass Band held its AGM 14 January in the Band Room. The band’s patron Mr James Thomas died during the year. Collections brought in less this year than in the previous year. In 1934 11 open air concerts had yielded £24-12-7, but in 1935 the same number produced only £15-7-2. Collections from individual concerts ranged from 15/- to £2-0-6. Instruments were purchased during the year for a cost of c. £37. A collecting drive by members raised about £27 towards that expense. Shortage of funds prevents the holding of our little social evening this year. This year we will fight to have a band contest in Burra. Thanks go to P.W. Clark for the use of his room for practice and for the use of his private room for committee meetings. Elected were: Patron, L.W. Gebhardt, President, E.F. Marston; Bandmaster, J.H. Murison; Deputy Bandmasters, G. Terry and A.W. Andrews; Secretary, J.T. Pascoe and Treasurer, J. Allen.
Bowls. 18 February: Clare 97 defeated Burra 94.
57, 3, 21 Jan. 1936, page 2
Obituary. HM King George V. The news of the king’s death was received at 10 a.m. this morning (Tuesday). Flags were lowered to half mast and shops closed from noon to 2 p.m. Business places were draped in royal purple and photos of the late king were displayed in windows.
[Born 3 June 1865, succeeded to the throne 6 May 1910, died 20 January 1936.]
Marjorie Oates, daughter of Mr & Mrs Horace Oates of Lockleys and late of Burra, was last year Dux of Thebarton School and with 673 points in the Qualifying Certificate came fourth in the state. With the Qualifying Exhibition she won, she will continue her studies at Walford House for two years.
Mr W.H. Anderson showed us on Monday an envelope which had contained a letter from his wife, at present on a visit to England. It had been salvaged from the airliner ‘City of Khartoum,’ which crashed in the Mediterranean off Alexandria on 31 December with the loss of 11 passengers.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 January
John Garrick & Gina Malo in Lily of Killarney
Edmund Gwenn & Leonora Corbett in Warn London
27 January
Jane Withers & O.P. Heggie in Ginger
George O’Brien & Evalyn Bostock in The Cowboy Millionaire
Croquet. 15 January: Aberdeen 52 defeated Kooringa 33.
57, 3, 21 Jan. 1936, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
(Reprint from the Economic Traders Gazette)
SA looks as if it will have a good goldfield. The Mongolata Goldfield is 116 miles from Adelaide and 16 miles from Burra, though few people in Australia have heard of it. It was discovered about four years ago and has been SA’s greatest producer for 1933-34 & 35. It seems it will also be for 1936 too. Much work has been done by Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. Some said the Government Battery placed there 6 February 1933 would not work for two weeks, but it is still going strong. Several of the mines are self-supporting: Baldina Mongolata, Curlew Mongolata, East View Mongolata and Takati Mongolata. The field has produced some £60,000 worth of the best gold ever to go through the Australian Mint. Yet Mongolata does not receive any encouragement. In the press on 10 January the Department of Mines reported on the mines of SA, but there was not a mention of Mongolata, even though for December Mongolata produced more gold than all the other State batteries put together: 98 tons of ore for 258 oz of gold. Yet these officers, paid by the taxpayers and miners, write columns of information every month and they never mention the best field in the state. Some Mongolata returns:
Mine Tons of ore processed Gold recovered in oz
Byles’ Mongolata 1862 2917
Baldina Mongolata 135 502
Block 8 Mongolata 72 145
Curlew Mongolata 253 840
East View Mongolata 196 259
Golden Eagle Mongolata 15 3
Golden Guinea Mongolata 50 12
Golden Speck Mongolata 3 3
Mongolata Central 10 3
James’ Mongolata 14 48
Terry’s Mongolata 51 48
Takati Mongolata 362 980
Wildildie Mongolata 255 78
3278 5838
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the first crushing for 1936 on 16 January processed 15 tons for 133 oz 5 dwt representing a return of 8 oz 17 dwt per ton without tailings.
Burra Town Council, 20 January
Concessions were granted on bus licences to T.P. Halls and R.A. Bevan.
Mr J. Williams complained that the road to Hampton was too narrow and he asked it to be made a chain road as at present it carried a lot of traffic. The Town Clerk reported that the terrain was such that it could not [at least readily] be widened and in any case was wide enough for the traffic.
The request of A.T. Pearce to move the betting shop to best place was debated at some length. It was considered that the proposed place was too small.
A complaint that cyclists were riding across the swing bridge was discussed. It was resolved to take action against cyclists riding on footpaths and footbridges.
Crs Dow and Jennison, who had been absent from the previous meeting expressed their admiration for the new Council furniture.
Mongolata Cricket. Aberdeen Colts 174 defeated Mongolata 50 & 68.
Miss Truby King visited Burra on 31 December 1935. She is the only daughter of Sir Truby King of New Zealand, the founder of the Plunket Mothercraft Centre and Baby Clinic. When Miss King was in Adelaide on a visit, Matron Siegele contacted Mrs I.J. Warnes with the result that the CWA asked Miss King to visit Burra. Burra is the first country branch of a Baby Health Clinic in SA to be fully equipped on the lines laid down by Sir Truby King. The CWA was truly very gratified when Miss King accepted the invitation to visit on 31 December. Miss King and accompanying visitors were entertained at lunch and then visited the Maternity Wing at the Burra Hospital. Miss King was very pleased with all she saw. Following afternoon tea Miss King gave an interesting résumé of her father’s life and work in New Zealand.
57, 3, 21 Jan. 1936, page 4
Tom Canny responds to E. Jettner’s contribution last issue with a further 1⁄2 column on Foreign Traders and on the same subject ‘Ajax’ also contributes 1⁄2 column.
[Finally the editor then calls an end to this long-running interchange.]
‘Anne Ratepayer’ writes to complain of the injustice inflicted on those in the Hundred of Anne due to the amalgamation of Councils. Despite their having been the ratepayers that contributed to the purchase of the equipment, it was ruled that all the Council Equipment would go to the Burra Burra DC when most of the Booborowie Council was amalgamated with Burra DC. Now the Hallett DC had to buy the equipment sitting in Anne Ward when by right it already belonged to them. [The argument goes on for about 1⁄2 column.]
57, 4, 29 Jan. 1936, page 1 [An irregular day of issue: Tuesday instead of Wednesday.]
Tennis
‘A’ Grade 25 January: Booborowie 14-101 defeated Kooringa 4-78
27 January: Booborowie 10-89 defeated Ironmine 8-76
Bowls. Waikerie 98 defeated Burra 87. A correction on page 3 reverses the scores for one rink so that: Burra 95 defeated Waikerie 90.
Burra Baby Clinic & Mothercraft Centre
[Miss Truby King recently outlined the reasons for her father’s development of Mothercraft Centres and this explanation is reported here in about 1⁄2 column before an outline of the Burra Clinic.]
In the local Baby Clinic there is an indoor and an outdoor clinic. [The description suggests these would better be described as in-patient and out-patient clinics.] The outdoor clinic is for out-patients only. Babies born at the hospital attend only the indoor clinic for the first two weeks and will not come into contact with children from outside. After mothers leave the hospital they have the right to attend the outside clinic if advice is required and this service is also available to mothers whose children were not born at the hospital.
On entering the building one is struck by the purity of the white walls and the up-to-date equipment. The large ward is fitted with all the modern requirements of light and ventilation. The nursery is delightful, with a suitable frieze lending a dash of colour and some suitable pictures. Each little bassinette is covered with a little white cot spread daintily worked, with a pillowslip to match. Each baby has a locker where each article of the numbered layette used by the baby during its residence is kept strictly for that child alone. No outside babies are allowed to enter the nursery and the clinic room is quite separate. The ward and private rooms all lead onto the balcony, where partitions secure privacy and from which there are beautiful views of the town and hospital gardens. The drapings in the room are in delicate pastel shades with matching tea sets, whilst in the bathroom, sterilising rooms, etc. a cool shade of green predominates. The outside clinic is conducted in a room arranged for simplicity and perfect cleanliness. It is open for consultations Tuesdays and Fridays, when Matron Siegele, who is a thoroughly trained Plunket Nurse, can be consulted. A careful card system records each child’s visits. On a table is set out the various foods necessary with a chart defining food values and the treatment necessary to build up the infant frame. A cri with a doll lying in it shows the correct arrangement of the covering for an infant. The crib is of a simple type; such as almost any father would be capable of making. A large mosquito net, held in place by an elastic band, goes right round the crib. The stress is on simplicity and providing the necessaries with minimal outlay.
Baby’s wardrobe was found to be a neat arrangement of three kerosene cases; one on end and the other two sideways, with little shelves fixed therein. These will easily hold all necessary linen, towels, washers etc. Next was the basket for weighing, with its sanitary equipment of changing cloths for each child weighed. Many charts offer advice – notable was the one headed ‘Beware of the Dummy.’ This showed how unnecessary these unhygienic ‘silencers’ are for properly handled infants. Ills caused by the dummy include colic, (wind), indigestion, adenoids, nervous ailments, diarrhoea, mouth breathing and thrush, to say nothing of the germs gathered from picking the dummy up from the floor etc. and placing it in the mouth.
[The article goes on to mention other useful baby care items such as a ‘kicking box,’ and ‘a home-made refrigerator for keeping baby’s food cool’ (though this is not described.) Also described is a device for restraining an infant from sitting up in the cot whilst allowing freedom of movement.]
57, 4, 29 Jan. 1936, page 2
Miss Melva Hill has left Burra to take up a position near the city. She was a member of the Kooringa Methodist Choir and a teacher in the Junior Department of the Sunday school.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate. Results of the crushing of 16 January:
15 tons produced 133 oz 5 dwt from the battery
Plus 10 oz 15 dwt 15 gr by cyanide
Total 144 oz 15 gr or an average of 9 oz 12 dwt 1 gr per ton.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 1 February
Dick Powell & Gloria Stewart in Gold Diggers of 1935
Barbara Stanwyck & Gene Raymond in The Woman in Red
57, 4, 29 Jan. 1936, page 3
Burra Honours the Memory of Our Late Beloved Monarch King George V
On Tuesday, as in all parts of the Commonwealth, most businesses closed from 11 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. At 11.30 a.m. a memorial service was held in the Burra Institute. The attendance was representative, with prominent citizens, returned soldiers and a goodly attendance of ladies. The Burra Band was on the back of the stage and played softly before the service the old Hymn Rock of Ages and Divinity.
The stage was draped in purple and black. Mayor T.H. Woollacott presided and also on the stage were the Councillors and their wives and the Town Clerk, the [Protestant] town clergy, President and Secretary of the RSL and Lt H. Warnes of the 18/23 Regiment of Light Horse. The Dead March in Saul was played while the audience stood with bowed heads. Rev. E.G. Neil read the 95th and 27th Psalms and the band played The Recessional. Rev. D.L. Redding gave an inspirational address. Rev. G.C. Hutchinson then offered a prayer, followed by the audience standing with bowed heads for two minutes’ silence. The service ended with the trumpeter sounding Last Post and Reveille.
[There are also extended reports of the services conducted elsewhere in the town.]
St Mary’s Church of England held a memorial service on Sunday evening attended by the local Light Horsemen, during which H.E. Fuss read one of the lessons.
Kooringa Methodist Church held a service on Sunday evening, which the Town Council attended.
The Salvation Army’s memorial service included an address by Captain Cresswell.
The RSL held a memorial service at the War Memorial on Tuesday Evening at 9.30 p.m. to coincide with the service at Windsor. It was conducted by Revs D.L. Redding (Anglican) and G.C. Hutchinson (Methodist), both formerly of the AIF. Many returned men attended.
There will be a memorial service next Sunday at Redruth Methodist Church.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held a picnic on Monday after a lapse of three years (due to the preference of the scholars for a Christmas Tree Party.) It was held at Gum Creek near the shearers’ quarters, which were used for meals – much appreciated as a cool haven on the extremely hot day. About 125 children attended and gained great pleasure from cray fishing, paddling and swimming in the morning and sports in the afternoon.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its annual picnic at Stone Chimney Creek, lent by Mr Herb. Morgan.
Burra High School
Intermediate results were published in the Advertiser 24 January.
Nancy Pearce received a telegram at 9 a.m. with the news of 8 passes and 2 credits.
Eight certificates were gained from BHS. The other seven:
Brian Riggs 8 subjects & 1 credit
Mervyn Davey 6 subjects & 1 credit
Ray Prior 6 subjects
Kathleen McConnon 5 subjects
Kevin Nattrass 5 subjects
Dorothy Bevan completed the Commercial Certificate
Frank Pearce completed a certificate by adding English & Latin to 6 subjects from last year
Kathleen McConnon and Kevin Nattrass are only second year students.
Intermediate Results of Burra students studying at Prince Alfred College:
Keith Jenkin Davey, who started school at Burra Primary, passed 8 subjects.
Tom Pearce Dearlove, who also did his primary schooling at Burra, passed 6 subjects with 1 credit.
Marriage. Gartrell Memorial Church, Rose Park, last Saturday
Jack Ruxton, elder son of Mr & Mrs Ruxton of Norwood, married
Phoebe Ellen Plane, only child of Mrs M.J. Plane & the late Mr Plane, and granddaughter of Mr R.D. Pascoe.
The Waikerie Band arrived in Burra last Saturday evening. They were accommodated at various homes. On Sunday afternoon they gave a combined band performance with the Burra Band at Aberdeen, to a good crowd. In the evening the united bands gave a concert in Market Square to a large audience, but collections at both concerts were disappointingly small: £1-7-6 at Aberdeen and £3-4-91⁄4 at Kooringa. The farthing has been embezzled by Mr Joe Pascoe, who will not part with it!
Band President Mr E.F. Marston stood in for the Mayor in welcoming the band. His Worship, as the direct representative of HM King George V, whose death had caused such profound grief, was unable to take a prominent part in the proceedings. Two minutes’ silence was observed in memory of the late king, followed by the National Anthem, to close the proceedings on a solemn note. The band was then entertained at Mrs Rowe’s café and left on Monday to fulfil an engagement at Cadell.
57, 4, 29 Jan. 1936, page 4
An article in praise of King Edward VIII. The writer was particularly impressed by his speeches urging economic change and steps to bring consumption and production into a proper relationship and so producing an end to poverty. [Speeches others saw as inappropriate participation in the political processes of the nation/empire.]
57, 5, 4 Feb. 1936, page 1
Burra Rifle Club
On Saturday the second stage of the Championship & Handicap Championship was fired over 600 & 700 yards. The best in the handicap event were J.E. Pearce, E.R. Pexton & T. Cornelius.
B. Cornelius now leads the handicap Championship. [T. & B. Cornelius seem to have been the same person: T.B. Cornelius, known as Bruce.]
Top off the rifle was Ron Pexton, followed by J.E. Pearce. Overall, in the Championship J. Whimpress was leading, followed by J.E. Pearce.
Mongolata. The first service for the year was conducted by Captain Cresswell & Lt Smith. (Both were ladies.)
Wildildie Sports Club held its AGM on Wednesday. Elected were: Patron, J.R. Barker; President, J. Kellaway; Treasurer, F. Lewis; Assistant Treasurer, D. Sexton and Hon. Secretary, Ron Pexton.
Methodism in SA
Rev. E.G. Neil gave an address on the history of Methodism in SA at a united meeting of the Redruth and Kooringa Circuits at Redruth Memorial Hall.
Methodists were on the first ship to come to SA. Captain Morgan of the first ship, [of settlers] The Duke of York, conducted regular divine service each Sunday and held a service on the ship on its arrival at Kangaroo Island 26 July 1836. The first settler to step ashore was the youngest on the boat, Lucy Anne Beare and she was a Methodist. The first adult ashore was Samuel Stephens, the son of the President of the Wesleyan Church in England.
Samuel East, a Methodist local preacher inaugurated regular services in the Company’s carpenter shop 19 August 1836. When the site of Adelaide was chosen the settlers moved to Glenelg and on Christmas Day 1836 a divine service was held in the surveyor’s hut with 25 present. Two Methodist local preachers conducted it. John C. White started the first regular services on the mainland after he arrived on the Coromandel, 1 January 1837. He had been a local preacher at City Road, London.
The first service in Adelaide was in Mr Giles Abbott’s hut. Two classes for Christian Fellowship were formed 11 May 1837 (men’s and women’s) in Edward Stephen’s hut.
Rev. William Longbottom arrived when his small vessel, en route from the eastern colony to WA, was wrecked on the SA coast and the survivors walked for 45 days to reach Adelaide. The first stone church in Adelaide was a Methodist Chapel on a piece of land in Hindley St where the Eagle Hotel now stands. It opened on 1 March 1838 and was 22 ft x 50 ft x 9 ft high and accommodated 200. Mr White preached in the morning, Mr Mincham in the afternoon and Rev. T.Q. Stow (Congregationalist) in the evening. When it proved too small, Mr Stephens offered a block in Gawler Place, though some thought it rather far out in the bush. A foundation stone was laid 27 November 1838 by governor Gawler. They also started a mission for the natives. The new church was 371⁄2 ft x 681⁄2 ft and held 500-600. It opened 7 July 1839 with Rev. Longbottom preaching in the morning, Rev. J. Drummond (the first Presbyterian minister) in the afternoon and Rev. T.Q. Stow in the evening. The Baptists bought the Hindley St church for £500. Then Rev. Daniel Draper arrived and wanted a new church. He donated £100 and John (later Sir John) Colton donated another £100 and half an acre in Pirie St was purchased for £600. Later more land was added to the east for £1212. Governor Sir H.E.F. Young laid the foundation stone for the Pirie St Methodist Church and it opened 19 October 1851 at a cost of £6204. The Gawler Place church was then sold and together with the opening efforts the debt on the Pirie St Church was reduced to £2187. In the eight years of Daniel Draper’s service 27 churches and 4 manses were built. He went to England on furlough and was drowned on his return journey when the SS London sank in the Bay of Biscay. Within five years of settlement SA had 25 Methodist preaching places and four churches and in ten years had extended to Gawler, Kapunda and Burra. At the first Australian Conference in Sydney in 1855 SA had nine circuits with twelve ministers. At the third Conference in Adelaide, SA had 47 churches, 67 other preaching places and 12 ministers and 108 local preachers. There were 2101 members and 624 teachers looking to the needs of 4275 Sunday school scholars.
The first SA Conference was held in 1874 with Rev. W.L. Binks chosen as 1st President. By this time there were 160 churches and 100 other preaching places.
All the above refers to the Wesleyan Methodist Church, which was the strongest branch before Methodist Union in 1900.
In 1840 John Wiltshire, a Primitive Methodist, began to preach in Light Square. The Primitive Methodists built a church in Elizabeth Street, Adelaide, and were strong at Mt Barker. After four years Rev. J. Long came to serve Adelaide and Rev. J. Wilson went to Mt Barker. By the time of Methodist Union they were about half as numerous as the Wesleyans.
Bible Christians began in 1850 with Rev. J. Way and Rev. J. Rowe being the first ministers. The former was based at Bowden and the latter went to Burra. Rev. T.E. Keen was brought out to serve the Gawler Plains and Mr Way established a church in Young St in Adelaide.
The Methodist New Connexion built Maughan Church in Franklin St, under Mr Maughan, who died young. In 1888 this branch of Methodism merged with the Bible Christians.
The Union of the three remaining Methodist branches was achieved in 1900.
Prince Alfred College was established when 13 acres of land was purchased at Kent Town in 1862. Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, laid the foundation stone on 5 November 1867 and Mr S. Fiddian BA was appointed headmaster in 1868, though the college had started before his arrival in the Pirie St Lecture Hall.
The Bible Christians operated Way College under Dr W.G. Torr from 1 February 1892 until Methodist Union and in 1904 it became Methodist Ladies’ College. In 1926 Mr & Mrs R.H. White donated the Chapman Alexander Institute to the Church and it became Wesley College, the training college for Methodist ministers.
Other Methodist Institutions established over the years include:
Memorial Hospital, North Adelaide
The Mt Barker Rest Home
The Magill Children’s Home
Resthaven, the recently started old folks’ home
Maughan Central Mission
Kuitpo Colony
Bowden & Brompton Mission
Missions at Pt Adelaide, Glanville and Pt Pirie
Home and Overseas Missions
57, 5, 4 Feb. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 8 February
George Roby & Anna May Wong in Chu Chin Chow
Frances Day & Leslie Hanson in Oh! Daddy
Hugh Wilson today completes 21 years as an employee of the Burra Town Council. He is presently the Overseer, having taken on that role upon the retirement of John Rosewall some years ago.
Mongolata Goldfield
Last Week we saw some fine specimen gold from the Curlew Mine. One piece, the size of a man’s hand was valued at over £50. This claim has produced about 1000 oz.
Accident. A car driven by Mr Ted Riggs ran into an iron telephone pole en route to ‘Horsley Dene.’ A passenger, Bert Davey, suffered a dislocated shoulder and one or two ladies suffered severe shock.
Ray Brown of Redruth aged 41⁄2 was going on a message with his sister aged 7 when he was frightened by some sheep and in running off blindly he fell into a dam in Baker’s paddock. His sister tried to save him, but was unable due to the boggy bank. Her screams attracted Mr W.E. Hodge, who waded in waist deep and reached the boy. Mr Thomas Turner and his daughter Miss Hilda Turner also arrived and the latter waded in and took the limp body as Mr Hodge neared the bank. They then managed to resuscitate the boy, who at first appeared to be dead. Dr Stevens arrived and Ray was taken to the hospital. Mr Hodge, who suffers from heart trouble, was forced to go home to bed to recover from the strain.
Burra High School will open with an enrolment of 55 compared with 49 last year and 41 in 1934.
Miss C.A. Isom will commence duties as a teacher of literary subjects.
Fire broke out in Whitney & Tiver’s Garage about 12.40 Monday night. It was noticed by Bruce Morgan of Aberdeen. The fire station was alerted and water turned onto the fire, by which time there was fire right along the ridge capping. A fused wire seems to have been the likely cause. Though the garage was full of cars only one suffered damage when it received a badly scorched hood. Damage is estimated at £200 to £300.
Graham H. Dow, as Hon. Sec. Burra RSL writes outlining the case of Archie Nolan. This young man took part in a hastily organised motor cycle race at the Anzac Sports 6 May 1935. An accident occurred during the event, which has left him an invalid and unable to work. He is the son of a returned soldier and the RSL is opening a subscription list to help him, starting it with a donation of £25. They appeal for public subscriptions.
57, 5, 4 Feb. 1936, page 3
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 14-99 defeated Mt Bryan 4-62
Ironmine 11-93 defeated Aberdeen 7-71
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 9-90 defeated Kooringa II 9-86
Obituary. Horace R. Steele died in Adelaide last Saturday. He was a former Burra resident for many years. He had been employed by the late P. Lane, saddler, and then by Drew & Crewes. He was also Burra Town Clerk for a period. [1908-1911.] He married Miss Mary Harris, second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Ambrose Harris of ‘Rose Cottage’ Kooringa. After leaving Burra he went to Broken Hill and then to Adelaide, where, for 22 years until his retirement, he was the Burnside District Council Clerk. He is survived by his wife and two daughters: Amy Mrs O. Peacock of Toorak Gardens and Dorothy Mrs T.V. Bayes of Pandappa Station, Terowie. There are two grandchildren. [Born England, arrived Australia 1876: died 1 February 1936 North Adelaide, residence Glenelg. Died as Ricardo Horace Steele, but married as Horace Riccardo Steele.]
Burra Town Council, 3 February
Because of the great amount of work done by the Aberdeen Croquet Club in beautifying the surrounding area, the Council made a grant of £2 to cover water rates.
The Mayor reported sending a telegram to the Governor expressing sympathy on the death of HM King George V.
Council observed 2 minutes’ silence as a mark of respect to the late king.
It was resolved that a message of loyalty to HM King Edward VIII be sent to HE the Governor.
Council resolved to put some concrete backing on the lawns in front of the Burra Hotel.
The wall on the pedestrian approach to the ‘Black Bridge’ by Whitney & Tiver’s is to be placed at a better angle to give the path an open sweep.
Local board of Health
Two cases of diphtheria were reported.
RSL held its AGM with a very good attendance.
Elected were: President, W.F. Pickering; Vice Presidents, G.S. Hawker & D.L. Redding; Treasurer, K.M. Drew & Secretary, G.H. Dow.
Information was given that Archie Nolan, injured in a motor cycle accident during an Anzac Sports Day race on 6 May last, was an invalid and had lost the use of one arm. The branch resolved to set up a subscription list and to start it off with a £25 donation.
A Memorial Service to HM King George V at Redruth Methodist Church last Sunday was conducted by Rev. E.G. Neil. The Mayor and Mayoress attended with members of the Town Council. Miss Clarice Reed played the organ. [Rev. E.G. Neil’s address is printed.]
57, 5, 4 Feb. 1936, page 4
Booborowie School. New scholars for 1936 are listed.
Cricket.
Hanson 208 defeated Hilltown 182 & 1 for 103.
Aberdeen 123 defeated Leighton Blues 107.
2 February: Aberdeen 161 defeated Mongolata 89 & 8 for 77.
57, 6, 11 Feb. 1936, page 1
Burra Institute held its AGM on Tuesday. Retiring President, Max Pearce, took the chair.
The President reported a year with a markedly better income than in 1934, but also with higher expenditure due to much needed renovations both inside and outside.
The secretary reported that in the Institute Library on 31 December 1934 there were 7564 books
and on 31 December 1935 there were 7564 books
There was a slight decrease in membership due to removals.
31 December 1934 Double Memberships 53 31 December 1935 Double Memberships 59
Single Memberships 153 Single Memberships 122
Total 206 Total 181
During the year a contract was made with Theatregraph Pictures for exclusive rights to show pictures at the Institute for five years, at quite a satisfactory rate for the committee.
A ball was held in May in honour of the visit of the Governor and Lady Dugan and this netted £33-16-8.
A poorly patronised concert organised by the committee netted £8-2-6.
The Institute classes under conductor G.E. Dane assisted in a very successful Christmas Concert at the Burra Hospital. A mannequin parade in conjunction with Messrs Bence Ltd netted £7-3-0 for the Institute.
In the year the Committee purchased a fine new piano for £100, less £20 allowed for the old one. The whole of the front of the building has been renovated. The interior of the Council Chamber has been redecorated and with the new furniture organised by the Mayor, there is now a Council Chamber to be proud of. Elected were: President, A.B. Riggs; Vice-President, E.F. Marsden; Treasurer, M. Pearce and Secretary, M. Bednall.
57, 6, 11 Feb. 1936, page 2
Master Graham Dow left for St Peter’s College on Monday, having secured a scholarship.
Obituary. Mrs W. Hopkins of Hallett died at Burra Hospital on Monday morning aged 26. She was the daughter of Mrs & the late Mr T.H. Jeffery of Hallett and leaves a husband and four young sons, the youngest only a few days old. [Born Hazel Helen Jeffery 30 January 1910 Redruth: died 10 February 1936 Kooringa, residence Hallett.]
The Kooringa Methodist Church held its annual Thanksgiving Services last Sunday. Rev. D.C. Harris of Riverton preached at three services to good congregations.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 15 February
Beyond Bengal
Jimmy Faye & Arline Judge in Million Dollar Baby
Bowls. Clare 93 defeated Burra 79.
Mongolata Goldfield
The Department of Mines Report for January
About 60 men are engaged on the field and the Government Battery has been in continuous operation and has bookings for about 250 tons of ore for treatment. All work in progress is on lode, with alluvial prospecting abandoned.
Baldina Mongolata GM has been producing some rich ore from an 8-inch-wide vein in the open cut and a prospecting tunnel has been driven into the hill some 112 feet.
Burra Mongolata Mine has not yet found anything of importance.
Tributers are working at the Wildildie Mine.
Curlew Mine is providing some good value crushings from small, but persistent veins of quartz and ironstone.
East View is now working in a ferruginous quartz formation about five feet wide, with good values and occasional patches of specimen ore.
Byles’ Mongolata has a vertical shaft being sunk from the adit at a place west of the shaft from the surface and this is now 108 feet below the adit surface. The intention is to sink a further 100 feet to the water table.
There is a little prospecting going on at the north end of the field, but so far with disappointing results.
The total value of ore raised at the field is a little over £50,000.
Mr W.M. Williams, adviser to Byles’ GM Co., passed through Burra on Thursday and remains enthusiastic about the mine’s prospects. At Byles’ Mongolata more men are to be put on this week.
57, 6, 11 Feb. 1936, page 3
Burra Burra DC, 3 February
The War Service Homes Commission is selling to E.A. Threadgold of Copperhouse lots 15, 16 & 17 of Lostwithiel with a dwelling house, for £65.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 10-92 defeated Ironmine 8-76
Aberdeen 13-90 defeated Booborowie 5-77
‘B’ Grade Hallett 13-103 defeated Kooringa II 5-78
Aberdeen 10-101 defeated Kooringa I 8-90
57, 6, 11 Feb. 1936, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. Burra 688 defeated Auburn 651 off the rifle, but until handicaps are added in Adelaide the result of the match is unknown.
57, 7, 18 Feb. 1936, page 1
Marriage. Black Springs Methodist Church, 1 February
Doreen Dunn, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs H.J. Dunn of ‘Barton Hill’ Black springs, married
Charles Leonard I’Anson, eldest son of Mr & Mrs E.B. I’Anson of Farrell Flat.
Cricket. Hanson 146 & 4 for 145 defeated Leighton Red 84 & 200.
‘Diggers’ Friend’ writes supporting the appeal for funds for Archie Nolan, but hoping they will benefit him personally and not be used to defray medical and hospital expenses.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 14th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 500, 600 & 700 yards. Best were J. Harris, W.K. Pexton and T.B. Cornelius.
Best off the rifle were A.C. Aughey, J. Harris and A.B. Riggs.
At present leading for the Kookaburra Trophy is S. Quinn 18 points, ahead of E. Reed 17.
For the Marksman’s Trophy A.C. Aughey with 37 points is in the lead, from K.S. Dawson with 31.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club held its AGM at the Fire Station on Wednesday evening. In the past year the club had been quite active, with several road races. Their Boxing Day Sports had been successful. A handsome trophy had been given by H. Mumme for the rider gaining highest points and another by Alex Bevan for the rider with the fastest time. Mr Rex Opperman won both and by mutual consent of the two donors it was decided to present one good trophy. This (a walnut clock with a luminous face) was then presented to Rex Opperman. Income for the year was £73-18-0 and expenditure was £60-2-7. There was a little over £14 in hand. Elected were: President, C.V. Preiss, Vice-President, M.J. Morton; Secretary, R.A. Bevan and Treasurer, Mr Thomson.
The club has undertaken to assist in every way with the sports to take place in October next in connection with the State Centenary celebrations. It will also take charge of the Anzac Sports on 2 May.
57, 7, 18 Feb. 1936, page 2
Notice. The Seaside Trip to Semaphore, 22 February
Depart Hallett 5.30 a.m. Depart Semaphore 8.05 p.m.
Depart Burra 6.10 a.m. Arrive Burra 12.14 a.m.
Arrive Semaphore 9.55 a.m. Arrive Hallett 12.53 a.m.
(15 minute stop at Riverton) (10 minute stop at Riverton)
Advt. Burra Talkies, 21 & 22 February
Shirley Temple in Our Little Girl
Edmund Lowe in Black Sheep
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will conduct a clearing sale on 28 February of Butcher’s Plant, furniture, 3 horse, 1 jersey cow and 18 pigs, on instructions from K.B. Watts, who is leasing his business on account of ill health.
Mrs George Winzer of Mile End is visiting her mother, Mrs W. Hardy of Kooringa.
Mr James Isaac of Aberdeen is producing very large dahlias – some of the best are on display at Mr E. Brown’s bakery. They are grown entirely with local reservoir water.
Burra Burra DC has received a very handsome gift of a round, blackwood table mounted on a massive pedestal, from the Chairman I.J. Warnes JP. We inspected the table, which has been placed in the DC Chamber at Pearce’s Building, Kooringa. It bears an inscribed silver plate reading: District Council of Burra Burra. Presented by I.J. Warnes JP. After a term of service of 38 years as Councillor and as first Chairman of the District Council of Burra, as a token of esteem to his fellow Councillors 12th April 1935. First Council – I.J. Warnes (Chairman), H.C. Atkin, H.A.A. Edwards, E. Finch, J. Kellock, A.D. McDonald, F.G. Scholz, T.J. Wedding. G. Powell, Clerk.
Weather. Just before midnight on Monday a steady rain set in and up to 9 a.m. Tuesday 67 points had fallen in Burra. Since then there has been lightning and some showers have fallen. Scattered storms to the east have delivered falls ranging from zero to 140 points at Parnaroo. On Friday Mr & Mrs A.S. Dearlove of Ketchowla were caught in a flash flood while crossing the watercourse near Collinsville. Their almost new Hupmobile car became bogged and then would not start. It had to be abandoned to the rising water. It could not be retrieved by a tractor until Saturday morning and then had to be taken to Burra to have the clogged engine cleaned out.
Burra Institute received a visit on Thursday from Sir William Sowden, President of the Institutes Assoc. of SA, who with two other officers is visiting northern institutes. Mr A.B. Riggs welcomed the guests as local President and opened the meeting. Sir William gave a speech in which he referred to the great support of Burra & District to the Cheer-up work during the war. He then discussed the problems faced by institutes and in particular the difficulties Burra had with its mortgage to the State Bank of over £3,000. He believed the Council should take a more active role in the Institute. It was also important that the libraries be as modern and attractive as possible to maintain their client base.
57, 7, 18 Feb. 1936, page 3
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Kooringa forfeited to Hallett
Mt Bryan forfeited to Ironmine
The Salvation Army service at Mongolata last week saw Lt Smith conduct the service and Capt. Cresswell at the harmonium.
Mongolata Goldfield
Despite the article in The News last Monday, which embodied anything but a hopeful outlook for the field, there is still much interest in activities there.
On Wednesday Curlew sent in a rich consignment of specimen gold for the bank.
Messrs Rampton are said to be working on a lode some 15 ft wide of real ironstone with gold showing freely.
The battery is working full time.
Obituary. Thomas Henry Bailey died at the Burra Hospital 7 February after a short illness. He was one of the districts oldest and most progressive farmers and graziers. He was born at Mintaro 9 November 1857. His father had migrated from Somerset in that year. When he was about 10 his father sold the Mintaro holding and moved to the Gum Creek area. The fine old residence then erected is now the home of his [i.e. Thomas Henry] son Mr Clem Bailey. As well as producing grain Mr Bailey carted wool from Paratoo in the 1880s and delivered goods by horse team to Silverton for Samuel Drew & Co. of Burra and on the return run delivered ore to Terowie. Mr Bailey later held land at Hawker, Paratoo and Yongala. He was the first man in the district to use a drill and superphosphate. He sowed 20 acres as an experiment on five different farms for a successful outcome. Also, with his brother George, he won ploughing contests that year for both single and double ploughs. He maintained a lively interest in farming to the end. He took a lively interest in district affairs and was for many years a member of the Hanson DC. He visited Burra weekly and was in only a few days before his death. He was a member and strong supporter of the Anglican Church. On 24 July 1888 he married Mary, only daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Duncan Blair of Leighton, who survives with three daughters and two sons: Miss Ida, Miss Eva, Mrs McRae Wood of Clare, Walter Bailey and Clem Bailey. There are seven grandsons.
57, 7, 18 Feb. 1936, page 4
Lt T.R. Kenyon of the Australian Instructional Corps has reached retiring age. Though resident in Adelaide for some years, he is well known in Burra because from 1913 to August 1914 he was Staff Instructor to C Squadron 23rd Light Horse and lived in Kooringa. On the outbreak of hostilities he enlisted for active service abroad with the 3rd Light Horse and those surviving members who served under him hold him in the highest esteem as an officer and a friend.
Lt T.R. Kenyon of the Australian Instructional Corps has been retired from the 14 September 1935, after 20years with the Imperial Army (14th King’s Hussars) and 22 years in the Australian Instructional Corps. On his retirement he has been granted the honorary rank of Captain, antedated to 11 April 1917.
Captain Kenyon joined the 14th King’s Hussars in 1893 at Manchester, England, and in 1894 went with the Regiment to Ireland and was stationed at Limerick, Cahir and Fethard (in Co. Tipperary) and later at Newbridge and The Curragh. In 1898 he attended a 12-month course at the Riding Establishment, Canterbury and was awarded a 1st Class Certificate as a Riding Instructor. He was then employed as Instructor at the Riding School at Newbridge.
On the outbreak of the South African War Captain Kenyon left with the Regiment for that conflict in December 1899 and from Durban proceeded to the River Tugela and joined Lord Dundonald’s Cavalry Brigade operating around Colenso. Under Sir Redvers Buller he took part in operations of the ‘Tugela Heights’ and saw action around Colenso, Acton Homes, Potgieter’s Drift and elsewhere. He was also at the Relief of Ladysmith. He next went with the Regiment to East London in Cape Colony and marched to Bloemfontein , joining General French’s cavalry. He took part in actions around Ladybrand and Tabanchu and in the general advance on Kroonstad, Johannesburg and Pretoria and at the battle of Diamond Hill, Belfast, Middelburg and Barberton.
He then accompanied the Regiment to Western Transvaal and saw service around the Biggersberg Mountains, where on his own initiative, while in charge of a group of scouts, he took part in the defence of a large convoy, which had been heavily attacked 10 miles from Krugersdorf; for which he (then a Sgt) was mentioned in despatches.
He was involved in other actions at Standerton, Pert Retief and on the Swaziland Border and finally in Kitchener’s drives around Harrismith and Kroonstad, which ended the war. He was awarded the King’s Medal with two clasps for his service during the 21⁄2 years war.
After the war Captain Kenyon served with the Regiment at Aldershot and Shorncliffe. He passed through a musketry course at the School of Musketry, Hythe, and a three months’ course of sword, sabre and foils. He embarked with the Regiment for India on 6 September 1906 with the rank of Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant. He served at Bangalore in the south and Mhow in Central India for a total of six years eight months, before being selected for service in the Australian Instructional Staff. He arrived in Australia in May 1913 and was posted to C Squadron 23rd Light Horse and stationed at Burra.
When the Great War broke out he enlisted for active service on 19 August 1914 and embarked on HMA Troopship Pt Lincoln, arriving at Alexandria 9 December 1914. He was encamped at Maadi and Heliopolis with the Regiment, forming part of the 1st Light Horse Brigade under General Chauvel until 8 May 1915. On 9 May 1915 he sailed with the Regiment to Gallipoli, landing at Anzac Cove 11 May 1915. He was then at Gallipoli until the evacuation and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant 11 august 1915. He proceeded to Heliopolis 20 December 1915 and next marched to Western Oasis for action against the Senusi, who had rebelled and were threatening Egypt. On 18 May 1916 he proceeded with the Regiment across the Suez Canal at Kantara and took part in the Battle of Romani on 4 August 1916, where he was wounded, but remained on duty. He later took part in the Battles of Magdhaba and Rafa and was promoted to Captain on 11 April 1917. He took part in the battles around Gaza and was present at the capture of Beersheba and the advance to Jaffa from Jerusalem. He took part in the capture of Jericho and the operations in the Jordan Valley, the mountains of Moab and around Amman. He was mentioned in despatches and warded the Order of the Nile, the 1914 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. On 1 May 1919 he was promoted to Temporary Major.
He has also been awarded the Long Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He sailed with the Regiment from Kantara in June 1919 for Australia, as Ship’s Paymaster, disembarking at Newcastle and returned to Adelaide and Burra, being discharged 5 September 1919. He resumed service with the Australian Instructional Corps, being stationed at Mt Barker until February 1921. He later served with various bodies until retiring 14 September 1935 with the honorary rank of Captain.
57, 8, 25 Feb. 1936, page 1
Burra Town Council, 17 February.
Council resolved to purchase a copy of a recent oil painting of the late King George V.
The Town Clerk is to arrange for a photo of the Council to be taken on account of it being the State’s Centenary Year.
£1-1-0 was donated to the Limbless soldiers’ Fund.
Marriage. The Church of the Ascension, Black Springs, last Saturday.
Phyllis I’Anson, second daughter of Mr & Mrs E.B. I’Anson of Farrell’s Flat, married
Kelvin Dunn, younger son of Mr & Mrs H.J. Dunn of ‘Barton Hill’ Black Springs.
‘Outside Rider’ of Terowie writes concerning the Anzac Sports. These had always been carried out in an excellent way, with much support and many participants from surrounding towns. Now, by handing the sports over to organisers who do nothing but cycle riding and running for a living, and with increased rewards on offer, they are likely to get fewer nominations from the smaller towns where they do not have the experience or the advantages to compete against such class. The nature of the sports will change and ‘I just want to ask public opinion in this matter concerning the sporting point’.
57, 8, 25 Feb. 1936, page 2
Notice. Mr K.B. Watts wishes to advise he has disposed of his butchering business at Aberdeen to Messrs Aberg & Sons of The Modern Meat Store, Kooringa.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 29 February
Josephine Hutchinson & Dick Powell in Happiness Ahead
Mary Astor & Ricardo Cortez in I Am a Thief
Advt. Pacific Salt Co. 3 McLaren Parade Port Adelaide
We can supply Good Stock Salt, own bags filled at PORTER’S LAGOON at 15/- per ton
Or on trucks, Farrell’s Flat (including bags) at 23/- per ton.
Telephone Y1095 or Farrell’s Flat (after 6 p.m.) 26.
Tom Harrop, Burra’s well known ‘pieman,’ is leaving Kooringa shortly, having obtained a position at Oakbank Station.
Burra Seaside Trip this year was held last Saturday in perfect weather. Numbers were down, probably due to the Centenary Exhibition soon to be opened in Adelaide and to the number of other Centenary Celebration activities scheduled for this year. A large number of the travellers spent time in the city and at the interstate cricket match.
Mr Charles J. Pearce will be 80 on 2 March. He is still Secretary of the IO Rechabite Lodge, having held the post for over 50 years.
The Baby Health Train is on its 21st tour. It will arrive in Burra with Sister M.E. Johnson on Saturday 7 March and leave for Terowie on Monday night at 9.59 p.m.
Obituary. Baden Ockenden, youngest brother of Mr O. Ockenden of Kooringa, died on Tuesday. He was only a little over 30 years of age. Mrs Ralph Hill of Kooringa is a sister. [Baden Powell Ockenden born 25 August 1900 Kooringa: died 25 February 1936 Northfield, residence Lower North Adelaide.]
57, 8, 25 Feb. 1936, page 3
Weather. Heavy rain was falling last week as we went to press. Some places received only a little, but in many places the falls were heavy. Many creeks ran bankers. The flood waters in Pine Creek were estimated at 20 ft. At Poonunda Mr Percy Oates reported 137 points in a few minutes. At the goldfields the deluge was so sudden that hundreds of tons of rocks were washed down slope and drives and shafts were flooded. Mr Phil Schwier foresaw the danger and rushed through the big mine, but even so some men had to pass through water up to their armpits and emerged looking like drowned rats. At the men’s changing house in the gully near the entrance to Byles’ Mine the water rose to within nine inches of the roof, which had to be taken off to allow the recovery of the clothes.
Wildildie Creek flowed strongly and erosion in the mining area is severe.
Herc. Kellock at Thistlebeds reports the biggest flood since March 1915 and in places even heavier than that event. Fences were swept away.
Woolgangi recorded 110 points in 10 minutes, the rain so dense there that the outbuildings were invisible from the homestead.
At Murkaby a willy willy blew away part of the woolshed and 102 points fell.
Other figures reported: Koomooloo 93, Old Koomooloo 54, Collinsville 40, Ketchowla 34 and Oakbank 17.
Edlie Thomas at Hildrop (Mt Bryan) reports 2 inches and mush of his fallow is in Mr J.L. Connor’s big dam to the discomfiture of both.
At Belcunda Stanley Hawker reports 160 points and a small watercourse there became a raging torrent because the total fell within minutes.
Burra recorded only 7 points, but at Wahroonga 134 were recorded and Koonoona received between 125 and 150.
Mongolata Goldfield
The storm last Tuesday dropped 135 points in less than half an hour. Water poured down the hillsides and Block 8 in particular seemed encased in water. All road crossings were washed out and access is difficult. The ground in front of the Boarding House was a sheet of water, with the drains around the tennis court simply turning it into waves. Bore creek was a picture with water coming down between two ranges of hills, turning it into a raging torrent some 100 yards wide at the dugouts.
Two men working on Byles’ Mine, Messrs Robinette & Hazelwood, barely escaped. The water coming down the hill rose enough to flood one of the air shafts and then penetrated to the shaft and drive where they were working. When the water stopped rising there was just enough room to keep their heads clear as they waded 150 ft to the shaft. Much more and nothing could have saved them. The storm moved off to the south.
Rev. Donald Redding conducted the first Anglican service for the year on Wednesday evening last, after which there was a concert and community singing conducted by Guy Dollman.
Northern Districts High Schools Swimming Carnival was contested at Jamestown of Saturday with five schools competing. Jamestown with 46 points won from Kadina 22, Pt Pirie 20, Burra 6 and Peterborough 1. Burra sent along only two contestants and Warren Mumme won the 50 yards open breast stoke and the 75 yards open freestyle. [1⁄4 column is devoted to describing Jamestown’s new pool and the excellent organisation of the occasion.]
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday Kapunda 94 defeated Burra 78.
Burra Hospital Board, 10 February
Mr I.J. Warnes reported moving the windmill to a more satisfactory location and a deep well pump he has loaned to the hospital was working well. Nurse Geisler has been transferred to Adelaide and Nurse Bell appointed in her place. Nurse Cox resigned; effective 26 February.
Marriage. At the home of the bride’s parents, Copperhouse, 22 February
Norman Oswald Jesser, eldest son of Mr & Mrs R. Jesser of Aberdeen, married
Ruby Olive Lomman, second daughter of Mr & Mrs Albert Lomman of Copperhouse.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen forfeited to Hallett
Ironmine forfeited to Booborowie
‘B’ Grade Kooringa I 11-97 defeated Ironmine 7-67
Kooringa II 12 sets defeated Aberdeen 6 sets
Burra Mine
[An article from the Adelaide Advertiser 19 February in the ‘Out Among the People’ section by ‘Vox’.]
People may say now ‘Oh for another Burra!’ We feel a time will come when there will be a cry of ‘Oh for another Mongolata!’ Mongolata is where the richest gold minted in the Commonwealth of Australia is found. It is hard to believe that only one hill in the district has such mineral wealth and indeed geologists consider the surrounding hills are mineral bearing. ‘Vox’ reports seeing a letter written by Mr John Brown dated 10 August 1847 to a Mr J.S. Williams in Brighton, England. It concerns the phenomenal wealth produced at the Burra Mine.
‘We have paid two dividends of 50% each, which returns all the original capital and next week we pay the third dividend which will be 100% - all these since the middle of June.’ 4,500 tons are at sea and 3,500 tons raised at the mine. The quality is improving and our processes of washing and dressing are also improving. I have lately visited the mine as a director and it has never looked better. Prospects are unlimited.
I showed the letter to Mr Howard Lloyd, whose office was the headquarters of the old SA Mining Assoc. and he has many interesting records there. In 191⁄2 years it yielded £4,750,000 worth of copper ore and paid nearly half of that in wages. Shareholders received £800,000 in dividends, or a return of £315 for every £5 share. The invested capital was £12,320 only and no call was ever made.
In 1914 Mr Lloyd was appointed liquidator of the SA Mining Assoc. On the walls of his office are interesting sketches of the mine in 1847 by S.T. Gill. Perhaps more interesting is a long panoramic sketch of the mine painted by a stable boy who obviously made his green pigment out of copper ore. Also on the mantelpiece are two fine geological specimens.
Gold. In 1935, in response to rising prices, the SA production of gold went up. 25.6% came from privately operated batteries and 43.4% from Government batteries and cyanide works. The remainder came from prospecting and mining across SA. Of the Government batteries 19.2% came from Mt Torrens, 5.2% from Peterborough, 37.3% from Mongolata, 32.2% from Tarcoola and 6.1% from Glenloth, which only began operations in October 1935. The peak year for gold in SA was 1904 – mainly due to the discovery of gold at Tarcoola in 1900. (From the Advertiser 19 February.)
57, 8, 25 Feb. 1936, page 4
Anzac Sports have been fixed for 2 May. Total prize money is £120. Following the accident last year it has been decided not to have amateur motor cycle races. There will be professional motor cycle races. Military events will be open to returned servicemen and members of the CMF. The Lynch Draught Horse Race will be run and there will be a dance in the evening.
RSL Notes. Jack Mates, an ex-Sergeant of 3rd Light Horse is now working at Caroona.
57, 9, 3 Mar. 1936, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 15th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 200, 500 & 600 yards. Best results were from Bill (W.G.) Woodman, J.E. Pearce and B. Cornelius. In the marksman’s contest W.G. Woodman led J.E. Pearce and C.W. Pearce.
The Royal Blind Concert Co. will perform at the Institute 17 March.
‘Not a Returned Soldier’ writes requesting ‘Digger’s Friend’ to supply a list of diggers he considers the RSL has been lax in assisting.
Cricket. Aberdeen Colts 99 defeated Ramblers 93.
57, 9, 3 Mar. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 March
Marian Marsh & Ralph Morgan in A Girl of the Limberlost
Greta Nissen & Patrick Nowles in Honours Easy
Safe Blowing. An unsuccessful attempt was made to open the safe at the Clare Corporation on 22 February.
Burra Town Council, 2 March
W.J. Lee was given permission to extend his blacksmithing premises in Chapel St to the south by 12 ft.
Cr Dow wanted the Soldiers’ Memorial in Market Square to be lit at night. A committee was formed to investigate the feasibility.
57, 9, 3 Mar. 1936, page 3
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 9-91 defeated Kooringa 9-87
Hallett 10-97 defeated Ironmine 8-64
Booborowie forfeited to Mt Bryan
‘B’ Grade Kooringa II 12-101 defeated Kooringa I 6-74
Hallett 17 sets defeated Ironmine 1 set.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate. Half-yearly meeting of shareholders.
Chairman of Directors A.E. Hamilton reported on a very satisfactory half year. Two crushings totalling 30 tons 5 cwt yielded 23 oz 6 dwt 13 gr. In March a further 25 tons should be processed. To date 175 tons 14 cwt has produced 739 oz 3 dwt 10 gr, or an average 4 oz 4 dwt per ton.
Byles’ Mongolata GM for fortnight to 22 February
Open Cut. Engaged in breaking ore. About 126 tons of ore already treated with crushing to continue for some time yet.
Main shaft sunk from 227 to 243 ft. Heavy rains on Tuesday penetrated via the open cut to the mine’s tunnel and brought with the water a deal of rock and debris. Cleaning up has taken several days. Little damage was done to the mine workings, but considerable to the change rooms and roadway.
Burra Burra Show Inc. held its AGM where President I.J. Warnes reported on the year.
During the year they had lost a hard worker when Mr T.H. Bailey died.
The officers were re-elected unopposed.
The Dog Trials and horse events on 26 & 27 April drew a small number of entries.
Several well-attended working bees have attacked the wild onion problem at the showgrounds. Sheep have carried three corner jacks to the showgrounds from the saleyards.
Members’ subscriptions this year were down by £10.
The annual show this year will be on 3 October to work in with the Centenary Celebrations.
Last year’s annual show on 23 October was in perfect weather and gate receipts were up on previous years. Entries were well up to previous years. The profit on operations was £32-1-1.
The Sturt Vale trip during the shearing was held again and Mr Codrington, instructor from the School of Mines was on hand with advice and answers to questions. Another such trip is planned for this year.
Elected were: Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, S.H .Robinson & A.B. Riggs and Secretary, M.S. Edwards.
This year’s Sturt Vale trip would be held on 20 April.
Mr E. Finch referred to the Centenary Hall project on the showgrounds. He thought it should be placed east-west in order that the light might be thrown in from the south, as it was in the city wool stores.
Mr Bednall said the response to the call for donations had not been great and until money was in hand it was not much use considering plans. He thought a date should be set for laying the foundation stone and one also for the closing of subscriptions.
A.B. Riggs thought that at least half the money should be in hand before the project was started.
The President said the essential question was whether to build and tolerate an overdraft of £383 or not build.
Those present were unanimously in favour of building.
The position is that some time ago £233 was collected for a sheep shed. Then it was suggested converting one of the existing buildings for that purpose and using the money collected for the proposed hall. The President had promised to match funds raised £ for £ to a total of £250. If this were done and the hall built, the overdraft would be £383.
Burra High School. Mr T.A. Kissel has been appointed to the school due to increased enrolments.
Bowls. At Blyth on Saturday: Burra 112 defeated Blyth 87.
57, 10, 10 Mar. 1936, page 1
Burra Primary School has farewelled Miss E. Davis, who has resigned from the Education Department.
Redruth Methodist Church held its annual Christian Endeavour Rally on Saturday & Sunday 29 February & 1 March. Visitors from Adelaide joined locals in the rally. [The visitors included Miss Joyce Fairchild.]
A song service was held at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday with the rally following at 8 p.m. On Sunday the visitors unofficially visited Redruth Intermediate & Junior Societies and the Kooringa Society. Then they attended the Redruth morning service. In the afternoon the group divided: one section attended Redruth Sunday School and the other two went to services at Hanson and Ironmine.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 16th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 800 and 900 yards.
The best results were from E.C. Collins, A.J. Whimpress and H.H. Byles.
Booborowie School. Mr S. Aistrope of Pt Adelaide has joined the staff as a junior teacher.
Burra Reunion Social League met at Charles Moore & Co.’s last Friday. Over 100 attended to hear three old Burra boys speak:
Mr Victor Ryan – State Organiser for the Centenary.
Mr Sam Townsend – an ex-Mayor of Broken Hill.
Mr Joe Tonkin – who knew who whitewashed a live pig, recalled bullock roasts and the great fire on Bunce’s Hill when the Duke came to SA & Burra celebrated the visit.
Sam Baker was elected a life member. Presiding were the joint presidents, Sol Williams (90) and William James (91).
Sol Williams was born at sea and went to Burra as an infant. He was schooled there and learnt his trade at Jones’ and Builder’s tinsmiths. He later established a business at Clare and now lives at Glenelg.
Bill James and Sam Stephens were fellow apprentices at Phil Lane’s saddler’s shop. Bill went to Clare and Pt Pirie and later to Adelaide. Sam went to New Zealand and recently returned to live in Norwood.
[Solomon Williams 1846-1948, William James 1845-1940 and Samuel Stephens 1851-1937.]
57, 10, 10 Mar. 1936, page 2
Rev. Donald Redding, Rector of St Mary’s, has been elected Rural Dean of Clare. Rural Deans are elected by the clergy triennially and Rev. Redding will succeed Rev. C.W.E. Swan, who has left the deanery and will hold the office till December 1937.
Advt. Burra, Wednesday 18 March: Holden Bros All New Circus.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 14 March
Jack Hulbert & Fay Wray in Bulldog Jack
Leslie Banks & Edna Best in The Man Who Knew Too Much
Archie Nolan Fund is at £25-15-0.
Changes in Methodist Clergy
Rev. E.G. Neil of Redruth will move to Willunga.
Rev. G.C. Hutchinson of Kooringa will unexpectedly move to Yorketown. He had been expected to stay for another year.
Rev. Percy Tilbrook moves from Henley Beach to Kooringa and Rev. A. Dyer will succeed Rev. Neil at Redruth.
57, 10, 10 Mar. 1936, page 3
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 13-95 defeated Mt Bryan 5-64
Booborowie forfeited to Kooringa
‘B’ Grade Semi-Final: Kooringa I 11-100 defeated Aberdeen 6-75 with one set to be completed.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM we understand has satisfactory results from its recent big crushing.
The battery is working at top speed and there is plenty of ore in sight from several claims, including another consignment from Byles’.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for fortnight to 7 March.
Open Cut. A parcel of 202 tons was cleared up at the battery for 401⁄2 oz with cyanide results to come.
Now engaged in breaking ore in stopes off the open cut and clearing out ore passes. Rebuilt the ore chute on the 50 ft level.
Samuel Baker is believed to be the oldest surviving man born in SA. He is in fairly good health physically and mentally and has his hearing and sight intact. He came to live in Burra in the early 1850s. He was born 17 March 1840 near where Holy Trinity Church now stands on North Terrace, Adelaide. He was the son of James and Hannah Baker who arrived in SA by the Buffalo in 1836. His parents lived first on North Terrace Adelaide and later moved to East Terrace. His father started a business in Hindley Street as a butcher. Mr Baker remembers the opening of the first bank in Adelaide on North Terrace. His parents took him to the occasion in 1845. It created much excitement among the Aborigines who were all around them at the time, brandishing their spears. As a young lad he played on the banks of the River Torrens with native children and with Harry Wilkins, the father of Sir Hubert Wilkins. He was fascinated by the way the Aborigines speared fish. He was baptised at Holy Trinity and remembers attending divine service there with his parents. With his boy pals he saw the arrival of the early Governors, Sir Henry and Lady Young, when they arrived by coach from Port Adelaide. ‘Black Thursday’ was another memory, when he saw men and women kneeling in prayer in the streets, fearing the end of the world. Birds flew into houses seeking refuge and other fell dead from the trees. He witnessed the first arrival of a consignment of gold from Victoria under Capt. H. Tolmer. He and Harry Wilkins walked to Glenelg to see The Old Gum Tree, where the colony was proclaimed and also to the old Cremorne Public House on Unley Road to watch the elephant there, which they used to help feed. This place was an old time zoo and of great interest to the lads. When quite a youth he left Adelaide and came to Burra, but returned to see the celebrations for the 21st anniversary of the colony in 1857. On returning to Burra while in his teens, he worked for the late Joseph Ford and later at the Burra Mines. He also worked for the late David James of Kapunda and William Hanford (known as Sydney Bill). He also carted on the roads in the early days, travelling from Burra to Pt Adelaide and back. When the Victorian gold rush was on he went there, but failed to make his fortune and returned. In 1887 he went into business with his son-in-law, the late J.V. Lord at ‘The Pinnacles’ near Broken Hill, but kept his home at Redruth. Mr Baker was one of the first members of the Burra Show Society. He was an enthusiastic gardener and for many years staged wonderful displays of flowers, fruit and vegetables and he still takes an interest in his garden, being seen only a week ago raking over a bed newly planted, his tall figure bent over, keenly intent on his job. Breeding game birds was another hobby and he still possesses some prize birds of which he is very proud. He has been a member of the Redruth Methodist Church for over 60 years and attends service whenever health and weather permit. He enjoys chatting about the early pioneering days. He married Miss Ann Edwards, who arrived in SA with her parents in the Richardson in 1848. Her father came out to take charge of the refinery for the Burra Smelting Co. Rev. Thomas Lloyd conducted the ceremony at Kooringa in 1862. The couple enjoyed 73 years of happy married life before Mrs Baker died 8 August 1935 aged 94 years 7 months. They reared 13 children of whom 11 survive:
Mrs J.V. Lord of Kingswood
Mrs A.T. Pearce of Sydney
Mrs L. Baker of Glenelg
Mrs J.C .Gleeson of Richmond SA
Mrs M. Cain of Glen Osmond
Mrs E.H. Oakes of Broken Hill
Miss Sara of Aberdeen
Miss Mabel of Aberdeen (The two Misses Baker live with their father.) [Strictly speaking at Llwchwr.]
Tom Baker of Aberdeen
John Baker of Robertstown
James Baker of Broken Hill
There are 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
The Burra Centenary & Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
Proposed Program
Friday 2 October Reception of Visitors
Saturday 3 October Burra Show & films in the evening
Sunday 4 October Church services and a sacred concert in the evening
Monday 5 October School demonstration, RSL torchlight procession, reunion dinner and a dance
Tuesday 6 October Athletic sports meeting and evening concert
Wednesday 7 October Visits to places of interest including Mongolata
Thursday 8 October Valedictories
57, 11, 17 Mar. 1936, page 1
Croquet. Kooringa 52 defeated Blyth 24 at Kooringa 14 March.
St Brendan’s Church, Mt Bryan. A special confirmation service was held on 15 March.
Booborowie School. The windmill has been placed over the new bore and piping laid to the new teacher’s house and to the school agricultural plots.
W.H. Anderson, who has been with the local telephone department for 71⁄2 years, left Burra last Saturday. He is using his long service leave to make a trip to England. His wife, who comes from England, went there about six months ago. He has been respected in his time here as a courteous, sympathetic and obliging officer. He was given several send-offs. On 8 March after the service at St Mary’s he was presented with a collapsible deck chair. On Friday evening in the Council Chamber the Mayor, T.H. Woollacott, chaired a meeting of citizens at which Mr Anderson was presented with a travelling rug. Mr B. Cornelius as acting postmaster endorsed the Mayor’s remarks. W.F. Pickering of the National Bank spoke for the business men of the town and was supported by H.N. Potter, N. Hann and A.L. Bence. Mr Anderson responded and introduced his replacement, Mr Drayton. St Mary’s Sunday School, of which Mr Anderson was the Superintendent, presented him with a diary, and the post office staff gave him a pipe and Morocco tobacco pouch along with a book from the telephonists.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church celebrated its harvest thanksgiving on 8 March. Circuit minister Rev. O.L. Noske preached two fine sermons to good congregations and the Hallett Choir under the baton of Mr George Bald assisted with Miss Audrey Miller at the organ.
57, 11, 17 Mar. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 21 March
Janet Gaynor & Henry Fonda in The Farmer Takes a Wife
Warner Oland & ‘Pat’ Paterson in Charlie Chan in Egypt
Advt. Holden Brothers All New Circus will perform in Burra 18 March.
Advt. Burra Electric Supply Co. calls tenders for the erection of an underground tank at the Power Station.
Obituary. From the Barrier Miner of 28 February. Mr Tim Wilks died at Palgamurtee on the Tibooburra Road while droving. He was aged 53 and known in Burra in the old racing days as an expert horseman and jockey. He rode hundreds of winners and was the idol of the racing public of his day. [No T. Wilks who might fit this case was registered as born in SA in 1883 or thereabouts.]
Mr Harold Raymond and his company of talented performers will perform at the Mt Bryan Memorial Hall 20 March in aid of the Brighton Home for Blind, Deaf and Dumb Children.
Sgt R.J. Bernhardt & Cpl Oscar Oates have been awarded medals for long service.
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew Claim has crushed c. 26 tons for over 54 oz with tailings yet to come.
Terry’s Claim has crushed 6 tons 13 cwt for almost 9 oz.
Wildildie crushed 21⁄2 tons for about 8 oz.
RSL Notes
A reunion of the 3rd Light horse will be held in RSL Club Rooms in Angas St Adelaide and organiser Ken Hamilton asks the following to try to be present:
Cliff Turner Tom Kallio Doug Keynes
Jimmie Nourse Cyril Collins George Morgan
Wallie Lee Vester Preiss Jack Mates
Bill Anderson, the recent treasurer, was given a farewell on Saturday. He leaves for London next Friday.
57, 11, 17 Mar. 1936, page 3
Tennis. Burra Association Semi-Final. ‘A’ Grade: Kooringa 10-94 defeated Mt Bryan 8-68.
Mongolata
The usual Anglican service was conducted by Rev. D. Redding last Wednesday and was followed by a concert compered by Guy Dollman and put on by the visitors.
A cement cricket pitch has been laid behind J.R. Barker’s woolshed. Last weekend Aberdeen Colts visited and scored 174 and 0 for 21 to defeated Mongolata 108 & 81.
Weather. Severe electrical storms were widely experienced on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday last. On Wednesday two very heavy downpours delivered 38 points locally. 116 points were reported from ‘The Gum’s’. Falls in the east were very erratic: Balah 110, Bendigo 80 in less than half an hour, Redcliffe 40, Mallett 14, Collinsville 8, Koomooloo 52, Woolgangi 34, Braemar 4 and Pine valley 43. At Baldina E. Rooke recorded 58, but Mongolata missed out. Many creeks flowed, so there must have been heavy falls in many catchments.
Burra Burra DC, 2 March.
The Chairman [I.J. Warnes] moved acceptance of the table recently purchased by himself for use in the Council Chamber. It was accepted with thanks and the appreciation of the Council was noted.
57, 11, 17 Mar. 1936, Supplement
Redruth Methodist Church held its harvest thanksgiving services on 8 March. Rev. D.C. Harris of Riverton conducted three services.
Hallett Annual Tennis Tournament is reported in almost 11⁄4 columns.
Burra Reunion Committee had an address by Mr Victor H. Ryan at Moore’s last Friday. He spoke of being born and partly educated in Burra and had memories of Sir Frederick and Lady Holder, the Drew families, Hon. John Lewis and Phil. Lane. He gave an account of Burra’s past and agreed it should play a significant part in the state’s centenary celebrations. On a visit to Burra he had been shown around by the Mayor and been taken to the dugouts. He said the Government and the Centenary Executive Committee are encouraging country towns to participate in the celebrations and he was sure that the Back to Burra celebrations in October would receive the support of the Government and the Centenary Executive Committee. [The rest of the article outlines other events in SA for the Centenary Year.]
The Royal Commission on Lotteries
The evidence of I.J. Warnes Esq. JP to the Royal Commission is reported at length in five columns filling one side of the supplement and flowing over to the other side for about 11⁄2 columns. I.J. Warnes saw the Lotteries as a way of funding hospitals and removing the existing burden from Local Government.
57, 12, 24 Mar. 1936, page 1
The Prior Family had a reunion in the Razorback Paddock Mt Bryan on 15 March. Sixty-nine representatives of four generations took part. The date marked the 52nd anniversary of the marriage of Mr & Mrs E.T. Prior of Kooringa. A picnic lunch and afternoon tea was enjoyed by all.
Booborowie Athletic Sports in aid of the Catholic Church were held at the recreation ground last Saturday. The program of athletic sports and cycling events attracted an excellent attendance.
[Results are printed.]
Burra Rifle Club fired the 17th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy on Saturday over 800 and 900 yards. Best results were from K.S. Dawson, J.H. Schwier and E.K. Pexton. At this stage B. Cornelius leads the Kookaburra Competition with 19 points, followed by R. Pexton and S. Quinn with 18 each. In the Marksman’s Contest A.C. Aughey with 41 points leads K.S. Dawson on 37.
57, 12, 24 Mar. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 28 March
Irene Dunn & Donald Woods in Sweet Adeline
Lyle Talbot & Ann Dvorak in Murder in the Clouds
Holden’s Circus played to a full house on Wednesday and it was a very high standard performance.
The Royal Institution for the Blind concert party visited Burra on 17 March and they were greeted with a very poor attendance. This is disappointing, as the performances merited greater support.
Weather and the season. Recent rains have led to abundant feed to the east, but also to an increase in blow fly strike. The successful destruction of rabbit burrows from the Burra Burra Council boundary to Morgan has led foxes to turn to lambs and even hoggets. Fortunately they can be readily baited.
Accident. A Gypsy Moth piloted by Mr Edgar Barker (a distant relative of John Barker) was damaged in landing on rough ground at ‘The Gums’ and has had to be dismantled and taken back to Parafield by road.
Kooringa Football Club held its AGM at the Fire Station on 17 March. R.A. Bevan took the chair. After discussion about the rather unsatisfactory end to last season it was decided that the club should go into recess for twelve months and that a new Association known as the Kooringa and Aberdeen Association should be formed. This would have the benefit of assuring a game in the town each weekend and removed the expenses associated with away games. A public meeting to consider forming the above association has been called for next Tuesday evening, 31 March, at the Fire Station.
57, 12, 24 Mar. 1936, page 3
Mongolata Cricket: World’s End 130 drew with Mongolata 7 for 118.
Kerosene Tins
An article laments in 1⁄2 column the passing of the kerosene tin, which is a shame because it was such a basic item with unlimited uses in the bush, such as:
To boil the water for baby’s first bath.
To form the bathtub for the baby.
A hut might be composed of flattened tins.
Children mixed their mud pies in one.
They used one to carry water from the dam or tank.
The poddy calf could be fed from one.
It was the wicket for innumerable games of cricket.
Cut lengthways it formed a wash pan for dishes.
It could take the place of kettles and pots.
It held the water supply in the kitchen.
It served to water the horse.
It held mangles [sic: for mangels] for the cow.
It served as a bucket at milking time.
It caught the honey from wild bees’ hives.
Surplus eggs were preserved in it.
It could serve as a dustbin
Or a baking dish
Or a cake tin.
It was sometimes a watering can.
It could be a bread crock
And now it is passing into history.
57, 12, 24 Mar. 1936, page 4
Tennis. Finals:
‘A’ Grade Kooringa 10-86 defeated Hallett 8-82
‘B’ Grade Hallett 9-94 defeated Kooringa 9-84.
Raymond’s Concert Party at Mt Bryan took £6-0-9.
Mr & Mrs McGregor were farewelled at Mt Bryan. Mr McGregor has been transferred to Mile End.
[Presumably this was as SAR transfer.]
Accident. Margaret Jefferies, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Frank Jefferies, badly injured two fingers of her right hand in a green feed cutter on Saturday morning and was taken in to Burra Hospital for treatment. [Born July 1933.]
Burra Town Council, 16 March
Permission was granted for additions to the Kooringa Hotel.
The Mayor had visited a pool in the north built for £400 and believed the like could be done in Burra.
Cr Sampson supported this view after visiting Jamestown.
Crs Kellaway & Jennison also spoke in support of a pool.
After discussion a spot for a pool was suggested near the Kooringa Playground on the bank of the Burra Creek.
It was resolved that the Mayor prepare plans and specifications for a pool about 75 ft x 30 ft with a gradient depth from 3 ft to 7 ft.
With respect to the proposal to use the Council Depot site for tennis courts, the Mayor said that opinion was that the site was too short. He said the Kooringa Club would have seven courts ready by October next and therefore no more would be required. A long discussion followed because the new courts referred to were grass courts near the golf links, but no resolution was found to the problem and the matter dropped.
Cr Sampson applied for leave for the rest of his term because he was leaving for WA that week. Granted with regret and thanks for his work whilst on the Council.
57, 13, 31 Mar. 1936, page 1
Leighton Hall Leap Year Dance last Thursday was an outstanding success. The Harmony Orchestra from Burra comprised: P.L. Rosman (piano), N. Thorpe (saxophone), F. McGuire (drums) and J. Condon (banjo).
Ironmine Methodist Church celebrated its 65th Anniversary last Sunday & Monday. Rev. O.L. Noske of Hallett preached in the morning and circuit minister Rev. E.G. Neil in the evening. Monday’s tea meeting was not as largely attended as in the past.
A Mt Bryan Dance in the Institute last Saturday aided St Brendan’s Church.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM to 21 March
Open Cut. The stopes here are producing a fair quantity of even grade ore, which should continue the average of the last crushing. We should be able to begin crushing 300 tons next week.
Main Shaft. The contract terminated at 254 ft and a new one was started. Depth now 268 ft in some small quartz veins with traces of gold.
57, 13, 31 Mar. 1936, page 2
Advt. Pacific Salt Co. of 3 McLaren Parade Pt Adelaide can supply Good Stock Salt. Own bags filled at Porter’s Lagoon for 15/- per ton or on trucks at Farrell’s Flat, including bags, for 23/- per ton.
Advt. Anzac Centenary Sports Meeting, Saturday 2 May at the Burra Race Course.
Mrs J.C. Killicoat and Family left on Saturday last to make their home at Glenelg. This removes Miss Mary Killicoat from Burra High School, Spencer from St Joseph’s and Miss Nancy from the Telephone Department.
Mr & Mrs Arthur Weston, Miss Claurine & Master Laurie have left Burra for Prospect. Mr Weston is a son of John Weston Senior and Mrs Weston comes from the family of the late G. Kemble.
Kooringa Masonic Lodge farewelled Rev. G.C. Hutchinson on 24 March after three years’ residence in Burra. He is moving to Yorketown.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 4 April
Noah Beery & Astrid Allyn in Mystery Liner
Buddy Rogers & June Clyde in Dance Band
Burra Golf Club held its AGM 26 March with President Dr D.M. Steele in the chair. Elected were: President, Dr Steele; Vice-Presidents, J.R. Barker & H. Mumme; Secretary, C.L. Phillips and Treasurer, F. Pontifex.
57, 13, 31 Mar. 1936, page 3
Cricket
Mongolata 82 v. Hanson 144.
Mongolata 85 v. Colts 6 for 176.
Mt Bryan 114 v. Keyneton 9 for 130.
High School 92 v. Aberdeen Colts 158.
Bowls. At Clare 28 March: Balaklava 112 defeated Burra 77.
57, 14, 7 Apr. 1936, page 1
Burra rifle Club fired the 3rd and final stage of the Championship. W.G. Woodman was top scorer for the day. A.J. Whimpress won the Championship.
B. Cornelius scored the win for the Handicap Event (A.J. Whimpress being ineligible for this, having won the Championship.)
Football. The meeting at the Burra Fire Station on 31 March to see if there was enough support to form a local association found that there were too few young players and it was decided instead to continue in the Burra Football Association.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its Anniversary last Sunday. Three services were taken by Mr Steve Wickes of Prospect, who is a gifted chalk artist and whose exposition of his subject was made wonderfully effective by what are known as chalk talks. This year there will not be a tea meeting and instead prizes will be distributed on Sunday afternoons 19 April.
Mongolata School. Last year the Department promised a school by the start of the new school year. At the time there were 13 children of school age on the field. Now, due to the Department’s tardiness, four have left to find schools elsewhere and the department now says a school is not warranted and that those at the field are being educated by correspondence.
Tennis. Railways 8-63 defeated Mongolata. [Print here very hard to read: Mongolata score probably 4-48.]
Cricket. Leighton Blue 136 v. Aberdeen Colts 92.
57, 14, 7 Apr. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Burra Show Inc. Sheep Dog Field Trials Friday & Saturday 17 & 18 April.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 10 April
Frank Morgan and Binnie Barnes in There’s Always Tomorrow
Edmund Lowe in Gift of the Gab
11 April
William Powell & Bette Davis in Fashion Gaieties
Richard Barthelmess & Ann Dvorak in Midnight Alibi
13 April
James Cagney & Pat O’Brien in Devil Dogs of the Air
Joan Blondell & Glenda Farrell in Travelling Saleslady
W.H. Sandland has grown a 61 lb marrow at Balah.
Weather. Useful rain set in on Monday with 60 -102 points in the Agricultural areas. Falls to the east were light: mainly in the 10-15 points range. 28 points fell at Lagoon.
57, 14, 7 Apr. 1936, page 4
The Aberdeen [Redruth?] Methodist Choir gave a concert at Mt Bryan to aid circuit funds. Solos were rendered by Miss A.A. Miller, Miss Mavis Fairchild and Mr Lindsay Thomas and recitals by Mr Charlesworth, Miss Wright and Mr Woollacott. Mr R. Morton gave two mouth organ recitals and Miss Miller and Mrs Statton rendered a piano duet. Miss C. Reed (piano) accompanied for the choir, which was conducted by Mr W. Gare.
Mt Bryan East & Banbury School held their joint annual picnic in one of Messrs C.W. Gare & Sons paddocks last Friday. [Sports results are printed.]
57, 15, 14 Apr. 1936, page 1
Burra Town Council, 6 April
The portrait of the late King George V has arrived and is to be hung in the Council Chamber.
Burra Football Assoc. was granted use of Victoria Park for the usual fee of £2-2-0 for the season.
A donation of £1-1-0 was made to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital.
Aberdeen Tennis Courts are unplayable. The Council had thought of repairing them but initial discussions with the club revealed some difficulties both with respect to the position of the club and that of the Council. It was resolved to have a further meeting.
Members retiring this year due to the effluxion of time.
Mayor: Thomas H. Woollacott
North Ward: R.J. Jeffery
West Ward: W.C. Sampson
East Ward: S. Kellaway
The Mayor would like to be re-elected to see Centenary Year plans through to fruition.
Cr Sampson will not seek re-election due to his business taking him away from home so often.
A ton of salt from Porter’s Lagoon will be purchased and spread on paths at the cemetery to keep down weeds.
Burra Golf Associates held its AGM on 1 April. Elected: President, Mrs J.R. Barker; Vice-President, Mrs D.M. Steele; Secretary, Miss M. Davey; Captain, Miss M.V. Pearce and Vice-Captain, Mrs C. Whittney.
Burra Reunion and Social League met recently in Adelaide. The Mayor T.H. Woollacott and Cr Kellaway attended. It was thought the town should be represented at both the September and December pageants in Adelaide.
57, 15, 14 Apr. 1936, page 2
Hartley Harris of Sylvan, Victoria, is presently visiting his father [Frank Harris] and his old home town.
Percy Moody, grandson of W. Batchelor Sen. of Kooringa, visited Burra recently after 34 years.
W. James Isaac, eldest son of James Isaac of the Waterworks Department, Aberdeen, left on Thursday last on the MV Opawa of 10,000 tons, bound for the UK. He holds the position of 4th engineer.
Mr A.W. Andrews, on the Burra Record staff for 13 years, left on Friday to take up a job in the city. He was a prominent member of the Burra District Brass Band and of the Aberdeen Colt’s Cricket Club.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 18 April
Guy Kibbee & Aline McMahon in Big Hearted Herbert
Warren William & Margaret Lindsay in The Dragon Murder Case
Marriage. Old Methodist Church Mt Bryan, 8 April
Fred Atkin, youngest son of Mr & Mrs R. J. Atkin of Hilton, married
May Pearce, only daughter of Mr & Mrs Frank Pearce of Mt Bryan.
57, 15, 14 Apr. 1936, page 3
Rev. G.C. Hutchinson was farewelled at a meeting in the Methodist Lecture Hall on the evening of 7 April before his departure for Yorketown.
Senior Circuit Steward Mr J.A. Riggs said he was disappointed that Conference had not allowed Rev. Hutchinson another year at Kooringa. That would probably have enabled him to be successful in his project of reducing a certain church debt. Rev. Hutchinson had been particularly active in the Unemployment Relief Council, the Burra Jubilee Benevolent Society and was a member of the Burra Primary School Council.
Mr Kellaway spoke for Church Stewards.
Miss Mavis Fairchild sang Life’s Lullaby.
Edgar Pearce was unable to come, but sent a letter of appreciation.
Miss Margaret Pearce spoke for the choir and Mr E.J. Davey for the Congregation.
Mr Milton Tiddy sang King of the Road, accompanied by Clem Davey. Mrs T.W. Charlesworth’s recitations were well received.
Mr Alfred Riggs spoke for the Redruth Circuit and Mr John Drew for the staff and students of the Sunday school. Arthur Riggs made the presentation of a wallet of notes.
Mrs Clem Pearce spoke for the Ladies’ Guild, thanking Mrs Hutchinson for her work and Miss Joyce Fairchild spoke for the YWCA members. Miss (Nurse) Wright gave a humorous recitation.
[Rev. Hutchinson was also farewelled at Farrell Flat and at World’s End and the former is reported briefly while the latter is dealt with at length.]
Mt Bryan Sports were held on Easter Saturday. [Results are printed.]
Hallett Centenary Sports were held on Monday last in aid of the Recreation Ground Funds. [Results are printed.]
57, 15, 14 Apr. 1936, page 4
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for fortnight to 4 April
Open Cut. Work continues with faces producing a steady supply of ore for the battery.
The Main Shaft has been sunk to 285 ft with further timbering done. Small quartz veins and traces of gold. Things in general are going well.
57, 16, 21 Apr. 1936, page 1
Burra Sheep Dog Trials were held last Friday & Saturday with horse events also on Saturday.
The weather on Friday was good, but on Saturday it was cold with a cutting wind. The sheep were loaned by Mr Roy Humphrys. Winners:
Local Class T.J. Bailey’s Peter
Maiden Stakes A.B. Kemp’s Homeleigh Ringer
Puppy Stakes A.B. Kemp’s Homeleigh Ringer
Open Class W. Carter’s Battle I
Final Test Open Class W. Carter’s Battle I
57, 16, 21 Apr. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 April
Bette Davis & Ian Hunter in The Girl from 10th Avenue
Joe E. Brown & Maxine Doyle in 6 Days Bike Ride
Mr & Mrs Newton King of Melbourne visited Burra on the weekend. Prior to the Great War Mr King was employed at the National Bank in Kooringa for two years, when Mr Thompson was manager. On the outbreak of war he enlisted from Burra in the 10th Battalion as a private and rose to become a Captain. With him was Mr W. Opie whose father was Captain Bennett Opie, who was employed at the Burra Burra Mine with Captain Roach. He was born in Burra.
[Note that SA Births CD suggests that William Opie was one of a pair of twins born 11 January 1874 at Pittenweem (Hundred of Wallaroo). Other birth data for the family suggest that only the eldest son was born in Kooringa in 1860 and that by 1862 Captain Opie was at the Yorke Peninsula mines with births registered at Kadina, Wallaroo, Wallaroo Mines, Moonta and Pittenweem.]
Rev. A. Dyer took up his duties for the Redruth Methodist Circuit last Sunday.
Rev. P. Tilbrook arrived last week and began his duties at Kooringa Methodist Church last Sunday.
Keith Roach from Queensland met up with Hartley Harris of Melbourne and Oliver (Twist) Ockenden of Burra in the street last week. They had not met each other since being together in France in the war. Mr Roach is a son of Mr & Mrs Henry Roach, late of Burra, and is staying with his aunt Mrs E.F. Marston.
57, 16, 21 Apr. 1936, page 3
Marriage. St Joseph’s Church, Burra, 6 April
Fred Bourman married Veronica Preiss.
[Alfred James Bourman, son of Mr & Mrs B.J. Bourman and Veronica Teresa Preiss daughter of Mr & Mrs C.W. Preiss. Married 13 April 1936.]
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 11 April
[Kelvin] Lyle Davey, elder son of Mr & Mrs M.B. Davey of Kooringa, married
Phyllis Walker, only daughter of Mr & Mrs O.G. Walker of Kooringa.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 18th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 300, 500 and 600 yards with best scores from T.B. Cornelius, N. Villis and J.E. Harris.
Bowls: Annual Tournaments
Championship: L. Kellaway
Singles Handicap: W.H. Sandland
Consistency: Dr D.M. Steele
Target: E.J. Davey
Pairs: W.G. Terry & W.F. Pickering
Beginners: H.V. Armstrong
Easter Croquet Tournament
Mr R. Fairchild & Mrs E. Finch defeated Mesdames E. Steer & F.T. Sara 26 to 24.
Advt. Auction Sale at Burra Institute 24 April. Two Sales in One.
Committee of the RSL Sale and Sale for various persons by A.L. Bence of Bence’s Ltd.
The RSL Sale will aid the Centennial Sports Fund.
Cricket. Mongolata 87 defeated World’s End 42, at Mongolata.
Obituary. Mrs Roy Voumard died at Burra Hospital on 7 April aged 38 as a result of heart trouble and other complications. She was born Esther Gertrude Nieman, daughter of Mr Nieman of Copperhouse. She is survived by her husband and only child, Miss Nancy Voumard. She married Mr Voumard on his return from active service abroad and they lived at Copperhouse where she took a great part in the community. She was the organist and member of the Methodist Church for many years and on the School Committee until forced by ill health to relinquish such roles. Twelve months ago, assisted by her daughter, she took over the Copperhouse Post Office. She is also survived by a mother, three sisters and a brother: Mrs Newman (Victoria), Mrs Bilney (Adelaide), Mrs Harry Baynes (Booborowie) and Mr Fred Nieman (Hallett). [Born 6 August 1897 Copperhouse.]
57, 16, 21 Apr. 1936, page 4
Mt Bryan Methodist Sunday School held its annual picnic at Razorback on Easter Monday.
Burra Benevolent Society 16 April accepted with regret the resignations of Rev. G.C. & Mrs Hutchinson. Winter supplies of wood were dealt with and there is an urgent need for warm clothing.
Burra Easter Tennis Tournament
Men’s Championship Singles J. Hill [Joffre]
Men’s Championship Doubles C. Scholz & B. Scholz
Women’s Championship Singles Miss M.V. Pearce
‘A’ Grade Men’s Handicap Singles H. Rowland v. J. Hill (Yet to be played.)
[57, 17, 28 Apr. 1936, page 1: won by Joff Hill.]
‘B’ Grade Men’s Handicap Singles N. Lawler
‘A’ Grade Men’s Handicap Doubles J. Gask & L. Phillips
Women’s Handicap Singles Miss B. Orrock
Women’s Handicap Doubles Miss D. Drew & Miss B. Orrock
‘A’ Grade Mixed Handicap Doubles Miss D. Drew & J. Gask v. Miss B. Saunders & N. Hutchinson (Yet to be played.)
[57, 17, 28 Apr. 1936, page 1: won by Miss B. Saunders & N. Hutchinson.]
‘B’ Grade Mixed Handicap Doubles Miss D. McWaters & R. Davey
Boys’ Championship Singles R. Hopgood
Girls’ Championship Singles Miss D. Drew
Veterans’ Handicap Doubles D.M. Steele & E. Murray
57, 17, 28 Apr. 1936, page 1
Burra Burra DC. The Chairman and District Clerk are to make arrangements for the transfer of Mt Bryan Hall title for allotments 5, 6 & 33 of Mt Bryan from I.J. Warnes and others as Trustees.
Trip to Sturt Vale
Last Monday a large party assembled to make the trip to Sturt Vale at the invitation of Messrs I.J. Warnes & Sons to view shearing operations. On the way we saw few sheep and only a couple of emus, while kangaroos were notable only by their absence. At Murkaby we were greeted by Mr A.B. Riggs who has been experimenting with placing 10 oz cotton duck rugs on selected ewes to keep the wool cleaner and evaluate the effect on wool growth. The rugs were put in place in November last. As expected uncovered ewes had dirt down to their skin, but the wool on covered ewes was very clean and with a longer staple.
At Sturt Vale we were greeted by I.J. Warnes and his sons Rex, Tom and Jim. We went immediately to the woolshed where the men were hard at work removing the sheep’s winter clothing. Mr Cope, manager of Goldsbrough Mort & Co.’s Skin Department said he had been coming to spend his holidays here for 15 years. He reported seeing vast improvements in the time Mr Warnes had owned the property.
There were about 60 men on the place and it looked like a small village. One shearer was Josiah Rosewall [1868-1955]. He had been at every shearing for 50 years, but was still doing his 100 a day with his ‘boy’ working alongside of him. J. Mitchell has shorn every year for 33 years and a number of other shearers were originally wool-pickers on the board. Mr Warnes says he insists on employing local men as far as possible. He controls about 1,000 square miles of country and shears 32,000 sheep.
Joe Parks provided an excellent lunch at which Mr S.H. Robinson moved a vote of thanks. Mr Codrington gave an address similar to that we reported last year. Mr Spencer Williams expressed his thanks for the invitation. Rex Warnes and his father also spoke. I.J. Warnes said the trips had grown from an argument he had had some years earlier about the difference in classing wool, which ended in his saying to Mr Tiver, ‘You’d better come out to Sturt Vale and have a look.’
He thought too many farmers did their own classing and that this was a mistake.
[A list of visitors in printed.]
57, 17, 28 Apr. 1936, page 2
Advt. [Centenary Exhibition]
[The Centenary Train] will make a special run from Burra, departing Burra at 8 a.m. and arriving at the Exhibition Grounds [North Terrace Adelaide] at about 11.40 a.m. The return train will depart the Exhibition Grounds at about 5 p.m. Return fares are 6/6 Adults and 3/3 Children.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 2 May
Jack Hulbert in The Camels are Coming
Claudia Rains & Fay Wray in The Clairvoyant
Anzac Day passed very quietly in Burra, its serenity not even disturbed by hoisting the flag in Market Square.
Kooringa Methodist Church held a social on Wednesday evening last to welcome Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook and his wife.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. report for fortnight to 18 April
The Main Shaft has been deepened to 294 ft with traces of gold at the bottom.
232 tons of ore has gone to the battery and 200 tons have been crushed.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School ended its Anniversary with a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon on 19 April.
Mrs A.W. Andrews was given a farewell last week at Mrs O. Ockenden’s. The Andrews family has gone to live in Adelaide. Mrs Andrews was born Annie Opperman.
57, 17, 28 Apr. 1936, page 3
Burra Town Council, 19 April
Three boys aged 10-12 were brought before the Council and admonished by it for vandalism in chopping down trees and destroying latticework at the Kooringa Playground. They were warned that serious consequences would follow any repetition.
A letter of appreciation was received from the Governor, writing on behalf of HM King Edward VIII in response to the Council’s expression of sympathy on the death of HM King George V.
[E.J. Davey as Inspector reported at some length on the vandalism at the Kooringa Playground. He also reported in detail on a problem with hawkers in the town and in particular with one fruit hawker. In this particular case the problem was complicated by the fact that the hawker had paid his fee only to find horse drawn and other vehicle occupying his designated place. He set up business elsewhere and then refused to move when confronted. Mr Davey felt the Council needed to act firmly against infringements by hawkers.]
Aberdeen Tennis club sent A.B. Riggs and M. Morton, the President and Secretary respectively, to talk with Council about the latter’s possible repairs to their tennis courts. They said the club’s reduced membership at present only warranted the use of two courts and if numbers increased they understood the club would be able to keep the courts in order. If the Council saw fit to repair the two courts in question it might be acceptable if the Council gave them 10 years to pay off the costs. Whatever the Council decided would be taken back to a meeting of members.
Cr Jennison said the matter had started off as an alternative to the expense of laying out entirely new courts for the young folk of Kooringa. He thought the idea of the Aberdeen Club paying the work off in yearly instalments was a good one.
Cr Kellaway said the idea had come from Cr Riggs’s desire to provide for the young folk of Kooringa. Personally, he thought there were enough courts in the town and he assured the deputation that there was no thought of taking the courts away from the club – only of putting them in order. If this could be done for £60 to £70 and the Club paid £15 annually it was good interest and the ratepayers could not complain.
Cr Jeffery thought, from a ratepayers’ point of view several courts would soon be available at the racecourse, suggesting there would be no lack of them in the future. If the repairs were made hi believed the club should guarantee the amount to be paid annually to the Council.
Cr Dow did not think the new courts meant that the Kooringa Club intended giving up the present courts. The extras would use up some of the surplus young people. He supported Cr Jeffrey’s comments.
Mr A. Riggs said the club did not want the Council to put the courts in order, but if they did so the club would be willing to pay. The club deputation withdrew.
Cr Jeffery then said that as the club seemed satisfied and the season was now over, the matter could best be left to lie on the table. Council agreed.
The Mayor produced plans for a swimming pool. The estimated cost he put at £400. Of this the Council would have to find £200 and some public spirited citizens the other half. The Mayor saw the pool as a town asset and suggested that the waste water could be used to grow vegetables or lucerne, helping to make the operation profitable. The water could be taken from the Paxton Square bore, which was a good permanent supply and would not need chlorinating.
Cr Jeffrey said the town was under an obligation to the Mayor for his work thus far and the baths would be a big asset to the town.
The Mayor proposed to have the excavating, grading and groundwork done by day labour. Another idea was to have an engine driven by an electric motor.
Cr Jeffrey moved that a letter be written to the Burra Electric Supply Co. asking whether the electricity for a 5 h.p. motor would be a problem. Carried.
Cr Dow supported the scheme, but said they had to be careful not to make themselves responsible for a large sum of money. He thought a correct estimate of costs should be obtained.
The Mayor regarded his statement as definite in this regard.
Cr Dow said nothing before the Council showed just what the work would cost and in their present financial situation he would not be responsible for spending the ratepayers’ money without more details.
Ct Jennison agreed about costs.
Burra Bowling & Croquet Clubs had the official closing of the season last Saturday. Trophies:
Championship Lel Kellaway
Singles Handicap W.H. Sandland
Consistency Dr Steele
Target event E.J. Davey
Night Pairs G. Terry & W.F. Pickering
Beginners’ Trophy H.V .Armstrong
Croquet:
Doubles Handicap Mesdames E.F. Marston & S.H. Robinson
Championship Singles Miss Netta Bown
Handicap Singles Mrs S.H. Robinson
57, 17, 28 Apr. 1936, page 4
Leighton Golf Club held its AGM 24 April in Leighton Hall. Elected:
Patron, I.J. Warnes; President, A.D. McDonald; Secretary, C.A. McDonald and Captain, Arthur Lloyd.
Farrell Flat RSL Annual Ball is reported in 3⁄4 column.
57, 18, 5 May 1936, page 1
Rev. A & Mrs Dyer and family were welcomed at a social on 22 April. After the usual speeches of welcome and Rev. Dyer’s response, the evening moved on to farewell Miss Mavis Fairchild who was leaving Burra for the city to enter a nursing career. Miss Fairchild had done great and wholehearted work across several branches of the church and received a parting gift from each. F.T. Sara for the Congregation presented a leather case. L. Thomas presented a bedroom clock from the choir. Mr C. Fuller presented a book Why Be Good? From the Endeavour Society. From the Girls’ Club Mr M. Morton presented a manicure set.
Anzac Centenary Sports were very successfully held on 2 May, under the auspices of Burra RSL supported by the Burra Cycling and Athletic Club, the local troop of the 18/23 Light Horse, a number of prominent racing men and the Motor Cycle Club of SA. The weather was very good and the cycling and pedestrian tracks were in excellent condition. The Burra Racecourse is possible one of the finest sites in the North for meetings of this kind.
The gate money was c. £100 and people came from places as far as Terowie in the north and Riverton in the south. There were a record 262 entries. Loudspeakers carried the announcements all over the ground. The program was varied and interesting, with things under way at 11 a.m.
The half-mile wheel race was won by local rider Rod Wilson.
The Gallipoli wheel race was won by visiting riders.
The Anzac wheel race had four heats before the final was somewhat marred by four riders falling, but in the end the winner was Rex Opperman with Leo Taylor second; both local riders.
The Mid-North Scratch Race Championship went to J.R. Martin.
In the pedestrian events Burra runner J. Pengilly won both the Sheffield and the 75 yard sprint.
The RSL Flat Race Handicap went to J.A. Burton and the 100 yards Consolation to S.E. Truscott of Waikerie.
The motor cycle events were dusty due to the lack of rain. H. Denton took out the Motor Cycle Handicap and the 8 lap Mid North Dirt Track Motor Cycle Championship went to L. Fredericks, who also took out the Mongolata Motor Cycle Handicap.
In the horse events Greensborough won both the Andrew Tennant Handicap and ‘The Gums’ flying handicap. The popular Lynch Draught Horse Race this year drew only five entrants, but was well contested, finally being won by Graham Dow on T. Kallio’s Wait Awhile.
The Military Events were carried out with order and precision.
The crowd was orderly and the police had a quiet day.
[Full results are printed.]
[Personal interest: H. Fuss was on the organising committee.]
57, 18, 5 May 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 9 May
Janet Gaynor & Warner Baxter in One More Spring
Edmund Lowe & Karen Morley in Thunder in the Night
Obituary. Harriet Schwier, relict of the late George Schwier of Mongolata, died at the Burra Hospital on 28 April aged 74. [Born Harriett Hall 2 October 1861 Para SA.]
Obituary. Reginald Colin (Reg.) Pearce, youngest son of Mr & Mrs Walter Pearce of Kooringa, died suddenly last Sunday at Northfield Hospital. He had been in poor health for some years. After leaving school he worked in the Postal Department at Kooringa and in Adelaide until ill health forced him to give up work. He was a gifted pianist and late member of the Burra Harmony Orchestra.
[Born 12 January 1910 Redruth SA: died 3 May 1936 Northfield, residence Kooringa.]
A Fine Etching of the old jinker, which brought the big engine for the Burra Copper mine in 1846 [date unclear] is on display in Drew & Crewes’ window. The Town Council decided to buy a copy to be hung in the Council Chamber.
Dave Thomas, only son of Mr Edlie Thomas, has been doing very well at athletics at Kings College in Adelaide, winning six first prizes in six events he contested in the Under-14 age group.
The RSL reports a large number of men went to the Anzac Day March in Adelaide where the absence of marching bands meant there was a lot of ‘wandering along like Brown’s cows’.
57, 18, 5 May 1936, page 3
Burra’s Anzac Service last Sunday attracted a large and reverent crowd to the War Memorial. Returned men assembled at the RSL Club Rooms together with men of the 18/23 Light Horse under Lieutenants R. Shalders and H.S.T. Warnes. The march was led by the Burra District Band under Bandmaster J.H. Murison. Two Army Sisters were present: Mrs W. Pickering, who before her marriage was a British Army Service Nurse, and Mrs D. Keynes nee L. Armstrong. Rev. D.L. Redding conducted the service, assisted by Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook and Mr H. Fuss lay reader. Rev. Tilbrook’s address is reported. RSL President W.F. Pickering laid the first wreath.
Porter’s Lagoon Tennis Tournament
Ladies’ Singles Mrs J. Howard
Ladies’ Doubles Mrs Broad & Miss J. Atkins
Gents’ Singles M. Rasmus
Gents’ Doubles R. Fatchen & C. Rasmus
Veterans’ Singles J. Howard
The Oddfellows’ Lodge held its Annual Picnic and Sports Day at Stone Chimney Creek on 25 April. [Sports results are printed.]
57, 18, 5 May 1936, page 4
Ironmine Wesley Club opened its 1936 season with a Mock Centenary Banquet at Ironmine Memorial Hall. Guests were greeted by the ‘Mayor and Mayoress’ of Ironmine Mr & Mrs W.H. Lloyd. [Details in 1⁄2 column.]
Ironmine Methodist Church Ladies’ Guild held its AGM 29 April. Elected: President, Mrs J. Flower; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames White & L. Steele; Secretary, Mrs D.W. Morrison and Treasurer, Mrs Roy Humphrys.
A Cheer-Up Reunion was held at the Cheer-Up Hut in Adelaide on 23 April. Many former workers and diggers attended. Burra Hall was crammed. Items were presented and there was community singing of the old war days’ songs. Sir William Sowden, President of the Society, was in the chair. Lady Sowden attended, as did the Governor and Lady Dugan and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Adelaide. Unfortunately the organiser of the society, Mrs A. Seager, was absent as she is now a complete invalid. But she listened in to the broadcast. A good many of the Ladies’ Band were present: Mrs J. Heinrich (Ruby McNeil), Mrs P. Herbert (Gladys Lawn), Mrs L.R. Clarke (Amy Harris), Miss Hazel Pressick, Miss Pearl Pressick and Ethel James. [57, 19, 12 May 1936, page 2 adds Miss Annie Pearce and Miss Myrtle Isaac to the list of Ladies’ Band members.] Other Burraites present included Mesdames M. Pressick, G. Lawn, F. Symons, Miss Winnie Pressick, Miss Lily James and Miss Marjorie McLaren. Supper took the form of bottles of soft drinks with straws and boxes of cakes, with cigarettes for the diggers.
57, 19, 12 May 1936, page 1
Burra Town Council, 5 May
Council received a letter from the RAA complaining about roads in Hampton. The Mayor was offended and questioned the right of the RAA to interfere in the matter. It was decided to write them a letter saying the Council had not been approached about the roads and resented the Association’s interfering.
A suggestion was tabled through the Town Clerk that a cement drive be launched for the Swimming Pool. The Mayor said he had been promised 20 bags. Owing to the small attendance, consideration of the Swimming Pool was deferred.
Council considered money to tidy up the place for the centenary. One eye sore was the walls around the old Mine House on the Main Road. [Meaning the old Mine Store at the Mine Entrance.]
Cr Jennison agreed. The path from Bleak House to the Mine Bridge was a perfect eyesore.
The Town Clerk suggested Council buy one of the beautiful etchings of the old jinker, to be seen in Drew & Crewes’ window. The Mayor agreed – it was his grandfather who had brought the big engine to Burra on it. The purchase was approved.
The Mayor and Town Clerk were authorised to order 500 trees for the Centenary Planting Project.
The present contract for the upkeep of gardens at Aberdeen was cancelled because of their unsatisfactory state.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 19th stage of the Koonaburra Trophy over 200, 300 and 700 yards.
Best scores for the day were from E.C. Collins, H.H. Byles and A.G. Heinrich.
57, 19, 12 May 1936, page 2
Obituary. Richard Andrew (Con.) Lynch died at Kooringa on 11 May aged 57. He was the husband of Adeline and father of Melva, Edna and Jack.
Advt. Burra Pictures, 16 May
David Manners & Phillis Barry in Moonstone
Virginia Bruce & Colin Clive in Jane Eyre
Mr James Bentley, who has 43 years’ service with Drew & Crewes, has resigned his position and will leave soon to live at Knoxville near Adelaide, where he has purchased a business.
The Special Exhibition Train on Saturday picked up travellers from Hallett through to Manoora and took about 275 from Burra to the Exhibition in Adelaide.
Ben Thomson, son of Mr T.H. Thomson, garage proprietor of Burra, won the 15 mile road race at Henley on Sunday. He is an enthusiastic cyclist.
Mrs Frank Treloar was 84 on Sunday 10 May.
Football. Booborowie 14.18 defeated Spalding 4.6.
57, 19, 12 May 1936, page 3
Obituary. The late Mrs George Schwier, who died on 28 April, was, before her marriage, Miss Harriet Hall, daughter of Mr & Mrs James Hall, who were among the first settlers on the Mongolata country. She was born at Little Para on 2 October 1861 from where her parents went to Paratoo, where they lived for three years. They there weathered the big drought of the early 1860s. They then came to Aberdeen before moving to a property at Firewood creek, north of Burra. From there she walked each Sunday to attend the old Church of England on Limestone Hill (since demolished). About 1877 her father took up land at Mongolata and they moved there. He retained it till his death. In 1884 she married George Schwier, who was then the boss of a Government rabbit camp. Later they kept a store at Aberdeen near the White Hart Hotel. Here their eldest son, Mr J.H. Schwier, was born. When Broken Hill started to boom Mr & Mrs Schwier went there and stayed till 1893, when they returned to Mongolata and settled on Mr Schwier’s father’s property. They also acquired more land. The old home is still retained. In 1924 Mrs Schwier, who was then a widow, came to reside in Kooringa, leaving the property to her sons. [Mr George Schwier died in 1916.] She was a regular attender at St Mary’s Church until her last illness. She is survived by three sons and three daughters: James H. Schwier, Phil Schwier, Cyril Schwier, Miss Mabel Schwier, Miss Ethel Schwier and Mrs J. O’Loughlin of Kilkenny. There are four grandchildren.
Obituary. Mr R.A. Lynch died on Monday morning after an illness of three weeks. He was known to a legion of friends as Con. He was born at Gundagai NSW in 1878, the son of Mr & Mrs William Lynch, who were farmers of the area. After primary school he was employed at the local Stock Inspector’s office for two years and then in 1898, aged 20, he left NSW for the goldfields of WA. He first found employment in Perth, before going on to Southern Cross as a billiard marker and hairdresser. He was an expert billiard player. He also spent several years at Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. In 1915 he came to Adelaide and took a lease on the Royal Admiral Hotel in Hindley Street until 1921, when he took over the Pinnaroo Hotel where he was widely popular. After that he had a twelve month holiday in Queensland and NSW before taking the Kimba Hotel for seven months. He then came to the Commercial Hotel in Kooringa and held it for ten years. For twenty years he was a member of the ULVA and a member of the Committee of Management since 1931. He took a great interest in local sport and sponsored the Draught Horse Race at the Anzac Sports. He assisted generously in charitable affairs. He married Miss Adeline Moore of Kooringa, who survives with two daughters and one son: Melva Mrs Con. Samuel, Miss (Nurse) Edna Lynch and Jack Lynch. Jack is still in hospital following an operation for appendicitis. There is one grandson.
[Died 11 May 1936 Kooringa.]
Burra Golf Club. The season will be opened by the President Dr. D. McDonald Steele next Saturday 16 May.
Koomooloo Station, last Tuesday
A historic event took place last Tuesday when celebrations marked Edwin Forrest and Josiah Rosewall’s fifty years as shearers. The gathering included I.J. Warnes, Rex Warnes, A.E. Hamilton (Examiner in the School of Mines), Mr A.G. Fenner (of Elder, Smith & Co., also Examiner), S. Clifford (of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co.), A.H. Codrington (School of Mines), R.M. Reed (of Wandillah), Mr George Tee and Mr Rosewall Jun.
Mr George Tee said he had long experience of shearing and that Mr Rosewall and Mr Forrest were the two smartest shearers he had come across and he called on Mr Warnes to present each with a pipe to commemorate their 50 years of shearing.
Mr Warnes said he was only too glad to do as suggested after so many years association. Mr Forrest had shorn up to 180 a day and was the ringer, whilst Rosewall had touched 153 and had been boss shearer for many years and could still do 100 a day, recently at Sturt Vale he had been the best man on the board. Forrest had year in and year out put in a big tally. He (Warnes) had known the Rosewall family all his life and always highly respected them. Rosewall had turned his hand to any honest labour; well-sinking, mining, fencing and had never failed his boss. Both men had reared families practically by shearing and had done a good job of it. He was now employing Rosewall and son and believed he would soon have his son’s son. His (Warnes) idea was to continue blade shearing, but he needed the support of the men.
Mr Rex Warnes added his congratulations and Mrs Rex Warnes presented each of the men with an inscribed gold watch and chain.
The recipients made brief, but warm responses.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. report for fortnight to 2 May
Finished carting a 300 ton parcel of ore to the battery.
Open Cut. The banks have been reinforced to guard against storm waters.
Main Shaft. 251⁄2 ft of timbering has been done and 16 ft of sinking, bringing the shaft to 310 ft and timbered to 2781⁄2 ft. Promising lode material encountered at the bottom.
Telegram on 5 May: cut lode in shaft at 306 ft and now at 315 ft with assay values not yet known.
Rumour reports 50 oz of gold from the Byles’ Mongolata 300 ton crushing.
It also reports 5 oz from 10 tons of a Wildildie crushing.
57, 19, 12 May 1936, page 4
Elisha Pryor and Nannie nee Dunstan celebrated their golden wedding, having been married 1 May 1886. They were driven to the celebration in a buggy by their driver of 50 years earlier, Mr John Honan. The guests were received at the Hallett Institute, which was decorated in shades of gold and heliotrope: the colours favoured in 1886. [Those present were listed.]
Football: Hallett 8-14 defeated Kooringa 7-10.
Copperhouse School pupils visited the Exhibition in Adelaide on 6 May, with costs paid for by the School Welfare Club. They travelled by the morning railcar, reaching Adelaide soon after 10 a.m. and got a good view of Adelaide from the roof of the Shell Building before proceeding to the Exhibition.
57, 20, 19 May 1936, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles Mongolata GM sent 565 tons to the battery last year for a return of 246 oz 9 dwt 17 gr valued at £2,143-16-0, which is to be presented by directors at the annual meeting on 27 May. Costs were £5,474 and after battery charges were deducted the gold returned £11854. Since then the shaft has been sunk to 320 ft. The loss for the 12 months was £1,011 and the cash in the bank and at hand at the end of the term was £442. Work in the past 12 months has been mainly developmental. A new main shaft has been sunk and the old main shaft will be converted to a chute for the disposal of ore from the open cut, which in time will open up the whole side of the hill. The open cut was found to be the cheapest method of operation. Costs there are about 13/- per ton, making returns over 2 dwt per ton payable. Assays suggest a yield of between 4 and 5 dwt per ton. Shares have been paid up to 11/- in each £1 and were quoted yesterday at 4/6 buyer.
Willalo Tennis Club held a successful leap year ball on 5 May.
57, 20, 19 May 1936, page 2
Advt. The Limbless Soldiers Troup will present Pantomime Tit-bits at Hallett 27 May, Mt Bryan 28 May and Leighton 29 May.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 23 May
Tom Walls & Ralph Lynn in Stormy Weather
Warner Baxter & Ketti Gillian in Under the Pampas Moon
Notice. Burra Burra DC Elections. Members retiring due to the effluxion of time:
Mongolata Ward Isaac James Warnes
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch
Farrell Flat Ward Harold Carter Atkins
Leighton Ward Andrew Donald McDonald
Nominations by 6 June with an election on 4 July if needed.
Notice. Burra Town Council Elections. Members retiring due to the effluxion of time:
Mayor Thomas Henry Woollacott
North Ward Roy Joseph Jeffery
East Ward Stanley Kellaway
West Ward William Clem Sampson
Nominations by 13 June with election on 4 July if required.
R.R. Bunney has resumed duties as Kooringa Postmaster after a long sick leave.
Miss Kath Mulligan is moving to live near Penola, after ten years at Burra.
Jehu Lomman of Hallett is 80 next Sunday.
Floral Float. A meeting is called for next Tuesday at 7.15 p.m. to discuss Burra entering a float in the Centenary Floral Festival in Adelaide on 8 September. All large SA towns are taking the matter up.
Curlew Mine has produced a handsome ingot of 107 oz 10 dwt of 22 carat gold from 33 tons of ore sent to the battery.
Arthur P. Harris, second son of Mr Frank Harris, the popular ‘Pincher’ Harris, has obtained a position elsewhere and has left the town. He will be a loss to the Burra District Band, where he was one of their best euphonium players. His loss follows closely on that of the leading cornet player, Mr Andrews.
Mongolata
A collection of toys and books for the children of prospectors was distributed at a picnic last Saturday. It was held in perfect wether at the local sports ground. An after noon of sports was enjoyed by the youngsters and their parents. Some children walked two miles for the occasion.
‘There are little folk out on parts of the filed so distant from each other that they rarely see or meet and endure hardships absolutely unknown or dreamt of by town children. Some of their fathers work for rations and if they do happen to get a little return from ore raised the few shillings received from their arduous toil is docked by our generous Government from their next supply of rations therefore the glorious sunshine on Saturday last served a dual purpose, that of smiling on the afternoon’s fun and also providing warmth for some of their little bodies.’
57, 20, 19 May 1936, page 3
CWA Annual Wool & Handicraft Exhibition was held at the Burra Institute on Friday last and was well attended. [The items entered in competition are described and prize winners are listed.]
The Local Centenary Committee has been advised that the Centenary Train will run as a special to the Burra Show on 3 October.
The School Celebration will be on 5 October. In the morning an exhibition and demonstration will be staged by the pupils and in the afternoon school sports will be held on the oval, with a grand concert in the evening by scholars from Burra and District Schools.
A floral float is planned for September.
The tree planting scheme is progressing well and some 500 trees will be planted around the town.
During Centenary Week the town will be decorated.
Burra Golf season started last Saturday.
Football
Kooringa 11.15 defeated Spalding 6-15.
Booborowie 8-11 defeated Hallett 6-10.
Mr W.J. Bryce was given a farewell at Mt Bryan Hall on 9 May, when a presentation of a travelling rug was made. Dancing, games and supper followed.
Advt. King Edward VIII Birthday Ball will be held in the Hallett Institute 23 June in aid of the Church of England Building Fund.
57, 20, 19 May 1936, page 4
Burra Rifle Club fired the 20th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 500, 600 and 700 yards. The best off the rifle were H.H. Byles, W.G. Woodman and E.C. Collins. The same three headed the handicap contest.
57, 21, 26 May 1936, page 1
Burra Town Council, 18 May
The Unemployed Relief Council advises it has blankets for distribution. Left in the hands of the Mayor.
Saddleworth DC writes seeking support for a sealed road to Burra via Giles Corner, Riverton, Saddleworth and Manoora.
The Mayor said he had also been asked to support the sealing of the route via Kapunda, which seemed to him the better option.
Cr Jennison liked the Kapunda idea, but the other route was better served with garages.
Cr Dow said much had been spent on the Adelaide-Kapunda road, but the Manooran track was nearer.
Cr Jeffery said the Manoora route practically followed the railway line.
It was resolved that at present they could not meet the request without further consideration.
It was resolved to write to the Government seeking a sealed road to Burra as a Centenary project.
The Lord Mayor of Adelaide asked the Mayor to call a public meeting for the purpose of soliciting funds for a memorial to the late King George V.
Cr Dow objected to raising funds for a memorial in Adelaide.
Any action was left up to the Mayor.
Burra Swimming Pool
The Mayor reported that he, with Messrs Dane & Harris, had inspected the pools at Jamestown and Georgetown and they had been impressed by both. Costs had kindly been supplied. One aspect was that the outlet from the pool would sustain regular irrigation along the creek and the production of prolific growth. Mr S.J. Woollacott had offered the use of his tractor for three days (except for the cost of the driver and kero). This, along with the promises of cement, led the Mayor to believe they could confidently start work. One gentleman had suggested issuing debentures. The Mayor thought a pool would become a paying proposition – as at Jamestown and Georgetown.
Cr Dow thought the time had arrived for a decision and he moved that the Mayor draw up plans and specifications. Carried.
It was resolved that the Hydraulic Engineer be asked about the cost of water.
Crs Jennison and Kellaway were firmly behind the scheme.
The Mayor drew attention to the dangerous state of the road at the Mine Bridge. He thought the turn at the south end was dangerous and the bridge was too narrow to accommodate both a big lorry and a car. It needed widening. He thought that could be done for £50-£70. The Town Clerk suggested an approach to the Highways and Local Government Department and ‘suggested the widening of the bridge out of the footbridge alongside, a distance of approximately eight feet.’ It was resolved to ask the Department for a grant of £75.
It was also resolved to buy 500 trees, two years old in pots, for £21.
Local Board of Health
No cases of diphtheria had been reported in Burra despite the epidemic then raging in Adelaide.
Lavatory arrangements at Burra High School were quite unsatisfactory. It was resolved to draw the attention of the Minister of Education to the situation.
Burra Rifle Club fired its annual match with Burra Light Horsemen over double 200 yards.
The Rifle Club 612 defeated the Light Horse 601.
Best for the club were: W.K. Pexton, E.R. Pexton & A.B. Riggs.
Best for the Light Horse were H.S. Warnes, R.G. Bernhardt and B.L. Broad.
Mongolata Gold Field
Byles’ Mongolata GM for the fortnight to 16 May.
A parcel of 300 tons was sent to the battery and yielded 52 oz 6 dwt with tailings to come. The shaft had reached 322 ft with the last 12 ft in lode. It was now intended to drive south on lode to connect with a deep winze.
Football. Kooringa 9-16 defeated Spalding 5-12.
57, 21, 26 May 1936, page 2
Obituary. Louise Bourman, relict of the late Frederick Bourman of Kooringa, died on 21 May at the residence of her youngest daughter at Black Forest aged 96. [See extended obituary page 4 of this issue.]
Advt. The Young Australia League presents The White Minstrel Revue at the Burra Institute Hall
1 June – 160 minutes of Great Entertainment
James Bentley will be given a farewell in the Council chambers on Thursday evening 8 p.m.
Wildildie Claim recently had 5 tons 14 cwt of ore processed at the battery for 33 oz 11 dwt 7 gr plus tailings at 1 oz 3 gr per ton for a total of 39 oz.
Salvation Army. Lt O. Smith has been transferred to Magill.
Obituary. Mr Walter (‘Mick’) Vivian, second son of the late Mr & Mrs Harry of the Commercial Hotel, died on 17 May at Broken Hill, where he had been a resident for over 40 years. He is survived by a widow, two adult sons and one daughter. [Born 4 July 1876 Kooringa.]
Obituary. Mr James Holmes died suddenly on Saturday last at his Ironmine residence.
[Born James Stewart Homes 1855 SA according to BISA, but not found on SA Births CD. Despite the death notice the Deaths CD says he died 23 May 1936 at Kooringa.]
57, 21, 26 May 1936, page 3
Burra Cycle and Athletic Club held a six mile road race on Saturday. R. Wilson won from S. Borowski and then Jim Parks. R. Opperman secured the fastest time.
Marriage. St Mary’s Burra, 25 May
Frederick G. Seaford, second son of Mrs & the late Henry Seaford of Kooringa, married
Olive C. Williams, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Williams of Hampton.
Mr & Mrs R.B. Jackson were farewelled from Hallett on Saturday. Mr Jackson has been in charge of the Hallett Police Station for about three years and has resigned to take an appointment as a warrant officer in New Guinea. Mr Jackson was also the local scoutmaster and his wife was the first Captain of the Hallett Girl Guides.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 30 May
Jack Buchanan & Lili Damita in Brewster’s Millions
Sydney Howard & Jane Baxter in Girls Please
Football. Hallett 10.9 defeated Booborowie 5.8.
57, 21, 26 May 1936, page 4
Burra Burra DC, 4 May
Lots were drawn to decide who would be the retiring councillors in accordance with Local Government Act 1934. They will be I.J. Warnes, E. Finch, H.C. Atkins and A.D. McDonald.
Obituary. Mrs Louisa Bourman died last Thursday at the residence of her youngest daughter, Mrs W. Pryor of Black Forest. She was buried at Kooringa on Friday. She was born in Hindley Street Adelaide 30 June 1840 and was a daughter of Mr & Mrs Williams. After the death of her father her mother married a Mr Clark and the couple lived for many years in Thames St in a cottage where the Burra Croquet Green now is. The family came to Burra in its early days and Mrs Bourman spent practically all her life in Burra. Until last week Burra could claim not only the oldest surviving SA born man in Mr Sam Baker, but also the oldest SA born woman in Mrs Bourman. After her marriage to Fred Bourman they lived in Thames St Kooringa where her large family of eleven children was born. Her husband died 33 years ago. Mrs Bourman was of slight build and was a bright and energetic woman who put her long life and splendid health down to finding employment for every hour of the day. A few years after her children had all married and settled down her youngest daughter prevailed upon her to come to Adelaide and reside with her. Unlike many other elderly folk, the bustle of the city appealed to her and whenever she paid a visit to Burra she was always glad to return to the city. With increasing age she grew frail, but retained her mentality and eyesight. While living in Burra she was an attendant and member of St Mary’s Church. Of her family nine survive. Two daughters, Mary [d. aged 16] and Minnie, died as adults. Surviving children: Mrs Will Gillett (Magill), John (WA), William (Sydney), Benjamin and Walter (Kooringa), Mrs W.A. Gebhardt & Mrs T. Gregor (Kooringa), Mrs W. Pryor (Black Forest and Alf (Broken Hill). There are a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr James Bentley was given a farewell by staff of Drew & Crewes Ltd after forty-three years of service in the grocery department of the firm. For many years he has been in charge of that department. The manager, Mr Potter, praised Mr Bentley for his qualities as a gentleman and for the efficiency of his work and his conscientiousness and wished him every success in the city. He was supported in his remarks by Mr L.S. Penrose, who is now the oldest employee of the company. He made a presentation of a leather case. Miss Thompson, Mr Bob Seigert and Mr S. Dunow also spoke in appreciative terms of their association with Mr Bentley as a fellow employee. Mr John Drew, as the local director of the firm, sent his apologies for his unavoidable absence. Mr Bentley was also farewelled by the Kooringa Masonic Lodge on Tuesday, when a presentation was made by WM Bro. H. Jennison.
Phil Rule writes expressing his thanks for the efforts of Miss Pearce of the Burra Record staff for her role in making the children’s afternoon at Mongolata recently such a success. She collected much of the material distributed and took it and Mr Rule out to Mongolata in her car. She also acted as a judge for the children’s races and assisted in other ways on the day.
57, 22, 2 June 1936, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Chairman of Directors Mr A.A. Thornton visited the field on Monday for the 5th AGM of the Company. He said the company was developing the mine to the best of its ability with the capital available. W.H. Williams who was with him said he has every faith in the mine. Mr Thornton and Mr I.J. Warnes were re-elected to the Board. The lode recently reached at 320 ft level is very promising with samples assaying at 11 oz 2 dwt per ton.
The Limbless Soldiers Concert at Leighton on Friday drew only a small attendance in wet weather.
James Bentley was farewelled by the Redruth Methodist Church in the Memorial Hall last Wednesday, with a social gathering. Messrs P. Rosman and L. Thomas began with a duet with piano accompaniment. Mr Stan Woollacott then spoke for the Church Trust. Mr Bentley had put in sixteen years as a member of the Trust with twelve of them as Secretary and in that time the Memorial Hall had been built.
Mr Bob Morton then gave a mouth organ selection.
Mr Frank Sara spoke on behalf of the congregation, regretting the loss of such regular attendants over 27 years.
Mr I. Gare and Miss Clarice Reed played a piano duet before Mr A.B. Riggs spoke for the circuit. He regretted the loss of the family to the church. Two of the girls had already gone and now the parents and Miss Joy were leaving and no one was coming along to take their place in either the church or the town.
Mr Boyce then gave the appropriate recital Packing Up, followed by the encore A box of smiles.
Mr L. Thomas then spoke for the choir, of which Mr Bentley had over the years been a member and soloist and in later years was still always ready to play a role when needed.
Rev. Dyer then made a presentation of a case of cutlery and a beautifully bound copy of the new Methodist Hymnal and Mr J .Morton also presented a Hymnal to Miss Joy Bentley.
Miss Jean Aughey then made a presentation to Joy on behalf of the Junior Christian Endeavour Society.
Mr Bentley in replying expressed his thanks and sense of loss at having to leave in the interests of his family and he took some time to reminisce about his time in Burra, to which he had come at a very early age.
The evening concluded with a humorous recital by Mr P. Rosman.
There was also a farewell for Mr Bentley at the Burra Council Chamber on Thursday evening, when the town’s businessmen met. Speakers included Mr A.B. Riggs, Mr H. N. Potter (of Drew & Crewes), Cr Jennison, Mr F. Sara, Mr Max Pearce (Elder, Smith’s – as a Member of the Institute Committee), Cr Kellaway, Cr R. Jeffery, Mr E.J. Davey and the Mayor Mr T.H. Woollacott.
The Mayor said James Bentley’s 43 years in service with Drew & Crewes had only been exceeded by Mr G. Herbert’s 53 with Messrs Walker & Sons. He recalled Mr Bentley’s role as conductor of the Burra Ladies’ Band [during WWI] and as a member of the Choral Society.
A presentation was made of a travelling rug, a Tower chrome teapot and a cut glass cream bowl and jug. Mr Bentley replied with feeling of the wrench of leaving after virtually a lifetime in the town. Of the Ladies’ Band he recalled:
‘At the first practice night they had kicked up a terrible row and for several nights after that in the Cheer-up Room. One day the manager of the Bank of Australasia had come to him and said, referring to the band, “Look here Bentley, are you going to shift that Band or am I going to shift the Bank.”
He had told Mr Harcus that he’d better shift the Bank, because the band was going on. The girls knew a lot about music and soon learned to blow the instruments.’
57, 22, 2 June 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 5 & 6 June
Shirley Temple in Curly Top
Plus Tarzan the Fearless
Major Gilbert Lewis & Mrs Lewis have been visiting from WA and have been staying with Mr & Mrs W.S. Murray of Cappeedee Station Hallett. They are in SA for two months.
Mr Thomas Kellaway, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Stan Kellaway, left on Thursday to take a position in the city. ‘A regrettable feature of these now almost weekly removals is that our town is a serious loser.”
57, 22, 2 June 1936, page 3
Farrell Flat Institute used its new jarrah floor for the first time at the Centenary Ball on Wednesday 27 May.
Weather. The long dry spell broke on Friday night and Saturday. Falls to the East varies from 50 at Bendigo to 163 at Canegrass, with most in the 70-90 points range.
Burra Cycling and Athletic Club held a 31⁄2 mile road race on Saturday, which was won by C. Kellaway. R. Opperman had the fastest time. The boys’ race had 15 starters and A. Harry came first with A. Garrard second.
Obituary. C. Adolph Lott died on Saturday after a long illness aged 75. He is survived by a widow, two sons and three daughters: A. Lott (Renmark), C.A. Lott (Kooringa), Mrs L.S. Penrose (Kooringa), Sister C. Lott and Mrs Dan Murdoch (Crystal Brook). There are 12 grandchildren.
[See extended obituary 57, 23, 9 June 1936, page 3.]
57, 22, 2 June 1936, page 4
Football
Hallett 16.16 defeated Kooringa 0.2
The game was played in cold, wet and very windy conditions. The paper’s explanation for Kooringa’s poor showing was that ‘Kooringa’s forwards were absent without leave.
Empire Day Celebrations were held last Friday at the school. Before a combined celebration with the Primary School, the High School held a ceremony to present Minda Badges, Terminal Exam Certificates and University Certificates. Minda Badges for collecting funds for that institution were presented to Reg. Dow, Patty Aughey, Glen Kakoschke and Cecil Quinn.
Eight University Certificates were gained in the 1935 exams:
Leaving
Joy Bentley 7 subjects
Intermediate Commercial
Nancy Pearce 8 subjects 2 credits
Intermediate General
Brian Riggs 8 subjects 1 credit
Mervyn Davey 6 subjects 1 credit
Ray Prior 6 subjects
Kath McConnon 5 subjects
Kevin Nattrass 5 subjects
The following completed certificates
Dorothy Bevan 9 subjects 1 credit (Commercial)
Frank J. Pearce 8 subjects 1 credit (General)
Mr W.F. Pickering, President of Burra RSL presented Milton L. Rice with a silver medal as second prize in a state-wide essay contest sponsored by the Adelaide Branch of the RSL on the topic of Anzac Day.
At the general assembly, after the singing of the Song of Australia, Mr A.B. Riggs as Chairman of the School Committee called on Dr Steele to give the Empire Day Address. Mr Riggs then spoke briefly and the assembly concluded with the ceremony of saluting the flag and the singing of The National Anthem.
57, 23, 9 June 1936, page 1
Burra Swimming Pool
Councillors have agreed that the swimming pool is a good idea. They endorse the view that swimming should be part of every child’s education and the water from the pool would be useful to grow trees along the creek to beautify the town. The bone of contention has been the best method of financing the pool.
The Mayor said he believed a 5 h.p. petrol engine would do the pumping work as well as an electric motor, if the Burra Electric Supply Co. was unable to supply sufficient current for the 5 h.p. electric motor. He asked the Clerk about the water in the Market Square bore. The Clerk said as far as he could remember the bore was about 300 ft deep with water rising to within 32 ft of the surface and the supply was wonderful, or used to be.
Cr Jennison said the supply from the mains would be as good as anything.
The Mayor said he had not had a reply from the Hydraulic Engineer and had not asked about the cost. The pool would hold 150,000 gallons and if emptied once a week and refilled at 1/- per galloon all profits would be eaten up. [This must be incorrect reporting. Perhaps the Mayor said 1/- per 1,000 gallons, which would make £7-10-0 a week and would make more sense than the figure reported.]
Cr Riggs suggested using the Mine Pool water.
Cr Kellaway thought a bore at the pool would be cheaper in the long run.
The Mayor said the matter was in their hands and if they made up their minds they would have to raise £600 to £700. He thought debentures were the way to go, with Council guaranteeing the principal and the interest.
Cr Dow feared if the venture failed the ratepayers would have the responsibility of paying back the borrowed money.
Cr Kellaway wondered if money could be borrowed from the Commonwealth at a cheaper rate.
In the end it was resolved that the matter be held over till replies had been received about the electricity and the water supply. In the meantime the Finance Committee was instructed to devise a scheme to raise the necessary finance. After all that a public meeting would be called to get the opinion of the ratepayers.
Tobacco. Cr Dow gave notice of his intention of giving written notice that the ancient minute relating to smoking be rescinded. He could not see why the present Councillors should follow in the footsteps of their forefathers in that direction at all.
Fifty years ago Council debarred the noxious weed from the sacred precincts of the Burra Council Chambers.
Burra War Memorial. The Town Council has decided that a committee will look into the running of electricity underground from the Rotunda to four floodlights at the base of the War Memorial.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 21st and final stage of the Kookaburra Trophy over 200, 300, 500 & 600 yards. Best on the day were A.B. Riggs, K.S. Dawson and H.E. Calvert.
For the whole contest, though, the Marksman’s Trophy went to K.S. Dawson with 50 points from A.C. Aughey 46. (He has been unable to shoot in the last three rounds.)
E.C. Collins won the trophy for being best in the last 7 stages of the Kookaburra Trophy.
The Kookaburra Trophy has gone to T.B. Cornelius.
57, 23, 9 June 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 13 June
Claudette Colbert & Warren William in Imitation of Life
Chester Morris & Mae Clark in Let’s Talk It Over
Obituary. A Notice to Creditors reveals the death of Claude de Neufville Lucas, late of Hyde Park, who died 26 April 1936. [Born 3 October 1873, East Payneham.]
Obituary. Edna May Coon, eldest grandchild of Mrs E.T. Prior, died at Northfield Hospital 1 June aged 22. [Late of Copperhouse.] [Despite the discrepancies presumably born Edna Mary Coon 24 July 1911 Hyde Park: died Edna May Coon.]
Obituary. Mrs G.W. Heinrich nee Hetzel of Point Pass died suddenly 26 May aged 79. She was born at Hallet’s Cove [sic] near Tanunda 7 April 1857, the third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs C.G. Hetzel. Her mother died when she was 14 and she then raised three younger children. She married Mr G.W. Heinrich 5 February 1880 at Tanunda and they lived at Baldina for four years before being driven off by drought. They then took a farm at World’s End for the next 40 years. They were foundation members and loyal supporters of the old Baldina Church. They relinquished farming in 1924 and their son Anton took over the homestead known as Dutton’s Trough. She leaves a husband, six sons and four daughters. There are 24 grandchildren.
[Born Anna Elilie Hetzel 8 April 1857 Hallett’s Valley, Tanunda.]
Clem Robins of the National Bank, who has had an operation at the Burra Hospital for appendicitis, has gone to his home at Marrabel to recuperate.
Mr Laurie Wedd of Elder, Smith & Co. has been transferred to Maitland.
57, 23, 9 June 1936, page 3
Obituary. James French, an old Burra boy, died at his home at Whyte Yarcowie aged 74. His widow is an old Burra girl, nee Emily Hill, sister of the late Richard Hill of Kooringa.
Obituary. Mr C. Adolph Lott died at his residence in Paxton Terrace 30 May. He was the only son of the late Mr & Mrs Adolph Lott and was born 20 December 1860 in Welsh Place, Kooringa in the old home still standing in good repair almost opposite the Kooringa Hotel. He was educated at Dr Stephen’s and F.W. Holder’s schools. On leaving school he worked with his father, a cabinetmaker, in the premises now occupied by Mr A. Lomman. Later he went to Clare, where he entered the employ of Mr Pethick, builder. Returning to Burra, he was employed for a time by Mr H. Bruse, carpenter and cabinetmaker, and later worked for the firm of Sara & Dunstan of Aberdeen. In the early days of Silverton and Broken Hill he went to Silverton and opened a branch business for Sara & Dunstan. In later years he was in business for himself as a carpenter and builder until his health required him to retire about six years ago. He was for a time a Town Councillor and he took an active interest in football, athletics and cricket. He was one of the oldest members of the Foresters’ Lodge and a member of the Kooringa Lodge [Freemasons] and possibly the oldest subscriber to the Burra Institute. He married 10 June 1886 Miss (Nurse) Amelia Hodges, who came from Perth, but was then working at the Burra Hospital. Her father had served in the Crimean War. Their golden wedding would have been celebrated on Thursday this week. His health failed after he broke his leg five years ago. Surviving children are: Mr Adolph Lott (Headmaster Renmark Public School and late Major in the AIF), Mr Cliff Lott (Kooringa), Mrs L.S. Penrose (Kooringa), Sister Clara Lott (Adelaide) and Mrs Dan Murdock (Crystal Brook). There are 12 grandchildren.
[Born Adolph Carl Theodore Lott 22 September 1859 Kooringa: died Carl Adolph Lott 30 May 1936 Kooringa.]
Burra High School visited Clare for sports:
Football: Clare 6.7 defeated Burra 4.10.
Basketball: ‘A’ Grade Clare 19 defeated Burra 12
‘B’ Grade Clare 18 defeated Burra 2.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM for the fortnight to 6 June.
The tunnel at the north end of Lean’s Hill advanced to 213 ft and cut lode at 208 ft comprising three seams from 3 inches to 6 inches wide. One seam carried gold at 7 dwt per ton.
Farnden’s Hill Open Cut. Continued to sink shaft to a total depth of 58 ft. Will drive both ways from this depth.
15 tons was crushed at the battery for 4 oz 12 dwt 17 gr without tailings.
Redruth Methodist Church celebrated its 85th anniversary last Sunday. Rev. J.P.H .Tilbrook of Kooringa conducted the services. Monday saw the usual public tea and an unusually well-attended public meeting. [Details in 1⁄2 column.]
C.J. Pearce completed sixty years as secretary of the Secretary of the Rose of Sharon Tent of the IOR Kooringa on 11 June. Only two people are still living who were members when he was first elected: Bro. William Anderson and Bro. John Anderson, both of Sydney NSW. Tent meetings were then held in the Baptist Chapel, now the Council Depot. They later moved to the Burra Institute.
57, 23, 9 June 1936, page 4
Burra Town Council, Tuesday last.
Burra Electric Supply Co. says it would supply electricity for a 5 h.p. pump under reasonable conditions, but would need first to know what type of pump was contemplated and the amount of water available. [See more at page 1 discussion.]
Council decided to start digging holes for tree-planting.
Cr Jennison said he hoped if unemployed men were given the job they would be supervised because he was sick and tired of seeing them loafing and wasting the town’s money.
The Mayor thought that while this might apply to one or two Cr Jennison had no right to say all loafed.
Cr Jennison took offence and said ‘he was not at the meeting to be chastised by the Mayor or to see the ratepayers’ money wasted by countenancing the paying of loafers.’
The Mayor said under some schemes men were employed who were not employed on a decent wage, but were expected to work for rags.
Cr Kellaway said some had to be put on who were not fit to do a day’s work.
‘It was all very fine for the ratepayers to say that Council by putting these men on was wasting money; the Council was not.’
Basketball
Ladies: Green 11 defeated Gold 8
Men: White 46 defeated Gold 43
Red 46 defeated Green 33.
Football. Booborowie 17.11 defeated Kooringa 8.9.
Young Australia League Boys from Victoria came by the afternoon train on Monday 1 June. They were met at the station by the Mayor and Crs Jennison & Kellaway. There were 37 lads and three officers. The boys marched through Aberdeen and were then taken by cars to Kooringa where they marched from the Institute through the main street, respectfully saluting the Soldiers’ Memorial as they passed. They were given a tour of the town and then sent to where they were billeted with families. In the evening they gave a bright and colourful entertainment at the Institute after a civic welcome from the Mayor. They left Burra on the morning train, bound for Angaston.
Burra Liberal & Country League Women’s Branch held its AGM 5 June. There was an address by Mr Willoughby. Elected: President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Secretary, Miss Wilkinson and Vice-Presidents, Mesdames E. Jettner, C.J. Murray, G.G. Hawkes, S.H. Robinson, J. Flower and Miss Rogers. [The year’s activities are reported in 1⁄2 column.]
57, 24, 16 June 1936, page 1
Burra Burra DC, 1 June
Council resolved to support the tarring of the Leasingham-Mintaro-Burra route.
Lots 15 & 16 Lostwithiel were transferred from the War service Homes Commissioner to Ernest Albert Threadgold. Also lot 17. [But this time it says Copperhouse, which is probably a mistake.]
Centenary Celebrations Committee decided to buy arches and electrical lights etc. from Eudunda.
The Floral Float for September is progressing well. The ladies are busy making thousands of flowers for its decoration. Burra Old Colonists Assoc. in Adelaide is also entering a float.
A great Schools Demonstration is planned for 5 October.
Tree planting is continuing apace under Mr R.J. Fairchild.
SAR is being asked to run a cheap special to Adelaide on 18 September to allow all residents to see Adelaide at its best.
57, 24, 16 June 1936, page 2
Declaration of Town Council Elections
Mayor T.H. Woollacott
North Ward Roy Joseph Jeffery
East Ward Stanley Kellaway
West Ward William Joseph Lee
Robert Clifton Lott
Frank Lindsay Worth
An election for West Ward will be held on 4 July.
Declaration of Burra Burra DC Election
Farrell Flat Ward Harold Carter Atkins
Mongolata Ward Isaac James Warnes
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch
Glen Gaskell Hawkes
Leighton Ward Douglas Keynes
Archibald Donald McDonald
Elections will be held for Kooringa and Leighton Wards on 4 July.
Notice. C.R. Bowey of Kooringa has disposed of his greengrocery business to Messrs J. & W. Schutz of Kooringa.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 20 June
Claudette Colbert & Warren William in Imitation of Life
Chester Morris & Mae Clark in Let’s Talk It Over
[Note that these films were also advertised to be shown on 13 June.]
Obituary. Katie Fuss, wife of Hilary Fuss, died 16 June at her residence in Morehead street aged 38.
Keith Saxon, only child of Mrs R. Saxon nee Clara Reed of Kooringa and now of Prospect, was seriously injured in an accident in Adelaide last week. He has regained consciousness after eight days.
The Baby Health Centre Car is on its 23rd tour with Sister E. Johnson in charge. It will arrive at Burra Station on the night of 27 June and leave for Terowie 5 p.m. 29 June.
Burra Floral Float, to take part in the Floral Pageant in Adelaide 18 September, will be decked with many thousands of paper flowers. An appeal is made for flower makers. If able to assist contact Miss Clarice Reed Aberdeen, or in Kooringa Mrs J. Barker, Mrs Ockenden or Miss Potter.
The direction of the float is in the capable hands of Mrs A. Tennant.
Football. Farrell Flat 14.7 defeated North Clare 9.10.
57, 24, 16 June 1936, page 3
St Joseph’s Church Annual Ball proved the most popular function of its kind this season. It was a great success socially and financially. [Details in 3⁄4 column.]
Obituary. Mr Cecil C. Lord died at a private hospital in North Adelaide on 11 June after suffering from pneumonia for only a few days. He was the fourth son of the late Mr & Mrs George Lord and was born at Kadina 29 July 1886. He was educated at Moonta. His parents later went to Broken Hill for a number of years before moving to Port Germein and then to Burra where they kept the Burra Hotel. When war broke out on 4 August 1914 he was one of the first to volunteer for active service abroad and he left for Egypt in October 1914 with the 3rd Light Horse. He saw the campaign right through, returning in 1918. Prior to the war he was a keen sportsman, being especially interested in football, where he was a leading player for Kooringa, and also in coursing. He married Jessie Hunt, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Alfred Hunt of Kooringa and soon after the marriage secured a business near Adelaide. He leaves a widow and three young daughters: Shirley, Beth and Barbara. Mr William Lord of Adelaide and Mrs W.H. Sandland of Heathmont, Burra, are now the only surviving members of the George Lord family. Old Light Horse comrades who attended the funeral included Major T. Kenyon. [Cecil Clyde Lord born 29 July 1886 Moonta Mines: died 11 June 1936 North Adelaide, residence Adelaide.]
Obituary. Thomas C. Parks has died after a long and trying illness. He died at his Semaphore residence 11 June. He was born in Kooringa in 1894, the third son of Mr Charles and the late Mrs Parks and was educated at the Burra School. After school he worked in his father’s bakery business before enlisting with the 27th Battalion in 1916. He fell ill at Suez and was invalided home. He never recovered from the effects of the illness. He married Miss Millicent Blott, second daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Blott of Kooringa. After some time in Burra they moved to Semaphore for health reasons. He is survived by two daughters and one son. His eldest daughter, Ivy, died last year. He is also survived by his father and one surviving brother, Mr Joseph Parks of Kooringa.
[Thomas Charles Parks born 23 June 1894 Kooringa. Note that Ivy Parks’ death is registered as 26 September 1933: not in 1935 as suggested here.]
Obituary. Mrs Hilary Fuss nee Griffiths died this morning after only a few days illness with pneumonia. She died at her residence in Aberdeen aged 38 and is survived by a husband and two young children. [Born Katie Griffiths 6 November 1898 Redruth; so aged 37 at death.]
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club
A 12-mile road race was run on Saturday in good weather except for the head wind. The winner was Jim Parks with Rex Opperman second. Sid Borowski had a nasty accident in the last mile when his front fork broke.
The 3-mile race for boys was won by W. Murison.
Mongolata Goldfield
Takati Claim of W. Pexton & Sons crushed 50 tons in May for 105 oz 13 dwt plus 6 oz 13 dwt 8 gr by cyanide.
Baldina Mongolata GM reports a crushing of 151⁄2 tons for 4 oz 12 dwt 17 gr plus 2 oz from tailings.
57, 24, 16 June 1936, page 4
Football. Booborowie 9.12 defeated Kooringa 6.9.
Basketball
Ladies: Green & Gold tied 10 each.
Men: Red 83 defeated Gold 44 and White 52 defeated Green 43.
Burra Rifle Club on Saturday last: Rifle Club 473 defeated Light Horse 443.
57, 25, 23 June 1936, page 1
Burra Swimming Pool
The Finance Committee of the Town Council has recommended financing the pool by the issuing of debentures on the security of the general rate. The matter will need to be discussed with ratepayers at the forthcoming meeting of them on Thursday night next. The market Square well is to be tested to see if its flow is adequate to supply the pool.
Cr Kellaway objected to the cost of that (estimated at £12-£15).
The Mayor assured Councillors that the site chosen was the best possible and that excavation would not be difficult.
Tree Planting
Up to date the expenditure had been £45-8-1 with £64-13-11 in hand from the Government funding. The Councillors debated the need for tree guards and the type that might suffice. Mr Fairchild reported on the progress so far and suggested suitable sites for continuing the scheme.
[Details of the discussion take about 1 column.]
Basketball. Men: White 48 defeated Red 35 and Gold 32 defeated Green 20.
57, 25, 23 June 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 27 June
Tom Walls & Ralph Lynn in Cuckoo in the Nest
Plus Brown on Resolution
29 June
Ralph Bellamy & Karen Morley in The Healer
John Halliday & Marguerite de la Motte in Woman’s Man
Birth. To the wife of Vic Hughes of Mt Bryan East, at Mrs Fuller’s Nursing Home on 15 June a son.
Obituary. Rev. W.J. Walker, a Past President of the Methodist Conference, died last Saturday.
[Walter John Walker died 21 June 1936 aged 68 at Malvern.]
Sister Daphne McWaters, daughter of Mr & Mrs W.H. McWaters of World’s End, has been appointed second-in-charge of Pt Lincoln Hospital and during the Matron’s absence on leave will be Acting Matron.
Mrs Clem Pearce went to the city on Saturday for the 90th birthday of her father Mr A. Jones of Unley. [Aaron Jones c. 1846-1 July 1938.]
Burra Institute Chess Club has resumed for the winter season.
Mr & Mrs Laurie Wedd and son Kevin have left Burra for Maitland where Mr Wedd has been promoted to the position of Manager for the Elder, Smith & Co. branch. A presentation was made of a blackwood inkstand and penholder with clock.
57, 25, 23 June 1936, page 3
Mrs Wedd had several small farewells cancelled before she left because of the sudden death of Mr Wedd’s father a few days previously. A presentation gift was sent to her and one to Kevin.
[Obituary: William Wedd died at St Peters 16 June 1936 aged 72.]
Burra Cycling and Athletic Club. The 6-mile road race was won by K. Whitford. Rex Opperman had the fastest time. The junior race was won by Bernhardt from Fitzgerald and Kemble.
Burra Benevolent Society held its AGM 18 June. Miss Coglin resigned as Secretary after fifteen years. Sir John Melrose sent a donation of £6 for winter comforts for the poor. Elected: President, Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames A. Dyer and T.H. Woollacott; Secretary, Miss Wilkinson. Treasurer, Mr E.J. Davey.
Weather. The last week saw a succession of very heavy frosts and on two mornings they were so heavy the ground seemed to be covered with a layer of snow. On the night of Sunday/Monday there was rain, then hail before the clouds moved on and a frost formed. Later clouds returned with rain and a fall of snow for early risers. More rain followed. At 8 p.m. Monday there was a light fall of snow in the town, which gathered in drifts in gardens and the lee of buildings. There were good falls on the surrounding hills during the day and Mr W.H. Sandland said that from Heathmont it was a fine sight to see snow falling on Sugar-loaf Hill. Mrs W.H. Tiver reported a white mantle of snow on paddocks at Flagstaff in the morning. Not much of the rain extended to the east where falls were generally below 20 points.
Mongolata Goldfield
Mongolata GM for the week ending 20 June. The shaft has been sunk to 339 ft in values of 8-15 dwt per ton.
57, 25, 23 June 1936, page 4
Burra Town Council, 15 June
A minute’s silence was observed for the late former Councillor Lott.
The Finance Committee recommended the issuing of debentures to fund the swimming pool. [See page 1.]
The Burra Centenary Committee was granted jurisdiction over sideshows for Burra Centenary Week.
The Highways Department advised it could not say when a bitumen road might reach Burra.
The tree-planting program was discussed. [See page 1.]
Council election nominations were reported. [See 57, 24, 16 June 1936, page 2.]
The ratepayers’ meeting will be held on 25 June at 8 p.m.
Football. Spalding 8.9 defeated Kooringa 5.11.
57, 26, 30 June 1936, pages 1 & 4
The Sixtieth Annual Ratepayers’ Meeting was held on Thursday in the Institute and drew a fairly good attendance. A.B. Riggs was elected chairman. He said the Mayor had been in office for 51⁄2 years and at the end of his present term on 30 June 1937 his term of 61⁄2 years would be a record. Mr M. Collins had the previous longest term of six years in succession. [But see also E.W. Crewes below.] Before being Mayor, Mr Woollacott had been North Ward Councillor for eight years. Cr Kellaway had been Councillor for more years than Mr Riggs could remember. Mr Riggs said despite many promises the State Government had not overcome the problem of unemployment, particularly for youths leaving school. The Federal Government was now interfering in the wheat and wool industries.
For 1935-36 the assessment had been: £14,435
Rates due £1,623-18-9
Rates collected £1,558-12-8
Arrears at 1 July 1935 £172-13-3
Arrears collected £136-5-5
Arrears at 30 June 1936 £101-15-11
The Mayor’s Report for 1936
The depression is still with us.
In the year there have been only two new buildings in the town plus some alterations to existing buildings.
Roads have been maintained to a creditable standard.
The Mine Bridge is under consideration and the Department has been approached to have it widened by about ten feet.
As it is the Corporation’s Jubilee Year it is not out of place to give you the names of all the gentlemen who have held the position of Mayor since 1876.
1876 P. Lane
1877 P. Lane
1878 E. Lipsett
1879 W.P. Nesbitt
1880 P. Lane
1881 P. Lane
1882 E.C. Lockyer
1883 E.C. Lockyer
1884 R. Brummitt
1885 J. Dunstan
1886 D.S. Packard
1887 F.W. Holder
1888 P.L. Killicoat
1889 P.L. Killicoat*
1890 T.W. Wilkinson
1891 W. West
1892 W. West
1893 W.T. Rabbich
1894 P.L. Killicoat
1895 R. Brummitt
1896 R. Brummitt
1897 R. Brummitt
1898 J. Sampson [Jnr]
1899 J. Sampson [Jnr]
1900 E.W. Crewes
1901 E.W. Crewes
1902 E.W. Crewes†
1903 A. Harris‡
1904 J.E.H. Winnall
1905 J.E.H. Winnall
1906 J. Drew
1907 W.C.L. West
1908 W.C.L. West
1909 J.I. Sangster [Jnr]
1910 S. Burns
1911 J. McLaren
1912 J. McLaren
1913 J. McLaren
1914 E.W. Crewes
1915 E.W. Crewes
1916 E.W. Crewes
1917 E.W. Crewes
1918 E.W. Crewes
1919 E.W. Crewes
1920 S.M. Lane
1921 E.W. Crewes
1922 E.W. Crewes
1923 M. Collins
1924 M. Collins
1925 M. Collins
1926 M. Collins
1927 M. Collins
1928 M. Collins
1929 A.B. Riggs
1930 A.B. Riggs
1931 T.H. Woollacott
1932 T.H. Woollacott
1933 T.H. Woollacott
1934 T.H. Woollacott§
1935 T.H. Woollacott§
1936-37 T.H. Woollacott§
[There are several errors in this list:
*In November 1888 P.L. Killicoat was elected unopposed for 1889, but on seeing the election results he immediately resigned, citing personal reasons. In fact it seems he was unwilling to work with Cr Sampson. As a result of nominations called for 24 December 1888 F.W. Holder was elected unopposed and served as Mayor for 1889.
†In November 1901 Alexander Harris was elected unopposed for 1902, but he died on 25 December 1901 without attending a meeting of Council. E.W. Crewes was elected unopposed to replace him on 10 January 1902 and served as Mayor for 1902
‡Given that Alexander Harris had died 25 December 1901, this is clearly wrong. J. Sampson Jnr was elected in November 1902 to serve as Mayor for 1903
§A new Act of Parliament, effective 2 November 1934 changed the Municipal Year from a calendar year to run from July to June. The life of the 1934 Council was extended to the 1st Saturday in July 1935 so the last three entries should be: 1934-35 T.H. Woollacott
1935-36 T.H. Woollacott
1936-37 T.H. Woollacott]
The first assessment in 1876 was for £12,098
The rate of 1/- in the pound yielded rates of £604-18-0
In 1936 the assessment was for £14,435
The rate of 2/3 in the pound yielded £1,623-18-9
John Robinson Gray was the first Inspector at a salary of £50 p.a.
The iron safe in the Corporation Room was purchased for £45 in 1876.
The first Town Clerk, Charles Lowe received a salary of £120 p.a.
The first survey of the streets cost £80.
Mr J.A. Goodfellow was appointed Surveyor at £100 to supply a plan of each ward at a cost of £35. His plans are still in the office.
John Jenkin was the first dayman at £2-2-0 a week.
First auditors were John Armstrong and George Woerner.
The first Councillors:
North Ward G. Sara and A. Bartholomæus
Middle Ward R. Sanders and E. Lipsett
South Ward Joseph Roberts and John Snell
This year as a centenary effort the Government granted £110 for tree planting. The Council has added £100 and citizens have contributed a total of £101. Under this grant we are planting 650 trees in streets and reserves.
Council proposes a swimming pool for the town. In my opinion this is absolutely necessary to keep out town up-to-date and I am asking for all assistance citizens can give. Many towns smaller than Burra have pools. We have a first class site, plenty of building materials and water. The Council is very enthusiastic over this scheme.
Relief work this year has enabled the employment of most men for short periods at full wages and there was a special grant at Christmas time to help the unemployed get a little enjoyment at that time.
The cemetery occupies something over 7 acres and has over 4,000 graves. The Council does its best once a year at least to clear all undesirable growth and generally keep it tidy.
The Park Lands are being cared for and when the present tree planting is completed the Burra Creek alone will be one of the prettiest parks in the country.
Street lighting is being adequately supplied by the Burra Electric Supply Co. The incoming Council will consider a proposal to floodlight the Fallen Soldiers Memorial.
During the year we received visits from Sir George Ritchie (Chairman) and Mr V.C. Ryan (Organiser) of the [committee for the] Centenary of the State.
This year is also the Diamond Jubilee of the Town Council and I thank the leading townsmen for their aid in refurnishing the Council Chamber.
On behalf of the Committee, I call on everyone to do his or her share in the Back-to –Burra Centenary Celebration from 2-8 October.
[The Town Clerk, Mr E.J. Davey then read the proclamation of Sir Anthony Musgrave, Governor of SA, when he proclaimed Burra a Municipality.
The Mayor then said he would like to mention several things the Council planned to do in the coming year. Actually he began with a discussion of the refurnishing of the Council Chamber, in which inadequate old cedar chairs, not fit for the use of visiting dignitaries, had been replaced by chairs donated by various men of the town.
He then went on to further detail about the tree planting scheme and the proposal to better light Market Square and place floodlights at the foot of the Fallen Soldiers Memorial. He said they would also have to consider the widening of the Mine Bridge. Its narrowness made it dangerous and in the process the footbridge would have to be done away with or improved. It was not a very respectable looking thing anyway.]
Kapunda and Tarlee Councils have asked both the Burra Councils to assist in getting a sealed road through to Burra.
It seemed remarkable that after sixty years the assessment had only risen by £1,800. The Council had cut the assessment by £3,000 in 1932-33 and it had not since been replaced.
The question of street hawkers would have to be addressed.
[Mr Woollacott then went on at some length to give details of the Jamestown Swimming Baths and also some information about the Georgetown Swimming Pool.]
At present to stand on the Kingston Street Bridge and look at the Burra Creek would give you sore eyes, but with the aid of water from the operations of the proposed pool there would be a supply to irrigate the area, which could be planted with weeping willows and flowering shrubs, as at Strathalbyn.
Cr Kellaway congratulated the Mayor on his re-election and thanked the electors for their support in his own re-election. This term would mean that he would serve on Council for 17 years, after which he intended to retire.
Cr Jeffery thanked his electors.
W.J. Lee and R.C. Lott, as candidates for West Ward, made short speeches in which they promised to do their best for the ward and the town.
Mr F.L. Worth made a long speech [in which he devoted considerable effort to overcome the disadvantage of not being born locally and in being a relatively recent arrival.]
He presented an argument with figures to show that the swimming pool would need to make a profit of £60 p.a. to repay in ten years the interest and principal of the debentures that were planned to finance it. While he supported the pool in principal, he could not give it unqualified support until he had thoroughly investigated the financial viability, so that ratepayers would not end up saddled with a debt. On Sunday sport he was personally tolerant, but believed it should be decided by the weight of public opinion. He was in favour of the Council acting to protect local businesses from the activities of hawkers. The health aspect of hawkers’ goods being unprotected from contamination by dirt and flies was also a consideration. He supported moves to see that Burra took its proper place in the State’s Centenary Celebrations; appropriate to its role in the history of the State.
57, 26, 30 June 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 4 July
Ralph Bellamy & Karen Morley in The Healer
John Halliday & Marguerite de la Morte in Woman’s Man
Mrs Arthur P. Harris with son Reginald left Burra on Wednesday for their new home at Unley.
The Premier Hon. R.L. Butler & Mrs Butler were weekend guests of Mr & Mrs Rex Warnes recently at Koomooloo. Kangarooing formed part of their entertainment.
Mr & Mrs E.F. Marston left Burra this afternoon to attend the annual conference of the Provincial Press Association in Brisbane.
Mr H.C. Sanderson replaced Mr L. Wedd at Elder, Smith & Co. in Burra last week.
Koonoona Sheep were sent to Sydney Ram Sales for the first time in twelve years and did well. Top price was 220 guineas, with an average of £76.
57, 26, 30 June 1936, page 3
Burra Homing Club opened its season with a race from Carrieton on Saturday. The winner was K. Lower.
Marriage. St Joseph’s Church, Burra 29 June
Veronica (Ronnie) Hooper, only daughter of Mrs Hooper of Cottesloe WA and the late Mr Hooper of SA, married Robert Seigert, son of Mr & Mrs George Seigert of Hallett.
Burra Rifle Club went to Peterborough 29 June.
Peterborough 933 defeated Burra 923.
Kooringa Methodist Church adopted the New Methodist Hymnal last Sunday when a Choral Service was held. The choir under Mr Dane gave a number of representative hymns. Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook gave a brief history of some of them. Mrs Max Pearce sang a solo. In the evening Rev. P. Eckersley of Wesley College gave an address.
Football
Hallett 17.7 defeated Hallett 17.10
[Sic: though the three quarter scores were Hallett 7.7 v. Kooringa 4.10, but at 57, 27, 7 July 1936, page 4. Correction: last week’s final scores should have read Hallett 17.10 defeated Kooringa 4.11.]
Basketball
Ladies: Green 7 defeated Gold 3.
Men: Red 59 defeated Green 53
Gold 56 defeated White 54.
57, 26, 30 June 1936, page 4
Execution in USA. There is quite a long article on the execution of the slayer of Charles A. Lindberg Jnr.
57, 27, 7 July 1936, page 1
Golf. Hallett defeated Leighton at Hallett.
Burra Rifle Club held its AGM at the CWA Rest Room on Saturday evening 4 July. [The 22 riflemen who attended are listed.]
Captain H. Byles reported. In the past year only three inter-club matches were fired: one at home and the others at Auburn and Peterborough. At Peterborough Burra had lost by 10 points. There had been 53 efficient members in 1935 and 74 this year, an increase of 17 [sic: ?]. Financial members had numbered 28 in 1935 and 36 this year. Average attendance at matches was 20.
The Treasurer J. E. Pearce said the club was in a sound financial position with a credit balance of c. £50.
Presentation of Trophies:
The Kookaburra Trophy – a handsome case of cutlery – was presented to T.B. Cornelius. The runner-up was Sam Quinn.
The Championship went to A.J. Whimpress with K.S. Dawson as runner-up.
The Marksman’s Trophy went to Mr Dawson.
The Handicap Championship went to T.B .Cornelius with W.G. Woodman runner-up.
Trophy for the 1st seven matches to H.E. Calvert.
Trophy for the 2nd 7 matches to T.B. Cornelius.
A Marksman’s trophy went to E.C .Collins.
A.B. Riggs won the medal for winner of most matches.
Elected were: Captain, H.H. Byles; Vice-Captain, W.G. Woodman and Treasurer & Armourer, J. Edgar Pearce.
Arrangements were made for the coming year.
57, 27, 7 July 1936, page 2
Notice. T.W. Wilkinson & Co. have sold their business to Mr Rex B. Martin, who used to be with them.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 11 July
James Cagney & Olivia De Havilland in The Irish in Us
Sybil Jason & Robert Armstrong in Little Big Shot
Accident. Last Friday when Mr Arthur Riggs was bringing in a load of wood for his own use the horse fell when ascending the hill near his residence; breaking a shaft. Mr Riggs was thrown onto the roadway and a portion of the wood fell on him, causing severe bruising and a broken rib.
Salvation Army. Captain Creswell and Cadet Pollard have started a soup kitchen assisted by Mrs Aberg Jnr. It began on Wednesday of ‘Kindness Week’ in the large hall adjoining Aberg’s butcher shop. Mr J. McConnon of Burra School sent along scholars to whom he thought a bowl of rich hot soup would be invigorating. Sixty-three children lined up and availed themselves of the invitation. The ladies will continue every Wednesday during the cold weather. On Wednesday last over forty children were served.
Burra Burra DC Elections
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch 42
G.G. Hawkes 34
Leighton Ward A.D. McDonald 21
Douglas Keynes 28
Burra Town Council Election
West Ward F.L. Worth 46
W.J. Lee 33
R.C .Lott 13
Centenary Hall Burra Showgrounds
The foundation stone will be laid 17 July by the President of Burra Show Inc. I.J. Warnes Esq.
The Floral Float
Flower making is continuing satisfactorily.
57, 27, 7 July 1936, page 3
Obituary. The death of the young aviator Mr James Melrose became known on Sunday morning. The Town Council observed a silence in his honour before last Monday’s meeting. The whole country had observed his epic flights from country to country. Cr Dow moved a letter of sympathy be sent to his mother. Cr Jennison seconded.
[Charles James Melrose born 13 September 1913, Burnside: died 5 July 1936 when his aeroplane broke up over South Melton in Victoria. He was the son of Sir John Melrose’s brother, James, by his second wife, born Hilda Westley Billling.]
Rabbits are in strong demand at present owing to a demand for fur following a fashion trend for fur in fabrics. Angora hair became fashionable in luxurious fabrics, but cheaper lines used rabbit. The skins were also in demand for trimming hats and gloves, in glue varnishes and even in gelatine lollies.
Mr James H. Garrett visited Burra after an absence of sixty years. He is now 84 and was visiting Mrs G. Green of Hanson. He was born in the village of Laxey, Isle of Man, in 1852 and migrated to Australia in 1873. After spending a week in Adelaide with Mr John Kelly (who later came to Burra) he came to Burra with letters of introduction to Captain John Roach. His first job was quarrying stone at Hampton, working with a Mr Watkins, to build Roach’s Mill (now the Burra Roller Mills) and Butterworth’s Flour Mill – the latter has since been demolished.* As Captain Roach was not in charge at the Mine on his arrival, he met Captain Saunders [Sanders]. When the Captain found out he was a relative of the Chief Engineer of the Great Laxey Silver Mine, who was an old friend of Captain Saunders, he gave him a job with an old miner named Roberts. The couple worked in Peacock’s Shaft on Tribute. Later he got a position with the Railways Department as an engine driver. Except for two trips to England and the Continent, he carried on as an engine driver for the Railways until he retired aged 70. He had been a friend of Mr William West, Thomas Bentley, David Wells, J.R. Gray, Rob & Mat. Birt and John Dunstan. He admired the Soldiers’ Memorial in Market Square.
[James Henry Garrett married Alice Green 1885 at Gawler where the couple had three sons and two daughters. Alice died in 1935 and James Henry died 26 July 1939.]
[*Butterworth’s Mill was closed and later bought by Henry Roach. In 1926 he left Burra and the mill was sold to British Imperial Oil Co. who developed the site as the Shell Oil Depot. (See XXXXVIII, 45, 17 Nov. 1926, Supplement.) The mill was gutted and the top two floors removed for this conversion, but the stonework was not demolished and by the end of the century it had been redeveloped as a private home, becoming by 2010 the offices for Phoenix Copper Ltd: a copper exploration company.]
57, 27, 7 July 1936, page 4
Football. Kooringa 13.14 defeated Spalding 5.17.
Basketball
Women’s Gold 16 defeated Green 2
Men’s Green 56 defeated White 47
Red 67 defeated Gold 62
Marriage. Mt Bryan Methodist Church Wednesday 24 June
Gladys Bell, daughter of Mr & Mrs W.T. Bell, married
Gordon Miller, son of Mr & Mrs J. Miller
57, 28, 14 July 1936, page 1
Basketball
Women’s Green 8 Defeated Gold 4
Men’s Green 73 defeated Gold 65
Red 86 defeated White 69
Tree Planting
In Burra in treeless streets and in reserves holes have been dug, good earth placed in them and tree guards have been made. Old trees have been trimmed and are responding well.
Cr Dow was dissatisfied with the number of trees allotted to West Ward. There were for instance no trees for Church Street. He disputed Cr Jeffery’s explanation that in some places holes were hard to dig and thus expensive – anything from 3/- to £2 a hole.
Cr Kellaway said it had been discussed at the last meeting and Mr Fairchild estimated the cost in certain places to be at least £1.
The Town Clerk said he had taken Mr Fairchild to various places. Hill Street was too narrow for planting and Ware St had hard blue metal where a hole would cost £1.
Cr Dow wondered what size. Clerk: 3 x 3 x 2 ft 6 inches.
Cr Dow said it was nonsense [to suggest the cost mentioned.]
The Mayor thought there were places in West Ward where it was possible to plant trees.
Cr Dow said yes: nearly any place except the caps of reefs.
Clerk: Carabs [sic: for carobs] would grow in stony ground and fifty had been ordered.
Cr Dow said plenty of carabs were growing in the Ware Street locality.
Burra Town Council, 6 July
The Mayor welcomed the recently elected Councillors.
He was disappointed at the low turn-out of voters in municipal elections.
Cr Dow pointed out that 72% had voted, which was not a bad result.
The Mayor said his remark was intended generally – some metropolitan contests had only a 26% poll.
The Town Clerk reported that a special train would run from Burra to Adelaide on 18 September for the Floral Display and the fare would be 6/- return.
The Council agreed to waive the fees for approving the Centenary Hall at the Showgrounds.
The Mayoral allowance for the year was set at £30.
Committees for the year were appointed.
The footbridge at the corner of Paxton and Kingston Terrace is to be removed and replaced with a slab of cement. [Presumably this means at the corner of Paxton Square and Kingston Street near the Kingston Street Bridge.]
57, 28, 14 July 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 18 July
Jane Withers & Pinky Tomlin in Paddy O’Day
Claire Trevor & Kent Taylor in My Marriage
57, 28, 14 July 1936, page 3
Burra Baby Clinic
Since their inception in 1934 the CWA Younger Set have done many philanthropic acts and have been most active in promoting mother and child welfare, through supporting the Baby Health Train and other actions.
Matron G. Siegele of Burra Hospital has also been a keen supporter of baby care and about three years ago undertook an intensive course of training in Sydney, returning to Burra almost a year ago and she has since worked towards establishing a Baby Clinic at the Burra Hospital.
Space was available at the Maternity Wing and the CWA Younger Set undertook to be responsible for the cost of equipment. Last Friday they handed over a cheque for £25-3-0 with other gifts. The State and Local President of the CWA Mrs I.J .Warnes attended, with the local Secretary Miss Minnie Rogers, the President of the Younger Set Miss Bernice Potter, the Secretary Miss Molly Walker and other members and young mothers. Mrs Warnes thanked all who had made the new clinic possible and she also spoke of the good work of the Baby health Train. Miss Potter said they had rather expected to have to find more than £25-3-0 to honour their commitment, but Matron Siegele’s skills in crafts etc. had reduced the anticipated costs considerably. Matron Siegele acknowledged all the help and the donations from many, which had kept costs down. She said the popularity of the clinic was proved by the register with 330 visits recorded.
Marriage. Hallett Mission Hall 8 July
Patricia May Jeffery, daughter of Mrs Jeffery & the late T.H. Jeffery of Cappadola, Hallett, married
Kenneth Wohling, elder son of Mr & Mrs E. Wohling of Kooringa.
Margaret Humphrys’ lecturette on Our SA Centenary Year was printed. She was a student at Ayers School.
Burra Homing Club
The 2nd race from Carrieton on 4 July was won by K. Lower.
The 3rd race from Carrieton on 11 July was won by S. Kellaway.
57, 29, 21 July 1936, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. First match for the new season. 1st stage of the Pine Valley Trophy donated by Mr Lord of Pine Valley Station. Best scorers were J.C. Murray, J. Lewis & R.H. Barty. In the Marksman’s contest J.C. Murray led from J.H. Schwier & A.J. Whimpress.
Football
Booborowie 14.17 defeated Kooringa 9.7.
Centenary Hall at the Burra showgrounds.
Show President I.J. Warnes laid the foundation stone for the new hall on Friday 17 July. With many country folk in town for Friday, there was a fair gathering at 3.30 p.m. for the ceremony, including A.J. Melrose MP, A.D. McDonald MP, Mayor T.H. Woollacott and Sir John Melrose. The hall is being erected just above the large luncheon room. The wind was keen and cold and proceedings were not delayed. Mr S.H. Robinson, one of the Vice-Presidents presided in the unavoidable absence of A.B. Riggs. He said that in 23 years as President Mr Warnes had worked hard for the Society and given liberally. It was only fair he should lay the foundation stone and he presented Mr Warnes with an inscribed silver trowel to perform the act.
Mr Warnes said that in 23 years as President, the people of the town and district had been wonderfully good to him. He explained the origin of the hall be saying that five years earlier, knowing the need for a sheep pavilion, he said he would put up £250 if others would match it. The money was raised. The present building would not be used for sheep, at least for a while, but for a Centenary Hall. It was his desire it be opened free of debt. The society was financially sound. Without this building it owned assets to the value of £4,000 and the overdraft was only between £400 and £500. The hall, when completed, would supply a long felt want. He had first come to a Burra Show with his father, as a small boy, when it was held at the old Smelting World, then still intact, with a big wall around it. His father had been one of the officials. The show ring was on the eastern side of the enclosure. His father had won the first and open championship for sheep and also champion bull. The society had, in its time, received much help from the district and outside folk, the Melrose family, the McBrides and the Bartholomaeus family among others. It was Mr C. Bartholomaeus who had helped make possible the move to the present grounds. He believed the first Patron to have been Mr Alex McCulloch, the first President Mr Ben Rounsevell, the first Vice-President Captain Isaac Killicoat and first secretary Mr J.D. Cave. From the old Smelts the society had moved to Victoria Park and then to the Aberdeen Racecourse and thence to the present spot. Having a home of its own meant that every penny spent in the property was to the society’s advantage. Their only regret was in paying to have the railway brought to the ground, as cars were now so plentiful that the money could have been saved. All that was wanted now was a bitumen road to Burra, which looked like a hopeful prospect within a few years. He also referred to Sir John Melrose’s generosity in removing all buildings from the old site to the present one without cost to the society.
A.J. Melrose moved the vote of thanks, in which he recounted and applauded Mr Warnes’s generosity to the community and the society. He was seconded and supported by the Mayor, who added that he hoped Mr Warnes would be back on 3 October to open the hall at the start of the Back to Burra Centenary Celebrations.
57, 29, 21 July 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 July
H.B. Warner & Winifred Shotter in Sorrell & Son
50 Artists from the BBC & Roy Fox & His Dance Band in On the Air
Special Colour Theme Tulip Time in Holland
CWA held a Paddy’s Market in Market Square on Friday and raised £9 for the Executive and Show Ground Rest Rooms.
Miss Molly Walker has moved to Adelaide to take up duties as assistant Secretary at the Mothers’ & Babies’ Health Centre.
CWA held its AGM on Friday with Mrs I.J. Warnes in the chair. [A review of the year’s activities occupies about 3⁄4 column.]
57, 29, 21 July 1936, page 3
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club held a Centenary Ball in the Institute 15 July. Decorations featured the centenary colours of green and cream. The local Harmony Orchestra provided the music. Dancing continued to 2 a.m. There were novelty dances and a Roller cycle Derby, which was won by Mr Rex Opperman.
Colin Humphrys of Ayers School was judged by students to have written the best lecturette on the Old Burra Copper Mine. It is printed.
Copperhouse School held its Arbor Day on 17 July. 14 Aleppo Pines were planted on the western side of the school to mark the State’s Centenary. Rev. Dyer of Aberdeen gave the address. Mrs Glen Finch distributed fruit to the children and they were then granted a half-holiday.
Donation for Centenary Hall at the Showgrounds have reached £697-12-5. The principal donors were: I.J. Warnes £250
Sir John Melrose £75
L.W. Gebhardt £50
Richard Reed & Sons £30-5-0
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, last Saturday
Thomas Kellaway married Elsie Wardle.
57, 29, 21 July 1936, page 4
Basketball
Women’s Gold 10 defeated Green 8
Men’s White 48 defeated Gold 34
Red 59 defeated Green 53
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew GM Syndicate crushed 34 tons for 57 oz 18 dwt and there is a lot more of this material at grass.
Byles’ Mongolata GM for fortnight to 11 July
Main shaft at 341 ft and timbered to 324 ft 8 inches. At bottom driving south about 10°E. Put test hole in bottom of shaft for water level. Still in lode with no water. 90 tons of ore at grass, mainly from stopes at 50 ft level. Expect to start crosscutting next week.
57, 29, 21 July 1936, page 4 and Supplement
Burra Show 1936 list of sections and prize money.
57, 30, 28 July 1936, page 1
Basketball
Women’s Gold 11 defeated Green 4
Men’s Red 71 defeated Gold 51
White 29 defeated Green 28
Burra Fallen Soldiers Memorial will be floodlit. The cost including lights and necessary concrete work will be c. £25. The cost of electricity is to be put before the Board of the Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd. Donations have been promised and it is expected the Council will be put to no expense.
Burra Town Council
With a declared rate of 2/3 receipts should be £1,910-10-1-2 and expenditure is estimated at £2,014-0-0 and with the present overdraft the 1936-37 year should end in debit £253.
Cr Dow argued that after services like lighting, fire brigade and health had been paid the £150 for Wards was quite inadequate for the necessary maintenance and many approved jobs were still on the books.
Cr Jennison thought a 3d rise in the rate was needed.
The Mayor considered that many ratepayers were really struggling at the present rate and any increase in revenue would have to go towards reducing the overdraft.
Cr Dow moved a rate of 2/6 be declared. Seconded by Cr Jennison and carried.
It was decided to go ahead with the swimming pool construction, subject to the approval of ratepayers being obtained to the raising of necessary capital.
The Hydraulic Engineer offered to supply water at 6d per 1,000 gallons.
The proposal is to issue debentures at 5% to raise £400 to construct a pool opposite the Institute.
Cr Dow urged the necessity of a decision being taken if the pool were to be ready by the coming season. They had been flirting with a decision for six months.
The Mayor said money already collected was for tree planting, with certain exceptions, but there had been promises of funding and also of cement. Profits from Centenary Week would go towards the pool project.
Cr Dow said the plans had been laid on the table and moved they be approved and that the money be raised by 5% debentures and immediate steps be taken to obtain the consent of ratepayers. With some minor amendment this was passed.
Cr Dow said that based on a pool 75 ft x 25 ft x average 51⁄2 ft deep the capacity was 64,400 gallons and with water changed weekly the running costs were estimated for a six month season to be:
Water £41-18-6
Wages £52-0-0
Interest £20-0-0
Sinking Fund £40-0-0
General Maintenance £12-10-0
Lighting £15-0-0
Total £181-8-6
A daily attendance of 80 at 3d per person would bring this in and he thought that would be exceeded.
The Mayor said that the pool would not be filled to the brim and its capacity would thus be 50,000 gallons. By fitting scum valves at the top and drawing water from the bottom only, the water requirement would be 20,000 gallons per month. £15 for lighting was excessive.
The offer of the Hydraulic Engineer to supply water was accepted.
57, 30, 28 July 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 1 August
Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers in The Gay Divorcee
Richard Dix & Martha Sleeper in West of the Pecos
Violet Day will be commemorated with a special service at Redruth Methodist Church next Sunday morning. Mr L. Thomas will sing The Deathless Army. A service of remembrance for the fallen will also be held at Ironmine Methodist Church in the afternoon.
Weather. Good rains have fallen in the last week. Locally 122 points were registered. Falls to the east have mostly ranged between 40 and 60 points, with a few places receiving more: Sturt Vale 90, Pine Valley 82 and Quondong 81.
57, 30, 28 July 1936, page 3
Burra Rifle Club fired the 2nd stage of the Pine Valley Trophy. Best were W.K. Pexton, J.E. Harris & R. Bernhardt. Conditions were foul, though the rain held off for most of the 500 yards range, but drenching rain fell for the 600 yards. A.J .Whimpress scored the only possible, on the 500 yards range.
Obituary. Miss Laura Pearce died 22 July. She was the fourth daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Pearce of Leighton House, Kooringa. She was born in Aberdeen and lived in the town all her life. After school she worked for Drew & Crewes Ltd for a number of years. From an early age she was a regular attendant of the Kooringa Methodist Church and Sunday school. She maintained her connection until the last few weeks of her life. For many years she was the Cradle Roll Superintendent and was in charge of the Beginners Department with Miss Bass. She was a keen worker for the Ladies Guild and assisted in other church activities. She is survived by three sisters and five brothers: the Misses Cill and Gertrude Pearce and Mrs A.S. Dearlove (Nell) of Ketchowla, Edgar & Clem of Kooringa and Alfred, Norman and Oswald of Adelaide.
[Born 4 August 1876 Aberdeen SA: died 22 July 1936 Kooringa.]
Burra Schools and Centenary Week
Plans are in hand for an Exhibition during Centenary Week and a committee has been formed involving Burra Primary, Burra High, Ayers, Copperhouse, Leighton, Hanson, Gum Creek, Kooringa Church of England and St Joseph’s Convent Schools.
Monday 5 October Procession of children enlivened by colourful tableaux of early state and district scenes with school bands, ending at Burra School for the official opening.
In the afternoon a physical display with drill and girls’ rhythm.
Evening concert at the Burra Institute.
At Mr Glen Finch’s property near Kooringa on 4 August there will be a demonstration of three of the latest of the McCormack-Deering tractors:
T20 Crawler
W.D. 40 Diesel Wheel Tractor
W.K. 40 Six Cylinder Kerosene Wheel Tractor.
57, 30, 28 July 1936, page 4
Burra Town Council, 20 July
The Highways Department wrote saying they did not consider it necessary to widen the Mine Bridge, but a super elevation would be made to the adjacent curve.
The Mayor was dissatisfied with this and he felt the matter should be followed up. Council agreed.
The Hydraulic Engineer offered water for the proposed swimming pool at 6d per 1,000 gallons.
(To be taken between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.)
The Director of Fine Arts advises that the cost of renovating the painting of Dr Brummitt at 21⁄2 to 5 guineas. The Mayor said the painting had been done by one of England’s finest artists for £50 and it was resolved to go ahead with the work.
Cr Dow returned to the topic of tree planting (or the lack of it) in West Ward.
[A rather lengthy and at times slightly heated debate ensued.]
It was resolved to cease planting for the time being until a statement of expenditure in each ward was produced.
Burra Burra DC, 10 July
Election results as previously noted were announced.
Cr I.J .Warnes was elected Chairman for 1936-37.
57, 31, 4 Aug. 1936, page 1
Football. Hallett 10.11 defeated Kooringa 4.12.
Basketball
Women’s Green 5 defeated Gold 2
Men’s Gold 53 defeated Green 28
Red 56 defeated White 52
57, 31, 4 Aug. 1936, page 2
Advt. Harold Raymond – New All Star Variety Show: Kooringa Wednesday 12 August.
Football. Tom Kellaway is doing well playing for Pt Adelaide in the SANFL.
Mrs Richard Reed Sen. has broken her right leg and left arm in a fall at home.
Obituary. Mrs John Q. Hogan of Leighton died last Friday.
[See extended obituary 57, 32, 11 Aug. 1936, page 1.]
Mr & Mrs R. Bunney and sons Dean & Bronte will leave Burra on Thursday after ten years here. Mr Bunney has been on the staff of the Kooringa Post Office and in recent times has been postmaster.
Correction 57, 32, 11 Aug. 1936, page 2 Mr Bunney’s service in Burra was 14 years not 9 [sic] as cited last week. They left Burra last Friday.
57, 31, 4 Aug. 1936, page 3
Advt. Burra Talkies, 8 August
Margaret Sullavan & Herbert Marshall in Good Fairy
Edmund Lowe & Jean Dixon in Mr Dynamite
Burra Homing Club
The second race from Parachilna on 25 July was won by S. Kellaway.
The race from Quorn on 1 August was won by H.W. Pearce.
Burra Centenary Celebrations Committee has entered a float in the Floral Pageant in Adelaide 18 September. The chosen design will feature sea horses driven by a sea goddess and ridden by sea nymphs.
57, 32, 11 Aug. 1936, page 1
Obituary. Mrs John Q. (Elizabeth) Hogan of Leighton died 31 July at her son’s residence in Aberdeen. She was one of the oldest residents of Leighton and greatly loved for her charitable qualities and readiness to assist the sick and suffering. She was a strict and devout churchwoman. She was born at Hamley Bridge 31 July 1858; the only daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Martin Kain of Kapunda and she married Mr John Q. Hogan at St Benedict’s Church Pinkerton Plains 3 August 1878. She died on her 78th birthday. Mr & Mrs Hogan came to Leighton many years ago, where Mr Hogan was connected with the Booborowie District Council as well as with farming and grazing. He died many years ago. There are seven surviving sons and two daughters: J.F. Hogan (Booborowie), J.E. Hogan (Hanson), T.P. Hogan (New Zealand), M. & F. Hogan (Leighton), T. Hogan (Booborowie), P.W. Hogan (Aberdeen), Mrs W.F. McEvoy (Booborowie) and Sister Marcelle de Berchmanus, Birkenhead, UK and 38 grandchildren. Sadly her son from New Zealand arrived home to visit just a few days after her death.
Obituary. Mr Harold W. Scroop died at Burra hospital on 8 August. He was the second son of Mr & Mrs W.J. Scroop of Aberdeen and was born 13 April 1914. He was a quiet and industrious young man. He was overtaken by illness about three months ago. [Harold Walter Scroop born 13 April 1914 Pinnaroo: died 8 August 1936 Kooringa residence Aberdeen.]
Burra Swimming Pool
At the last Council meeting Cr Dow asked why no steps had been taken to raise money.
The Mayor said the plans had to be drawn up by a competent draughtsman and Mr Bednall was making arrangements to issue the debentures.
Cr Dow still wanted to know why there was no action.
The Mayor was given leave to explain by reading relevant sections of the Local Government Act, particularly Section 425 requiring that a proposal to issue debentures or raise money be preceded by a statement of the proposed expenditure with plans, specifications and estimates to be drawn up and made available for ratepayers to inspect and notice of the proposal be given in the Government Gazette and local papers for a period of not less than one month.
Some other technicalities of the Act were discussed and after further bickering between Crs Dow & Riggs, the latter moved that tenders be called, but he was ruled out of order.
The Mayor then read the specifications from a rough draft and after further discussions these and the estimate of £400 were adopted.
Burra Town Council
Once again Cr Dow took up the issue of tree planting for West Ward. At the last meeting of Council he got a motion passed that 80 more trees be planted in West Ward.
A report from Mr Fairchild showed plantings to date:
There was in addition the Creek Plantation with 101 planted and 217 to be planted. This was in East Ward.
A further question revealed that some of the ‘not in guards’ trees above had not actually yet been planted.
Cr Dow was annoyed if it were true that explosives had been used near Cr Jennison’s [in North Ward] to make holes for trees, because the cost of explosives had been cited as a reason for not proceeding with plantings in West Ward.
No one else could or would confirm that explosives had been used.
Cr Dow moved that 80 trees be planted in Church, Ware and Kangaroo Streets, Justice Lane and the south end of Hill Street. Carried.
[Presumably these are the 80 referred to at the beginning of the report.]
57, 32, 11 Aug. 1936, page 2
The Tractor Demonstration at Glen Finch’s last Tuesday drew a good crowd. [Detail in 1⁄4 column.]
Miss Molly Walker was presented with a handsome silver salver by the CWA Younger Set as a farewell gift in recognition of services rendered.
Mr H.A. Banks is the newly arrived manager for Drew & Crewes Ltd. He took up his duties on Monday. He comes from Paskeville, where he has disposed of his business to Mr S.M .Lane, late of Kooringa. Mr Banks is a returned man and will be an acquisition to the ranks of the local RSL.
Obituary. Mr George D. Green of Mt Bryan died in Burra Hospital on Monday aged 79.
[George Daniel Green born 25 January 1857 River Wakefield: died 8 August 1936 Kooringa, residence Mt Bryan.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 15 August
Dick Powell & Ruby Keeler in Flirtation Walk
Paul Muni & Ann Dvorak in Dr Socrates
57, 32, 11 Aug. 1936, page 3
5th Hallett Arts & Craft Exhibition was held last Saturday under the auspices of the Girls’ Friendly Society and proved a great success. [Details in c. 11⁄4 columns.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 1 August.
Work has been temporarily suspended in the tunnel in favour of that at the north end of Farnden’s Hill. Opening up a vault a little north of Hogan’s Shaft. From this we obtained 25 tons of c. 4 dwt dirt, which will pay for the operation.
Renovated Hogan’s Shaft and timbered near the bottom. Will crosscut east from the 58 ft level to try to pick up the lode being worked in the open cut.
Open Cut – Drive north was extended to 23 ft on an ore body 8 inches wide. 10 tons of ore at grass.
Salvation Army held a Daffodil Fair last Friday in the Burra Institute, in conjunction with its Self Denial Appeal. Mrs I.J. Warnes opened the fair in place of the Mayoress, who was unable to attend due to a severe bout of influenza. [Details in just less than 1 column.]
Burra Town Council, 3 August
The Main Road grant was £400 to be matched with £100 from the Council.
Mr Edgar Pearce wrote asking the Council’s attitude to the fact that timber for tree guards was sourced from Adelaide with no chance for a local to quote. He also asked why local masons had not been asked to quote for the Soldiers’ Memorial job.
Cr Kellaway said the tree guards had been left to Mr Fairchild to arrange and he understood the latter had local quotes, but saved money by dealing with Adelaide.
The Council’s attitude favoured local business where possible. The Soldiers’ Memorial work was being carried out by day labour.
It was decided to get a copy of the Civic Centenary Record of SA with the Council’s name engraved on it for £4-4-0 and for it to be lodged at the Library.
Underwriters advise that the power to the memorial must pass through 3 inch earthenware pipes.
Burra Racing Club. A committee has preparations well in hand for a race meeting on 1 October. Stakes amounting to £200 will be paid. This will be the first race meeting for the club for seven years. The committee comprises: N. Hiles Pearse (Chairman), P.W. Clark, M.W. Bednall, Andrew Tennant, C.V. Opie, H.F. Saunders, W.A. Harfield, G.S. Hawker and E.C. Collins.
57, 32, 11 Aug. 1936, page 4
Football. Booborowie 8.9 defeated Kooringa 3.8
Basketball
Women’s Green 4 drew with Gold 4
Men’s Red 90 defeated Green 50
White 67 defeated Gold 61
57, 33, 18 Aug. 1936, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired a double 300 yards rapid fire match. Best scorers were H.H. Byles, J.C. Murray and N.J. Villis.
‘A Resident’ writes about the Mine Bridge. It may interest you to know that the Mine Bridge was built by the late Mr James Tiver in the late part of 1859. The stream of water from the mine was diverted to allow the foundations to set, but during the night, whether by chance or otherwise, it flowed over the foundations, and the work had to be done again. The next time the foundations were in Mr Tiver decided to stay up and keep watch during the night. His wife, with true pioneering spirit, stayed with him till the early hours. The couple took shelter near a shed where the old weighbridge stood. [The year of construction was actually 1868.]
Farrell’s Flat Annual Wattle Blossom Ball was held 12 August. The main hall was transformed into a Japanese Garden scene. [The report of decorations and dresses extends for 2⁄3 column.]
Basketball
Women’s Green 10 defeated Gold 8
Men’s Green 81 defeated White 75
Gold 90 defeated Red 55
Burra Homing Club. The race from Parachilna on 8 August was won by C. Kellaway.
The race from Parachilna on 15 August was won by P.J. Byrne.
Golf. Leighton defeated Hallett at Leighton. Men won 8 to 1 with 1 all square. Women won 3 to 2.
57, 33, 18 Aug. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 22 August
Victor McLagan & Heather Angel in The Informer
Ann Sothern & Gene Raymond in Hooray for Love
57, 33, 18 Aug. 1936, page 3
Obituary. Elijah Thomas Prior, who died at his residence in Chapel Street on 13 August, was born at Firewood Creek [Nelson] near Burra 4 April 1861, the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs James Prior, late of Mt Bryan East. He was educated at Mr West’s School in Burra. When he was still a lad his parents moved to Mt Bryan East where they carried on Farming for a number of years. The farm is now called ‘Glen View’. He married Elizabeth, a daughter of Mr & Mrs Owens, old Burra pioneers. He always took a keen interest in local affairs and was fond of sports, especially football, cricket and tennis. He was a valued member of the Mt Bryan Cricket Club in his younger days. The team would drive down to Burra in buggies and they gave Burra a good hiding in March 1902. He was never absent from a football match and in his memory the Kooringa Club wore black armbands last Saturday. He was equally keen on tennis and was at the Kooringa courts every Saturday through the season. Bowls also interested him. For a number of years he and his wife lived at Copperhouse, before moving into Burra. He was fond of music and a member of the choir at Mt Bryan East. Wherever he lived he took an active interest in the Methodist Church and Sunday school. He was a regular church attendant until ill health kept him at home. Prior to that he attended morning and evening services. He is survived by a family of four sons and four daughters: Mrs J. Coon (Stony Gap), Arthur Prior (Burra), Mrs R. Honan (Kooringa), Charles Prior (Belalie North), Thomas Prior (Booborowie), Mrs W. Coon (Adelaide), Gilbert Prior (Burra) and Miss Elsie Prior (Kooringa). There are 13 grandchildren. Mrs John Honan and Mr Elisha Prior of Hallett are his only surviving sister and brother. The late Mrs William Collins of Mallett Station was a sister.
Obituary. Mr Henry Roach, formerly of Burra, died in Adelaide last week aged 78. He was a son of the late John Roach of Burra and married Miss Minetta Lane, the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Philip Lane of Kooringa, who survives. There are three sons and two daughters.
[Born 9 June 1858 Penwortham: died 11 august 1936 Joslin, residence Toorak.]
Obituary. Mrs T.F. Robertson, who died in Adelaide last Thursday at the residence of her daughter Mrs Morgan (Gertrude), was an old Burra resident. She was 78 and was the daughter of Mr Joseph Rogers of Kooringa. She married T.F. Robertson, the well-known carrier of Aberdeen, who died some years ago [1928]. She leaves a grown up family. [Born Hannah Maria Rogers 16 March 1858 Karkulto: died 12 August 1936 Westbourne Park, residence Burra.]
Burra Centenary Celebrations Committee met last Wednesday.
The School Committee reported matters well in hand and rehearsals under way.
The Floral Float is being made locally and is taking shape. The design shows sea horses driven by a sea goddess and ridden by sea nymphs. The float will take part in the Floral Pageant in Adelaide on 18 September, and will also appear in the Burra procession in Burra’s celebrations. The other float being made by Burra Pioneer residents in Adelaide will also be brought to Burra for the procession here.
The Accommodation Committee is busy and scores of old residents are expected to return for the occasion.
F. Sara has been elected Chairman of the Procession Committee.
Sir John Melrose will loan flags for street decorations.
[Corrected 67, 35, 1 Sep, 1936, page 2 to say the flags will be loaned by the Hallett Institute.]
Arches are to be erected at several points.
The Sports Committee and Racing Club are preparing for their events.
Social events will include a Masonic Ball, a Centenary Ball and a Grand Concert. Churches have special services planned for Sunday 4 October.
We understand one of Bond’s aeroplanes will visit Burra during the week’s celebrations.
Mrs A. Canny was farewelled from Willalo with a social in the hall on 10 August and a presentation was made.
57, 33, 18 Aug. 1936, page 4
Football. Kooringa 10.11 defeated Spalding 6.13.
57, 34, 25 Aug. 1936, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 4th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy. Best results were from S. Quinn, J. Gask & J.E. Pearce.
Basketball
Women’s Green 10 defeated Gold 8
Men’s Semi-Finals
Green 46 defeated Gold 37
Red 64 defeated White 61
Football. First Semi-Final: Spalding 14.12 defeated Kooringa 10.10.
Burra Homing Club. First race from Farina last Saturday was won by P. Byrne.
57, 34, 25 Aug. 1936, page 2
Kooringa Improvements
In view of the Centenary Celebrations many places in the main street have received a coat of paint and some have internal renovations as well. Matthews Emporium is getting an up-to-date frontage and some internal changes.
Mrs Klaffus will be 90 on 27 August.
Sister J. Kidman was given a farewell at ‘Heathmont’ on Saturday prior to taking up a position at Wakefield Street Hospital. She has been at the Burra Hospital for a number of years.
57, 34, 25 Aug. 1936, page 3
Burra Town Council
The Finance Committee had been unable to resolve the allocation of Ward Funds and was deadlocked.
Cr Kellaway said the estimated rates were:
North Ward £493-12-6
East Ward £747-15-0
West Ward £560-2-6
The total rate revenue (with arrears) was £2,151-13-7. East Ward brought in £254-2-6 more than North Ward and £187-12-6 more than West Ward. He believed the present equal allocation was unfair.
Cr Jeffery said North Ward brought in only a little over £400, but in it were two roads subject to heavy traffic. On one of them £80 would have to be spent this year. They had been unsuccessful in trying to get these roads onto the Main Road Schedule. East Ward had no big roads to repair.
Cr Kellaway said East Ward had the road to the Recreation Park to attend to and it was in a very bad condition. It was not long ago that each of the other Wards had given North Ward £20 to build a swing bridge. He moved that each ward receive approximately one third of the rates collected from that ward. Thus: North Ward £160
East Ward £280
West Ward £180
The Mayor was concerned that Wards had overspent last year and they should remember that the increase in rates was to pay off the debit balance. Also the Council horse was ‘not too clever’ and another one would cost them about £30.
After much debate and two failed amendments the motion was carried.
Another attempt will be made to get the road leading to the station placed on the Main Road Schedule.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 29 August
Leslie Howard & Merle Oberon in The Scarlet Pimpernel
Tom Walls & Ralph Lynn in Foreign Affaires
Burra Burra DC.
There was a ratepayers’ meeting at Booborowie to discuss a bitumen road from Booborowie to Farrell’s Flat. The cost of a bitumen road in country areas would be £15 a mile to ratepayers.
A. Woodgate, P.N. Collins and S. Cordon spoke in favour of a road to Andrews railway siding. F. Hogan supported the Farrell Flat route and some others thought the best option was a Peterborough to Euromina road. Various points were made by T.J. Canny, A.D. McDonald MP, P. Kilderry and P. Carmody. [There does not seem to have been any consensus and no outcome is alluded to.]
Mrs E.A. Carey was given a farewell from Booborowie before leaving to live at Auburn.
Burra Town Council Balance sheet is printed.
Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Brayley died at Hallett on 23 July. She was an old resident of the district. She had been born at Outalpa Station 6 September 1859 and was a daughter of the late Mr Charles McDonald. She lived at Outalpa until her father bought Cartapo near Hallett and then lived there till her marriage to Mr William H. Brayley of Gladstone in June 1913. Her husband died in 1914, but she remained in Gladstone till March 1926, when she moved to Hallett. She was noted for her charity work and took an active part in patriotic work during the Great War, as well as in public and church life until forced by failing health to relinquish such work. She is survived by a sister, Mrs Mary Seigert (Hallett) and one brother Mr Evan McDonald (Glenelg).
The Fallen Soldier’s Memorial was floodlit on Friday. A crowd assembled at 9 p.m. to witness the switching on of the lights. The work at the base of the memorial to accommodate the lights has enhanced the memorial. Mayor T.H. Woollacott introduced W.F. Pickering, President of the RSL who performed the ceremony. He said Council had been considering how to enhance the appearance of Market Square for some time. It gave a poor impression of the town to visitors if the square was badly lit and the memorial was one of the best in the Commonwealth. It was very a very appropriate move on the eve of the state’s centenary. He thanked Mr Allan Dane who had assisted in the installation of the lights. Mr Pickering expressed his appreciation of the Council’s move in installing the lighting and it gave him much pleasure to turn it on. Rev. D.L. Redding moved a vote of thanks to Mr Pickering.
57, 34, 25 Aug. 1936, page 4
Mr & Mrs John Simpson, who had been married at Kooringa 16 August 1886 by the Primitive Methodist minister Rev. Samuel Gray, celebrated their golden wedding at Belalie North on 15 August 1930. [Details of the guests etc. in 3⁄4 column.]
Burra Town Council
Council resolved to meet the Local Government Department Inspector at Burra on 20 August to discuss the problem caused by the narrowness of the Mine Bridge.
The Burra Schools Centenary Exhibition Committee was granted permission to use Victoria Park on 5 October.
[Cr Dow again carried on his complaining about trees in West Ward.]
It was resolved that the Public Works Committee will supervise the ongoing planting of trees.
Cr Dow reported that the floodlighting at the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial was nearly completed and it was decided to request Mr Pickering as President of the local RSL Sub-Branch to perform the opening ceremony on Friday 21 August.
Mongolata Goldfield
Mr W. Wiltshire was trying to extract ore at the open cut with a hammer and gad, being unable to obtain fracture when, on Tuesday 18 August, he was partially buried in a fall of some tons of earth. He lay there unconscious for about two hours when Mr Fayer, who happened to be setting traps in the area, chanced to look into the mine. He found Mr Wiltshire in a shocking condition. His face was covered with dirt and blood from severe cuts on his head, his teeth were knocked out and those remaining had later to be removed. He was assisted to W. Carpenter’s Boarding House by Messrs Riley, Reedy and Fayer and first aid was administered. He was later taken to Burra Hospital and attended to by Dr Steele. He is making a satisfactory recovery.
We note that trapping is needed because for over three months now the men at Mongolata have had their extra allowance of 7 lb of meat a fortnight cut off.
Things on the field are generally very quiet. Byles’ Mine is waiting for new machinery and is employing only seven men at present.
The battery is kept going with parcels from other claims and at present is crushing from the Baldina Co.’s claim.
After about 41⁄2 years’ work Mr Rolph Anderson and W. Trew are on good prospects, working on a claim about four miles north of Byles’.
Mr H.F. Seaton left Mongolata last week after three years there. He has obtained a position in Adelaide. He will be missed as President of the Sports Club and at Tennis etc.
The Sports Club has decided to postpone its usual October Sports in hopes of a bigger meeting later.
New arrivals, Mr & Mrs Ton Pexton and children are expected to take up residence soon in their newly erected home.
57, 35, 1 Sep. 1936, page 1
Basketball: Finals
Women’s Gold 12 defeated Green 4
Men’s Green 61 defeated White 46
(Grand Finals to come.)
Stockowners’ Association of SA, Burra Branch AGM was held in the Eastern Telephone Exchange Building on Friday 21 August. President I.J. Warnes took the chair. He was re-elected for the coming year. The President reported on the year’s activities. The main concern had been erosion of the pastoral country. Mr Ratcliffe has been investigating the matter for the Federal Government, but they will have to keep applying pressure to see that action follows. The attempt to get a nominal registration fee for primary producers’ motor vehicles was not successful – the Government claims it is too difficult to draft such legislation. There is some hope that they may be able to get them classified as commercial vehicles, which would be of some help. The AWU sought heavily increased rates for shearers and despite persuasive evident against it the Judge eventually awarded and increase in shearing rates from £3-14-0 to £4-0-6 per 100 and for shed hand an increase from £3-14-0 to £4-0-6 a week. After years of discussion a levy of 6d a bale was introduced on wool to promote publicity and research. A Wool Board was set up to see the money collected was not wasted and a Meat Board has also been established. [Various other matters were referred to briefly.]
Mr Virgo, the General Secretary of the Association gave the main address.
57, 35, 1 Sep. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 5 September
Gene Raymond and Nancy Carroll in Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round
Binnie Hale & Gordon Harker in The Phantom Ligth [sic: Light?]
Plus a Musical Cartoon in Colour Tales from Vienna
St Mary’s. An impressive service was held on Sunday afternoon when a window in memory of Mary Young Wigley, wife of Mr Roy F. Wigley, was dedicated by Rev. D.L. Redding. The window represents the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Burra Football Club held a dance on Tuesday evening and the financial success was the greatest since 1922.
Professor Winifred Cullis CBE of London, who is in SA for the Women’s Centennial Congress in Adelaide, stayed at Wahroonga Station over the weekend, as a guest of Mr & Mrs I.J. Warnes. On Saturday they visited their Sturt Vale and Koomooloo Stations.
Accident. Mr Jack Parsons, labourer of Burra, got a lift to Aberdeen last week with Mr H. Hill of Hill & Co. Carriers. He rode on the driver’s side, but sitting outside the cabin. On arriving at Best Place, he asked where they were going next and when they said they were going to the station, he decided to go along. At the station he got off and they loaded their vehicle. After some backing and turning they drove out the gates from the goods shed. Soon after reaching the main road they felt a bump and immediately pulled up. They were amazed to see Mr Parsons lying on the road. Neither Mr Hill nor Mr Seaford the driver had known he had decided to return with them. Apparently he had decided to return with them and was attempting to ride on the near side running board when he fell off. The lorry passed over him just below the hip bone. Had the vehicle not had double wheels, he must have been killed and he is still a very sick man. He is about 50 years old and only got out of hospital about a week ago. Dr Stevens treated him and he was taken to the Burra Hospital.
[This is probably the John Parsons who died 4 October 1936 at Kooringa, aged 45. He may have been the John Andrew Parsons born 13 October 1891 at Hallett.]
57, 35, 1 Sep. 1936, page 3
Weather. Further valuable rain has fallen in the pastoral country. Locally 45 points fell over the weekend. Just north of the town registrations of 60-80 points are reported. Falls to the east varies: Old Koomooloo 62, Woolgangi 26, The Gums, 32, World’s End 50, Sturt Vale 40, Quondong 29 and Collinsville 35, but Kia-Ora received only 8.
The Aberdeen Croquet Club held its AGM and elected President, Mrs J.G. Sara; Vice-President, Mrs A.B. Riggs; Captain, Mrs E. Steer; Vice-Captain, Mrs T. Fuller; Treasurer, Miss L. Bartholomaeus and Secretary, Mrs R.J. Jeffery.
Trophies for 1935-36:
Open Handicap Mr R.J. Fairchild
‘A’ Championship Single Mr R. Fairchild
‘B’ Championship Single Mrs R. Jeffery
Handicap Single Mrs M.T. Fuller
Handicap Double Mrs Roy Jeffery & Mr R. Fairchild
57, 35, 1 Sep. 1936, page 4
Marriage. [Mt Bryan Methodist Church, 22 August.]
Agnes Pohlner, second daughter of Mr & Mrs A. Pohlner of ‘Tooralie’ Hallett, married
Clifford Greeneklee, eldest son of Mr & Mrs E. Greeneklee of Goodwood.
Marriage. Scots Church, North Terrace, Adelaide, 18 August
Isabelle Cox, elder daughter of Mrs & the late Mr W.H. Cox of Gawler, married
Allan Dane, elder son of Mr G.E. Dane and the late Mrs Dane Kooringa.
Mrs Klaffus celebrated her 90th birthday. She is still able to perform all her household tasks, including the laundry, has a wonderful memory and good eyesight. She was born at Hahndorf SA 27 August 1846. Her father was a school-master and the school was conducted in a church, while they lived in an attached lean-to at the rear. The Mayor and Mayoress presented her with a black woollen cardigan and Mrs L. Day and Mrs O. Ockenden organised a party.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for the fortnight to 22 August.
The air compressor has failed and parts must come from Melbourne, which has delayed work on the main shaft. Some minor cleaning up in the shaft has been possible. Some exploration and sampling was done at the 50 ft level south, with mixed results. A parcel of 151 tons from the 25 ft and 50 ft levels returned 45 oz 18 dwt.
Curlew Claim
This is consistently producing rich returns. £1,616 has been obtained between 1 January and 31 July with 57 oz won since then.
57, 36, 8 Sep. 1936, page 1
Kooringa Methodist Centenary Fair was held last Friday in aid of Kooringa Methodist Circuit and Trust Funds. Mr Charles J. Pearce, as the oldest living member of the church, opened the fete. The family has connections to the church going back to 1847, when his parents arrived on the David Malcolm and then came directly to Burra. [Details of the fete in a little more than 1 column.]
Burra Primary School held its picnic at Stone Chimney Creek on 3 September. The Minister of Education, the Hon. S.W. Jefferies, had notified schools that 3 September was to be ‘Jollification Day’. The picnic involved some 200 children and 100 adults. Lorries were organised. Upon arrival the ladies set to work to prepare dinner. In the afternoon there were sports. Tea followed at 4.30 p.m., after which all children were given a bag of sweets and peanuts. [Sports results are printed.]
57, 36, 8 Sep. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 12 September
The Keeper of the Bees
Two Hearts in Harmony
La Cucaracha
Adolph Bartholomaeus of Pingelly, WA, is visiting Burra after an absence of 39 years, as a guest of his sisters. He has also visited his brothers Charles and Otto, now of Glenelg.
Mr Potter, who managed Drew & Crewes Ltd for about seven years, has left Burra, having purchased a business in Kensington. Mrs Potter will leave tomorrow.
Burra Golf Club held its second ball for the season at the Burra Institute last Wednesday. There was a good attendance.
Burra Homing Club. Last Saturday a Special Centenary Race was intended to be flown from Marree, but the railways overcarried the birds to William Creek. As a result they did not reach Burra till 9.55 Sunday morning, when the winner was C. Kellaway.
Burra Bowling Club held its AGM at the Burra Hotel last Tuesday evening with a fair attendance. Financially the position is a little worse than twelve months ago. The overdraft has been reduced a little, but we have spent more than half the £29 received from the sale of property. Subscriptions raised £80-9-0 compared with £81-5-0 last year. We have lost eight members during the year and gained six, plus four new night members. The Croquet Club contributed £21-1-0 compared with £32-15-0 the previous year. Inter-club matches saw us lose the cup to Kapunda after having it for two years and we failed to win the Shield from Clare. In summary, of thirteen matches, we won five, lost seven and drew one. We were third in the Pennant Competition.
Elected: Patron, Dr D.M. Steele; President, S.H. Robinson; Vice-Presidents, H. Mumme & Max Pearce and Secretary/Treasurer, J.T. Pascoe. [Details in c. 1 column.]
57, 36, 8 Sep. 1936, page 3
Burra Rifle Club fired the 5th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy. Best were W.K. Pexton, C.L. Wilson and L.W. Mumme. Marksman’s trophy best scorers were L.W. Mumme, W.K. Pexton and E.R. Pexton.
Hanson Methodist Centenary Fair was held last Wednesday, 2 September. Mrs A. Dyer, wife of the Circuit Minister, opened the fair. Takings were c. £30. [Details in 2⁄3 column.]
Golf. In the contest for the shield donated by Dr Smith of Clare and Dr Steele of Burra, Clare won the first round at Clare and the match at the weekend at Burra ended five games all, so Clare regained the right to hold the Shield for another year.
‘An Interested Reader’ commends to readers the book Not Only in Stone by Mrs P. Somerville, which won a £100 prize. Mrs Somerville is C.J. Pearce’s grand niece. Her grandmother (Clara Malcolm) was his sister. Clara Malcolm was born on the ship David Malcolm about 89 years ago and named after the ship.
Editor: Mrs Somerville was formerly Miss Phyllis Hamm. [Actually Miss Phyllis Ham.]
A.B. Riggs Chairman of the Burra School Committee writes to thank all who made the Centenary Picnic possible and a success.
Basketball. Grand Final
Women’s Green 8 defeated Gold 7
Men’s Red 58 defeated Green 53
Mt Bryan Centenary Sports Fair. These events in aid of Methodist Circuit Funds were held on Saturday 5 September. The fair was opened by Rev. O.L. Noske after the sports had finished. Proceeds were £24. [Sports results are printed.]
Mt Bryan Church of England held a successful Madhatter’s Dance on 2 September.
Mt Bryan School held its Arbor Day on Thursday, when sugar gums were planted. The ladies provided dinner and a beautiful two tiered cake, before the children were granted a half holiday.
Mt Bryan East School observed Centenary Day on Thursday with a visiting day. C.W. Gare, one of the original students when the school opened 51 years ago, addressed the pupils. A sports program followed.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held a Centenary Concert on Saturday 5 September. [The program is printed.]
Burra High School decided to celebrate the Centenary with a banquet and this was held on Thursday last at 11 a.m. in the school Domestic Arts Room. President of the Literary Society, Miss Nancy Pearce, took the chair and ensured that the event ran smoothly, finishing exactly as planned at 1 p.m. Members of the High School Council attended and a good number of parents. The catering had to provide for 50 students as well as the guests, but supply exceeded demand. The students provided items as entertainment and proposed the toasts (except for one made by Mr P.L. Rosman.)
[Details are reported at length in c. 21⁄3 columns.]
Booborowie School Sports were held on the ‘Celebration of Children’s Day’ 3 September. The Head Teacher began with an address on the history of Booborowie illustrated with photographs of events. A series of competitions followed and a round of mystery parcels, and then sports before the children were dismissed for the day. [The sports results are printed.]
Football. Final. Booborowie 14.19 defeated Spalding 6.18.
The Grand Final next Saturday will see Booborowie play Hallett.
57, 37, 15 Sep. 1936, page 1
Wirth’s Circus is coming to Burra for one night on 18 September.
Burra Town Council
At the last meeting a petition signed by 100 ratepayers demanded the Council hold a poll to decide whether it could borrow £400 on the security of the General Rate, to build a swimming pool.
Cr Dow questioned the validity of the petition, but after perusal by the clerk it was received.
The Mayor said there had been a lot of dirty work done in connection with the pool and a lot of dirty things said about him. The plans had been drawn up by experts. One builder said there was no roof on the pool, showing how ignorant he was of pools. He was sure a pool could be built for £250, but he was going to wash his hands of the whole concern. The business people of the town were losing a great opportunity for increased trade. He had £50 worth of promises in his pocket, but the petition amounted to a vote of no confidence in the Council and he was absolutely finished with the whole thing.
Cr Dow said it had been said the extra 3d on the rate had been to pay for the pool, but that was a lie as all Councillors knew.
The Mayor said some people were against the site, but it was immaterial if it was shifted elsewhere. Swimming should be a part of every child’s education. If any other builder in town was capable of seeing the project through for £250, he would be pleased to see him.
Cr Kellaway though Council was taking the wrong stand. Every Councillor was in favour of the pool and they should welcome a poll. If supported, it would relieve the Council of responsibility. The ratepayers had a right to demand a poll.
Cr Dow wanted the petition to lie on the table until the next meeting. He objected to it as being not spontaneous, but organised. His motion was not seconded.
The Mayor said ‘half the petitioners were little better than swaggies anyway and were nothing to the town.’
Cr Riggs thought they were making a lot of fuss over nothing and moved that the poll be held.
Cr Kellaway seconded the motion.
Cr Worth supported the motion because he could not bring himself to believe the petition a vote of no confidence in the Council
Cr Jeffery said the poll would be the end of the scheme; if the ratepayers had been in favour of the scheme there would not have been a petition.
Eventually Cr Riggs’s motion was carried.
The Mayor thought the £15 cost of a poll ‘was a wicked waste of the ratepayers’ money.’
The Empire Essay Competition, for a prize presented by A.B .Riggs.
Essays by Dean Bunney of Grade VI and Joyce Dyer of Grade VII are printed.
Burra Town Council, 7 September
Messrs A.J. & P.A. McBride wrote saying they would give the necessary land for the widening of the Mine Bridge if no transfer costs were charged against them. The Town Clerk had written accepting the offer and his action was approved.
The Secretary of the Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd wrote stating that the Company would supply electricity for the floodlighting of the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial for £16 p.a. – ordinary rates would be about £36.
A.L. Clode was granted permission to erect a new front for Matthews Emporium.
The Mayor announced that the Abberton Park Road had been placed on the Main Roads Schedule.
As a result it was decided immediately to raise 300 yards of metal to put that road in order.
The old tree growing in the middle of the road at the corner of Queen and Church Streets is to be removed.
Burra Homing Club. The Championship Race for Young Birds from Marree last Saturday was won by H.W. Pearce.
57, 37, 15 Sep. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 19 September
Joe E. Brown & Ann Dvorak in Bright Lights
Warren Williams & Genevieve Tobin in The Case of the Lucky Legs
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will conduct a clearing sale for Mr George Rogers at the farm 1 mile southwest of Burra on 22 September. [Cactus Farm.]
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Alan Rosewall nee Carpenter, at Burra Hospital 4 September, a son, Ian David.
Obituary. Clara Gallagher, relict of the late James H. Gallagher, died at Willaston 10 September aged 79. [See extended obituary 57, 38, 22 Sep. 1936, page 1.]
Mrs H.N. Potter was given a farewell by Burra Golf Associates on Tuesday afternoon 8 September, before her departure to live in Adelaide.
The Floral Float left Burra on Monday morning and arrived safely in Adelaide at 1.30 p.m. The float is the result of many weeks of labour by many ladies. It was not quite complete when it left Burra and the finishing touches will be added in the city. Miss Melva Bourman (19) will be Amphitre [sic: for Amphitrite], Poseidon’s wife, driving the three sea horses ridden by Nereids or sea nymphs: Margaret Steele (11), Marcia Collins (9) and Maxine Whittney. The float is now in Pirie Street and on the pageant day will assemble in East Terrace and then proceed via Pirie Street to its starting point at Victoria Drive opposite the Parade Ground.
Gum Creek School celebrated Centenary Day on 3 September with a morning of games, an address on the early days of the Burra District and then sports before a distribution of oranges and nuts, before a dismissal at noon for the September holidays.
Advt. The Vanities Review Co. will bring 20 Metropolitan Star Artists for performances every night this week, just over the Black Bridge in Kooringa, in an artificially heated Canvas Theatre.
57, 37, 15 Sep. 1936, page 3
Thirty-eight New Zealand Farmers were welcomed to Burra by the Mayor, I.J. Warnes and other leading citizens in the lounge of the Burra Hotel on Saturday night.
The Mayor referred to Burra’s mining history and said that now it was the centre of the Merino industry with some 17,000 bales of wool shipped out of Burra Railway Station annually as well as a great many bags of wheat. He spoke of the stud sheep industry and then handed over to I.J. Warnes who spoke about the role of the Stockowners’ Association before giving a longer address on the breeding of sheep, the development of improved pastures and the growing of lucerne. He also spoke more personally of how he worked his ‘outside’ station of Koomooloo with his Booborowie property, where he also reaped lucerne seed worth 1/2 per pound and which averaged 400 lb to the acre. He mentioned the impact of the depression of the area and discussed how studmasters had first tried to breed in more wrinkles to increase wool yield and then bred them out again following losses to blowfly strike. He said he believed in sticking to pure Merino stock rather than crossbreeds.
He had made one very big change at Koomooloo after acquiring it. It had been the practice to shear between August and Christmas and the lambing rate in April-May was then about 50%. Now they were shearing in April-May and the lambing rate in spring was between 80 & 90%. Japan’s withdrawal from the wool sales had hit them hard and they had dropped some £2,000 to £3,000, but he quite agreed with the Government policy in keeping Japan out.
Mr Rose and Mr Chapman responded for the visitors.
Burra Rifle Club. Three members went to the Dean Rifle Range on Saturday for the prize meeting there, but they did not fare particularly well.
Burra Golf Club. The Club Championship has gone to Mr M.W. Bednall for the third year in a row. C.L. Phillips was runner-up.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 12 September
No 2 open cut near the creek has been cut to 20 ft west at a depth of 7 ft. Several small veins were exposed.
Riggs’ Tunnel Shaft has been sunk to 14 ft and a windlass erected. Timbering was needed at the bottom. It is hoped to encounter slate in about another 10 ft and then to drive west to re-cut seams. The last crushing of 121⁄2 tons yielded 2 oz 12 dwt plus 2 oz 3 dwt 1 gr by cyanide.
Another 25 ton crushing produced 4 oz 11 dwt 6 gr with tailings not processed.
Burra Local Court
R.T.F. Rogers claimed £20-10-6 damages to a Freelite Plant on his farm at Hanson, from the carrying firm of Rofe & Co. The claim was that in removing a tractor from the farm the carriers had entangled a wire stay and damaged the Freelite. Evidence was given that the defendant was well aware of the Freelite Plant. The magistrate found that the claim by the defendant that he did not see the wires involved, was hard to believe given the evidence before him. He was an experienced operator whose daily business was to measure loads on vehicles and calculate their heights in relation to overhead obstructions. He had failed to exercise due care and judgement was for the plaintiff for the amount claimed.
Football. Premiership Game
Booborowie 10.11 defeated Hallett 6.12.
57, 38, 22 Sep. 1936, page 1
Obituary. Mr James Henry Rogers, a prominent farmer of Puni collapsed and died at Hamilton New Zealand on Thursday morning. He was born at Burra 59 years ago, the fourth son of the late Mr & Mrs John Rogers of Baldina. After being educated he went to New Zealand 36 years ago. He was engaged in gold mining at Waihi and at Karangahake before taking a block of land on the Hauraki Plains. He developed the property and then sold it and 22 years ago acquired a farm at Puni from Mr S. McIlroy. He was active in local affairs there, being a member of the school committee and Chairman for some time. He was also associated with New Zealand Co-op. Dairying Co. Ltd and Chairman of the Puni Suppliers Committee. He died while attending the company’s annual meeting in Hamilton. He is survived by a widow, two sons and one daughter: C.J. Rogers of Buckland, C.B. Rogers of Puni and Miss D.E. Rogers of Puni. There are also six sisters and a brother: W. Rogers (Broken Hill), Mrs W. Pearce & Mrs E. Oates (Kooringa), Mrs A. Pearce, Mrs Aspinall & Mrs W. Watson (Adelaide) and Mrs A. Grose (Broken Hill).
[Born 5 May 1878 Baldina: died 18 September 1936 Hamilton New Zealand.]
Burra Rifle Club fired the 6th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy last Saturday over 500 and double 600 yards. Best scorers were A. Whimpress, A.C. Aughey and N.J. Villis.
Burra Homing Club. The Open Race from Marree was won by C. Kellaway.
Farrell Flat School held a picnic on the last day of the holidays at Lodge Hill, Clare on grounds lent by D.T. Angas. [Sports results are printed.]
57, 38, 22 Sep. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 26 September
Irene Dunne & Fred Astaire in Roberta
Ben Lyon & Thelma Todd in Lightning Strikes Twice
Notice. Burra Town Council
A poll of ratepayers to approve the proposal to borrow £400 for the construction of a swimming pool will be held on Tuesday 29 September.
Notice. Having sold my business I George Rogers thank all clients for their custom and hope they will continue with my successor Mrs Liebeknecht.
Advt. Mortgagee’s Sale. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will sell allotment 298 of about 1 rood with a frontage of 197 links to Kingston St and 126 links to Bridge Terrace on which is erected two cottages and an old bakery known as Morgan’s.
Notice. Program of Burra Centenary Celebrations
Friday 2 October Civic Welcome to Visitors by the Mayor at the Rotunda 3.30 p.m.
Night: Centenary Ball at Burra Institute. Dancing 8.30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Saturday 3 October Burra-Adelaide Road Race departs 8.30 a.m.
Night: Pictures in Burra Institute
Sunday 4 October All churches: special services
Night: Sacred Concert at Burra Institute 8.30 p.m.
Monday 5 October Great Combined Schools’ Sports Day
Morning: Schools’ Exhibition
Afternoon: Great Schools’ Sports at the Town Oval
Night: Combined Schools’ Concert at Burra Institute
Tuesday 6 October Monster Centenary Sports at Burra Racecourse
Procession from Kooringa with prizes for the Best Decorated Motor car, Motor Cycle, Bicycle and Motor Lorry
Night: Grand Concert at Burra Institute directed by G.E. Dane
The Mayor will present the Sports Prizes in the Interval
Wednesday 7 October Visits to Places of Interest
Air Trips by Bond’s Services
Night: Concert at Redruth, Foresters’ Rally & Masonic Ball at the Burra Institute
Thursday 8 October Final Day of Celebration
Queen Competition to close at 9 p.m. at the Institute
The Queen of Carnival to be Crowned by the Mayoress
Prizes of £4 and £1 for the most beautifully decorated business premises.
57, 38, 22 Sep. 1936, page 3
Marriage. Parkside West Methodist Church 16 September
Ada M. Thomas of ‘Northfield’ Aberdeen married Arthur H. Strong of Hamley Bridge.
The Vanities Review offered excellent entertainment, which was the equal of most of the revue shows that visit from Adelaide from time to time. The seating was very comfortable.
Centenary Celebrations Programs are printed for Kapunda and Terowie and reference made to that for Moonta.
Accident. Fred Duell of Worlds end suffered a slight concussion and profuse bleeding from a head wound when a young horse kicked the spreader from the outrigger in a load of wood and it hit him on the side of the head.
Obituary. Mrs J.H. Gallagher died 10 September at Gawler. She was born at Cal Lal, Lake Victoria, River Murray in 1866 and with her parents Mr & Mrs Terry came to reside at Copperhouse in 1881. She later married the late James H. Gallagher, the well-known pastoralist, at Copperhouse. She went to live with him in the pastoral country east of Burra. She became one of the most successful pioneer women of the outback country. During the war she and her husband contributed large sums to patriotic efforts, as by that time they had left the management of their stations to their sons and moved into the town. She entered fully into the work of the Soldiers’ Aid Society, Aberdeen. On the death of her husband she went to live at Glenelg. Lately she has been living at Gawler on her eldest son’s property, as Mr George Gallagher is now resident at Pualco Station. She had been in indifferent health for some time. She is survived by three sons: George, William and Leonard, the last of Quondong Station. There are a number of grandchildren. Mr William Terry of Kooringa is a brother.
Obituary. Mrs Fanny Smith, an old resident of Kooringa, passed away last week aged 84. She had been a sufferer for many years and bedridden. She leaves one son, Mr John Smith of Kooringa.
[Fanny Smith died 10 September 1936 aged 84.]
Obituary. Mrs J. Earle of Ironmine died at Burra Hospital last week. Although her health had been delicate for some time, her sudden death was unexpected. She leaves a husband, a son and a daughter. [Born Jane Ann Richards 15 April 1872 Hutt River: died 15 September 1936 Kooringa, residence Braefoot.]
Mt Bryan Methodist Centenary Sports & Fair recently took £34 and netted £35.
Burra Floral Float won third prize in a state-wide competition. The display of flowers in Adelaide last week was magnificent. All business places had glorious displays. The floral pageant on Friday took place in glorious sunshine and Burra took third prize in its section and its lovely float was only one point behind the second prize winner. It appeared about halfway through the procession and was greeted with great enthusiasm. The four local girls Melva Bourman, Margaret Steele, Marcia Collins and Maxine Whittney appeared to appreciate fully the important and dignified part they were playing.
Burra Town Council, 21 September
Cr Worth moved a vote of congratulation for the Centenary Committee and those persons responsible for the Burra Floral Float.
The Mayor said he felt proud of the achievement of his fellow townspeople. Hundreds of still and moving pictures had been taken of it and Burra had never had such wonderful or so cheap advertisement. Mr Hans Heysen, the renowned artist, said the Burra Float was the most complete unit in the pageant and leading citizens of other towns had asked that it might visit their localities.
Dr D.M. Steele, as a member of the Burra Centenary Committee writes to acknowledge all who aided in the work preparing the Floral Float.
‘All know that the preparation was under the leadership of Mrs Andrew Tennant whose artistic conceptions were largely responsible for the faithful portrayal of the chosen design and she had many lieutenants without whose aid the superb final effect could not have been achieved.
I must also refer to the excellent work of Mr R. Fuss. The construction of the much admired shell and sea-horses was masterly and would have done credit to anyone habitually engaged in such work. Throughout the whole preparation and construction of the float Mr Fuss worked untiringly and I feel that the only way for me to express my appreciation in words is to say that the value of his assistance was incalculable.
I must also thank His Worship for placing his lorry at our disposal for so long a period – nearly a fortnight. That must have meant considerable inconvenience and much expense.’
He then goes on to thank Miss Bourman, the young girls and Mr C. Whittney, who drove most skilfully throughout both processions. He also comments on the tranquillity of the united efforts of Aberdeen and Kooringa to make it a truly Burra creation.
57, 39, 22 Sep. 1936, page 1 [Date corrected by hand to 29 Sep. on microfilm.]
Obituary. Mrs James Earle who died at Burra Hospital 15 September was a resident of Ironmine and district. She was born at Mintaro in 1872, the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs T. Richards. The family afterwards moved to Ironmine and later made their home at Peterborough. Mrs Earle remembered Peterborough before there were any houses there at all. She married Mr Earle, then of Yongala, at Peterborough Methodist Church in 1908. The couple then went to Ironmine to reside. They carried on a successful farm. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church. She leaves a husband, one son, one daughter as well as five brothers and three sisters: Mesdames A. Gill, A. Lloyd & Miss M. Richards and Messrs W.H., J.G. & T.E. Richards all of Peterborough and Mr D. Richards of Croydon. [Born Jane Ann Richards 15 April 1872 Hutt River: died 15 September 1936 Kooringa, residence Braefoot.]
[Note: the sister cited as Mrs Gill was Mrs Archibald Gibb. Reference is made to five brothers, but only four are listed. They were: James, John George, William Henry, Thomas Edward and David.
The sisters were Mesdames Elizabeth Gibb and Blanche Harriett Lloyd and Miss Martha Richards.]
Hallett Masonic Ball is reported in almost 1 column.
Mr N.H. Pearse of ‘The Gums’ writes about the visit of the New Zealand farmers recently. He says one of them, Mr W.J. Campbell of Clifton Falls, Oamaru, was born at Florieton and was taught by Mrs T.H. Pearse, than a teacher at the local Government School. Mr Campbell’s parents left Florieton, visited their homeland in Ireland and then settled in New Zealand, where they have lived for 38 years. Campbell’s Block near Florieton is now owned by Mr J.W. Mosey of Robertstown.
[W.J. Campbell not traced on SA Births CD.]
Burra Rifle Club fired the 17th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy over 600 & 700 yards. Best were W.K. Pexton, W. Woodman and T.R. Pexton. Off the gun the best were W.G .Woodman, W.K. Pexton and K.S. Dawson.
Rev. Harry Alvey writes from the Methodist Manse, Maitland congratulating Burra on the success of its Floral Float.
F.L. Worth writes to correct a statement attributed to him in the paper to the effect that the Floral Float had proved a better and cheaper advertisement for the town than ant stud ram that ever lived in the district. What he actually said was ‘the float … might possibly prove to be as effective an advertisement for the town as the stud rams bred in the district – noted for its stud sheep.’
Whyte Yarcowie Centenary Sports were held on 21 September. [Results are printed.]
57, 39, 22 Sep. 1936, page 2 [Date corrected by hand to 29 Sep. on microfilm.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 3 October
Rochelle Hudson & Henry Fonda in Way Down East
Warner Oland & Rosina Lawrence in Charlie Chan’s Secret
57, 39, 22 Sep. 1936, page 3 [Date corrected by hand to 29 Sep. on microfilm.]
Notice. Kooringa Methodist Church Services 4 October
Services 11 a.m. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The 3 p.m. service will be a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon.
Monday 5 to 6.30 p.m. Centenary Lounge Tea.
Redruth Methodist Special Centenary Services: 11 a.m. Rev. A. Dyer.
2.30 p.m. Back to Sunday School. Unveiling of Memorial Photograph at 6.45 p.m.
Hanson 3 p.m. Mrs A. Dyer
Ironmine 3 p.m. Rev. A. Dyer
Westbury 9.45 a.m. Rev. A. Dyer
Notice. St Mary’s Anglican Church Back to Burra Centenary Services, Sunday 4 October.
8 a.m. Holy Communion (Said)
11 a.m. Holy Communion (Sung)
3 p.m. Children’s Service
7 p.m. Evensong
The preacher at all services will be Rev. F.B. Hewitson.
Obituary. Selma Beatrice Woollacott, wife of Rev. E.H. Woollacott, died suddenly at the Methodist Manse Woodville 23 September aged 46. She was the eldest daughter of Rev. & Mrs T. Geddes White.
The Combined Schools’ Concert planned for next Monday night has been so heavily booked that it will be repeated on Thursday 8 October.
The rest of this issue was taken up largely with notices and articles about what was about to happen during Burra’s Centenary Week.
57, 40, 6 Oct. 1936, page 1
Burra-Adelaide Centenary Road Race
Sixty-nine of 72 acceptors started on the 128 miles Cycling Classic on Saturday. Two Burra boys started, Rex Opperman and Leo Taylor. The former finished, but the latter did not. The race had been in recess for several years. The Mayor T.H. Woollacott cut the ribbon to let the first batch of competitors go. The winner was F. Thomas of Mile End and K. Thurgood recorded the fastest time.
Burra Racing Club held its first meeting for seven years at the Aberdeen Racecourse on Thursday 1 October. The course is deemed one of the best outside the metropolitan area and is well furnished with all necessary conveniences. The gate takings were £70 and the track was well grassed. Licensed bookmakers were on the ground for the first time and as a consequence the totalizator did not do much business. The main race was the Centenary Handicap over 1 mile and 2 furlongs. First prize £50, 2nd £10 and 3rd £5. Mr O’Loughlin’s Drim ridden by Carling crossed the line 11⁄4 lengths ahead of P. Driscoll’s Bachelor Green ridden by Medhurst. But at the weigh-in Carling was found to be 7 lb short and the race was awarded to Bachelor Green. [Results of other races are printed.]
57, 40, 6 Oct. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 10 October
Al Jolson & Ruby Keeler in Go Into Your Dance
Joan Blondell & Glenda Farrell in We’re in the Money
Advt. Roy Gropler, England to Australia Flyer, will be in Burra Tomorrow to take Joy Riding at the Racecourse. Two passengers at a time.
Obituary. Richard Austin Carpenter died at Burra Hospital 26 September aged 68. He was the only surviving and eldest son of the late Johnson and Emma Carpenter of Redruth. He was brother to Mrs W.H. Bray of Broken Hill and late of Koonawarra Station, NSW. [Born 23 April 1868 Kadina: Died 27 September 1936 Burra. See a slightly longer obituary 57, 42, 20 Oct. 1936, page 4.]
Burra Record. The next issue will be a centenary issue double the usual size and it will carry a full and complete account of all the events of Centenary Week. There will be a number of illustrations. People needing extra copies should leave their orders early.
Sgt Kain of Redruth has passed his examination for an inspectorship. He will be leaving Burra on 1 November.
Burra Police Court. Mr Benjamin Parker of Aberdeen was ordered to pay £1-1-0 compensation and £2-1-0 costs for assault and battery after being found guilty of a complaint brought by Melva Rose Irlam [aged 20 nee Kakoschke].
The State Centenary & the Jubilee of the Burra Town Council has eclipsed all previous records for celebrations. Scores of visitors have returned to share the occasion and a wonderful spirit has prevailed. A glorious fall of rain on Thursday night revived the herbage, cleaned the dust from the trees and cooled the air. To date nature has smiled in the whole event. The town is looking beautiful with various decorative schemes. Coloured lights and lines of pennants decorate the shopping area. The Soldiers’ Memorial and public buildings are floodlit. The large and very beautiful cross on St Joseph’s Church also stands out. All denominations reported large congregations on Sunday last and the Sacred Concert in the evening will long be remembered. Monday’s Schools’ Day was an outstanding success, as was the Combined Schools’ Concert at night. As we go to press the pageant is assembling prior to the sports at the Aberdeen Racecourse, with another Grand Concert in the Institute tonight.
57, 40, 6 Oct. 1936, page 3
Marriage. Pirie Street Methodist Church, Adelaide, 12 September
Frederick C. March, youngest son of Mr William & the late Mrs March of Kooringa, married
Florence Lamey, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr A. Lamey of Mt Gambier.
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church, [23 September 1936]
Elsie Trusler, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs G.J. Trusler of Hallett, married
Ernest Surfield, elder son of Mr & the late Mrs T. Surfield of Hallett.
Mr & Mrs Arthur D. Jordan of Gawler, with a son and daughter, motored to Kooringa on Sunday to attend the Kooringa Methodist Church Anniversary service.
57, 40, 6 Oct. 1936, page 4
William J. Edwards writes to express his pleasure at coming back to Burra for the celebrations and at renewing acquaintance with childhood and school friends. He especially congratulates the Mayor and the businessmen for the appearance of their premises and he admires the new furniture for the Council Chamber.
57, 41, 13 Oct. 1936, page 1
Back-to-Burra Centenary Celebrations
The Town’s hour of Triumph
There are five large photographs on the page with accompanying text.
Miners’ Dugouts in the Burra Creek
The Burra Mine Pool looking south towards Morphett’s Engine House
The Burra Floral Float photographed in Adelaide somewhere near the Parade Ground judging by the palm trees in the background.
Burra Institute
A General View of Kooringa
[Introduction]
Burra was founded in 1845 and has a story of Progress and Achievement only made possible by sheer grit, determination and loyalty of the early pioneers and the residents of the present day. From mud huts and dugouts in the banks of creeks Burra’s sons went forth to gain fame in Parliament, on the Law Benches of a young state and into unknown Central Australia to found huge sheep stations.
Many once famous mining towns are little better than Ghosts of the past. Not so Burra. While clinging to the traditions and proud of their old copper mines, the citizens have turned the district into the greatest sheep and wool centre in SA.
Solidarity is Burra’s watchword. It is the solidarity of its citizens with their solid support for the commonweal of the town that has been the secret of the town’s success. It can be seen in the massively built public buildings, churches and bridges and in the solid support of the Empire in the Great War, with hundreds of men who volunteered and the tens of thousands of pounds raised. In a more modern example of the town’s progressiveness, it did not wait for Government aid to put down bitumen streets. More recently it was seen in the achievement of the Burra Floral Float.
Town Beautification
When copper was discovered in 1845 the area was part of a sheep run with a creek running through the plains between the hills. Along the creek were stately gums and in the valley and on the surrounding hills were short mallee, Sheoak, pines, mulga and other trees, excepting for the ‘Bald Hill’ known also as Bank’s Paddock or [later] as the Brewery Paddock. This massive range was never tree covered. The mines had a great demand for fuel and in a few years the country was denuded of trees from beyond Black Springs to the south and to Ulooloo in the north. Burra was a bare, ugly town practically until 1886, when trees were planted either side of the Kooringa-Aberdeen Road and the road named Jubilee Avenue. Those on the western side did not thrive, but those on the east flourished and now form a pretty drive between the two towns.
From then on trees have been planted at intervals to convert the old town into one of the prettiest in the north. As a Centenary gesture 600 more trees have been planted to add to the town’s beauty.
57, 41, 13 Oct. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 October
Robert Donat & Madeleine Carrol in The 39 Steps
Claire Trevor & Paul Kelly in Song and Dance Man
Notice. The Burra Town Council
The Poll of Ratepayers advertised for 29 September has been extended to 24 October.
Obituary. Jane Bright aged 87 died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs W.E .Hodge, Burra, on 20 September. [Born Jane Rogers & married Thomas Robert Bright 26 May 1874, St Paul’s Church, Adelaide.]
Police and the Celebrations
Despite the enormous crowds (for a country town) and the fact that five hotels were open; two of them with night permits, the police have not had to reprove a single individual during the celebrations.
Ourselves
The Record was established in 1878 by whom we do not know, because the files from 1878 to 1883 are not obtainable. In those days it was printed on a hand press and it took three employees an hour to print 250 copies of one side. Today we can print up to 2,000 with one man on the machine, the whole plant costing around £3,000. In 1883 it was taken over by the late Mr Frederick Holder (later Sir Frederick) and was conducted by him for a number of years. It had various owners till the present proprietor took possession in 1912. It then had a very small circulation, but that has gradually increased until now it goes into nearly every residence in the town and district with a circulation as large as any purely country paper in SA. This issue of eight pages illustrated is the largest and most ambitious yet printed.
Memories of Burra by Elizabeth A. Ward
[When Ian Auhl published Burra-Burra Reminiscences of the Burra Mine and Its Townships he said that despite widespread enquiry he had been unable to identify Elizabeth Ward. An Elizabeth Ann Ward died 5 June 1952 aged 92. She would thus have been born about 1860. There is no certainty of her birth, but an Elizabeth Ann Ward was born 10 October 1861 at Clare to Richard and Elizabeth nee White and an R. Ward was living in Burra in 1876. The evidence in the articles she wrote places her in school in Burra 1870-1874. It seems likely that this is the person writing in 1936.]
That there Man
I remember him in all his glory standing erect upon the big engine house, pick and gad in hand, a representative of ‘That there Cornish Miner’. It is said that a blacksmith working on the mine made him and placed him in position. I have never heard him named. He was always spoken as ‘that theere Man upto Mine’, and was a personality in those days. Mothers trying to get a flock of unwilling children to bed would say ‘You’m childer best be going to bed or else you’m be having that there Man up along to Mine peeking in the window at ’ee.’ To which a saucy maiden would reply ‘Aw, us wodden keer would us? ’tes a’ better, Meary, if we could only see him. Ded ’ee ever see ’im yerself, mawther?’
A group of boys returning from carrying ‘feythers’ crib would gather round the big engine house. One sharp little chap stands, legs wide apart, mouth open, eyes staring at ‘That there Man’. ‘Whatever be the matter wi’ ’ee Tommy, what be ’ee glaring up along like that for?’ Alec replies ‘Tommy, if he du come down however do ’ee get up again?’
‘Whatever be ’ee talking about?’ asks Billy.
‘Why, when that theer man du here the clock strike twelve he du come down and run all around the town. However dy he gey up along again?’
Jan’s reply is crushing – ‘Gose along home with ’ee thu gurt buffle head, whenever ded that Man heer clock strike?’
If he had sight, hearing and speech what tales ‘That there Man’ could tell you and me of the big engine over which he stood with its ‘Plonk! Plonk! Day and night, drawing up water from the shaft beneath and sending it flowing in to the little channels all over the hill; of the great whim with its rope the thickness of a man’s arm coiled around it, of the chimney; of the echo; of the big dump filling up the valley between the two hills leading into the township; its tramways and skips ascending and descending the incline by machinery into the cutting to be filled with refuse. Arriving at the top they are drawn along the tramways by a patient pair of horses driven by their attendant boys. At the end of the tip they are unloaded, their contents helping to fill the valley.
Of the houses built for the mine officials, the largest of 27 rooms, built for ‘Cappen’ Harry Roach; of the blacksmith’s shops with their glowing fires; of the varies sounds of a great hive of industry; of the shafts which the men descend to their work in cages; of the ‘sassy’ song of the mine boys which was
When I was a chicken no bigger ner a hen
Cappen Jinimy hit me
An’ I hit ’im agen.
Harry Cock came down to order me out
I up with me han’
An’ I give ’im a clout
Cappen Dick came down to give me a whack.
I had a stick
An’ I broke his back.
It would tell of the big melting; of the little engine house and the sluices of flowing water; of the batteries with their never ceasing pound and rattle; of the water wheel and the groups of men employed at the various plats, and of many other things.
When the engine house was burnt down by mischievous boys, ‘That there MAN’ crashed badly, but someone rescued him and he now stands, or rather revolves, on a pedestal in a paddock near the entrance to the mine nearly opposite to him once stood a battery of stamps and a huge waterwheel sent a stream of water flashing and dancing in the sunshine. Both now are gone but as he slowly revolves he seems to be recalling former scenes, himself alone a relic of a vanished past.
57, 41, 13 Oct. 1936, page 3
Photos of:
Philip Lanes, Burra’s First Mayor
T.H. Woollacott, the present Mayor
E.J. Davey, Town Clerk and Secretary of the Celebrations
There are also smaller photos of
Mr Sam Baker, the oldest living person born in SA, aged 97.
Sir F.W. Holder
R.J. McBride
[Dr] J.I. Sangster [Sen.]
Dr R. Brummitt
The Official Reception
There was a large gathering in Market Square on Friday afternoon for the Back-to-Burra official reception. The Mayor T.H. Woollacott extended a welcome to visitors as a son and grandson of a family which had arrived in the district in 1845* and as a Mayor in the Centenary Year of the State. He was delighted to recognise so many faces of old friends in the crowd. The Corporation was also celebrating its Diamond Jubilee, having been incorporated in 1875 [sic: for 1876] as the third oldest corporated town in SA.† The first Mayor had been Philip Lane and his Councillors had been Messrs August Bartholomaeus, Robert Sanders, John Snell, George Sara, Edward Lipsett and Joseph Roberts. Descendants of Lane, Sara and Bartholomaeus are still taking an active interest in the town. Most of those present had sweet memories of the past. Every old mine chimney and old landmark had some story to tell. The Burra Creek had been home to many men and women who had passed away, but had played their part all over the Commonwealth of Australia. Burra could be proud of the contribution of its residents to the state over the last 60 years. He had been asked why Burra had two floats in the Floral Pageant, but he believed it was only appropriate that the old residents of Burra have a float of their own, representing the town of many, many years ago. Many would be pleased to know that Mr Sam Baker was present. He was the state’s oldest living South Australian born colonist at 97 [sic: for 96]. He was born in 1840, [near‡] where Trinity Church now stands. Mrs Klaffus had recently celebrated her 90th birthday and he felt sure all would join in congratulating both of them.
Drought and depression had given Burra many setbacks, but it was now again on the upgrade. He congratulated all who had made such an effort to ensure the success of the celebrations.
Cr Kellaway endorsed these remarks and Cr. Jeffery added his support.
W.G. Hawkes responded on behalf of the visitors. He thanked the speakers for their welcome and congratulated the town for the fine Floral Float. The Old Burra Float had been more ruggedly built, but typified magnificently the life of the town 70-80 years ago. He congratulated Mr Woollacott on being the Centenary Mayor. Burra pastoralists had arrived in the district within a year of the birth of the state and from there had launched out into the back country to the borders of NSW and Queensland and had founded stations whose names had become bye-words throughout the Commonwealth. The great mining development had been made possible by a discovery by a pastoralist or shepherd in 1845, named Pickert [sic§]. £5,000,000 worth of ore had been taken out in 30 years and £800,000 paid in dividends from a company with a capital of only £12,000 and a call had never been made. After the mine closed the magnificent Cornish miners had further assisted the state develop by sinking dams, boring wells and supplying the necessities of life through the medium of their bullock wagons. Burra had always stood in the front rank in agricultural pursuits and its stud sheep were known all over the globe. When England had called for help in the Great War, Burra had responded with 600 men, one hundred of whom had perished in the height of their achievement. In addition the town had contributed £60,000. All could remember the frequency in which residents had been called to Market Square by the late Mayor, Mr E.W. Crewes. When he launched an appeal for £2,000 no one thought he would get it, but he did, again and again.
[* Mr Woollacott’s grandfather, William Woollacott and his wife and family arrived in 1848 on the Richardson, which brought supplies for the Burra Smelter.
† It would be wise not to take this as stated without checking further. Gawler is earlier and so are several of the places now included in the Metropolitan Area such as Glenelg, Brighton and Kensington-Norwood. A quick look did not reveal a second country town to go with Gawler.
‡ ‘Near’ because Holy Trinity Church on North Terrace Adelaide was built in 1838.
§ Thomas Pickett, (? – 1851 near Burra) He was a shepherd who discovered the copper deposit at Burra and he died after falling into a fire while intoxicated.]
The Grand Centenary Ball was held on Friday 2 October in Burra Institute. Arrangements were in the hands of Messrs M.W. Bednall and Max Pearce and the event proved a huge success in every way. Decorations were the responsibility of Mr & Mrs Bednall and Miss Rica Motley. The result was a glorious floral scene with streamers and elaborate bows in tones of gold, brown and deep red. The attendance was one of the largest seen in the hall for many years. The Black Diamond Orchestra attended from Adelaide and dancing continued to 2 a.m. Mrs W.H. Sandland organised supper assisted by a large committee. It was so well arranged that there was no crowding and everyone was easily served. The Mayor declared the Ball open.
[The description of ladies’ gowns extends for almost 1 column.]
During the evening Mr & Mrs Tretheway of Adelaide gave special exhibitions of old and modern style dancing and ‘other acceptable items were given by “Yodelling Romeo” of 5CL fame’.
Burra Centenary Sports were held at the Burra Racecourse Tuesday 6 October. Over £50 was taken at the gate, even though there was no charge for cars and adults were only 1/-. Attendance was estimated at 1,500. The organisation was in the hands of the President of the Committee C.S. Preiss and Secretary Alex Bevan with a sizeable committee. Riders came from all over Australia and found the track in excellent condition. N. Hutchinson was the announcer over the Nomis Amplifiers. Events:
75 yards Johnny Green Handicap won by K. Kain (£1).
President’s Half Mile Wheel Race Handicap won by F. Watson (£2).
Samuel Baker Sheffield 130 yards handicap won by Frank Pearce (£2-10-0 & cup presented by Samuel Baker).
Burra Town Council Jubilee One Mile Wheel Race won by H.J. Conyers (£3).
Half Mile Wheel Race for Boys aged less than 14, won by Norman Fitzgerald (10/-).
Burra Centenary Two Mile Wheel Race won by F. Watson (£7-7-0 and a cup presented by E.T. Baulderstone. There was a nasty fall in this race when Conyers apparently slipped and his pedal went through the wheel of Martin’s cycle, smashing it beyond repair. Fortunately both riders escaped with only bruising.
The Holder One Mile Wheel Race for Boys aged less than 16, won by William Draper.
220 yards Coppertown Foot Race won by R. Waker (£1-10-0).
Match Race over one mile won by W. Moritz (SA Champion) (£3).
Philip Lane 3 mile scratch race won by W. Morits (£2-10-0).
Tug of War. A. Lomman’s team defeated Bert Marcus’s team in two straight pulls.
[Many children’s races were run throughout the day and the winners’ names are listed.
The report describes the heats for the above events and lists other place-getters.]
57, 41, 13 Oct. 1936, page 4
Illuminations and Decorations
No expense was spared to see both ends of the town decorated with lavish displays of bunting, fluttering pennants and lines of tiny coloured electric bulbs. As well as masses of such lights, the Memorial in Market Square was floodlit and so was St Joseph’s with its wonderful cross. The decorations extended from the Hospital to the Bon Accord Hotel. Market Square and the Rotunda were a brilliant focal point and arches greeted visitors arriving from all directions. Business places, however mundane, were converted to places of beauty and everyone seems to have responded with decorations. Most businesses also took the opportunity to paint and varnish their premises. Prizes were offered for the best decorated shops in two categories. Other places were not deterred by the lack of a possible prize and the four banks joined in. Rock gardens and window boxes appeared along with masses of flowers, ivy and streamers. Elder, Smith & Co.’s office was very striking with its pillars of ivy, lovely hanging baskets and window boxes. All the hotels made a big effort, but the palm must go to the Royal Exchange. The upper and lower storeys were uniformly festooned with hanging plants and floral baskets. The awards were restricted to shops, although other premises were given honourable mentions. Visitors were called upon to act as judges: Miss Rattenburt from England, Will. J. Edwards from Broken Hill and P. Milner of Adelaide. In the large shop category Bence’s Ltd were first with Miss Decima Warner’s sweets shop second. Both the small shop prizes went to Aberdeen. First was Mr Milton Tiddy and second was Miss Bentley’s shop.
[Much more detail is included.]
Loyal Burra Lodge (MUIOOF) held a Back-to-Lodge Meeting in the Lodge Hall on Thursday 8 October, which was decorated for the occasion by Sister E.M. Allen with flowers and gum tips. The Noble Grand Bro. H.E. Fuss extended a hearty welcome to the 45 members present, including visitors from WA and Broken Hill. After the normal Lodge Meeting tables were arranged for a magnificent banquet. [Toasts are reported.]
Past Grand A.T. Pearce outlined the lodge’s history for the benefit of visitors. It was formed in March 1849 with eight members and funds of £10-12-0. Now membership was 240 with 34 female members and assets of £11,865 and a juvenile branch with 193 members. There were 18 members with over 50 years standing, including Bro. Sam Baker, now past his 96th birthday. Bro. J. Roberts *, who was initiated in 1862 could be the oldest member of any Friendly Society in SA. During the evening items were given by Bro. S.J. Woollacott and Bro. E.S. Blunt. The reunion concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
[* Bro. J. Roberts was probably Joseph Roberts who had been a shoemaker and member of the first Town Council. He died 18 November 1936 at North Adelaide, residence Port Augusta aged 91.]
The Queen Competition
The Queen of Wool Miss Madge Pascoe won the crown with 10,638 votes and was crowned by the Mayoress Mrs T.H .Woollacott. Other entrants were:
Nurse Taylor, Queen of Flowers (9,711)
Lois Riggs, Queen of Children (3,091)
Dorothy Field, Queen of Sport (475)
Madge also received a handsome toilet set, brush, comb and mirror and the others received boxes of chocolates. The competition raised £100.
St Mary’s Church. The special services on 4 October were very well attended. The special preacher was Rev. F.B. Hewitson, who had been St Mary’s Rector 1921-27 and who is now in charge of the Semaphore Parish. He celebrated Holy Communion at 8 a.m. The Rector Rev. Don Redding celebrated Holy Communion at 11 a.m. Rev. Hewitson conducted Evensong and the Rector read the lessons. The choir was under the leadership of P.L. Rosman and G.H. Dow presided at the organ. The children’s service was conducted by the Rector assisted by Mr H.E. Fuss, Superintendent of the Sunday School with Miss Isom playing the organ. The church was beautifully decorated with flowers arranged by Miss Doris Fuss.
The Kooringa Methodist Anniversary Services on Sunday 2 October [sic: for 4 October] were conducted by Rev. G. Keysell Haslam, a former minister. All were well attended, especially the evening service, for which the church was full. The choir was directed by Mr G.E. Dane and Miss G. Pearce played the organ. Mr Dane directed the Pleasant Sunday Afternoon with Rev. Haslam presiding. The Band under Mr J.H. Murison contributed several items and solo songs were rendered by Miss Mavis Fairchild, Mrs Max Pearce, Mr Milton Tiddy and Miss Edna Shattock. Mr Clem Davey and Miss Pearce were the accompanists.
The Combined Schools’ Concert was held in the Burra Institute on Monday 5 October.
-
Mrs Hann & Miss Beth Sara Overture
-
Burra School Choir Come Away Elves
Poor Wandering One from ‘The Pirates of Penzance’
-
Infants of Burra Public School Autumn Leaves
-
Hanson School Physical Drill
-
Leighton School Short Play: The Stolen Rabbit
-
Copperhouse School Song: Bush Children
-
St Joseph’s Convent School Irish Reel
-
Margaret Jeffery
(Church of England Day School) You Mustn’t Do That
I’d Like to be a Fish
- Burra Public School Senior Girls Song: Drifting and Dreaming
Interval
-
Jean Banks Overture
-
Burra Public School Senior Boys A Shadow-graph performance: Surgical Moments
-
Burra Public School Juniors Wedding of the Painted Doll
(Among others: Sylvia Powell (Mother of the Bride), Jill Pearce (Bride), Owen Prior (Groom) & Bob Angel (Best Man)
-
Presentation of Sports Trophies
-
Burra High School Girls Rhythm Movements
-
Ayers School A Farce
-
Burra High School Boys Gymnastics: Pyramid Building
-
Burra High School Choir Canadian Boat Song
Call John
Thursday’s repeat is said to have been an even better performance.
57, 41, 13 Oct. 1936, page 5
Schools’ Exhibition and Sports
On Monday 5 October a procession of children from Burra, Copperhouse, Ayers, Leighton, Hanson, Gum Creek, the Church of England Day School and St Joseph’s Convent School departed from the Burra Institute to take part in the Burra & District Schools’ Centenary Exhibition. Nearly 800 children marched to the strains of the Burra and Leighton Schools’ Drum and Fife Bands. Burra School presented a Tableau on a lorry depicting the ceremony at the Old Gum Tree when SA was declared a colony. Copperhouse School had a float illustrating work on the Burra Burra Copper Mine at Morphett’s and Ayers’ Shafts. This was awarded first prize.
At the Burra school steps the President of the Burra School Committee, Mr A.B .Riggs, welcomed the Minister of Education, Mr Jefferies. The Mayor made supporting remarks and the Minister responded before declaring the Exhibition open. Dr Steele moved a vote of thanks and was supported by Mr G.F. Jenkins MP. The visitors then moved inside to the exhibition of work. The large junior room held displays from the various primary schools. [These are then described at some length.]
The Burra High School had a particularly interesting show in the science room where various clever demonstrations were given by the Second Year boys. In another area various hobbies were displayed. The Domestic Arts and Woodwork displays were impressive. In the centre of the Domestic Arts display was a beautifully iced Centenary Cake, the work of the First Year students. The Second Year girls had set out an invalid’s tray and a traymobile equipped for afternoon tea.
The afternoon was devoted to sports activities from 1 p.m.
[These are described and the results printed in about 12⁄3 columns.]
‘The “old boys” of your town’ write a letter
‘to thank hes Wurship the Mear, he’s Councillors and Townspeople fur the Grand time the’ ase gave us all.’
‘Now we do want to tell he that we was as proud as peacocks when we seed the frustrate job you had done to celebrate the Centenary and to welcome us all home once more to our old Town to see he all, the deckerashions in the streets and shops wus wunnerful and looked frustrate, we cud not find a lot of old friends and mates homes, but they tell us that a lot of them had shifted to the cemetery.’
Clement C. Snell writes in more conventional English to express much the same sentiments.
Official Presentation of the Furniture to the Burra Town Council
For many years the furniture in the Town Council Chamber has been anything but a credit to the town. Some months ago the Mayor made an effort to refurnish the Chamber. He made a quiet appeal to a number of the old families of the town and district and received a most generous response. The Chamber is now most handsomely furnished.
Mr A.B. Riggs said it was in honour of the Diamond Jubilee that the furniture had been presented and he has been deputed to hand it over officially to the Council, however, as one of the pioneers of the district, Mr W.G .Hawkes, was present he would ask that gentleman to act in his (A.B. Riggs’) place.
Mr Hawkes said he hardly knew why he was chosen, as he had never been a member of the Council, but he was pleased to say a few words. He made reference to the photos of the various mayers on the walls and said he ‘would like to see the photographs hung in order, the first Mayor first and so on.’
Mr Hawkes formally presented the furniture to Council and apologised for the absence of L.W. Gebhardt. The Mayor formally accepted the gifts and thanked the donors. Crs Jennison and Walsh added their support. The donors were:
Mayoral Chair L.W. Gebhardt
Roll-top Desk W.G. Hawkes
Chairs M.W. Bednall
A.B. Riggs
J.R. Barker
F.R. Wigley
John Collins & Son
G.G. Hawkes
W.H. Sandland
G.E. Dane
Members of the Present Council
Mrs J.R. Barker
Daughters of the Lane Family
57, 41, 13 Oct. 1936, page 6
Burra Burra Show Inc. held its 1936 show at Aberdeen on 3 October in glorious weather. This year the handsome new Centenary Hall greeted the eyes of spectators and assuredly this building will be the envy of most country show societies. This allows the old luncheon booth to be used as a pavilion. Gate receipts were up on last year. Side shows were numerous and the merry-go-round was well patronised all day. The Boxing Booth drew a great deal of interest and some of the local lads gave the boxers more than they were looking for. The display of working exhibits was large. Entries for the Ring Events were not good, in common with most country shows. This is possibly due to the decline in light horse numbers and the rise in the use of motor cars. Perhaps steer riding and sheaf tossing should be introduced. Jersey numbers might increase if they were more visible. The yards are strong enough to contain a wild bullock and this obscured the view of the usually docile Jerseys.
Mr M.S. Edwards proved once again to be an efficient secretary. President I.J. Warnes [photo] continues show as much drive and enthusiasm as ever. The SA Centenary train was at the showgrounds siding and was inspected by many.
Art and photography entries were few, though the art entries showed talent. Poultry entries, except for geese and turkeys, were heavy. Pigeons were highly commended, both homers and fancy. Cattle were quite well represented generally. A.J. Melrose showed a particularly entire horse, Grey Friar”. Horses in action did not meet expectations in numbers, but the quality was strong. Fleece wool entries were well up to standard. Pig pens were full, showing the largest entry for years. Dogs were well represented and of a high standard. Green fodder exhibits defied recent severe frosts and dry weather and were marvellous. Farm and dairy produce exhibits fell in numbers, perhaps due to seasonal conditions and this may also explain the small number of vegetable entries. The small showing was, however, of excellent quality, especially for cabbages. Recent heavy frosts and dry, dusty conditions reduces the flower entries, especially in sweet peas. Iceland poppies and stocks were excellent and overall the quality was good. The Fuss trophy for Champion Pansy went to Alick Ford.
Knitting and needlework were well up to standard. The extra space for cooking was well utilised and a credit to exhibitors. The schoolwork section saw strong competition and the entries were well displayed.
The official luncheon was held in the Centenary Hall – ‘capable of seating many hundreds of people.’ It was built for utility purposes and the fixtures are simple, but nevertheless very effective. Before guests entered the hall, Mr Warnes formally declared it open. The hall was decorated in the Centenary colours of green and yellow. The tables were decorated with sweet peas, Iceland poppies and coloured ribbons. Mrs Rowe is congratulated for her efficient service.
[The speeches and toasts are reported at length and the report of the various sections outlined above includes further comments on the best entries and names major prize winners. A photo of the Society’s first President, Hon. W.B. Rounsevell, is printed.]
57, 41, 13 Oct. 1936, page 7
Centenary Concerts
Three concerts were arranged:
A Sacred Concert on Sunday 4 October at the Institute at 8.30 p.m.
A Concert at the Burra Institute on Tuesday with the Burra Band and Combined Choirs.
A Concert on Wednesday evening at the Redruth memorial Hall.
The Sacred Concert
This concert saw the hall full and people standing in the vestibule and on the steps. The Mayor opened the concert with a few marks, commenting especially on the role of Mr G.E. Dane in the preparation of the event.
Anthem: Ye shall dwell in the land Choir with soloists Mr H.W. Mumme & Mrs C. Whittney accompaniment by Clem Davey
Song: The Moorish Maid Miss Mavis Gare, accompaniment by Miss Jean Herbert
Selection Burra Brass Band under Mr Murison
Song Mr M. Tiddy
Anthem: Praise the Lord O Jerusalem Choir with soloist Miss M. Gare
Recital: Her Sacrifice Mrs C.E. Boyce
Selection Burra Brass Band under Mr Murison
Song Mr H.W. Mumme
Anthem: King of Kings Choir with soloist Mrs Max Pearce
(Offertory collected for Burra Benevolent Society.)
Recital: Pete the Soldier Mrs C.E. Boyce
Song: Give thanks and sing Mrs Max Pearce, accompaniment by Miss Jean Herbert
Selection Burra Brass Band under Mr Murison
Song: Just for to-day Mr Lindsay Thomas, accompaniment Miss M. Pearce
Anthem: The Radiant Morn Choir
National Anthem and Recessional
Tuesday’s Burra Institute Concert
Four popular items Burra Band
Part Song: Daybreak Choir with Band
Chorus: O Father Almighty Choir with Band (From Judas Maccabeus)
An Eastern Wedding Chorus Choir with Band
Song: Love is meant to make us glad Miss Mavis Fairchild
Two songs & encore Mr H.W. Mumme
Two Songs & encore (Pipes of Pan) Mrs Max Pearce
Song: The changing of the guard
& encore Mr M. Tiddy
Two Songs Miss Mavis Gare
Song: The Floral Dance Mr L. Thomas
Recital Mrs C.E. Boyce
Comic Recitals & Comic Mime Nurse Wright
Trombone solo: The Death of Nelson
& encore Mr A. Scriven
Trombone & Euphonium Mr A. Scriven & Mrs J.H. Murison
Cornet solo Mr Stanley Forth
(The last three items accompanied by Mrs L.R. Clarke
nee Amy Harris)
Comic Sketch Mr P.L. Rosman & his dancing doll
In the interval Mayor T.H. Woollacott presented the prizes from sports day.
The Salvation Army held special meetings on 10 & 11 October conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel F. Ede, Divisional Commander.
Weather. Some useful showers fell in the last week, though an inch or two is urgently needed. There were some better falls to the east. Burra 37 points, Braemar 61, Faraway 39, Ketchowla 50, Koomooloo 40, Woolgangi 38, Canegrass 40 and Quondong 21.
Kooringa Masonic Lodge held its installation of a new Worshipful Master on 7 October, with a Grand Ball in Burra Institute after the meeting. Mr & Mrs M.W. Bednall welcomed guests at the ball.
[As that would suggest, Mr M.W. Bednall was the new Master, though it is not explicitly stated in this report.]
Burra’s Pageant
Mr Ken Dawson (Secretary) and a committee arranged a pageant to precede the big sports meeting at Aberdeen Oval. Burra’s prize-winning Floral Float was a star attraction. The Burra Pioneer’s Float also took part, with its cargo of quaintly-dressed miners and their wives and with a wurlie in the foreground. The procession started at the Burra Hospital except for the two floral floats – they would not fit under the archway erected at Lewis’s Bridge. The procession featured:
Master Ken Kellaway (14) as Governor Hindmarsh
Mr Jack Allen as John Bull
The Burra Brass Band under Bandmaster Murison
A white gondola fashioned by Jack Terry
A wurlie with Barney Rogers and his band of Aboriginals
The Copperhouse School Float showing work on the Burra Burra Copper Mine at Morphett’s and Ayers’ Shafts.
E.J. Davey’s car decorated as ‘Harvest’
Fairy Bower float arranged by Mrs G. Hann
YMCA Aberdeen Girl Citizens with a decorated lorry
An 1836 Wedding Party (described as ‘a scream’)
An old German wagon
Sara & Co.’s new lorry dressed as a floral bower
A scarlet racing car piloted by Miss D. Thomas & Miss S. Butler
An old wreck of a car described as a ‘heap of scrap iron and steel in motion’ and driven by Bill Young; bearing the sign ‘Left Perth Oct. 1836, arrived Burra Oct. 1936.’ He was accompanied by his bride ‘Miss’ J. McConnon.
A Coach and four, driven by Joe Byrne – one of Charles Grow’s big cabs – which was bailed up by a bushranger (Roy Jeffery) outside the Royal Exchange Hotel
The Boy Scouts’ Float featuring a crocodile eating a screaming scout
Decorated bicycles: Alan Lomman’s as a blue and silver aeroplane
Joyce Hopkins as a wild poppy with matching cycle
Rex Hartman’s as an Indian Canoe
Andrew Bernhardt’s floral design
Sylvia Thomas drove a charming little goat cart
Jack Bown rode a decorated pony
Yvonne Harvey & Roma Gare (6) had decorated [dolls’] prams
Veronica Brown was dressed as ‘Alice Blue’
Hazel White (8) & Ronnie Boehm dressed in old time attire
Hedley Pearce and William Brown appeared as clowns
Prizes were awarded:
Most original The Copperhouse School Float with the Boy Scouts’ Float as runner-up
Best decorated car Mr J. Terry
Best decorated lorry Aberdeen Girl Citizens
Best child’s exhibit Vonnie Harvey & Roma Gare
Best decorated bicycle Rex Hartman
The Methodist Centenary Tea was held at the Kooringa Sunday School and was arranged by the ladies of the Guild on 6 October. It was different from previous teas in being served at small scattered tables and folk moved from table to table as they liked. Having partaken of tea people moved into the church, which was utilised as an overflow lounge. The Centenary Cake was cut by the oldest living member of the church, Mr Charles J. Pearce. It had been baked by Mr W.M. Heath and iced and decorated by Miss Dorothy Pearce. The lower tier was a green and yellow map of Australia and the upper tier held a replica of the old gum tree with an Aboriginal on guard. Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook presided. Proceeds exceeded £20. [Some of those present are listed.]
The Town’s Old Chimneys issued forth black smoke on several days through Centenary Week due to a happy thought of Mr Clifford Lott.
Rev. S.J. Martin & Mrs Martin of Alberton visited Burra during the week. Rev. Martin was born at Mitchell Flat. [Stephen John Martin born 11 June 1867?]
Matron G. Siegele of Burra Hospital attended the School Exhibition on 5 October as a representative of her late uncle, Carl W. Wittber,* one of the early headmasters. His daughter Hansie† Mrs A. Laught was unable to attend.
[* This should be Carl August Wittber c. 1849-8 March 1926.
† His daughter was Johanna Christiane Louise born 19 December 1874: died 18 September 1948.]
Mrs S. Hill, Mrs Duance and Mrs Francis, all members of the old ‘Paddock’ Morgan family were guests of Mrs Richard Hill of Quarry Street. They visited the old hut in the banks of the Burra Creek where Mrs Hill was born 75 years ago and found the old home in a fair state of preservation.
Mr W.F. Pickering who has been manager of the National Bank in Kooringa for some time has been appointed to the relieving staff and we understand the family will leave Kooringa soon.
Mr Ken Dawson of the Savings Bank staff in Burra has been promoted to a position in Adelaide. He will leave Burra on Monday. He will be missed here as a successful rifleman.
57, 41, 13 Oct. 1936, page 8
Burra Burra Show Inc.
The list of prize winners is printed. [Personal interest: No Fuss prize winners in Flowers this year, but the Fuss Trophy for Champion Pansy went to A.C. Ford.]
57, 42, 20 Oct. 1936, pages 1 & 6
Hallett & District Schools’ Sports & Exhibition was moved this year from August to October in the hope of milder weather, but the day, though fine, was still chilly. Ten schools took part:
Division A: Class 4 & Class 6 Schools Division B: Class 7 Schools
Yarcowie Ulooloo
Terowie Petherton
Hallett Willalo
Mt Bryan Mt Bryan East
Booborowie North Hundred of Whyte
[Results are printed.]
57, 42, 20 Oct. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 24 October
Josephine Hutchinson & Pat O’Brien in Oil for Lamps of China
Margaret Lindsay & Warren Hull in Personal Maid’s Secret
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 10 October
Open Cut No. 2 was extended to 54 ft and 14 ft deep in the face. A small gold seam 4 inches wide is in the face.
Riggs’ Tunnel. Driven 10 ft west from the bottom. Two seams 4 and 8 inches wide have narrowed to 1⁄2 inch.
Pensioners’ Assoc. of SA
A meeting in the Council Chamber on 8 October with Cr Kellaway in the chair decided to form a branch of the Association in Burra. Twenty people handed in their names for enrolment.
K.S. Dawson was farewelled at the close of the Kooringa Methodist Church service on Sunday morning. He has helped in the church and the Sunday school during his time in Burra. He has been promoted to the Adelaide office.
57, 42, 20 Oct. 1936, page 3
Burra Burra DC, 5 October
Council resolved to procure a stone crusher.
The Balance Sheet for the year ended 30 June 1936 is printed.
Redruth Methodist Church Back-to-Burra
Memorial services were held last Sunday. Mr J. Radford rang the bell from 10.45 to 11 a.m. He used to be the bell-ringer for the Primitive Methodist Church 45 years earlier when they held their services in what is now Jubilee Hall. Rev. A. Dyer conducted the service and Rev. Martin gave the sermon. Rev. Martin, who lived in Burra many years ago, has had to give up active work because of his failing eyesight. A Back-to-Sunday School was held in the afternoon. M.J. Morton welcomed scholars and visitors. Mrs James Walker, Mr W. Gerard & Mrs J.G. Sara recounted some of their experiences of past days. Mr J.A. Reed unveiled a beautiful framed photograph of his father Mr James Reed, which will hang in the porch as a memorial to his great work. We are largely indebted to Mr James Reed for our beautiful Sunday school building.
Rev. Dyer conducted the evening service at 6.45 p.m. and the preacher was Mr A. Gerard of Adelaide.
[Some of the people above can be further identified:
Mrs James Walker was born Sarah Ann Gerard 1872-1946
Alfred Edward Gerard was her brother 1877-1959
Maxwell John Morton 1885-1952
James Reed 1871-1932
Rev. Stephen John Martin 1867-1949
John George Sara 1863-1953.]
Redruth Social
A social was held in the Redruth Memorial Hall on Wednesday evening. A short program included Mr P. Rosman with his dancing doll in humorous numbers, Mr Bob Morton on mouth organ, Miss Mavis Gare and Mr Lindsay Thomas in songs and duets and Mr J. Pearse from Adelaide with songs and elocutionary numbers, with Miss Clarice Reed as accompanist. This was followed by Community Singing and supper. After supper the oldest games that could be recalled were played: ‘Here we go gathering nuts in May’ and ‘My Friend’s Chair’.
Back-to-World’s End
Many carloads of visitors descended on World’s End Creek by 10 a.m. on 9 October and assembled near the old gum tree by the tennis courts. A.G. Heinrich welcomed visitors. Tennis, cricket and other sports were played before luncheon at 1 p.m. Further social activities followed till afternoon tea. A banquet was arranged for 8 p.m. at E.T. Phillips’ woolshed, which had been decorated in the Centenary colours of green and yellow. Rather more than 200 guests attended with Mr W.H. McWaters presiding. [Toasts are reported and some of those attending are listed.]
Leighton Ladies’ Guild held its fete at the Hall on Saturday 16 October. Inclement weather reduced the attendance somewhat, but the Hall funds will still benefit appreciably. Dancing began at 8 p.m. with music supplied by Mr Rosser. [Details in c. 3⁄4 column.]
57, 42, 20 Oct. 1936, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. On Labour Day there was a triangular contest with teams from Peterborough and Pt Pirie. In a close contest Pt Pirie won with 916 points from Burra with 915 and Peterborough 910.
On 17 October the 8th stage of the Pine valley Trophy was fired in very windy conditions. Best scorers were E. Hopkins, R. Barty and L.W. Mumme.
The Roman Catholic Church Bazaar was held on 16 October in the Burra Institute. It was a success with proceeds up on last year. Rev. Fr F.B. Morrissey opened the event.
[Details in a little more than 1⁄2 column.]
Burra Town Council, 12 October
The Mayor has presented a framed photograph of himself to be hung on the Council Chamber wall.
The Mayor said Sgt Kain had recently been appointed an Inspector. It was the first time the town had had a resident Police Inspector. He was to be congratulated on his excellent work in the past and on the way police had handled crowds and traffic during Centenary Week. It was decided to send a letter of congratulations.
A minute of appreciation was recorded for the work of the Town Clerk in organising the centenary Celebrations.
[Note that Inspector Kain’s presence in the town was to be short lived as an Inspector: he left Burra on 29 October for a new post.]
Farrell Flat Methodist Sunday School held its annual picnic last Saturday on the property of the Misses Lay. [Sports results are printed.]
Messrs R.D. Pascoe & Sons had a fine display in their windows for Centenary Week, of photographs of old residents, footballers, teams etc. as well as view of the old town and mine.
The Grand Final of Centenary Week was a dance in the street when an estimated 1,000 people were present. All traffic was diverted to the eastern side of the Rotunda and the celebrators filled the western side. Music from an accordion was supplied through a Lomas Amplifier. Dancing continued almost to midnight.
Miss Bentley’s Shop. When we reported that Miss Bentley’s shop had won second prize in the smaller shop section for decorations, we had not seen the interior decorations of the window. They were very beautiful, comprising an exquisite floral carpet of rose petals and lovely dolls in period costume.
Obituary. Mr Richard Carpenter died 26 September at Burra Hospital. He was the only son of the late Johnson and Emma Carpenter of Aberdeen and was born at Kadina 23 April 1868. He came to live at Baldina in infancy when his parents took up land there. Later they lived at Hanson and finally retired to Aberdeen. While at Douglas and at Hanson, Mr Carpenter had been organist at those Methodist Churches. He was also a member of the Oddfellows’ Lodge. Mrs S.W. Bray of Broken Hill is now the only surviving member of the family. [See basically the same information at 57, 40, 6 Oct. 1936, page 2. SA Deaths CD gives death as 27 September.]
57, 42, 20 Oct. 1936, page 5
‘Old Resident’ writes to say the fine old Burra Public School was built to accommodate 1,000 children at a cost of £14,000. Contractors were the late George and William Sara and Dunstan. Mr J.G .Sara, son of George, helped as a boy with the outside plaster bands. This firm were also the contractors for the Anglican Church. The original part of the Institute was built by the late James Tiver and Cole.
[Note that the above is not entirely accurate. See Ian Auhl, The Burra Model School 1878-1978, Lynton Publications, Blackwood SA, 1977. The building was intended for 800-900 children and the final cost was £6,996-8-0. When the writer says the original part of the Institute he is referring to the structure of 1857 when the tender of Messrs Tiver, Cole and Sinnegear was accepted for £446-16-0 for the masonry work and that of Mr Bruse to do the woodwork for £473.]
‘A Mother’ writes questioning why no cool drinks were available at the Centenary Ball.
M.W. Bednall writes to thank all those who made the Centenary Dance such a success. The only complaints ‘were from a few armchair critics who not only did not attend at this function and did nothing at all to help the celebrations along’.
Mr O.S. Edlington began his duties on Monday as the new Kooringa postmaster.
Mr George Morgan of the Kooringa Post Office staff for many years has been transferred to Kalangadoo.
Accident. A car driven by Mr Walters, a Grand Lodge Officer and carrying his wife and Mr Ide, another Grand Lodge Officer, and his wife, overturned twice about five miles south of Burra en route to the town for the Masonic installation. All were shaked and bruised and sustained some lacerations, but injuries were not very serious, although they required treatment at the Burra Hospital. Mr Ide sustained a nasty cut to his head, but afterwards managed to attend the lodge meeting and assist in the Installation Ceremony.
Mr & Mrs R.J. Grant left Burra on Monday 12 October. Mr Grant has been the manager of the Shell Depot at Burra and he and his wife were active in golf and tennis and the social life of the town. Mr Grant has been appointed to the Wilcannia District.
Aberdeen Croquet Club opened its new season on Saturday. One of the foundation members, Mrs W.J. McBride declared the greens open for play and in a match with Burra Aberdeen 52 defeated Burra 24.
Marriage. The Church of the Ascension, Black Springs, 1 October
Violet I’Anson, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs E.B. I’Anson of Farrell’s Flat, married
Raymond Gillett, only son of Mr & Mrs W.B. Gillett of Burra.
Marriage. St Mary’s Church, Burra, 10 October
Jean Morgan, only daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Morgan, late of Quorn, married
W. (Phil) James, younger son of Mrs S.H. James of Kilkenny & the late Mr S.A. James.
Marriage. St Mary’s Church, Burra, 14 October
William C. Quinn, third and youngest son of Mrs E. Templar & the late Mr D. Quinn of Hallett, married Winifred Harris, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs John Harris of Kooringa.
Marriage. Farrell’s Flat Methodist Church, 14 October
Hazel Denton, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Denton, married
Stanley Crisp, only son of Mr & Mrs C. Crisp.
57, 42, 20 Oct. 1936, page 6
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM for the fortnight to 3 October
Been breaking ore from below the 50 ft level and above the 25 ft level. 70 tons are ready for crushing some time next week, when the repairs to the battery have been effected.
The Main Shaft. At 353 ft the east crosscut off the south drive was extended to 18 ft.
57, 43, 27 Oct. 1936, page 1
Mr Pickering was given a farewell in the Council Chamber on 20 October. Rev. D. Redding said he was a greatly valued member of St Mary’s. Mr E.J. Davey spoke for the Bowling Club. For the banking community Mr Tiller spoke as manager of the Commercial Bank and Mr Butler as manager of the Bank of Australasia. Others to speak were Mr Bednall, Mr A.L. Bence (also for the RSL), Mr P.L. Rosman and the Mayor. Mr Pickering was presented with a travelling rug and a box of excellent cigarettes. Mr Pickering responded. There were also several farewells for Mrs Pickering who had been active in the CWA and in golf and tennis. She was presented with a crystal bowl. Miss Jean Pickering was given a presentation of a set of toilet requisites.
Redruth Methodist Church
For some time there has been a tentative scheme to improve the buildings and enhance the appearance of the church property. Some time ago the Trustees decided to have the old church wall and the old Sunday school room removed. This has now been done. The old building was sold and the wall removed by men of the church. Considerable grading and filling has since been done and the ground now looks much better. Thanks are extended to Mr R. Fairchild for giving so freely of his time and also to Mr J.G. Sara.
57, 43, 27 Oct. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 31 October
Margaret Sullivan & Douglas Montgomery in Little Man What Now
Jean Parker & Chester Morris in Princess O’Hara
Dugouts in the Creek. These old ruins are historical and should be preserved. These huts have to be looked after and there is a collection box on the post by the track to the huts and it would be an act of common courtesy for visitors to place a coin in the box.
Sgt Kain will depart Burra on 29 October, having recently been promoted to the rank of Inspector.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 10-95 defeated Willalo 7-70
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 15-108 defeated Willalo 3-56
Accident/Obituary
Mr T.H .Woollacott’s lorry driven by Dick Halliday collided with a buckboard driven by Michael O’Loughlin on Sunday night near Georgetown. Mr O’Loughlin was fatally impaled on a ladder tied to the side of the lorry, but which apparently was dislodged in the impact.
[James Michael O’Loughlin born 28 January 1904 Wongyarra: died 25 October 1936 Georgetown, residence Bangor – though age at death given as 35.]
Burra Croquet Club held its AGM and elected for the 1936-37 season: President, Mrs S.H. Robinson; Secretary, Mrs O. Finch; Captain, Mrs Clem Pearce and Vice-Captain, Mrs W.H. Sandland.
57, 43, 27 Oct. 1936, page 3
Dr Rattenbury, Superintendent of the West End London Mission and President of the Council of Churches in England, was given a Civic Reception by the Mayor on Tuesday last. Dr Rattenbury then gave an address at 3.15 p.m. to the Centenary Rally in the Kooringa Methodist Church. At 5.30 p.m. a fellowship tea was arranged by the ladies of the Redruth and Kooringa Guilds. Community Singing followed from 6.30 to 7.30 p.m. Dr Rattenbury gave an address on London at 7.30 p.m.
[The address is reported in about 1⁄2 column.]
Memories of Burra by Elizabeth A. Ward
The Miners
What were the miners like?
They were mostly married men with families, hard working and industrious and their wives clean, thrifty and industrious also. Anyone who has tasted their pasties, seedy and saffron cake, their curranty buns, their apple pies and tarts, the ‘thunder and lightnen’ bread and cream zigzagged with treacle – could tell that. The children were ruled with a firm hand. If the girls were rebellious a word or two or a slep or two from mother would soon quiet them. If the boys were unruly they may sometimes succeed in getting around mother. But if the matter was serious enough for ‘feyther’ to be telled that was a different affair. They were up a tree there and would be ‘sent’ sure enough. I remember a conversation between two women, one a little trim person, all spit fire, was in my father’s shop purchasing some goods when another woman entered. She was a fine tall woman evidently in great distress. They wished each other ‘Good mornin’’ then the little woman said “Be anything the matter with ee? Youm looking whist sure enough.” “I’ss” said the other, “it’s my bebby, he du be getting brave and sassy lately ee gove me a fine passell of cheek this morning in sure enough. But I’ll tell his feyther for un when he du come home and he’ll soon make ’im behave hisself”. “I’ss” said the little woman sympathetically, “tell his feyther for un. He woulden ’low he to give ee sass he’d soon put un in ’ees place”. “But” she added, “why diden ’ee seat un yerself?” “Aw I woulden”, said the poor woman, “he runned away and I coulden catch un, and he’d only ha gove me more sass if I had”. Then the little woman fired up. “Mine don’t give me no trouble, he don’t give ME no sass, he dasent; ef he did, I’d knock un down. Iss I’d knock un down, ef he was as big as a house, I’d knock un down.”
Many families were connected with the various churches and were members of the choirs. They possessed fine voices, and excelled in part singing. Many fine anthems were sung such as “Who is the King of Glory?”, “How Beautiful upon the mountains” and “The Earth is the Lord’s” etc. To hear them sing “Pope’s Ode”, “Vital Spark of Heavenly Flame” sung usually at Memorial service of a member of the choir or church was awe inspiring. Many of the miners were teachers in the Sunday Schools, others were local preachers. There was Joseph Sleep, Isaac and Mrs Goss of the Wesleyans, little ‘Jimmy’ Bennetts of the Bible Christians, and ‘Jackey’ Jacob Burrows of the Primitives, men who will never be forgotten. The women were in their element getting up ‘dennors’ and ‘tay’ meetings which they did in fine style.
Many of the younger men and boys were employed at the Mine. On Saturday nights these would line the shop verandahs and footpaths regaling themselves with fruit and lollies, others would form bands and parade the streets singing minstrel songs and other old songs – ‘Silver threads among the gold’ being a great favourite. They were usually polite to girls and women with their ‘Good evenin’ Miss or Missis unless some fast piece gave them what they called ‘sass’ when the sass would be returned with interest.
On Sunday nights after church they would again march and sing all the old familiar hymns. Some of them had girl’s or soprano voices and it was a great treat to hear them. The voices of the Hill brothers, Steve, Will and Tom. Were easily distinguished among them. Johnny Martin was another beautiful singer, not very long out from Cornwall. He was a great favourite and had been married about a fortnight when he fell down a shaft, whilst at work, meeting with fatal injuries. Tom Hill, a boy singer with a beautiful voice, also died at an early age.
A favourite meeting place for men and boys off shift was ‘Fools’ Corner’ which is now occupied by Mr E.J. Harris’s shop. Also on the footpath and parts of the road, there they would gather for a ‘jaw’ or ‘gass’ or games of tops and marbles. I have seen grown men playing these games with all the zest of school boys.
If a man was wanted and could not be found, the answer to enquiries would be “Did ee look for un at Fools’ Corner, him most sure be theer”.
A ‘gass’ or a ‘jaw’ meant a general talk amongst the men, a ‘pich’ was a more serious conversation between acquaintances or partners. A pitch amongst the women meant a friendly pleasant talk. They dearly loved ‘a pitch over a cup of tay’. A ‘tell’ was a talk of much more serious or intimate nature. Two women would be seen in the street in earnest conversation. A man, the husband of one of them, passes and understanding merely nods and goes on his way. Another man stops and salutes them. “Be ee coming home along mother?” “I’ss me dear”, she replies, “you go on home, we’em only having a ‘tel’”, and he, satisfied, passes on. ‘Scat’ was a word much used. If anything fell and was broken it was ‘scat’. Unruly children and animals were told they would be ‘scat’ if they “deden stop et”. When the mine ceased working, she went ‘scat’. They had a saying about a man splitting a piece of wood – “First I hit un, then I miss un. Then I seat un all abroad all along the plancheon road or floor”.
When the mines were in full work many families were engaged in Cornwall by the Mining Association to work there. On their arrival no housing accommodation had been made for them. The Government of the day sent a supply of beds and tents from Adelaide. A spare piece of ground near the Railway Station was allotted them. It was named Canvas Town. They lived there for some time. Many families eventually found work and accommodation at Wallaroo and Kadina.
Such were the Burra Miners in the ‘Brave awld days’ and many happy hours I spent with them.
The Town Crier
Wearing a buff (khaki) long-tailed coat, tall hat and a red woollen comforter around his neck, he presented a quaint appearance. He usually started in Market Square, ringing a large hand-bell vigorously. He would next march up the middle of Commercial Street – stopping at intervals to make his announcements.
“Oyez (Oyez) Oh Yez. This to give notice, a sale of furniture will be held in Market Square on Saturday next. Roll up! Roll up! Roll up! Oh Yes! Oh Yes! “God save the Queen.” Another vigorous ringing of his bell then off he would go, followed by a crowd of sassy boys, who when he had finished making his announcement, would proceed to give their own. He took little notice of them, however, and would march of followed by the crowd at his heels.
Burra Swimming Pool
A meeting of citizens was held in the Burra Institute 22 October. Crs Kellaway, Riggs, Worth and Dow attended. (The Mayor was absent due to illness.) The Councillors outlines the proposal and tried to answer all the questions. At the end of the meeting 100 bags of cement were promised as donations.
Burra Swimming Pool Poll
The ratepayers were asked to allow the Council to raise £400 on the security of the general rate by means of an issue of debentures at £5 each, for the purpose of building a swimming pool.
For the proposal 122
Against 90
Burra Homing Club
On 27 September the race from Marree was won by J. Harris.
On 10 October the final race of the season from Oodnadatta was flown in very bad conditions. Up to the present only three of fifteen birds have homed. Other clubs flying from the same place on the same day have reported even worse results. A. Sampson’s bird was the first home. A second of his followed on the tenth day and P.J. Byrne reports one home on the twelfth day.
57, 43, 27 Oct. 1936, page 4
Centenary Celebrations at Marrabel took the form of a rodeo on 17 October. Visitors came from far and near and it was by far the largest crowd ever seen at this centre. Rain threatened to spoil the event, but it was fortunately light and brief, although heavy rain did reduce slightly the attendance at the dance afterwards. [Results are printed.]
57, 44, 3 Nov. 1936, page 1
Memories of Burra by Elizabeth A. Ward
The “Jiggers”
These were placed in the bed of the creek from the Mine Bridge to the Hotel on the side furthest from the road. Water flowing from the upper part of the big creek and from the big wheel at the stamps was brought by channel and used for the washing of the ore. These ‘Jiggers’ were constructed of two upright posts, about four feet high and four feet apart. They were joined by another narrow plank. At the batteries a cradle [which] was suspended by iron bands and fastened to a yoked handle was rocked or jigged by mine workers who stood on a plank just wide enough to hold both feet. Grasping the big handle they jigged during the whole day. Often have I watched them, and wondered why the men did not get giddy and slip off into space. One little move to right or left would have upset the whole apple-cart. It was a quaint sight to see them all at work. When the ore had been sufficiently jigged it was emptied out of the cradles and placed for safety on the top of the bank until it could be taken away for further treatment.
The Johnny Fortnights
These were small tradesmen who called at the houses regularly. They carried tea, fancy and small mercery articles and visits were appreciated by the women, as it saved them the trouble of dressing up to go ‘up street’. Among these were Messrs Harry Hicks, W. Dalston, I. Pressick, W. Betty and Jimmy. Ah Jimmy was a merry soul; we always knew when he was about by the sounds of merriment going on, his broken English and funny remarks causing much laughter. He often called at our shop for sugar to make ‘taffy’. Yes he said ‘I always cally taffee when I go round with boxee. Little children come to door I always give ’em taffy. Mother say “Oh what a nice man.” Then they buy something Jimmy.’ He knew the tricks of the trade.
I once saw him in Lipsett’s shop trying on a variety of straw hats. He was standing before a large looking glass and his ridiculous appearance as he stood surveying himself caused the attendants much laughter. Little did Mister Lipsett’s customers guess those hats had been on Jimmy’s head.
School Days 1870-1874
I spent four happy years under the tuition of the late Mrs F.J. White who was a strict, but kind mistress and as I learnt readily and was a good memory, lessons had no terrors for me. Our girls’ school was situated in a large room on the west side of the house now occupied by Mrs G. Hann, a long porch accommodating our cloaks, hats and school bags. The boys’ school was a large building at the back of the house and their playground was a large open space in the front of the house. Our playground was on the hill on the opposite side of the house. The boys’ playground was often the scene of much excitement, especially when football and cricket were in. Cries of ‘go it Bruey’, Go it Hoppity Kick’, ‘run it Aughy’ would rend the air accompanied by hand claps and jigs of various kinds. To me it was often more fun to watch the boys than play with the girls. Our games were quieter, except in marbles time, when sometimes excitement ran high. Two of our girls were born reciters and Annie Ellery and Susan Jane Thomas would keep the whole of us entertained with Cornish recitations, such as ‘When the Minister came to tea’, ‘Grammer’s Cat and Ours’, etc.
Hetty Symonds, an exceptionally good reader of the Cornish Dialect passed away in her twelfth year. She was a bright merry girl and loved by us all.
We were not allowed to talk to the boys beyond the salutation of ‘Good morning’ or ‘Good afternoon’ Master and Miss so and so. A large party was given once a year on the occasion of Master Fred’s birthday, when we all mingled freely together.
[Frederick William James White was born 24 August 1863.]
As my father wished me to learn book keeping, which Mrs White did not teach, I spent many hours in the boys’ school. The work was on similar lines than ours. Boys entering the school saluted the Master and obtained his ‘Good morning Sir’ greeting, then formed in line for inspection of hands, hair, clothing and boots. Woe betides the boy who had dirty nails or dusty boots. He would be immediately sent home with a stern rebuke. Well I remember such a one.
Oh! Alfred Schutz
Go clean thy boots
Or else the fruits
Of thy untidiness and insolence
Shall well be seen in after years
We were given a good sound commercial education of we failed to profit it was not through neglect on the teacher’s part. Both master and mistress have long gone to their rest.
[Frederick Richard White c. 1843 – 12 August 1905, Unley.
Eleanor White, nee Miller c. 1840 – 23 December 1921, Dulwich.]
Pupils also pass away, but memories remain perhaps some may have met in October at the Burra reunion and talked over our school days of ‘long ago’.
List of names of boys and girls attending the school of the late F.R. & Mrs White at Kooringa during the period of years 1870-1874.
[Note: the suggested full names, births and deaths cannot be guaranteed to be accurate because of the similarity of many names in the records.]
Fred Jones – ‘Hoppity Kick’ Frederick Jones 12 October 1861-13 April 1929
Billie Bruse – ‘Bruey’ William Henry Bruse 3 May 1858-15 September 1908
Charlie Gebhardt Charles Ernest Gebhardt 20 May 1863-29 September 1942
Adolph Gebhardt Adolph Gustav Gebhardt 18 May 1866-5 August 1923
William Hudson William Archer Hudson 22 August 1858-1 February 1933
George Hudson George Hudson 21 May 1860-7 October 1940
Alfred Hudson Alfred Hudson 27 August 1862-26 December 1933
Fred White Frederick William James White 24 August 1863-13 October 1940
Charlie White Charles Montague White 13 January 1866-28 October 1952
Alfred Hutson Alfred Hutson 21 August 1865-?
Alfred Schutz Alfred Schutz 29 June 1859-?
Billie McBride William James McBride 6 December 1856-3 June 1932
Bobbie McBride Robert Martin McBride 26 October 1860-24 October 1944
George Parks George Parks 15 March 1863-23 November 1926
Charlie Parks Charles Parks 12 April 1865-29 August 1937
Fred Box Frederick Archer Box 23 June 1858-?
Charlie Box
Arthur Williams Arthur Williams 25 March 1857-?
Tom Corey Thomas Corey 7 December 1857-1 August 1950
John Bull William John Bull 28 October 1857-19 April 1903
James Richards
William Ullmann William Charles Ullmann 28 May 1864 -?
Charlie Ullmann
Fred Bruse Frederick Arthur Bruse 24 April 1862-10 October 1956
Frank Drake Francis Henry Drake 12 June 1858-13 March 1935
Robert Drake Robert Sherman Drake 24 July 1867-13 June 1931
Harry Batchelor – ‘Monkey’ Henry Charles Rainsford Batchelor 13 January 1863-17 September 1939
Willie Batchelor William George Frederick Batchelor 21 February 1866-29 September 1927
Will Oppermann
August Oppermann
Fred Fuss
August Fuss Johann Heinrich August Fuss 30 August 1859-15 May 1939
Charlie Fuss Carl August Fuss 18 February 1857-5 November 1921
Isaac Killicoat
Herbert Dawson Herbert Hugh Dawson 24 January 1857-23 February 1918]
List of Girls attending the school of Mrs F.R. White 1870-1874
[Note: the identification of the girls is even less certain than that of the boys. The following should be regarded as no more than a list of suggestions or possibilities.]
Mary Berryman [Probably Thomazine May Berryman born c. 1859
Mrs David Thomas Robinson died 19 February 1939
Elen Hammer
Emily Seaden – ‘Sausages’
Catherine Symonds
Anny Ellery
Marion Patterson Perhaps Marion Paterson born c. 1860
Mrs James Miller died 26 November 1897
Ellen Thomas Perhaps Mary Ellen Thomas born 20 November 1865
Mrs Charles Frederick Pressick died 17 July 1941
Margaret Heinrich
Sarah Pearce Probably Sarah Elizabeth Pearce born 14 March 1861: died 19 May 1927
Elizabeth Ann Ward Born 19 October 1861: died 5 June 1952
Alice Rosman
Nellie Rosman
Lizzie Builder Elizabeth Builder born 6 September 1866
Mrs Henry Lashbrooke Austin died 30 July 1932
Ada Cowper Perhaps Adelaide Cowper born 13 November 1862
Jane Cowper
Ada Jones Perhaps Annie Ada Jones born 28 March 1858: died 19 March 1941
Did Jones
Addie Jones
Kate Wilkinson Born 7 March 1866
Mrs Thomas Henry Bell died 4 April 1959
Annie Wilkinson Born 23 July 1867: died 17 February 1947
Annie Watkins
Annie Hosking Perhaps Hannah Hosking born 24 October 1862
Bessie Hosking Probably Elizabeth Hosking born 31 July 1864
Mrs John Samuel Prater died 18 January 1936
Emma Jane White Born 25 November 1859
Mrs Charles Llandaff Matthews
Harriet White Born 7 January 1862
Mrs Edward Foster Brady died 17 June 1893
Jane Bath Sarah Jane Bath born 11 October 1863
Mrs T.B. James of Helston Cornwall, UK
Thurza Smith Emily Thirza Smith born 7 March 1860
Mrs Isaac Deane/Dean died 8 July 1922
Sarah Ann Killicoat
Hetty Lane Probably Minetta Lane born 28 September 1862
Mrs Henry Roach died 8 June 1948
Florrie Lane Flory Lane born 18 March 1864: died 31 August 1914
Mary Dawson Born 4 September 1862
Mrs George Edward Henry Wright died 12 October 1947
Isabel Dawson Isabella Frances Dawson born 12 May 1859
Mrs Rowland Clements Cornish died 5 December 1940
Lottie Dawson Charlotte Dawson born 2 November 1864
Mrs Henry Edgar Foster
Winifred Fuss Elvina Julianne Auguste Fuss (known as Winnie) born 9 June 1862
Mrs William Bentley Greenwood died 20 August 1946
Mary Emma Sleep Born 9 May 1860: died 20 April 1926
Julia Ullmann Julia Mary Ullmann born c. 1863
Mrs Alfred Collins died 2 November 1891
Mary Patchell Possibly Mary Emma Patchell born c. 1864: died 13 August 1943
But see also next entry
Emma Patchell Possibly Mary Emma Patchell born c. 1864: died 13 August 1943
Annie Patchell Perhaps Annie Maude Patchell born c. 1866: died 10 June 1935
Maggie Lee
Kate Parks Catherine Jane Parks born 3 April 1861
Mrs William Ware died 8 November 1919
Emma Parks
Polly Roberts Perhaps Mary Roberts born 28 May 1859
Alice Roberts Perhaps Alice Shourtland Roberts born 2 June 1864
Sarah Roberts Born 25 June 1857
Mrs Frederick William Fuss died 5 November 1934
Annie Corey Perhaps Ann Elizabeth Jenkin Hampton Corey born 14 September 1859
Mary Jane Thomas
Annie Ford Born c. 1864: died 18 July 1948
Catherine Ford
Jane Crawford
Lizzie Crawford Eliza/Elizabeth Ann Crawford born 18 November 1863
Mrs John Crossing died 27 January 1951
Ada Rollison
Janet Rollison
Bessie Pickering Elizabeth Pickering born 15 May 1859
Mrs Edward George Burford: died (as Elizabeth Augusta Burford) 23 April 1934
Rosie Pickering Rosina Pickering born 29 March 1861
Mrs Henry Humphries died (as Rosina) 10 November 1935 (Married as Rose.)
Nancy Dunstone Perhaps Nanny Dunstan born 30 June 1858
Mrs Samuel Walter Cherry
Lizzie Harvey Perhaps Ann Eliza Harvey born 24 May 1864
Mrs John Thomas Burgess died 28 January 1924
Mary Ann Harvey Born 30 August 1856: died 9 March 1937
Aurelia Hutson Perhaps Amelia Ann Hutson born 3 December 1859
Mrs James Edward Doe died 15 June 1885
Polly Hutson
Mary Ann Trevelyan Perhaps Mary Ann Trevillian born 12 July 1859]
Esther Thomas
Booborowie Memorial Hall
A meeting of about 50 residents, called by the Hall Committee, considered the financial position of the building and whether it was advisable to close it due to lack of finance and public interest. Mr Woodgate was chairman. There were only 14 full-time subscribers. The hall was built in 1922 for £2,500 (excluding free labour). Liabilities at present are about £580 and for the year ending 30 June 1936 expenditure of £137 exceeded revenue by £20. Suggestions included increasing the hire charges, extending the period of the loan, dispensing with the services of a paid caretaker and holding a continental. The Hall Committee was criticised for not holding a Centenary Sports event and a centenary Ball, but Mr Nettle, the Vice-President, said an organisation of 14 members could not be expected to hold successful functions. As a result of the meeting 33 new members were obtained. The district will be canvassed for separate positions of Caretaker and Secretary and a voluntary committee was formed to arrange a function to raise funds.
57, 44, 3 Nov. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 November
Kay Francis & George Brent in The Goose and the Gander
Joe E. Brown & Olivia De Haviland in Alibi Ike
St Mary’s Church will hold a day of prayer and direct giving on Friday 6 November in lieu of a fete this year. The church and Sunday school picnic will be held on 7 November at Gum Creek.
57, 44, 3 Nov. 1936, page 3
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its Anniversary on Sunday last. Three services were held. The morning and evening services were conducted by Rev. A. Dyer and Rev J.P. Tilbrook took the afternoon service. The usual tea meeting on Monday was well attended. Mr M.J. Morton chaired the meeting and Secretary J.A. Reed reported a small fall in Sunday school numbers due mainly to removals. The financial position was sound. Various items were presented by the scholars.
A Garden Fete was held at the residence of Sir John Melrose at Ulooloo last Saturday afternoon to aid the Hallett Institute. The nett profit was £139-8-3. [Details in 3⁄4 column.]
Cr H.J.B. Jennison is recovering from an operation for appendicitis last week at the Burra Hospital.
Master Geoff Rosman, elder son of Mr & Mrs P. Rosman of Kooringa obtained honours in the recent Music Examinations. He has done very well in music and in exams so far has four honours and three credits.
Burra Bowling and Croquet Greens were declared open for the new season on Saturday. President Mr S.H. Robinson declared the season open. This year the club is not going to join the Association and there will therefore be more play at home.
Burra Rifle Club fired the first stage of the Championship and Handicap Championship on 31 October. In the handicap event the first three were R.J. Kellock, C.W. Pearce and T.R. Pexton. Off the rifle the leaders were J.S. Schwier, A.C. Aughey and L.W. Mumme.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 14-110 defeated Aberdeen 4-68
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 12-95 defeated Ironmine 6-75
57, 45, 10 Nov. 1936, page 1
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held its Anniversary Services on Sunday 25 October. Circuit Minister Rev. O.L. Noske preached two splendid sermons to good congregations. Hallett choir under Mr George Bald sand with Miss Audrey Miller at the organ. The program for the social part of the event was on Saturday 31 October:
Doxology
Prayer
Song of Australia
Song by Mrs James Lomman
Song by Miss Mavis Fairchild
Song by Mr W.H. Gare
Elocutionary items by Miss Joyce Hudson, Melva Gare and little Glenda Gare
Duet by Mrs W.H. Gare and Miss Mavis Fairchild
Community Singing accompaniment by Mrs Ted Reed and Miss Edna Lomman
Charles Dare gave the Church Report
The National Anthem
A sit down supper
Games
Burra Swimming Pool
Government assistance is available for a loan for the pool. If the Council borrows £400 the Government would find £38-£40 per year for interest and a sinking fund, over a ten year period. Council passed a motion to apply for such a loan.
Council then went on to discuss the final selection of a site and the calling of tenders.
The Mayor said he believed the pool could be built for £400 rather than the £700 stated at the public meeting. The £400 pool would take organisation and tenders would not need to be called except for the carpentering. If he were in charge, he was going to save 6d on a bag of cement and similarly on all materials, even if they could not be got locally for the price. Most of the work could be done as day work.
Cr Kellaway said many ratepayers expected the Council to call tenders.
The Mayor said the construction had to be done in the proper was and there were too many loopholes for mistakes for ordinary builders.
Cr Dow favoured calling tenders. They did not have to be accepted and if the lowest was for £900, then the Council would be justified in wanting to do the work by day labour.
‘A certain section of the people wanted tenders called because they thought the Mayor might be getting something out of building the pool.’
Cr Kellaway thought Cr Dow’s remarks were not quite in order.
The Mayor said he had a lot of mud thrown at him when he had taken charge of improving the Memorial. He never got a thing out of it and he was not going to swallow all the muck all the time.’
Cr Dow said he had every confidence in the Mayor and was in agreement with the scheme for building the pool as outlined by the Mayor and thought it would be cheaper than calling tenders. He thought two tenders should be called for the carpentering work – one by contract and one by day labour.
It was resolved that the Council meet at 9 a.m. the following day to select a site.
Editor: Since this meeting we have been given to understand on good authority that Councils borrowing money under the scheme discussed above may borrow from whom they please and the State and Federal Government guarantee to pay off two-thirds of the principal and interest with the Council in question paying the rest.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 13-105 defeated Mt Bryan 5-63
Willalo 12-89 defeated Aberdeen 6-65
‘B’ Grade Booborowie 12-94 defeated Ironmine 6-68
57, 45, 10 Nov. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 14 November
Jane Withers & John McGuire in This is My Life
George O’Brien & Irene Ware in Whispering Smith Speaks
Obituary. David Wilks, husband of Mary Wilks, died at his residence Railway Town, Broken Hill, 1 November 1936. He was late of Burra and Mt Bryan East. [Born 8 November 1847 Swansea, Wales.]
World’s End Methodist Church held its Anniversary on Sunday 8 November. Two services were conducted by Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook.
Mr Colin McLaren, second son of Mr & Mrs John McLaren, is presently in Burra at the National Bank, relieving Mr R.H. Barty, who is on annual leave.
Grasshoppers are in the area and doing considerable damage. We believe they are very bad at Mongolata and Mr Hedley McWaters reports damage at World’s End.
Cricket. Leighton 107 v. Hanson 48 & 3 for 100.
Obituary. Mr W.F. Brown died on Monday morning leaving a young widow and six little children. For years Mr Brown had been in bad health due to war disabilities, but so far the family has been unable to receive assistance from AIF Headquarters. The local Sub-Branch of the RSL has established a Brown Relief Fund and calls for donations to be handed to Mr Ken Drew. They will be acknowledged in these columns.
[The total to date was £13-17-6.]
[A notice on page 3 adds that he died at Burra Hospital aged 48.]
[William Francis Brown born 11 February 1888 Leasingham: died 8 November 1936 Burra.]
57, 45, 10 Nov. 1936, page 3
Obituary. Mr Henry G. Schuyler, one of the oldest and best known station men of the Burra District, has died aged 87. He died at the Burra Hospital on Tuesday morning. [Henry George Schuyler died 9 November 1936 Kooringa, residence Redruth aged 86.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for the fortnight to 31 October
Delivered ore to the battery and have stopped breaking ore in stopes for the time. Concentrating now on driving the South Drive at the 92 ft level and a small tunnel on the eastern hillside has been extended to 26 ft, with a face 10 ft deep. Encountered a small vein showing gold at 25 ft. Will extend further west before sinking on the vein. Have begun loaming again about 80 ft south of this to see if we can pick up the seam again.
North Drive at 92 ft level has been extended to 46 ft, encountering ore veins of low value. Now following ironstone dropper on this drive.
Continuing today the South Drive at the 92 ft level.
Have constructed a road through the dumps to get heavy machinery etc. to the main tunnel.
154 tons at the battery.
Memories of Burra by Elizabeth A. Ward
Mr Coglin and the Billys
One of the best loved and longest to be remembered is Mr Coglin. Possessed of a genial warm heart this man dearly loved a joke – he was known to everyone. He was a great lover of children and always carried lollies, one of which he presented to each child he met. He had a flag pole in his garden which on his daughter’s birthday he would decorate with the Australian flag for his daughter, the French flag for Mrs Coglin, who was of French extraction, and the Irish flag for himself. On Queen Victoria’s birthday and that of the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) he would run them all up, the Union Jack proudly topping the pole.
Nearly everyone kept goats in those days. Flocks of them grazed on the hills and many small boys owned Billys. These they drove in carts made of a box with wheels and shafts. Billy would be harnessed and put into the shafts. The boys were very proud of these animals. They were usually very docile and seemed pleased to be handled. The boys would also ride them. I do not think they had individual names. They were just known as ‘Joe’, ‘Tom’ or ‘Dick’ so-n-so’s Billy.
On holiday occasions, Mr Coglin held ‘billy-goat races’. They were run on the piece of land on which Mr C. Wilkinson’s house now stands. The prizes were usually lollies. Once it was marbles. Ten or twelve boys would enter for the race. Mr Coglin would be starter and judge. These races caused great amusement. Sometimes a Billy would turn sulky, then no amount of persuasion could move him. He would plant his forelegs firmly on the ground, then he would buck up his hind ones with a vicious kick and fling the rider over his head. If he was ‘sporty’ he would buck and prance until he tired of the game. Mr Coglin owned a ‘Billy’. He once promised him to the boy who could catch him and could ride him. The boys chased and chased, but catch Billy they could not. This Mr Coglin knew. Miss Coglin, whose birthday it was, was standing watching the proceedings. She called Billy who ran to her and she held the horns waiting until a boy would venture to mount him. As he saw a boy approach ‘Billy’ knocked Miss Coglin over on her back and ran for his life.
Entertainments used to be held in a large room at Lamb’s Hotel. (Now the Men’s Ward at the Burra Hospital.) On one occasion a ventriloquist with his ‘boy’ was performing. This boy he questioned
“What is it that jumps fences into people’s gardens?”
Answer – “Coglin’s goats”.
“I saw this evening an army with fixed bayonets come down the hill and what were they.”
Answer – “Coglin’s goats”.
Mr Coglin, who was there, was so annoyed that he shook his fist at the man. The fixed bayonets were the goats’ horns.
Mr Coglin also possessed a very talkative magpie. He pronounced words and sounds that he knew so clearly, that it was thought a human being was speaking. On one Good Friday two storekeepers, Mr T. Parks and Mr Georgie Morris, were taking a stroll past Mr Coglin’s house. Suddenly a cry rang out, “Apple ho, Apple ho”. The men were so startled that they stood still. “Well I’m blessed if that isn’t Ward selling apples to-day”, said Mr Parks. Mr Coglin, hidden by the fence, was in his garden enjoying the joke. The magpie had so thoroughly imitated my father’s voice and call.
At Mr Coglin’s funeral, 500 children headed the procession. He is buried in the Kooringa Cemetery. Miss Louise Coglin still resides in her old home in Kooringa.
When Arthur Climbed the ‘Chimley’
T’was one of Summer’s afternoons
The great stack showed up grimly
When a small boy in pantaloons
Climbed up the old Smelts ‘Chimley’.
Did he see clear with his small brain?
Or did he vision dimly
The dangerous task he’d undertaken
To climb that monster ‘chimley’.
No sense of fear distresses him
As he hastens on so nimbly
As with a face stern set and grom
He starts to climb that ‘chimley’.
Yes, up he goes: He cannot stop
And he proceeds quite trimly
Hurrah! Hurrah! He has reached the top
He has climbed the Old Smelts ‘chimley’.
Oh what a scene burst on his view
A picture grand and kingly
What pity ‘tis so very few
Have climbed up that old chimley.
Now to descend; he has no fear;
And he clambers down quite slimly
One thing alone to him is clear
He has conquered that ‘old chimley’.
I must go home, there’ll be a row
I will be lectured primly
But none of them can stop me now
I have climbed the old Smelts ‘chimley’.
An older brother driving past
Doing his work so truly
Looks up and cries with fear aghast
‘Tis our Art up that ‘chimley’.
He stays awhile then hastens home
He’s all unnerved and trembling
“Father” he calls, “make haste and come”
Art’s climbing the Old Smelts ‘chimley’.
Meanwhile the boy comes rushing in
One can imagine dimly
How wonderingly all look on him
Who has climbed up that great ‘chimley’.
Long years have passed, and we regret
Memories are growing gloomy
But some are here who’ll not forget
When Art climbed the old Smelts ‘chimley’.
The great stack still standing near the ruins of the smelting works and known to Burra residents as the old Smelts Chimney, was climbed by Arthur Jordan, a schoolboy of 12 years of age, son of the late J.D. Jordan, watchmaker, of Kooringa.
It is 85 feet in height and measures 56 feet in circumference at the base. Two bands of iron at each corner run from top to bottom. These are two inches wide and are fastened by joints and staples at intervals of two feet apart. This was all the hand and foot hold the boy had. It was a perilous climb for one unaided and above an attack of giddiness, one slip, one false step and a fall would have been fatal, but he seems to have not felt fear. It was a marvellous feat for so young a lad and for daring and courage and endurance has seldom been equalled.
A Masquerade Ball was held at the Burra Institute on Wednesday 4 November, arranged by the CWA and CWA Younger set. The local Harmony Choir provided the music. [Details in a little more than 1⁄2 column.]
Mt Bryan Methodist Centenary Fete was held at the Mt Bryan Institute last Saturday. Mrs Alfred Riggs opened the event at 3.30 p.m. Proceeds were c. £45. [Details in just less than 1 column.]
57, 45, 10 Nov. 1936, page 4
Burra Town Council, 2 November
The returning officer, E.J. Davey reported on the ratepayers’ poll concerning the approval of ratepayers for the Council to borrow £400 for the purpose of building a swimming pool.
In Favour 122
Against 90
Informal 1
213
57, 46, 17 Nov. 1936, page 1
St Mary’s Church
The annual Church and Sunday school picnic was held at Gum Creek on Saturday 7 November by kind permission of the Hon. Walter Duncan. The weather was perfect and a large race program was held.
[Results are not printed.]
The Day of Prayer and Direct Giving, in lieu of a fete, raised £131.
The New Altar
A new altar was dedicated by the Rector on 15 November. It was designed, made and donated by Mr H.E. Fuss in memory of his late wife. It is built in blackwood and is a handsome acquisition to the church furniture.
The Bishop of Adelaide Dr H.N. Thomas will visit Burra next weekend. While here he will dedicate an Oak Bishop’s Chair in memory of the late Mrs Bright.
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Mt Bryan forfeited to Willalo
Hallett 16-107 defeated Aberdeen 2-57
‘B’ Grade Willalo 12-92 defeated Booborowie 6-62
Hallett 10-85 defeated Aberdeen 8-76
Ironmine Centenary Fete was organised by the Ladies’ Guild at Leighton Hall on 7 November to aid the Ironmine Methodist Church. Proceeds were satisfactory. [Details in 1⁄2 column.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 7 November.
Work has been mainly on Lean’s Shaft. A stage has been erected at 76 ft level and a drive opened to the east for 6 ft. It cut lode and we then drove south on the lode for 5 ft and south for 1 ft. The lode is 6 inches to one foot wide with a value estimated at 4 dwt.
Willalo. New tennis courts have been opened.
57, 46, 17 Nov. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 21 November
Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times
Conway Tearle & Hardie Albright in Sing Sing Nights
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Roy Lloyd at Burra Hospital 11 November, a son. [Donald Murray.]
Marriage. Farrell’s Flat Methodist Church, 12 November
Charles Butler, youngest son of Mrs & the late Mr C. Butler of Sussex, England, married
Sylvia Franklin, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs W.R. Franklin of Farrell’s Flat.
Marriage. Maughan Central Mission Church, Adelaide 14 November
M. [Marno] Ross Reed, third son of Mr John Reed and the late Mrs Reed of Gawler, married
E. [Elsie] Myra Piggott, third daughter of Mr & the late Mrs L.H. Piggott of Porter’s Lagoon, Farrell’s Flat.
Burra Floral Float. Prints of the photograph are available at 3d each.
Brown Relief Fund is at £39-2-6.
57, 46, 17 Nov. 1936, page 3
Obituary. Mrs S.E. Crettenden nee Minnie Oates, youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs P. Oates of Ironmine, died 6 November aged 60, following a seizure. She had lived in Unley for some time and is survived by her husband and four daughters: Queen, Edna, Muriel and Gladys. She has three brothers: J. Oates (Aberdeen), E. Oates (Kooringa), Stanley Oates (Adelaide) and one sister Mrs F. Trestrail of Coomandook.
[Born Amelia Ann Oates 29 April 1876 near Kooringa: died 6 November 1936 Adelaide, residence Unley.]
Obituary. William Rogers died at Broken Hill on 31 October. He was brother to Mrs W. Pearce and Mrs E. Oates of Kooringa. He was born at Burra, the eldest son of Mr & Mrs John Rogers of Baldina. He went to Broken Hill 37 years ago to work along the line of lode. He was a shift boss at Block 10 for 16 years, after which he went to Mismia for a short time, later returning to Broken Hill. He leaves a widow, one son, Eric Rogers, and two daughters, Miss Mabel Rogers and Mrs H.J. Phillips. He had six sisters: Mrs W. Pearce (Kooringa), Mrs E. Oates (Kooringa), Mrs A. Pearce, Mrs C. Aspinall, Mrs W. Watson (Adelaide) and Mrs A. Grose (Broken Hill). [Born 27 March 1871 Gum Creek.]
Obituary. William Norman O’Neill, owner of the Kooringa Billiard Saloon, suffered a short severe illness and died last Friday morning aged 45. He was buried at Snowtown on Saturday 14 November. He was a member of the local RSL and Sub-Branch members L.M. Gordon and Don Corral placed a Union Jack on the casket before it left Burra. The returned men of Snowtown preceded the hearse through the town.
[Born William Norman O’Neal 10 June 1891 Lochiel: died William Norman O’Neil 13 November 1936 Kooringa.]
Obituary. William Francis Brown died at Burra Hospital on 8 November. He was the eldest son of Mrs & the late Mr G. Brown of Burra. He was born 11 February 1888 at Leasingham and the family later came to live at Redruth. When the Great War broke out he enlisted on 30 September 1915 for active service and was attached to the 13th Field Battery until his discharge in 1919. He was one of five brothers who all saw active service. For many years he suffered severely from war disabilities, but we regret to report that like many others he received no recognition of his war service and although his health suffered on account of the war, he was unable to obtain a war pension, although totally unable to work. On 31 October he was admitted to Burra Hospital suffering from pleurisy and pneumonia and died on 8 November. In 1922 he married Miss Vera Dunning of Jamestown who is left with six young children. He was buried at Kooringa 10 November when the coffin was covered with the Union Jack and the bearers were RSL members D. Keynes, K.M. Drew, T.J. Canny, A.L. Bence, M.T. Fuller and F. Spencer. Mrs W.F. Brown emphatically denies rumours that she is leaving the town to reside in Jamestown. She has no intention of leaving Burra.
Obituary. Henry G. Schuyler died at Burra Hospital 10 November aged 86. He was an old colonist, having been born at Encounter Bay in 1856 and his grandfather built the first church there. The family then moved to Melbourne and after leaving school Mr Schuyler was employed as a shipping clerk on the Melbourne wharves for a number of years. After that he took up droving and then colt breaking in the Darling country and from then on spent his life on sheep stations. He came to the Booborowie District where he worked for Dr Brown, who then owned the vast Booborowie Station, where Mr Schuyler was a colt breaker and in charge of the rabbiting party. He then moved to the employ of the late Joseph Ford of Diprose’s and then to that of Mr Henry Riggs on Murkaby Station. He also worked for the late Thomas Warnes, father of I.J. Warnes, for Mr J.B. Klem and the late J.M. McBride. Prior to his retirement he was employed by Messrs A.J. & P. A. McBride and for a number of years managed Braemar Station and later went to their Lincoln Park Station in the Far North. While there he suffered a broken leg some twelve years ago which led him to retire to Aberdeen. He remained active despite this injury and only last year shore a sheep while staying with his son at Mt Bryan. Mrs Schuyler died five years ago and since then he lived with his children. Of three sons and four daughters the following survive: George Schuyler (Koomooloo), Mrs Steinberg (Lincoln Park), Mr R. Schuyler (Mt Bryan) and Mrs P.J. Hammer (Aberdeen). On Son, Frank Schuyler, was killed in the Great War. The late Mrs George Gallagher was a daughter. There are a number of grandchildren. [SA Deaths CD gives death of Henry George Schuyler as 9 November. The birth does not appear on SA Births CD.]
Marriages. Details of the Reed-Piggott and Butler-Franklin marriages are printed.
Hallett Methodist Church Ladies’ Guild held its annual fete at the Hallett Institute last Saturday in the form of an ‘All Nations Fair’. [Details in almost 11⁄4 columns.]
57, 46, 17 Nov. 1936, page 4
Apoinga School Picnic was held on 31 October in glorious weather on Mr J. McNamara’s property.
[Sports results are printed.]
57, 47, 24 Nov. 1936, page 1
Memories of Burra by Elizabeth A. Ward
The Burra Smelting Works
I suppose there are few people remaining in Burra who can remember the smelting works in their glory, or as the men would say, “going full blast”. I saw them once when I was a child about six years of age. I was taken by a party of ladies who had a permit for the visit and the whole scene left such an impression on my mind that I have never forgotten it. It was on a Saturday night. The vast piles of buildings lit up by the glare of the furnaces stands out clearly. These were at the Redruth end. Confronted by a great wall we entered by a great doorway. Then we passed through an immense courtyard paved with cobblestones.
At another opening an official met us and conducted us to a place of safety. We were now in a vast building. Two wooden galleries, an upper and lower ran though the building. These were supported by pillars of masonry. Two large platforms divided by a road were in the centre of the building. On these were the furnaces and their brilliant glare and heat was intense. Great clouds of steam and smoke flared and rose in colours streaked with black and grey at one place, and a great smell of sulphur. Men moved about, their shadows showing up like giants dangerously close. Chains clanked and wheels creaked and hammers pounded. The back of the building was in darkness like a vast cavern. Throughout all there came a sound of breathing from the huge bellows. One of the furnaces was being opened as we passed and a stream of molten metal poured out into some receptacle. Men stood at either side with long pieces of iron shaped like an inverted letter ‘L’. With these they pulled out pieces of unmelted ore and slag. Others ladled out this molten metal with big ladles with very long handles into iron pots like old fashioned wash hand bowls. These also had long handles. These were carried to the moulding floors. Here were beds of wet sand on which impressions of slabs were found. The hot metal was poured into these forming when cold slabs about the size and shape of tombstones. They were, of a dark green colour, smooth on one side, on the other shiny and ribbly in appearance.
The whole scene was intensely weird. Many years afterwards I had the opportunity of seeing a very large and properly illustrated copy of Dante’s Inferno. The pictures of that awful book vividly recalled my visit to the smelting works. It was a strange place to take a little child into. Little did those ladies think that a little girl standing so quietly by was taking it all in and that after a lapse of nearly seventy years would be able to describe the visit. It was all so unusual and fearsome, but I am glad now of the memory. We passed out at the Burra end. The old chimney was smoking and a great glare was coming from the Works. As we came down the hill the lights of the township were showing in the distance.
Turn back! Oh turn back
Old time in thy flight
Make me a child again
Just for tonight.
[Conclusion of the series of four articles by Elizabeth A. Ward.]
Burra Town Council, 26 November
The Town Clerk reported that since the decision to borrow £400 for the swimming pool under the Government Subsidy Scheme, he had been in touch with the local MP Mr McDonald who thought the terms so good that the Council should borrow more and the application for £500 had been approved. The Savings Bank had offered a loan of £400 at 41⁄2% over ten years. State and Federal Governments would be responsible for two thirds of the repayments and Council for the remaining third. The first year’s repayment would be £29-15-2. The decision to increase the loan to £500 was carried.
A request to top dress the Kooringa Tennis Club courts with bitumen was received. It was resolved to give them a quote for the work.
An estimate of £20 was given to the Burra Hospital Board for resurfacing their tennis courts – the Board to prepare the courts.
It was resolved to buy Ron Nickel’s horse for £10 plus £1 for the harness.
[The existing horse was old and unable to carry out the required work alone.]
57, 47, 24 Nov. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 28 November
Marion Davies & pat O’Brien in Page Miss Glory
James Dunn & Claire Dodd in The Pay Off
The Brown Relief Fund has reached £43-7-6.
Marriage. At Hallett [Hall], 21 November
Theodore J.A. [James Allan] Pohlner, the sixth son of Mr & Mrs A. Pohlner of Hallett, married
Melba M. [May] Beesley, only child of the late Mr & Mrs Beesley of Broken Hill, NSW.
Grasshoppers have reached the town and are in their thousands in ‘The Paddock’ where they have stripped some gardens. They have not yet reached the Bowling and Croquet Greens or the centre of the town.
Glendore Methodist Church held a Centenary Fair at Black Springs Hall on Saturday 7 November. The takings were about £49.
Willalo Tennis Tournament was greatly aided by the three new courts.
Men’s Championship Singles F.P. Sullivan
Men’s ‘A’ Grade Handicap Singles J. Gilmore (Jamestown)
Men’s ‘B’ Grade Handicap Singles E. Ashby
Men’s Handicap Doubles F.P. Sullivan & L.G. Collins
Ladies’ Championship Singles Miss Sheila Adams
Ladies’ Handicap Singles Miss Dixon (Spalding)
Handicap Mixed Doubles F.P. Sullivan & Miss M. Neylon
On the second day there was a dance in the evening at the Willalo Hall.
57, 47, 24 Nov. 1936, page 3
Marriage. Details of the Pohlner-Beesley wedding extend for 1 column.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 11th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy over 800 and 900 yards. Best scorers were C.D. Pexton, A.C. Aughey and H.H. Byles.
57, 47, 24 Nov. 1936, page 4
Centenary Education Week
[An extract from an article by the Director of Education W.J. Adey provides some useful points of reference from the history of education in SA.]
There was virtually no Government involvement in education in SA for the first ten years of the colony.
In 1844 there were 26 schools in the colony with a total attendance of about 719. Of the total 14 were in the city, 6 in the suburbs and 6 in the country.
The Collegiate School of St Peter opened on 11 July 1847 in the Trinity Church Schoolroom, with 11 boys.
Pulteney St Church of England Grammar School opened in May 1848.
Prince Alfred College began in 1867.
In 1849 the Legislative Council passed an Ordinance setting up a Board of Education with provision for a capitation grant to augment fees teachers received from pupils. It was criticised for providing State Aid for sectarian teaching. A new Education Act in 1851 licensed school teachers and fixed salaries.
There was a University Act in 1874 and primary education was radically changed with the Education Act of 1875. This established a Council of Education, which was empowered to establish public schools, appoint teachers and inspectors and to define courses. Attendance was to be compulsory from 7-13 years of age and fees ranges from 4d to 6d a week, though indigent children were excused from payment.
In 1892 education became free for most students.
In 1905 primary school instruction was broadened and a state secondary system was established. Adelaide High school was opened along with nine district high schools.
The 1915 Education act provided for the establishment of primary, secondary, technical and agricultural departments.
The first Government secondary school was the Advanced School for Girls at Grote Street, established in 1879 and some higher work was done at Sturt Street School from 1900, but the SA Secondary System as such dates only from 1907-08. It now provides a good general education for those leaving at the ages 15-17 to enter the commercial or industrial world or home occupations as well as providing further courses for those wishing to follow higher professional callings. There is an Agricultural School at Fullarton and 20 technical and trade schools.
57, 84, 1 Dec. 1936, page 1 [The number 84 for this issue is completely anomalous.]
Burra & District Schools Celebrate Education Week
Burra Primary School held a Children’s Fancy Dress Frolic on Wednesday.
[Details in a little less than 11⁄2 columns.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 21 November.
South Drive was extended to 12 ft, North Drive to 6 ft and East Drive to 12 ft.
The lode going south is maintaining a width averaging 9 inches with patchy values.
There are about 6 tons of ore at grass averaging about 4 dwt per ton.
57, 84, 1 Dec. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 4 & 5 December
Shirley Temple in The Littlest Rebel
Herbert Mundin in Champagne Charlie
Bishop Dr Thomas of Adelaide dedicated two Sanctuary Chairs at Hallett and a reading desk given in memory of the late James (Jimmy) Melrose by his two nephews and a niece: Duncan, Robert and Janet Melrose.
Hallett School held a Back-to-School on Friday. 101 old scholars are reported to have returned, including Joe W. Statton of Adelaide University.
Note: Mr W.E. Hunt has taken over the premises until recently occupied by Mr Milton Tiddy [at Burra North].
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 10-83 defeated Willalo 8-84
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 9-93 defeated Willalo 9-88.
Accident/Obituary. On Friday afternoon last, Walter Lee, second son of Mr & Mrs Walter Lee of Ware Street Kooringa, was killed when he was electrocuted at his parents’ house. He was aged 15. Apparently he hit a tennis ball onto the roof and while recovering it, he tripped over the electric wires. He was noticed by Master Reg Dow who lives nearby and who raised the alarm. Dr Stevens and Mr Lee were soon on the scene and the body was quickly recovered. Artificial respiration was attempted, but failed to revive the boy.
[Walter George Lee born 23 January 1921 Kooringa: died 27 November 1936 Kooringa.]
57, 84, 1 Dec. 1936, page 3
Burra & District Schools Celebrate Education Week
Copperhouse School
A service was held at Westbury Church on Sunday 22 November.
On Tuesday the annual school picnic was held at Gum Creek.
On Wednesday evening a lantern lecture on the woollen industry in SA was given in the Redruth Jubilee Hall.
On Thursday W. Kakoschke drove the pupils in to Burra School for educational films and in the afternoon there was a combined sports event with Gum Creek, Ayers, Leighton and Hanson Schools.
Friday was the school’s Visiting Day, with a Children’s Pet show at 10.30 a.m. Mrs I.J. Warnes gave an address and so did Mr G. Finch, Chairman of the School Committee. The children presented items.
In the evening on Saturday there was a social at the school.
Leighton School
There was a service at Ironmine church on Saturday 22 November
On Monday evening a meeting at the school was addressed by J. Field, A. McDonald, Rev. Dyer, D. Lucas, L.E. Klaffer and Mrs I.J. Warnes. Afternoon tea was held in Leighton Hall.
Tuesday saw cricket and tennis matches against Ayers School. Leighton won the cricket and Ayers the tennis. [Results are printed.]
Wednesday saw a combined Schools’ Concert in Leighton Hall at which £18 was raised.
On Thursday there was a combined sports event and picnic at Gum Creek.
The week ended with games and fun on Friday at Leighton School.
Gum Creek School
A Back-to-School event started the celebrations on Monday.
Hanson and Gum Creek Schools held a combined Schools’ Concert in the Hanson Methodist Hall on Tuesday.
Parents and friends gathered on Wednesday to hear an address from Hon. Walter Duncan, followed by a parade of decorated bicycles, carts etc. and fancy dress. [Prize winners are listed.]
The combined schools’ picnic and sports was on Thursday.
The Children’s Centenary Party drew celebrations to an end on Friday with a special cake made by the children.
Mt Bryan School
Visiting Day on Wednesday saw talks on the early history of the state and district at the Memorial Hall given by John Honan of Hallett, E. Collins of Prospect and E.C. Thomas.
Items were presented and afternoon tea followed.
Hanson School
A Back-to-School on Monday drew about 150 people. Speakers included D. McQueen (present head teacher), J. Brereton (Chairman of the School Committee), H.E. Atkins (Secretary of the School Committee), Miss E.E.C. Ayliffe. [Ellen Esther Cecelia Ayliffe 1857-1940] and Mr Thomas Rogers [1858-1940] who spoke of building the present school 35 years ago. Miss Ayliffe was the teacher who had marched the children from the old Council Chambers to the present school. About 30 old scholars marched in the answer the roll call. Some games followed and then a sumptuous afternoon tea. The ‘eldest boy’ was Tommy Goodridge who had enrolled here in 1882. [I can’t trace a Tom Goodridge who would have enrolled in 1882.]
A photo was taken.
On Tuesday there was a combined concert with Gum Creek School and on Thursday the combined sports at Gum Creek. [Results are printed.]
On Friday Hanson school entertained Ayers School at Hanson. In the morning Ayers won the cricket match and in the afternoon Ayers 6-38 beat Hanson 6-25 at Tennis.
A Children’s Frolic and Dance was held on Friday night. [Prize winners are listed.]
Booborowie, North Booborowie & Yakilo Schools
A combined sports day was held on Wednesday 25 November on the South Booborowie Recreation Ground. It
Began with a procession from Booborowie School of the three schools led by their school bands and banners. [Details of the day occupy c. 1⁄2 column.]
A visiting day was held on Friday.
Black Springs School
On Thursday 26 November a Back-to-School was held. The present schoolmaster Mr C.B. Kermode handed the old scholars over to Mrs O’Malley, formerly Miss Ellen Clancey, who had been appointed to the school in 1920. She called the roll, inspected their attire and cleanliness and marched them off to salute the flag and then into school. Mr Kermode called the roll from the 1879 register.
It is thought the school was first held in a pug and pine building also used as the church and situated in a north-eastern direction from the present Anglican Church* and across the road in what is now R. Fatchen’s property. The oldest scholar present was Horace J. Dunn† of Barton Hill who was admitted in February 1879. Mrs Wiese‡ nee Miriam Gilbert came later in the day: she was enrolled in January 1879. Mrs J. Whellum§ nee Rhoda Gilbert, who was also present, is thought to have attended in 1878, but records before 1879 are not to hand.
Photographs were taken and reminiscences indulged in. Mr C.A. Heinrich presided at a banquet in the Black Springs Hall. [Some of the reminiscences and a list of old scholars are printed in a report a little longer than 11⁄2 columns.]
[*In 2010 the Lutheran Church.
†Horace Joseph Dunn 1872-1956
‡ Miriam Ruth Wise nee Gilbert 1870-1950
§Rhoda Whellum nee Gilbert 1868-1952.]
Farrell’s Flat School
Monday was Visiting Day.
Tuesday saw a demonstration of physical drill, rhythm and maypole dancing, followed by a sumptuous lunch before a sports program at Duncan Park.
On Wednesday Black Springs School visited.
Thursday was a sports day when at Cricket the Present Scholars 142 defeated Fathers 74 and at Basketball [Netball] the present scholars 21 defeated Ladies 13.
On Friday the school visited Black Springs School and there was a Fancy Dress Frolic in the evening.
[Children and costumes are listed.]
57, 49, 8 Dec. 1936, page 1
Mt Bryan East Cricket Club held a concert on 28 November in the Mt Bryan East Church, which was a successful evening’s entertainment.
Mt Bryan East School visited Pt Pirie Smelters with many other students last Friday.
Redruth Methodist Guild Strawberry Fete was held last Saturday at the Memorial Sunday School Hall. Mrs J.G. Sara [1864-1959] opened the event. She took the opportunity to reminisce about the history of the church as she could remember it:
My earliest memory was of a service held in a little building near Mr Herbert Cox’s, which seemed to be walled off with part of the wall built of burnt slag. We entered from the east between this wall and the church and the door opened from the south. The ceiling was papered in blue with stars. Next, when nearly eight years old there was an Anniversary service in the Court House. Mr A.H. Forder had trained the singers. Mt next recollection is of the present church being built with the Sunday school on the end. Mr John Roach was the Superintendent and John Dunstan the Secretary. Mrs Chant is the only teacher I remember because she progressed with the students to the next class. Later the wall between the Church and the Sunday school was removed and we had the church as it is now.
The first magic lantern that I ever saw was held over in the building now occupied by Mr Cecil Thamm, we had boards put along for seats and many had to stand. It was arranged by Mr Fisher and others, in aid, I believe, of church funds.
After the wall between the Sunday school and the church was taken down the Sunday school was held in the German Church near the Court House and the adult classes came over to the church for lessons. On the tea meeting days we had sports on the flat. The older girls enjoyed archery with a big target and a bow and arrows. The young men were always gallant and brought the arrows back to us.
[Some names of families of the time are listed.]
After the Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and Bible Christian Churches joined together the Primitive Methodist Church was used as the Sunday school. Later the Kindergarten and Primary Schools were started. Miss Bentley had the Kindergarten in the old building recently demolished and Miss Hazel Bartholomaeus had the Primary, which was held in the front of the building that had been Mr A. Bartholomaeus’ store. Mr M. Morton was Superintendent and Mr F.T. Sara was Secretary.
Mr James Reed, who had always been a worker for the young people had a vision and with the co-operation
Of others had the present beautiful Sunday school built.
In the evening a concert was held and was well attended.
Kooringa Methodist Ladies’ Guild Strawberry Fete was held last Friday afternoon in aid of church funds. It was fairly brief; 2.30 to 5.30 p.m., but takings were up on last year. [Stall holders are listed.]
Black Springs School. Sports results for the sports held on 26 November are listed.
57, 49, 8 Dec. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 12 December
Jane Withers in Gentle Julia
Irvin S. Cobb & Rochelle Hudson in Everybody’s Old Man
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. have instructions from Mr W. Marshall to hold a Property and Furniture Sale on his property as he is leaving the district. Corner of Morehead and Cooper St 11 December.
A four-roomed villa-fronted house etc.
Croquet. Last week Aberdeen 78 defeated Farrell’s Flat 39.
A Methodist Sunday School Rally was held last Sunday in Kooringa Methodist Church. The schools represented were Hanson, Ironmine, Redruth, Farrell’s Flat and Kooringa. Rev. A. Dyer was ill and unable to attend, so Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook took charge.
Weather. Snow in December!
On Monday and Tuesday last week the temperatures neared the century [in °F], but on Wednesday rain set in and on Thursday temperatures were 50-60°F. Locally at midday there was a heavy fall of hail with sleet. No snow fell in Burra itself, but at Mt Bryan snow fell mixed with rain for half an hour. In some places the snow fell more thickly. Snow with the rain was also reported from ‘Cappeedee’, Hallett.
Obituary. George Sampson, husband of Flo Sampson and second son of the late George & Sarah Sampson of Kooringa, died at Kalgoorlie Hospital, WA aged 32. [George Grenfild Sampson born 7 May 1904 Kooringa.]
The news of Mr George Sampson’s death reached Kooringa on Saturday when Mrs Clem Sampson received a phone message from her husband. The cause of death was fever and pneumonia. The late Mr Sampson was born at Kooringa in 1904, the second son of the late George and Sarah Sampson of Kooringa. After leaving school he assisted his father, who was a well-known dam-sinker in the north and northeast. After his parents’ deaths he went to Broken Hill, but for many years now has been associated with his eldest brother, Mr Clem Sampson, and they were on a big dam-sinking contract when Mr George Sampson was taken ill. He leaves a widow, nee Florence Pearce of Broken Hill and two daughters aged 10 and 8. He is survived by two brothers and two sisters: W.C. Sampson (Burra), Allan Sampson (Iron Knob), Mrs Edith Boehm & Mrs Silby Jarrett (both of Renmark).
The Brown Relief Fund reaches £46-16-6
Burra High School headmaster T.W. Charlesworth has been transferred to Balaklava High school for 1937. Mr Richards from Mt Barker will come to Burra. Mrs Charlesworth, whose elocutionary gifts have been freely given, will also be missed.
57, 49, 8 Dec. 1936, page 3
Tennis. Aberdeen 12-89 defeated Kooringa 6-84.
Mr Steve Timms of Burra has passed his examination to become a Police Cadet and leaves for the city next Saturday. He is 17 and the second son of Mr & Mrs Stan Timms of Kooringa.
Mrs I. Tralaggan of Aberdeen has bought a property at Aldgate and left Burra last week.
[Born Helena Jane Bailey; her husband, Isaac Tralaggan, died 12 August 1935.]
St Brendan’s Church ladies held a strawberry fete at the Mt Bryan Hall last Saturday. [Details in 1⁄3 column.]
Maurice Bednall writes to correct a misconception going around the town.
I have been acting for Mr E.J. Harris in his unfortunate position and as his solicitor. I have insisted he includes every creditor in his list of liabilities and to the best of my knowledge he has done so. Also it seems Mr Worth has been accused of unfair conduct towards Mr Harris at and after his meeting of creditors. Such a rumour is unfounded. If Mr Worth has erred, it is on the side of generosity.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for the fortnight to 28 November
Have continued to develop drives and tunnels.
Some payable ore in the North Drive off the 92 ft level, but values are erratic. Progressed to 79 ft.
Stoping the 92 ft level south. The South Drive at 92 ft level has been extended to 453 ft; began to rise at 440 ft on a vein with good traces of gold.
At No. 1 tunnel on the Eastern Hillside have been driving for 12 ft on a small leader.
No. 3 tunnel has been driven 22 ft to 40 ft with some good patches.
Dismantled head gear from the main shaft. Air service ready for cutting headroom for new poppet heads etc.
57, 49, 8 Dec. 1936, page 4
Education Week
Burra Public School
Tuesday 24 November: Annual Visiting Day saw games and marching at 11 a.m. and an address by Mr Melrose MP at 11.40 a.m.
Thursday 26 November: Program of educational films using a Kodascope Model L projector on loan from Kodak Adelaide.
Hallett School
Friday saw a reunion of old scholars and a meeting with present scholars. Some 101 old scholars attended and there were at least 50 other visitors. Reminiscences and humour prevailed. Photographs were taken and at 5.30 p.m. a knife and fork tea was held in the Institute, followed by a concert at 8 p.m. in which present scholars gave the first half and old scholars provided the second half.
[A list of attending old scholars is printed.]
Tennis
‘A’ Grade Willalo 11-88 defeated Hallett 7-75
Aberdeen 12-93 defeated Ironmine 6-78
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 9-86 defeated Aberdeen 9-84
Hallett 13-94 defeated Willalo 5-70
Burra Rifle Club fired the 11th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy over 200 and double 300 yards. Best scorers were J.H. Schwier, C.D. Pexton and R.J. Kellock. J.H. Schwier scored the only possible at 200 yards.
57, 50, 15 Dec. 1936, page 1
Burra Town Council, 7 December
The Unemployment Relief Council advised that a sum of money had been made available for Christmas Cheer for the unemployed. Heads of households were entitled to £1, a woman to 10/-, a single man to 10/- and each child to 2/6. A list has been sent in advising that in Burra seven persons were entitled to the relief.
An inspection will be made of the cracks in the Fire Station walls.
M.W. Bednall advises that a portion of the Burra Hospital was still vested in the Council, but the Government was tidying up the titles to show all the land was now vested in the Burra Burra Hospital Inc.
Plans submitted by J.E. Pearce for a new sleepout at the National Bank were approved.
Quite a long discussion was held on whether to give the Aberdeen Croquet Club £2 towards excess water costs. The Club was beautifying an area of Council owned land and this question came up annually. Eventually it was resolved that the club would be paid £2 annually towards excess water (as long as they incurred such charges.)
Queen Street had been tarred in 1935 and it was resolved now to tar Kangaroo Street.
The occupiers of all houses with steps protruding into the footpath will be required to remove them, as they constitute a danger to pedestrians. This was specifically sparked by concerns over the steps at Mr Woodman’s house on the path leading to the hospital.
A letter of sympathy was sent to Cr Sampson on his recent bereavement.
57, 50, 15 Dec. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 19 December
Jessie Matthews in First A Girl
Paul Kelly & Sammie Cohen in Here Comes Trouble
Advt. Burra Seaside Trip 1937. Meeting called for 22 December at 8 p.m. at Burra Institute.
Alwin T. Pearce, Secretary.
Advt. Graham Dow, Secretary of RSL Sub-Branch re tickets for the RSL stand at the Pageant of Progress to be held in Adelaide 22 December.
Editorial on The Abdication
The editor expresses sadness and disappointment at the decision of the King [Edward VIII] to abdicate, and tendering sincere loyalty and affection for the new King and Queen [George VI and Queen Elizabeth.]
A Record Wedding Anniversary?
Lately Tasmania has been suggesting a 70th wedding anniversary there was a record.
Mr & Mrs Hams of Terowie had a 70th wedding anniversary and Mr & Mrs Sam Baker of Burra went one better in November 1934 when they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. They were married in Kooringa in 1862. Mrs Baker died in August 1935.
[The Hams claim does not seem to stand up to investigation. Edward Hams married Jane Smith 17 December 1853 at St George’s Church, Gawler. Edward Hams died 11 August 1921 and Jane Hams died 3 November 1921, meaning their last wedding anniversary was their 67th.
The Baker claim is essentially correct, though the marriage on 29 November 1862 is registered as having occurred at a house in Redruth rather than in Kooringa. Mr Baker died 22 August 1938.]
Sgt Cain [sic: for Kain] recently left the town without any public recognition. We have been asked to receive subscriptions for a practical appreciation of his services. Subscriptions will also be received by Mr C. Fuller at Bence’s Ltd and at Messrs Sara & Co.’s store at Aberdeen. St Cain dealt with all matters with kindly tact, whether in the preservation of the law, the handling of the unemployed or old age pensions.
Obituary. Mrs T.G. Tohl died at Henley on 12 December aged 66. She had been in delicate health for a number of years. She was buried at Booborowie on Monday.
[Born Mary Hogan but birth not on SA Births CD.]
A Masquerade Ball was held on Saturday 12 December at the Mt Bryan Institute in aid of St Brendan’s Church. [Prize winners are listed.]
57, 50, 15 Dec. 1936, page 3
Tennis. New grass courts have been prepared for about twelve months at the southern end of the Sports Syndicate land (Burra Racecourse). They are rented by the Kooringa Tennis Club and were opened last Monday. Five courts were planted, but only three were ready for play. The opening was performed by Club President Dr D.M. Steele. The first three sets to play were: Dr Steele & J.R. Barker v. J. Gebhardt & B. Hirschausen, Matron Siegele & _______ Burnley v. M. Gebhardt & Mrs A.L. Collins and Mrs J.R. Barker & Miss J. Gebhardt v. Mrs D. Steele & Miss Olah Pearce.
Mrs W.H. Hardy, who is well over 70, had a nasty accident last week. When dressed for bed she had a fall in the kitchen and remained there all night. Colin Parker, who delivers milk to her, noticed the can was not out and called back later. Getting no reply, he told M-C Armstrong who heard a faint voice and broke in, to find Mrs Hardy on the floor with a nasty cut on the face. Some years ago she had a stroke and lost the use of her left arm. Having fallen on her right side, she was unable to get up. She was removed to the Hospital and is doing well.
Rev. E.H. Woollacott, who was visiting his mother Mrs C. Woollacott, took the services at Redruth on Sunday, owing to the illness of Rev. Dyer.
Mrs T.W. Charlesworth was given a farewell by members of the Kooringa Methodist Ladies’ Guild last Wednesday, prior to her removal to Balaklava. Mrs Charlesworth has been a popular performer at both Redruth and Kooringa Guild functions with her elocutionary skills. Many Redruth members also attended the farewell. Mrs Charlesworth had also taken an interest in the Kooringa Girls’ Comrades Club. A presentation was made of a crystal vase. Mr Charlesworth was much appreciated as a Choir member.
57, 51, 22 Dec. 1936, page 1
Accident/Obituary. At 3 p.m. on Tuesday Billy Marcus aged 10, the only son of Mr & Mrs B. Marcus of Aberdeen was drowned at the Mine Pool. He was away from school due to an outbreak of chickenpox in the home and with Bob Goble and a little friend from Adelaide, visited the pool. Bob is a High School boy and had the afternoon off because of a rehearsal at the Institute. They were not swimming, but while Bob and his friend were on the west bank, Bill went to the north side and waded out to the old raft used when the pool was leased by the Swimming Club. He climbed onto it, but it was waterlogged and capsized. Seeing him struggling in the water Bob raced round the pool and pushed a plank out for him to grasp, but he missed it and went down. The lads then raced off to get help. Ken Walker, J. Clark, Rod Wilson and Paris Fuller dived to try to find him, but without success. M-C Armstrong arrived with grappling irons and Mr Milton Tiddy took them out and at about 5 p.m. the body was recovered. He had been a popular and capable student. The funeral on Wednesday followed a service at St Mary’s. Bearers were Ron Carpenter, Norman Allen, Joe O’Connell and Ted Fuss.
[William Marshall Marcus born 30 December 1926 Penola: died 15 December 1936 Kooringa, residence Aberdeen.]
57, 51, 22 Dec. 1936, pages 1 & 4
Burra High School Break-up
As usual the year ended with a concert at the Institute and the presentation of prizes and awards.
[Concert items are described in about 3⁄4 column.]
Mr Charlesworth said the school’s activities for the year had been reported weekly in the Record and so he would make only a short address instead of repeating all the events. The school had broken a record this year when attendance reached 65 compared with the previous record of 62 in 1931. For the whole year removal and sickness saw the average attendance fall to 54, but this was still a record high, beating the previous best of 52.8. He especially had to thank Miss Isom for her help with all plays and dances and strenuous work at the piano, on top of all her regular duties.
Dr Steele gave an address as President of the High School Council. In the Centenary Year he felt it did no harm to look back over a century of achievement by the pioneers and their successors.
Awards were presented.
After interval the entertainment continued.
[A further 1⁄2 column of detail is provided and the list of awards fills another 1⁄2 column.]
57, 51, 22 Dec. 1936, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 December
Joan Blondell & Dick Powell in Broadway Gondolier
Kay Linaker & Ricardo Cortez in Murder of Dr Harrigan
26 December
Anna Neagle & Sir Cedric Hardwicke in Nell Gwyn
28 December
George Raft & Rosalind Russell in It Had to Happen
Paul Kelly & Rochelle Hudson in Country Beyond
Notice. While rebuilding, Dr Steele will reside and practice in the house of the late E.W. Crewes, Queen Street, Kooringa. Fifth house on the right from Terry’s Corner.
Miss Honorah Fitzgerald, Frock and Mantle Maker, late of Madame Cohen, Adelaide, has commenced business at the Bon Accord Hotel, Aberdeen.
Burra High School students showed their appreciation of their teachers with a presentation of a set of toilet requisites, including a shaving outfit to Mr T.W. Charlesworth. A box of stationery was given to Miss Isom and shaving outfits to Messrs L. Braddock and T. Kissel.
Mrs William Geake of Kooringa is in very poor health and her demise is hourly expected.
[Mrs W. Geake died 22 December 1936. See 58, 1, 5 Jan. 1937, page 2 and a more extended obituary 58, 2, 12 Jan. 1937, page 1. She was born Elizabeth Vivian Jenkin 26 May 1858 at Kooringa.]
Redruth Young People’s Christian Endeavour Society provided a Christmas Party for older residents at the Redruth Memorial Hall on Wednesday 16 December. [Participants are listed.]
Advt. Burra Cycle & Athletic Club will present a Sports Day on Saturday next 28 December with a Grand Ball in the Aberdeen Lodge Hall in the evening.
[There are publicity photos of two of the competitors: Tommy Norris (WA Senior Contender for the SA Championship Derby) and Clinton Beasley (Victorian Title-holder and fastest in the Warrnambool-Melbourne.]
Centenary Trees. The trees planted this year are so far doing quite well with about 90% surviving to date.
Bowls. On Saturday teams from Eudunda and Cadell visited Burra.
Eudunda 91 defeated Burra 77 and Cadell 51 defeated Burra 49.
Salvation Army. The Women’s Home League held its break-up on a recent Wednesday. Father Christmas attended and super was served.
The Young People’s Anniversary was held 13 & 14 December, conducted by Major Glassonbury of Adelaide.
Mr A.J. Whimpress and family, of the Vacuum Oil Depot, have left Burra after three and a half years here. Mr Whimpress is a loss to the Burra Rifle Club where he was an enthusiastic member.
Messrs Milton Tiddy & T.W. Charlesworth were farewelled by the Kooringa Methodist Choir last Sunday. Mr Tiddy had been a member for 17 years. He was presented with a wallet of notes, contributions to which had also come from Redruth Church members, as Mr Tiddy had been a member of the Redruth Choir for a number of years. Mr Charlesworth was presented with a copy of the new Methodist hymn and tune book.
Master Ian Charlesworth was given a book as a farewell gift from the Sunday school.
57, 51, 22 Dec. 1936, page 3
Burra Rifle Club held its Special Christmas Shoot. Best scorers were A.J. Whimpress, R.G. Bernhardt and E. Barty.
Weather. Thunderstorms to the east have delivered useful if patchy rain on three days in succession.
On Tuesday Baldina reported 34 points, Woolgangi 100, Koomooloo 50, Quondong 20, Braemar 38 and Hogback 60. On the 17 & 18 December there were further falls of 16 to more than 60 points.
There were also falls in the agricultural areas. A.F. McDonald near Hallett reports 120 points. G.S. Nourse at ‘Melton Park’ Mt Bryan got 110 points in three showers. Hanson received a downpour and Clem Bailey reports over 2 inches as a result. Falls of around 2 inches are also reported from World’s End where the downpour caused local flooding and carried away much fencing. Burra recorded just 14 points.
Burra Town Council, 21 December – Burra Swimming Pool
Solicitors for the Savings Bank of SA write asking whether the increase of the loan from £400 to £500 has been advertised, as it was necessary to do so in both the Government Gazette and the local paper.
Cr Worth thought that as there was no hope of getting any real revenue from the pool this year, it would be better to let the matter drop and make an early start to have it opened early next season.
The Mayor was fed up with the whole thing. Delay followed delay as one thing followed another.
He said a start could be made very shortly and that it was unfortunate that they had applied for £500.
Discussion followed and eventually the consensus was that they could borrow £400 without further trouble.
Cr Jennison was anxious to get started.
Cr Kellaway moved that arrangements be made to borrow the £400.
Cr Dow said the motion to borrow £500 was out of order as the previous one to borrow £400 had not been rescinded.
The Clerk confirmed that no notice had been published about the £500 loan.
The Mayor said he would like to see a full Council present before anything definite was decided.
Cr Dow agreed with Cr Jennison that they needed to act. They had been talking for six months.
It was unanimously agreed to borrow £400 as originally intended and they would meet immediately to choose a site.
With respect to the Mine Bridge Inspector Davis had made a fresh survey and would send up the necessary specifications and tenders would be called.
Booborowie School & District Christmas Tree was held on Thursday in the Memorial Hall. A large gathering of parents and friends indicated the popularity of the event. Carols and items were followed by the arrival of Father Christmas and then the distribution of school prizes and awards.
Qualifying Certificates went to:
Murray Brandon Maurice Collins
Maurice McEvoy Ashley Woodgate
Nelly Callary
Leighton School prizes and awards were distributed on Thursday afternoon. Mr J. Field handed out the prizes and certificates. Qualifying Certificates went to:
Ted Lynch Sylvie Lloyd
Shiela Langsford And another person misidentified in the text.
Mr & Mrs Warnes have given a Christmas Tree to the children of Leighton for 28 years now and the one on Thursday last was another notable success.
Farrell’s Flat School had a break-up concert in aid of Junior Red Cross on Thursday 17 December. Mr H.G. Fiedler handed out Qualifying Certificates to:
Glen Torr Ronald Short
Kathleen Monaghan Jean Angas
Harold Williams Jean Keane
Aileen O’Connor Joan Crossing
Nancy Short Joyce Fiedler
Nellie Crocker
Addresses were given and Centenary Medals were distributed.
A Christmas Party for children of the town and district was held in the Institute on Saturday 19 December. A group of young people presented the play Snow White.
Burra Primary School. At 3.35 p.m. on Thursday Rev. A. Dyer presented Qualifying Certificates to the following, in order of merit (left hand column first).
Roy Sachse Lorna Bowen
Jessie Morrison Claire Sara
Dudley Armstrong Gilbert Prior
Joyce Dyer Melva Brown
William Nankivell Charlie Hopkins
Joan Ford Max Miels
Ivan Hirschausen Jean Villis
Joan Marcus
St Joseph’s Convent School held its annual children’s treat on Thursday evening. The children’s concert started the evening. [There is 1⁄2 column of detail.] Father Christmas then arrived.
Qualifying Certificates were given to Tom Ryan and Brian Kain.
[The prize list is printed.]
Willalo School held a break-up concert and Christmas Tree on Saturday 12 December. After Father Christmas’s visit the Chairman of the School Committee presented Mr & Mrs J. Caines with a wallet of notes as a farewell gesture. Master F. Caines was given a brush and comb and Harry was given a gift as well.
Black Springs School. Prizes were offered for the best essays on the Back-to-Black Springs School event. The winning essays are printed. They were by Valda Mickel in Grade V and Donald I’Anson in Grade VI.
Mongolata Goldfield
Messrs W. Pexton & Sons Takati Claim report for December. 51 tons of ore was sent to the battery and produced 91 oz 6 dwt 13 gr plus by cyanide 5 oz 12 dwt 15 gr for a total of 96 oz 19 dwt 4 gr.
Mayor T.H. Woollacott took exception to the statement as expressed in last week’s paper that Sgt Kain was not accorded a farewell. In particular he objected to the assertion that frequently some folk who had been in the town only five minutes were accorded a blare of trumpets etc. People who had been in the town twenty years like relatives of the Mayor and Arthur Harris had not received send-offs. Inspector Kain had only been in the town two years and ‘he did not regard it as part of his duty to organise public farewells to people who had not taken an interest in public affairs.’
‘If residents had friends leaving the town it was up to them to give them a farewell.’
The Council had done its duty and sent Inspector Kain a letter of congratulations on his promotion.
The Councillors generally agreed with the points made by the Mayor.
The Editor says that he also agrees with most of the remarks made by the Mayor, but that he cannot understand why the Mayor should have thought the article referred to himself. That is beyond the editor’s comprehension. The Mayor’s name [or position] was not mentioned. ‘The appeal was and is for a worthy cause and no one wishes the Mayor to have anything to do with it if he does not so desire.’
57, 51, 22 Dec. 1936, page 4
Mrs Charlesworth was given a farewell at a bridge evening at the residence of Mrs S. Watson at Kooringa on Wednesday evening.
Miss D.I. Walker of Gum Creek School was given a farewell social in the Ironmine Memorial Hall last Tuesday evening. She had been head teacher at Gum Creek for nearly two years and had now been transferred to Upper Wakefield. A presentation was made of a xylonite brush, comb and mirror.
Characteristics of the paper in 1936
Page 1.
The space is shared between large advertisements and news, fairly evenly, but in fluctuating proportions from week to week.
Page 2.
A couple of large advertisements. Cash Column of small ‘classified’ type advertisements. Public Notices, entertainment, sales and other small advertisements. Smaller items of local news.
Page 3.
A couple of large advertisements, but mainly local news including sport. Sometimes an article or more of general interest.
Page 4.
Some smaller advertisements, not all of them local. Some local news in fluctuating balance with general interest articles.
In general the local news gets good coverage. Council reports appear from Burra Town and District Councils as wellas from the District Councils of Saddleworth, Hallett and Robertstown. School notes kept the populace up to date with the weekly testing procedures as well as with the sporting and others events in the school week; so much so that the High School headmaster dispensed with his usually lengthy report at the end of the year.
Numbering of Issues in 1936.
The year began with Volume 57, Number 1 on 7 January 1936.
And continued to Volume 57, Number 51 on 22 December 1936.
There are two irregularities:
The issue for 29 September was incorrectly dated 22 September and is corrected by hand on the microfilm.
There is no Volume 57, Number 48 for 1 December 1936 because the numbers were inverted and appear as 84.
58, 1, 5 Jan. 1937
Page 1 Advertisements
Walker & Sons Shoes etc.
Nelson Hann Agent for William Charlick & second hand tractor sales
Jeffrey & Byrne Quality Meat Store, Kooringa
W.G. Terry Tailor, Kooringa
Thomson Thomson’s Garage
C.J. Pearce & Son Glaziers, Furniture, Mattresses,
Agents for Morgan’s Monumental Masons
Fred M. Pearce Timber & Hardware Merchant, Aberdeen
Pederson & Son Quality Shoe Store
H.J.B. Jennison Jennison’s Tyre Service
Page 2 Advertisements
Drew & Crewes General Merchants & Importers
M.T. Fuller Agent for ‘Diabolo’ Separators
G.D. Smallacombe Proprietor, Bon Accord Hotel, Aberdeen
A. Lomman Duco & Enamel Motor Refinisher, Hoods, Curtains and general motor trimming. House Decorator & Signwriter
Maeder Maeder Hairdressing Salon, Commercial St
C. Leslie Phillips Dentist
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc.
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc. [Regular advertisers, but not in this issue.]
___________ Burra Talkies
Mrs E. Brown Excelsior Bakery (a farewell notice)
Oates & Co. Auctioneers etc.
Page 3 Advertisements
Matthews Drapers & Clothiers, Kooringa
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Aberdeen & Kooringa
Page 4 Advertisements
R.C. Lott Car Sales
[Guy Dollman] Burra Motor Co. Agents for Caterpillar Tractors, Dodge cars & Trucks, De Soto Cars, Hillman, Humber, Commercial Trucks, Horwood Bagshaw Farm Machinery. Oxy Welding.
58, 1, 5 Jan. 1937, page 1
W. Anderson of Neutral Bay NSW writes a letter because an article published in The Record of 13 October 1936 revealed that the editor did not know the origins of his own paper. Anderson obliges.
At the Parliamentary Club held in the Burra Institute in 1878 the late Sir Frederick Holder moved a resolution that a committee of 10 be appointed with the object of starting a paper and to guarantee an overdraft at the bank for £200. They [the committee] then arranged for two printers from Adelaide, Henry Pether and Frank Jarman to publish the same and a short time later they engaged R.H. Ball as editor. He remained only a short time before joining the National Bank. In 1883 Mr Holder took possession. In reference to the dugouts Anderson agreed that they should be preserved, but should have a different appearance to the ones in the photo, as the old huts were neatly cut out of the banks and had neat little gardens in front, had doors and windows and some also had verandahs. He feared not many were left who had lived in such huts. The only one other than his brother and himself that he was aware of was Mr Sol. Williams of Glenelg. He says: We lived in one for five years from December 1856 to about the same month in 1861, when we were all ordered to leave the huts and the difficulty was then to find a cottage, as they were scarce. We managed to get one almost immediately on account of the previous tenant committing suicide, as most people were afraid of ghosts.
Tom Canny writes condemning the Mayor’s remarks on the departure of Sgt Kain as being in poor taste. He and the Council decided that ‘highly paid citizens should not be farewelled’. This is an attitude not borne out in the light of previous occasions. [Some details in this letter are corrected in the next issue.]
58, 1, 5 Jan. 1937, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Sale at Burra Markets 15 January for the trustee of the Assigned Estate of E.J. Harris.
House property with frontage 83ft to Chapel St of 1 rood 8 perches with stone and brick house of 6 rooms etc.
Land at the rear of the above with cowshed, motor garage and galvanised iron shed 48ft x 12ft x 9ft.
Shop and land frontage 29ft to Market Square x 60ft to Thames St with stone and iron shop 29ft x 38ft with cellar. Iron store room 13ft x 29ft and yard 9ft x 29ft.
Notice. Mrs E. Brown, having disposed of her interest in Excelsior Bakery is leaving the district and thanks all for past favours.
Advt. Burra Talkies 9 January
Jane Withers in Little Miss Nobody and second feature The First Baby.
Mr W. Anderson whose letter appears on page 1 left Burra many years ago. He kept a bootmaker’s shop on the property now occupied by Mr A. Lomman and the family home, now demolished, was where Mr L.M. Gordon’s home now stands. The old Records prior to the present owner were either burnt or lost and we thank Mr Anderson for information we have previously tried to obtain without success.
A.C. Aughey has broken a thumb in the door of a railway truck.
Joe Meers aged 17 was coming home with a dray on 26 December when the horse bolted near home. As he tried to pull up the horse the winkers broke and it is thought he then jumped from the dray sustaining serious head injuries. He was critical and unconscious till 1 January when he regained consciousness and has improved somewhat.
Obituary. A memorial service was held in the Kooringa Methodist Church last Sunday for E.T. Prior & Mrs W. Geake. [The only male Prior to be registered as dying in SA in 1936 was Elijah Thomas Prior on 13 August at Kooringa aged 75 who was born at Nelson (Burra) 4 April 1861. This seems to be a somewhat belated memorial service. His death is only referred to as being ‘recent’.]
Obituary. Mrs W. Geake died 22 December 1936 and a memorial service was held in Kooringa Methodist Church last Sunday. [Born Elizabeth Vivian Jenkin 26 May 1858 at Kooringa. See a more extended obituary 58, 2, 12 Jan. 1937, page 1.]
The Brown Appeal (RSL) has reached £52-16-6. [Presumably for family of W.F. Brown who died 8 November 1936.]
Burra Seaside Trip will be to Semaphore on 20 February.
58, 1, 5 Jan. 1937, page 3
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club ran a program of excellent cycling and pedestrian events at Aberdeen racecourse on 26 December, but attendance was only fair. Results are printed. There was a dance in the evening at Aberdeen Lodge Hall.
Burra High School. In the Intermediate Examinations credits in Woodwork were gained by William (Bill) Murison (2nd in the state) and Peter Spencer (3rd in the state).
Gum Creek School. Qualifying Certificates were gained by Colin Garrard, Joan Canny & Jack Doherty.
58, 2, 12 Jan. 1937, page 1
Roy Bunny, after 13 years at the Kooringa Post Office thanks all for ‘very tangible’ expressions of appreciation and goodwill on his recent departure.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 12th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy with best results from E.C. Collins, R.J. Jeffery, H.H. Byles and A.G. Heinrich.
Obituary. Mrs William Geake died at her Ayers St home on 22 December 1936. She was born in Burra [26] May 1858, the second daughter, Elizabeth, of Mr & Mrs John Jenkin. Her father was the first overseer of the Burra Town Council. After leaving school she carried on a dress-making business with her sister until marrying William Geake in 1887. Her whole life she had been closely associated with the Wesleyan and then the Methodist Church and was a member of the Rechabite Lodge for 48 years. She was a long serving member of the Ladies’ Guild. She is survived by her husband and one daughter, Miss Doris Geake of Kooringa and one son Mr Wilfred Geake of North Adelaide. Two sisters also survive: Mrs W. Batchelor of Hindmarsh and Miss Edith Jenkin of Kooringa.
58, 2, 12 Jan. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 16 January
William Powell & Ginger Rogers in Star of Midnight
Richard Dix & Margot graham in The Arizonan
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will sell land at Redruth being part sections 49 & 50 of 10 perches with frontage to Tregony St. (Adjoining Kakoschke’s premises.)
Burra Seaside Trip. On further consideration the committee has decided against a trip this year on account of the tremendous amount spent on celebrations in the centenary year just past. But Secretary A.T. Pearce has written to the Railways Commissioner that they would co-operate with him if he does not demand a guarantee.
Burra High School. Leaving Exam Results of note:
Frank J. Pearce passed 5 out of six subjects and gained a certificate.
Nancy Pearce passed 4 subjects and gained one credit; being top of the state in Shorthand.
Kath. McConnon & Roy Walker completed certificates by gaining one final subject each.
58, 2, 12 Jan. 1937, page 3
Weather. Rain fell on Friday, but only 18 points in Burra with heavier falls to north and east. Terowie 80, Ketchowla 52, Mallett 50, Braemar & Faraway Hill 40, Woolgangi 31, Koomooloo 29 and Sturt Vale 35.
Mongolata Goldfield
Wildildie GM Co. adjourned General Meeting at Pearce’s Building 11 January with M.W. Bednall in the chair. The mine has been worked on tribute. Tributers finding explosives and materials and receiving no wages, but a greater proportion of the nett bullion won. Work is 40 yards north of the south boundary. Shaft sunk to 18ft, but no gold found. Country was then loamed* to the south with recovery of 6oz 19dwts 6gr plus from cyanide 2oz 3dwts 21gr from 2 tons 12cwt in the surface 3’6”. A shaft dug to 14ft gained nothing more. Driving from the old shaft 15ft won 33oz 11dwts 7gr plus 5oz 15dwts 7gr from cyanide. The total ore treated 264 tons 5cwts for 126oz 14dwrs 14gr.
On 30 June the credit balance was £98-9-8 or a loss over 12 months of £76-6-11. The tributers’ agreement with Mr Hogan expired on 31 December and no new agreement has been finalised.
[* Loaming is a process of washing earth lower on a slope to recover gold and working upslope in the hope that increasing concentration of gold will lead to the lode.]
Obituary. Mrs Michael Quinn late of World’s End and Waterloo died 10 January aged 77. She was born at Burra in August 1859, a daughter, Catherine, of Mr & Mrs Kellick [sic] on Limestone Hill. After her marriage they lived for many years at World’s End and then at Waterloo. Her husband died 10 years ago. If 10 children 9 survive. She was visiting her daughter Mrs Burrows of north Adelaide when she died. Leonard Quinn of WA who was informed of his mother’s illness passed through Burra on Monday. The surviving family are: William (Yacka), Chloe Mrs Percy Bevan (North Adelaide), John (Kooringa), Phil (Broken Hill), Mrs Ann Burrows (North Adelaide), Leonard (WA), Edward (Waterloo), Kathleen Mrs Schroeder & Victor (Adelaide). There are 25 grandchildren. [Born as Kate Killick 17 August 1859 Kooringa: died as Catherine Quinn 19 January 1937 North Adelaide.]
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Kapunda 98 defeated Burra 91.
58, 3, 19 Jan. 1937, page 1
Obituary. Mrs G.H. [Gustav Hermann] Schoenberg of Mt Bryan died at Burra hospital on 24 December 1936. She was born at Greenock SA 28 September 1868, a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Zanker. Her parents soon moved to Walloway and then to Wonna where in 1891 she married Gustav H. Schoenberg and lived there for 17 years despite drought and other setbacks. For nine years they did not even get back seed wheat. In 1907 they moved to a property near Mt Bryan where they farmed successfully. Mr Schoenberg died in 1922, but his widow held the property till 1936 when failing health forced her to sell and reside with her daughters in turn. Six children survive: Messrs C.A. Schoenberg (Coolgardie WA), A.B. Schoenberg (Aberdeen), G. Herman Schoenberg (Waterloo), Mrs B.H. Kleinig (‘Braefoot’ Hanson), Mrs G.P. Beinke (Booborowie) & Mrs H. Garrard (Mt Bryan East). There are 18 grandchildren. [Born as Friedricke Maria, married as Fridericke Maria and died as Fredericka Maria.]
Burra Rifle Club 16 January: Burra Rifle Club 734 defeated Burra Light Horse 677.
Redruth Methodist Circuit Quarterly Meeting 9 January.
To the year ending 31 December 1936 income for the last quarter was £71-5-3 and expenditure £90-4-3 with a balance from the previous quarter this leaves a deficit of £1-8-2.
58, 3, 19 Jan. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 23 January
Helen Twelftrees & Frank Leighton in the Australian film Thoroughbred
Arthur Riscoe & Francis Day in Public Nuisance No. 1
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will offer the valuable grazing property of 7,618 acres perpetual lease and 600 acres miscellaneous lease of P.J. Thomas 15 miles southeast of Burra 11⁄4 miles east of World’s End School known as ‘Ramara’.
Perpetual lease 10659 Section 4A Hd Bright of 1,195 acres
Perpetual lease 14188 Section 4N Hd Bright of 2,067 acres
Perpetual lease 14189 Sections 52, 53, 54E & 54W Hd Bright of 1,337 acres
Perpetual lease of 125 acres
Perpetual lease 14517 Block A Hd Baldina of 2,854 acres
Miscellaneous lease 7646 Block A Hd Baldina of 600 acres
With a bungalow of 7 rooms and other improvements. [Further details are printed.]
Obituary. Return thanks notice reveals the death of an unnamed son of Mr & Mrs W.J. Scroops of Aberdeen. [Harold Walter Scroop born 13 April 1914 Pinnaroo: died 8 Aug 1936 Kooringa.]
Weather. On Monday morning the wind veered from east to west and a dense dust storm ensued, but soon rain began to fall and continued through the afternoon and night.
58, 3, 19 Jan. 1937, page 3
Mrs E. Brown after two years in business her [Excelsior Bakery] left last week with her two little sons for Mitcham.
Weather. This morning reports have come in from the east of soaking gentle rain of great benefit and it is still raining. Falls generally have been from 100 to 200 points, but Oakbank 304, Oakvale 370. ‘The Gums’ reports 82 while Burra has recorded 93 and Booborowie 111.
58, 4, 26 Jan. 1937, page 1
Aberdeen Croquet Club. At Aberdeen on 14 January: Aberdeen defeated Hallett 3 games to 1.
Burra Racing Club met on Wednesday when it was decided to form it into a Private Ltd Co. The club was reformed in 1936 after a grant of about £150 from the Betting Control Board. Prize money at the last meeting was £200 – rather ambitious as the club’s meeting was only one day after the Balaklava meeting. A satisfactory day’s sport resulted and all prize money had been paid and there was at present a credit balance of £178. The course fixtures were in good order and the next meeting was scheduled for 14 April. Prize money will be about the same. The main race will offer £10 less, but with the addition of a trophy from Mr Michael Gebhardt. Mr Bednall explained that the reason for suggesting a limited company was that some years ago the old club got into financial trouble and the guarantors had to dig deep into their own pockets, which had killed off racing in Burra for some years. If it were made into a private company the club’s funds would be responsible for any deficit. The present club should agree to hand over all assets and liabilities to the new company, which would then issue shares. Nominal capital would be £500 in 1,000 shares of 10/- each. The company would not pay dividends. [Other details are listed.] The change was moved by A.L. Bence, seconded by Con. Samuel and carried.
Burra Town Council
Tenders have been called for work at the Mine Bridge, where the curve of the road is to be altered.
Cr Worth moved that Council borrow £400 from the Savings Bank of SA. Carried.
The tender of Messrs B.J. & T.A. Cockshell for alterations to the Mine Bridge was recommended by Council to the Highways Department.
58, 4, 26 Jan. 1937, page 2
Notice. Percy Byrne after 21 years with Messrs Pederson & Son’s shoe store is now severing connections with the firm and commencing business on his own account in the premises recently vacated by E.J. Harris. Opening 3 February 1937.
Advt. Talkies, 30 January
Warners Baxter & Myrna Loy in Broadway Bill; supporting feature Behind the Evidence
1 February
Ronald Coleman & Joan Bennett in The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo
Supporting feature Your Uncle Dudley
Burra Town Council, Monday
There was difficulty in getting a quorum and the meeting lasted only 20 minutes. We are told the shortest meeting on record was one under S.M. Lane as Mayor that lasted only 8 minutes on a night when there was a good concert in the hall.
Colin Heath of Elder, Smith & Co. has been transferred to Jamestown. Mr McEwin from Strathalbyn will succeed Mr Heath.
Weather. Rain has continued in useful quantities to the east. Burra has had 191 points this month.
Burra Rifle Club, on 23 January fired the 13th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy. N.J. Villis & R.H. Barty scored best.
Tennis
Burra Association
Willalo ‘A’ forfeited to Aberdeen ‘A’
Aberdeen ‘B’ 11-101 defeated Willalo ‘B’ 7-79
Burra High School, Intermediate Examination Results. 11 certificates were obtained.
W. Murison, 7 subjects (1 credit) Melva Woollacott, 6 subjects
Robert Walker, 7 subjects (English Q) Ruth Sara, 5 subjects
Joe Klaebe, 6 subjects (2 credits) Milton Rice, 5 subjects
Jack Hooper, 6 subjects (1 credit) Roy Walker completed a certificate
Robert Schuyler, 6 subjects (English Q) Norman Allen completed a certificate
Ron Carpenter, 6 subjects
Other good results were:
Don Humphrys, 6 subjects Allen Seigert, 4 subjects (2 credits)
Max Morton, 5 subjects Peter Spencer, 5 subjects (1 credit)
58, 4, 26 Jan. 1937, page 3
Mt Bryan Methodist Church. The foundation stone of the new church was laid 23 January 1937.
For 23 years the church has been an iron building. Present were: Rev. O.L. Noske of Hallett (Circuit Minister), Rev. W.H. Robinson (Secretary of the SA Methodist Conference), Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook (Redruth), Rev. A. Dyer (Kooringa), Mr A.D. McDonald MP, Mr L.G. Golding (Architect) and F.M. Pearce & Wall Bros. (Contractors).
Rev. Robinson laid the stone. The old structure had been intended as a Sunday school and then was also used as a church. Previous donations and money laid on the stone total £150. The ladies have also raised a healthy amount. Tea followed in the Mt Bryan Memorial Hall followed by an entertainment, which concluded with the farce A Leg of Mutton.
Miss Ethel Payne, after 7 years’ residence left for the city on Monday and was farewelled by the Golf & Tennis Clubs and by the staff of Drew & Crewes who presented her with a nickel luminous bedroom clock.
58, 4, 26 Jan. 1937, page 4
Kangaroos on Parade the popular radio club heard on 5AD, 5PI & 5MU visited Burra on Wednesday evening. Every seat in the Institute was reserved for the occasion. The young performers were greeted by the Mayor Mr T.H. Woollacott when they arrived by bus at 1 p.m. The children were billeted out to families in Aberdeen and Kooringa. The curtain rose at 8 p.m. The adults in the show were: Jack Burgess (Jackeroo), Rex Dawe (Keeper of the Goat), Jack Gardiner (Greenbottle) & Jack Young (Uncle Jack). [The program is described in some detail.]
58, 5, 2 Feb. 1937, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM. Work resumed on 12 January. No. 1 tunnel has been fairly successful with one vein widening & showing gold by pan test. A new tunnel was begun 80ft further down the hill to get under old works and has advanced 25ft. Sinking north of present works has reached 12ft and looks encouraging.
58, 5, 2 Feb. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 6 February
Dick Powell & Ann Dvorak in Thanks a Million
Ruth Hall & Charles Starrett in Murder on the Campus
Obituary. Charles Morgan died on 29 January at the Burra Hospital after a long illness. He leaves a widow nee Jane Wilton, one daughter Miss Elizabeth Morgan and two sons, Edward of Kooringa & George of Kalangadoo. There are two grandchildren.
[See an extended obituary 58, 6, 9 Feb. 1937, page 1.]
Obituary. Miss Margaret Dodd died at Mitcham 31 January aged 93. She lived with her sister in Chapel St Kooringa for a number of years. Her sister died some years ago.
Tennis. Burra Association
Ironmine 16-109 defeated Mt Bryan 2-57
Booborowie ‘B’ 15-110 defeated Ironmine ‘B’ 3-53
Aberdeen ‘A’ forfeited to Hallett ‘A’
Aberdeen ‘B’ defeated Hallett ‘B’
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its annual picnic last Monday holiday at Gum Creek courtesy of Hon. W.G. Duncan & manager H.F. Saunders. The day was a huge success.
58, 6, 9 Feb. 1937, page 1
Burra Rifle Club, at Burra 1 February Burra 886 defeated Peterborough 879.
On 6 February the second stage of the Championship was fired and after two stages:
In the Championship A.C. Aughey 182 leads from E.R. Pexton 176.
In the Handicap section A.C. Aughey 196 leads from R.J. Kellock 194.
Farewells from Mt Bryan are reported for Mrs R. Wardle, Mrs W. Stewart & Mrs W.T. Bell.
Mt Bryan Methodist Church. The new building is rising rapidly.
Obituary. Charles Morgan who died on 29 January was born at Kooringa 8 February 1865. His parents’ home was where Mrs Lott’s house now stands. He was the only son of the late Henry and Ann Morgan of Kooringa and he was educated at St Joseph’s Convent and then Mr White’s School. The convent was then in the building now used by the Burra District Band for practices. After leaving school he assisted his father, who was a baker in the bakery at the rear of the property known as the Hon. John Lewis’s. His father later opened a bakery in Aberdeen where Charles later took over the business. Later still he started a business in the premises known as Uhlmann’s [Ullmann’s] at the corner of Bridge and Kingston Streets, where he remained for 17 years. He left Kooringa in 1919, but after about 12 months returned for a further two years before retiring. In December 1903 he married Jane Wilton, daughter of the late Mr & Mrs J.J. Wilton of Thebarton who survives. About eight years ago he had a serious illness from which he did not fully recover. He has two sons in the Postal Department: Edward at Kooringa and George at Kalangadoo. His only daughter Elizabeth lives with her mother. There are two granddaughters, Beth and Helen. Mrs E. Hobby of Kooringa is the sole survivor of Henry Morgan’s family.
58, 6, 9 Feb. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 13 February
Claudette Colbert & Melvyn Douglas in She Married Her Boss
Norman Foster & Florence Rice in Super Speed
Advt. S. Dunow has taken over the business of Messrs A. & L. Pearce in Hanson and hopes to retain their patronage. He will begin about Friday 12 February.
Advt. Burra Seaside Trip will run from Whyte Yarcowie and intermediate stations as usual on 27 February. Prices same as last year. The timetable will appear in the Record 23 February.
Advt. Burra Town Council calls tenders for the construction of a swimming pool on the site selected by the Council.
Leighton School began the year with an enrolment of 23.
Stan Dunow after 17 years as van driver and salesman for Drew & Crewes was farewelled by the staff on Friday. He leaves on the firm’s decision to withdraw the van service from their operations.
58, 6, 9 Feb. 1937, page 3
‘A Sufferer’ writes complaining of the dog nuisance in the town – specifically the fouling of the fronts of business premises.
Obituary. Thomas Turner died 7 February aged 78. [Born 23 August 1858 Hillside, Burra.]
[See extended obituary 58, 7, 16 Feb. 1937, page 4.]
Burra Centenary Committee held its final meeting and reported a total income of £744-7-1.
(Including £110 from the Government and £100 from the Town Council.)
Expenditure:
Tree planting £250
Street decorations & lighting 163
Float 77
Sports 55
Others 137-9-2
and 20-5-6
Remaining balance £41-12-5
The committee resolved to give the balance to the Burra Institute.
Miss Patty Pledge has been transferred from Kadina High School to Booleroo Centre High School.
Edward Lynch who won a Qualifying Certificate Exhibition has gone to Rostrevor College to continue his studies.
J.H. Murison (Jock) is leaving Burra this week for Waikerie where he has obtained a position. He will be greatly missed in musical circles. He has long been a member of the Institute Orchestral Class and Conductor and Organiser of the Burra District Band. Owing to many removals the latter has gone into recess. Mrs Murison and the family will follow in a few weeks.
[Oddly the report of the AGM of the band held on 11 February carries no mention of going into recess.]
58, 7, 16 Feb. 1937, page 1
Burra Swimming Pool
At the Town Council meeting of 8 February it was announced that the sum of £399-16-0 borrowed from the Savings Bank under Government Subsidy Scheme was in the bank.
The Mayor was surprised to see the papers had been signed in his absence from the last meeting. They could not get started now and would have to pay six months interest. The Council had mucked around for six or seven months.
Cr Worth resented the implication that the Councillors present had taken an unnecessary risk. The proceedings were purely formal following a decision taken before Christmas. A resolution had been passed that it would be proceeded with. He had suggested at the time a delay until winter. Either they had to start now or patch up the matter of the loan somehow.
The Mayor announced that the Council would go into committee and the door was shut, but no motion for this was moved.
His Worship resented the action of the Centenary Committee in granting the pool only £4. Local Medical Officers intimated that under certain conditions the pool would not be healthy.
Cr Worth asked the Mayor his opinion about starting work. He said he was not going to sacrifice his business to build a swimming pool and give up three months work for nothing. All the Centenary Committee’s money – which he had worked so hard to raise – had gone somewhere else.
Cr worth said what Councillors wanted to know was that now the money was in their hands did His Worship want to go on with the pool or not, or should the Council rid itself of the loan and try to get it later?
The Mayor said he could not take on any more work at present. He was beginning to feel the strain of Centenary Week and was sick up to the neck when he saw all the Centenary Committee money go elsewhere. ‘He had been badly let down over it and had received insult after insult and misrepresentation.’
Cr Worth asked for particulars of this, but got no reply.
Cr Jennison was getting disgusted with the whole thing and sympathised with Cr Worth.
He and Councillor Dow had moved that the work be started as soon as the money was available and now the Mayor was not ready. The longer it was put off the less chance there was of having it ready for next summer. He asked if the Mayor thought it possible to get the baths built for £400 if tenders were called at once.
The Mayor said it was impossible to say. Many bags of cement had been promised.
Cr Jennison was not in favour of giving up the money now they had it. The Council could not go on indefinitely hanging the matter up. Who is to say the Mayor was not going to have a big job next winter. He moved that tenders be called as per plans and specifications, with Council to supply materials and tenders to be for labour only.
The Mayor said he had promised the loan of a cement mixer and brother’s tractor, but they might not be available when the work was in hand.
Cr Kellaway spoke in support of the motion.
The Mayor wished the project deferred.
Cr Jeffery was for delay, as he thought they could get some interest back by placing the money in the bank.
The Mayor said they had nothing to lose by delaying till mid-winter.
Cr Jeffery thought they did not have the solid backing of the people and moved an amendment that the money be invested till mid-winter. This was not seconded.
The motion was put and carried.
[Cr Riggs had asked if a site had been chosen and was told one had been – but it is not mentioned where that was.]
58, 7, 16 Feb. 1937, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will sell on instructions from Mr R. Seebohm who is leaving the district, his household furniture at the house on the Kooringa-Aberdeen road immediately north of the Catholic Church.
Croquet. At Clare Burra seems to have won 2 games to nil [judging from the names of the players.]
Advt. Burra Talkies 19 & 20 February
Shirley Temple in Captain January
Glenda Farrell & Brian Donlevy in High Tension
58, 7, 16 Feb. 1937, page 3
Marriage. St Dymphna’s Church Booborowie 25 January
Melva Edith Reynolds, second daughter of Mrs Reynolds & the late W.H. Reynolds of Booborowie, married Walter Cousins, youngest son of Mrs A.J. Cousins & the late A.J. Cousins of Booborowie.
Weather. From noon on Saturday rain fell from Burra to the north, coming in as a light drizzle from the east and then increasing with some heavy showers. Falls to the west were light.
Reports on Monday were of falls to the east ranging from 20 points to 1 inch, with most between 50 and 100 points. At Mt Bryan East C.W. Gare recorded 163 points and nearby Mr V. Hughes 190. Burra got 74. Rain continued Monday and on Tuesday morning with patchy results from 5 to 80 points. Rain is falling as we go to press and reports to hand say Booborowie was flooded when 170 points fell in a few minutes.
Copperhouse School has 25 on the roll this year.
Mr Murison was farewelled by the RSL last Saturday. President S. Hawker took the chair.
Burra & District Brass Band held its AGM in the Band Room 11 February. Bandmaster J.H. Murison resigned on account of leaving the town. Accepted with deep regret.
Elected: Patron, L.W. Gebhardt; President, E.F. Marston; Bandmaster, W.G. Terry; Secretary, J.T. Pascoe; Treasurer, J. Allen. Practices are to continue on Monday nights.
58, 7, 16 Feb. 1937, page 4
Burra Town Council, 8 February
Messrs B.J. & T.A. Cockshell’s tender for alterations to the Mine Bridge has been accepted by the Highways Department.
Burra Centenary Committee advises it has voted £4 towards the swimming pool.
Aberdeen Croquet Club sought to fence and plant a small triangular piece of ground apparently from the club to Burra Creek. Apparently no one knew to whom it belonged. Council is to inspect it if it is found they own it. Other minor works approved.
Tennis. Burra Tennis Association
Aberdeen ‘A’ 11-79 defeated Mt Bryan ‘A’ 7-70
Hallett ‘A’ 12-96 defeated Ironmine ‘A’ 6-73
Aberdeen ‘B’ 12-95 defeated Booborowie ‘B’ 6-83
Hallett ‘B’ 15-104 defeated Ironmine ‘B’ 3-54
Obituary. Thomas Turner died 7 February aged 78. He was born at Mt Bryan 23 August 1858, the son of the late Mr & Mrs Joshua Turner. He was educated at Mr White’s School in Kooringa and after that worked for a while at the Burra Mine. He then went to Mt Gipps Station beyond Broken Hill and when silver was discovered there he took up carting, as the railway only went to Terowie. He was later employed by Dr Brummitt until Dr Brummitt left Burra and he took up dam sinking, but for the last 37 years has been engaged in droving. In conjunction with his son Cliff Turner he was active to the last. He was active in the Burra Show Soc. and regularly entered the Sheep Dog Trials. He was one of the oldest members of the Foresters. He married Miss Mahomie Gillett, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs G.B. Gillett of Manila Farm, Gum Creek in 1866. She died about two years ago. Of a family of four two survive: Mr Clifford Turner and Miss Hilda Turner both of Aberdeen. One child died in infancy and Miss Ethel Turner 25 years ago. Mrs W. Williams of Kooringa is a sister.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM. New tunnel advanced from 25ft to 50ft in hard slate with ironstone. Now in softer rock with traces of gold in veins.
Prospecting shaft sunk from 12 to 23ft, but we have stopped work for the time being.
Now enlarging chamber at main shaft for the erection of poppet heads and preparing for installation of crude oil plant.
58, 8, 23 Feb. 1937, page 1
Marriage. St Patrick’s Church, Grote St Adelaide, 28 November 1936
Iris Pickering, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Pickering of Hamley St, Adelaide, married
Thomas Percival McNamara, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Thomas McNamara of Percy St Prospect and late of Hanson.
Burra Town Council, 15 February
The Mayor said there was more in the swimming pool plans than met the ey and experienced man would be needed. He was prepared to go on with and supervise the work within one month as previously arranged.
Cr Dow said the promise had been made that the Centenary money would be spent on a pool – so where had it been put?
The Mayor said it was disgraceful, but only three members had attended the meeting to decide what body to give the money to.
Cr Dow asked if that meant that the pool had to be built from materials promised and the money borrowed. The Mayor said yes.
After some sparring over who was to blame the Mayor said if there was a motion withdrawing the tenders he would supervise the work for Council.
Cr Jennison refused to withdraw the motion.
The Mayor said it was not possible to get a layman to do the work – the labour was only 10% of the cost.
Cr Jennison said it was not possible to get anything definite out of the Mayor.
Council then went on to consider other minor works.
It was resolved to continue tarring the road towards the racecourse.
58, 8, 23 Feb. 1937, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will conduct a clearing sale for Drew & Crewes at Aberdeen.
A long list of plant and equipment includes a ten-ton weighbridge, saws, IHC truck chassis and van , two spring drays, 32 volt Delco lighting plant etc. etc. and a great deal of timber.
Advt. Oates & Co. are selling the property of O.J. Ridgway comprising part allotment 23 Aberdeen on which is erected a saddler’s shop, a grocery store, a five-roomed stone house, etc. Adjoining the Royal Exchange Hotel. Price £550 o.n.o.
Advt. Burra Talkies 27 February
Constance Bennett & Franchot Tone in Moulin Rouge
Warner Oland & Helen Wood in Charlie Chan at the Race Track
Advt. Back to Manoora Celebrations 27 February to 2 March.
Obituary. James Flower of ‘Flowerville’ Ironmine, husband of Emily, died 17 February after a long illness aged 73. [Extended obituary 58, 9, 2 Mar. 1937, page 2.]
A Pantry Evening was arranged by members of the congregation of St Joseph’s to benefit the Sisters of the Convent last Saturday.
Mr & Mrs John Tennant are to leave next month to witness the Coronation in London.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Clare defeated Burra by 5 points.
58, 8, 23 Feb. 1937, page 3
Notice. The Annual Seaside Trip, Whyte Yarcowie to Semaphore 27 February
Depart Whyte Yarcowie 5.07 a.m. Depart Burra 6.16 a.m. Arrive Semaphore 10.00 a.m.
Depart Semaphore 7.57 p.m. Arrive Burra 12.12 a.m. Arrive Whyte Yarcowie 1.18 a.m.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 14th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy and the concluding match for the Takati Trophy. Best results were R. Jeffery & N. Villis 105 each from C.H. Dixon & E. Hopkins 104 each. N.J. Villis won the Takati Trophy from R. Barty, C.D. Pexton and E. Hopkins all one point behind. In the Pine valley Trophy competition N.J. Villis with 19 points leads W.K. Pexton on 15.
Mr & Mrs S. Dunow with young sons Bruce and Peter left Kooringa recently to live at Hanson.
Weather. From 13-20 February rain was reported from one or more parts of the district. Up to last Tuesday the rain was soaking, but from Tuesday afternoon torrential downpours were reported. Mt Bryan East was particularly affected. Every day last week to Friday Newikie Creek was in flood. Over 3” fell in the area. At Poonunda P.V. Oates recorded 2” on Thursday and at Thistlebeds Herc. Kellock got 224 points. Further east falls were erratic from 22 at Oakbank to 196 at Quondong.
In the Booborowie district patchy falls varied from 1” to 3” with considerable local flooding, loss of fences and top soil. The latter problems affected Messrs G. Parker, Godfrey Williams, Jack Williams & Doug. Keynes. G. Williams was well washed in and his windmill damaged. Palace Creek about a quarter of a mile north of Booborowie flowed three-quarters full: the highest for several years. Flooding also occurred at Koonoona, but west end rain was more soaking. The Burra creek flooded around Mt Bryan on Friday and in Burra there was a brilliant electrical storm between 9 and 10 p.m. on Friday. Jack Terry was driving some young ladies home when a huge ball of fire hit the roadway in front of them in Thames St by Mr A. Moore’s house. Grass and feed is springing up rapidly in the pastoral country and already blue and green blowflies and grasshoppers are appearing.
Tennis. Ironmine ‘A’ 10-95 defeated Aberdeen ‘A’ 8-92
Aberdeen ‘B’ defeated Ironmine ‘B’ 3-66
58, 8, 23 Feb. 1937, page 4
Senators Hardy & McLachlan addressed a meeting at the Institute chaired by the Mayor to support the YES vote at the referendums to be held on 6 March. The two proposals are to empower the Commonwealth to control aviation and secondly to continue marketing schemes in operation for the last 10 years despite the free trade clause of Section 92.
58, 9, 2 Mar. 1937, page 1
Advt. Walker & Sons are selling Pederson’s stock of boots and shoes.
[This is the only indication in the paper that Pederson’s are quitting business, except perhaps for January’s notice that their long term employee Percy Byrne was setting up business on his own.]
Burra Institute AGM was held 23 February with Vice-President E.F. Marsden in the chair. The lack of subscribers attending was, as usual, disappointing. Apart from the committee four subscribers were present. Book in the library on 1 January 1936 numbered 7,564 and on 31 December 1936 there were 7,138. Free scholarship tickets were again allotted to the best scholars at Burra & Copperhouse Schools. (Juvenile subscribers pay 6/- p.a.) General subscribers pay 16/- p.a. to borrow 2 books and 1 magazine or 20/- to borrow 4 books and 2 magazines. Membership increased slightly:
31 December 1935 Double 59 31 December 1936 Double 60
Single 122 Single 146
181 206
Finance: Money in the bank: 31 December 1935 £59-3-3
31 December 1936 £57-15-6
Mr A.A. Davey has continued as Librarian and was given an increase in salary, though not yet to the pre-depression level.
Elected: President, E.F. Marston; Vice-President, P.L. Rosman; Treasurer, Max Pearce; Secretary, M.W. Bednall. The Centenary Committee has donated £41.
58, 9, 2 Mar. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, Thursday 6 March. [Actually shown on Thursday 4 March because the hall was needed for the referendums on 6 March.]
Paul Robeson & Nina Mae McKinney in Sanders of the River
Shirley Deane & Jed Prouty in Educating Father
Tennis. Aberdeen ‘A’ forfeited to Willalo ‘A’
Willalo ‘B’ forfeited to Aberdeen ‘B’
Burra Benevolent Soc. A small subscription started to send a gift to Sgt Kain failed to attract a useful amount and the few subscribers agreed to hand the sum to the society.
Tpr Dick Halliday of the 9/23 Burra Troop Light Horse won the Middleweight Championship contest at the Military Sports at Clare on the weekend and was runner-up in the Heavyweight defeated by Tpr Sailor.
Bowls. At Kapunda on Saturday Burra defeated Kapunda by 14 points.
Obituary. James Flower died at ‘Flowerville’ Braefoot near Burra on 17 February. He was born at Canowie in August 1863, the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Flower. When he was a child his father took up land at Stony Gap. He remained home till his marriage in September 1887 to Miss Emily Dunn of Black Springs. The couple settled at Yongala, farming there for twenty years. In 1907 he moved to Braefoot and farmed there till about 12 years ago when failing health forced him to resort to grazing and share-farming. He was a trustee of the Ironmine Methodist Church and treasurer as well. He was also a steward of the Redruth Circuit. He was closely associated with the Burra Show Society and for a number of years represented North Ward in the Hanson DC. He was a member of the Rechabite Lodge for over 50 years. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and one son: Mrs James Holmes (Sod Hut), Mrs W.H. Lloyd (Ironmine), Mrs G. Murray (Honiton Yorke Peninsula) and Mr C. Flower of Adelaide. The eldest son Ray Flower fell in the Great War.
[Birth not found in registrations.]
58, 9, 2 Mar. 1937, page 3
Eudunda floods of recent days are reported with two photographs.
Mrs Ramsay, formerly Susan Davey of Kadina aged 80 on 21 February visited Burra on Tuesday to see her old home town. Mrs Ramsay’s brother Martin Davey kept the Court House Hotel in the early days [1870-73]. John Dunstan Sen. her uncle kept the White Hart Hotel [1866-69]. She recalled that when she was young she and her cousin Mannie Dunstan used to row up and down the creek in a flat-bottomed boat. She recalled Mr Jaffery of the Bank of Australasia, Aberdeen, had a fine rowing boat and she went rowing with him on the creek. She recalls the high roadway from the Mine Store to the Smelts that dammed back the water. Mrs Ramsay was widowed young with six sons and four daughters. She had lived in Tiver’s Row. She said they tied up their boat at the White Hart Ford – how much nicer a name than the younger generation’s “Gully’s Wharf’.
[Susan Ramsay died at Brighton, residence Kadina 7 November 1951, aged 94.]
[Mannie Dunstan might be a reference to Nanny Dunstan who was very much the same age.]
Marriage. St Edmund’s Booborowie, 17 February
Edna Baynes, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs H. Baynes married
George Brooks, second son of Mr & Mrs S. Brooks.
Rev. F.J. Barnes was welcomed back to Burra as Conference supply last Sunday – he was in charge of Redruth Circuit seven years ago.
58, 9, 2 Mar. 1937, page 4
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
20 February
Ironmine ‘A’ 10-95 defeated Aberdeen ‘A’ 8-93
Hallett ‘A’ 14-105 defeated Willalo ‘A’ 4-63
Aberdeen ‘B’ 14-110 defeated Ironmine ‘B’ 3-66
27 February
Ironmine ‘A’ 13-98 defeated Mt Bryan ‘A’ 5-67
Booborowie ‘B’ 13-93 defeated Ironmine ‘B’ 5-73
Burra Rifle Club will be 30 years old in a few weeks. Six original members remain and three of those were members of the earlier club formed in 1890 and which went into recess in 1904. The first Captain was G. Lord. A challenge issued 13 years ago by Burra began what is now the Country Championship, though Burra has not always been represented. This year a team of 20 went on Saturday in five cars. In the team event Pt Pirie won with an average of 96 per man. Burra averaged 92 and finished 5 out of 10. Top scorer for the outing was H.H. Byles 97 with Reg. Barty, P.W. Hogan & A.C. Aughey on 96 each.
58, 10, 9 Mar. 1937, page 1
Burra Town Council, 1 March
The Local Government Department asks Council to adopt new model by-laws 1-26 to replace old by-laws 1-29. Referred to solicitor for attention.
Permanent Survey marks have been made near Justice Lane and William Road. [William Road?]
Messrs Halls & Bevan ask for cab licences at the same fees as last year.
Cr Dow said Council had no power to reduce the fees and moved they be granted at ordinary fees and Cr Worth seconded.
Cr Kellaway said they had reduced fees for 5 or 10 years and moved that a refund of fees be made as heretofore.
Cr Jennison would not second an illegal move and the original motion was carried.
Cr Dow asked if the ranger had resigned: because cows and dogs were becoming a problem.
Contractors renewing the Mine Bridge are to be asked to erect signs.
Local Board of Health
There was a discussion over the fouling of creeks. One place was near Lewis’s Bridge and another behind the Burra Hotel.
It was decided to have a general inspection of the town on 9 March.
There was also discussion of dog and mosquito nuisance.
Redruth Christian Endeavour held its annual rally on 20 & 21 February. There was a song service at 7.30 and a general rally at 8 p.m. when about 150 were present. Visitors came from Adelaide, Hallett and Jamestown.
58, 10, 9 Mar. 1937, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort will hold a clearing sale 23 March on the property at Hampton of W.E. Hodge who is leaving the district. There will also be a sale on 9 April at the Oddfellows Hall Aberdeen of other items of furniture.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 13 March
One Night of Lover with supporting feature Fugitive Lady
St Mary’s. Mothering Sunday was observed 7 March with the Dean of Adelaide the Very Rev. G.H. Jose preaching. [Personal interest: altar decorations by Doris Fuss.]
Salvation Army held its Harvest Festival 28 February and 1 March and it was a great success. Capt. Clark of Clare conducted services. Captain Cresswell is soliciting £6-6-0 to repair the local corps’ piano which is badly in need of it.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 15th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy best scorers were C.D. Pexton, H.H. Byles, J.E. Harris & A.C. Aughey.
Miss Belle Thompson ledger-keeper at Drew and Crewes for 10 years will leave on 13 March.
Mr Neil Guidera & family have come from the West Coast to Kooringa having taken the bakery business of Mrs E. Brown in conjunction with Mr H. Wandke.
58, 10, 9 Mar. 1937, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. held its AGM in the Eastern Telephone Building with President I.J. Warnes in the chair. In the past year with a turnover of £1,467-1-3 there was a profit of £27. The President reported the death of two of their oldest members: Messrs T. Turner & J. Flower.
All officers were re-elected unopposed.
The Dog Trials held on 17 & 18 April drew only a small number of entries, but resulted in some good performances.
A.B. Riggs was elected President of the Northern Agricultural Societies Association.
The annual show was held on 3 October in good weather and drew more people than for some years and gate receipts were higher than for some time. Entries were well up to previous years.
A new hall has been built at the showgrounds: Centenary Hall, costing £787-3-5. The foundation stone was laid 17 July 1937 by I.J. Warnes and money collected at the ceremony was £105-4-0. The hall was opened on Show Day by I.J. Warnes and up to Show Day £718-0-5 had been collected towards the cost, leaving £69-3-0 to be collected. I.J. Warnes undertook to pay half of this if the society collected the other half.
Members and others took a trip to Sturt Vale during shearing again this year and all are invited back for 1937. The road has been straightened and ramps installed, leaving only about six gates to open.
C. Bartholomaeus was re-elected patron.
Next Show date allotted by the Northern Agricultural Societies Assoc. was 27 or 30 October. 30 October was favoured. There was a request for the shearing visit to be to Koomooloo so they could see the expert Mr Codrington handle dirty wool. Mr Warnes said that could be arranged at Sturt Vale and that was then agreed to. Mr Warnes thanked all for his re-election.
[He had been first elected such in 1913 according to a note on page 2.]
Tennis. Hallett ‘A’ forfeited to Aberdeen ‘A’
Hallett ‘B’ comfortably defeated Aberdeen ‘B’
58, 11, 16 Mar. 1937, page 1
Holden’s Circus will perform at Burra on Thursday 1 April.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, last Saturday
Alfred T. Rogers, third son of Mr & Mrs George Rogers of Adelaide and late of Burra, married
Annie Jennings, second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs C. Jennings of Clare.
[Personal interest: Miss Edna Allen & Phyllis Jennings were bridesmaids.]
58, 11, 16 Mar. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 20 March
The Three Musketeers and supporting feature Kentucky Kernels
Redruth Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival last Sunday when Rev. A. Dyer officiated.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM. New tunnel extended from 64ft to 85ft. The face of the drive is in soft rock with a seam carrying gold by pan test. Cut chamber to height of 24ft. Poppet head timber arriving this week.
Miss Belle Thompson ledger-keeper at Drew & Crewes for 10 years was farewelled recently.
Miss F. (Rica) Motley after many years of service with M.W. Bednall has obtained a similar position in Clare.
Mr & Mrs S. King and Mr & Mrs G. Greenshields were given a farewell social at Mt Bryan on 23 February.
Mt Bryan Methodist Church is nearing completion and will be ready for opening on 1 & 2 May.
58, 11, 16 Mar. 1937, page 3
Floral Fete at Farrell’s Flat on Saturday last arranged by the Methodist Guild raised £27.
Tennis. There will be no further references to Tennis in 1937 on a regular basis. Results are given erratically and the ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades inadequately differentiated.
58, 12, 23 Mar. 1937, page 1
Burra Town Council, 15 March
The Overseer complained he had caught a number of dogs, held them three days and then destroyed them. At 6d a day keep he suffered a loss. Cr Dow moved he be reimbursed. Carried.
He urged strict enforcement of the Dog Act.
Cr Worth volunteered to go through the Dog Act and find out what powers the Council had.
The Town Clerk will get advice on this from the Municipal Assoc.
No tenders were received for the construction of the swimming pool.
The Clerk said there was £403 in hand.
[The Mayor and Cr Jennison had a further pointless altercation over blames for this unproductive situation.]
Cr Dow said the pool was going to cost £800, they had £403 and he was not in favour of starting till they had the money in hand.
The Mayor said there were promises of 128 bags of cement as good as cash.
Cr Jennison asked the Mayor for a special meeting in committee to discuss the matter and for the Mayor at such a meeting ‘to define . . . what idea you have in mind regarding the swimming pool’.
The Mayor said he had provided £20 worth of plans and specifications free. What more could he do? He couldn’t run away from his own work to build a swimming pool.
Cr Jennison: ‘All we ask you is to tell us what scheme you have in the back of your mind to build this pool.’
The Mayor: ‘What scheme.’
Cr Jennison moved for a special meeting and Cr Jeffery seconded.
The Mayor said that only for the referendum the Council would have had the money to build the pool.
Motion carried.
Burra Rifle Club. 16th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy saw best scores from L.W. Mumme, N.J. Villis, C.D. Pexton, J.C. Murray & H.H. Byles.
[Each had scored the limit of 105 with handicap and in such cases the order was decided by the person using the lowest percentage of his handicap to reach that limit. That resulted in the order as above.]
Military Camp. Last year the annual military camp was held at Clare. Cr Jennison reckoned it brought about £1,500 into that town. Some 600-700 troopers were involved. He wanted the Sports Syndicate to permit the use of the racecourse and for Council then to extend the invitation. Council endorsed the concept.
58, 12, 23 Mar. 1937, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. on instructions from Drew & Crewes Ltd will offer for sale by auction allotments 15 & 16 each of about 24 perches on which is a five-roomed weatherboard house with wash house, garage and 1 new and 1 second hand tank. Also at the rear of the shop in the main street a shed 27ft x 8ft, stables etc. 15ft x 18ft, 10ft x 18ft and 6ft x 18ft in wood and iron.
[Check to see if this specifies Mt Bryan]
[The paper is otherwise silent, but this would seem to indicate the disposal of their branch in Mt Bryan, though it is not indicated when it closed.]
Advt. Salvation Army Band of 25 Instrumentalists will visit for Easter: 27-29 March.
Program: Saturday Music Festival Booborowie Hall 8 p.m.
Sunday Salvation Army Hall, Kooringa 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Burra Hospital 2.25 p.m.
Children’s Playground, Aberdeen 3.45 p.m.
Rotunda, Kooringa 8.15 p.m.
Monday Music Festival, Salvation Army Hall, Kooringa 7 p.m.
Advt. Burra Burra Show Inc. Sheep Dog Trials, 9 & 10 April.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 26 March
Clark Gable & Loretta Young in Call of the Wild
Francess Dee & Brian Donlevy in Half Angel
27 March
Broadway Thro’ a Keyhole and Crime of Dr Forbes
29 March
Anne Shirley & Tom Brown in Anne of Green Gables
Wheeler & Woolsey in The Nit-Wits
Frank Pearce, second son of Mr & Mrs Clem Pearce, has taken a position in the Treasury Offices, Adelaide and left Burra last Thursday.
Accident. A car carrying Mr & Mrs A. Pohlner of Hallett overturned in the Angaston-Marrabel district on Saturday. Mrs Pohlner suffered a broken arm and other injuries and was taken to Kapunda Hospital. Mr Pohlner escaped with a few abrasions.
58, 12, 23 Mar. 1937, page 3
Booborowie Sports were held on St Patrick’s Day in aid of the Catholic Church. Considering competition from ‘Back to Farrell’s Flat’ the same day the attendance was very good. The Memorial Hall was used to provide refreshments and a dance was held there in the evening. Results are printed.
Back to Farrell’s Flat Celebrations
The dates cited are in error, but apparently should be Saturday 20 to Monday 22 March. The report runs for just less than three columns.
Saturday. The official opening was from a platform near the Institute. F.J. Fitzpatrick (President of the Celebrations) called on Hon. George F. Jenkins to open the celebrations. Other MPs, Hon. A.P. Blesing & Mr MacDonald also spoke as did Mr G.G. Hawkes, the patron and another patron H. C. Atkins. There was then a procession to Duncan Park. An official lunch was held in the Institute.
There was an aerial race from Parafield to Farrell’s Flat for three planes, which was won by MacRobertson & Miller Aviation Co.’s Fokker Universal Monoplane, followed by the same company’s Bristol Monoplane and then A.G. Bond’s Gipsy Moth. Joy rides were offered in the afternoon. The Bristol Monoplane did aerobatics over the sports ground.
The afternoon’s sports results are printed.
In the evening the Burra Concert Party played to a capacity house.
Sunday. All churches reported packed congregations and there was an RSL Memorial Service in the Institute in the evening.
Monday. There was a cricket match at Duncan Park between old and present residents and at 2 p.m. a ‘Back to School’. In the evening there was a ball at the Institute.
58, 12, 23 Mar. 1937, page 4
Douglas Township
Allotment 8 is transferred from Executor Trustee Agency to Isaac James Warnes.
Allotment 94 is transferred from Executor Trustee Agency to Thomas Murray Warnes.
Allotments 8, 60, 61, 81 & 94 are transferred from William Warnes dec. to the Executor Trustee Agency Co.
Allotment 61 is transferred from Executor Trustee Agency to James Fullarton Warnes.
Allotment 60 is transferred from Executor Trustee Agency to Mary Jane Warnes.
Also Section 219 Hundred of Baldina was transferred from William Warnes to Executor Trustee Agency and thence to Rex Clement Warnes.
58, 13, 30 Mar. 1937, page 1
Burra Town Council, 15 March
Council considered an appeal from Messrs Halls & Bevan about cab licence refunds in committee.
Aberdeen Tennis Club asked Council to quote for the reconstruction of four of its courts. The club offered to repay in 10 yearly instalments.
Cr Dow said it was not for the Council to pay. The work could be done at cost, but had to be paid for. If he could remember correctly the club already owed £20.
The Mayor agreed. There was no guarantee the club would be around in 10 years. Council will quote for the work.
The Town Clerk reported that there were no tenders for swimming pool construction.
Present arrears of rates were £200.
Kakoschke’s Bridge to be repaired as soon as possible, as it was getting dangerous.
Burra Benevolent Society met on Friday. President Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook was absent and Rev. A. Dyer took the chair. Several appeals for help were answered with aid in goods; not money. Footwear is much needed.
58, 13, 30 Mar. 1937, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Sale of Property and Furniture on 7 April for the Trustees in the Estate of Martin Pederson deceased.
Shop property in Market Square with frontage 29’ 81⁄2” and depth 66’. A double fronted shop with depth 54’ on portion R of part of Section 1.
House property in Chapel St with frontage 80’ 4” and depth 203’. Rear frontage to Queen St comprising portions 4 & 23 of Pt Section 1 with a stone dwelling of 6 rooms with wash house, motor shed & gardens.
Also the furniture of the late Mrs M. Pederson.
[Mr Pederson had died 5 February 1934, and Mrs Pederson 3 March 1937 in North Adelaide.]
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. on the farm at Leighton on 21 April will well the whole farming plant of Mr Doug. Keynes who is giving up farming due to ill health.
Advt. Royal Blind Concert Party will appear at the Burra Institute on Wednesday 7 April.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 3 April
Freddie Bartholomew & Gloria Stuart in Professional Soldier
Sonnie Hale & Winifred Shotter in Marry the Girl
Car Accident. On Easter Monday morning between 10.30 and 11 a.m. on the road leading to Diprose’s Bridge three miles east of Burra a motor buckboard driven by Keith Lower of Kooringa collided with a car driven by Hugh S.T. Warnes of Chalk Cliffs Station. Mr Lower had with him his tiny son and daughter and Mr H. Hood – all on the front seat. They received only minor injuries. Mr Warnes suffered facial injuries and severe bruising and is in Burra Hospital. The head-on collision badly damaged the front ends of both vehicles. Stan Woollacott came across the scene and drove the injured to the hospital.
58, 13, 30 Mar. 1937, page 3
Burra High School. A meeting of 30-40 ladies on 23 March decided to proceed with the adoption of a school uniform.
Booborowie Racing Club held a meeting and it ahs been decided to wind up the club. Many of the old committee have died or left the district. It was decided to close the account at the Savings Bank and distribute the sum there as follows: £5 to the Tennis Club
£5 to the Cricket Club
£5 to the Football Club
£26-15-11 to Booborowie Memorial Hall
Marriage. At Redruth Methodist Church 27 March
Hurvin Bevan, second son of Mr & Mrs C.R. Bevan of ‘Claremont’ Aberdeen and
Sylvia Lomman, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Albert Lomman of Aberdeen.
[Born Harven Robert John Beven.]
Back to Farrell’s Flat. Over 200 old scholars attended the Back to School on Monday 22 March.
L.W. Mumme (Warren) won the Gawler Aggregate in very poor shooting conditions. Light rain was followed by a dust storm. He has only recently taken up shooting. He also came 1st in ‘The Wasleys’.
Burra Easter Tennis Tournament
Men’s Singles Championship M.G. Dobson
Women’s Singles Championship Miss Gebhardt
Men’s Singles Handicap ‘A’ Grade J. Hill
Men’s Singles Handicap ‘B’ Grade C. McDonald
Men’s Doubles Championship to be played
Women’s Singles Handicap to be played
Women’s Doubles Handicap to be played
Men’s Doubles Handicap to be played
Mixed Doubles Handicap to be played
58, 14, 6 Apr. 1937, page 1
Anzac Sports Meeting. There is a humorous 2⁄3 column article describing the preparations of participants in the coming events. They are given nicknames, but are also identified by actual names. Examples are: Karman (Bill Young), Saveloy (H. Aberg), Lucky Shot (Tip Mumme), Press Gang (Bish Marston) and Pallbearer (L. Pearce) among others.
Burra Rifle Club. Another stage of the Championship was fired.
Leading at present with aggregate off the rifle: A.C. Aughey 269
H.H. Byles 264
E.R. Pexton 263
Leading in the handicap aggregate: R.J. Kellock 296
J.E. Pearce 294
A.C. Aughey 293
58, 14, 6 Apr. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 10 April
Kay Francis & George Brent in Stranded
Dick Foran & Alma Lloyd in Song of the Saddle
Plus two short comedies: The Cat’s Pyjamas and All sealed Up
Obituary. George William Willmott late of Peterborough died at Burra hospital 26 March aged 72. He was the eldest son of the late George Willmott of Yongala. He is survived by his wife Agnes.
[Born George William Wilmott 22 December 1864 at Mintaro. See extended obituary 58, 16, 20 Apr. 1937, page 3.]
Obituary. Katherine Anne Abbott of Farrell’s Flat, widow of Arthur Charles Abbott died 6 April at Burra Hospital aged 64. She was the mother of Norbert, Leo, Perce & Matt.
[Married as Catherine Annie Reilly.]
Mr & Mrs Murison left Burra for Waikerie on Sunday. Mr Murison has lived in Burra from just prior to the Great War in which he afterwards served. He has been very active in musical circles here as a euphonium player and conductor of the Burra & District Band and as a member of the Burra Institute Orchestral & Choral Classes. Mrs Murison nee Dorothy Harris was born in Burra and before marriage was a member of the Choral Class and the Kooringa Methodist choir. She was also a member of the Methodist Guild and the Burra Croquet Club. With them go their children Miss Heather Murison and Master Bill Murison.
Fred Wheatley an old townsman now living in Colac, Victoria, visited Burra in the past week. He was an exponent of brass and stringed music and was prominent in the Burra Orchestra and in the Institute Orchestral & Choral Classes and the Methodist Church Choir. His father was also practically the founder of band music in Burra. He says his brothers Bert, Stan and Alf are all doing well in various parts of the Commonwealth.
St Mary’s held its annual vestry meeting on 4 April. A record number of Acts of Communion were reported. Many beautiful gifts had been received during the year. The Rector said they needed only £9 to reach the £70 required to install an electric blower for the organ. (This has since been subscribed.) [Personal interest: H.E. Fuss was on the Finance Committee, the Patronage Committee and a representative to the Ruri-decanal* Conference.]
[* Of or pertaining to a rural deanery.]
Football. Kooringa Football Club met on 30 March and elected: Patron, H. Mumme; Chairman, E. Fuller; Secretary, J. Hill; Assistant Secretary, N. Allen; President, C. Samuel; Captain, Don Halliday & Vice-Captain C. Lott. It was decided to join the Burra Football Association for the season.
Salvation Army. Over Easter the Salvation Army Brass Band from Port Adelaide and Kilkenny visited. A severe dust storm spoiled the Booborowie concert on Saturday. On Sunday morning they played in several Burra Streets before 11 a.m. and in the afternoon at Burra Hospital. It was too cold for an open-air concert in Market Square at 8.30 p.m. and this was transferred to the Methodist Church. The concert in the Salvation Army Hall on Monday night was a great success. Capt. Cresswell thanks all who billeted the men.
Advt. CWA calls tenders for the erection of a building at Terowie.
Tennis. Burra Association Final, 3 April
‘A’ Grade Hallett 10-85 defeated Ironmine 8-72
‘B’ Grade Booborowie 13-98 defeated Hallett 5-70
Challenge matches to decide the premiership will be played next Saturday.
58, 14, 6 Apr. 1937, page 3
Redruth Methodist Circuit held its quarterly meeting at Ironmine 3 May [sic: presumably 3 April?] Rev. Dyer presided. Appreciation of the services of the late Mr James Flower was noted. Reports on various Sunday schools were received and R. McWaters reported as representative to Conference.
Marriage. Mt Bryan Methodist Church 18 March
Stanley Fairchild, third son of Mr & Mrs A.T. Fairchild, married
Dulcie Miller, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs C.J. Miller of Mt Bryan
58, 14, 6 Apr. 1937, page 4
Burra Golf Club AGM was held at the Institute 1 April. Elected were President, Dr Steele; Vice-Presidents, J.R. Barker & H.W. Mumme; Secretary, C.L. Phillips & Treasurer, M. Tiller.
The season will open on 8 May.
Hallett Easter Sports. Results of a successful meeting are printed.
58, 15, 13 Apr. 1937, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. The Championship was completed on 10 April.
The Championship was won by A.C. Aughey with 313 from H.H. Byles on 308 points.
The Handicap Champion was E.R. Pexton with 332 points, ahead of R.J. Kellock on 331.
A.G. Heinrich won the last stage.
Burra Basketball Assoc. held its AGM in the Institute Lodge Room and elected: President & Chairman, A.N. Ratcliffe; Secretary & Treasurer, E.J. Jennings.
It was decided to form two men’s teams and two ladies’ teams and five rounds will be played.
Tennis. Results of Burra Association Challenge Matches for the Premiership:
‘A’ Grade Hallett 12-92 defeated Ironmine 6-77
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 11-88 Defeated Booborowie 7-72
58, 15, 13 Apr. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 April
Robert Donat & Elissa Landi in The Count of Monte Cristo
Supporting feature With Williamson Beneath the Sea
Notice. The Representative of W.T. Rawleigh Co. Good Health Products, Stan. G. Forth, has been replaced by Milton T. Pink of Clare.
Advt. Burra Homing Club calls a General Meeting for 17 April. P.J. Byrne Hon. Sec.
The Royal Blind Concert Party performance at the Institute on Wednesday last raised £12-4-0.
Burra Easter Tennis Tournament Finals were played over the weekend.
Man’s Championship Doubles W.A. Davey & N. Drayton
Men’s Handicap Doubles M.G. Dobson & A.L. Collins
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘A’ Grade A.J. Hill
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘B’ Grade C. McDonald
Mixed Doubles Miss H. Mumme & W.A. Davey
Women’s Championship Singles Miss M. Gebhardt
Women’s Handicap Singles to be played
Women’s Handicap Doubles to be played
Dr Steele as President said the courts would be better next year, in their second year and they hoped to put down two more this year.
RSL Reunion Dinner for the North-eastern Group was held in the Show Society’s Centenary Hall Aberdeen. At 7 p.m. returned men marched four abreast from the club rooms with the Burra District Band under George Terry assembled under Drew & Crewes’ verandah, brilliantly lit for the occasion. The men marched around the Soldiers’ Memorial where they paused for a minute’s silence before marching back to the club rooms.
58, 15, 13 Apr. 1937, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. Sheep Dog Trials
These were held last Friday and Saturday and drew good entries except in the local class.
Winners were: Local Class P.J. Thomas was the only entrant and of his three entries Belle won from Marina and Wilpen
Maiden Stakes won by A.B. Kemp’s Homeleigh Don
Puppy Stakes won by A.B. Kemp’s Homeleigh Don
Open Class won by A.B. Kemp’s Homeleigh Scot
Final Test A.B. Kemp’s Homeleigh Scot tied with his Homeleigh Pat
Stan Kellaway Jnr, second son of Stan Kellaway of Kooringa will play football for Pt Adelaide in ‘A’ Grade this year. His brother Tom is a member of that team and played last year.
Reg. Kellaway will soon leave Burra, as he has obtained a position in the city.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary last Sunday and Rev. D.C. Harris of Riverton officiated.
58, 15, 13 Apr. 1937, page 4
‘Not a Dog Owner But a Ratepayer’ writes applauding the by-law requiring dogs to be on a leash, but wondering why it is brought in when it is not enforced. Either enforce it or repeal it!
‘Householder’ writes protesting the price of bread in Burra. In Victor Harbor, Wilmington, Orroroo, Clare and the suburbs of Adelaide it is 51⁄2d per loaf – even where the cost of carriage is higher than to Burra. Why are we charged more?
Burra Town Council, 5 April
The Municipal Assoc. advises that dogs are not allowed in the streets except on a leash or under effective control, but it is a matter on the agenda for the next meeting of the Association.
M.W. Bednall advised that a committee of two councillors should meet with him concerning the new by-laws. Several of them were unsuitable for this Council and several of the old ones should be retained. Crs Worth and Dow were so appointed.
There was a discussion about damage at Victoria Park and about whose responsibility it was to care for the site and to report damage.
Cr Dow said the problem was ‘travellers’ who camped there and used the seating etc. for firewood. The police are to be informed and asked to act.
Three of the town’s ministers had asked if the Council wanted a Coronation Service in the Institute on 12 May at 10.30 a.m. Council advised them they would be pleased that such a service was held.
The Town Clerk advised that only one person had replied to the notice that those plying for hire needed a licence to carry goods.
Cr Dow moved legal proceedings be taken against those carrying goods and plying for hire without licences. Carried.
The Chapel St Bridge is to be widened by 2ft and put in order.
Complaints have been received about traffic control in the streets on Fridays in particular. Police will be asked to direct their attention to this.
The weighbridge in Aberdeen had been condemned to the inconvenience of the public. The Inspector is to be written to for reconsideration of the decision.
The Clerk said it was obsolete and worn out.
The meeting ended with the Council going into committee to consider the swimming pool proposal.
58, 16, 20 Apr. 1937, page 1
Annual Wool Trip to Sturt Vale
Thirty-three men in seven cars made the trip to Sturt Vale, property of I.J. Warnes & Sons on 12 April. The idea is to gain ideas for the more profitable management of flocks. The guests have the run of the shearing shed and access to the wool expert Mr Codrington and to Mr Warnes and his sons Rex and Jim who answer why things are done as they are. The cars left at 7.30 a.m. in dense fog, but this was left behind at Baldina creek. From King’s Well, one turns off the Broken Hill Road into I.J. Warnes & Sons’ property for the 60-mile run through the firm’s Koomooloo & Lagoon Stations to Sturt Vale. This year the country got better as they went on due to the heavy rains in the early part of the year. Annual grasses were prolific and young bushes were well established. A new and much straighter road has been made since last year. At each fence there is a ramp and grid in place of a gate and a white post to indicate that if at 60 m.p.h. you lift your foot at the post you will slow down enough to negotiate the ramp without braking. The road is however, dusty. The 81 mile run took on average about two and a half hours. At the shearing shed the silence is surprising to those used to machine shearing. Here hand shears are strangely silent. Morning tea with hot buttered scones and cakes was followed by a return to the shed. About 40 hands were employed – classers, pickers, pressers, runners and twenty shearers. There were few calls for ‘tar’. Shearers handled 80-100 per day and ranged in age from Josiah Rosewall [1868-1955] who has done the work for 51 years to young men in their 20s. We understand Norman Bell was ringer this year. [Norman Lyle Bell? born 1911.]
Most visitors also inspected a couple of big 12-disc Shearer ploughs which were to be used to plant lucerne in another part of the run. Mr Warnes found these ploughs would go through sticks, tobacco bush and bush.
Dinner at the shearers’ quarters was welcome with hot meat and vegetables. 35 people were catered for in five minutes by Joe Parks, said to be one of the best shearers’ cooks in the state.
The tip aims to benefit the smaller sheep-owners and show them how to get up their clips and it is a link between the Burra Show Society and its subscribers.
‘Burra District was considered to be one of the most profitable wool-growing districts in the State and was noted for its sound and bulky wool.’
This trip had been offered for the last 5 years and attendances were not getting smaller. A.B. Riggs moved a vote of thanks for the invitation on behalf of all those present. Mr Codrington endorsed the usefulness of the trip for the small sheep owner. This was his 18th visit to Sturt Vale and he said few stations were managed as efficiently. Classing was done on highly technical lines and small growers could not hope to do the same, but could class their wool in a small way. Wool buyers were after particular types of wool for the manufacturers. They must consider the number of sheep to be shorn, the lines to be classed and how many lines to make out of a clip. Fibres demarcation for Merinos being 58s to 70s, but the small man could make only two lines, mainly 64s and putting out the extra heavy and extra strong fleeces with a few shabby ones.
In the mallee lands the wool was low grade and it was not possible to top-make as much as it was in this district. It was not necessary to overdo the skirting unless burrs were numerous. Sometimes it was profitable to go right through the fleece and remove burrs. If growers wanted to obtain high values a certain amount of classing had to take place.
A flock of 500 would take 3 lines, A.A. & A.
One of 1,000 would take 4 lines, 2 each of A.A. & A. in strong and medium.
If inferior types were carried the smaller grower could not afford to cull. Anything not conforming to type should be culled.
Rex Warnes said that perhaps next year they would visit Koomooloo. Mr Warnes thanked the cook, Joe Parks of Burra.
29 years ago he had bought Sturt Vale (of 250 squ. miles) for £7,500. Everyone said he would fail and never muster sheep there, but the muster had never missed. Today there were 40 men on the staff. He had got some land from the Government to add to Sturt Vale. Mutooroo Pastoral Co. had turned the water off its natural course and left Sturt Vale practically dry. They had now got water rights back, but had spent £5-6,000 on a weir to divert the water back, but unsuccessfully. Now they were going to grow lucerne with the water so Sturt Vale could withstand drought. In several paddocks they were trying to get natural fodder back by keeping stock out.
A visit to Saltbush Dam showed visitors 80 acres of lucerne up to 4’6” high, planted in the bed of a watercourse. On average Jim Warnes said two floods 50” to 10’ deep and eight miles wide came down every year so there should be plenty of lucerne.
Nearby was a large acreage of what looked like wild verbena 30” high. Sheep don’t like it much, but bullocks thrive on it. Back at the homestead there was time for tea and cakes before starting for home. In a 12 hour trip of about 190 miles there were no mishaps and not even one puncture.
58, 16, 20 Apr. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 24 April
John Beal & Gloria Stuart in Laddie
Rudy Vallee & Ann Dvorak in Sweet Music
26 April
Ronald Colman & Claudette Colbert in Under Two Flags
With six short features including a cartoon in colour.
Will Kearns, second son of Mrs John Kellaway of Kooringa, employed at Holden’s in Adelaide, recently broke four SA weight-lifting records.
Dick Kearns, elder brother of Will Kearns, has recently left Drew & Crewes Ltd to enter the employ of M.W. Bednall.
Kooringa Tennis Club. The Club Championship was won on Saturday by W. Richards from M.W. Bednall.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church, 7 April
Eric A. Leaney, only son of Mr & Mrs G.E. Leaney of Baldina married
Avis J. Longbottom, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs F. Longbottom of Ironmine.
Farrell’s Flat Centenary Committee has announced a profit of £129-2-0, plus a State Centenary Council Grant of £25, which will be distributed to the town as follows:
Institute £64-11-0
Public School £12-18-0
Oval £25-16-6
Tree planting £25-16-6 plus £25 grant
£129-2-0
An Autumn Fair was staged in the Kooringa Lecture Hall last Friday by the combined efforts of Kooringa Methodist Girls’ Comradeship Club, World’s End Ladies, and the Farrell’s Flat & Kooringa Ladies’ Guilds. Proceeds were satisfactory.
Burra benevolent Society has addressed the requirements of a few old people in need of assistance.
Leighton Golf Club held its AGM 12 April and elected: President, I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, Messrs Wigley, Gask & Drew; Chairman, A.D. McDonald; Secretary, C. McDonald and Captain, A. Lloyd. 9 of the 18 holes are to be done up for match play with opening day on 8 May.
58, 16, 20 Apr. 1937, page 3
Mr & Mrs C.V. Opie left Kooringa today to reside in Adelaide. Mr Opie was a former proprietor of the Kooringa Hotel and was much involved in sporting circles. Mrs Opie and her daughters have been devoted workers for St Joseph’s Church.
Obituary. George W. Willmott who died 26 March was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs George Willmott and was born at Mintaro in 1865. From an early age he assisted his father in farming. The family later moved to Ironmine where Mr Willmott farms for Mr Hastie. There he married Miss Agnes E. Moore, second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs E.A. Moore of Kooringa and they went to Arkaba and took up sheep farming. From there they became sheep farmers at Yatina, Oodlawirra, Pinnaroo and finally Peterborough. Failing health forced his retirement and eight months ago they came to Kooringa. A widow survives. There is no family. Mr Willmott was a consistent member of the Salvation Army and Captain Cresswell conducted the funeral service assisted by Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook. [Born George William Wilmott 22 December 1864 at Mintaro.]
Obituary. Mrs John A. Riggs died at her residence ‘Hughendon’ on 16 April aged 84. She was born at Houghton SA 26 December 1852, a daughter of Mr & Mrs Benjamin Smith. At 23 she married Mr John Andrew Riggs at Gawler when he was managing Murkaby Station for his brother, Henry Riggs of Gawler. In 1880 Mr Riggs took up land at Mullaby near Burra and in 1891 he was granted a portion of Murkaby and also country further out, Lord’s Well & Bazentin Stations, now held by some of the sons, and the family moved to Kooringa. Mrs Riggs fought alongside her husband the elusive conditions of drought and plenty and maintained her vigour and mentality to the end. She was a member of Kooringa Methodist Church and a liberal supporter of its causes. Her husband died 4 July 1922. Two sons predeceased her: Elliott late of the AIF died on active service and Eddie Riggs in 1920. There are five surviving sons and four daughters: J. Arthur Riggs (Kooringa), Alfred B. Riggs (Murkaby & Aberdeen), Herbert & Vernon Riggs (Bazentin & Lord’s Well), Frank Riggs (Meadows South), Mrs Frank J. Pearce (Payneham), Mrs Edgar Pearce (Kooringa), Mrs Arthur Kellock (Kooringa) & Mrs John Venn (Perth WA). There are 18 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral on Sunday was very largely attended. [Born Elizabeth Smith.]
Obituary. Jean Mary (Molly) McBride elder daughter of Mr & Mrs R.J. (Robin) McBride died aged 14 on 16 April. She was taken ill at Girton School Adelaide and returned home where she died despite the best nursing. She was born in Burra and educated at the Church of England Day School.
[Born 11 May 1922 Aberdeen: died 17 April 1937 Aberdeen.]
Anzac Day Sports. There is another column of satirical comments on the preparations for the sports.
Mt Bryan East School held its annual picnic on Saturday 17 April at a picnic spot along Dust Holes Creek. Results of sports are printed.
58, 16, 20 Apr. 1937, page 4
Burra Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting was very successful. The gate was up on the previous meeting with about double the number of entries in the races. The course was in good order, if a little dusty in part (because the guarantors of the old club had sold the water pipes). It is intended to have two meetings a year. The main race was the Burra Handicap won by W. N. Brodie’s b.g. Collector ridden by F. Brodie.
58, 18, 27 Apr. 1937, page 1 [Number 17 was not used in this volume.]
Burra Town Council, 19 April
Burra Sports Syndicate approved a Military Camp at the Burra Race Course.
There was considerable debate over Mr Quinn’s application to erect an advertising sign on the Burra Hotel Lawn opposite his Service Station. There was concern about setting a precedent, but in the end it was allowed.
Mr Humphreys wrote complaining of cars backing out from parking places incorrectly and pedestrians walking on the road to Aberdeen instead of the footpath. The Mayor agreed.
The Clerk said he and M-C Armstrong had watched all Friday afternoon and seen no problems.
A letter of sympathy was sent to A.B. Riggs on the death of his mother.
Mr M.W. Bednall sent a report on the new by-laws. This was allowed to lie on the table for a month.
The Clerk reported retiring Councillors for the year were:
Mayor, T.H. Woollacott and Crs J.A. Riggs, G.H. Dow & H.J.B. Jennison.
Outstanding rates were £110.
He suggested painting a white line on the road from the direction of the Memorial to the silent cop at the Commercial Bank and parking lines on the kerbs.
Cr Dow said the latter would be ignored and he didn’t see how a line could be drawn from the Memorial parallel to the kerb as suggested. The traffic would go too close to the Memorial. The whole corner wanted going into again.
Cr Worth said Council could frame a by-law to make car owners observe the Act.
Cr Dow said the whole trouble was the Council talked too much. There should have been an instruction for Council to tell the inspector to inspect the problem, then the Council to make a request to police and see it carried out. Instead the Mayor tried to make an excuse for someone, undermining suggestions of Council and was always of an opposite opinion.
[He carried on with similar observations about the Mayor in other contexts including Victoria Park issues.]
A minute was made that the Mayor would reply next meeting to Cr Dow’s concerns about responsibility for welfare and care of Victoria Park.
Cr Worth moved that the Police be asked their opinion of:
The desirability of a white line to mark the centre of the road from the Soldiers’ Memorial to Drew & Crewes’ Lane.
The desirability of banning parking between Matthews’ & Drew & Crewes’ Lane.
The desirability of banning parking from the Commercial Bank corner to Baulderstone’s.
The desirability of a silent cop in the middle of Commercial St opposite the south alignment of Chapel St.
The desirability of altering the existing cop from the position opposite Drew & Crewes’.
Carried.
The Finance Committee is to go into the recovery of outstanding rates.
Cr Kellaway wanted £30 relief funding to go to work cleaning up the cemetery.
The Mayor said the only people wanting relief were children and persons unable to work, but if others could be found the suggestion would be carried out.
He said: ‘All the decent fellows in the town were in employment.’
Local Board of Health
Mr Nankivell applied for more time to remove his pigs from the mine. He was granted six weeks.
Burra Institute. Among the list of new books it is interesting to note that Rev. A. Dyer presented the library with a copy of My Struggle by A. Hitler. [Mein Kampf]
58, 18, 27 Apr. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 1 May
Helen Gahagan & Randolph Scott in She
Sally Blane & Charles Starrett in The Silver Streak
Advt. For Sale. The land known as the Court House Hotel and Linkson’s Shop, also a Township Block at Booborowie. Offers to J. Allen agent for Mrs C. Gregg.
Weather. Rain fell in useful amounts late Monday and into Tuesday. So far reports of about 50 points are coming in from the west of the ranges with rain still falling.
Eddie Finch reports finding water at 800 gallons per hour at 38ft on Lindsay Thomas’s by divining. 50ft away no water was procurable.
Burra Easter Tennis Tournament. Remaining results:
Women’s Handicap Doubles Misses S. & M. Murray
Women’s Handicap Singles Miss S. Murray
Football. Kooringa played a practice match at Farrell’s Flat on Saturday and beat Farrell’s Flat by 7 goals.
Cricket. The World’s End Team has won the County Eyre Cricket Assoc. Premiership and will hold a Victory Ball in Robertstown Peace Hall on Wednesday 5 May.
Obituary. Thomas Nicholls of Croydon died 25 April aged 68. He was an old Burra boy and son of Burra pioneers. His father was a watchmaker, but his son entered the printing trade at the Burra Record, then owned by F.W. (later Sir) Holder. Mrs Nicholls who survives was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Louis Grow. He leaves a grown-up family.
58, 18, 27 Apr. 1937, page 3
Burra Bowling & Croquet Clubs ended their 1936-37 season. Trophy winners were:
Croquet:
Champion Croquet Player Miss Netta Bown
Beginners Croquet Handicap Mrs N. Drayton
Handicap Singles Mrs Robinson
Handicap Doubles Mrs Robinson & Mrs Drayton
Bowls:
Championship Mr M.S. Edwards
Electric Light Pairs M.S. Edwards & George Terry
Gold Feather Trophy Mr G.E. Dane
Consistency Mr H. Mumme
Singles Handicap J.T. Pascoe
Rinks George Terry, H. Mumme, M.S. Edwards & H.W. Tiver
Burra Rifle Club. At Spalding on Saturday: Burra 549 defeated Spalding 500.
W.J. Rudd from Richmond, Adelaide writes seeking support for the Spanish Relief Fund.
58, 18, 27 Apr. 1937, page 4
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate report for the fortnight ending 30 March.
Lean’s Shaft. A small crosscut was put in west side wall of south drive. Small seam carrying gold was cut. A stage was erected at 80ft level. Started to drive north and south on a new lead.
Main drive north: driven a further 3ft.
No. 2 Shaft in open cut proceeded slowly with depth from bottom of open cut 30ft.
Parcel of 161⁄4 tons produced 20oz 19dwt 2gr plus 2oz 1dwt 8gr by cyanide.
For fortnight ending 10 April.
Lean’s Shaft. The main north drive was extended to 53ft with values slightly improved.
New Western Side Wall drive carried 18ft south and 16ft north.
Rigg’s Open Cut Shaft was cut to 35ft. The 10” Foot seam shows traces of gold and it and the 18” Hanging Wall Seam are expanding.
58, 19, 4 May 1937, page 1
Burra Basketball Assoc. season began last Tuesday evening.
[Personal interest: Chloris Fillmore scored 2 of the 10 goals for Red.]
Croquet. Mrs O. Finch defeated Mr J. Isaac by 4 points in the Open Handicap Singles.
Miss Wilks & Mr W.H. Gare defeated Mrs E. Steer & Mrs Watson by 9 points in the Open Handicap Doubles. [The report is confusing, as both Burra & Aberdeen Clubs were involved and the play was at Aberdeen.]
5th Annual Anzac Sports organised by the RSL was threatened by a week of drizzling rain, but the weather broke on Friday and Saturday was fine. There was a large attendance. The ground and tracks were in excellent condition. Cyclists came from around the state, but the pedestrian events were confined to locals with only two exceptions.
The local troop of 9/23 Barossa Light Horse provided the military events. H.S.T. Warnes was recovering from his recent accident, so Sgt Major R.J. Bernhardt was in charge. Horse events were not well patronised with the same three horses in the two events. In addition however, the Draught Horse Race over two furlongs was limited to jockeys of minimum weight of 14 stone who were not normally riders. This was originally a popular event, but numbers have fallen over the years from about 20 to just 3 this year. L.M. Gordon rode the Prior Bros.’ Fidget, L. Motherall rode Prior Bros.’ Last End, G.H. Dow rode T. Kallio’s Royal Challenge. G.H. Dow won from L. Motherall with L.M. Gordon last.
Military events were well patronised.
A large team of professional riders came from Adelaide for the motor cycle events.
A dance was held in the evening in the Lodge Hall at Aberdeen.
The gate was c. £75.
The report extends for c. 31⁄4 columns and includes a full list of results.
58, 19, 4 May 1937, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will hold a Clearing Sale on the farm 1 mile north of Farrell’s Flat on 13 May. A.A. Short is converting solely to power farming and is selling 25 Clydesdale Mares and geldings including:
4 geldings and 1 filly, rising 4 years
1 gelding and 3 fillies rising 3 years
1 6-year mare
1 9-year gelding
4 aged mares
3 fillies rising 2 years
2 geldings rising 2 years
5 foals
Advt. Burra Talkies, 8 May
Three Kids and a Queen supported by Storm Over the Andes
12 May
Wheeler & Woolsey in Hips, Hips Hooray
Paul Muni & Karen Morley in Black Fury
Notice. Mayor T.H. Woollacott calls a public meeting concerning Coronation Celebrations.
Notice. Mr A. Nankivell thanks donors of waste for their help in the past 8 years. He has now had to relinquish his pig business on account of the high price of hard feed.
The Editor makes an appeal for decoration of shops etc. to honour the coronation.
Methodism will celebrate 100 years in SA next Sunday. The first meeting was 11 May 1837 when 15 members met to form the first Christian fellowship of the Methodist Society in the house of Edward Stephen.
Notice. Former members of H.M. forces are invited to the Civic Coronation Service in Burra Institute 10.30 a.m. Wednesday 12 May. RSL.
Rain totalling 134 points fell last week and somewhat more in some places to the west. Little extended to the east.
The Coronation of H.M. King George VI will be honoured at a combined assembly of Burra Primary & High Schools on 11 May at 1.20 p.m. Parents and friends are invited.
58, 19, 4 May 1937, page 3
Obituary. G.H. Dunn Sen. died at Tamworth NSW. His father Mr H. Dunn came to Australia in the early days of settlement and the deceased spent his early life at Barton Hill, Black Springs, SA. Then he went to Sandal Park, Bendleby [ENE of Carrieton] as farmer and grazier and he was a member and Chairman of the Carrieton DC for a number of years. He was involved in framing laws relating to perpetual lease in SA. In 1910 he moved to Dunreath, Tamworth, where he became a member of Tamworth DC and of the Farmers & Settlers’ Assoc. and the Tamworth Co-op Dairy Society. He was a staunch Methodist. He was also an inventor having patented the first hand choker cutter in Australia and the bull baffler, which stops a beast from bunting or charging. H.J. Dunn of Black Springs is a brother. [George Henry Dunn was born c. 1856 from his marriage registration.]
Obituary. L.L. Wicklein of Kooringa died 29 April at Burra Hospital after a short, but severe illness. Council acknowledged his death with a minute’s silence. He had owned a jeweller’s and watchmaker’s business in Kooringa for many years and was a Councillor for two years, 1914, 1916.* He retired some years ago to Pt Augusta, but Mr & Mrs Wicklein returned to Kooringa about two years ago. His wife was Miss Ada Chenoweth [Chynoweth], youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs James Chenoweth of Kooringa who survives with one daughter, Mrs James Melville of Rawlinna WA (who is visiting her mother) and one son Fred Wicklein of Whyalla. There are three grandchildren.
[*This is incorrect. He was elected for West Ward from December 1911 to November 1913 and re-elected to serve the term December 1913 to November 1915, but was hounded from office in November 1914 due to the animosity for enemy nationals, though he had been born in Australia and his Hungarian-born father had been a naturalised British subject for about 50 years.]
[Otto Leopold Ludwig Wicklein born 13 July 1870 Adelaide.]
Anzac Service. The 22nd anniversary service for the Gallipoli landing was held on Sunday 2 May. The local service was delayed as so many of the returned men went to Adelaide for the 25th April. The returned men marched four abreast from the RSL rooms to the hospital and thence to the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial led by the Waikerie Band who had come with J.H. Murison for the occasion. This year there were no returned nurses with Mrs D. Keynes being absent in the city. Members of the 9/23 Light Horse followed the diggers. Rev. A. Dyer (Methodist) led the service while Rev. D.L. Redding (Anglican) gave the address and Capt. Williams of the Salvation Army assisted.
George Thorpe, formerly of Eyes & Crowle in Burra, visited after an absence of 15 years.
M. Tiller manager of the Commercial Bank in Kooringa for the last two years has been transferred to Blackheath NSW.
58, 19, 4 May 1937, page 4
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 24 April
At 80ft level in Lean’s Shaft driving south has advanced 10ft to 28ft with a little good ore – 10 bags estimated at 1oz per bag. Driving north has advanced 5ft to 21ft on a trace of gold.
Main North Drive advanced 6ft to 59ft on a trace of gold.
Riggs’ open cut shaft has advanced to 40ft – lode underlying at 45° foot wall seam showing colour in dish. 8 tons at grass.
58, 20, 11 May 1937, page 1
Burra Town Council, 3 May
The school asked for the removal of a gum and a pepper tree at the corner of the street at the school house. To be inspected before a decision.
The Baptist Union asked Council for the foundation stone of the old Baptist Church in Burra and for permission for Mr Carpenter to take it to Adelaide. The Town Clerk said it was in the Council Depot wall and should be easy to remove. Request granted.
The Burra Carriers Assoc. sought a deputation to Council to discuss matters arising from new by-law 23. Council agreed, with Cr Dow dissenting, as it was a matter over which they had no control.
Council will receive a deputation concerning a weighbridge if suggestions are first submitted in writing for consideration.
The Town Clerk said a swimming pool site 120ft x 90ft had been pegged out. The old ambulance shed had been converted for a Council Depot for property such as weights and measures.
The police agree with the suggestion of a white line in the centre of the road from the Monument to the existing silent cop and that corners as suggested by Council be prohibited parking areas and that there be no parking within 12ft of the telegraph pole in front of Drew & Crewes. Under the new Act pedestrians must walk on the right hand side of the road facing the traffic.
The Mayor advised Cr Dow that the Town Clerk looked over Victoria Park once a week. He said there was very little to complain about. Crs Dow, Kellaway & Riggs disagreed and cited seat damage and stock eating trees. People were continually putting their stock in the park. No donations had been received towards the cost of floodlighting the monument. The Mayor said funds were in the hands of the trustees of certain funds, which were now defunct and they should be asked to hand the funds to the scheme. Cr Dow said one such group had promised £10.
58, 20, 11 May 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 15 May
Michael Wilding & Jean Muir in White Fang
Claire Trevor & Arline Judge in Star for a Night
Burra Town Council. The following officers’ term of office expires on 1st Saturday in July.
Mayor: Thomas Henry Woollacott
North Ward: Horton Joseph Barraclough Jennison
East Ward: John Arthur Riggs
West Ward: Graham Harry Dow
Mrs I.J. Warnes has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire 5th Class in the Coronation Honours List of H.M. King George VI.
David Killicoat is visiting Burra for the first time in 14 years from WA.
Railway Accident. A chestnut pony was killed when struck by the East-West Express at the crossing near Copperhouse on Friday at 1.20 p.m.
Coronation Decorations are appearing on premises in Aberdeen and Kooringa.
Obituary. James Rogers died 5 May at his residence in Aberdeen aged 80. Formerly a farmer of Hanson, he retired to Aberdeen. His wife died many years ago [1922]. His only daughter Miss Minnie Rogers survives him. [James Henry Rogers born 26 August 1856 at Gum Creek.]
An Empire Ball was held at Hallett on 4 May and raised over £20 for the Hallett Church of England. It was organised by Mrs G.S. Melrose.
Very Rev. Father Morrissey was welcomed back to Burra on Monday 10 May after being stationed for some months in Jamestown due to the temporary absence of Very Rev. Father Henschke.
Football. Last Saturday at Hallett in the first match of the season Kooringa defeated Hallett 82-58.
58, 20, 11 May 1937, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. reports very erratic values in sinking the main shaft. The Director of Mines Dr Ward inspected it at 269ft with an inspector and they reported favourably.
Further sinking will await the arrival of proper machinery. The Mines Department will supply two air compressors and a hauling winch etc. at nominal rent. It will also pay half the cost of erecting poppet heads etc. to enable the field to be tested at depth. A further contribution has been required from shareholders.
In the last 12 months 968 tons went to the battery yielding 185oz 16dwt 11gr for a gross return of £1,388 and a nett £1,065. The machinery arrived at Burra Station last week.
Road Traffic Amendment Act 1936. An outline of changes:
Cyclists are not to carry passengers
Cyclists are not to ride abreast
Cyclists are not to hang on to other vehicles or follow within six feet
Cyclists must have hands on the handle bars
Motorists must keep as near a practicable to the left
Motorists must not travel abreast
Cars with a windscreen must have an effective wiper
Cars must have a rear view mirror
Pedestrians must walk on the right hand side facing the traffic
Etc.
Contact Lenses are reported as a new invention.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club elected for 1937: Chairman, M. Morton; Secretary, R.A. Bevan; Assistant Secretary, F. Baulderstone; Treasurer, S. Kellaway. A series of road races are planned and a ball in July. The first race was won by A.T. Garrard from K. Whitford and C. Wilson.
Burra Golf Club season opened on 8 May by Dr Steele as President.
58, 20, 11 May 1937, page 4
Football. At Hallett on Saturday:
Kooringa 3.4 4.4 10.10 12.10 (82)
Hallett 1.1 6.7 6.8 8.10 (58)
58, 21, 18 May 1937, page 1
Coronation Day in Burra on 12 May was celebrated with a Divine Civic Service at the Institute at 10.30 a.m. Streets and shops were decked out in flags and pennants etc. People were seated by 10.20 for the arrival of the Military and the Mayor & Councillors. Seats in the front right hand side held the combined choir of St Mary’s, Redruth Methodist and Kooringa Methodist Churches. To the left hand side sat members of the Town & District Councils and returned soldiers. Hallett wolf Cub Pack provided a guard of honour. Returned soldiers and Citizens Mounted Forces of the 9/23 Light Horse assembled at 10 a.m. and were led to the Institute by the Burra District Band under George Terry. Light Horsemen were led by WO R.G. Bernhardt and formed a Guard of Honour in the central aisle for the Mayor, Councillors and Mr A.D. McDonald MP and the returned men.
Revs D.L Redding, J.P.H. Tilbrook & A. Dyer conducted the service. Rev. Tilbrook’s address is printed.
After the service, outside the hall the Mayor read the message sent from the Corporation to the Governor to be forwarded to the King, followed by an address which is reported.
On the previous day a Coronation Service was help at Burra Primary and High Schools. Rev. Redding addressed the assembly followed by Rev. Tilbrook and Dr Steele. A summary of their addresses is printed.
58, 21, 18 May 1937, page 2
Advt. The Opening Ceremony of the New Methodist Church at Mt Bryan will be held 29 May at 3 p.m. The unveiling of seven memorial windows and the dedication service by Revs D.C. Harris & O. Noske will be followed by a public tea and grand concert.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 22 May
Jean Hersholt & Michael Whalen in The Country Doctor
Claire Trevor and Cesar Romero in 15 Maiden Lane
Notice. District Council of Burra Burra. Vacancies caused by the effluxion of time:
Mt Bryan Ward: Horace A.A. Edwards
Baldina Ward: John Kellock
Hanson Ward: Frederick G. Scholz
Booborowie Ward: Theodor J. Wedding
Nominations due by 12 June for elections if needed on 3 July.
Notice. Burra town Council has banned parking from the southeast corner of Drew & Crewes to the southeast corner of Messrs Wilkinson & Co.
Miss Thelma Harris was farewelled by Kooringa Methodist Church last Wednesday on the eve of her departure to live in Glenelg with her parents. She was in the war years a member of the famous Burra Cheer-up Ladies Band.
Weather. Rain has again fallen making three weekends in a row and the month to date has registered 120 points. Mushrooms are plentiful. Falls to the east vary from 20 points at Ketchowla to 92 at World’s End.
Mr C. Dunstone of the Bank of Australasia staff has been transferred to Adelaide to be replaced by Mr Rutt from Gladstone.
Capt. Creswell, local officer of the Salvation Army is recovering from throat trouble, but cannot yet resume her duties.
District Council of Burra Burra.
Cr Keynes reported he had inspected the Methodist Church property at Leighton and proposed that the Council make an offer to purchase it. Carried.
Sections 37, 38, & 43 in the Town of Douglas were transferred from Rebecca Judell deceased to the Public Trustee and Lester Maurice Wolff Judell.
Obituary. Miss Mary (Polly) O’Leary died at Burra hospital at 5.30 p.m. last Friday aged c. 77 [79]. She was the last of the O’Leary family, the fathers and brothers of which conducted a butchering business in Queen St for many years. [Mary O’Leary born 24 October 1857 Kooringa: died 14 May 1937 Kooringa.]
58, 21, 18 May 1937, page 3
Mt Bryan East Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary on 9 May when Rev. O.L. Noske officiated.
Marriage. Methodist Church Mt Bryan 5 May
Gladys Huggins married Mr W. Kellaway.
Loyal Burra Burra Oddfellows Lodge visited Greenock Lodge on 8 May. The trip is reported in 11⁄4 columns.
On Saturday evening last the Juvenile Lodge members were invited to a fancy dress frolic at the Lodge Hall in Aberdeen.
Best dressed boy: Charlie Hopkins (A Gentleman)
Best dressed girl: Barbara Carpenter (Hawaiian Girl)
Most striking costume: Bob Angel (Red Indian)
Most humorous boy Andrew Bernhardt (Absent minded Mick)
Most unique girl Isabel Kakoschke (Never too late to mend)
58, 21, 18 May 1937, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park, Saturday
Kooringa 2.8 7.9 9.16 14.21 (105)
Spalding 1.3 2.3 3.5 4.6 (30)
Booborowie 5.6 defeated Hallett 1.7
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ended 8 May
80ft level of Lean’s Shaft. Western side wall drive extended from 28ft to 36ft. 20 bags of ore estimated at 1oz per bag.
Main North Drive was extended from 59ft to 64ft in low values.
Riggs’ Open Cut Shaft has been sunk to 46ft in quartzite. 14 tons at grass expected to go 2 oz per ton.
‘Miss Scarecrow’ writes that tramps have used the seats for firewood and the dressing sheds as a boarding house. Other small towns have a grandstand, but here nothing. She suggests vesting the oval in say 8 trustees appointed by the football club (2), cricket club (2), Town Council (2) and townsfolk (2) to erect a grandstand, changing rooms etc.
58, 22, 25 May 1937, page 1
Parking Experiment in Market Square
Many farmers have been complaining of the parking ban between Drew & Crews & Wilkinson’s Pharmacy. Businessmen are also opposed.
Cr Dow considers it the most dangerous corner in town and that the silent cop near the Commercial Bank is misplaced making it more dangerous.
Cr Kellaway thought that as far as Spencer’s would be far enough to ban parking.
Cr Jeffery thought the move too drastic. The area in front of Miss Warner’s shop was the most dangerous.
‘A Disgusted Motorist’ writes that the town will lose shoppers to Clare if the parking ban remains. (Especially Farrell’s Flat folk.) There has been no real problem in the 60 odd years that the town was incorporated.
58, 22, 25 May 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 29 May
The Last Days of Pompeii
Wheeler & Woolsey with Dorothy Lee in Cockeyed Cavaliers
Ben Hill broke a bone near his ankle when his horse slipped and fell near J.A. Riggs house last week.
The Harry Raymond Concert Co. will give a variety concert in Redruth Memorial Hall on 27 May in aid of SA Blind, Deaf & Dumb Children’s Home at Brighton.
H.C. Sanderson of Elder, Smith & Co. left to become manager of the Yorketown Branch on Saturday. R. Crang of Orroroo succeeds him in Kooringa.
Mrs Klaffus aged 90 is about again after a fall and she thanks neighbours, especially Mrs L. Day, for help during her illness.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 17th stage of the Pine valley Trophy. R. Barty, R. Bernhardt, C.D. Pexton, A.G. Heinrich, H.H. Byles, P.W. Hogan, F. Lewis, W. Woodman and E. Hopkins each scored the maximum 80, but were ranked in the above order on the basis of the % of handicap used to reach that total.
Hallett Coronation Ball on 11 May was a great success. Dancing till 2 a.m. with music by Carnell’s Pirie Dance Band.
58, 22, 25 May 1937, page 3
Burra Homing Club elected on 15 May: Patron, J.E. Pearce; President, T.P. Halls; Vice-Presidents, A.G. Drew, W.M. Heath, E.A. Fuller, W.C. Sampson, T. Villis & Max Pearce; Secretary, H.W. Pearce.
Mrs Isaac Warnes who was awarded an MBE in the Coronation Honours has been President of the CWA in SA since 1926. Since then she estimates she has travelled 1-2,000 miles visiting CWA branches each year. Shortly she intends to go to Central Australia and perhaps to Darwin. The CWA now has 50 branches. After her marriage she lived for 10 years on Old Koomooloo before moving to Leighton. She was a delegate to the International Council of Women’s Conference in London in 1929 and to the first Conference of Rural Women of the World. The news of the award lifted family spirits following the death of the fiancée of one of her sons who was to have married in June.
Football. At Spalding on Saturday: Spalding 13.14 defeated Kooringa 6.13.
A Petition against the recent parking regulations introduced into Market Square extends for 1⁄3 column and had it says many other signatures.
[Personal interest: it includes the signatures of R. Fuss & H.E. Fuss.]
58, 22, 25 May 1937, page 4
Burra Town Council, 17 May
Brigadier Martin replies that there are too few members of the regiment around Burra to make it a viable place to camp.
There was a debate about planting trees and why it hadn’t been done in North Ward in the holes in rock blasted for them.
Cr Jeffery said it was a matter for North Ward and Cr Jennison was absent. Cr Dow said it was a Parklands matter.
It was decided to remove the trees on the school house corner.
The Mayor expressed disagreement with the work being done on the Mine Bridge, which increased the road’s height so it would be easy for a car to tip over the wall of the bridge.
58, 23, 1 June 1937, page 1
‘A Farmer’ writes protesting the parking ban in Market Square.
‘Mind the Kiddies’ suggests a much more dangerous situation exists between the Post Office and the Fire Station where children cross the road and cars travel at 30-35 m.p.h.
‘Pedestrian’ endorses the Council’s parking ban in Market Square and says drivers doing excessive speed or not obeying the rules of the road have brought any inconvenience upon themselves.
Burra Rifle Club has fired the 18th stage of the Pine valley Trophy. W.K. Pexton, J. Schwier, T.R. Pexton, E. Hopkins, C.D. Pexton & R. Kellock each achieved 80; in the above order after taking their handicap into account.
Burra Local Court, 25 May
Patrick Dower sued Leo Kennedy for damages of £12-17-6 for running into the rear of his car on 3 October. Kennedy counter-sued (due to the car stopping suddenly without warning). The details occupy half a column and the judgement was reserved.
Allan Sellars was charged with carrying goods for hire without a permit on a controlled route. He admitted carrying wool on three occasions for M.H. Tiver. Details in a quarter of a column. He was fined £7-10-0 plus £1-16-0 costs.
Mongolata goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 22 May.
Lean’s Shaft. At 80ft level the western side wall drive going south has been extended to 50ft in increased values. Drive going north advanced to 26ft with low values.
Main Drive North shows promising signs in the west wall of the drive where a cut to locate the western side wall lead has picked it up 5ft west of Main Drive and 60ft north of the shaft.
A crushing of 15tons 4cwt has yielded 33oz or 2oz 3dwt 10gr per ton with tailings to come.
Riggs Open Cut Shaft. Advanced only 5ft to 51ft. Lode material is becoming more confined and looking better.
58, 23, 1 June 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 5 June
Jane Withers in Pepper
Robert Kent & Rosalind Keith in King of the Royal Mounted
Notice. Annual Elections for Burra Burra Hospital Board of Management.
G.E. Dane & A.B. Riggs retire and are eligible for re-election.
Obituary. Miss Joan Kathleen Jeffery died at Burra Hospital 31 May aged 22. She was the daughter of Mrs T.H. Jeffery of Hallett. [Born 15 August 1915 at Kooringa.]
Football. An all-Aboriginal team from Swan Reach will visit Booborowie to play a Burra Association team in a charity match on 22 June.
Weather. Rain has again fallen, beginning on Sunday evening and by Monday morning at 9 a.m. 40 points had been registered, but little fell to the east.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School held a Mystery Concert on Wednesday last and raised £11 for the Sunday school funds.
Golf. Last Saturday a team of eight men and six associates visited Farrell’s Flat. The visitors won 5 matches, halved one and lost one. Farrell’s Flat ladies won 4 and lost 2. [Results from page 3.]
58, 23, 1 June 1937, page 3
Mt Bryan Methodist Church was opened last Saturday. This replaces the wood and iron building used for many years. The new building is of red brick and the old building will now become the Sunday school. The church is 35ft x 23ft x 18ft high. The walls are rough cast. Furnishings are in Australian Oak. The linoleum was the gift of E. Cyril Collins and the aisle carpet the gift of T.P. Griffen & Cyril Collins. Hymnals were gifts of A. Jefferies and J.R. Simpson. At the rear is a vestry 23ft x 14ft. The lighting is by Aladdin lamps. Present were: Rev. D.C. Harris (Riverton), Rev. O.L. Noske (Hallett Circuit minister), Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook (Kooringa), Rev. A. Dyer (Redruth), L.G. Golding (Architect from Adelaide) and F.M. Pearce (Contractor from Aberdeen).
Mr A.A. Jefferies declared the building open. Some £700 has been raised, but a debt remains to be paid off of some £400. Miss M.A. Thomas unveiled a window in the porch to the memory of Methodist Pioneers. The service by the four ministers is then reported. The sermon was by Rev. Noske. A concert followed in the evening. Takings for the Saturday and Sunday were £50.
[The full report extends for 2 columns.]
Poem by I.C. Trouble on the Parking Ban.
58, 23, 1 June 1937, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 3.2 7.7 11.10 13.12 (90)
Hallett 0.2 2.3 3.5 8.5 (53)
Booborowie 14.14 (98) defeated Spalding 4.3 (27).
58, 24, 8 June 1937, page 1
‘Spearshakes’ submits a poem on the Parking Ban. In twenty-first century terms it is a very politically incorrect effort comparing the Aborgines’ freedom with the excess of regulation of the modern white man. But the poem begins:
‘When a nigger threw a boomerang
Along the Burra creek . . .’
Burra Rifle Club fired the 19th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy with best results from J. Schwier & J.E. Pearce. The aggregate leaders at this point were C.D. Pexton & N. Villis with 23 points, ahead of W.K. Pexton with 20.
Football. At Victoria Park, Saturday:
Kooringa 1.3 6.6 8.8 9.17 (71)
Booborowie 2.2 4.3 6.3 8.5 (53)
Obituary. John D. Rockfeller [sic: Rockefeller 1839-1937] the world’s most notable man and multimillionaire has died in Florida aged 98.
58, 24, 8 June 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 12 June
Eddie Cantor & Ann Southern in Kid Millions
George Bancroft & Francis Dee in Blood Money
Notice. Burra Town Council. An extraordinary vacancy has occurred in West Ward due to the resignation of Councillor Frank Lindsey Worth. Nominations are called for the position by 19 June.
Burra Rifle Club held a dance in the Lodge Hall at Aberdeen last Saturday, which was a success. It aimed to raise money to send a team to the Centenary Matches to be fired in Sydney next February.
Mr & Mrs Jesse Humphrys and two small sons have left Leighton for their new property at Hynam in the South East.
Salvation Army. Captain Creswell is in Adelaide for medical treatment for her throat trouble and is not doing as well as desired and she will be unable to resume duties for at least six weeks. In the mean time Candidate Myrtle Drury is assisting Captain Williams.
Clem Sampson, former Councillor for West Ward has been back from WA on holiday and will return to his contract there in about a fortnight. [Probably a dam-sinking contract.]
Red Cross. The Burra Circle met on 1 June and elected Mrs J. Tennant as President for the coming year. Vice-Presidents, Mesdames G. Herbert, W.H. Sandland & G.G. Hawkes; Treasurer & Secretary, Mrs E.F. Marston.
Burra Town Council, Monday
Cr Dow accused the press of reporting meetings in a misleading way and of holding the Council up to ridicule and he moved that unless the press complies with certain conditions it not be admitted to meetings. Seconded Cr Kellaway and carried.
Press representatives were not allowed to signify any intention and the Council then went into committee.
We admit not being word perfect in reporting, but deny any attempt to mislead or to hold up to ridicule. Apparently in committee the parking ban came in for full discussion and it was revoked.
‘Further in vindication concerning the accuracy of local press reports we regret to state that Cr Worth, who has been hardly one year in office, tendered his resignation last night. Further two more Councillors, Crs Jennison and Riggs, who have done a tremendous amount of good in the Council, have refused to offer themselves for election again.’
[No reason is given for Cr Worth’s resignation and the report merely states that a letter from him was read out. It was received with regret.]
Councillors Jennison, Worth & Riggs were all absent.
[While there is no direct reference to support the conclusion, the writer seems to be implying that the operations of Council had produced dissatisfaction in the absent Councillors. Certainly the reports show a number of clashes of most Councillors with the Mayor at different times and Cr Dow comes across in the reports as stubborn, thin-skinned and argumentative and even at times petty and self important, but whether this is due to the reporting or to his behaviour is a matter for judgement.]
58, 24, 8 June 1937, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Charles McDonald died in Adelaide 31 May. She was the youngest daughter [Elizabeth] of the late Mr & Mrs David Neil of Hallett. She was born at Kooringa 29 November 1865 and married 15 August 1889 to Charles McDonald. There was a large family of whom the following survive: Myrtle Mrs S.P. Tiver (Kent Town), Ada Mrs F.C. Grey (Parilla), Maude Mrs V.H. Goldney (Woodville), Hector, Frank & Alec (Hallett) & Allan (Gawler). Her second son David Charles McDonald was k.i.a. in France and her fourth son John Neil died in Adelaide four years ago. She had been a staunch Methodist and a keen charity worker, doing much for Red Cross and Patriotic Funds.
Obituary. Miss Doris Wall died at her mother’s residence on Sunday aged 38. She was the daughter of Mrs & the late Mr John Wall. [Born 3 October 1899 Hampton, Burra: died 6 June 1937, Redruth.]
Obituary. William Davey aged 83, the brother of Messrs E.J. & A.A. Davey died recently.
William Davey had been connected with the SAR and prior to retiring to the city had resided at Peterborough for many years. Another brother, Joseph, of Croydon aged 80 also survives as do two sisters: Mrs E. Statton & Mrs L. Davey both of Adelaide.
[Born 12 December 1853 District of the Murray: died 23 May 1937, Mile End, residence Unley.]
Obituary. Steve Davey aged 85 brother of Messrs E.J. & A.A. Davey died last week. He had worked for the National Bank for many years and had been a manager of various country branches prior to retirement. [Stephen Henry Davey born 1852: died 2 June 1937 Westbourne Park.]
Burra Homing Club. The program for 1937 is printed.
Burra Chess Club met at the Institute on 4 June and elected A.A. Davey as President with R. Kearns as Secretary.
58, 25, 15 June 1937, page 1
Burra Town Council Elections
Stanley Kellaway has been elected Mayor, unopposed.
The retiring Mayor T.H. Woollacott had held the position for a record period of 61⁄2 years continuously. Mr M. Collins held it for six years and Mr Crewes for ten, but over three periods.
Mr Woollacott held office through the difficult period of the depression and inaugurated the Unemployment Relief Committee. He represented the town at many official visits by Vice-Regal representatives and other distinguished persons. Mrs Woollacott in her period as Mayoress has also fulfilled her duties in a most creditable manner.
The cartoon of Mr Woollacott by Pearce is reprinted.
Mr S. Kellaway has been a Councillor for 16 years and has been a careful observer of his Ward’s welfare and always careful of East Ward’s finances.
Mr Robert J. McWaters was elected unopposed for North Ward.
For West Ward Cornelius W. Samuel & Cr Graham H. Dow have nominated.
For East Ward R. Clifford Lott & William H. March have nominated.
Elections will be held on 3 July.
Nominations for the extraordinary vacancy in West Ward due to Cr Worth’s resignation are due on 19 June and for the one in East Ward caused by Cr Kellaway’s resignation by 26 June.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 20th stage of the Pine Valley Trophy which resulted in R. Barty, W. Coombs, E. Hopkins, A.G. Heinrich & W. Woodman all getting the maximum 105 in that order after taking their handicap into account.
St Joseph’s Annual Ball was held in the Institute on Wednesday last with a record attendance.
[Page 2 note adds that the proceeds were £47.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 5 June.
Lean’s Shaft. At 80ft level the west side wall lead to the south has advanced to 60ft with the lode scattered in small veins. It is 5ft to the boundary. The lead to the north advanced 8ft to 64ft.
There are 25 bags of ore estimated at 1oz per bag.
Riggs’ Open Cut Shaft has been sunk 5ft to 51ft in a scattered lode. 10 tons at grass and expect to have 16-17 tons by the time of a crushing booked for 17 June.
Byles’ Mongolata GM has been quiet, preparing for deeper exploration.
58, 25, 15 June 1937, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will conduct a clearing sale for J. Carpenter of Taylor St on 25 June, as he is leaving the district.
Notice. Burra Burra Hospital Board of Management report George Edwin Dane & Alfred Benjamin Riggs have been re-elected to the board.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 19 June
John Boles & Barbara Stanwyck in A Message to Garcia
June Clyde & Brian Lawrence in She Shall Have Music
Advt. The Waiata Maori Choir at the Burra Institute 15 July.
Notice. Burra Burra District Council
The following nominations were received by 12 June:
Baldina Ward: John Kellock
Herbert Morgan
Booborowie Ward: Theodor Julius Wedding re-elected
Mt Bryan Ward: Horace Ambroze Allen Edwards re-elected
Hanson Ward: Morgan De Neufville Lucas elected
The election for Baldina Ward will be held 3 July with voting in the District Council Office
Pearce’s Building, Kooringa.
Obituary. Mary Louisa Buckley died at her Gum Creek residence on 15 June aged 72. She was the wife of Martin Buckley, mother of Amanda & Joe and grandmother of Martin.
[See extended obituary 58, 27, 6 July 1937, page 1.]
Football. Tom Kellaway is performing well for Port Adelaide as a ruckman. Dick Halliday is an up and coming rover for Glenelg.
In schoolboys’ football at Booborowie last Saturday: Booborowie 9.13 defeated Burra 2.2.
58, 25, 15 June 1937, page 3
Weather. Since last Thursday there have been good general rains extending to the east with heavier thunderstorms as well. The result has seen falls from as low as 38 points at Old Koomooloo and 33 at Redcliffe to 167 at Morgan Vale. Falls between 60 & 80 points were common.
Girl Guides. Moves are afoot to form a company of Girl Guides in Burra. Miss Wien Smith Divisional Commissioner visited from Clare on Tuesday. A meeting of those interested will be held in Pearce’s Building on Tuesday 22 June at 2.30 p.m.
Obituary. Mrs Roy Saxon died on 11 June at her residence in Prospect. She was born Clara Reed, youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Reed of Hope Farm 2 miles south of Kooringa in 1897 and was educated at Burra School and attended Kooringa Methodist Sunday School. She is survived by her husband and one son. Mrs F. Griffiths of Aberdeen is a sister.
[Marriage registration suggests Clara Read born 1895, but the birth has proved to be untraceable on the Birth CD. Death registration says she died at Adelaide, residence Prospect aged 39. The Griffiths connection also proved unhelpful, even though Mrs Griffiths was born Annie Read.]
58, 25, 15 June 1937, page 4
Football. At Booborowie last Saturday
Booborowie 5.4 13.9 15.11 16.12 (108)
Kooringa 2.2 5.4 5.7 5.10 (40)
58, 26, 22 June 1937, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday
Kooringa 2.6 5.7 7.10 13.13 (91)
Spalding 0.2 2.8 4.10 5.11 (41)
Burra Rifle Club. In the shoot-off for the Fearon Trophy the winner was R.H. Barty. C.D. Pexton & N. Villis will shoot off for 2nd & 3rd.
W. Coombs was given a smokers outfit, as he is leaving the district and the Basketball Association gave him a travelling rug.
58, 26, 22 June 1937, page 2
Advt. Matrons & Spinsters’ Ball in Hanson Memorial Hall 30 June.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 26 June
Errol Flynn & Olivia de Havilland in Captain Blood
Supported by a series of shorts.
Advt. Cell Bros.’ Circus at Kooringa, Saturday 26 June.
Weather. Burra recorded a further 35 points this week. Falls of over 30 points were common to the east and the Eastern Mail was a day late due to the boggy road conditions.
Obituary. Rev. A. Dyer in charge of the Redruth Circuit died on 22 June aged 48. He had been in charge of Redruth since April 1936. [See a longer obituary 58, 26(2), 29 June 1937, page 2.]
[Alfred Dyer born at Crewe, England. Registration of death gives age as 47.]
58, 26, 22 June 1937, page 3
Redruth Methodist Church held its 86th anniversary on 13 & 14 June. Rev. J.G. Jenkin took the three services. The public tea on Monday was well attended and was followed by a lecture from Rev. Jenkin on The Roaring Nineties on the WA Goldfields, which is summarised in the paper.
CWA has decided not to have a Wool Exhibition this year and instead to stage a Country Fair in the Institute on 16 July.
Burra Homing Club held its first race for the season last Saturday from Carrieton. C. Kellaway was the winner.
Burra Town Council, 21 June
The Mayor considered that the minute excluding the press was out of order.
Cr Dow insisted it was not and that he would leave the meeting if the press was permitted to stay. He moved the Council go into committee, but was not seconded and Cr Dow then left the chamber.
The Clerk said the remaining Councillors did not constitute a quorum and eventually Cr Dow returned and the Council went into committee and the press representative left the meeting.
Burra Benevolent Soc. AGM was held 15 June. The society is unable to cope with the increasing demand for wood this year and has had to refuse some recent requests. Elected: President, Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook; Vice-Presidents, Rev. A. Dyer & Mrs A.B. Riggs; Secretary, Miss Wilkinson & Treasurer, E.J. Davey.
58, 26 (2), 29 June 1937, page 1 [Second use of No. 26 in this volume.]
Football. The ‘All Black’ football team from Swan Reach arrived at Burra at noon last Saturday and were met by P.L. Rosman, President of the Burra Football association. Lunch was taken at Mr Rowe’s tea rooms in Aberdeen before they drove to Booborowie where a crowd estimated at over 1,000 attended. The visitors were used to playing in sandy country without boots and were handicapped on Booborowie’s hard ground.
Burra 6.7 11.12 12.14 19.4 (128)
Swan Reach 0.3 0.3 7.8 10.10 (70)
Spear and boomerang exhibitions were given before the match and at half time. £47-5-3 was taken at the gate, which was a record. Profits go to the Swan Reach Mission.
58, 26 (2), 29 June 1937, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council Elections, 3 July
West Ward Ordinary Vacancy Graham Harry Dow
Cornelius William Samuel
West Ward Extraordinary Vacancy Frank Teare Marston
Stanley Harcourt Robinson
East Ward Ordinary Vacancy Robert Clifton Lott
William Henry March
East Ward Extraordinary Vacancy John Arthur Riggs elected unopposed
Advt. Burra Talkies, 3 July
Warner Baxter & Alice Faye in King of Burlesque
Arthur Treacher & Virginia Field in Thank You Jeeves
Mrs I.J. Warnes leaves for Darwin on Wednesday accompanied by her second son Mr Jim Warnes. They are travelling in a new model Ford V-8 buckboard. The itinerary has been arranged by Lance Lewis of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd. The buckboard is packed with magazines, books, fruit and other good things to be distributed en route and tins of boiled sweets for the children along with 8 gallons of water and 40 gallons of petrol and all camping gear. [At this time Mrs Warnes was 60 and her son 26.]
Football. On Saturday Booborowie School defeated Burra School by about 2 goals.
[A further report on page 3 gives the scores as 2.1 to 0.5.]
Burra Golf Club held a dance in the Institute last Wednesday evening.
Obituary. The Rev. Alfred Dyer who died on 22 June was born at Crewe, England and was aged 47. He was educated at Cliff College England and later at Brighton College under Dr W.G. Torr. On first coming to Australia he was a Home Missionary at Ravenswood Circuit in Queensland and later served at Glanville, Cleve, Streaky Bay, Millicent, Broken Hill, Spalding, Angle Vale, Snowtown and Pinnaroo before coming to Redruth. He was a master of detail and very diligent in his duties. He took a keen interest in Christian Endeavour Societies of Redruth & Ironmine and in the Wesley Guild at Hanson. He was a Freemason with his mother Lodge at Snowtown. 16 fellow ministers attended the funeral on Wednesday. The cortege extended nearly a mile.
Obituary. Mrs Crewes, widow of Ernest W. Crewes, died at Malvern on 27 June. She was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Tickle and was born at Mt Bryan in 1861. With her husband and young family she went to Broken Hill and Eurowie in the very early days when Mr Crewes was in charge of S. Drew & Co.’s operations there. They returned to Burra in 1892 when Mr Crewes entered into partnership with John Drew and they took over the firm of S. Drew & Co. She was a quiet worker in the community, unobtrusively helping many of the old and needy. She was a consistent member of the Kooringa Methodist Church. She leaves a family of five daughters and one surviving son: Mrs J.L. Sandland (Mannahill), Mrs J. Statton (Mitcham), Mrs J.P. Steele (Hawthorne), Mrs P.A. McBride (Glenunga), Mrs J. Bishop (NSW) & Mr K.R. Crewes (Kooringa). There are 18 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren. The eldest son Ernest Crewes died some years ago.
[Born Eliza Hornabrook Tickle 27 October 1861 at Mintaro.]
Obituary. William Irlam died at his residence in Aberdeen on 29 June aged 59 of pneumonia and heart failure. He leaves a widow and adult family.
[William Matthew Irlam, born 19 February 1878 at Baldina. See extended obituary, 58, 29, 20 July 1937, page 1.]
58, 26, 22 June 1937, page 3
Burra Homing Club. The second race of the season was won by C. Kellaway.
Marriage. At St Dymphna’s Church Booborowie 23 June
Margaret Cousins, only daughter of Mrs C.E. & the late Michael Cousins of Booborowie, married
Edward (Ted) Landorf, elder son of Mr & Mrs A. Landorf of Croydon.
58, 26 (2), 29 June 1937, page 4
Girl Guides. A meeting in the CWA rest room on 22 June resolved on forming a company of Guides in Burra. Present were the Mayoress Mrs T.H. Woollacott, the State Secretary Miss Ralph and the Commissioners from Clare the Misses Wien-Smith & Ohlmeyer. A committee was formed. President, Mrs J.R. Barker; Vice-President, Mrs D.M. Steele; Secretary, Mrs Carl Pearce & Treasurer, Mrs T. Richards.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate report for fortnight ending 19 June.
Lean’s Shaft 80ft level. Western side wall drive south extended 5ft to boundary and drive north extended 3ft to 67ft. Values at face currently low.
15 tons treated have yielded an average 2oz 18dwt 12gr per ton.
Riggs’ Open Cut Shaft sunk a further 5ft to 56ft with lode becoming more defined and traces of gold.
Mr Jack Carpenter was farewelled at Aberdeen Lodge Hall on Wednesday. He is leaving Burra to live in Adelaide. The Mayor T.H. Woollacott presided and made a speech and presentation. Mr H. Jennison also spoke of Jack’s service for his country in the Great War, for which he was still paying the penalty. He wished the family all the best in Adelaide. Tom Fuller also spoke and especially thanked Jack for his role in the Gallagher’s Children’s Sports. Mr S. Genders also spoke as did P.L. Rosman, Pat Hogan & C.V. Preiss.
Doris Matters, Honorary Secretary of the Returned Army Sisters Assoc. acknowledged the receipt of £19 for the Distressed Sisters’ Fund.
Burra Rifle Club. In the shoot-off for second place in the Fearon Trophy C.D. Pexton 99 defeated N. Villis 97.
58, 27, 6 July 1937, page 1
Terowie CWA held a wool & Handicrafts Exhibition that is reported in c. 21⁄2 columns.
Obituary. Mrs Buckley of ‘Calais Farm’ Gum Creek died on 15 June. She was born at Conalto in November 1864 and her parents the late James & Ann O’Conner moved to Sevenhills when she was two. She was educated there and in 1882 came to Gum Creek. In 1898 she married Martin Buckley of Manoora who survives with one daughter. Mrs Silv. Miller and one grandson. She was a staunch adherent of the Catholic Church and was buried at Sevenhills. [Born Mary O’Connor 25 November 1863 at Willowie: died as Mary Louisa Buckley 15 June 1937 at Gum Creek.]
58, 27, 6 July 1937, page 2
Notice. Tenders called for the purchase of the five-roomed house in Kangaroo St owned by Mrs W.H. Hardy.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 10 July
Ronald Colman & Loretta Young in Clive of India
Frances Day & Leslie Henson in The Girl from Maxim’s
Football. Following the visit of the ‘All Blacks’ from Swan Reach A. Wyld, Superintendent of the Native Settlement, writes to acknowledge the receipt of a much appreciated cheque from the recent trip. The nett profits will be a very satisfactory £24-14-5.
58, 27, 6 July 1937, page 3
Burra Town Council Election Results
Mayor: Stanley Kellaway elected unopposed
East Ward Ordinary Vacancy: R. Clifford Lott 88 elected
W.H. March 47
East Ward Extraordinary Vacancy: J. Arthur Riggs elected unopposed
West Ward Ordinary Vacancy: Graham H. Dow 61 elected
C.W. Samuel 50
West Ward Extraordinary Vacancy: Stanley H. Robinson 61 elected
Frank T. Marston 47
The speeches at the declaration of the poll are reported.
58, 27, 6 July 1937, page 4
Football. At Hallett on Saturday:
Kooringa 3.6 3.6 6.8 6.8 (44)
Hallett 0.3 2.9 2.9 4.14 (38)
Spalding 20.15 defeated Booborowie 1.5
Booborowie began the game with 11 players, got up to 15, but finished with 8. They did not score till the last quarter.
Redruth Methodist Circuit Quarterly Meeting. Rev. Tilbrook took the chair. Prayers and words of appreciation were said for the late Rev. Dyer. The church meeting decided to sell the 1 acre block at Leighton to the DC of Burra Burra for £8 if the Council is prepared to pay the transfer fees.
Hanson Matrons & Spinsters’ Ball was held 30 June and was very successful. The Clare Orchestra provided the music and proceeds aid the Hanson Institute.
Burra Rifle Club held its third dance for the year on 3 July at Aberdeen Lodge Hall. The three dances have raised £2-4-6, £4-0-0 & £3-6-0 respectively.
58, 28, 13 July 1937, page 1
Burra Town Council, 5 July
Council resolved to erect a cement column as a ‘cop’ opposite Bence’s and one-way traffic to be made from SAFU corner north on the left side of the Rotunda.
Burra Electric Supply will be asked for an extra light near the bridge in Kangaroo St.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday a Town Team 646 defeated a Country Team 633.
58, 28, 13 July 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 July
Jane Withers in Can this be Dixie?
Jane Darwell & Allan Lane in Laughing at Trouble
Dr. H.N. Thomas Bishop of Adelaide will visit next week:
St Mary’s Wednesday 21 July 2.30 p.m. Quiet Afternoon
St Andrew’s Mt Bryan Wednesday 21 July 8 p.m. Confirmation
St Mary’s Thursday 22 July 7.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St Mary’s Thursday 22 July 8 p.m. Confirmation
Burra Police Court
Allan D. Walker was convicted without penalty for riding a bike without hands on the handle bar.
I.J. Warnes was complimented by the Soil Erosion Correction Committee for attention to soil management on his properties.
Fire. At 9.30 p.m. on Wednesday last fire broke out in the kitchen of Mrs C. Woollacott at Redruth, probably from a box iron, but it was soon extinguished. This was lucky as the fire engine firstly wouldn’t start and then fused its lights near the post office. The old Ford is always hard to start in cold weather and it is time a more up-to-date appliance was acquired.
Girl Guides. The committee met on 7 July and decided on the uniform and to accept the Drill hall for meetings. 27 girls came wishing to be guides and the names of 18 young girls wishing to be Brownies were taken. Guide Captain is to be Sister Provis of the Burra Hospital and Miss Margaret Pearce will be Lieutenant. The first meeting is scheduled for next Saturday.
Burra Homing Club. The race from Hawker on 3 July was flown in very bad weather. There was heavy rain and gusty winds. It was won by a bird of K. Lower. P.J. Byrne was the winner of the second race on 10 July.
58, 28, 13 July 1937, page 3
Matron G. Siegele of Burra Hospital has resigned after many years service and will go to a similar position at Pt Pirie.
Mrs I.J. Warnes telegraphs from Alice Springs that their trip has gone very well. There were splendid meetings en route at Tarcoola, Kingoonya etc.
Burra Rifle Club AGM 10 July
Captain Byles reported a successful year. There is now a nominal roll of 78 members and an average attendance of 23. So far they had raised £16-6-4 towards an object of £40 to send four men to matches in Sydney next February. The club’s financial position was sound. Prizes:
Pine Valley Trophy R. Barty
Marksman’s Trophy Captain Byles
Club Championship A.C. Aughey
Club Handicap Championship Ron Pexton
2nd stage Club Championship Cyril Murray
Most points 1st Seven Matches W.K. Pexton
Most Points 2nd Seven Matches N. Villis
Most Points last Seven Matches R. Barty
Elected were Captain, H.H. Byles; Treasurer, J.E. Pearce & Secretary, N.J. Villis.
RSL. There was a poor muster for the General Meeting on 3 July. The President G. Stanley Hawker is absent abroad for six months. D. Keynes is [Acting] President.
58, 28, 13 July 1937, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 0.1 5.5 5.5 9.9 (63)
Spalding 1.5 1.7 4.12 5.13 (43)
58, 29, 20 July 1937, page 1
Burra Golf Championship was contested in adverse weather last Saturday with a social at the Burra Hotel afterwards.
Burra Open Golf Championship over 36 holes: M.W. Bednall (Burra) 164
36 Hole Handicap: S. Longford nett 122
36 Hole Eclectic: D. Tiver 66
‘A’ Grade Morning Handicap: A. Lloyd 74
‘A’ Grade Afternoon Handicap: B. Cornelius 69
‘B’ Grade Morning Handicap: S. Longford 57
‘B’ Grade Afternoon Handicap: R.C. Lott 63
Handicap Teams: Hallett 293 (Longford, Phin, Gaskell & Tiver)
Burra Golf Competition: for Associates [i.e. Women]
Secret Hole Competition
‘A’ Grade Miss Butler
‘B’ Grade Miss Burr
‘C’ Grade Miss Armstrong
Club Trophies presented in the afternoon:
‘A’ Grade Mrs Coverdale, Mrs Miels
‘B’ Grade Mrs Pontifex, Miss Hann
‘C’ Grade Mrs F.T. Marston, Mrs Penrose
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club Annual Dance was held in the Institute on 13 July and was one of the most successful for some time with dancing till 2 a.m.
Obituary. William Irlam died at his residence in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29 June. He was born in Burra 19 February 1878, the second son of the late Mr & Mrs William Irlam of World’s End. After helping his father who was a farmer and grazier, he went to Broken Hill where he was employed on the mines. In 1905 he married Amy Harvey, daughter of Mr & Mrs George Harvey of Broken Hill and they came to Burra after a few years. He worked for the Burra Burra District Council for many years. He leaves a widow, three daughters and one son: Mrs T. James, Mrs M. Fairchild & Miss Daphne Irlam and Lance Irlam of SAR, Freeling. [Registration of birth gives place as Baldina.]
[Personal interest: the bearers at the funeral included R. Fuss.]
58, 29, 20 July 1937, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council calls tenders for the construction of a swimming pool.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 24 July
George Brent & Glenda Farrell in Snowed Under
Paul Muni & Josephine Hutchinson in The Story of Louis Pasteur
The Waiata Maori Choir played to a good house on Thursday last. Rev. A.J. Seamer, Superintendent of Home Missions in New Zealand was in charge. The Mayor S. Kellaway tendered a civic welcome.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. Mr I.J. Warnes has shown us some extraordinary formations of ore from the 267ft level of the shaft.
All the new machinery is now in place and fixed. Half the cost will be borne by the Government. This has held up new work for some time, but it can now proceed.
Football. Tom Kellaway, son of the Mayor, has been selected for the state team to play at the carnival in Perth.
Dick Halliday is doing well in the Glenelg SANFL side.
At Hallett on Saturday: Hallett 6.15 defeated Kooringa 7.7.
Girl Guides. 36 girls attended the first Girl Guides meeting and they have been divided into six patrols.
Weather. It has been very cold with severe frosts and dusty gales on Friday & Saturday towards the east.
Burra Burra District Council, Election Results
Baldina Ward John Kellock
Booborowie Ward Theodore J. Wedding
Mt Bryan Ward Horace Ambroze Allen Edwards
Hanson Ward Morgan de Neufville Lucas
All were elected unopposed.
I.J. Warnes has been elected Chairmen for the coming year.
58, 29, 20 July 1937, page 3
Booborowie Blue & White Ball on 13 July organised by the Children of Mary is reported.
Football. At Spalding on Saturday: Spalding 5.8 defeated Booborowie 3.5.
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church, 7 July
Myra Phillips, second daughter of Mr & Mrs E. Phillips of Ironmine, married
Ray Betty, eldest son of Mr & Mrs C.W.R. Betty of Parnaroo.
58, 29, 20 July 1937, page 4
LCL Burra District Committee met for the second time at Hallett Institute on Wednesday chaired by S.H. Robinson of Burra and with A.J. Melrose, State President present.
S.H. Robinson was re-elected District President with H.K. Moore & Mrs I.J. Warnes as Vice-Presidents. Rules for the district were adopted.
Nominations were called for candidates for the State election for 8 September.
There was a discussion on the pros & cons of pre-selection. Some thought it unnecessary now there was preferential voting, arguing that multiple candidates for a party maximised votes under this system and the press was running a campaign against pre-selection. The outcome favoured pre-selection. Details in just less than 3 columns.
CWA Country Fair (in place of the Wool & Handicraft Exhibition) was held on 16 July at the Institute and was opened by the Mayor. It raised £50 and the report runs for 11⁄3 columns.
58, 30, 27 July 1937, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.2 7.4 11.6 14.3 (97)
Booborowie 1.3 2.5 4.5 4.6 (30)
Rev. E.M. Ingamells President of Methodist Conference visited Burra with Rev. D.C. Harris Chairman of the Middle District. Following the death of Rev. Dyer leading ministers, laymen and students from the city were filling in until the long college vacation when a supply will be forthcoming.
Obituary. Michael James Kelly of Black Springs district died on 22 July in Burra Hospital. He was born at Kapunda in May 1866 and was a son of the late Mr & Mrs Michael Kelly of Manoora and later of Booborowie. He was educated at Manoora and then took land at Black Springs. He was unmarried. There were eleven brothers and one sister in the family of whom the survivors are: William, Joseph, Austin, Steven, James & Din and Mrs James F. Hogan. Two brothers were killed in the Great War. Page 3 adds he was known as Mick aged 71 and was the son of Michael and Elizabeth. [Only two of the children seem to be registered as born in SA & James isn’t one of them.]
Obituary. James Phillips died at Booborowie on 16 July and was born at Tothill’s Belt in January 1858. He was a son of the late Mr & Mrs Phillips of World’s End. He lived at World’s End until moving to Booborowie some years ago and carried on farming and grazing until his health forced him to retire. In 1890 he married Fannie Lawn, third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs H. Lawn of Baldina who survives with four children: Horace (Baldina), Mrs H. Parks (Cumberland, Adelaide), George (Booborowie) and Mrs A. Pearce (Booborowie). There are 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
[Born 31 January 1857 at Yattalunga, District of Port Gawler.]
Obituary. Miss B.V. (Ciss) Dempsey died at Clare Hospital on 16 July. She was aged 44 and was the youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Dempsey of Mintaro and late of Gum Creek. She has lived at Gum Creek since her parents moved there when she was young. A severe bout of pneumonia some three years ago left her with heart trouble. Three brothers and four sisters survive: John (Clare), Thomas (Hanson), James C. (Gum Creek), Mrs T.J. Horgan (Glenelg), Mrs T.J. McInerny (St Peters), Mrs Martin Hogan (Leighton & Miss Ann Dempsey (Gum Creek).
Page 3 says she was Bridget Veronica and the daughter of the late Thomas & Mary Dempsey.
[Births & Deaths registrations for this family are too complex to be readily unravelled. The Mrs Martin Hogan connection suggests the Bridget born to Thomas & Mary nee Erwin born 15 July 1889 at Upper Wakefield, making her age 48. The births of Mesdames Horgan & McInerney cannot readily be traced to help in confirmation, nor can those of the brothers, though a John and the Miss Ann would fit with the 1889 suggestion.]
58, 30, 27 July 1937, page 2
Burra Town Council has declared a general rate of 2/6 in the £.
58, 30, 27 July 1937, page 3
Advt. Burra Talkies, 31 July
Shirley Temple in Poor Little Rich Girl
Ralph Bellamy & Mae Clarke in Wild Brian Kent
Red Cross Dance in the Institute on Wednesday raised £7-6-0.
Angorichina Hostel Poultry Farm has benefited from generous donations of wheat from farmers in the Burra-Booborowie-Leighton area.
Matron G. Siegele who has been with the Burra Hospital for 14 years ended her term on Monday and in a fortnight takes up a similar position at Pt Pirie. She was given a farewell at Mrs E.F. Marston’s on Tuesday afternoon and from the Golf Club on Thursday and at a cocktail party by Mr & Mrs J.R. Barker at Baldina Station on Saturday. She was particularly interested in the Maternity Wing and a few years ago went through the Australian Mothercraft Centre course in NSW with flying colours and on return set up the first Mothercraft and Baby Clinic in a SA country hospital. The large garden in front of the Maternity Ward is the result of her interest and work. She was a prominent member of both the Kooringa Tennis Club and Burra Golf Club.
CWA held its AGM with Mrs J. Tennant in the chair. Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, Mrs J. Tennant, Mrs E. Jettner, Mrs G.G. Hawkes, Mrs W.H. Sandland & Mrs F.M. Pearce. Miss Minnie Rogers is the Honorary Secretary & Treasurer.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 1st stage of the Mrs E.C. Collins Trophy. Best scorers were N.J. Villis, A.G. Heinrich, J.H. Schwier, H.H. Byles, R. Bernhardt, T.R. Pexton, R.H. Barty & W.K. Pexton.
Burra Gold Club held the 4th Baldina Trophy Match and the trophy was won by P. McEwin.
58, 30, 27 July 1937, page 4
Burra Town Council, 19 July
Cr Robinson was appointed as Council representative on the Burra Hospital Board.
58, 31, 3 Aug. 1937, page 1
Burra Burra Show Inc. General Committee Meeting 26 July.
13⁄4 columns detail changes and preparations for the next show.
Football. At Booborowie on Saturday:
Booborowie 4.1 9.7 10.7 12.10 (82)
Kooringa 3.1 4.1 7.6 7.7 (49)
Spalding 8.8 defeated Hallett 4.2
58, 31, 3 Aug. 1937, page 2
Notice. Nominations are invited from financial members of the Liberal & Country league to represent Burra District in the House of Assembly.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 August
Jeanette McDonald & Nelson Eddy in Naughty Marietta
Chester Morris & Sally Eilers in Pursuit
Advt. The Operetta Cinderella will be presented at Aberdeen Memorial Hall Wednesday 11 August.
Tennis. An exhibition match sponsored by Dunlop Perdriau Rubber Co. will be played at Kooringa courts by Neville Quist & Max Newcombe on 10 August.
Neville Hutchinson on the Goldsbrough, Mort staff here for almost seven years has been transferred to Quorn and will be succeeded by Mr Pyman from Balaklava. Mr Hutchinson will be missed in the tennis, football basketball and golf clubs.
Railway Accident. As the Broken Hill express approached Burra on Tuesday morning it was nearing the curve at the Bon Accord Hotel when an axle on one of the back wheels of the third coach (a centenary corridor car) broke. The coach came off the line and dragged a second class coach and guard’s van with it. The train continued to the station where the misaligned coach struck the platform coping with a terrific crash, greatly damaging the coach and the platform. It is amazing that the coaches were not more damaged or any passenger injured. They had ploughed their way down the track for about 500 yards, tearing up lines, sleepers and points and smashing them into the undercarriages. Lines were cut in halves. Passengers were shaken, but there were no serious injuries. The train was delayed less than an hour and continued with the two front coaches and a guard’s van. The line was speedily cleared for traffic.
58, 31, 3 Aug. 1937, page 3
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 31 July.
Lean’s Shaft. West underlie advanced 15ft showing no values.
No. 2 west side lead was carried north 9ft, but values declined and work has ceased.
West side wall lead was carried north to 80ft with a trace of gold.
Crushing of 14 tons 15cwt yielded 14oz 19dwt 9gr or 1oz 0dwt 7gr per ton.
Riggs’ Open Cut Shaft was sunk a further 5’6” to 66’6”.
Obituary. Ernest H. Oakes died at his residence at St Leonards, on 30 July. He was born in Naracoorte in 1878, the son of Mr & Mrs Henry Oakes. His father was manager of the National Bank. Leaving Naracoorte when young, he was educated in Adelaide and later at Roseworthy College and then joined the Indian Shipping Co. and then acquired the station ‘Welcome Charge’ out of Broken Hill. He was there till retiring about 15 months ago due to ill health. He married 5 August 1916 Lilian Baker of Redruth and after retirement he and his wife lived with Mr & the Misses Baker for 12 months. His wife survives, but there are no children.
[Ernest Henry Oakes born 30 September 1877 at Naracoorte.]
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church recently
Marjorie Peters, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Peters of Hallett, married
Rexton Miller, only son of Mr & Mrs T.W. Miller of Hallett.
Burra High School visited Clare High School for the annual football & basketball games.
Football: Burra 2.2 3.6 7.10
Clare 2.0 3.1 4.2
Game then abandoned as rain submerged the ground. This is Burra’s first victory for 5 years.
Basketball. ‘A’ Grade Clare 23 defeated Burra 17
‘B’ Grade postponed by rain
58, 32, 10 Aug. 1937, page 1
Neville Hutchinson of Goldsbrough, Mort who has been transferred to Quorn was given a farewell at the Kooringa Hotel last Friday.
58, 32, 10 Aug. 1937, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. under instruction from Thomas McBride will sell ‘Redcliffe’ Station at the Wool Exchange in Adelaide on 19 August.
Lot 1. ‘Redcliffe’ 27,477 acres perpetual lease. Sections 57W & 58E Hd of King
With stone homestead of 10 rooms etc.
‘Oakleigh’ of 32,841 acres perpetual lease
Sections 54, 55A, 55B, 55C, 55D East of Hd of King.
‘Florieton’ 108 acres 1 rood
Sections 201-205, 208-214, 226-236 Hd of Maude with hut etc.
Lot 2. 173 acres 3 roods, Pt Block 5 Hd Kooringa, handy to Burra Railway station.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 14 August
The Dionne Quins in Re-Union
The Jones Family in Back to Nature
Polio. An article is printed on the Infantile Paralysis Epidemic in Melbourne.
Mr & Mrs W.H. Sandland have just returned to Burra from a three-week trip to WA. They went directly by train from Burra, but had to return via the recently opened Red Hill line to Adelaide and thence to Burra.
Norman Ford has grown a 22lb cauliflower (without leaves) at Diprose Creek and has several other exceeding 15lb. He gave it to Burra hospital. [In the paper 58, 34, 24 Aug. 1937 page 2 it is reported that the heart and leaves together weighed 46lb.]
Miss Moira Roberts, in charge of Mr C. Maeder’s Ladies’ Hairdressing Salon in Kooringa, has been transferred to the firm’s Sydney Salon.
58, 32, 10 Aug. 1937, page 3
Salvation Army Garden Fair in aid of the Self-Denial Fund was held last Friday at the Institute. Captain I. Williams, in charge of the local corps, introduced Mrs Glen G. Hawkes to open it.
The 7th Annual Arts & Crafts Exhibition organised by Mrs G.S. Melrose was held at Hallett Institute last Saturday and is reported in just over 11⁄2 columns.
58, 32, 10 Aug. 1937, page 4
Burra Town Council, 2 August
Only one tender for the swimming pool was received - £825 from F. Fricker Ltd. It was not accepted.
The Premier is to be asked for a Government £ for £ subsidy for the swimming pool, given that the Council has £400 in hand.
Marriage. 21 July at Oxide St Methodist Church, Broken Hill
Dorothy Nickles, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs J.S. Nickles of Copperhouse, married
Alfred L. Jones, eldest son of Mrs & the late Mr J.W. Jones of 421 William St.
Marriage. 28 July at Bright Lutheran Church
Dora S. Hentschke, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs C. Hentschke of Bright, married
Arthur C. White, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Albert White of Tothill’s Belt.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Hallett 4.5 4.6 8.8 9.9 (63)
Kooringa 1.3 3.7 6.9 6.11 (47)
Booborowie 20.9 defeated Spalding 7.9.
Burra Rifle Club. 2nd stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy and best results were from W.K. Pexton, W.V. Bass, A.C. Aughey, F.T. Marston, R.J. Jeffery & T.R. Pexton.
Burra Homing Club. The race from Tailem Bend on 31 July was won by P.J. Byrne and another from there on 7 August was won by K. Lower.
58, 33, 17 Aug. 1937, page 1
SA Stockowners’ Assoc. Burra Branch AGM. I.J. Warnes presided.
Rising prices for wool, wheat and stock in the past twelve months have seen improvements for producers, as have beneficial rains. The report for the year past extends for some two columns and then Mr Rymil, Chairman of the District Committee of the South East and Mr T. Fenn, General Secretary, gave addresses which are reported in about 1 column – half of it on page 4.
58, 33, 17 Aug. 1937, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. are to sell the property of the late Michael James Kelly on 3 September. 143 acres leasehold 5 miles north of Black Springs and 9 miles east of Farrell’s Flat, Section 407 Hd Apoinga.
Very Rev. Father Morrissey has been transferred from Burra to Carrieton after 7 years here. Rev. Tohl, assistant priest from Pt Pirie will come here.
Advt. Burra Talkies 21 August
The Marx Bros. in A night at the Opera
Mola & Lotus in Last of the Pagans
Cinderella, the operetta, was staged by the Redruth Christian Endeavour Society at the Memorial Hall on Wednesday. There was a good audience despite the heavy rain.
[Personal interest: the cast included: Miss E. McWaters, Miss J. Fairchild, Miss J. McWaters, Mr E. Fuss, Ray Jennison and Geoffrey Pearce.]
Weather. Owen Smith of Oakbank was forced to abandon his car and walk to his homestead when 93 points fell in one short shower on Sunday afternoon.
W. Young was visiting Pualco at the weekend and on Monday he struggled in through muddy roads, driving for 11 miles in low gear at one stage and finding the 3-chain road between Duffer Dam and Murkaby Gate under water all the way with only fences visible.
Locally rain began last Wednesday about 2 a.m. and a soaking fall continued for 24 hours. Saturday and Sunday saw more heavy falls followed by fog. Both wheat and wool areas benefited.
[The two periods of rain seem to have delivered at least 50 points everywhere and well over 100 in many places.]
K. Kain of Booborowie broke a high jump record by clearing 5’93⁄4” while competing for Adelaide Teachers College in Melbourne recently. He is the son of Mr W. Kain.
Obituary. Alfred Smith aged 80, farmer of Booborowie, died on 14 August. He was born in 1857 at Lough, Lincolnshire and had been a colonist for 56 years. At 24 he married Miss Threadgold. A widow, one son and one daughter survive. [Died at Kooringa, residence Booborowie.]
Obituary. John Ernest Hammerling son of Mr & Mrs Hugo Hammerling died at Burra Hospital 14 August aged 61⁄2. [Registered as 15 August. See more at 58, 34, 24 August 1937, page 3.]
58, 33, 17 Aug. 1937, page 3
Burra Racing Club will hold a race meeting on 6 October. Prize money has been increased to £210.
Mongolata Goldfield
W. Pexton has struck a rich pocket of gold on his claim – the biggest gold-bearing stone in one piece yet found on the field and it weighs 14lb. It with other ore in the same pocket is expected to yield 100-150oz.
Burra Basketball Assoc. Finals played last Tuesday night.
Men’s: Blacks defeated Gold 47-41
Women’s: White defeated Red 10-1
[Personal interest: Chloris Fillmore threw Red’s only goal.]
Football. At Booborowie on Saturday:
Kooringa 9.12 defeated Booborowie 5.11
Hallett 12.18 defeated Spalding 9.6
58, 33, 17 Aug. 1937, Supplement
Burra Burra Show Inc. Prize List for the next show.
58, 34, 24 Aug. 1937, page 1
Football. At Spalding on Saturday:
Kooringa 1.2 4.3 8.7 8.7 (55)
Spalding 3.0 6.4 6.6 7.11 (53)
Burra Rifle Club Ball on Wednesday in the Burra Institute was well attended and very successful.
J.L. Travers LL.B. JP is seeking LCL pre-selection for Burra.
58, 34, 24 Aug. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 28 August
Herbert Marshall & Ruth Chatterton in Girls’ Dormitory
George O’Brien & Pollyann Young in The Border Patrolman
Obituary. Frank Slatter died on 26 July at Oxford, England from peritonitis. He was late of the 7th Battalion Black Watch and of the Great Western Railway. He was the father of Rose, Florrie, Fred, Harry & Cyril of Oxford and of Frank and Bob of Willalo. He was aged 55.
Burra Town Council has been presented with a large colour photo of the Burra Floral Float which won 3rd prize in the great Floral Pageant for the State’s Centenary Celebrations last September. It is a gift of the Burra Centenary Committee.
The Hogback Swamps are flooded in winter for the first time in 14 years. It is more usual for them to be flooded in summer.
Girl Guides benefited by £8-10-6 from a bridge evening at the Burra Hotel.
Motor Accident. On Saturday a car driven by Stan Truscott and carrying also his wife and child and Mr & Mrs Sid. Kuchenmeister and young daughter, skidded on the wet road near ‘The Gums’ and turned over onto its side. Both the ladies were thrown through the hood and badly shaken. The others were unhurt. Mr Jock Murison in another car was following and assisted the victims into Burra. The car was not badly damaged.
Will Kearns, second son of Mrs John Kellaway of Kooringa, now resident in Adelaide lifted a state record in the lightweight division last week of 1631⁄2lb.
Laurie Hann has won a position in Adelaide with Dalgety & Co. and leaves at the end of the month.
Mr & Mrs Don Voumard and young son are leaving Burra next week. Mr Voumard has worked for Drew & Crews Ltd for almost 20 years. He has bought an interest in a business in Payneham.
Mrs I.J. Warnes and Jim Warnes are expected back from Darwin tomorrow.
Obituary. Mr J. [John] Westmoreland, father of Mrs Woollacott, has died in Parkdale, Victoria.
[Born about 1851.]
Mrs Klaffus turns 91 on Friday. She is presently in Burra Hospital.
58, 34, 24 Aug. 1937, page 3
Obituary. Brigadier John Ward of the Salvation Army has died in Adelaide on 22 August. Burra was his home town as a lad and he frequently visited. He had been an officer for 52 years and had oversight of the Aged Men’s Retreat and Mt Barker Boys’ Home and other institutions. He leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters. [Died 22 August 1937 aged 72. Name too common to trace the birth from the available data.]
Obituary. John Ernest Hammerling who died 15 August was the son of Mr & Mrs Hugo Hammerling. He was recovering from an illness of some weeks when tubercular meningitis set in and he quickly succumbed at the Burra Hospital.
Obituary. Joseph P. Cousins of Booborowie died last Saturday [21 August] at the Burra Hospital after a long illness. He was the youngest son of Mr & Mrs Cousins pioneers of Booborowie and was aged 46. He leaves a widow and young family. [Joseph Patrick Cousins born 9 July 1891 Booborowie.]
Weather. Rain in August so far is the third highest on record with 387 points. Wetter Augusts were in 1916 with 464 points and 1932 with 411 points, but it is raining as we go to press.
58, 34, 24 Aug. 1937, page 4
Burra Town Council, 16 August
Council will confer with Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd concerning its option to purchase it under clause 5 of the existing agreement.
Cr McWaters moved the idea of constructing a swimming pool be abandoned. Not seconded.
Cr Riggs moved that the Government be asked whether, in the event that the swimming pool idea being dropped, the money could be spent on other public works. Carried.
Burra Rifle Club shot the 3rd stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy. Best scores were by C.D. Pexton, T.R. Pexton, S. Cordon & E. Hopkins.
58, 35, 31 Aug. 1937, page 1
Burra Basketball Assoc. ended the season with a dinner at the Royal Exchange Hotel last Tuesday.
Prizes: Most gentlemanly player ‘Snowy’ Baker
Most ladylike player Miss M. Wohling
Most goals for men Reg. Davey
Most goals for women Betty Moore
Most improved Mr A. Swanson
Football. First Semi-Final at Victoria Park on Saturday:
Spalding 1.2 8.7 8.10 8.16 (64)
Hallett 3.2 3.2 6.4 7.7 (49)
Mrs Matilda Klaffus’s 91st birthday is reported in 3⁄4 column.
58, 35, 31 Aug. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 4 September
Leslie Banks & Ann Neagle in The Three Maxims
Wheeler & Woolsey in The Rainmakers
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate
Lean’s Shaft. Western side lead, north drive to 91ft in low values.
West underlie 20ft south of shaft to 26ft with some nice ore.
Winze started at north end of 90ft level, gone 3ft and no footwall yet.
Riggs Open Cut Shaft. Ceased sinking for the present at 72ft. Driving east to locate foot wall, 5ft east.
Obituary. Mrs F.J. Lomman died on 26 August from heart failure following an operation a fortnight earlier. She was born in 1897, the youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs I.J. Goodridge of Booborowie. After marriage she lived at Mt Bryan, Loxton and Hallett and for the last eight years at Mt Bryan East where she interested herself in church matters. She leaves a husband, a son George and a daughter Edna. [Born Clara Pearl Goodridge 26 June 1897 at Booborowie: died 25 August 1937 at Kooringa, residence Mt Bryan East.]
Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Villis, relict of the late Isaac Villis of Baldina, died at her residence in Kooringa 30 August aged 77 after a long illness. [Born Elizabeth Jane Eustice 19 July 1860 at Cambden Town Cornwall England. Extended obituary 58, 36, 7 Sept. 1937, page 3.]
Mr O.S. Edlington postmaster at Kooringa for a short time has been moved to Saddleworth and Mr McDonald of Saddleworth will come here.
Mr T.B. Cornelius of Kooringa Post Office for over two years has been transferred to Peterborough.
Weather. August ends with a total rainfall of 450 points, the second highest on record compared with 464 points in 1916.
58, 35, 31 Aug. 1937, page 3
Don Voumard was given a farewell on Friday by the staff of Drew & Crewes after almost 20 years service and by the RSL at their clubs on Saturday night. John Drew presented him with a handsome mulga clock.
Mr Laurie Hann was given a farewell at the Parish Hall on 26 August when the Rector Rev. D.L. Redding presided and on Monday 30 August a number of townsmen assembled at Miss Warner’s café to farewell him. The Mayor gave the main speech.
Stan Burden the stationmaster is being transferred to Wolseley and was farewelled on Wednesday 26 August by railway staff.
Very Rev. Father Morrissey was farewelled at the Convent School on Monday evening.
Tom Harrop was given a farewell at the RSL on Saturday. He is leaving to run a shop on Unley Road.
58, 35, 31 Aug. 1937, page 4
Burra High School Terminal Exams and Sports Day results are printed.
Burra Primary School held its Arbor Day last Friday. Trees were planted in the Council Reserve on the east side of the creek.
Burra Rifle Club. There was no local match this week as the Northern Rifle Union had their annual prize meeting at Gawler on Friday & Saturday.
From Burra, Warren Mumme won the 600 yard shoot. Bill Bass & Jack Harris also collected prize money.
Obituary. Herbert Louis Duneman of Hallett died at Terowie 9 August. He was a son of the late Mr & Mrs C. Dunemann [sic] who were old Terowie residents. He was born 9 March 1890 [Terowie] and in the war served in the 11th Field Signallers. He was a supporter of cricket and secretary of the Recreation Ground Committee for about 9 years. He is survived by his widow nee Miss Edith May Reilly of Whyte Yarcowie and two children: Phyllis (8) & Don (6).
Obituary. Charles Parks aged 71 died at his residence last Saturday 28 August. He was born in Burra, the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Parks. His father owned a large bakery business, which Charles carried on till his health forced him to retire. He was a keen sportsman, especially liking rifle shooting & coursing. He had been a member of the Town Council. His wife nee Rose Harris predeceased him nearly two years ago. Three sons, Harry, Tom & Fred also died before him. [Two daughters died in infancy.] One son Joseph B. Parks survives.
[Born 12 April 1865 Kooringa.]
58, 36, 7 Sep. 1937, page 1
Football. Semi-Final at Hallett on Saturday:
Kooringa 4.4 4.6 13.12 14.13 (97)
Booborowie 1.0 4.6 4.10 11.17 (83)
R. Wheaton of Spalding has won the fairest and most brilliant player medal awarded by the Mail.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 4th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy the best scorers were: N.J. Villis, C.W. Pearce, M.V. Bass, H.H. Byles, J.E. Pearce, R.J. Jeffery and L.M. Fillmore.
58, 36, 7 Sep. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 11 September
Loretta Young & Don Ameche in Ramona
Claire Trevor & Michael Whalen in Career Women
Floods.
Heavy rain fell on Wednesday & Thursday last. It was accompanied by very high wind and by 9 a.m. Thursday 188 points had been officially measured with private gauges over 2 inches in places. Several large trees fell due to sodden ground. The creek was the highest for many years and was especially dramatic at the Pig & Whistle Ford where the depth was well over five feet. It is said by many to be the highest since 1915. In the past when the head waters were in grazing country run-off was greater, but now with increased cultivation much more is absorbed. The Burra Race-course area was a sea of water. World’s End recorded 175 points and Baldina 104. Falls to the north were lower – Mt Bryan c. 100 points. There were sheep losses due to the cold, especially at Belcunda where Stanley Hawker lost 100 recently shorn sheep and Mr Michael Gebhardt lost 76. Miss D. Schubert of Copperhouse was swept off her bike trying to get to some cows to milk them, but was able to scramble out by clinging to a fence.
The inter-school sports schedules for Thursday have been postponed for one month.
Phenomenal rains fell at Farrell’s Flat and Hanson, but none of any value to the eastern pastoral country.
Obituary. George Frederick Riggs, manager for Baldina Mongolata GM Co. died through exposure. He was found lying dead under the verandah of T.H. Thomason’s residence at Paradise on Thursday morning. The body was removed to the police station where Norman Ford and Mr Ratcliffe of Aberdeen (a relative) identified the body. Dr Steele said in his opinion death was caused by exposure. The deceased had left the town for Mongolata at 5 p.m. Wednesday and must have meant to go to J.R. Barker’s residence, but must have met trouble at the creek, as his truck was found 7-8 miles from Burra near Baldina Station. Apparently he walked back for assistance and encountered the terrific storm of rain and wind on the way.
[Died 2 September 1937 Kooringa, residence Mongolata aged 50.]
Hanson Ladies Church Aid Annual Fair was held on Wednesday 1 September. While reducing it, heavy rain did not deter a good attendance and £25 was taken.
Mrs M. Klaffus has left hospital. We understand she will live with Mrs Luke Day.
Salvation Army. Captain Cresswell, who has had to seek treatment for her throat in Adelaide, has returned to her work as senior officer in Burra.
E.D.V. Chapman writes complaining he is on relief yet someone who did not need it took one of the fallen trees home, though the Council man had promised it to him.
58, 36, 7 Sep. 1937, page 3
Empire Coronation Fair at Hallett in aid of the Church of England Building Fund was organised by Mrs G.S. Melrose and held in the Hallett Institute on Saturday. It is reported in 2⁄3 column.
Kooringa Methodist Coronation Fair was held at Burra Institute on Friday. The financial result was £106-9-2.
Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Villis died on 30 August and was a resident for over 60 years. She was born at Cambden Town in Cornwall 19 July 1860, the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Eustice. The family moved to Wales when she was three and twelve years later decided to come to Australia. They came on the Astrachan on which Mr & Mrs Thomas Kitchen also came. They came to Burra and in 1879 Miss Eustice married Mr Isaac Villis of Baldina. They carried on grazing and farming for many years. Her husband died many years ago [1916] and she carried on until some years ago she decided to come into Kooringa to live. Eight of a large family survive: Walter (Reedy Creek in the South East), Thomas H. (Burra), John (Mannahill), William (Kangaroo Is.), Burt (Baldina), Elizabeth Mrs Rogers (Broken Hill), Priscilla Mrs G.B. Morgan formerly Sister Villis (Curlew Station, Mongolata) and Annice Mrs W.L. James (Kooringa). There are 24 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Mr Thomas Eustice is the only survivor of that family.
[Born Elizabeth Jane Eustice 19 July 1860 at Cambden Town Cornwall England.]
58, 36, 7 Sep. 1937, page 4
Mr A.O. Wright head teacher at Hallett has been transferred to Port Adelaide Central.
Very Rev. Father Morrissey was given a farewell in the convent school on 30 August which was very largely attended by members of the congregation from Burra and other centres in the parish. Also present were the Mayor, S. Kellaway, Rev. D.L. Redding (Anglican), Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook (Methodist) and other prominent citizens. Mr J. McConnon presided. He mentioned in particular Father Morrissey’s ability to run social functions with more success than before and his tolerance and friendliness that saw so many not of his own faith present. Mr J. Quinn spoke for Mt Bryan and Joe Mannion for Willalo, then the Mayor, Rev. Redding & Rev. Tilbrook. Mr J. McConnon then handed over a wallet of notes. [Detail extends for 23⁄4 columns.]
Buffalo Lodge Ball at the Burra Institute on 31 August brought the recently formed branch in Burra to the attention of the public. It was largely attended. Music was by Carnell’s Orchestra from Pt Pirie. The mayor attended.
58, 37, 14 Sep. 1937, page 1
Burra Town Council, 6 September
R.H. Garrard was granted permission to build a residence for W.J. Lee.
Football. The Final on Saturday
Booborowie 1.3 3.10 5.13 11.14 (80)
Spalding 6.1 6.3 8.7 9.7 (61)
Note: information on page 2 adds that after the match K. Brooks of Booborowie was reported for striking the umpire.
The Grand Final between Booborowie and Kooringa will be played at Booborowie.
At Saddleworth the premiership of the Mid-North Football Association went to Riverton 12.9 defeating Farrell’s Flat 8.8.
58, 37, 14 Sep. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies
Dick Powell & Ruby Keeler in Shipmates Forever
Dick Foran & Shiela Mannors in Moonlight on the Prairie
Sister D. Robinson, charge nurse at the Burra Hospital for many years, has been appointed Matron following the resignation of Matron G. Siegele. She had been acting Matron when Matron Siegele went to Sydney to study the famous Truby King Mother & Baby Welfare Methods.
Burra Homing Club. The race from Tintinara on 28 August was won by P.J. Byrne who also won the second race from there on 4 September.
Obituary. Philip James Weston aged 62 died at the Burra Hospital on 13 September. He was the eldest son of Mr J. Weston and the late Mrs Weston of Kooringa. He was born at Mongolata and spent most of his life dam sinking and prospecting. He was unmarried. [Born 28 August 1875 at Redruth. Residence at death cited as Mongolata.]
Obituary. Mrs Martin nee Rose Jacka, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Jacka of Melrose died in Adelaide on Thursday. When widowed her mother came to Kooringa to live and while they were here Rose married Mr A.G. Martin. Her son Rex Martin works for Messrs Wilkinson & Co. The late W.J. Jacka brewer who resided here many years ago was a brother of the deceased. [Born Rosalie Blanche Jacka 1 March 1871 Auburn: died 9 September 1837 Adelaide, residence Goodwood Park.]
[Of the five brothers readily identifiable none have the initials W.J. so while the above may be correct, it should not be assumed true.]
T.P. Halls writes to explain why he and Alec Bevan can park in front of the Burra Station. Firstly Bevan is the mail contractor. Secondly they both pay for the privilege:
£1-5-0 per year for stand and platform tickets
£3-5-0 per year to the Town Council to run a bus on the road
10/- per year to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for a driver’s licence
5/- per year to the Town Council for a driver’s licence
[Though judging from his letter this 5/- was included in the £3-5-0 above.]
58, 37, 14 Sep. 1937, page 3
Marriage. Hallett Methodist Church 11 September
Audrey A. Miller, only daughter of Mr & Mrs W.G. Miller of Hallett, married
Allan G. Parry, youngest son of Mr & Mrs C. Parry of O.B. Flat, Mt Gambier.
Burra Bowling Club AGM Burra Hotel 8 September
Membership was the best since 1933. Of the seven inter-club matches Burra won only one, but that win regained for Burra the Burra-Kapunda Cup. In December last year a Syndicate was formed which paid off the overdraft at the bank and the property has been transferred to them. The amount paid was £526 and the interest on that sum is the club’s rental. The Club now has the right to purchase at any time for the same figure. Thanks to Mr Bednall for rendering his services free of charge in effecting the transfer. Elected were Patron, Dr D.M. Steele; President, Mr S.H. Robinson; Vice-Presidents, M. Pearce & H.W. Mumme and Secretary & Treasurer, J.T. Pascoe.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate to fortnight ending 11 September
Lean’s Shaft. North drive western side lead to 87ft in low values.
West underlie south of shaft sunk to 29ft, Opened north in order to drive on seam: a little gold showing. Winze north at 90ft level: to 4ft with work ceased for the present.
Open Cut Shaft. Drive east from the bottom is in 10ft with no foot wall to date.
13 tons 2cwt has been treated for 25oz 7dwt 18gr or 1oz 18dwt 17gr per ton.
58, 37, 14 Sep. 1937, page 4
Burra Rifle Club. After the second trial of candidates for the Sydney Shoot the leaders are C.D. Pexton 182, H.H. Byles 180, L.W. Mumme 179 and P.W. Hogan 179.
RSL Fancy Dress Football Game. An appalling half column of puns on players and organisers’ surnames acts as advertising for the match.
58, 38, 21 Sep. 1937, page 1
Football. The Premiership at Booborowie on Saturday:
Kooringa 1.1 1.4 3.5 6.7 (43)
Booborowie 0.2 0.6 3.10 4.10 (24)
Last Wednesday the Kooringa Football Club held a Ball in the Burra Institute to finish off the season and celebrate the premiership. We believe it was the best attended for the season.
C.J. Pearce was presented with a china afternoon tea service bearing the insignia of the IOR at the recent annual conference of the Albert District of the Independent Order of Rechabites in Adelaide. He is the oldest officer in the order at 81 and has been a member for 61 years.
58, 38, 21 Sep. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 September
Stuart Erwin & Arline Judge in Pigskin Parade
Warner Oland & Margaret Irving in Charlie Chan at the Opera
Obituary. Hazel E.D. Williams aged 8years 5 months died 17 September at Adelaide Children’s Hospital. She was the daughter of Joseph & Ellen Williams of Ironmine.
[Hazel Ellen Dawn Williams born 19 April 1929. See also next page of this issue.]
A.D. McDonald MP of Leighton has bought 9 stud ewes from E. Burt of Price to maintain the high standard of his Dorset Horn Sheep.
Weather. At the weekend there was driving rain and hail making it very bleak for all. To the east the wind did great damage, as no rain extended there.
On Monday a cold south wind blew and snow fell with the rain. There was quite a heavy fall of snow at Abberton Park on the outskirts of Redruth before lunch, in the vicinity of Sugar Loaf Hill and thick falls were recorded at Mt Bryan, Mt Bryan East and in the Hallett Hills.
Rain this month has been 332 points and the only wetter years have produced 474 in 1908, 411 in 1932, 409 in 1910 and 400 in 1913.
58, 38, 21 Sep. 1937, page 3
Obituary. Hazel Williams aged 8 years 5 months died after a patient struggle for 10 weeks and had been of a bright and happy nature and a regular scholar at Ironmine Methodist Sunday School. Scholars from this school formed a guard of honour at Kooringa Cemetery and six little girls from the school carried her remains on Sunday afternoon. [Hazel Ellen Dawn Williams born 19 April 1929: died 17 September 1937 at Adelaide Children’s Hospital.]
58, 38, 21 Sep. 1937, page 4
Mr & Mrs A.O. Wright were given a farewell from Hallett on 8 September. [Details in 2⁄3 column.]
Marriage. Farrell’s Flat Methodist Church 18 September
Eileen Margaret (Molly) Rasmus, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs A.J. Rasmus of Porter’s Lagoon, married Donald Frederick Lacey, elder son of Mr & Mrs F.J. Lacey of Farrell’s Flat.
58, 39, 28 Sep. 1937, page 1
Tennis. Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club AGM was held at the Institute last Thursday. Elected were Patron, W.H. Sandland; President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-President, J.R. Barker; Secretary, W. Richards & Treasurer, C.L. Phillips.
RSL Fancy Dress Football Match
Last Saturday at the Aberdeen Oval this match aided local distressed diggers. After assembling at the clubrooms there was a parade around Market Square before taking lorries to Aberdeen where there was another procession before re-boarding the transport to the oval. There the local team of veterans met Birdwood’s Diggers. Eventually the Diggers won 6.3 to 3.2.
In the half-time interval a mock battle was staged. The ambulance men ‘were enough to frighten a sick man to death as they, one and all wore butchers’ aprons’.
Bill Young, Don Halliday & Bill Kellaway Jnr staged a spectacular display of car driving – at speeds over 60 m.p.h. through a flaming arch with just enough clearance for the car and each time they went through a loud explosion shook the place.
Two bicycle races were held in the other intervals of the match.
A successful dance followed at Aberdeen Oddfellows Hall.
The Distressed Diggers Fund will benefit by c. £23.
Burra Town Council, 20 September
The Under treasurer wrote re different use of the Swimming Pool money that any change would need approval of the State and Commonwealth Treasurers and any specific work proposed would have to be submitted for approval.
Cr Dow gave notice that at the next meeting he would move to rescind the minute of 3 August 1936 re the swimming pool.
A Mayor’s Relief Fund will be established.
The western wall of the cemetery is in a bad way and will be attended to.
Cr Robinson moved the State & Commonwealth Treasurers be approached re transfer of the £400 loan to improvement of Victoria Park. Carried.
In negotiations with directors of Burra Electric Supply Co. the company agreed to receive the agreement for a further 15 years with a 20% reduction in the cost of street lighting.
Cr Lott moved this arrangement be accepted if the reduction was 331⁄3%. Carried.
The newly constructed roadway and ford in Taylor Street is to be re-metalled.
Burra Rifle Club shot the 5th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy. C.D. Pexton scored 104 off the rifle and the following also reached 105 with handicap: R. Kellock, J.E. Harris, H.H. Byles, W. Woodman, W. Mumme, F.T. Marston & L.M. Fillmore.
Redruth Recreation Club ran a Table Tennis Tournament over the last few weeks in which winners were: Men’s Singles W. Tiver
Men’s Doubles D. & W. Tiver
Ladies’ Singles Miss C. Fuller
Men’s Singles Handicap W. Tiver
Men’s Doubles Handicap B. Morton & T. Terry
Mixed Doubles Handicap Miss C. Fuller & T. Terry
Ladies’ Singles Handicap Miss P. Symons
Ladies’ Doubles Handicap Miss C. Fuller & Miss J. Fairchild
Invitation Singles Handicap K. Johnson
58, 39, 28 Sep. 1937, page 2
Advt. Federal Election
R.W. Davis, Labor candidate for Wakefield and
M.R. O’Halloran, Senate Candidate & Hon. J. McInnes will address voters at Burra 30 September at 3 p.m.
Advt. At Burra Institute 7 October Bert Lennon presents Tivoli Gaieties with 38 artists.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 2 October
Miriam Hopkins & Reginald Denny in the Richest Girl in the World
Tom Brown & Virginia Weidler in Freckles
Advt. Elder Smith & Co. under instructions from A.J. & P.A. McBride will offer for sale on 22 October:
17 acres freehold ‘Smelts Paddock’
16 perches ‘Lee’s Garage’
Portion Lot 27 ‘Old garage’
871⁄2 acres freehold adjoining the Slaughterhouse
241⁄2 acres freehold adjoining the Slaughterhouse
1731⁄2 acres freehold adjoining the Slaughterhouse
2 acres freehold known as O’Leary’s
2591⁄2 acres freehold ‘The Burra Mine’
29 acres freehold adjoining the Burra Mine
1⁄2 acre freehold known as Mrs Howell’s
1⁄4 acre freehold Brewery Shed
1⁄4 acre freehold Young’s House
3 roods 9 perches freehold adjoining lot 12 at the rear
A building allotment in Queen St
A building allotment corner Queen & Stock Streets
House property 140ft x 204ft in Kangaroo Street
House property known as H. Parks
Burra Rifle Club. Members were at the King’s Shoot on the weekend of the 18th etc.
G. Len Nutt won the ‘King’s’ and though not now a Burra rifleman, he began his shooting career here. Herb Byles was first in ‘B’ Grade and men from Burra did quite well overall and in total collected about £40.
58, 39, 28 Sep. 1937, page 3
J.F. Hogan writes re a comment that now Kooringa had won the football shield Booborowie would not compete for it. The situation goes back some 40 years or so. In the early 1920s Burra did not play in the present Association, but for another shield in the Kooringa Association. At the time South Booborowie held the old Burra Shield. Prominent Burra supporters at the time wanted South Booborowie to hand the Shield back on the grounds that it was a Burra Shield and should, when not in use, be in the Burra Institute. The Booborowie teams were then playing for the Old Koomooloo Shield presented by I.J. Warnes. South Booborowie’s reply at the time was ‘If you want the Shield back do as we did – win it.’ The Burra supporters said if they did win it, it would not again be allowed to leave Burra. Now about 40 years ago the late Adolph Lott collected for the Shield and the inscription is approximately ‘Presented by the people of Burra and District etc.’ It is not therefore exclusively a Burra Shield and should not be hedged with restrictions. We challenge Burra to play for the Shield next year under the same conditions as exist at present/
58, 39, 28 Sep. 1937, page 4
Kooringa Masonic Lodge installed Bro Arthur L. Kellock as Worshipful Master for the coming year on Wednesday 23 September. A ball at the Institute followed and is reported at length.
58, 40, 5 Oct. 1937, page 1
Hallett & District Schools Athletic & Exhibition Assoc. held its 10th annual sports & exhibition and it is reported in 41⁄2 columns of detail.
58, 40, 5 Oct. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 9 October
Warner Baxter & June Lang in White Hunter
Peter Lorre & Brian Donlevy in Crack-up
Advt. Burra Racing Club Spring Meeting, Burra Wednesday 6 October.
100 Acceptances for 8 events.
Notice. To those people of Burra & District interested in forming a Gun Club.
There will be a meeting at the Burra hotel 14 October at 7.45 p.m.
Notice. W. Terry has taken over H.A. Byles Billiard Saloon.
Advt. Federal Election
C.A.S. Hawker LCL Candidate for Wakefield & P.A. McBride LCL Senate Candidate
Will address voters at the Burra Institute on 12 October at 8 p.m.
Billiard Saloon. When Mr Terry took over from H.A. Byles on Thursday night the Mayor & Town Clerk played the first game. Mr Kellaway defeated Mr E.J. Davey by six points after a long game of 150 up.
Kooringa Methodist Church celebrated its anniversary on 3 October. Rev. D.T. Reddin of Gawler preached.
Apoinga Sports have been organised for Wednesday 13 October (Labour Day) with a good program with a concert, supper and dance afterwards in the Black springs Hall.
Keith Williams, son of Mr & Mrs Thomas Williams of Ironmine, was given a farewell at Shafton on 29 September. He goes to take up a position with Mr Hawker on Kangaroo Island. He had previously been working for Mr E. Finch.
Whyte Yarcowie racing and athletic sports were held on 27 September. Results are printed.
Girl Guides benefited by £5-10-0 from an American Tea held in the CWA room on Tuesday. 24 Girls were enrolled when the Divisional Commissioner Miss Wien-Smith & District Commissioner for Clare Miss Tilbrook came across to Burra.
58, 40, 5 Oct. 1937, page 3
C. Fowler of Saddleworth writes decrying the way in which the Closer Settlement Act is being abused and the once cut-up large estates are being re-formed. Many a heap of stones or group of trees is all that marks homesteads of the past – see this at Koonoona, Booborowie and Anlaby. Michael Kelly’s block at Koonoona is the most recent. Most District Councillors are large landowners, so it is not in their interest to do anything about it. At the old surveyed town of Glendore, better known as Black Springs where many blocks have had unknown owners for 60 years I understand that most are held by two farmers by simply paying the rates. Also it might curb some if removal of the improvements was stopped – for which I am very doubtful if the consent of the Commissioner has been obtained.
LCL pre-selection campaign. Speeches by J.L. Travers at Burra & A.D. McDonald at Spalding are reported in c. 1⁄2 column each.
Mongolata Goldfield
Takati Gold Mine. Crushing in September of 53 tons 10cwt yielded 3oz 10dwt 10gr per ton plus 4dwt 2gr per ton from tailings.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 25 September.
Lean’s Shaft. North drive western side lead extended to 91 ft in low values.
West underlie 20ft south of shaft ceased driving at 3ft and started to sink. Sank 3ft to 32ft on a little gold. Winze north end 90ft drive opened out to start driving on ironstone.
Riggs’ Open Cut Shaft, east drive advanced 4ft to 14ft. work has ceased for the present.
Burra Homing Club. A ladies’ race was flown from Wolseley on 18 September. It was a very poor race due to very strong winds and rain. Mrs Byrne was the winner.
The young bird championship on 25 September was also a poor race won by K. Lower. The speed was a slow 797 yards per minute.
J. Murison is now bandmaster at Waikerie and they came second at the Renmark Jubilee celebrations on Saturday.
58, 40, 5 Oct. 1937, page 4
Mid-Northern High Schools Sports were held last Friday at Victoria Park. Balaklava, Clare, Kapunda, Riverton & Burra competed in perfect weather and competition was keen. Eventually Burra won with 781⁄3 points from Clare with 705/6 points, then came Kapunda 66, Balaklava 355/6 points and Riverton 29. Results are printed.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 6th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy on Saturday and best results were from R. Bernhardt and E.R. Pexton.
58, 41, 12 Oct. 1937, page 1
Burra Racing Club held a successful meeting on Wednesday last and drew a much larger attendance than the previous two meetings. The Novice Plate and the Trial Stakes were divided into two divisions to make eight races instead of six. The main race was the Burra Handicap for £50 first, £15 second & £5 third. It was won by H.T. Wilson’s Luath ridden by A. Ayers.
58, 41, 12 Oct. 1937, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Annual Off-Shears Sale on 15 October will offer 20,000 sheep.
Advt. SA Interstate Physical Culture Team will appear at Burra Institute 21 October at 8 p.m.
In aid of the Local Mayor’s Relief Fund.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 13 October
Barbara Stanwyck & Joel McCrea in Banjo on My Knee
Claire Trevor & Michael Whalen in Time Out for Romance
16 October
Jeanette McDonald & Clark Gable in San Francisco
With five short features plus a cartoon and news
20 October (Screening in place of Election Day.)
Ruth Chatterton & Walter Huston in Dodsworth
Patricia Ellis & Ross Alexander in Boulder Dam
Notice. Kooringa Football Club Public Picnic at The Gorge this Sunday. Free transport leaves Kooringa at 10 a.m. Please bring a basket.
Car Accident. Mr W. Young was a passenger in a car driven by R.W. Carter of Adelaide which overturned on the road to Mt Bryan about five miles north of Burra on a rough portion of road we had referred to last week. Mr Young received a fractured pelvis, shock etc. and was brought into hospital by Mr Thomas of Mt Bryan East. Mr Carter injured his arm and was in severe shock. Mr Young is progressing favourably.
Burra-Adelaide Cycle Race. The annual 128 miles race took place last Saturday. G.A. Jungfer the only local competitor failed to finish. The riders went first to Booborowie (10 mile post) and then returned to Burra. Full results are not printed.
58, 41, 12 Oct. 1937, page 3
Kooringa Football Club held a Victory Dinner last Saturday at Mumme’s Burra Hotel. Details in 2⁄3 column.
Mrs M.A.L. Feltus (formerly Nurse Woollacott) of ‘Myrtle Home’ Redruth will be 85 on Tuesday 19 October. She has not been very well for some time.
58, 41, 12 Oct. 1937, page 4
Combined School Sports on 30 September between Ayers, Leighton, Hanson & Gum Creek took pace at Gum Creek Station. Results are printed.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 1st stage of the Kookaburra Championship and best results came from L.M. Fillmore, S. Cordon, J.H. Schwier, W. Mumme, F.T. Marston & A.C. Aughey.
Burra Town Council, 4 October
The Highway Dept. will erect a sign as per the drawing with cost of materials to the Dept. and labour to the general account. Council agreed. [This was the concrete fingerpost at the northern end of Market Square.]
Mr J. McConnon head teacher at Burra School writes that the old Smelts Chimney has been reported as unsafe.
T.H. Woollacott was granted permission to remove the verandah and build a parapet wall on the Commercial Bank in Kooringa. [Southeast corner of Chapel & Commercial Streets.]
A.J. & P.A. McBride will be written to requesting the demolition of the Smelts Chimney.
The ranger will be notified that he must carry out his duties or be dismissed.
Hawke & Co., SAFU & Perry Engineering are to be written to concerning the cost etc. of a 15-ton weighbridge.
The minute of 3 August 1936 concerning the building of a swimming pool was rescinded.
The Bridge St Footbridge is to be wired with wire netting.
58, 42, 19 Oct. 1937, page 1
St Joseph’s Church Annual Fete was held at the Institute on Friday 15 October. It was opened by the new priest, Very Rev. Dr Tohl. Proceeds were satisfactory.
Burra Rifle Club. On Labour Day a triangular match was fired at Peterborough: Pt Pirie 918 defeated Burra 910 and Peterborough 854.
For Burra C.D. Pexton scored 96, which was the highest score for the day.
At Burra a match was fired between men from Eudunda, Burra & Spalding. Eudunda fielded a 9-man team and Spalding a 6-man team.
For the 9-man teams Eudunda 925 defeated Burra 914.
For the 6-man contest Eudunda 632 defeated Burra 626 & Spalding 537.
On Saturday in the 7th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy best scores were from A.G. Heinrich, F.T. Marston & E.C. Collins.
J.F. Hogan writes complaining of the difficulty in obtaining permission from the Chief Secretary to hold public meetings in the Booborowie Hall on Sundays, which resulted in two public meetings being held in the street. [He makes reference to the power of ‘these little Mussolinis’.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata Gold Mining Syndicate to fortnight ending 9 October
Lean’s Shaft. North drive western side lead driven 5ft to 96ft in low values.
West underlie 20ft south of shaft sunk 4ft to 36ft. Driving north on ironstone seam in irregular values. Winze north drive on 90ft level driven 4ft north.
Department of Mines Report for September 1937
Takati Mine. The usual mining and prospecting continues. A connection for ventilation purposes has been made with Baldina Mine. A recent gold specimen ore patch yielded an estimated 250oz with the largest specimen 121⁄2” x 81⁄2” and 1” to 11⁄2” thick, comprising gold with iron oxide, weighed 131⁄2 lb and estimated to hold at least 100oz of gold.
Baldina Mine has yielded some quantity of specimen gold recently and had some good crushings. It is proposed to equip the shaft with headgear and hoisting plant.
Wildildie Mine. Two pairs of tributers are at work. The ore vein is carrying a little gold.
Central Mine. Prospecting continues.
Curlew Mine. Good specimens from the north end.
Eastview Mine continues to produce crushing ore and some prospecting continues.
Byles’ Mongolata Mine. Where gold was first discovered the main shaft has been continued and water level reached at 281ft. This is the deepest working on the field and further sinking will enable the nature and value of the vein system to be determined.
Golden Harp Mine. (Also owned by Byles’ Mongolata) A vein with some gold is being worked.
The Mongolata Goldfield has so far produced 7,433 oz of gold bullion, valued at £29,697 exclusive of premium. The main contributors are:
Byles’ Mongolata 3,246oz £12,857
Takati 1,930oz £7,717
Curlew 1,216oz £4,932
Baldina Mongolata 932oz £3,791
Eastview 428 £1,676
Wildildie 146 £577
The premium more than doubles the value and was received on all these amounts.
58, 42, 19 Oct. 1937, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Off-Shears Sale on 5 November will offer 15,500 sheep.
Advt. Mrs B. Bowman has instructed Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. to sell her furniture and effects on 22 October, as she is leaving the district. Situated in George St.
Advt. Burra Show 30 October Special Rail Car from Adelaide Departs Adelaide 7 a.m.
Arrives Showgrounds 10.44 a.m.
Departs Showgrounds 5.45 p.m.
Arrives Adelaide 9.26 p.m.
Kooringa Football Club Picnic last Sunday at the Gorge drew a fair crowd despite the less than perfect weather. Results of the sports run on the occasion are printed.
Kooringa Methodist Ladies Guild Pet Show & Fancy Dress Parade at the Church Ground last Saturday drew quite a large collection of pets despite the intensely cold conditions. Results are printed.
Weather. A fall of 24 points in Burra from Thursday night saw some higher falls to the east. While some were similar to Burra’s total, other places got much more: Balah 75, Woolgangi 44, Koomooloo 48, Sturt Vale 123, Quondong 130 and Oakbank 134.
St Mary’s Sunday School Picnic was held at Gum Creek lent by Hon. W.G. Duncan last Wednesday.
Marriage. St Mary’s on 9 October
Charles W. Jesser, second son of Mr & Mrs R. Jesser of Aberdeen, married
Pearl N. Harrison, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs J. Harrison of Aberdeen.
W. Young is making steady progress after his accident.
The Garden Fete organised by Miss Melrose at Ulooloo Station, home of Sir John Melrose, had to be abandoned due to the bleak wintry conditions and was transferred at short notice to the Hallett Institute. It was opened by Mr A.J. Melrose MP.
A Mad Hatter’s Ball was held at Hanson in the Memorial Hall on 29 September and was a success.
Girl Guides. On 16 October about 30 Guides and Guiders with 8 cubs went to Clare for a rally. The recently formed Brownie Pack for girls 8-11 had 19 members at the start and several more have since joined.
Burra Croquet Club held its AGM on 6 October and elected: President, Mrs S.H. Robinson; Vice-President, Mrs Clem Pearce; Hon. Secretary, Mrs O. Finch; Captain, Mrs O.G. Walker & Vice-Captain Mrs C. Pearce.
58, 42, 19 Oct. 1937, page 4
Federal Election. The page is full of candidates’ views and biographies.
P.A. McBride is the only one with local connections. He was an LCL candidate for the Senate. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1931 and for six years represented the far-flung Division of Grey.
58, 43, 26 Oct. 1937, page 1
Mrs George Hann was farewelled after a residence of 23 years in Burra. She has gone to live at Fullarton. She will be greatly missed both in social and musical matters. She was given a farewell by St Mary’s Church in the hall after Evensong on Sunday, where she was presented with a cheque in appreciation of her work over many years.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 8th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy and A.C. Aughey & F.T. Marston produced the best results.
58, 43, 26 Oct. 1937, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will offer 18,500 sheep on 5 November at their Off-Shears Sale.
Notice. Tenders are called for the purchase of the Methodist Old Church Property near Mt Bryan. [The old Bible Christian Church.]
Advt. Burra Talkies 30 October
Victor McLaglen & June Lang in Nancy Steele is Missing
Rochelle Hudson & Robert Kent in That I may Live
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate
Lean’s Shaft. North drive western side lead driven north 4ft to 100ft.
West underlie 20ft south of shaft driven 5ft in low values.
Winze north end of 90ft level driven 5ft to 9ft with ironstone seam in hard quartzite and sandstone.
Underground work has been suspended while erecting hauling plant, which has been delivered.
Federal Election last Saturday.
C.A.S. Hawker’s position seems firm for the House of Representatives.
P.A. McBride’s position in the Senate count looks sound at present.
Burra Gun Club. A recent meeting decided to form a club and election of officers and other matters will soon be finalised.
The Smelts Chimney. For some time the 60ft chimney has been regarded as unsafe and the Council has now decided it should be demolished. Arthur D. Jordan, attending the Burra School, once climbed to the top. He is now one of Gawler’s most prominent businessmen and a nephew of C.J. Pearce of Burra. Most old timers are sorry to see it go, as it has stood as a silent indication of Burra’s great activities in the 1850s & 1860s.
Car Accident. Cars driven by B. Rogers & Roy Bourman collided at the intersection of Thames and George Streets on Monday morning. No one was hurt, though the vehicles were damaged.
Miss Guy from the telephonic staff has been transferred to Renmark after two years here. Miss Phil. Miller from Adelaide succeeds her.
Lance Banks, elder son of Mr & Mrs H.A. Banks of Kooringa, left on Tuesday for a position in Macclesfield.
Sir John Melrose’s home grounds at Ulooloo will be open to the public on 31 October and the Hallett Brass Band will play. This is happening because the weather recently caused the Garden Fete to be moved to Hallett Hall.
Obituary. Mr Albert Duell died at Burra Hospital on Tuesday aged 84. He was a pioneer pastoralist and lived for many years at World’s End before retiring to Burra. [Born 27 July 1853 Beaumont SA: died 25 October 1937, Kooringa. See extended obituary 58, 45, 9 Nov. 1937, page 3.]
58, 43, 26 Oct. 1937, page 3
Combined Physical Culture Team from 26 different Metropolitan Clubs visited Burra last Thursday. They were to have gone to compete in Ballarat, but the infantile paralysis epidemic in Victoria forced a revision of plans. A fine display was staged in the Institute in the evening and on Friday they visited the old mine before leaving.
58, 43, 26 Oct. 1937, page 4
Burra Town Council, 18 October
A.J. & P.A. McBride Ltd replied to the Council’s letter indicating that the Smelts Chimney would be demolished.
The Under Treasurer advises it is permissible to alter the use of the £400 loan from a swimming pool to Victoria Park improvements.
J.H. Harris has resigned as ranger.
Burra Electric Supply Co. replies it cannot allow more than a 25% reduction in lighting charges.
R. Fuss was granted permission to build additions to a residence in Commercial St.
Cr Riggs moved plans and specifications be drawn up for a 200 seat grandstand at Victoria Park and J.E. Pearce be asked to do this. Carried.
The office of Ranger is to be offered to Mr Schoenberg.
A motion to agree to Burra Electric Supply’s conditions lapsed.
A new agreement to be presented to the company will be drafted.
Some minor works were approved.
Burra Tennis Association, 16 October
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 15-106 defeated Aberdeen 3-48
‘B’ Grade Booborowie 14-103 defeated Willalo 4-57
Mt Bryan 14-101 defeated Ironmine 4-67
58, 43 (2), 2 Nov. 1937, page 1
[Second use of No. 43 in this volume: corrected to 44 by hand on microfilm version.]
Burra Burra Show Inc. Show held on 30 October
Perfect weather increased the gate. The railcar from Adelaide was fairly well patronised. The grounds and surroundings were in excellent condition. The numerous sideshows were popular.
Art and photography improved this year.
In Birds there was a record of over 600, but most were from visiting poultry fanciers. This far exceeded the capacity to display and judge them and conditions need to be improved.
Cattle were not numerous, but some fair entries were seen.
The quality of cooking entries was high.
Dogs were few.
The flower display was large and filled 3⁄4 of the large pavilion. Of special note were the sweet peas from Mr R. Harris and J.G. Carpenter.
Fruit was a small section dominated by outside entrants.
Local entries in grain and fodder were few, but the quality was high.
Draught stock was good, but in Blood Stock only T.H. Villis had entries.
The ring events were good as usual.
Needlework was excellent and smallgoods from Aberg & Son were very creditable.
Sheep exhibits did not reflect the district’s importance.
The competition in fleeces here is the best outside Adelaide, though the judge said many fleeces were out of type or entered in the wrong class.
The schoolwork was commendable, though there being so few entries from Burra Primary School was a disappointment.
58, 43 (2), 2 Nov. 1937, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will offer 20,500 sheep in their Off-Shears Sale on 5 November.
Advt. Burra Talkies 6 November
William Powell & Jean Arthur in The Ex-Mrs Bradford
Preston Foster & May Robson in Strangers All
Obituary. Johanna Lloyd, wife of the late W.H. Lloyd of Ironmine, died at Burra Hospital on 31 October aged 69. [Born Johanna Conway. See extended obituary 58, 45, 9 Nov. 1937, page 3.]
Marriage. 30 October at Kooringa
Frederich William Voumard, eldest son of Mr & the late Mrs W. Voumard of Kooringa, married
Jean Morris, youngest daughter of Mr & the late Mrs T.W. Morris of Semaphore.
Salvation Army. The Congress Hall SA Silver Band was welcomed on Saturday at a tea attended by the Mayor Mr S. Kellaway. Afterwards they played in the main street and then gave a fine program in the Army Hall. On Sunday at 9.45 they played for the Burra Hospital and at 11 a.m. at a service in the Salvation Army Hall. At 2.15 they laid a wreath at the War Memorial and gave a musical afternoon at Mt Bryan. A Salvation Meeting was held in the Burra Institute at 7 pm. The visit raised £20 for the local corps.
Boy Scouts. A Wolf Cub Pack was recently formed for boys 8-11. They will meet every Tuesday at 6.30 p.m. in the Scout Hall. There are 12 Cubs.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club will hold a 6-mile road race next Saturday.
Mrs G. Hann of Kooringa was farewelled by her Hallett pupils in the Guide Hall at Hallett on 22 October.
Miss R.R. Guy was farewelled by the Telephone Exchange staff and presented with a crystal dressing table set and pair of mulga book ends.
Burra Rifle Club held a successful dance on Saturday at the Aberdeen Lodge Hall, which will aid funds to send a team to the King’s Shoot in Sydney next February.
58, 43 (2), 2 Nov. 1937, page 3
Annual Methodist Synod Middle District was held at Redruth on 26 October. Permission was granted to sell the old church property at Mt Bryan. [The old Bible Christian Church just northeast of the town.] Rev. Redding (Anglican) & Captain Cresswell (Salvation Army) also attended.
Tennis. Burra Association, 23 October.
‘A’ Grade Mt Bryan 10-73 defeated Canowie 8-84
Willalo 10-93 defeated Ironmine 8-89
Hallett 13-103 defeated Aberdeen 5-68
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 14-101 defeated Mt Bryan 4-61
Willalo 9-87 defeated Ironmine 9-85
Clem Davey has passed his Teachers Examination at the Adelaide Conservatorium of Music.
Mr A. Hamley of the Burra Railway Station has been transferred to Terowie after nine years here.
Mrs Ben. Bourman left Kooringa on Tuesday and will probably live in Adelaide.
58, 43 (2), 2 Nov. 1937, page 4
The Burra Burra Show Official Luncheon is reported. It was held in the new Centenary Hall. Speakers were C.A.S. Hawker MHR and I.J. Warnes President of Burra Burra Show Inc.
Mr Warnes reported that the Centenary Hall was fully paid for. It had cost £778.
He was pleased Mongolata was still going strong. Others who spoke were: the Mayor S. Kellaway and Messrs S.H. Robinson, Hawkins, McDonald, A.B. Riggs & J. Kellock.
The Show Prize List is printed.
[Personal interest: this year there is no mention of a Fuss in any capacity.]
58, 45, 9 Nov. 1937, page 1 [No. 44 not used in this volume.]
Burra Rifle Club fired the final of the Trial Shoots for the Sydney Shoot. L.W. Mumme came in with the best score from J. Schwier & P. Hogan. As a result the four with the right to go to the Sydney Shoot next February will be L.W. Mumme (269), P. Hogan (267), H.H. Byles (267) and R. Kellock (262).
Burra Bowling & Croquet Greens were opened for the 1937-38 season by the Mayor S. Kellaway last Saturday.
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club. The season is to open on 13 November and the five grass courts will be available for play.
58, 45, 9 Nov. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 13 November
Barbara Stanwyck & Robert Young in Red Salute
Dick Foran & Paula Stone in Trailin’ West
Bitumen Road. The Advertiser reported last week that the Government intends to make a bitumen road from Tarlee to Burra.
Guy Fawkes Night. The fireworks celebrations were outdone in grand style by an electrical storm and 25 points of rain about 7,30 p.m. Fires were relit and fireworks let off about an hour later when the rain had ceased.
Burra High & Primary Schools will have a movie projector from 17 November.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club. Seven riders participated in the six-mile road race last Saturday. Dennis Harris won from C. Barrett & K. Whitford.
Aberdeen Croquet Club opened its season on Wednesday 3 November.
Redruth Methodist Sunday School celebrated its anniversary last Sunday & Monday. It was held in the Memorial Hall and Rev. Gordon Wellington of Adelaide officiated. It was well attended.
58, 45, 9 Nov. 1937, page 3
Obituary. Albert Duell who died 26 October [Registered as 25th] was one of the district’s best known graziers from World’s end. He was born at Beaumont SA 27 July 1853, [Registration says 28th] the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Duell. When he was young the family moved to Kapunda and from there he moved to Eudunda before settling at World’s End in 1876 where he lived until retiring to Kooringa in 1923. At world’s End he was a member of the Apoinga Council and for a long time the postmaster and Returning Officer, also secretary and treasurer of the World’s End School Committee and was the last of the original trustees of the World’s End Wesleyan/Methodist Church. He was for a long time a member of the Foresters Lodge. He had a precise knowledge of the rainfall figures of World’s End. In 1886 he married Miss Charlotte Baynes who died suddenly on 29 July 1925 just three weeks after they came to Kooringa to live. [Note this is inconsistent with 1923 mentioned above. His wife’s obituary (XXXXVII, 30, 5 Aug. 1925, page 3) says she died about six weeks after they moved to Kooringa.] He leaves three daughters: Mrs G. Henderson (Torrensville), Mrs M. Phillips (Kooringa) & Miss Duell (Sydney and one son Mr Fred Duell (World’s End). There are 9 grandchildren.
His brother Henry aged 90 also survives. [Died 24 January 1938 at Parafield aged 91, but actually 89, as he was born 3 June 1848 at Gleeville (Beaumont) SA]
Obituary. Mrs J. Lloyd died 31 October at Burra hospital. She was born at Kapunda 1 April 1868 and was the daughter [Johanna] of the late Mr & Mrs Henry Conway and married the late W.H. Lloyd of Erskine (near Peterborough) who later moved to Braefoot where she lived for 30 years. Her husband died some 25 years ago. She was a member of the Ironmine Methodist Church. She had been an inmate of Burra Hospital for 26 weeks. She had been a great supporter of the Burra Show Society dairy section and a CWA member with outstanding handicraft skills. There is a grown-up family and several grandchildren. [Birth could not be confirmed from registrations.]
Obituary. Mrs E.J. Davey, wife of the Town Clerk died on 3 November after a long illness [aged 68]. When her health permitted she was a keen member of the Burra Croquet Club and active in town and church activities. Her son Harry Davey was killed in the Great War. She is survived by a husband and one granddaughter. [Born Emily Power.]
Mr & Mrs Ron Nickles were farewelled by his fellow workers from the Burra Burra DC and friends on 3 November. He is moving to a new position in Snowtown as Overseer of the Snowtown Council.
58, 45, 9 Nov. 1937, page 4
Hanson Memorial Hall Fete & Dance on 3 November.
‘It is only three years since the hall was opened and so far the work done is paid for and not a penny owing on the hall as it now stands. However there is much to be done, a stage has to be erected also a supper room added, hence the activities of the ladies, who are keen to have a finished job.’
58, 46, 16 Nov. 1937, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 9th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy and best scores came from F.T. Marston, E. Hopkins, H.H. Byles, P.W. Hogan, R. Kellock & J. Schwier.
Burra Town Council, 8 November
The draft agreement with the Burra Electric Supply Co. is ready and will be submitted to the company.
R. Fuss was asked to furnish plans, specifications and probable cost for a grandstand at the oval.
Obituary. F. Lionel Opperman died 9 November in Adelaide. He was the second son of the late Mr & Mrs William Opperman of Redruth. He was born at Burra in 1893 and after leaving school was employed for some time by Drew & Crewes Ltd before joining the SAR until resigning due to ill health. He leaves a widow nee Mabel Holland of Berri and one son Graham and one daughter Margaret. He is also survived by three sisters: Augusta Mrs Sidney Pearce of Leighton, Kathleen Mrs C. Walker of Mt Gambier and Miss Connie Opperman of Adelaide. [Born Frederick Lionel Oppermann 8 Sep 1893 Redruth: died (as Opperman) 9 November 1937 Adelaide, residence Woodville.]
Tennis. Burra Association, 6 November
‘A’ Grade Mt Bryan 11-80 defeated Aberdeen 7-75
Ironmine 12-97 defeated Canowie 6-76
‘B’ Grade Willalo 9-79 defeated Mt Bryan 9-74
Booborowie 11-96 defeated Aberdeen 7-80
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 6 November.
Underground work was suspended pending the erection of hauling plant. The engine, winch and head frame were erected. Truck lines are to be laid. North drive stopped. Started crosscut east from No. 1 south drive. 8 tons of ore at grass.
58, 46, 16 Nov. 1937, page 2
Advt. Tenders called for the old Mt Bryan Methodist Church property.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 20 November
Pat O’Brien & James Cagney in Ceiling Zero
Joe E. Brown & Joan Blondell in Sons O’ Guns
Advt. The Operetta Cinderella will be presented at the Memorial Hall Aberdeen
24 November at 8 p.m. Admission 1/- and Novelty Supper 6d.
Armistice Day was reverently observed at 11 a.m. last Thursday.
Obituary. Mrs Percival C. Herbert nee Gladys Lawn died 14 November aged 38. She was born in Burra on 31 March 1899, the only child of Mr & Mrs George Lawn of Kooringa. She married P.C. Herbert in 1923. She was a popular member of the Kooringa Methodist Choir, a pianist for the Sunday school and a member of the Ladies’ Cheer-up Band. In her early married life they lived at Minlaton, but Mr Herbert later took a position in Adelaide and they lived at Prospect.
[Apparently born Gladys Irene Lawn, but birth not traceable on Births CD. Marriage data confirms obituary statements. She died in Adelaide, residence Prospect.]
Jim Richards, now living in Wellington New Zealand, visited Burra after an absence of 25 years.
58, 46, 16 Nov. 1937, page 3
Ironmine Methodist Church held a Coronation Fete at Leighton Hall last Saturday and proceeds exceeded £80.
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club opened its season last Saturday. They have five fine grass courts on the grounds of the Burra Sports Syndicate. On Sunday there was an exhibition game from SA Interstate Tennis Team players, Don Turnbull, Cliff Harvey, Tom Warhurst and 1st emergency Ross Lock.
At Clare on 13 November Kooringa 15-109 defeated Clare 6-93.
58, 47, 23 Nov. 1937, page 1
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
‘A’ Grade Canowie 12-106 defeated Aberdeen 6-79
Mt Bryan 12-87 defeated Willalo 6-68
Hallett 14-109 defeated Ironmine 6-80
58, 47, 23 Nov. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 27 November
Laurel & Hardy in Bonnie Scotland
Spencer Tracy & Myrna Loy in Whipsaw
Birth. To Mr & Mrs Fred Allen (nee Edna Butler) on 18 November at Burra Hospital a son.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate. Lean’s Shaft. At 80ft level crosscut carrying low values.
West underlie 20ft south of shaft: seam very small.
North drive from winze, 90ft level, gold showing in a promising lead.
20 tons at grass.
R.A. Bevan as Hon. Secretary of Burra Cycling & Athletic Club writes endorsing Council’s decision to build a grandstand at Victoria Park. Its lack has led to sports being conducted at Aberdeen, 11⁄2 miles from Kooringa and 1⁄2 mile from Aberdeen. Victoria Park is the home ground for the Burra Football Club and it is also the ground that fosters the coming generation through its use by the school. The park has provision for a good cycle track and could be excellent for football. He wished them success and offers any assistance.
Burra Schools have taken possession of the long awaited movie projector last Wednesday. The total cost was over £75 and we understand the program given on Wednesday evening at the Institute raised the balance that was owing.
Obituary. Charles Topsfield of Purnong died on 17 November aged 85. He was the father of Mrs M.S. Edwards of Kooringa. His wife died 18 months ago and he leaves a family of eight daughters.
[Born 1 November 1850 Prospect Village: died at Mannum, residence Purnong.]
Obituary. Mrs W. Muller of Aberdeen died on 14 November. She was the second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs W. Langsford of Ironmine and was aged 72. [Born Sarah Ann Langsford 27 November 1863 near Auburn. Deaths CD says died 13 November at Southwark, residence Aberdeen and has transcribed the surname incorrectly as Mullen.]
Obituary. Frank Blight of Glenelg and formerly of Kooringa and Hallett died after a long illness on 22 November aged 74. He was born 15 December 1862. [Born 15 December 1863 Gumeracha.]
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 20 October
August Montford Hirschausen, eldest son of Mr & Mrs A.H. Hirschausen of Aberdeen, married
Eva Grace Angel, second daughter of Mr & Mrs J.H. Angel of Ucolta.
Burra Town Council, 15 November
The agreement drafted with the Electric supply Co. was adopted and the Company is to be asked to ratify it.
A motion to accept an offer of a weighbridge from Messrs Hawkes & Co. was defeated on the Mayor’s casting vote.
Cr Dow gave notice that he would move to rescind the motion dealing with the oval and shed and that the State and Commonwealth Treasurers be asked in what direction the loan money can be expended.
58, 47, 23 Nov. 1937, page 3
Hanson Methodist Church Fete was held in Hanson Hall last Saturday. It raised £85 and is reported in 11⁄2 columns.
Black Springs Methodist Church Fete raised £43.
Burra Branch of the ALP met on 14 November and elected: President, Leo Kemp; Vice-Presidents, E.A. Wohling & W.V. Bass and Secretary & Treasurer, T. Canny. T Canny is delegate to the Adelaide Conference.
Hubert Oppermann contributes a 11⁄2 column story about his recent bicycle ride from Pert to Sydney.
58, 47, 23 Nov. 1937, page 4
CWA. There is a lengthy report of the CWA’s Norwegian Day on 19 November over some 23⁄4 columns.
58, 48, 30 Nov. 1937, page 1
Tennis. Burra Association
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 14-108 defeated Mt Bryan 4-62
Hallett 12-96 defeated Canowie 6-76
Willalo 12-95 defeated Aberdeen 6-77
‘B’ Grade Booborowie 15-109 defeated Ironmine 3-68
Aberdeen 10-92 defeated Willalo 8-85
Burra Water Supply
Mr Corney and a party from the Waterworks Department have been taking levels between Farrell’s Flat and Mt Bryan to determine the easiest route for the pipeline from the River Murray to the new town of Whyalla. It will come from Morgan via ‘The Gums’, Burra, Booborowie and Spalding. Burra’s present supply of water is plentiful, but heavily mineralised. Burra would greatly benefit from having access to this supply of water as would pastoral holdings en route.
CWA. A Black Springs Branch was launched in October and its second meeting on 25 November is reported at length in 21⁄2 columns, concluding on page 4.
58, 48, 30 Nov. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 4 December
Warner Baxter & Gloria Stuart in The Prisoner of Shark Island
Jed Prouty & Shirley Deane in Off to the Races
Kooringa & Redruth Methodist Circuits held a combined Sunday schools rally at the Institute last Sunday. The address was by Rev. W.J. Bailey of Adelaide, Superintendent of the Young People’s Department of the Methodist Church SA.
The operetta Cinderella was staged at the Memorial Hall Redruth by the Redruth Sunday School staff and students last Wednesday. It is reported on very favourably.
[Personal interest: Cinderella, Miss E. McWaters; Stepsisters, Miss J. McWaters & Miss J. Fairchild; Herald, Mr E. (Ted) Fuss.]
Burra Brownies. 16 were enrolled last Saturday in the Parish Hall.
Eddie Finch is in hospital after cutting two fingers and the back of his hand badly when it was caught in a reaping machine.
Decima Warner narrowly escaped injury when her car skidded off the road into a paddock about 7 miles south of Burra on the Adelaide Road on Monday.
Weather. Heavy rain followed the recent heat. Last Sunday Burra received about 25 points, but to the west falls of 80-100 were general and 170 at Gum Creek. Rain continued on Monday and today. To the east the rain has been general from Monday and falls so far range from 21 to 125 points with many reports over 80 points. Burra’s total to this morning has been 135 points.
58, 48, 30 Nov. 1937, page 3
Obituary. Alexander James McDonald died on 11 November in West Perth aged 78. He was born in the South East of SA where his father owned ‘Glen Roy’ Station. He grew up among Merinos and as a boy took a keen interest in stud shows. He became a wool-classer and in 1906 became stud master and manager at Canowie. For 13 years he was manager for Beltana Pastoral Co. Ltd under the late Peter Waite on the company’s various stations in the north of SA and later was manager for Captain Chirnside of Werribee, Victoria for four years. He also had stud and pastoral experience in NSW. Soon after becoming manager for Canowie Pastoral Co. he made history by purchasing a ram ‘Donald Dinnie’ for 1,200 guineas. This ram’s eight years of service so stamped his image on the flock that no further introduction was needed in the Canowie flock. Some notable stud rams were produced: ‘Jack Johnson’ sold to a South African breeder for 800 guineas and ‘Majuba’ sold to Koonoona for 700 guineas. From 1910 for three years Canowie had phenomenal success at the Adelaide Show. The Canowie shorthorn stud cattle were dispersed at a sale in 1923 and the Canowie Merino stud was dispersed at a sale on 27 February 1925 which realised £41,000 and attracted over 2,000 people to see 4,800 stud ewes and rams sold. The stud was commenced in 1857, though the run was in occupation by Drs J.H. & W.J. Browne from 1839.
In 1859 five Rambouillet rams were imported.
In 1864 Murray, Mount Crawford rams were introduced.
In 1864-1906 only Canowie bred rams were in use and there were many show successes in Adelaide and the eastern states. In 1906 Canowie, twelve miles from Hallett, comprised 68,000 acres freehold and depastured 60,000 sheep, but since then has been much reduced by sales of agricultural lands. In 1923 Elder, Smith & Co. began negotiation with Mr McDonald to arrange that he move to WA to the advantage of sheep interests there. In 1924 he agreed to work half time supervising the stud stock department for Elder, Smith & co. in Perth and half time was open to any flock owners seeking his services with respect to stud or flock questions. He retired in 1930, but retained a private office at Elder House in Perth. He leaves a widow, one son and two daughters: Mrs H.M. Matheson & Mrs Keith Ross. [Born 8 October 1860 at Lake Roy, District of Robe.]
Obituary. Mrs Anna M. Williams of Paxton Square died 24 November at Burra Hospital after a long illness aged 73. She was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Joshua Turner of Burra and married William Williams who died many years ago [1895]. Until overtaken by illness she was caretaker of St Mary’s for 40 years. She leaves a grown-up family. [Born Hannah Maria Turner 25 March 1865 Hampton: died as Anna Maria Williams.]
Obituary. Mt W.J. (Jack) Bryce died last week in one of his properties near Adelaide aged 48. He was the only son of Mr & Mrs W.J. Bryce of Westbourne Park and late of Hallett. He was a farmer at Mt Bryan till 1936 after which he acquired properties at Meadows and elsewhere. He was struck on the head by a log he was unloading and though nothing serious was immediately anticipated, complications set in. He was unmarried and leaves two sisters: Mrs Auhl of Glenelg and Mrs Joseph Thomas of Willalo. [William John Bryce born 4 December 1887 Whyte Yarcowie: died 25 November 1937 Adelaide, residence Westbourne Park.]
Obituary. Arthur Atkins of Farrell’s Flat died at Clare Hospital on 29 November. He was born at Clare in 1875, the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs George Atkins. He was educated at Blyth & Crystal Brook schools and then farmed with his father at Woodlands between Blyth and Balaklava. He and his brother Harold C. Atkins then farmed at Yallunda Flat, Tod River, but he suffered from asthma there and they then took properties at Farrell’s Flat in 1904. He had recently decided to retire and had a new home built just outside Farrell’s Flat and the contract was just completed when he had a seizure 10 weeks ago. He was unmarried, but leaves two brothers and three sisters: Harold C. (Farrell’s Flat), Henry E. (Hanson), Mrs J.E. Padman (Plympton), Mrs W. Lock (Gawler) & Mr G. Wright (Farrell’s Flat). [Born 10 May 1875 Clare.]
Obituary. Frank Blight died last week and the following history of the family is of some interest. The founder of the family James Blight of Devonshire arrived in SA by the Lysander in 1849 and bought land at Gumeracha. He then made two trips to the Victorian goldfields and had some success there in 1869. He then bought land at Cartapo near Hallett and was a farmer, being the first man to grow wheat north of Burra. He died on the property aged 90, then holding some thousand acres. Frank Blight was the youngest of 12 children and was born at Gumeracha in 1864, coming north with his parents when 5. Later he and brothers Richard and William took land near Ketchowla and property near Franklyn and Yongala. Before his father’s death Frank took over Cartapo. On the death of William they moved to Burra and lived there for some years before retiring to Glenelg. Richard died soon after; leaving Frank to carry on the Blight Bros. name till he died 22 November 1937 [at Glenelg] aged 74. [Born 15 December 1863 at Gumeracha.]
Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club held its AGM on 25 November at Farrell’s Flat Institute. The balance sheet showed a very satisfactory position. Elected were Patron, W.G. Hawkes; President, H.C. Atkins; Vice Presidents, W. Carter & E.B. I’Anson and Secretary, G.E. Twelftree. A decision on the next sports day was deferred. The work of putting the boats in commission is in hand and the grounds are being prepared.
‘Out East’ An article from The Chronicle by Eleanor Barbour describing a trip with Mrs I.J. Warnes, her son James and others to Koomooloo, home of Mr & Mrs Rex Warnes. They called on Mr & Mrs Fred Gebhardt at ‘The Lagoon’ and stayed a night at Sturt Vale and visited North Koomooloo. The article is a light weight ‘feel good’ story of about 3⁄4 column.
58, 48, 30 Nov. 1937, page 4
Burra Rifle Club started to fire the 19th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy on Saturday, but rain set in and it had to be postponed to 4 December.
58, 49, 7 Dec. 1937, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 19th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy and the maximum score of 80 were reached by the following in this order based on handicap: L.W. Mumme, R.H. Barty, R. Jeffery, E.R. Pexton, P.W. Hogan, R.G. Bernhardt, E.C. Hopkins & J.E. Harris.
Redruth Methodist Strawberry Fete was held last Saturday in the Redruth Memorial Hall. Proceeds were satisfactory and the report extends for almost 11⁄4 columns.
Oranges. ‘Lefty’ a fruiterer from Berri gave away several cases of oranges on Saturday, left over from selling in the town on Friday. The beneficiaries were the children of Paxton Square and beyond as the news spread. Some got more to share with their family.
58, 49, 7 Dec. 1937, page 2
Notice. Salvation Army will farewell Captain Williams on Wednesday 8 December.
Young people’s anniversary services will be conducted on 12 December by Captain Clark of Clare.
Rose Cresswell, Captain.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 11 December
Dick Powell & Joan Blondell in Stage Struck
Hugh Wakefield & Jane Duprez in The Crimson Circle
Weather. Since last Saturday great rains have fallen on the pastoral country. They generally ranged from about 250 points to 300 with Koomooloo at 348, Chalk Cliffs 430, Mallee Dale 416. But a few missed out. Oakvale got only 50 and Loch Winnoch 158. It is the best general rain since 1920 when similar falls were recorded. Falls at Hallett caused local flooding.
58, 49, 7 Dec. 1937, page 3
Leighton Hall Strawberry Fete. At the opening of the fete the President of the Hall Mr I.J. Warnes said the present debt was £160. The building had cost £2,000 originally. Mr A.D. McDonald MP opened the fete.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church celebrated the 25th anniversary of the opening of the building. Twenty-five years ago the Mt Bryan East Church was in bad repair and it was decided to demolish it and rebuild in a more central location. This was done. Rev. F.W. Brasher put in considerable time to help the demolition. The foundation stone was laid on 16 November 1912 by Rev. W.H. Cann then President of the Methodist Conference of SA. Rev. Basher was invited back for the anniversary service and he came from his West Hindmarsh circuit and delivered two sermons.
The old Mt Bryan Church closes at the end of 1937 and members are donating the pulpit to Mt Bryan East. The first couple married in the church were Mr & Mrs Pat. Griffen and the first to be christened was Harold Doyle.
Mongolata Goldfield
Golden Harp we understand has become the property of Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for some two months. In this time 76oz of gold have been obtained.
The new tunnel has advanced from 161ft to 171ft.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. The Government supplied pump cannot keep up with the water and Dr Ward will replace it with one that can.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 4 December
Lean’s Shaft. Drives at the 80ft level have not found gold.
Winze north at 90ft level has found a little gold.
West underlie: no values.
Obituary. W.M. Williams, a mining authority previously on Byles’ at Mongolata went to WA recently to report on some mines there and died there last week aged nearly 80.
Bowls. Eudunda visited on Saturday when Burra 84 defeated Eudunda 76.
Croquet. Burra ladies defeated Eudunda 2 games to 0.
58, 49, 7 Dec. 1937, page 4
Tennis. Burra Association
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen and Ironmine drew 5 sets each
Hallett 10-90 defeated Mt Bryan 8-79
Willalo 10-82 defeated Canowie 6-71
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 13-95 defeated Mt Bryan 2-41
Booborowie 15-110 defeated Willalo 3-52
58, 50, 14 Dec. 1937, page 1
Burra Town Council, 6 December
A.J. & P.A. McBride write saying they are willing to present to Council the lot known as ‘Howell’s.
Sara & Co. advise they are installing a 16 ton weighbridge 18ft x 8ft at Aberdeen. Permission was deferred for two months.
£1-1-0 donation was made to the Limbless Soldiers’ Assoc.
Drew & Crewes acquire lots 69, 70 & 71 New Aberdeen.
Cr Dow failed in an attempt to move to rescind the motion concerning plans and specifications for a grandstand at the oval.
The Postal Dept. is to be asked to allow the pillar-box to remain in Welsh Place.
R.H. Garrard’s tender of £17-10-0 to build the traffic sign in Market Square was accepted.
Plans and specifications for the grandstand were placed on the table and tenders for the same were called.
Agreement with the Burra Electric Supply Co. was signed and sealed.
Mrs James Reed’s house was entered while the family was at Mr John Reed’s wedding on Saturday, but nothing seems to have been taken.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 11th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy on Saturday and the maximum 105 was scored by: C. Edwards, W.K. Pexton, R.H. Barty, A.C. Aughey & R. Bernhardt.
58, 50, 14 Dec. 1937, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 18 December
Anna Neagle & Arthur Tracy in Street Singer’s Serenade
Guy Kibbee & Alma Lloyd in The Big Noise
Red Cross has decided to give £15 to Red Cross Adelaide to be divided: £5 each to Angorichina Hostel, Keswick & Bedford Park Military Hospitals.
Weather. Further rain and strong wind on Friday damaged crops. Light falls of 20-30 points fell to the east.
58, 50, 14 Dec. 1937, page 3
The Buffalo Lodge gave a Christmas Tree Party at the Aberdeen Lodge Hall on 13 December. Details in 3⁄4 column.
Mr Eddie Cox has been appointed stationmaster at Burra to replace Mr Burdon. Mr Cox is the eldest son of Mr Herbert Cox of Aberdeen and has been in the SAR for 27 years. He joined it at Burra as a junior porter.
Col. H.J. Copley, who worked for Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd in Burra prior to joining the 3rd Light Horse for service abroad in 1915, has been appointed Honorary ADC to the Governor General Lord Gowrie.
Mr & Mrs W.G. Hawkes of North Adelaide celebrate their golden wedding on 15 December.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 11 December
Miss Mavis Gare, only daughter of Mr & Mrs C. Wesley Gare of Kooringa and late of Glen View Station Mt Bryan East, married Mr John A. Reed, twin son of Mrs & the late Mr James Reed.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 11 December
Walter Nankivell, second son of Mr & Mrs A.A. Nankivell of Kooringa, married
Hilda Woodman, youngest daughter of Mrs Woodman of Kooringa.
Marriage. At the Deaf & Dumb Mission South Terrace Adelaide 11 December
Constance Clare Opperman, formerly of Mt Gambier and daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Albert Opperman of Burra, married Basil Lorne Innes, son of Mr & Mrs Basil Lorne Innes of Perth.
Both bride and groom are deaf and dumb and the service was in sign language, translated for the hearing congregation.
58, 50, 14 Dec. 1937, page 4
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club, Sunday, 14 December.
Kooringa 12-96 defeated Clare 7-77
58, 51, 21 Dec. 1937, page 1
Redruth Christian Endeavour Society arranged a tea for the old folks at Redruth Memorial Hall on Wednesday for about 60 guests.
Burra Rifle Club. At the Christmas Shoot maximum scores of 80 were obtained by 12 shooters with a count-back on handicap to determine the winner was C. Edwards from D. Field and A.B. Riggs third. Mr Edwards thus carried off the Christmas goose.
58, 51, 21 Dec. 1937, page 2
Notice. Local Board of Health. In view of the outbreak of infantile paralysis [polio] the Board advises:
Keeping children away from Adelaide or its suburbs.
Not having visitors under 16 years of age from there.
Keeping children away from adults who have visited the city
Destroy mosquitoes and treat water tanks and septic systems.
Destroy rats.
Notice. Burra Town Council advises its intent to borrow £400 at 5% to fund a grandstand and pavilion at Victoria Park.
Advt. Burra Talkies
25 December
The China Clipper and The Captain’s Kid
27 December
Lonely Road and When Nights were Bold
28 December
Private Number and Secret Valley
1 January
Robin Hood of El Dorado and Three Live Ghosts
R.D. Pascoe’s Collection of sheep photos has received from Mr Harrold Button a print of what is said to be the first sheep introduced into Australia and bears the date 1788. It is a strange looking animal with a black face and ‘covered with a stringy scaty [sic] [scanty?] coat of wool. It is thought to be a Spanish Merino.
Wheat. A lorry load of 155 bags of wheat delivered to Mr R.C. Lott by R. Sellars was considered a record for one load when delivered yesterday. It belongs to L. Davey.
N. Hiles Pearse sent in a box of 20 apricots from ‘The Gums’ on Saturday. Each one weighed c. 3oz and in all some 31⁄2 lb. The tree yielded about 6 cases.
Burra High School staff to leave at the end of the year are: Mr L. Braddock (to be succeeded by Mr Draysey), Mr A. Swanson & Miss C. Ison. [Page 3 adds to Norwood High, Teachers College and Moonta High respectively.]
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 18 December
Miss F. [Florence] Myrtle Pascoe, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Fred T. Pascoe of Kooringa, married Mr Charles Barratt, only son of Mr & Mrs H. L. Barratt of Waikerie.
Christmas Tree Parties have been given by:
Salvation Army on 14 December
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School last weekend
Redruth Methodist Sunday School on 18 December
Mrs I.J. Warnes on 18 December at Leighton Hall for scholars of Leighton & Ayers Schools. This was the 29th annual such event.
Bowls. On Saturday Burra 93 defeated Kapunda 79 at Burra.
Accident & Obituary. On 20 December J.L. Cleary of Hallett and Max Pearce, local manager of Elder, Smith & Co. were driving to Booborowie when they collided with a car driven by Mr Tom Warnes, youngest son of I.J. Warnes of ‘Wahroonga’. Mr Pearce’s car rolled over and then righted itself and was completely wrecked. Mr Clearly died in a few minutes and Mr Pearce suffered broken ribs and shock. Mr Warnes’s car was damaged and Mr Warnes sustained a broken nose, facial injuries and shock. Mr Cleary was a widower with five children. Both survivors were taken home, but later to Burra Hospital. There will be an inquest in the New Year.
[James Leo Cleary died 20 December 1937 at Booborowie, residence Lower Wakefield aged 53. Max Pearce born 16 January 1900 at Kooringa also subsequently died on 26 December 1937 at Kooringa as a result of this accident.]
Mrs Dyer, widow of the late Rev. A. Dyer and her children, Keith, Joyce & Mona were farewelled at Redruth Methodist Church last Sunday. Mrs Dyer was presented with a handbag containing many notes.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight ending 18 December.
Lean’s Shaft. Drives at 80ft level continue, but with no values.
Winze north at 90ft level: a little gold in the face.
Crushed 14 tons 2cwt for 24oz 10dwt 18gr.
58, 51, 21 Dec. 1937, page 3
Burra Schools
Notes suggest the schools closed on 17 December, which was earlier than usual and appears to have caused disruption to end of year functions. The High School concert was postponed to 1st term 1938 and the Copperhouse Christmas Tree was cancelled and other High School functions were cancelled.
Leaving Honours results:
Kath McConnon passed English & Economics
Nancy Pearce passed English.
[These changes were a response to the polio outbreak. Schools remained closed till March 1938.]
Characteristics of the 1937 paper
Page 1
Much news and some large advertisements, but no attempt to differentiate major news with larger headlines.
Page 2
Mixture of small and large advertisements. Many smaller advertisements of the classified variety. Stock sales & public notices.
Page 3
A few larger advertisements mixed with news and large items of general information.
Page 4
Similar to page 3, but general information items feature large than local news.
In general a good deal to read, but not all of it local news. Coverage of local items is somewhat inconsistent, but generally quite good. Some minor local events seem to get a great deal of space while other items of local interest get little.
Numbering of Issues in 1937.
The year began with Volume 58, Number 1 on 5 January 1937.
And continued to Volume 58, Number 51 on 21 December 1937.
There were however, a number of irregularities:
There was no number 17 in this volume with issue 16 on 20 April & issue 18 on 27 April.
No. 26 was used for both the issue of 22 April and that of 29 April.
No. 43 was used for both the issue of 26 November and that of 2 November, but the number on the paper of 2 November is corrected by hand to 44 in the microfilm version, otherwise No. 44 was not used.
59, 1, 4 Jan. 1938
Page 1 Advertisements
Walker & Sons Shoes & Boots
W.G. Terry Tailor, Kooringa
J. Pearce & Son Glaziers, Furniture Repairs and Polishing, Mattresses, Agents for Morgan’s Monumental Masons
W.E.D. Young Agent for Hudson, Terraplane & Morris Cars & Morris Commercial Vehicles, Kooringa
Fred M. Pearce Carpenter, Builder & Contractor, Aberdeen
Whittney & Tiver Motor Garage & Ford Dealers
H.J.B. Jennison New & Retreaded Tyres
Page2 Advertisements
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc.
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc. [Regular advertisers, but not this issue.]
W. Carpenter Agent for Phil O’Neill, Truck Specialist, Mongolata
George Price Boring Contractor
C. Leslie Philips Dental Surgeon, Pearce’s Building
__________ Burra Talkies
Nelson Hann Cornsacks
Maeder’s Hairdressing Salon
Mavis Halliday Mantle Specialist, Kooringa
M.T. Fuller Agent for Shearer’s Farm Implements
Page 3 Advertisements
Drew & Crewes Ltd General Importers etc.
Sara & Co. General Merchants, Kooringa & Aberdeen
Page 4 Advertisements
T.H. Thomson Agent for Malvern Star Bikes, Burra
Guy Dolman Burra Motor Co., Agent for Wolseley & Austin Cars, Reno Trucks, Caterpillar Tractors & Horwood Bagshaw Farm Machinery. Oxy Welding.
Lomman’s Car, House & Sign Painters
59, 1, 4 Jan. 1938, page 1
Tennis. Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club Christmas Tournament.
Men’s Singles Championship B. Harden
Men’s Doubles Championship Richards & Drayton
Women’s Singles Championship Mrs H.C. Martin
Men’s Singles Handicap 1st Division B. Harden
Men’s Singles Handicap 2nd Division Murray
Men’s Doubles Handicap Hill & McWaters
Women’s Singles Handicap M. Pearce
Women’s Doubles Handicap S. Murray & M. Murray
Mixed Doubles Handicap H.C. & Mrs Martin
Invitation Doubles Pontifex & Davidge
Obituary. Max Pearce of Kooringa died on 26 December 1937. He was seriously injured in the accident on 20 December when his passenger Mr J.L. Cleary was killed in a collision between his car and one driven by Mr Tom Warnes. A fatal result for Mr Pearce’s injuries was not then anticipated. Complications set in on 26 December and he died about three hours later. He was the fifth and youngest son of Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce of Kooringa and was born 16 January 1900. He was educated at Burra Primary & High Schools before joining Elder, Smith & Co., rising from office boy to local manager in 1925. He was acknowledged as one of the firm’s best country managers. He was the hon. Treasurer of the Burra Institute and had held all the other offices there. He was a member of the Burra Bowling Club and a golfer. In August 1927 he married Miss Nell Herbert, second daughter of Mr & Mrs George Herbert of Kooringa who survives with two surviving daughters, Jill (9) & Judith (7). Over 160 cars were drawn up for the funeral for the longest cortege seen in Burra. 500 people were already at the cemetery. He is also survived by his parents and two brothers and four sisters: Lisle Pearce (Kooringa) & Andrew (Melbourne), Mrs P. Flint (Kingston), Miss Annie (Kooringa), Mrs E. Howath (Willunga) & Sister M.A. Pearce of Kent Town Private Hospital. Two brothers, Courtney & Colin predeceased him.
Obituary. Major J.A. Watt DSO, VD, died at his home in Glenelg aged 81. He served in the Boer War and was in command of the Base Light Horse at the Exhibition Camp during the Great War. He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1856 and arrived in SA in 1876. He settled in Burra where he was a draper for 18 years. He became a Councillor and member of the Institute Board and of the Burra School Board of Advice. He began his army career under Sir Frederick Holder during the ‘Russian Scare’ of 1884. In six months he was promoted to colour sergeant and later to lieutenant. He commanded the Mounted Rifles at Burra for ten years before organising a corps at Wallaroo and Kadina. In the Boer War he commanded the 5th & 6th Imperial Bushmen and was mentioned by Lord Kitchener in despatches. On 1903 he was decorated by the King. After being appointed Staff Officer of Contingents he served in the Wallaroo & Moonta Mines area when compulsory military training came in. Later he was in charge of the Norwood Division and before retiring in 1921at 65 he was stationed at a number of places including Mt Barker, Renmark, Berri, Stirling and Strathalbyn. He leaves a widow nee Martha Harris, eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Ambrose Harris of Kooringa and one son and one daughter: Mr S.M. Watt of Woodville & Mrs A.R. Fesenmeyer of Toorak Gardens. He was given a military funeral. [John Alexander Watt]
Mt Bryan East School break-up and Christmas tree was held on 20 December. After the concert section the head teacher Mr C.R. Yeates reported attendance of 95.8% and all three candidates for the Qualifying Certificate passed: Phyllis Dare (612), Melva Gare (566) & Joan Dare (490). Thelma Simmons was dux of the school. After 5 years here Mr Yeates has been transferred to Port Lincoln.
59, 1, 4 Jan. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 8 January
Kay Francis & Ian Hunter in I Found Stella Parish
Florence Desmond & George Formby in No Limit
Geoff Rosman who had been doing special duty at the post office had a nasty accident on 21 December when he collided on his bike with another lad on a bike. He broke his front teeth, required several stitches in his lip and injured his hand.
Mr J.G. Rooke has sent in some World’s End apricots – 20 weighed 84oz!
Inquest/Obituary. On 4 January at Redruth Court the inquest into the death of James Leo Cleary of Halbury as a result of a collision between a car driven by Mr Max Pearce and a car driven by Mr Tom Warnes of Leighton was heard before A.B. Riggs JP as Coroner. The finding was that the deceased died from shock and haemorrhage resulting from the collision and there was negligence on the part of both drivers, not amounting to criminal negligence. There will be a full report next issue.
Weather. 56 points of rain fell on Saturday night and though little fell to the east in general, ‘The Gums got 50 and Glen Bower 85 points.
59, 2, 11 Jan. 1938, pages 1 & 4
Inquest/Obituary
The report of the inquest into the death of Mr James Leo Cleary is very detailed, extending to more than 51⁄2 columns on pages 1 & 4.
First witness was Thomas Maxwell Saint, Manager for Elder, Smith at Balaklava. He was driving a car following Pearce & Cleary some 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 mile behind. He did not see the collision, but arrived soon after. Mr Cleary had been in the front passenger seat and Mr Pearce was driving. When Saint arrived Mr Pearce was in the front seat and Mr Cleary in the back seat. Mr Cleary died soon after Saint’s arrival.
Pearce was driving a Ford V-8. He was travelling from Burra to Spalding. The speed of Pearce’s car was estimated at 25-30 m.p.h. Mr Warnes and Saint drove into Booborowie to get assistance and then returned to the scene. Mr Warnes was driving from Leighton towards Booborowie at about 40 m.p.h. This would make Mr Pearce’s car the car on the right and Mr Warnes’ car the one on the left. The accident happened between 3.30 & 3.45. Mr Pearce was speaking quite coherently and was easily helped from the car.
Dr Steele gave evidence of attending the scene. The deceased was then dead and without external injuries to cause death. Post mortem showed death was due to most ribs being fractured and puncturing the lungs. Shock and haemorrhage to the lungs was the cause of death.
M-C Boyce then gave evidence. Most of it confirms the above. He recorded a statement from Thomas Murray Warnes (21) driving a Buick sedan No. 4680 from Leighton to Oliver Baynes’ at Booborowie – travelling at c. 40 m.p.h. Boyce gave further evidence about the scene of the accident. He interviewed Max Pearce the next morning at his home. He said he was going to Spalding to inspect some sheep. Boyce said the intersection is open and no building or growth obstructed the view. Pearce’s car appears to have rolled right over. The centre of the near side door was driven in 2 feet from the outside alignment of the rear footboard. Boyce’s impression was that the middle of the front of the Buick hit the centre of the side of the V-8. The V-8 slid on its side against the cyclone fence and then righted itself. [There was some doubt about whether the car actually rolled right over and considerable evidence was taken to try and decide this issue.]
M-C Edington corroborated M-C Boyce. He questioned Mr Pearce in the presence of Mr Bednall as legal adviser. On legal advice Mr Pearce did not make a statement concerning his speed or on when he first saw Mr Warnes’ car. Pearce said his brakes were good and the road was dry. Visibility was all right. He did not know that the car had capsized. Edington considered Warnes had applied the brakes 23 yards before impact, but there was no sign of Pearce’s car braking, though it seems to have swerved sharply right four yards before impact.
Allan Lomman said Max Pearce had been brought into the Booborowie Hotel. Pearce had asked him what happened and who had hit him. He said he had never seen a thing and enquired after Cleary. He also gave other details concerning events at the hotel. Mr Pearce did not really know what was going on at the hotel.
Thomas Francis cousins, hotel proprietor at Booborowie, also gave evidence that although Mr Pearce seemed to understand what was said to him, he asked the same questions over and over.
Tom Warnes refused to answer any questions on legal advice.
The findings were that James Leo Cleary met his death at Booborowie on 20 December from shock and haemorrhage caused by a collision between two cars, one driven by Max Pearce, since deceased, and the other by Thomas Murray Warnes. ‘Evidence of negligence is shown on the part of both drivers of a nature that I cannot describe as criminal.’
59, 2, 11 Jan. 1938, page 2
Notice. The seaside trip will not be held this year due to the infantile paralysis epidemic.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 15 January
Marion Davies & Dick Powell in Hearts Divided
Joan Blondell & Edward G. Robinson in Bullets or Ballots
Marriage. Moseley St Methodist Church, Glenelg, 18 December 1937
Fred Williams, eldest son of Mr & Mrs F. Williams of Aberdeen, married the
Fourth and youngest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr Henry Motherall of Kooringa.
[Beryl Marjorie Motherall]
Redruth Methodist Circuit Quarterly Meeting on 8 January. Mr F. Hansen continues to fill the extraordinary vacancy created by the death of Rev. A. Dyer, assisted by Rev. Tilbrook of Kooringa. Membership is 200. The Harvest Festivals were set for Ironmine on 6 March, Hanson 13 February and Redruth 13 March. There was a small deficit for the quarter. The various Sunday schools and young people’s societies were running satisfactorily.
59, 2, 11 Jan. 1938, page 3
Obituary. Mr Thomas McBride died at New Mile End on 5 January. He was born at ‘The Gums’ [11 February 1871] then owned by his late father James Martin McBride. He was the fourth son and was aged 68. He spent his life as a pastoralist, much of it as the owner of Redcliffe. Ill health forced his retirement about six months ago. He married Miss Rose Bullen a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Bullen of Kooringa who survives with a family of ten, seven sons and three daughters: Reuben (WA), Clem & Claude (Adelaide), Jim (Eudunda), Keith (Redcliffe), Charles (Mt Pleasant), Geoffrey (Adelaide), Dot Mrs T.H. Reynolds, Cora Mrs H. Webb (WA) & Sylvia Mrs S. Bull (WA). The eldest son Lieut. Norman McBride was killed in Palestine in the Great War. There are a number of grandchildren.
Obituary. Miss Louise Coglin died on Wednesday 5 January at her residence. She was born at Kooringa in 1861, the only child of the late Mr & Mrs William B. Coglin. Her mother died when she was 15 and she then looked after her father and several others. When she was 30 her father died and she resided with the Hon. J. Lewis’s family after the death of their mother. She later returned to her own home (which had been let). She was Hon. Secretary of the Burra Benevolent Society until the accident about twelve months ago. She was a devoted church woman at St Joseph’s.
[Born Louisa Leanora Mary Coglin 25 April 1861: died 5 January 1938 Kooringa. A sister had died in infancy.]
Obituary. Mrs Weston died last Wednesday 5 January. She was born in Burra in 1884 as Olive, the youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs George Kemble, grazier of Douglas (now Thistlebeds) and later of Kooringa. She married Mr W.A. Weston, son of John Weston of Kooringa, who survives with a daughter and a son: Miss Claureen Weston & Laurie Weston. Miss Jane Kemble and Mrs Wilks both of Kooringa are sisters and there are three brothers: Horace Kemble (Kooringa), William Kemble (Adelaide) & Edgar Kemble (Mongolata). [Born Harriet Olive Kemble 1 September 1883 at Baldina: died Harriett Olive Weston 5 January Adelaide, residence North Adelaide.]
Burra High School Leaving Results
M. Edington 6 subjects & certificate
J. Hooper 4 subjects & certificate
J. Klaebe 3 subjects
M. Woollacott 3 subjects
P. Spencer 2 subjects
M. Rice 2 subjects + English Q
K. McConnon 3 subjects – completed certificate
Klaebe & Woollacott will sit for supplementary examinations in February.
Burra Rifle Club. 12 stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy saw maximum scores of 105 go to E.C. Edwards, J.H. Schwier & P.W. Hogan in that order taking handicap use into account.
F.L. Worth writes urging the Town & District Councils to make strong representations for the district to share in the benefits of any pipeline taking water from Morgan to Whyalla.
‘I.G. Notamus’ writes on the same topic urging those who live in the valleys which extend around Booborowie, north of Spalding, south of Jamestown and Caltowie to demand proper consideration for an amply supply of water.
Salvation Army. Adjutant R. Cresswell was farewelled at the Army Hall on Monday evening. She was appointed senior officer at Burra as Captain Cresswell just two years ago and now goes to the Salvation Army Boys’ Home at Box Hill in Victoria. The Mayor presided. He said she had taken on something of the role of a District Nurse and had been a tower of strength for the Benevolent Society. Rev. Tilbrook endorsed the Mayor’s remarks and other speakers were Mrs J. Kemble & Mr A.O. Aberg. The Mayor presented a wallet of notes. Adj. Cresswell said she had had to give up field work for social work because of her throat trouble.
59, 3, 18 Jan. 1938, page 1
Tom Canny writes urging careful consideration of the use of Whyalla bound water. If it is made available he fears that settlers, who have no need of it, will end up having to pay rates just because the main passes them. It might end up being another example of country people paying to provide a monopoly with a cheap commodity.
Weather/Floods. Hot weather was followed by rain on Thursday which merely raised the humidity. A spectacular electrical storm that night produced little rain. The conditions continued on Friday with some heavy showers, but the main falls were elsewhere. Burra recorded 88 points. At Farrell’s Flat 280 points fell and nearby Walter Ley recorded 437 points. To the south of Burra rain caused the Burra Creek to run past ‘The Gums’ in flood. F.J. Duldig at World’s End said the flood could be heard from some miles away. At Cappeedee Station Hallett 88 points fell in 12 minutes. Falls at Mt Bryan sent a short lived flood down Burra Creek. Floods did considerable damage around Farrell’s Flat and across towards Black Springs where Mr Hentschke’s homestead was flooded when 2 inches fell and waters from further upstream added to it. Falls to the east were erratic: 48 at ‘The Gums’, 130 at Woolgangi, 40 at Sturt Vale, 28 at Quondong, 16 at Oakbank, 126 at Kia-Ora, 174 at Pandappa etc.
The Farrell’s Flat correspondent adds to the above that a considerable length of permanent way was washed out, but was repaired by late Saturday morning using gangs from as far south as Hamley Bridge. Farrell’s Flat town streets were flooded and district roads were extensively damaged.
At Koo-owie a small buckboard just made it through a flooded creek and K.C. Sandland waded after it when a sudden wall of water came along and swept him away. After some distance he was able to grab a tree. One unsuccessful rescue attempt resulted in the need to rescue a would-be rescuer. A second attempt saw a rope attached to Mr Sandland, but the water and Mr Sandland’s 16 stone sent the rescuer hurtling into the water too, but he managed to get caught on a tree and eventually all were saved, but it was a close call.
59, 3, 18 Jan. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 22 January
Shirley Temple in Stowaway
Alan Dinehart & Francis Drake in Midnight Taxi
Floods. Further to the earlier news Mr N.H. Pearse says the floods at ‘The Gums’ were the biggest ever seen and Mr Hentschke agreed at his place. All fences in the way were levelled and while it will ultimately benefit the land there will be a solid week’s fencing on ‘The Gums’. The telephone line to Glen Bower was washed away. A.G. Heinrich of Dutton’s Trough said the source of the flood in particular was Reed’s Creek and a tremendous downpour in the Hallelujah Hills.
Advt. Bence’s start their Great Summer Sale on Friday 21 January at 9 a.m.
Note to Aberdeen & Copperhouse Customers. We have made the usual arrangement for Bevan’s Bus to leave Aberdeen, Ratcliffe’s Hotel at 8.55 a.m. and 2 p.m. Customers can ride to and from the sale without charge.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 15 January.
Lean’s Shaft. 80ft level: driving north off the crosscut on a little gold. West underlie: north drive extended to 17ft – no values. 4 tons of ore at grass.
Bert Opperman brought in a sunflower from the Corporation Gardens of which he is caretaker, measuring 16 inches across.
59, 3, 18 Jan. 1938, page 3
Fascism. A column is reprinted from the Kadina & Wallaroo Times.
‘Lifting the Lid off Spain.’ It concludes that ‘Intelligent people can no longer doubt that the threat to peace comes from the Fascist countries.’
[This contrasts with columns in the earlier 1930s that were strongly pro-Mussolini.]
59, 4, 25 Jan. 1938, page 1
Burra Town Council, 21 December 1937
Transfers of land:
Pt 15. Drew & Crewes Ltd to T.H. Villis [SW corner Thames & Stock Sts]
Pt 42-48 from P.A. McBride to M. Marston [Bounded by Ware, Church & Kangaroo Sts]
Pt 27 from P.A. McBride & others to I.J. Warnes [Western corner of Queen & Commercial Sts]
Tenders for the grandstand are to lie on the table.
It was resolved to make a rockery and build a concrete retaining wall to provide for a lawn etc. in Market Square.
Resolved the transfer of the block near the old brewery be signed.
Resolved that the cost of transfer of Howell’s block [to the Council] be borne by Council.
Local Board of Health.
Notices concerning precautions to be taken against infantile paralysis [polio] will be placed in the Burra Record.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 13th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy. Best scored were from C. Edwards, A.C. Aughey & H.H. Byles.
59, 4, 25 Jan. 1938, page 2
Advt. Perry Bros. Circus Thursday 3 February. Travelling by special trains. Will play at Kooringa.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 29 January
Marion Davies & Clark Gable in Cain & Mabel
Margaret Lindsay & Glenda Farrell in The Law in Her Hands
Monday 31 January
Gwen Munro & Joe Valli in Orphan of the Wilderness [Australian]
Tom Walls & Diana Churchill in Dishonor Bright
Obituary. Albert Thomas Fairchild of Booborowie, husband of Emily, died at Burra Hospital on 25 January aged 74. [Extended obituary 59, 5, 1 Feb. 1938, page 2.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM for fortnight to 15 January.
Golden Harp. Work resumed 5 January. No. 2 tunnel rise completed and holed through about 20ft from the face of south drive. South drive has improved in the last few feet.
Work has begun in No. 1 tunnel and expect to drive 15ft to quartzite. The last crushing assayed at 7dwt 8gr. Total return on 5 tons 11cwt was 46oz 13dwt.
Max Pearce was remembered in a tribute at the sales on 21 January. The present local manager Hugh Whitford spoke of Max Pearce who had been manager from 1925, having joined the company in 1915. He paid tribute to Mr Pearce’s outstanding ability and engaging disposition and popularity with the staff. He expressed sympathy for the family and also referred to the death of Mr J.L. Cleary of Halbury who also lost his life in the same accident. A minute’s silence in respect of the two men was observed.
Roma Clode is beginning to take a few steps a day after 18 months in bed and is recovering splendidly from her illness.
59, 4, 25 Jan. 1938, page 3
Obituary. Miss Avis Neill died last Friday at midnight at the Burra Hospital aged 34. She was the eldest daughter of Mr A.G. & the late Mrs Neill of ‘Wheetelande’. Since her mother’s death 12 or 13 years ago she took charge of the family of four sisters and three brothers as well as taking a keen interest in local social activities. The Hanson Methodist Church has lost a great worker. She was organist, Secretary of the Ladies guild and Head of the Kindergarten Department and Co-secretary of the Wesley Guild. She was a keen entrant in the Burra Show for cooking, sweets and needlework. She was also a good tennis player. [Born Avis Aldyth Neill 1 October 1902 at Manoora: died 21 January 1938 at Kooringa, residence Farrell’s Flat.]
Bowls. At Clare on Saturday: Burra 100 defeated Clare 82.
Croquet. At Clare on Saturday: Clare 50 defeated Burra 47.
‘Sportsman’ writes a poem The Bathing Resort of the Mid-North urging the Porter’s Lagoon Boat Club to get busy again to encourage the use of the lagoon as a pleasure resort – or ‘If you’re getting too old and want to sit back, hand over to the young men who can and will.’
59, 4, 25 Jan. 1938, page 4
William Trestrail, who has worked for the Warnes Family for 40 years, turned 80 on 18 January. He worked first for Thomas Warnes Sen. of Koomooloo and then for Charles B. Warnes of Woolgangi and more recently for Mr Reg. Warnes of Woolgangi. Those present included Mr & Mrs M.A. Radford of Canegrass & Mr & Mrs F. Gebhardt of Lagoon Station and Mr & Mrs Horace Truscott of Gluepot.
59, 5, 1 Feb. 1938, page 1
Burra Institute. AGM was held 24 January. President E.F. Marston took the chair. Only three subscribers in addition to the committee attended. Tribute was paid to the late Max Pearce who had been elected to the committee in 1931 and became Vice-President in 1934, President in 1935 and was Treasurer 1936-37.
The library began 1937 with 7,138 books. In the year the shelving was reorganised to place books within reach and a cull of 2,014 old books was made. On 31 December there were 5,124 books. Free Scholarships were again awarded to the best scholars at Burra and Copperhouse Public Schools.
Membership:
31 December 1936 Double 60 31 December 1937 Double 56
Single 146 Single 145
Total 206 Total 201
Elected for 1938: President, P.L. Rosman; Vice-President, M.W. Bednall; Treasurer, A.B. Riggs & Secretary, F.L. Worth.
Booborowie School. Qualifying Certificates were awarded to: Laurel Affolter, Fred Callory, Ashley Woodgate, Clive Jettner & Dorothy Hogan.
Burra & District High School. Students gained 8 Intermediate Certificates.
Full certificates went to:
Errol Burdon (Honours) Geoff. Rosman
Tom Ford Keith Dyer
Maurice Edington Patty Aughey
In addition Clare Penrose and Max Morton completed certificates.
Burra Police Court
Mrs A.E. Lynch of the Commercial Hotel was fined £5 plus costs for supplying liquor after hours on Christmas Eve.
Mr Spackman of Kooringa was fined £3 plus costs for carrying liquor off the premises on the same occasion.
59, 5, 1 Feb. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 5 February
Dom Ameche & Ann Southern in Fifty Roads to Town
Jack Haley & Rochelle Hudson in She Had to Eat
Burra Rifle Club. At Burra on Monday: Burra 1273 defeated Peterborough 1202.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 11-87 defeated Willalo 6-65
Aberdeen 12-95 defeated Hallett 6-71
‘B’ Grade Mt Bryan forfeited to Aberdeen
Ironmine 11-90 defeated Willalo 7-64
Mongolata Goldfield
W. Pexton & Sons report for Takati Claim:
52 tons crushed for 181oz 14dwr or almost 31⁄2oz per ton.
Curlew reports 15 tons crushed for 84oz 5dwt.
Bowls. At Waikerie on Monday: Waikerie 66 defeated Burra 63.
Obituary. Thomas A. Fairchild died 25 January at Burra Hospital. He was a resident of Ironmine and Booborowie District and was born at Morphett Vale 21 February 1863, the second son of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Fairchild. In 1875 the family moved by bullock team to Ironmine. As a youth the deceased learnt blacksmithing from James Scott the Ironmine blacksmith just past Blink Bonnie. He then went as a blacksmith to Broken Hill and also worked on stations in the area. He returned to Burra and worked for a time with James Henderson blacksmith of Kooringa and later with Samuel Burns. When Booborowie Station was cut up in 1895 he bought a block and started farming and grazing. He was a keen sportsman and was especially interested in horse racing. In 1903 he married Emily, a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs George Finch of Leighton who survives. Of a large family six sons survive: George & Albert (Booborowie), Stanley (Andrews), Lewis, Norman & Walter (all Booborowie). A daughter Phyllis died a few years ago. There are three grandchildren. Mr R.J. Fairchild of Aberdeen is a brother. [Birth CD shows registration of Albert Thomas Fairchild as 21 January 1863 at Morphett Vale SA.]
59, 5, 1 Feb. 1938, page 3
Salvation Army. Cadet Allen from Adelaide will be with Adjutant Vontatoff, senior officer of the local corps, for the next six weeks.
59, 6, 8 Feb. 1938, page 1
RSL held its AGM last Saturday in the club rooms. President Stanley Hawker took the chair. City guests were Mr C.A.S. Hawker MHR and Mr Hugh Whitford. An appeal from the League Headquarters was made with respect to the Distressed Sailors & Soldiers’ Fund. A subscription list will be opened. It was resolved to seek a lease of the rooms in the Eastern Telephone Building. Due to the long absence overseas of the President the annual report was given by the Vice-President D. Keynes.
The Anzac Sports were a great success, followed by a fine dinner and dance in the Aberdeen Lodge Hall. The Anzac Service was well attended and Comrade Murison’s return for it was appreciated. The collection went to the Cemetery Fund. There was also a church parade for returned soldiers at Kooringa Methodist Church and a parade of returned soldiers for the Coronation Service at the Institute. A fancy dress football match also went off well. Armistice Day was duly observed. Elected for 1938: President, S. Hawker; Vice-Presidents, D. Keynes & S.C. Genders. Hon Secretary, H. Fuss & Treasurer, M.T. Fuller.
59, 6, 8 Feb. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 12 February
Charles Farrell & Mary Maguire in The Flying Doctor
Edmund Lowe & Constance Cummings in Seven Sinners
Notice. Burra Town Council. There will be a poll of ratepayers on 24 February 1938 to approve borrowing money to build a grandstand etc. at Victoria Park.
Burra Primary School [Concerning the polio epidemic.]
The position at present is that students do not return to school before the 1 March. The News is publishing daily work assignments on the lines of the Correspondence School and we recommend that parents take advantage of these, especially for students in Grade VII. Books and tests are available from the school. Students with problems can discuss them individually with teachers in normal school hours – as far as possible out of doors.
Burra High School. The headmaster desires all students to be interviewed in the next few days to select subjects, purchase books etc. They will be given work to do. Staff will be available at the school each week day.
Infantile Paralysis at Burra [Polio]
The Advertiser on 7 February reported that a young man from Burra was admitted to Northfield Hospital with infantile paralysis. Apparently he came to Burra last Thursday with a travelling circus and the same day was admitted to Burra Hospital and was diagnosed on Saturday and removed to Northfield on Sunday. He has no other connection with Burra.
Local Board of Health met on Saturday 5 February and decided that all Sunday schools and public schools would be closed till 1 March. These restrictions will also apply to Girl Guides, Brownies etc.
Weather. The week began extremely hot and last Thursday dropped 30-40 degrees. 23 points of rain accompanied the change.
Perry Bros. Circus arrived on Thursday and it was very hot. In late morning four elephants came to drink at the Market Square trough and kept their attendants busy for some time pumping water. After drinking they filled their trunks with water and bathed themselves and each other thoroughly; the two larger ones paying particular attention to the younger pair.
Marjorie Catt of North Booborowie gained 7 subjects with 1 credit at the Intermediate Examinations. She attended Gawler High School.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 29 January.
Lean’s Shaft. North drive 80ft level advanced 9ft to 18ft with traces of gold.
Underlie south of the shaft: north drive advanced to 21ft, but no values. Have stopped this and begun a south drive on traces of gold.
90ft level: winze north driven 3ft to 26ft, but no values.
Byles’ Mongolata GM. Stripping lode west side of south drive. Started crosscut west about 35ft from north end of drive and advanced 12ft. Cut lode in back of crosscut.
Will. Young is about again after his serious car accident and now expects to resume work shortly.
I.J. Warnes returns to Adelaide tomorrow after an extended sea trip to Singapore.
Mr R.H. Smith, manager of the Orroroo branch of Elder, Smith & Co. has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the death of Max Pearce.
Obituary. Pearl Halls, wife of Thomas F. Halls, died on 7 February at Semaphore aged 33. Late of Burra. (Page 3 adds she was the daughter-in-law of T.P. Halls of Kooringa and is survived by a husband and three small children.) [Born Pearl Ella Norma Barnett, but her birth is unclear. Age at marriage suggests a birth in 1908. The above suggests probably 1904 and the registration of Deaths CD seems to be clearly wrong in saying she was 57! And gives place of death as Queenstown.]
59, 6, 8 Feb. 1938, page 3
Obituary. Mrs Ellen O’Brien a late esteemed resident of Black Springs died in Adelaide aged 83.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday: Burra 587 defeated the Light Horse Troop 528.
Bowls. At Eudunda on Saturday: Eudunda 116 defeated Burra 80.
Croquet. At Eudunda on Saturday: Kooringa 43 defeated Eudunda 35.
59, 7, 15 Feb. 1938, page 1
Tennis. Burra Association 5 February
‘A’ Grade Willalo 9-99 defeated Hallett 9-84
Aberdeen 12-101 defeated Mt Bryan 6-65
Ironmine 11-82 defeated Hallett 7-82
[There would seem to be some error in having two results for Hallett.]
‘B’ Grade Mt Bryan 11-81 defeated Willalo 7-76
Booborowie 11-91 defeated Aberdeen 7-67
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club. The match against Clare at Clare saw an easy win for the home side.
Brian Riggs of Prince Alfred College obtained six subjects at the recent Intermediate Examinations with three credits. He also passed second year wool-classing at the School of Mines.
[Note that later in the same article it says he will go on to take Leaving Honours this year, which indicates the reference above should refer to the Leaving Examination; not the Intermediate. This is confirmed in the paper of 1 March, page 2.]
59, 7, 15 Feb. 1938, page 2
Mr P.L. Rosman was thrown to the ground when his bike struck a rut in the Pig & Whistle Crossing last Tuesday evening. He has torn ligaments in his back and will be a prisoner of his room for some time.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 19 February
Jeanette McDonald & Nelson Eddy in Rose Marie
Laurel & Hardy in The Live Ghost
59, 7, 15 Feb. 1938, page 3
Empire Rifle Matches in Sydney
H.H. Byles did very well in the ‘Kings’ Prize. On the first range he was only 3 points behind the leader and after the second range he was in 5th place with others, only 2 points behind the leader. In the third stage he and many another shooter suffered from the tension and Buttworth of Queensland finally won. Burra’s representatives got their names in several prize lists despite their being over 1,400 competitors in all.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co.
The Golden Harp Claim has processed 6 tons for 39oz 6dwt 9gr.
59, 7, 15 Feb. 1938, page 4
Burra Town Council, 7 February
Local Government subsidy of £91 has been paid into the Council’s account.
Three trees near the bowling green will be inspected before a decision to remove them is made.
It was agreed to hold a poll of ratepayers concerning taking out a loan for a grandstand at Victoria Park.
New Streetlights are to be installed:
East street intersection. [Which end is not stated.]
On the traffic sign. [Market Square presumably]
Corner of Linkson & West Sts.
Near Aberdeen Lodge Hall.
Corner of Pleasant Row and Paxton Tce.
Corner of Commercial St [& where?]
Intersection of Church & Ware Sts.
It was resolved to remove the railing around the rotunda and the shrubs.
A.B. Schoenberg was appointed ranger.
59, 8, 22 Feb. 1938, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield
Sport
Mongolata Tennis Club met on Wednesday and decided to continue. President, W. Carpenter; Captain, W. Rackham & Secretary, Joyce Carpenter. (Phil. Rule retired as Secretary.)
Cricket has been slow, as most diggers play tennis.
Mongolata Sports is scheduled for October.
Mongolata now has a wood yard: drop a note to W. Carpenter.
Byles’ Mongolata GM. The pump is not big enough to cope and work in the shaft will be delayed until a bigger one is installed.
East Mine has put a crushing through.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 12 February.
Lean’s Shaft. North drive from crosscut at 80ft level driven to 29ft in low values.
Underlie 20ft south of shaft drive south showed some values, but now ceased.
North drive at 90ft level advanced to 30ft, but no values.
Started crosscut from north drive at 80ft level to cut seam 8ft west.
Lel Kellaway who is now working Rampton’s claim has had 7 tons crushed for 11⁄4oz per ton.
Tennis.
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 12-101 defeated Hallett 6-72
Willalo 15-107 defeated Mt Bryan 3-41
Aberdeen 10-82 defeated Canowie 8-76
‘B’ Grade Booborowie 11-94 defeated Mt Bryan 7-75
Aberdeen 11-85 defeated Ironmine 7-81
59, 8, 22 Feb. 1938, page 2
Advt. Tom Canny Labor Candidate for the seat of Burra will address electors at Kooringa on Saturday 26 February at 8 p.m.
Advt. Maurice Collins Independent Candidate for Burra will open his campaign in Mt Bryan Hall Monday evening at 8 p.m.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 26 February
Marlene Dietrich & Charles Boyer in The Garden of Allah (Colour)
Richard Arlen & Virginia Bruce in The Legion of Valour
Obituary. Margaret Miller, wife of Joseph Miller, died at Clare Hospital on 15 February. She was the mother of Allie, Kath, Clare, Clem, Margaret (Mrs Head), Nance (Sister M. Elizabeth) and Monica. Aged 63. [Born Margaret Catherine Lally. See also page 3 of this issue & 59, 9, 1 Mar. 1938, page 1.]
Mr A.D. McDonald MP the endorsed LCL Candidate for Burra will address the electorate at various places and times as printed. [Burra is not listed among them.]
Kenneth Kellock elder son of Mr & Mrs A.L. Kellock has been promoted from manager of Elder, Smith’s Peterborough branch to manage their Gladstone branch. [Corrected in the issue of 1 March to say promoted to manage the Gladstone branch from the staff of the Peterborough branch.]
Thomas Oates of WA visited Burra on Monday. It is 40 years since he left Burra and 16 since his last visit.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 15th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy and best scores were from L.W. Mumme, H.H. Byles, F.T. Marston, W. Woodman, A. Heinrich, E. Hopkins & N.J. Villis.
Weather. Severe heat last Wednesday and Thursday and then on Friday thunderstorms delivered 77 points in Burra, but it was patchy over the district. A.G. Heinrich at World’s End got 138 points and 200 fell at Bright with 100 at Robertstown. To the east erratic falls varied from 6 at Sturt Vale and ‘The Gums’ to 137 at Pandappa.
59, 8, 22 Feb. 1938, page 3
Obituary. Maggie, Mrs Joseph Miller of Clare, sister of Mrs A.T. Turner of Kooringa, died on 15 February at Clare aged 63. She was the youngest daughter of the late Mr P. Lally of Queen St. Miss Kath Miller of Burra Primary School is a daughter and there are two sons. [Born Margaret Catherine Lally. See more at 59, 9, 1 Mar. 1938, page 1.]
Obituary. Mr Gordon Grubb aged 38 died in Adelaide last week. He was for some time on the railway staff in Burra and a keen sportsman while here. [Born Gordon Cuthbert Grubb 26 December 1898 Bordertown: died 15 February 1938 Adelaide, residence Gawler South.]
59, 9, 1 Mar. 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club sent a team of i5 to Pt Adelaide for the Country Championship, which was won by Langhorne’s Creek with 1,432 points. Burra came 7th with 1,368.
Obituary. Miss Maud Sullivan had indifferent health for some years, but seemed reasonably well when she and her mother went to the seaside for a holiday. Soon after arriving she contracted pneumonia and died. She leaves a mother, three sisters and three brothers. [Born 29 July 1889 Eurelia: died 19 February 1938 North Adelaide, residence Willalo.]
Obituary. Mrs Margaret Catherine Miller aged 63 who died recently at Clare was born in County Galway, Ireland, the third daughter of Patrick and Ann Lally and came to SA with her parents at an early age and lived in Burra till marrying Mr Joseph Miller of Clare where she lived all her married life. A husband and seven children survive: Aloysius (Westbourne Park), Kathleen (Burra), Clare (Belalie), Clement (Edithburgh), Margaret Mrs A.G. Head (Crystal Brook), Nance (Sister M. Elizabeth of Victor Harbor) & Monica (Clare). All her children were schoolteachers and two had BAs. There are six grandchildren. Two brothers M. & A. Lally of Kalgoorlie WA and a sister Mrs A. Turner of Burra also survive.
RSL. The Anzac service this year will be held a week late on 1 May. Appeals will be made for various funds. For example there are 285 cases of tubercular ex-soldiers in the state. A meeting is called about Anzac Sports at the club rooms on 7 March.
59, 9, 1 Mar. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 5 March
Sonja Henie & Adolphe Menjou in Girl in a Million
Jane Darwell & Sig Rumann in The Great Hospital Mystery
Advt. A.D. McDonald MP endorsed LCL Candidate for Burra will address electors at Kooringa on Wednesday 9 March at 8 p.m.
Advt. Maurice Collins the Independent Candidate for Burra will address electors at Mongolata Goldfield at 8 p.m. on 9 March and at Kooringa at 8 p.m. on 10 March.
Weather. February was unusually cool and wet with 8 successive days of rain. This had not previously been recorded for February. Beginning on the 17th the falls from the first registration on the 18th were locally 77-65-7-8-8-12-17 and 217 for the month.
[The paper doesn’t seem to make sense with its reference to 8 successive days not matching what follows.]
Brian Riggs has won the Churchward Scholarship and has been congratulated by the Head of Prince Alfred College Mr Ward. The Principal of the SA School of Mines & Industries advises he has also been awarded their Evening Entrance Scholarship. This comes on top of his recent ‘Leaving’ successes.
G.E. Dane writes thanking the post office for the changes in arrangements that mean that a letter posted in Burra as late as 4.30 a.m. will be delivered in the city at 11 a.m. the same day. Previously if posted at p p.m. it was delivered in Adelaide the second day after posting. (36 hours compared with 61⁄2 hours.)
‘A Casual Visitor’ urges the locals to give greater appreciation for the asset they have in the Institute Library and Reading Room.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate.
Lean’s Shaft. North drive from crosscut south at 80ft level driven 14ft to 43ft in low values.
Crosscut west north drive advanced 6ft to 8ft. No seam yet.
59, 9, 1 Mar. 1938, page 3
Tom Canny the Labor candidate spoke at Burra on 26 February in the Lodge Room. The meeting was chaired by the Mayor Mr S. Kellaway. The speaker condemned Mr Butler taking a five-year term without mandate and extolled the democratic principles of Mr Lacey. He spoke against Butler’s gerrymander. Butler had increased rail freight charges by 25% and then wants support when he dropped them 20%. He also spoke against the Debt Adjustment Act which is to the detriment of unsecured creditors and the farmer. He condemns Butler’s taxation proposals and the £100,000 expenditure on Parliament House – which he says will be nearer £300,000 by the time it is finished. Labour also wanted free education from kindergarten to University and the dole abolished and work given at award rates. A vigorous housing policy was also needed.
Weather. At Hallett last weekend a storm unroofed houses and blew the local tennis shed into an adjoining paddock.
Obituary. Mrs William Harris died at her residence in Bridge St on Sunday. She was born in Kooringa 21 February 1860 at the corner of Bridge St and Welsh Place, the eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Henry John Walker. Her father came from London and her mother from Cornwall. She married William Harris on 9 February 1884 by the Bible Christian minister Rev. James Pearce. She was a church worker and regular attender as long as her health permitted. In the Great War she was a foremost worker for the Red Cross Circle. Two sons served overseas and Horace gave his life. She celebrated her 78th birthday on 21 February and her family and only surviving brother James T. Walker of Prospect came to Burra. There were ten children of whom seven survive: Orville (Broken Hill), Leslie (Kooringa), Miss Gwen (Jamestown), Richard (Kooringa) and the Misses Ida, Rene & Ella (all of Kooringa). There is 1 grandson, 1 granddaughter and 1 great-grandson. [Born Mary Ann Walker. Died 27 February 1938.]
Burra Primary School. Children should call in at the school in normal school hours to have work corrected and to get assistance. Schools will reopen on 15 March. A meeting of mothers is called for 10 March with the idea of forming a Mother’s Welfare Club.
Copperhouse School gave similar advice to the above.
Burra High School. As well as 8 Intermediate Certificates and 3 Leaving Certificates there were 3 Leaving Honours passes. Since then Melva Woollacott and Joseph Klaebe completed their Leaving at supplementary examinations. The school will be closed for a further fortnight.
Mrs E.J. Prior & Miss Elsie Prior of Chapel St are leaving to live in Adelaide this week.
Mr & Mrs R. Honan and daughter are leaving to live in the city next week.
Mr & Mrs Montgomery of Aberdeen are reported to be moving to Adelaide.
Mr & Mrs L.S. Penrose are rumoured to be moving. Mr Penrose came to Burra about 32 years ago to work for Drew & Crewes where he has been ever since. Mr Penrose has long been Secretary of the Kooringa Masonic Lodge. He has also held the various offices in the Institute over the years. Mrs Penrose nee Ettie Lott is a Burra Girl and has been a member of the High School Council and of the recently formed Parents and Friends Association.
Mr Ian Penrose has left Burra to work for a leading city firm.
Adolph Bruse, an old Burra Boy paid a visit last Thursday after an absence of 12 years.
59, 10, 8 Mar. 1938, page 1
Tennis. Burra Association
‘A’ Grade Hallett 16-108 defeated Mt Bryan 2-52
Canowie 9-99 defeated Willalo 9-88
Aberdeen 10-84 defeated Ironmine 8-48
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 14-99 defeated Mt Bryan 4-73
Booborowie 12-92 defeated Willalo 6-87 [this result from page 4.]
Bowls. At Burra on Wednesday: Burra 94 defeated Clare 81
On Saturday Kapunda 91 defeated Burra 87.
F.L. Worth writes in response to ‘Casual Visitor’ concerning the Institute, appreciating the comments and deploring the few subscribers that maintain the facility and calling on the public for more support.
59, 10, 8 Mar. 1938, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council calls nominations to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of J.A. Riggs as Councillor for East Ward.
Advt. Burra Talkies 12 March
Victor Herbert’s Operetta Babe’s in Toyland with Laurel & Hardy
Jean Parker & Russell Hardie in Sequoia
Burra High School. The four students who gained Leaving Certificates have all gained good positions:
Nancy Pearce is an assistant junior teacher of Shorthand & Typing at Adelaide High School.
Miss Kath McConnon is a junior teacher at Farrell’s Flat School.
Jack Hooper has joined the Bank of Adelaide and Joe Klaebe also has a good position in Adelaide.
Mongolata Goldfield
Golden Harp Claim of Byles’ Mongolata GM has produced over 70oz in the month worth nearly £600.
[Personal Interest: Miss Edna Allen was given a surprise party on Saturday 5 March by 20 friends. The party was at the home of Mr & Mrs R. Fuss. Mentioned as present were: Clyde Kellaway, Miss Connie Crewes, Clarrie Fuss, Kath McConnon, Mary McConnon, Pat Aughey, Alfred Sampson, Nora Fitzgerald, Beresford Pitman, Joff Hill, Albert Sampson & Ron Sampson. The occasion is not mentioned, though her 22nd birthday had been on 18 February.]
Salvation Army celebrated its Harvest Festival 27 & 28 February & 1 March. Bro. Bruce Seymour of Norwood conducted the meetings.
A.D. Sellars was given a luncheon and a farewell at Sturt Vale Station on Sunday 27 February in recognition of his work as the Eastern Mail contractor. He was presented with a silver tea & coffee service and a wallet of notes. The occasion was the completion of the mail contract.
Hugh Whitford who has been managing Elder, Smith & Co. in Burra since the death of Max Pearce leaves tomorrow for the city. His replacement Mr Smith arrived on Monday afternoon.
59, 10, 8 Mar. 1938, page 3
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival last Sunday when Rev. Broomfield of Adelaide officiated at three services.
Burra Mine. Major H.C.R. Batchelor of Gilberton recently wrote to the Advertiser and the following is from Vox’s column of 20 February.
The Major says that soon after the mine closed in the 1870s and before the water had risen his father took him down into the open cut where an old miner pointed out a large wall of unripe copper. He said it was likely to be matured in about 50 years. The old miner said there was more copper remaining than had been taken out. He said great wealth lay to the southwest towards or from ‘Rance’s Shaft’. He remembers as a boy watching miners jigging copper, both blue and green from sands washed down Burra Creek.
Evan George, Independent Candidate for Burra spoke at the rotunda last Friday. He had represented the electorate from 1930-33. He had resigned from the ALP due to the pre-selection process, which had disenfranchised members of the Affiliated Unions. He outlined his past actions, supported the Wheat Storage Bill and the Mortgagers Relief Act. He opposed five-year Parliaments and supported the Morgan-Whyalla pipeline with benefits also for Burra, Jamestown, Pt Pirie, Peterborough & Pt Augusta. He believed that as it was related to national defence the Commonwealth should bear half the cost. He was for preferential fares and freights and for the abolition of High School fees. He denied absolutely that he was financed by the Protestant Federation.
Croquet. On Wednesday Burra 52 defeated Clare 20.
59, 11, 15 Mar. 1938, pages 1 & 4
Burra Burra Show Inc. held its AGM in the Eastern Telephone Building 7 March with I.J. Warnes in the chair. The officers were re-elected unopposed.
The Sheep Dogs Trials were held on 9 & 10 April 1937 and the SA Sheep Dog Assoc. Championship was competed for and won by A.B. Kemp of Victoria.
Wild onions are the main problem on the ground and have been attacked by working bees.
Sheep have been used to attack three-corner Jacks. 61 new members have been enrolled.
The Annual Show was held on 30 October and was well attended in good weather. Centenary Hall was built in 1936. If half the amount was collected I.J. Warnes offered to pay the other half and this has now been done.
Profit on the year was £70-8-9 and with the balance of money collected to finish paying off the hall the overdraft has been reduced by £125-4-9.
The trip to Sturt Vale was very successful in 1937 and the trip this year is arranged for 4 April.
The President said he would like to see the prize money raised by £25.
The Secretary M.S. Edwards said the overdraft had been reduced to £276-6-10 with assets valued at over £4,000.
M.A. Radford opposed the adoption of the report, complaining that the President had ordered the withdrawal of his (Radford’s) wool from the class for owners in pastoral leases, saying the wool had to be shorn from sheep grazed on pastoral leases and had been bred and lived there all their lives. He felt this was a personal insult and the rules did not so stipulate and what right had one member of the society to so rule when the conditions say nothing about the sheep having to be bred on the pastoral leases. He had been a keen supporter of the Show Society for 25 years, but would now wash his hands of it. The clause he referred to read: ‘All wool to be shorn from sheep, bred, owned and depastured by the exhibitor in the class they are entered for.’ And was headed ‘A Class for Owners in Pastoral Leases.’
[Continued page 4.]
Mr Warnes asked if Mr Radford’s wool was stopped two years ago and Mr Radford seemed unclear. Mr Warnes said the secretary would reply, but plenty of exhibitors had been stopped the year before last in certain sections and had Mr Radford made enquiries he would have got satisfaction. Mr Edwards said the society had endeavoured to have exhibits bred, grown and reared by the exhibitor on the country it was from to show the different types of wool and sheep and not to have bought exhibits placed in these classes. In sheep exhibits one exhibitor used to buy fat sheep in Adelaide and take them around the country shows collecting all the prizes. They did not want a similar thing to happen with wool. He stood by the rules of the society. The rules had been altered and advertised in The Record and in the catalogue and if Mr Radford had not read the same it was not the fault of the society.
Mr Radford said if the officials had said they regretted the occurrence and were sorry about it he would have said no more. He asked for the minutes of the meeting that made the decision. Mr Warnes said none were kept for such hurriedly called meetings on the ground.
Mr Radford said he would have nothing more to do with the society and left.
The President said he was one of three members of the Technical Committee at the Royal Show and gave instances of similar decisions having to be made there.
I.J. Warnes was re-elected President with A.B. Riggs & S.H. Robinson as Vice-Presidents. The next show is set for Saturday 29 October.
59, 11, 15 Mar. 1938, page 1
Swimming Pool or Grandstand?
The minutes of the Town Council for 18 October 1937 show permission from the Under-Treasurer to transfer the sum of £400 borrowed for the construction of a swimming pool to construct a grandstand at Victoria Park. Later minutes show the intended pavilion was a small one to accommodate 200 persons. The advertisement in this paper of 18 December about the intention to borrow £400 for this purpose did not suggest it was the £400 that had been borrowed for the pool. The advertisement for a poll to decide the issue, following a petition of ratepayers still did not refer to a transfer of money from the pool. The result of the poll was a majority of 8 from about 150 votes in favour of borrowing the £400 at 5% p.a. to construct buildings at Victoria Park. Has this poll now given the Council power to borrow a further £400 for the construction of the pool? We understand this is a moot point among Councillors. At the last meeting of Council a motion accepting the lowest tender for construction of the pavilion was passed on the casting vote of the Mayor. Cr Dow has given notice of a motion to rescind this. It is believed that if the pool is built without the elaborate encumbrances formulated in earlier plans and specifications it could be done for £400-£500 and this has inclined some Councillors to revert to their old love, the swimming pool.
59, 11, 15 Mar. 1938, page 2
Advt. Norman Makin MHR will address a public meeting for the ALP at the Lodge Room in Burra Institute 17 March.
Advt. Election Advertisement for Maurice Collins, Independent Candidate for the election on 19 March.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 March (Instead of Election Day on 19 March.)
Warner Oland & Pauline Moore in C\Charlie Chan at the Olympics
Rochelle Hudson & Brian Donlevy in Born Reckless
Burra School Welfare Club was formed at a meeting last Thursday.
Schools reopened today after 12 weeks closure [due to the polio outbreak].
Sunday schools will reopen on 20 March.
Bowls. At Clare on Wednesday: Burra 86 defeated Clare 76.
Burra Rifle Club. The 15th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy was fired with best scores from E.C. Collins, E.C. Hopkins, R.J. Jeffery, T.R. Pexton & R.H. Barty.
Advt. Alf Broadway’s New Stage Success: Variety on Parade
In their new Canvas Theatre at the Old Sale Yards.
59, 11, 15 Mar. 1938, page 3
Mr & Mrs R. Honan and their only daughter Mona have moved to North Adelaide.
Maurice Collins’ speech at the Burra Institute 10 March is reported. Mr Collins had been Mayor of Burra for six years. He complained at the decision of the ABC not to allow him air time. He accused the Liberal Government of ‘pinching’ extra Parliamentary time by extending three-year terms to five years. He accused them also of misrepresenting various matters relating to the supply of milk to children and of flouting the people’s wishes by introducing a permit system which allows hotels to open after six o’clock. He touched upon Government extravagances:
Laying the Tod River Scheme water pipes underground.
Spending over £1,000,000 on constructing Anzac Highway to create ‘a speedway for road hogs and nothing else’.
The removal of a bend at Little Para at a cost of £8,300.
Lowering the road at Dead Man’s Hill by some 3 feet at a cost of thousands of pounds
Another bend at Morphett Vale.
What was needed was work on reducing soil erosion. Areas are overstocked and trees have been destroyed. Closer settlement in the South East and Kangaroo Island has been marred by speculators.
He was apparently opposed to the present voting system, but the report of his views here is unenlightening.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 12 March.
Lean’s Shaft. 80ft level: crosscut west off the north drive has advanced to 14ft, but no values.
South drive from No. 1 east crosscut has been driven 8ft, but no values.
No. 2 crosscut off No. 1 south drive was driven to 27ft, but no values.
Nancy Pearce has left Burra to take up her appointment at Adelaide High School.
RSL held a meeting on 7 March to plan for the Annual Anzac Sports.
Plans will include midget cars and motor cycles. (3 events for each.)
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club will convene the athletic events.
The cost of a special railcar from Adelaide will be ascertained.
Mr Hugh Warnes will be in charge of the Military Events.
Max Morton will take charge of the children’s events.
Ern Fuller will convene the Queen Competition.
Enquiries to Roy Gropler of Parafield will be made re a plane for the day.
(Unfortunately he was killed last Sunday in a crash.)
There will be a dance in the evening in the Aberdeen Lodge Hall.
Tennis
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club will hold an Easter Tournament.
Burra Tennis Assoc., 5 March
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 10-86 defeated Hallett 8-83
Ironmine 13-104 defeated Willalo 5-67
‘B’ Grade Ironmine 12-100 defeated Willalo 6-78
Aberdeen 14-106 defeated Mt Bryan 4-65
12 March
‘A’ Grade Canowie forfeited to Ironmine
Hallett forfeited to Willalo
Mt Bryan 11 sets defeated Aberdeen 7 sets
‘B’ Grade Booborowie forfeited to Aberdeen
Willalo 14 sets defeated Mt Bryan 4 sets
59, 11, 15 Mar. 1938, page 4
Burra Town Council
Invitation from H. Fuss Secretary of RSL for Council to attend the Anzac Service. Accepted.
Results of the Poll of Ratepayers re the loan for a building at Victoria Park.
85 were for, 77 against and 3 were informal.
J.A. Riggs seat was declared vacant. [He had submitted his resignation.]
Nominations for his replacement called for 17 March.
The lowest tender for the erection of a grandstand at Victoria Park was accepted.
Local Board of Health
A suspected case of infantile paralysis at Burra Hospital is left in the hands of the secretary & the Officer of Health.
[Special meetings of the Local Board of Health are reported for 7 February, 21 February & 7 March. All relate to the infantile paralysis case, but the reports are not very illuminating and eventually Northfield Infectious Diseases Hospital writes that John Corbett was admitted on 6 February and discharged 23 February. This is the young man who arrived with Perry Bros. Circus.]
59, 12, 22 Mar. 1938, page 1
Burra Swimming Pool
Since the last paper there has been much discussion in the town and many people seem to favour the pool, saying a grandstand would rarely be used and would not repay its cost. Views are then printed from various townsmen:
H.J.B. Jennison for the pool
Ken Drew for the pool – the grandstand was a waste of money
Percy Rosman for the pool – it would save lives
Chester Sandland for the pool – all parents should teach their children to swim
A. Coverdale for the pool – a grandstand would be little used unless the ground was much improved
Lindsay Thomas for the pool
M.W. Bednall believed general opinion favoured the pool if it could be built for the money available
A.L. Bence for the pool – a grandstand was ridiculous
Alf Walker for the pool – a grandstand would not produce any revenue
Rev. Redding was not opposed to improvements at Victoria Park, but felt the swimming pool had prior claim and was more in demand
A well-known pastoralist said he would give £10 towards a pool, but not for a grandstand.
The article concludes by arguing in favour of a pool to save lives by teaching swimming.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 2nd stage of the Kookaburra Championship.
Off the rifle P.W. Hogan with 94 led from R. Kellock 92 and L.W. Mumme 92.
With handicap R. Kellock took the lead from R.H. Barty, W.K. Pexton & J. Pearce (all reached 100, but using 44, 52, 85 & 85% of their handicap respectively.
59, 12, 22 Mar. 1938, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council. Extraordinary Election for East Ward.
Nominations William Henry March
Cornelius William Samuels
The election will be held 24 March.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 26 March
Jane Withers & Anthony Martin in The Holy Terror
Michael Whalen & Rochelle Hudson in Woman Wise
The Burra Record is using new type in a new style – a very small amount larger, but decidedly clearer.
Samuel Baker turned 98 last Thursday. He was born at North Terrace Adelaide in 1840 and is the oldest living person born in SA.
Tennis. Burra Association Semi-Finals
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 16-100 defeated Willalo 4-73
Hallett forfeited to Aberdeen
‘B’ Grade Booborowie 10-92 defeated Ironmine 8-80
Aberdeen 10-86 defeated Willalo 8-86
State Elections
Jamestown Kooringa Spalding Total
T.J. Canny ALP 340 690 75 1105
M. Collins Independent 57 379 2 438
E.E. George Independent 228 276 185 689
A.D. McDonald 478 826 147 1451
Counting is complete except for postal and absentee votes and they cannot change the result.
A.D. McDonald has been returned for the second time for the District.
59, 12, 22 Mar. 1938, page 3
Copperhouse School held its Prize Day on 15 March.
The prizes for 1937 were presented by the Mayor and Mayoress who were welcomed by the teacher Mr K. Murdock. The Dux of School prize was shared by Shirley Wohling and Josephine Halls. The prize list is printed.
Leighton School held its Prize Day on 17 March.
The Chairman of the School Committee Mr J. Field presented the prizes for 1937.
The Royal Blind Concert Party gave a performance at the Institute on 16 March, but drew only a small audience. About £7 was taken at the door and as adults paid 2/- and there were some children present the number was small. Total proceeds including a chair competition at both Aberdeen and Kooringa were £10-1-0. Phil Killicoat won at Kooringa and Mr Robert Fuss at Aberdeen.
59, 12, 22 Mar. 1938, page 4
Booborowie Catholic Sports were held the Saturday before last. Results are printed.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church Harvest Thanksgiving of 6 March is reported.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club held its AGM 10 March.
For the 1937-38 season:
1st road race, fastest time was A.T. Garrard
1sr for 18 mile road race was C. Kellaway
Highest number of points for the season was A.T. Garrard
Highest number of points for fastest times through the season went to Rex Opperman.
Elected were President, E. Fuller; Vice-President, M. Morton; Treasurer, S. Kellaway; Hon. Secretary, R.A. Bevan and Assistant Secretary, F. Baulderstone.
59, 13, 29 Mar. 1938, page 1
Burra Swimming Pool Project
Another couple of columns are devoted to promoting the effort to get a pool. The writer claims there would be no trouble collecting the money to add to the Council’s £400 and says that in the last week ‘authentic donations of £10 and £5 we heard of must have totalled well over the 70 mark.’ He cannot doubt that a working committee would easily raise the sum required. ‘Not one parent or citizen has refused to give it his or her support.’
E. Steer Has been teaching swimming for 45 years. 86 children had been taught at the Mine Pool in The Advertiser Learn to Swim campaigns. He supported a citizen’s committee to promote a pool.
Walter Tiver He was for a pool and against a grandstand. Levelling the ground at Victoria Park would take a lot of work and money, as the side near the main entrance would have to be raised 6-8ft.
Dr W.E. Steven He was for the pool and would donate £5.
Harry Mumme Much in favour of the pool.
W.A. Harfield A pool was a necessity. He had lived in Jamestown where virtually all the children could swim and the pool paid its way.
S.C. Genders Was for the pool.
F.T. Sara Much in favour.
Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook Swimming is beneficial to every muscle of the body and is a great sport.
T.H. Woollacott Mayor for 7 years. Introduced the proposal and was disgusted that any other use of the money had been proposed.
C.S. Preiss Wondered why there was any talk of a grandstand ‘on the rubbish tip he considered Victoria Park to be.’
Lindsay Thomas writes a long letter arguing in favour of public bathing, swimming as an exercise and the need for a town pool.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 16th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy on Saturday with best results from E.C. Collins, F.T. Marston and W.K. Pexton.
Marriage. St Alban’s Church of England, Berri, 26 February
Mary Brand, second daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Brand of Berri, married
Thomas Williams, second son of Mr & Mrs T.C. Williams of Aberdeen.
59, 13, 29 Mar. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 2 April
Randolph Scott & Binnie Barnes in The Last of the Mohicans
Karen Morley & Barbara Pepper in Our Daily Bread
Weather. With March drawing to a close there has been no rain. This is the first time in 37 years for no rain in March and in fact only 1930 & 1886 have had no rain in March in 54 years of records.
[Despite this statement the paper’s own frequently published rainfall figures for Burra show no rainfall in March for 1886, 1893, 1901 and a solitary 1 point in 1923 & 1930.]
Tubercular Soldiers Appeal. The annual sale of badges locally raised £6-11-6.
Mongolata Gold Fields
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co.
Golden Harp No. 2 tunnel: men are squaring the tunnel. The south drive is breaking fair battery dirt with a crushing to begin on 28th.
Tennis. Burra Association Grand Finals
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 13-100 defeated Aberdeen 5-66
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 9-86 defeated Booborowie 9-83
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club. Burra defeated Clare 5 rubbers to 3
Mrs E.S. Webster of ‘Shafton’ celebrated her 86th birthday last Tuesday 22 March. The Mayor and Mayoress drove out and Mrs Webster was presented with a decorated cake.
59, 13, 29 Mar. 1938, page 3
Burra High School begins the year with a record 71 on the roll. The school was robbed over the weekend when the safe was opened and 7/10 stolen.
Burra School Welfare Club was formed recently to follow a similar club formed last year for the High School.
State Election
Declaration of the Poll for the Burra District, 28 March. Final figures:
3,957 voted of the 5,345 on the roll
After distribution of preferences:
Archibald Donald McDonald (LCL) 2305
Thomas Joseph Canny (ALP) 1604
Primary votes:
A.D. McDonald (LCL) 1530
T.J. Canny (ALP) 1181
E.E. George (Ind.) 742
M. Collins (Ind) 456
Leighton Hall had electric lights from 26 March at a cost of £100. £90 of this has already been collected. I.J. Warnes offered £ for £ up to £40.
59, 14, 5 Apr. 1938, page 1
Burra Town Council. The 21 March meeting lacked a quorum and was adjourned to 28 March.
Cr Dow, Cr Robinson & Rev. D.L. Redding were appointed to the High School Council.
Mrs V.P. Lomman of Hampton was given permission to lay water pipes across Gracious, Emma & Jane Streets.
A request from the Kooringa Tennis Club that the clause relating to Sunday tennis be waived was granted.
The motion accepting the lowest tender for a grandstand at Victoria Park was rescinded.
The footbridge on Mitchell’s Flat to be repaired.
Kooringa Football Club held its AGM at the Burra Hotel 28 March.
Kooringa won the premiership in 1937 for the first time since the new Association was formed in 1934. In the season 19 matches were played of which Kooringa won 15 and lost 5. The Annual Ball raised £10 and an excellent Victory Dinner was held. It was resolved to join the Burra Football Association provided three other teams competed. Colours remain unchanged.
Elected: Patron, C. Samuel; Chairman, E. Fuller; Secretary, N. Allen & Assistant Secretary, A.J. Hill.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 26 March.
Lean’s Shaft. 80ft level crosscut west off north drive extended to 19ft with no values. South drive from No. 1 crosscut east was driven to 12ft with no values. No. 2 crosscut south advanced to 38ft with no values.
Burra Rifle Club. In the 17th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy the best three scores came from E.R. Pexton, F.T. Marston & J.E. Harris.
59, 14, 5 Apr. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 9 April
Eleanor Powell & Jack Benny in Broadway Melody
Maureen O’Sullivan & Joel McCrea in Woman Wanted
Foxes. W. Satchell of World’s End has laid poison for foxes. Last Friday he laid a bait to get a fox seen in his poultry yard and was surprised the next morning to have taken six foxes.
Swimming Pool
The paper continues its campaign with an article reporting the State Department of Public Health supporting swimming as an aid to good community and personal health. A second article reports a £400 pool built at Wudinna 100ft x 30ft with an average depth of 4ft. A third article reports the formation of a committee on Thursday night to approach the Council about a swimming pool. A petition is being circulated. Finally the committee has asked to meet the Council, which has agreed to receive them on 11 April.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Clare 106 defeated Burra 86.
Burra Town Council. The press will be admitted to future Council meetings.
59, 14, 5 Apr. 1938, page 3
Rev. F.V. Hanson was farewelled from the Redruth Circuit on 4 April after four months here, at a social in the Memorial Hall. He was presented with a wallet of notes. Rev. Andrews will take over the circuit on Easter Sunday.
Obituary. Mrs Webster who died 28 March had been a resident of the district for about 34 years. She was formerly Elizabeth Steadman Cadzow and was born at Linlithgowshire, Fauld House, Scotland 23 March 1852 and came to SA with her parents on the Eastern Empire when she was 10. On its return voyage the ship vanished without a trace. After school she entered domestic service in Pt Lincoln and later in Adelaide. When her parents took land at Mannanarie in 1875 she returned to help them until marrying Henry Webster of Armagh, Clare in 1886. The couple took land at Yacka and then moved to Wandearah where they farmed till 1904. Mr Webster then acquired part of Shafton when it was cut up. He died in 1926. Mrs Webster has been an invalid after breaking a leg some time ago. She leaves three sons and a daughter: J.M.S. Webster, H. Webster, Crawford Webster of Shafton & Mrs Gladys Williamson of Adelaide. There are several grandchildren.
Burra Hospital Garden. This has been one of the town’s beauty spots. It was originated by former Matron Sister G. Siegele and carried on by the present Matron Sister D. Robinson. The area is about half an acre sloping down to the footpath where there is a low hedge. There are several rockeries. The matron’s enthusiastic gardener is Mr Lloyd Parks. Until Thursday’s high winds it was a beautiful picture of dahlia’s, French marigolds, cannas, rosy morn, petunias, cosmos, phlox and roses.
Sailors & Soldiers’ Distress Fund. A subscription list is open as many in distress are not eligible for pensions and the fund established during the war is now exhausted. A list of donors is printed – the two largest donations being £26-5-0 from I.J. Warnes and £10-10-0 from G.S. Hawker.
59, 15, 12 Apr. 1938, page 1
Burra Burra Show Inc. Annual Trip to Sturt Vale
Five carloads of members went out to pick up knowledge of shearing and wool classing on 4 April at the invitation of I.J. Warnes & Sons. Sturt Vale must be one of the biggest blade-shearing sheds in SA. The country is in excellent condition. After arriving and having morning tea Mr Codrington from the School of Mines explained some of the whys and wherefores of wool. About 26,000 sheep will be shorn this year and the wool says Mr Codrington reflects the season. It is bulkier, brighter and more attractive. Bill Carpenter served lunch (as Joe Parks was ill). The Mayor Stan Kellaway made the trip for the first time, as did Rev. Tilbrook the first minister to attend. Mr Codrington said he had been making the trip for 19 years. Rex Warnes welcomed the guests. He said where 40 acres of lucerne had been growing last year there were 1,400 this year and 1-2 tons per acre had been cut from 300 acres. 40 acres had been reaped and 40 acres kept for seed. The lucerne was visited after lunch and after another wander through the shed there was afternoon tea before a return trip to Burra.
59, 15, 12 Apr. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 15 April
Lloyds of London
The Jones Family in Hot Water
16 April
Cecil Kellaway & Shirley Ann Richards in It Isn’t Done
Mary Brian & Peter Cawthorne in Amazing Quest of Mr Bliss
18 April
Kay Francis & Ian Hunter in The White Angel
Margaret Lindsay & Humphrey Bogart in The Isle of Fury
Notice. L.A. Lewis announces that after one month from the publication of this notice he will take steps to incorporate the John Lewis Trust.
Advt. Burra Racing Club Autumn Meeting. Wednesday 13 April at Burra Race Course.
Totalisator and special train.
Advt. Grand Anniversary Ball in Hanson Memorial Hall, Wednesday 20 April.
Dancing 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. to Nat. Robert’s Orchestra.
Grandstand not to be built.
Last Monday the motion to build a grandstand at Victoria Park was rescinded. At 7 p.m. a deputation of townsmen led by Messrs H.J.B. Jennison and J. McConnon waited on the Council to urge the case for a swimming pool on behalf of the recently appointed committee. They said spontaneous promises amounting to £100 had been made and the estimated cost was £650 and with the Council’s £400 that left £150, which they were sure could easily be raised. Cr Dow presented a petition signed by 163 citizens asking for the pool to be built.
Accident. M-C Boyce of Redruth escaped with a few scratches when the steering rod of his car broke as he was approaching Redruth Bridge. The car ran up on the guards of the bridge and tipped over onto its hood.
59, 15, 12 Apr. 1938, page 3
Mr & Mrs Percy W. Clark of Kangaroo St celebrate their golden wedding today 12 April. They were married at Holy Trinity Church North Terrace Adelaide. Mrs Clark was born Emilie Ottelie* Schrader, a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs H. Schrader and Mr Clark is the son of the late Mr & Mrs William Clark all of Adelaide. Mr Clark was a member of the SA Police for 24 years and took charge of Kooringa Station in 1910 and retired in 1912 when he took over the Commercial Hotel until 1925 when they retired. He is a keen supporter of sport and is Chairman of Burra Racing Club. Mrs Clark is a keen member of the LCL, the CWA and Red Cross.
[*Her birth is registered twice: as Emilie Ottilie Schrader and as Othilie Emeile Schrader according to SA Births CD.]
Obituary. Mr Edgar Tiver, well-known grazier, died at ‘Tiverton’ Hallett this morning 12 April aged 70. [Born 12 October 1866 at Redruth. See extended obituary 59, 17, 26 Apr. 1938, page 1.]
Burra Town Council, 4 April
A letter from H. Jennison in reference to the meeting of citizens on 31 March asked the Council to receive a deputation from the Committee in reference to the construction of a swimming pool. Granted.
The switch for the traffic sign light will be located inside the Fire Station.
Council will approach the Government through the local MPs in reference to the Morgan-Whyalla pipeline going through the town and the possibility of linking it to the town scheme.
It was resolved that the press would be admitted to future Council meetings.
59, 15, 12 Apr. 1938, page 4
Burra Rifle Club fired the third stage of the Kookaburra Championship when top scores were from J.H. Schwier, E.C. Collins, A.C. Aughey & H.H. Byles.
ALP Branch Meeting, 3 April.
A public meeting is arranged for Friday evening with the Mayor to preside. The meeting is to be addressed by Hon. R.S. Richards MP, Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and by C. Chambers, President of the SA Branch of the ALP.
59, 16, 19 Apr. 1938, pages 1 & 4
Deputation re the Swimming Pool
There is a long report of the deputation already referred to. Together with the Council discussion it extends for some 41⁄2 columns.
On the evening of 11 April the Mayor welcomed the press and the deputation. H.J.B. Jennison spoke first. He presented the deputation and outlined the public meeting’s decision that a swimming pool was desirable. He rehearsed the background of the project and the £400 loan, of the £825 tender resulting in the decision not to proceed and instead to direct the £400 into a grandstand at Victoria Park, followed by the groundswell of public opinion in favour of the pool, which led to the public meeting and the formation of the Committee and the present deputation. He said that Mr McConnon would outline how they aimed to raise the extra funds and how they believe plan 2 can be effected for £650.
Mr McConnon was anxious to assure the Council the pool would not become a charge on the ratepayer. He outlined the benefits of a pool in terms of physical exercise and teaching the life-saving skill of swimming. He said allowing £700 as the cost, the Council had £400 and the Committee had promises of £100 and the Committee is sure £200 can be raised before building commences, by means of donations and organised efforts and failing that, guarantors can be found. They asked the Council to appoint two representatives to the Swimming Pool Committee to revise plans and specifications and to formulate schemes of operation. As long as there was a debt to service interest in raising money would be maintained. Pay it off and interest dies. He had seen it with Institutes. In response to questions he said the Committee would be responsible for maintaining the pool and that at least 150 scholars from Burra School would benefit.
The Council discussion began by rescinding the motion to build a grandstand at Victoria Park and then Cr Dow went through the whole history of the thing once more.
(Continued page 4.)
The vote in favour of a grandstand was because they were then sick of mucking about and wanted to be doing something constructive. Now feeling had changed. He presented the petition signed by 163 people in support of a pool.
Cr Robinson was opposed to rescinding the motion and he was clearly not so certain about the ease of raising the extra £200.
Cr McWaters was also sceptical and thought any decision should be deferred until the £200 had been raised.
Cr Jeffery thought the position a little tricky after a poll approving the grandstand, but if the Council gave the Committee a chance to go on building the pool he thought the Council would not be let down.
There was then some informal discussion and eventually Crs Dow, Jeffery, Samuel & Lott supported rescinding the motion for the grandstand and Crs Robinson & McWaters were opposed.
59, 16, 19 Apr. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 23 April
Josephine Hutchinson & Pat O’Brien in I Married a Doctor
Dick Powell & Ruby Keeler in Colleen
Clyde Kellaway, third son of the Mayor & Mayoress, has been in Adelaide being assessed for a position with the Port Adelaide Football Club. He will play for Port and has obtained a position in the SAR.
Obituary/Murder
The body of a newly-born daughter of Veronica Jean Smith was found in a bag in a lavatory pit at a farm near Mt Bryan on Friday. The baby’s throat had been cut and the mother has been charged with murder and is under guard at the Burra Hospital. She had been employed at the farm of Mr & Mrs Quinn for about five months. M-Cs Eddington & Boyce of Redruth made the discovery and Adelaide detectives continued enquiries.
Weather. Rain at any other time would have been welcome, but as it marred the Easter Holidays it was received with mixed feelings. Friday brought high winds and dust before rain set in on Saturday with a severe thunderstorm at about 2 a.m. that lasted an hour. Heavy rain and hail fell at 9 a.m. and 49 points were recorded. Showers continued through to Monday and by Tuesday morning the total of the falls had reached 160 points. Only light falls were recorded to the east.
Burra Rifle Club. At Waikerie on Saturday: Waikerie 761 defeated Burra 730.
And simultaneously a match was fired Waikerie v. combined Burra & Reedbeds
Waikerie 1032 defeated Burra-Reedbeds 999.
At Berri on Monday Burra competed in the Upper Murray Unions Prize Meeting.
59, 16, 19 Apr. 1938, page 3
Burra Lawn Tennis Easter Tournament
Play on Friday was in difficult conditions and had to be abandoned on Saturday. It was decided to continue on 25 April and to refund the entry fees of those unable to compete then.
Obituary. Allan D. [Daniel] Seigert aged 17, only child of Mr & Mrs Dan Seigert of Petherton Hallett, died on 13 April. He was born at Redruth 23 January 1921 and attended Petherton School where he won a bursary that took him to Burra High School.
Marriage. Easter Saturday at Mt Bryan Methodist Church
Lorna Poyzer, daughter of Mr & Mrs W.H. Poyzer of Mt Bryan, married
Alan Winchester, son of Mr & Mrs H. Winchester of Mt Bryan.
59, 16, 19 Apr. 1938, page 4
Burra Races on 13 April drew a fair attendance and the track was in good condition if a little dusty. The revival of the club in 1936 has been more successful than anticipated by many. The special horse train from Adelaide was one of the largest for some time for a country meeting and fields were excellent and the racing good. Results are printed. The main race was the Burra Handicap (£38 for 1st, £8 for 2nd & £4 for 3rd) was run over 11⁄4 miles and was won by R. Bradley’s br. M. Glen Anne, 6ys & carrying 7st 9lb and ridden by R. Carling.
59, 17, 26 Apr. 1938, page 1
Burra Town Council, 20 April
Cr Dow urged the appointment of two or three Councillors to meet with the Swimming Pool Committee and in the meantime to apply to the Under-Treasurer for permission to use the loan money for that purpose. The need for this last point was debated and eventually both Cr Dow’s proposals were carried.
Obituary. Edgar Tiver of Hallett died 12 April after a long illness. He was the second son of the late Mr & Mrs James Tiver and was educated first at Mr White’s private school and then at the Burra Model School and Prince Alfred College. He later worked at the family store in Aberdeen now occupied by Messrs Sara & Co. When quite young he left the store for Broken Hill and worked in a leading business there. He also joined the Volunteer Fire Brigade there and helped fight the big Argent St fire of 5 November 1889. Later still he went to Peterborough and joined the SAR as a signalman, working at various sidings on the Broken Hill line ending up at Oodlawirra in 1895 when he married Gertrude B. Goss, eldest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Isaac Goss formerly of Aberdeen. He resigned from SAR in 1904 and joined James Tiver & Sons which owned the Aberdeen store and also pastoral country. From then on he lived in the Hallett district where he was a farmer and grazier. As a young man he was a keen cricketer and he was a staunch Methodist holding most lay positions at some time including Sunday school superintendent at Oodlawirra, local preacher and circuit steward. He is survived by a widow, two sons and five daughters: Mrs W.E. Hogan (Hallett), Mrs R.S. Honan (Hallett), Mrs F.T. Reed (Peterborough), Mrs P.M. Thomas (Clare), Mrs H.N. Thomas (Reeve’s Plains), Mr N.G. Tiver (Hallett) & Mr R.K. Tiver (Hallett). There are 14 grandchildren. Also survived by three sisters and four brothers: Mrs J.G. Sara (Aberdeen), Mrs A. Sara (Glenelg), Mrs A.J. Stock, Mr Charles Tiver (Glenelg), Mr George Tiver (Hallett), Mr Harry Tiver (Crystal Brook) & Mr Harold Tiver (Aberdeen). [Born 12 October 1866.]
Burra Golf Club held its AGM 21 April and elected: President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-Presidents, S. Genders & J.R. Barker; Hon. Secretary, C.L. Phillips; Hon. Treasurer, K. Tamblyn, Captain, F.L. Pontifex & Vice-Captain M.W. Bednall.
Burra Town Council, 20 April
Cr Jeffery brought up the question of residents in the areas just south of the North Ward boundary being really more part of North Ward in their interests that part of the other two wards.
The Clerk said a referendum when A.B. Riggs was Mayor had turned down a proposal to include such areas in North Ward.
Cr McWaters supported Cr Jeffery’s remarks.
The Mayor and Town Clerk will go into the matter.
59, 17, 26 Apr. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 30 April
Walter Oland & Joan Marsh in Charlie Chan on Broadway
Ricardo Cortez & Marjorie Weaver in The Californian
Plus the Louis-Braddock Fight (22 minutes.)
Advt. Anzac Memorial Service, Sunday 1 May at the Memorial at 3 p.m. with the Waikerie Band under J.H. Murison.
Obituary. Bertha Kurtzer died 19 April at her residence in Aberdeen aged 59. She was the relict of the late William Kurtzer of Robertstown. [Born Christiane Bertha Mader 26 January 1879 District of Kapunda: death as on CD registered as Bertha Christaina Thurtzer 19 April 1938 aged 59 at Burra. See further details at 59, 18, 3 May 1938, page 3.]
Anzac Service will be in Market Square 3 p.m. Sunday. Burra does not at present have a brass band due to removals, so the Waikerie Band under J.H. Murison will attend.
Weather. Rain began on Saturday night and to 9 a.m. Tuesday morning 92 points had fallen. Little has fallen to the east.
Bitumen Road to Burra. It is hoped to see some action on the move for a bitumen road to Burra early in the next financial year, but there is uncertainty due to the request for £43,000,000 for defence purposes.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 18th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy. The three leading contenders were E.C. Collins, L.W. Mumme & W. Woodman.
The Social Club Dance at Hanson on 20 April was a huge success.
59, 17, 26 Apr. 1938, page 3
Burra Sheep Dog Field Trials, Friday & Saturday 22 & 23 April
Entries compared well with past events.
Local Class R.O. Robinson’s Midgy
Maiden Stakes R.O. Robinson’s Midgy
Puppy Stakes G.A. Bishop’s Doris
Open Class G.A. Bishop’s Shirley
Final Test G.A. Bishop’s Shirley
No entries were received for the horse events advertised for Saturday afternoon.
Rev. J.A.H. Andrews was welcomed to Redruth Circuit at the Memorial Sunday School on Tuesday evening 19 April.
Tennis. The Burra Easter Tennis Tournament had to be abandoned due to the inclement weather.
59, 17, 26 Apr. 1938, page 4
Burra Town Council, 20 April
Donation of £1-1-0 to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital.
Donation of £5-5-0 to the Soldiers & Sailors’ Distress Fund.
Council discussed, on Cr Dow’s request, the circumstances of Licensed Victuallers who lost money when the Tramways Tourist Club visited on 27 March. Allegedly the organisers had been told that Burra could not cater for 20 let alone 200 and so had told the picnickers to bring hampers. The Mayor explained he had been informed 140-200 people would be visiting on 27 March. He made arrangements for each hotel to cater for 30 people. When arrangements had not been confirmed by Thursday morning he rang the office where a girl had told him 240 rather than 200 would be coming and he had done his best to distribute the surplus among hotels. Nevertheless the visitors arrived with hampers. He asked them to use the hampers for tea knowing what losses the hotels would incur. They said arrangements had been made for tea at Clare – where apparently they were then unable to procure tea!
Cr Dow said it was all very unfortunate and though no blame attached to Burra the hotel-keepers suffered a loss and Burra got the name of being unable to provide for visitors. A letter fully explaining the situation will be sent to the licensed victuallers.
A committee was formed to go over the tenders received to provide the Council with a truck.
A light is to be installed on the bridge opposite Mr Oates’s in Thames St.
59, 18, 3 May 1938, page 1
ALP Third Annual Country Conference was held in Aberdeen Lodge Hall 15 April. A public address was delivered by Mr Richards MP Parliamentary Leader of the ALP. He was strongly critical of Premier Butler. Since the election on 19 March the Government nominees were in a minority in 29 of 39 electorates and yet the Premier would not call Parliament together till 19 May. Items discussed at the conference included pre-selection and lowering the voting age to 18.
Obituary & Inquest. An infant female child of Veronica Jean Smith was born near Mt Bryan about 15 April. Two or three hours later it died from having its throat cut. An inquest was held at Redruth Coroner’s Court with Mr A.B. Riggs as coroner. Police had interviewed Veronica Jean Smith (who said she generally took her step-father’s name of Nourse) at the Burra hospital on 16 April. She said she would be 19 on 21 April. They told her they were making enquiries into what had happened at Quinn’s the day before. They had found a newly born baby with its throat cut in a bag in the pit of the lavatory. Smith had told police she had given birth the previous day about three hours before Mr Quinn had got up. She had cut the baby’s throat, but was in a terrible state and didn’t know why she had done so. She had not seen the baby move and didn’t know if it was dead or alive. She had cut its throat, put it in a bag and thrown it into the lavatory about two or three hours after birth. Mrs Quinn had seen her coming out of the lavatory with a knife in her hand.
Dr Stevens examined the girl on the 14 April and believed she had given birth within 24 hours. She had then denied the fact and claimed to have done so about two months earlier.
Mr Quinn communicated with him later and he re-examined the girl who still said she had not given birth recently. Later he and a police officer had been present when an old bag containing the body of a newly born infant was pulled from the lavatory at Quinn’s house. A post mortem established that it was a full-term female baby, well developed and that death was due to a knife cutting the throat. The child had been alive at the time of the wound to the throat. [Details are given.]
[Dr Steven then gave evidence of mothers’ reactions to birth and to mental stress at the time.]
Margaret Quinn, wife of John Lawrence Quinn, said she had known and employed Jean Smith as Jean Nourse. She had not noticed anything that would suggest she was about to become a mother, but on 14 April Jean had complained of backaches and appeared to be ill in the evening – she then gave evidence about noticing blood on the floor in the morning and seeing Jean go into the lavatory. She was a long time and Mrs Quinn went to see if she was all right. Jean emerged with a butcher’s knife with blood on it in her hand. Jean explained the blood as nose-bleeding, but Mrs Quinn thought it looked too dark. About 9 a.m. Mr Quinn took her into hospital in the car.
Mr Quinn gave evidence which added only a little to Mrs Quinn’s, but after talking to Dr Steven at the Hospital he had returned home and found the bag in the lavatory by lighting some paper and dropping it down.
Veronica Smith was committed for trial on a charge of murder.
[The child’s death is registered as an female with surname Smith, given names not recorded, died 15 April 1938 at Mt Bryan aged 3 hours.]
59, 18, 3 May 1938, page 2
Advt. The Famous Monaro Rough Riders Rodeo. Burra Tuesday 10 May.
Goldsbrough’s Old Sale Yards.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 May
Loretta Young & Tyrone Power in Love is News
Rochelle Hudson & Cesar Romero in Tainted Money
St Mary’s Anzac Service. 40 returned men were present and the proceedings were conducted by returned men: G.H. Dow as organist, H.E. Fuss lay reader and Rev. D. Redding. Guy Dollman sang Abide with Me.
Waikerie Brass Band gave a concert of sacred and secular music in Market Square on Sunday evening.
Rev. J.A. & Mrs Andrews were welcomed by the Redruth Ladies Guild on Wednesday.
The Distressed Diggers’ Fund reached £134-10-0.
C. Uhlmann’s Bakery on the corner of Kingston & Bridge Sts [sic] is being demolished. It was later used by Charles Morgan, but for many years now has been unoccupied. [It was actually the corner of Kingston St and Bridge Terrace.]
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, Saturday 30 April
John Hill, elder son of Mr & Mrs Ralph Hill, married
Dulcie Bourman, second daughter of Mr & Mrs Walter Bourman.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, 27 April
Ada Heinrich, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs G.A. Heinrich of ‘Flagstaff’, married
Theodore Launer, third son of Mrs & the late Mr W. Launer of World’s End.
59, 18, 3 May 1938, page 3
Anzac Service. The annual service was observed last Sunday. Mrs D. Keynes and the returned men assembled at 2.30 p.m. at the Club Rooms and marched to Market Square led by President Stanley Hawker and standard-bearer H. Hill. The local troop of Light Horse under Sgt-major R.G. Bernhardt followed and then the Girl Guides. The Waikerie Band under J.H. Murison led the parade first to the Burra Hospital and then to market Square. Rev. D.L. Redding led the service assisted by Rev. J.A.H. Andrews of Redruth who gave the address.
Anzac Sports. The 6th Annual Meeting under the auspices of Burra RSL.
The running events were well patronised and the cycle and motor cycle events were very popular. Midget cars were also looked forward to. The track was in good condition. Dust was the main problem for viewers. There were no accidents of any consequence. The events are reported in c. 11⁄2 columns of detail. Among them:
Bicycle Races over: 1⁄2 mile, 1 mile, Youths’ 1 mile, 2 mile & 3 mile.
Athletics: 75 yds, 130yds Sheffield Handicap, 100yds Consolation Handicap.
Military Events: Best turned out Light Horseman, Tent-pegging with sword, Balloon & Peg event, Novelty Race.
Motor Cycle Events: Wahroonga Solo Handicap, Koonoona Side-car Handicap, Mid-Northern Dirt Track Championship.
Motor Car Events: Belcunda Midget Car Handicap, Wandillah Midget Car Championship.
There were children’s events run during afternoon tea and the day ended with a dance in the Aberdeen Lodge Hall.
The dance raised £170-17-10 and Miss Decima Warner won the Queen Competition with 15,593 votes worth £64-19-5. [Votes were worth 1d each.] Total proceeds for the day were c. £300.
Obituary. Mr Gilbert Gillett died at Kooringa at his residence on 1 May aged 34. He was the only child of Mrs and the late Mr Will Gillett and was only married about 13 months ago.
Obituary. Mrs Bertha Kurtzer died 19 April at her residence in Aberdeen. She was the second daughter of the late August and Anna Mader of Bundey and later of Robertstown. In 1903 she married William Kurtzer who died 8 years ago. She was 59 and is survived by two daughters and two stepdaughters: Mrs Emma Liebeknecht (Kooringa), Mrs Ben Parker (Aberdeen), Mrs Edwin Schutz (Point Pass) & Mrs Julius Schutz (Hampden). There are 20 grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters and five brothers.
[Born Christiane Bertha Mader 26 January 1879 District of Kapunda: death as on CD registered as Bertha Christaina Thurtzer 19 April 1938 aged 59 at Burra.]
59, 18, 3 May 1938, page 4
Burra Basketball Assoc. held its AGM at the Fire Station. Mr Con. Samuel presided. Elected: President, A.N. Ratcliffe; Vice-Presidents (as for 1937); Chairman, C.W. Samuel & Secretary, H. Seaford. It was decided to form four men’s and two ladies’ teams.
[Personal interest: Chloris Fillmore was on the Amusement Committee.]
59, 19, 10 May 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club, 7 May
Final of the Kookaburra Championship. The third stage leaders were T.R. Pexton, A.C. Aughey & F.T. Marston. The winner of the Championship was Warren Mumme from A.C. Aughey.
Football. Saturday.
Kooringa 3.2 9.7 14.10 22.15 (147)
Spalding 1.0 1.1 3.2 5.4 (34)
Kooringa Methodist Manse Trust Fund benefits from the Autumn Fair last Friday.
Burra Boys in SANFL. Bill Hann is doing well for Torrens and Halliday is a great rover for Glenelg.
59, 19, 10 May 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 14 May
Mirna Loy & William Powell in The Great Ziegfield
Three Hours of great entertainment.
Notice. Burra Town Council – retiring members of Council
Mayor Stanley Kellaway
North Ward R.J. Jeffery
East Ward C.W. Samuel
West Ward S.H. Robinson
Nominations close 11 June.
Notice. District Council of Burra Burra – retiring members of Council
Farrell’s Flat Ward Harold Carter Atkins
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch
Leighton Ward Douglas Keynes
Mongolata Ward Isaac James Warnes
Nominations close 11 June.
Obituary. John Weston died suddenly at his residence in Welsh Place on 7 May aged 88. He was the father of Arthur, Harold, Ted and Sis. [See extended obituary 59, 20, 17 May 1938, page 3.]
Burra Swimming Pool. Permission has been received from the Under-Treasurer to use the £400 loan to build a pool.
Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook slightly injured his ankle when his car tipped onto its side near the slaughterhouse about three miles south of Burra on the Adelaide Road. He was trying to avoid a sheep on the road at the time of the accident.
Football. On Saturday Hallett 17.17 defeated Booborowie 5.5.
59, 19, 10 May 1938, page 3
Burra Bachelors’ Ball at the Institute on 5 May was successful and is reported in 11⁄4 columns.
Burra Bowling Club. The season ended last Saturday.
This year the club retained the shield competed for annually with Kapunda and won back the Clare Shield. Trophies won:
Championship Dr Steele
Singles Handicap Dr Steele
Pairs Dr Steele & ?
Winning Rink Dr Steele Captain & ?
Consistency Bert Finch
Burra Croquet Club. Trophies:
Singles Championship Miss Netta Bown
Handicap Doubles Mrs Bert Finch & Mrs H.W. Tiver
Handicap Singles to be finalised
Burra Golf Club. Season opened last Saturday.
59, 19, 10 May 1938, page 4
Mt Bryan East School held its picnic & sports on 23 April. Results are printed.
Weather. Snow fell at Hallett on the evening of 24 April.
59, 20, 17 May 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 19th stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy. The three best results were from A.G. Aughey, R.H. Barty & R. Bernhardt. At 700 yards Pat Aughey scored a possible 35.
Burra Town Council
The Council has paid £350 for a motor truck and will have to strike a special rate of c. 6d to pay it off, but in the long run it is a wise and economical move. Savings should be appreciable. The dray carried 1 yard of road metal and the truck will carry 3 as well as moving at six times the speed. The scavenging using a horse takes a week to do the town. A truck and two men can do it in 11⁄2 days. (Also horses and new equipment were needed as an alternative and this would have cost at least £120.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. The last crushing produced an ingot of 59oz. As director in charge Mr I.J. Warnes has almost been living at the mine and production has been very encouraging – recent crushings:-
8 Nov. 1937 crushed 5 tons 13cwt for 22oz 17dwt 5gr plus by cyanide 1oz 10dwt 3gr
1 Dec. 1937 crushed 5 tons 11cwt for 45oz 3dwt 10gr plus by cyanide 1oz 9dwt 14gr
11 Feb. 1938 crushed 5 tons 15cwt for 39oz 9dwt 6gr plus by cyanide 1oz 16dwt 10gr
4 Mar. 1938 crushed 6 tons for 34oz plus by cyanide 2oz 4dwt 12gr
29 Mar. 1938 crushed 6 tons 16cwt for 26oz 10dwt 5gr plus by cyanide 3oz 11dwt 10gr
13 May 1938 crushed 5 tons 15cwt for 59oz 17dwt 6gr
Total crushed 35 tons 10cwt for 227oz 17dwt 8gr plus by cyanide 10oz 12dwt 1gr
Average 6oz 14dwt 8gr per ton.
It is estimated that from here on they will crush 100 tons per month with all the ore grassed going through the battery.
Curlew recently crushed 7 tons 7cwt for 84oz 15dwt 20gr
59, 20, 17 May 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 21 May
Edward Arnold & Frances Farmer in Come & Get It
Phil Regan & Evelyn Knapp in Laughing Irish Eyes
Obituary. John Peak, eldest son of the late John Peak, late of Cross Roads and husband of Jane and father of Ivy Humphrys of Hanson, died at Burra 17 May aged 76. [Page 3 says 16 May at Burra Hospital after ill health for some time. Born 24 October 1861 at Dry Hills near Kooringa: died 15 May Kooringa, residence Hanson.]
Sara & Co. have installed a new public weighbridge in Aberdeen in Morehead St. It is parallel to the road and easily approached. It is all-steel and measures 18ft x 8ft and weighs 16 tons.
Mongolata Goldfield
Reports from Curlew Claim suggest a crushing of about 12oz to the ton recently produced 84oz 15dwt 20gr. Some fine specimen gold was also obtained.
Bill Kearns, son of Mr & Mrs Jack Kellaway of Kooringa has recently lifted 1873⁄4lb in a clean-and-press beating the previous record by 41⁄2lb. He now holds 20 state records, 3 Australian & Australasian records. [Actually the son of Mrs Rachel Kellaway and the late Richard Kearns.]
59, 20, 17 May 1938, page 3
Obituary. John Weston who died on 7 May was one of the state’s oldest colonists. He was born in London on 26 October 1849 and with his parents Mr & Mrs John Weston came to Australia in 1853 on the Shakamaxon. The first lived in Adelaide, later moving to Mt Barker. At 21 he came to Burra and worked for a time in the Burra Mine. He worked for a building contractor when the mine closed and the Kooringa Police station was one building he worked on, so was the Jamestown Hospital. In 1879 he took land at Mongolata where he lived for about 42 years. He had the hard life of the early settler contending with droughts, wild dogs, dust storms, rabbits etc. Like other early settlers before the railway reached Broken Hill, he added carrying with bullocks and horse teams to his activities. He was also for several years a member of the now defunct Mt Bryan District Council. He retired to Kooringa in 1920 and was an enthusiastic member of the Burra Bowling Club. He married Miss Mary Ann Hall a daughter of one of the pioneering families of Mongolata. She died some 14 years ago. He died suddenly from an unsuspected heart condition. He is survived by three sons and one daughter: W.A. [William Arthur] (Kooringa), H.J. [Harold John] (Jamestown), E.H. [Edward Henry] (Copley) & Emma (Sis) Mrs A.H. Kemble (Kooringa). There are 13 grandchildren & 1 great-grandchild. Mrs A. Bishop of Hanson is a sister.
59, 20, 17 May 1938, page 4
Football. At Hallett on Saturday
Hallett 1.7 6.9 14.14 18.15 (127)
Kooringa 3.4 9.5 11.5 16.8 (104)
Burra Town Council. Last meeting before the elections.
The Under-Treasurer has given approval for the £400 loan to be spent on a swimming pool.
The Jamestown Town Clerk advises of his Council’s support for the Morgan-Whyalla pipeline to go through the Burra/Jamestown district.
Several new streetlights have been installed by the Burra Electric Supply Co. which will also supply lighting to the road sign in Market Square for £2-8-0 p.a. Accepted.
The new Council is expected to start the year with an overdraft of c. £300, assuming £200 had been spent on the pool.
Cr Dow reported on the committee recommending the purchase of a motor truck. He presented the case for a truck over the purchase of two horses etc. and so moved. Seconded by Cr Robinson.
Cr Jeffery favoured horses – the truck would not be of use in roller work or making side drains or scooping or grader work.
Cr Samuel wondered about the financial aspects of it.
Cr Dow said it would have to be financed by an extra rate of c. 6d. This would yield about £361.
The Mayor was less certain about savings than Cr Dow when the latter claimed present work costing £3 could be done for £1.
Cr McWaters was undecided.
Cr Dow said a truck would cost £334-£350 plus the cost of a spare tyre.
Cr Jeffery moved an amendment that a decision be left till all Councillors were present, but the motion was carried.
It was resolved to get a Ford.
59, 21, 24 May 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 20 stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy. The best three were L.W. Mumme, J.H. Schwier & C.H. Dixon. The aggregate now has L.W. Mumme 45 points leading P.W. Hogan with 37.
Herb Byles has been chosen for the state team to represent SA against the Combined Universities of Tasmania, Victoria, NSW & SA at Pt Adelaide next Friday.
CWA. Mrs I.J. Warnes MBE addressed a meeting of the Spalding Branch to mark its 10th anniversary. Of the 70 branches Spalding was the second oldest in SA.
Marriage. Manoora Methodist Church 14 May.
Daisy Helen Ricketts, youngest daughter of Mr A. & the late Mrs Ricketts of Manoora, married
Glen Eric Pulford, eldest son of Mr & Mrs C.G. Pulford of Mintaro.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday.
Kooringa 11.5 16.8 21.15 30.20 (200)
Booborowie 0.1 0.3 1.3 1.3 (9)
Burraites in SANFL: last week Hann playing for Torrens scored 6 goals from 6 kicks to help Torrens score 15 goals.
59, 21, 24 May 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 28 May
Dick Powell & Madeleine Carroll in On the Avenue
Michael Whalen & Gloria Stuart in The Lady Escapes
Advt. Mrs J.L. Allen of Kingston St notifies the public that she is taking orders for all kinds of home-made cakes and smallgoods – Suppers, Dances, Bridge Parties etc.
Weather. Rainfall for the year has been unusual.
January was fair with 156 points.
February had a useful 217 points; the 4th highest in 58 years.
March received no rain. Nothing fell from the 3rd week of February to 2nd week in April.
April received 276 points.
May has so far been very dry with just 4 points, at present the lowest for 56 years.
Methodism celebrated the bi-centenary of the birth of the founder of Methodism John Wesley, last Sunday. Special services were held at Redruth & Kooringa Methodist Churches.
[This is incorrect John Wesley lived 1703-91. 1738 marked his evangelical conversion and so this celebration was the 200th anniversary of the foundation of Methodism.]
Burra Swimming Pool. The original plan for 3ft of wall above the ground has been changed for the top to be at ground level. The proposed site is the eastern side of the Burra Creek immediately north of the Swing Bridge in red clay subsoil. A subscription list has so far received £41-5-0.
59, 21, 24 May 1938, page 3
Esala Delana Kama, a Government Inspector of Schools in Fiji, visited Burra last weekend in connection with Methodist Mission work. He preached at Redruth & Kooringa Methodist Churches on Sunday and his visit is reported in a 1-column article.
Keith Roach, son of Mr & Mrs Harry Roach, is reported to be a citrus grower with an irrigated farm near Wyandra in Queensland and also to be poultry breeding.
59, 22, 31 May 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. At Burra on Saturday Burra 949 defeated Pt Pirie 937.
Burra Chess Club opened the 1938 season on Friday night.
Empire Day was celebrated at Burra Schools last Friday. Mr Kellaway attended as Mayor and Chairman of the School Committee. Rev. Tilbrook gave the address and Rev. Redding also spoke after which Mr Kellaway granted the usual half holiday.
Burra Town Council Elections
The Mayor Mr S. Kellaway and Cr Jeffery have said they will not seek re-election, while Crs Samuel & Robinson will do so. [But this situation changed: see 59, 23, 7 June 1938, page 2.]
Basketball. The new season began on Thursday night.
59, 22, 31 May 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 4 June
Jean Harlow & Clark Gable in Wife Versus Secretary
Robert Young & Betty Furness in Three Wise Guys
Weather. A fall of 5 points on Sunday brought the May total to 9 points: the driest on record since figures began in 1880.
Marriage. Lutheran Church Apoinga, 14 May
Melva Thelma Heinrich, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs C.A. Heinrich of Black Springs, married
Ormonde Bracton Kermode, formerly a teacher of Black springs and now of Glencoe East near Mount Gambier.
Sister Lila Opperman younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Bert Opperman of Aberdeen has been appointed charge-nurse at Gawler Hospital and left Burra at the weekend.
Mr & Mrs W.H. Sandland of ‘Heathmont’ left Burra on Monday at the start of a trip to England for six or seven months. The CWA gave a farewell party for Mrs Sandland on Friday and Mr & Mrs E.F. Marston gave a Bon Voyage party on Saturday night.
59, 22, 31 May 1938, page 2
Advt. Drew & Crewes. The last advertisement appears for this long established Burra firm.
59, 22, 31 May 1938, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.4 5.5 11.8 14.10 (96)
Hallett 4.5 7.6 11.8 12.12 (84)
In the curtain-raiser Burra High School 6.8 defeated Kooringa Juniors 1.1.
Booborowie 17.19 defeated Spalding 5.4.
Burraites in SANFL: Halliday has starred for Glenelg against North and Bill Hann last match kicked 9 of Torrens’ 11 goals.
Burra Town Council, last meeting of the old Council 23 May.
The Secretary of Burra Institute writes asking Council to consider the advisability of transferring the Institute property to the Council according to the Institutes Act of 1936.
Cr Lott moved the Council form a committee to go into it.
Cr Samuel believed the Institute had a big debt and the Council had a big enough debt of its own.
Cr Dow supported going into the matter.
Eventually another motion was passed asking the Institute Committee to meet the whole Council.
Licensed Victuallers Assoc. sent a letter concerning dinners prepared by licensees of hotels, but not partaken of by club members. The information sought will be supplied.
Mr Schoenberg has resigned as Town Ranger.
Information concerning altering ward boundaries. The Government could consent following a petition under the Council’s common seal representing a quarter of members of Council or a quarter of the ratepayers.
Council decided against holding an exhibition of paintings from the National Gallery of SA, following a visit by its director Mr Louis McCubbin on the grounds it would be disruptive of other use, would cost money to install wooden rails and would be of limited appeal.
The proprietress of the Commercial Hotel wanted to change the yard of the premises and extend the wall to the creek through the right of way. Cr Robinson thought it would be an improvement and she intended to put a gate in the right of way. But it was pointed out that the right of way was actually a road called Harry St/Rd, but perhaps it could be leased. Mrs Lynch is to be informed and the matter discussed with her.
59, 23, 7 June 1938, page 1
Football. At Booborowie on Saturday.
Booborowie 3.2 8.8 11.13 12.14 (86)
Kooringa 3.0 7.1 10.3 13.5 (83)
Burra Rifle Club. The 21st stage of the Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy brought the 1937-38 season to a close. The best results in the final stage were from F.T. Marston, N.J. Villis & H.R. Woodman.
Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy F.T. Marston
Marksman’s Trophy L.W. Mumme
Kookaburra Championship L.W. Mumme
Handicap Championship W.K. Pexton
The Murray Aggregate F.T. Marston
The Mumme Trophy J.E. Harris
1st 7 stages of Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy C.D. Pexton
2nd 7 stages of Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy C. Edwards
3rd 7 stages of Mrs Cyril Collins Trophy E.C. Collins
2nd stage of the Championship R.J. Kellock
3rd stage of the Championship T.R. Pexton
59, 23, 7 June 1938, page 2
Notice. To Creditors of Drew & Crewes Ltd.
A meeting of creditors is called in Adelaide on 16 June to consider resolutions to be put to an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company on 15 June.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 11 June
Shirley Temple in Dimples
Leah Ray & Anthony Martin in Sing and Be Happy
13 June
Grace Moore & Franchot Tone in The King Steps Out
Robert Allan & Florence Rice in Guard That Girl
Editorial: Burra-Whyalla Water Supply
With Whyalla to be a town on a par with Pt Pirie it cannot be left waterless and the Bundaleer and Beetaloo Reservoirs are occasionally in difficulty supplying the present areas, so despite some rumours to the contrary it is inevitable that the Government will build a pipeline from the River Murray to serve it. Two or three routes are possible and at least one runs through the Burra District. Once over the ridge to the west of Burra any supply will command a large area which cannot be supplied from Beetaloo and Bundaleer. This includes Jamestown (with no water supply), Spalding and Booborowie. In order to ensure the line does go through the area the people should unite to bring pressure to bear upon the Government. If they do not they might be left to bemoan their hard luck when it does not traverse their district.
Burra Town Council Elections
Despite last week’s announcements all retiring officers will now seek re-election.
SAR . New Winter Timetable
From Burra.
Monday:
Depart Burra 6.40 a.m. Arrive Adelaide 10.10 a.m.
Depart Burra 1.31 p.m.
Tuesday to Saturday:
Depart Burra 5.33 a.m. Arrive Adelaide 9.00 a.m.
Depart Burra 1.31 p.m.
From Adelaide.
Daily except Saturday:
Morning train arrives in Burra 11.19 a.m.
Evening train (Broken Hill Express) arrives at Burra 10.10 p.m.
Saturday it departs Adelaide 6.50 p.m. and arrives at Burra 10.25 p.m.
J. Barry of Mongolata has recently met his brother whom he has not seen for 40 years. The brother had gone to live in New Zealand and they had lost touch, but now he lives in Victoria. A travelling spirit merchant knew him and put the two in touch and they met in Adelaide.
59, 23, 7 June 1938, page 3
Tarlee-Burra Road. Mr McInerney, Chairman of the Riverton DC has been advised that work on tarring this road will begin as soon as possible in the new financial year.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. Annual Shareholders’ Meeting 25 May.
The chairman discussed the agreement with the Government to sink the main shaft to 40ft below water level, but presently the main work was in opening up the Golden Harp – the consequence of which should become apparent in three months.
For the week ending 28 May a ramp for an ore dump and a plat for compressor are under construction. A bridge across the creek at Golden Harp is being built.
South drive No. 2 tunnel is breaking good ore.
Face drive in the south end looks promising.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight ending 28 May.
Lean’s Shaft. North drive advanced to 21ft. Connected the 90ft level.
Veins cut out at 100ft level. Rose to 90ft level and cut a nice looking leader and prepared to drive.
Crushed 5 tons 16cwt at the battery for 33oz 6dwt 12gr.
LCL Burra Women’s Branch. At the AGM re-Elected were President Mrs I.J. Warnes; Secretary, Miss Wilkinson & Minute Secretary, Mrs C.J. Murray.
Geoffrey Rosman, elder son of Mr & Mrs P.L. Rosman, left Burra last Saturday to take up a position with the Savings Bank in Adelaide.
59, 23, 7 June 1938, page 4
Jim Isaac Jnr, son of James Isaac of the Burra Waterworks, left some two years ago to become an engineer on a ship. He writes to his father re the running aground of the ship the TSS Tresno-Star while negotiating ‘Curtain Pass’ in Magellan Straits. There was considerable damage, but no loss of life and the ship limped into Puerto Bories in Chile. Details in just over 1 column.
59, 24, 14 June 1938, page 1
The Annual Catholic Ball was held in the Institute last Wednesday in aid of St Joseph’s Church. The music was provided by Claude Carrell’s Band from Pt Pirie and it contributes greatly to the success of the occasion.
Aberdeen Croquet Club ended its season with a social afternoon at Redruth Methodist Sunday School. Prizes for the season went to:
Open Handicap Singles Mrs E. Steer
‘A’ Grade Championship Singles Mrs M.T. Fuller
‘B’ Grade Championship Singles Mr J.G. Sara
Doubles Handicap Mrs M.T. Fuller & Mr J.G. Sara
Burra Town Council. Last meeting of the Council 6 June.
Sara & Co. were granted a licence for their weighbridge.
The new motor truck has been registered and H.J. Wilson has obtained a driver’s licence for the same.
Three small boys (who are known) have destroyed certain road signs creating damage estimated at £1-14-6. The police are to be asked to interview the boys and parents with a view to reimbursement to save them from prosecution.
65 pines, 13 carobs and 25 kurrajongs have been ordered.
Council has agreed to do certain work on the schoolyard at cost price.
The need for a ratepayers’ meeting was discussed.
Cr Robinson was not anxious to have one, but it was OK if ratepayers wanted it.
Cr Dow felt similarly, but thought Ratepayers’ Meetings only made the Councillors targets for stupid jokes.
Cr Lott had no objections, but moved that such a meeting be deemed unnecessary. Carried.
The depot building is to be used as a garage for the truck.
59, 24, 14 June 1938, page 2
G. Builder has been appointed to take charge of the Burra Stock Branch of the Farmers’ Union.
Burra Town Council Elections. All nominees were elected unopposed.
Mayor S. Kellaway
North Ward Cr Jeffery
East Ward Cr Samuel
West Ward Cr Robinson
District Council of Burra Burra Elections
Farrell’s Flat Ward Harold Carter Atkins re-elected unopposed
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch
John Lockett
Leighton Ward Douglas Keynes re-elected unopposed
Mongolata Ward Isaac James Warnes re-elected unopposed
The election for Kooringa Ward will be held 2 July 1938.
Obituary. Major Lance Lewis died at ‘Benacre’ Glen Osmond on 13 June after a brief illness aged 53. He was the youngest son of the late Hon. John & Mrs Lewis. [See extended obituary 59, 25, 21 June 1938, page 1.]
Advt. Burra Talkies 18 June
Clive Brook & Ann Hardin in Gallant Lady
Ben Lyon & Joan Marsh in Dancing Feet
Redruth Methodist Church celebrated its anniversary on Sunday 5 June. Rev. J. Albert Andrews preached. The usual tea meeting was well attended. The financial report showed the church and all its properties were in a sound condition financially.
Police who have in the past served at Burra have been promoted:
Inspector J.R. Johns from 2nd to 1st Class.
Inspector G.E. McDonald from 3rd to 2nd Class.
M-C J. Eddington to rank of Sergeant.
J.H. Garrard of Unley is visiting his daughter Mrs Green of Hanson. In 1873 he worked in the Burra Mines.
59, 24, 14 June 1938, page 3
Football. At Spalding on Saturday:
Kooringa 3.1 5.5 8.7 10.13 (73)
Spalding 2.1 4.1 6.2 8.4 (52)
Burraites in SANFL: Halliday starred for Glenelg in the match v. West as a rover.
Mongolata Goldfield
Ore treated at the battery in May.
Mine tons for yield in oz yield [in dwt] per ton
Wildildie Mongolata 7.1 0.7 1.9
Baldina Mongolata 5.8 33.3 114.9
Curlew Mongolata 7.4 89.0 242.0
Byles’ Mongolata 58 [sic*] 62.1 216.0
East View Mongolata 5.2 9.0 34.8
Mongolata No. 1 Alluvial 5.0 2.9 11.5
[*For Byles’ Mongolata the maths suggests 5.8 rather than 58 tons.]
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 11 June.
Lean’s Shaft 90ft level. Drive advanced to 42ft with trace showing for width of 6” in two veins.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. The bridge to Golden Harp is finished and the ramp is to be finished this week.
Immediate south drive No. 2 tunnel 50ft level is in good payable ore. About 10 tons ready to haul.
Obituary. Thomas Fisher of Black Springs (unmarried) died last Thursday.
59, 24, 14 June 1938, page 4
Salvation Army. Last Sunday Adj. Vonthetoff was farewelled and a social was given her on Monday. She has resigned on her approaching marriage. She will be succeeded by Captain Rust and Lieut. Carver. Envoy Aberg and officers of the local corps have a scheme on hand to raise £100 to complete quarters for officers at the rear of the Barracks. Headquarters would advance a further £100. Throughout their existence in Burra the Army here has never owned a home and payment of rent has been a constant drain on resources.
A. Coverdale writes re the Fresno Star wreck saying he has steered a vessel through Magellan Straits and disagrees with Mr Isaac’s views about reducing speed on the starboard engine.
59, 25, 21 June 1938, page 1
Burra High School visit to Clare 15 June.
Basketball
‘A’ Grade Clare defeated Burra 37-19
‘B’ Grade Clare defeated Burra 41-7
Football: Clare 9.8 defeated Burra 5.11.
Obituary. Major Lance Lewis died at midnight on 13 June at his residence ‘Benacre’ at Glen Osmond. He was the youngest son of the late Hon. John Lewis & Mrs Lewis and was born at Kooringa in September 1885. He attended Burra Public School before finishing at St Peter’s College Adelaide. He was a superb horseman and when 12 or 13 rode to Victoria on his pony and brought back stock for his father. At 16 he took a mob of sheep to Queensland. He was intrepid without arrogance. As a young man he was in the firm’s office in Burra where he was extremely popular. He was a great sportsman and played for Kooringa Football Club and later for Norwood, returning on occasion to his old club. He also excelled at polo. As a member of the Light Horse he was among the first to enlist when the Great War broke out in 1914 and served with the 3rd Light Horse. He landed at Gallipoli 17 days after Gaba Tepe was stormed. Later he fought in Palestine and was severely wounded near Rafa when a bullet entered his right cheek and came out in his neck near the spine. He recovered after a long convalescence. His business ability was widely recognised in SA and he held many prominent positions including President of the Stockowners’ Association of SA, Chairman of the Sailors & Soldiers’ Distress Fund, and Manager & Director of Messrs Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd. On Wednesday the cortege comprised over 136 cars and over 1,000 people attended the West terrace Crematorium. On Thursday his ashes were placed in the family burial ground at Kooringa, where a large body of returned soldiers preceded mourners. Over 400 floral tributes arrived by the midday train, notable among them one from the 3rd Light Horse Regiment. Relatives present included the widow, her elder son and young daughter also brothers Dr Brook Lewis who flew in from WA and Mr Essington Lewis, Mrs A.J. Melrose (a sister) and other relatives.
[Lancelot Ashley Lewis born 25 September 1885 Kooringa: died 13 June 1938 Glen Osmond.]
Burra Benevolent Society, held its AGM last Thursday.
The society suffered considerable loss throughout the year when Captain Cresswell of the Salvation Army went to Victoria and two other Salvation Army representatives have since left the district. The Vice-President Rev. A. Dyer died and so did an ex-secretary Miss Coglin.
Elected were President, Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook; Vice-Presidents, Rev. A. Andrews & Mrs A.B. Riggs; Hon. Secretary, Miss H. Wilkinson; Minute Secretary, Mr A.H. Strong & Treasurer, E.J. Davey.
59, 25, 21 June 1938, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd Mortgagee sale of Allotment 298A of c. 1 rood with frontage of 197 links to Kingston St and 126 Links to Bridge Terrace on which are erected two cottages.
And for the Executor of the estate of Christina Bertha Kurtzer half an acre on the corner of Trembath & Truro Streets Aberdeen [Redruth] 53ft x 106ft on which is a stone house of six rooms etc.
Advt. Grand Annual Buffalo Ball in Burra Institute 20 July with Les Oakland’s Uniformed Orchestra. Dancing from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Advt. Burra Talkies 25 June
Loretta Young & Don Ameche in Love Under Fire
Heather Angel & Leroy Mason in Western Gold
SAR offers day return tickets between any two country stations or Adelaide and a country station. Return journey must commence before midnight on day of issue.
Burra-Adelaide 17/4 1st Class 13/10 2nd Class.
Weather. A severe frost on Thursday froze pipes and water and milk in jugs etc. Water in tanks froze over. The Market Square trough was still a sheet of ice at 1.30 p.m.
Feed was severely damaged and trees and hedges were cut back by it.
Rain fell to the east last Tuesday with registrations between 26 & 60 points, but not enough to provide run-off.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School prize giving, which had been postponed due to the infantile paralysis [polio] restrictions took place last Sunday.
Burra Town Council paid tribute to the late Major Lewis at its meeting on Monday night.
Foxes are numerous at Mt Bryan East. At least 40 have been killed in recent months there.
Burra Fire Brigade had a successful test call out on Wednesday last. ‘Lizzie’ for once sprang readily to life and charged along Commercial St to Lewis’s Bridge at 15 m.p.h.
59, 25, 21 June 1938, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday
Kooringa 3.3 5.11 5.12 10.13 (73)
Spalding 2.0 3.0 7.2 9.4 (58)
Burraites in SANFL: Halliday again featured prominently for Glenelg against South.
Burra Girl Guides held a Fancy Dress Frolic on 13 June to raise funds in St Mary’s Hall. Proceeds were a satisfactory £5-13-6.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for the week ending 11 June.
The ramp has been completed. 12 tons of ore at grass from No. 2 tunnel in intermediate south drive at 52ft level. No. 1 tunnel at 100ft level has been extended westerly to 200ft, but further work here has been discontinued. The lode channel at 92ft shows gold.
59, 26, 28 June 1938, page 1
Burra Basketball Assoc. The 5th series of matches is now concluded. White team is well in the lead. Leading goal throwers:
J. Lynch White 120
E. Scroop Red 77
C. Baker Gold 64
K. Moore White 40
G. Kakoschke Black 34
E. Fuss* Red 31
R. Davey Black 18
A. Bevan Red 18
[*Presumably Ted. Fuss.]
Burra Town Council, 20 June 1938
Burra School Committee offers to supply trees and to plant an avenue from the school to the school house if Council will dig the holes. Request granted.
The by-laws with alterations and additions were adopted.
The main changes relate to motor vehicles plying for hire, to parking and to street hawkers.
Ct Lott thought the old part of the cemetery should be levelled and planted with lawn and the main paths gravelled.
The paths will be gravelled and the cemetery inspected with regard to some action.
The mayor reported that he and other councillors had met with the Institute committee re the Council taking over the Institute.
Cr Robinson said the position was that the Institute had an overdraft of about £3,000 and much had to be considered before Council could take it over. He understood there would have to be a poll of ratepayers.
Cr Dow said approval could be given at a ratepayers’ meeting unless a poll was demanded. Since much was to be considered the Institute Committee was asked to lodge their request in writing as a starting point.
Marriage. Mt Bryan Methodist Church 22 June
Lewis Frank Pearce, only son of Mr & Mrs Frank Pearce of Mt Bryan, married
Violet Eileen Crew, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr Charles Crew of Wirrabara.
59, 26, 28 June 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 2 July
Robert Taylor & Janet Gaynor in Small Town Girl
Edmund Lowe & Virginia Bruce in The Garden Murder Case
Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary today.
Weather. Rain has fallen here and to the east, but only in a few intermittent showers. The month’s total locally is only 80 points.
Clem Robins of the staff of the National Bank for three years has been transferred to Adelaide.
Ironmine Methodist Church & Sunday School is to be renovated immediately.
J. Allen writes to explain that premiership points in the Burra Football Assoc. are not regularly published because the umpire does not send in the official score cards with which they are supplied.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight ending 25 June.
Lean’s Shaft. 90ft level drive advanced to 51’ 6” with trace of gold.
Obtained 2 tons of 1⁄2oz ore.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for the week ending 18 June.
Rails re-laid in No. 1 tunnel and laid across the bridge.
12 tons of payable ore at grass.
59, 26, 28 June 1938, page 3
Burra Rifle Club AGM was held at the Burra Hotel on Saturday evening. The club has been going for over 31 years. Vice-Captain A.C. Aughey presided. The club was in a sound financial position.
Trophies were presented to the winners as listed in paper of 7 June. Elected were Captain, P.W. Hogan; Vice-Captain, R.G. Bernhardt; Secretary, R.H. Barty & Treasurer & Armourer, J.E. Pearce.
Burra Swimming Pool. Plans and specifications have gone to the Engineer in Chief’s Dept and are expected back soon to enable work to start. Subscriptions to date total £45-19-6.
59, 26, 28 June 1938, page 4
Football. At Hallett on Saturday:
Hallett 2.4 7.9 10.9 12.12 (84)
Kooringa 4.5 5.7 9.10 9.14 (68)
Burraites in SANFL: Halliday played well for Glenelg against Sturt. Bill Hann, leading Torrens goal-kicker produced three in a row against West.
59, 27, 5 July 1938, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.3 6.8 10.10 13.15 (93)
Booborowie 0.1 1.1 4.3 6.4 (40)
Hallett 14.8 defeated Spalding 12.9.
Safe Blowing Attempt
Between 9.30 on Friday and 7.30 a.m. on Saturday an attempt was made to blow open the strongroom at Drew & Crewes. The would-be thief or thieves were unsuccessful. Mr F. March discovered the damage to the lock and other signs of disturbance at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday. He sent for the manager Mr H.A. Banks and the Police. Detective Maddern and Finger Print Expert Cliff came from the city. The thieves gained access through the office window. An expert had to come from Adelaide to open the damaged lock. Only minor items were taken and a few shillings from the cash desk.
59, 27, 5 July 1938, page 2
Salvation Army. At the Barracks in Kingston St there will be a Grand Program & Pasty Supper:
A Night in Uncle Tom’s Cabin by members of the Home League and others. Wednesday 13 July.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 9 July
Loretta young & Tyrone Power in Café Metropole
The Jones Family in Big Business
Joe Byrne of Jeffrey & Byrne butchers slipped while adjusting spouting above a copper of boiling water and one leg plunged into the copper to above the knee. He is suffering acutely and it is some time before he will be well enough to return to work.
Weather. Rain in useful quantities has fallen at last. Rain for June reached 145 points, but the falls were patchy.
Redruth Methodist Church has decided on a change of name. In future it will be known as Burra Methodist Church, Redruth Circuit.
At a report of the Quarterly Circuit Meeting it says the new circuit name will be Burra-Redruth Circuit. Permission was there given to close Westbury Church for three months, as the building is in a bad state of repair. The last three active families have agreed to go to Redruth.
Burra Burra District Council Election Results
Kooringa Ward Edwin Finch 33
John Lockett 13
Peak’s Weighbridge in Kooringa is closed until further notice.
59, 27, 5 July 1938, page 3
Burra Golf Club held a dance in the Institute last Thursday.
59, 27, 5 July 1938, page 4
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for week ending 25 June.
Golden Harp. Crosscutting and driving in lode formation in No. 2 tunnel 50ft level. Low values.
No. 1 tunnel 100ft level driving south: looking promising, but no values yet.
Byles’ Mine. Picking up payable values in the creek 100ft north of the open cut. Driving south on payable values. Prospects good.
59, 28, 12 July 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. New season opens. In the 1st stage of the Kookaburra Trophy best shots were T.R. Pexton, F.T. Marston & E.C. Hopkins.
Burra Town Council 4 July
Burra Electric Supply Co. reports that alterations and installations of streetlights have been carried out as ordered.
Burra Institute Committee writes formally proposing that the Council takes over the Institute. The balance sheet of the Institute was enclosed. The only cash involved would be the transfer fees.
Council decided any decision about taking over the Institute will require ratepayer approval and consequently a meeting of ratepayers has been called for 21 July in the Institute.
Cr Dow said ‘that as far a was known the Trustees were not going to carry on with it any longer and someone would have to take it over. The onus of deciding should be left entirely with the ratepayers.’
R.C. Leggett of Adelaide was given permission to erect a residence in Graham St.
There was a discussion concerning trees in various places.
A move to level the old area of the cemetery (but leaving the headstones intact) was lost for want of a seconder.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Hallett 5.4 6.6 10.9 14.9 (93)
Kooringa 3.3 7.8 8.9 12.11 (83)
Booborowie 9.16 defeated Spalding 8.5
Burraites in SANFL
From the Mail: Halliday has injured his leg in turning quickly.
From the Advertiser: Tom Kellaway will play his first game for the season tomorrow for Pt Adelaide. At 6’4” he is the League’s tallest player and has been sidelined for three weeks with a knee injury followed by influenza.
59, 28, 12 July 1938, page 2
Advt. Talkies, 16 July
Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers in Top Hat
Richard Dix & Margaret Callahan in Special Investigator
Notice. Mayor S. Kellaway gives notice that in one month he will take steps to incorporate the john Lewis Trust.
Burra Town Council declares a special rate of 7d in the £.
Burra Town Council gives notice of intent to borrow £400 to reduce the overdraft at the Bank of Australasia.
Burra Town Council calls a Ratepayers’ Meeting at Burra Institute 21 July:
To consider the imposition of a special rate of 7d in the £.
To consider the proposal that the Council take over the Institute.
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort will sell the household effects of Mr L.S. Penrose who has let his house and is leaving the district. (Corner of East & Quarry Streets.)
Straw House. Permission has been granted to erect Burra’s first straw house in Graham Place (‘Toorak’) Aberdeen. [This street is not on maps. It would be worth checking lot 36 The Crescent in the subdivision of Graham as a possibility.]
Douglas Cruickshank from Adelaide has replaced Clem Robins on the staff of the National Bank.
Burra Hospital Board met for the first time as newly constituted; now with seven members appointed by the District Councils and the Town Council. The Chairman I.J. Warnes referred to the death of a former member Major Lance Lewis and a minute’s silence was observed.
Sir John Melrose retired from the Board citing his failing hearing as the reason. He had been an active member for many years. The financial statement showed a credit balance of £106-17-0; the first time for a considerable period they had been in credit.
Koonoona Proprietors are congratulated on topping the averages for stud rams at Sydney sales with an average £143-5-0 for 12 rams. M.J. Gebhardt of Mackerode bought one of them, sired by ‘Jubilee’ the Koonoona ram much admired at the Centenary Show in Adelaide.
Burra Swimming Pool donations have reached £59-3-0.
[Personal interest: R. Fuss donated £2-2-0.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 9 July.
Lean’s Shaft. 90ft level. Drive advanced to 57’6” on 12” wide reef showing traces of gold.
Making a new ramp for the carter to get to ore paddock. 5 tons at grass.
A small rich pocket of ore has been unearthed with several ounces of gold.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for week ending 7 July.
Byles’ Drive advanced to 28ft south with payable values in certain sections and leaders becoming more numerous.
Golden Harp. 70ft level. Crosscut 30ft west found payable values in an indicator running south; we are driving on this, but in much disturbed country with many quartz and ironstone intrusions with no values. Expect country at 100ft level to be more settled.
59, 28, 12 July 1938, page 3
Miss K. Miller of Burra Primary School has been transferred to Norwood. Several presentations were made before she departed on Saturday.
Girl Guides Annual Meeting was held in the CWA Room on 6 July with Miss Wien-Smith in the chair. Re-Elected were President, Mrs J.R. Barker; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames D.M. Steele & G.H. Dow; Hon. Secretary, Mrs C. Pearce; Social Secretary, Mrs F. Marston & Treasurer, Mrs W. Richards.
Obituary. Richard Finch died 1 July at his residence in St Peters. He was the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs E.N. Finch of ‘Pincarrow’ and was born in 1881. He was educated at Burra School and then took to farming at ‘Blink Bonnie’ now the home of Mr Roy Humphrys. He took a keen interest in wool and was a well-known classer. Later he went to Victoria and was for a time farm manager at Dookie College. On returning to SA he carried on wool classing and was later employed by Gregory Wool Mills. He married Miss Elsie Oates, daughter of Mr & Mrs John Oates of Aberdeen, who survives with one son. There are four brothers: Walter, Eddie, Bert & Glen who acted as bearers. A fifth brother, Henry of NSW, was unable to be present. Mrs A.T. McWaters of Leighton is the only sister.
59, 29, 19 July 1938, page 1
CWA held its annual meeting in the CWA Rest Room last Friday. The Secretary Miss Rogers reported that ten meetings had been held in the year with an average of 28 attending. The Country Fair raised £54. [Other activities for the year are listed.] Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames J. Tennant, E. Jettner, F.M. Pearce, G.G. Hawkes & A. Tennant; Hon. Secretary & Treasurer, Miss Minnie Rogers and Minute Secretary, Mrs Robin McBride.
Obituary. Roy Harold March aged 46, an invalid from birth, was found by his father Mr William H. March dead on 13 July in an old shed opposite his residence in East St. It is believed he became entangled in a rope attached to a chain suspended from a spike driven into the wall and falling from his wheelchair he was unable to save himself from death due to his physical condition. M-C Armstrong of Kooringa Police reported the matter to Mr G.E. Dane JP who deemed an inquest unnecessary. [Born 4 Jan 1892 Kooringa.]
Arbor Day at Burra School last Friday saw the Mayor, school committee, Mr Stanley Hawker & Rev. J.A. Andrews all present. An avenue of Kurrajongs was planted from the school to the school house. Mr Kellaway as Chairman of the School Committee named it Anzac Avenue.
Basketball. A general meeting on 13 July was held to discuss the fate of the Association. Lack of interest by the public and lack of funds made them decide to go into recess for the rest of the season. A final financial statement will be delivered to a general meeting later in the week. Members in arrears are asked to pay up promptly to enable a general wind-up. Main goal-throwers for the season:
J. Lynch (White) 120 (76)
E. Scroop (Red) 99 (6)
C. Baker (Gold) 64 (16)
K. Moore (White) 40 (14)
E. Fuss (Red) 39 (15)
G. Kakoschke (Black) 37 (10)
G. Ball (Gold) 22
(Numbers in brackets indicate goals thrown while playing as a substitute in other teams.)
59, 29, 19 July 1938, page 2
Advt. Talkies, 23 July
Irene Dunne & Paul Robeson in Show Boat
Jack Holt & Nan Gray in Crash Donovan
Notice. Mrs L. Day threatens legal proceedings against persons known to her unless they cease making untruthful statements concerning her.
Westbury Methodist Church. A service will be conducted next Sunday at 9.45 a.m. by Rev. J. Albert Andrews after which matters of vital concern will be discussed.
St Joseph’s School will benefit from a series of Euchre & Dance evenings to be held on Saturdays in the Oddfellows Hall Aberdeen.
Burra Swimming Pool donations now total £61-5-0.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 2nd stage of the Kookaburra Trophy in which the best three scores were by J.A. Riggs, R.H. Barty & R. Kellock.
Burra School was visited last Friday by men from the Architect in Chief’s Dept. to inspect carefully before alterations are made.
Golf. Hallett visited Burra on 11 July and Burra won the contest 9-4.
Mr Joe Byrne is recovering from his scalding a few weeks ago and hopes to be about in a week or so.
59, 29, 19 July 1938, page 3
Red Cross Circle held its AGM on 5 July and elected: President, Mrs J. Tennant; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames G. Herbert, W.H. Sandland & G.G. Hawkes and Treasurer & Secretary, Mrs E.F. Marston.
59, 29, 19 July 1938, page 4
Football. At Booborowie on Saturday.
Kooringa 3.2 7.5 10.6 11.8 (74)
Booborowie 2.3 2.6 6.10 8.15 (63)
Mrs L.S. Penrose was farewelled in the CWA Rest Room on Saturday evening. On 30 July she leaves for Knoxville. She has been a member of the High School Council and the Parents & Friends’ Assoc., the Girl Guides Committee, a Golf Associate and a member of the Burra Croquet Club. She has also assisted her husband who has long been secretary of the Kooringa Masonic Lodge.
Mr Penrose was farewelled after the usual monthly meeting of the Institute Committee on 11 July. He has been a member of the committee for over 23 years.
Redruth Christian Endeavour Societies held their Annual Rally over the weekend of the 9 & 10 July. As well as the local Juniors, Intermediates & Seniors, visitors came from neighbouring societies.
59, 30, 26 July 1938, page 1
Black Springs Hall. A new supper room was opened on 14 July.
59, 30, 26 July 1938, pages 1 & 4
A New Zealand Farmers’ Group, which is visiting Australia was welcomed by Mr I.J. Warnes Chairman of the District Council of Burra Burra and Mr S. Kellaway the Mayor of Burra, at the Centenary Hall at Burra Show Grounds. Mrs A.N. Ratcliffe of the Royal Exchange Hotel provided dinner for the 100 who attended. The tour was being conducted by Mr Harry, a son of the late Jimmy Harry who had worked in the Burra Mine. Mr Warnes’ speech is reported at length and runs on to page 4. Mr Harry and others responded for the visitors. Other speakers were A.D. McDonald MP and Mr Bradley.
The Ratepayers’ Meeting last Thursday evening.
About 45 people attended. The Mayor S. Kellaway presided.
The first question was to ask the approval to borrow £400 by debentures on the security of a special rate of 7d in the £.
The second question was to ask if ratepayers were willing for the Council to take over the Institute.
21 ratepayers could petition for a poll on either of the matters within 24 hours.
Mr Kellaway said the Council had a debt of £575-5-2 at 30 June 1938, which did not include £400 to be spent if the swimming pool was constructed. That £400 had been borrowed at 41⁄4% and £49-16-9 had been paid back leaving £353-3-7. Their total debt was therefore £929-8-9, which was way in excess of what they were allowed to borrow on the General Rule.
The £400 on debentures was a sum to draw on till rates came in. If the Council did not borrow the money it would be impossible to carry on unless the Council immediately struck and collected the General & Special 7d rates.
The motion to borrow by debentures was lost without discussion.
Mr M.W. Bednall said that as a consequence the Corporation could not borrow money to carry on and would have to default on payment of wages etc. or collect rates one month after they were declared – in August instead of next March.
Mr Worth then put the case for the Institute. He said that on the figures put to them they would see the transfer of the Institute involved the Corporation in little if any extra cost. The most recent balance sheet gave an estimated income of £322-7-6 and expenses of £330-4-2. There is a mortgage to the State Bank of £3,161-18-3 plus £39-10-6 interest to 31 December 1937. Assets are £5,905-12-10, leaving an excess of assets over liabilities of £2,704-4-1. No cash other than the costs of transfer would be required. In round terms for taking over a liability of £3,000 the Council gained an asset worth £6,000. Why does the Institute Committee wish to surrender such an asset? They feel the management of the Institute is a matter which should be in the hands of the ratepayers.
Mr A.B. Riggs moved that the Burra Corporation acquire the Institute, as the proposition was sound.
Edgar Pearce spoke against it. The committee would, if it needed public support, get more than the Council would.
Mr Bednall said the transfer required:
The consent of the ratepayers
The consent of the Council of the Institutes Association
The consent of the Minister of Education
The consent of the State Bank
If the Corporation took over it would have to pay the 5% interest to the State Bank half yearly. As a member of the Institute Committee he said that for the last 8 years Burra had been very apathetic about the Institute. Attempts to raise money had met with little or no response. The Government had cut out the subsidy and there was little response to calls for library subscribers. The committee could not afford a decent supper room or to give the Corporation a decent set of rooms for offices. The Institute could pay its way, but could not effect any improvements. The town would be getting a Town Hall for the cost of servicing the debt – far cheaper than the Town Halls at Clare or Peterborough, which the ratepayers had to bear the capital cost of. If the Council took over, the Government would have no say in it at all. A rate of 2d in the £ would cover the interest and 6d if there was no income at all. In fact Mr Dane’s rent for the pictures amounted to a trifle less than the interest.
This motion when put was carried 22 to 19.
A poll has been called on both counts.
59, 30, 26 July 1938, page 2
Advt. Tenders are called for the purchase of the betting shop of Mr C. Samuels in Railway terrace Mt Bryan.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 30 July
The Ritz Brothers in Life Begins in College
Cesar Romero & Phyllis Brooks in Dangerously Yours
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for week ending 18 July.
Golden Harp. A rich shoot of ore in the winze in 50ft level is being bagged.
Byles’ Mine to 21 July.
The drive south has been extended to 48ft and broke through into old Golden Harp workings.
No. 1 tunnel was extended to 15ft.
No. 2 tunnel south from No. 1 extended west to 35ft.
At 50ft level picked up payable values east of south drive running north-south for 20ft.
Burra Benevolent Society. There are insufficient funds to meet the demand. The most urgent cases were dealt with.
Burra Annual Open Golf Tournament: Winners
Championship Dean Adams of Jamestown
Handicap Four Ball E.R. McWaters & J. Gebhardt
36 Hole Handicap S. Cordon of Booborowie
18 Hole Handicap Morning Round S. Cordon
Afternoon Handicap ‘A’ Grade J.R. Elliott of Terowie
Afternoon Handicap ‘B’ Grade S. Cordon
Long Drive D. Adams
36 Hole Eclectic Competition S. Cordon
Burra Golf Associates Tournament: Winners
Championship Miss S. Adams
18 Hole Handicap ‘A’ Grade Miss M.V. Pearce
18 Hole Handicap ‘B’ Grade Mrs P.L. Rosman
‘A’ Division Secret Hole Mrs A.J. Nettle
‘B’ Division Secret Hole Mrs P.L. Rosman
Teams Burra No. 4 Team: Mesdames Miels, H. Banks, R. Tanner & P.L. Rosman
Approach & Putt Mrs A.J. Nettle
59, 30, 26 July 1938, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. General meeting of the committee 18 July.
The secretary reported on the AGM of the Northern Agricultural Societies Association and other committees reported on preparations for the 1938 show. Details in 11⁄3 columns.
2nd Annual Buffalo Lodge Ball was held last Wednesday in the Institute. It was a huge success and is reported in c. 12⁄3 columns.
Burra Rifle Club. G. Fowelstone, H.H. Byles & R.H. Barty scored best in the next stage of the Kookaburra Trophy. A.C. Aughey & W. Woodman scored possibles at 700 yards.
Weather. Bountiful rain fell in the last week and extended to the pastoral country. Falls of just less than 1 inch to 11⁄2 are reported, but for some areas communication has been cut since the 20th. Falls in the farming areas were about 11⁄2 inches. Burra got 155 points. On Wednesday a severe hail storm swept across Baldina Station with the largest hailstones seen there. Crops are now looking good and pastoral prospects are pleasing. Dust Holes Creek tried to run twice, but the sand absorbed it. The third time it succeeded quite well.
59, 30, 26 July 1938, page 4
Football. Saturday.
Spalding 0.1 2.8 4.11 7.18 (60)
Kooringa 2.6 4.7 5.12 5.12 (42)
59, 31, 2 Aug. 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. A Pairs Sweepstake match was won by R. Barty & D. Field.
Football at Burra on Saturday.
Spalding 1.2 7.4 7.6 12.8 (80)
Kooringa 3.2 3.3 4.4 5.6 (36)
On 16 July Spalding defeated Hallett by 4 points.
On 23 July Hallett won.
Accident. Mr Charles McDonald lost all the fingers on his left hand when string caught around his wrist and dragged his hand into the chaff cutter on Thursday. Dr Steele had to amputate to the middle of the palm.
Ironmine Memorial Hall’s 15th anniversary was celebrated with a social last Tuesday 26 July.
59, 31, 2 Aug. 1938, page 2
Notice. Booborowie Memorial Hall. A public meeting is called for 13 August to discuss putting the hall on a sounder financial footing.
Notice. Burra Town Council gives notice of a Poll of Ratepayers:
To consent to a special rate of 7d in the pound on assessed annual value of rateable property.
To consent to the acquisition of the Burra Institute by the Corporation.
To be held 6 August 1938.
Ironmine Methodist Church will re-open next Sunday after renovations.
Weather. The season has been widely welcomed as starting very well. The generous rains have been steady and soaking with very little run-off.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 6 August
Errol Flynn & Olivia de Havilland in The Charge of the Light Brigade
Supported by short features.
St Joseph’s series of Euchre & Dances will begin in Aberdeen Lodge Hall on 6 August.
Mr & Mrs W.V. Bass have left Burra. Mr Bass has obtained a position at Rhynie.
Obituary. Mrs W. Batchelor died on 23 July at a private hospital in Adelaide. She was the daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Jenkin of Kooringa and lived in Burra till her marriage. The late Mrs William Geake was her sister. She leaves one daughter and three sons. Miss Edith Jenkin of Kooringa is a sister. [Born Emily Ann Jenkin 23 September 1861 Kooringa: died 22 July 1938 North Adelaide, residence Hindmarsh West.]
59, 31, 2 Aug. 1938, page 3
Burra School. The Welfare Club Concert at the Institute last Wednesday evening raised c. £22.
Mr & Mrs L.S. Penrose were farewelled recently for their new home at Knoxville for which they leave today. On 19 June Mr Penrose was farewelled by the Masonic Lodge for which he has been secretary for a number of years. Presentations were made. Miss Clare Penrose was farewelled by the Methodist Girls Comrades Club on 18 June and a presentation was made. Mrs Penrose was farewelled at the Golf Club where she has been an enthusiastic Associate Member and a presentation was made. Miss Clare Penrose was also farewelled by the Girl Guides and at Burra High School.
Max Morton, son of Mr & Mrs Max J. Morton of Redruth, left Burra recently for Peterborough where he joins the SAR as a junior clerk. He was farewelled by Redruth Methodist Sunday School with which he has had along connection.
Advt. Wally Smith of the Kooringa Hotel has installed a bottling plant and will sell cheap beer: half a gallon 3/- (plus 1/- for the flagon). Quarts 1/6 (plus 6d for the container). Phone Kooringa 13.
59, 31, 2 Aug. 1938, page 4
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 23 July.
Lean’s Shaft. Driving on 90ft level: reef erratic showing 6dwt by dish. Carted 51⁄2 tons to the battery for a return of 33oz 15dwt of gold plus 17dwt 4gr by cyanide.
59, 32, 9 Aug. 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. In the 4th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy D. Field, J.E. Pearce & A.B. Riggs scored the best.
Burra Town Council, 1 August
M.W. Bednall forwarded a tentative agreement between Institute Trustees and the Council.
The Town Clerk read estimates for income and expenditure which suggested a possible debit of £128 at the end of the current financial year.
This did not include the £400 possibly to be spent on a swimming pool, which showed on the loan account.
Various road matters and trees were dealt with.
There has been no reply yet from the Architect-in-Chief’s Dept. about the swimming pool plans.
A response will now be requested.
59, 32, 9 Aug. 1938, page 2
Advt. The Famous Monaro Rough Riders Rodeo will appear at Kooringa Saturday 13 August.
Advt. Salvation Army Rose Fair at the Burra Institute 19 August.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 13 August
Clark Gable & Jean Harlow in China Seas
Robert Young & Evelyn Venable in Vagabond Lady
Obituary. Elizabeth Waugh, mother of William Nolan (Bill) of Goodwood Park, died 8 August at Burra Hospital aged 70.
Mrs Waugh died Monday from severe heart trouble. She had lived in the district for 41 years, for some years as a house-keeper at Canowie Station. Mr Waugh died many years ago. In the Great War she was an enthusiastic supporter of the Cheer-up Society, knitting many socks etc. for soldiers. She leaves one sone by a former marriage: Mr William Nolan (late AIF).
[Born Elizabeth Adelaide Butt 6 October 1867 at Strathalbyn. She married James Hong Wah in 1897 as Elizabeth Victoria Adelaide Butt. Her death is registered as Elizabeth Victoria Adelaide Wah. SA CDs of Births, Marriages and Deaths have not enabled tracing of any earlier marriage, the birth of William Nolan or the death of Mr Wah.]
The Red Cross Shilling Fund has closed after reaching 376/- or £18-8-0.
Weather. Rain fell over the weekend with 52 points till this morning. Snow was mixed with it between 9.30 & 10 on Sunday. The hills towards Sugar Loaf were heavily capped with it and the hills towards Koonoona were heavily covered. Heavy falls were reported from Mt Bryan East, Hallett & Willalo.
Ratepayers’ Poll
On a special rate of 7d in the pound: For 124 Against 209 Informal 22
On acquisition of the Institute: For 95 Against 242 Informal 18
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 6 August.
Lean’s Shaft. 90ft level. Driving has advanced to 71ft on 12” lode averaging c. 5dwt per ton.
Started rise from 90ft to 80ft level on the underlie for ventilation.
Following a vein on 90ft level with fair prospects at times.
Ironmine Methodist Church held services to celebrate the recent renovations and they coincided with snow and sloppy roads resulting in small congregations. The church is looking good and thanks were extended to A.L. Clode the contractor.
59, 32, 9 Aug. 1938, page 3
Marriage. Prospect North Methodist Church, 6 August
Alice Winifred Davey, only daughter of Mr & Mrs M.B. Davey of Kooringa, married
Sidney A. Pearce, only son of Mr & Mrs S. Pearce of Leighton.
Marriage. St George’s Anglican Church, Gawler, 6 August
Betty Lang, second daughter of Mr & Mrs G.H. Lang of Gawler, married
Ken Schapel of Melbourne and one time of Hanson.
Mr & Mrs H.W. Mumme are leaving Burra next week. Mr Mumme was farewelled as a member of St Mary’s Choir at the usual monthly Young People’s Social in the Parish Hall on Tuesday evening. A presentation was made. Miss Peggy Mumme was given a farewell by friends at her parents’ residence, the Burra Hotel. She will be missed by the tennis and golf clubs.
59, 32, 9 Aug. 1938, page 4
Football. At Hallett on Saturday
Hallett 5.3 8.6 11.11 14.13 (97)
Kooringa 4.3 4.3 6.7 8.10 (58)
Spalding 11.7 defeated Booborowie 7.7.
‘Reader’ writes deploring the attempt to transfer the Institute to Council control and urging the town to get behind the Institute and raise funds to reduce the debt, as in other country centres.
59, 32, 9 Aug. 1938, Supplement
There would seem to be a missing supplement because page 4 columns 7-8 are a continuation of the Burra Burra Show prize list.
59, 33, 16 Aug. 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club visited Hamley Bridge where they defeated the home team. The scores in different places seem to be in conflict. But perhaps with handicap Burra 800 defeated Hamley Bridge 781.
Marriage. Pt Lincoln Methodist Church, 16 July
Doreen Lucy Telfer, youngest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr J.K. Telfer of Big Swamp, married
Alick Byles, second son of Mr & Mrs W. Byles of Redruth.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for fortnight to 4 August.
Golden Harp. No. 1 tunnel 100 ft level: south drive advanced to 27ft.
No. 2 tunnel 60ft Level: advanced west to 60ft and discontinued.
Will drive south in intermediate drive to lode formation.
50ft level. Driving north and south on payable values in lenses and not continuous.
30 tons at the battery to be crushed.
Hallett Arts & Crafts Exhibition. The 8th annual exhibition organised by Mrs George S. Melrose at the Hallett Institute last Saturday was a pronounced success. The report extends for 13⁄4 columns.
Miss Peggy Mumme was farewelled from Jennison’s Tyre Service where she had worked for c. 2 years.
59, 33, 16 Aug. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 20 August
Deanna Durban & Charles Winninger in Three Smart Girls
Noah Beery Jnr & Jean Rogers in Stormy
Notice. Burra Town Council declares a rate of 38d in the £ and declares it due and payable 21 days from giving notice thereof.
The Mayor Mr S. Kellaway said at last night’s Council meeting that there was a rumour that he had refused to attend a farewell for Mr Mumme. Such statements were a deliberate lie. He had not been asked for a donation for the presentation and had not known of it till afterwards. He considered it his duty to attend any such functions even if it was being given to his worst enemy.
Red Cross Shilling Fund has reached 400/- or £20.
Burra Hospital. Attendances at the baby clinic have increased to the extent that tenders will soon be called for a new building.
Fire Engine. The engine has for many years been a problem owing to age, etc. It has now been replaced by an up-to-date Diamond T engine.
Burra Town Council, 15 August
Council approved a rate increase of 8d in the £ to bring the rate to 3/2 in the £.
No letter has been received from the Institute asking for financial help. Cr Dow said the ratepayers had refused to allow £400 to be raised by debentures, so this was the only way left. During the course of the year Council had to pay off its overdraft and meet normal commitments. He moved the rate be 3/2 and was seconded by Cr Samuel.
The Town Clerk said that probably there would still be a deficit of £128 at the year’s end.
Cr Lott raised the question of the swimming pool.
The Mayor said perhaps the pool would not be built.
Cr Dow wondered what the Government would do if it were not built.
Cr Dow said the rates could not be collected before 28 February 1939. [Under normal conditions.]
With the Council nearing its overdraft limit of £700 he moved the rates be collected within 21 days as allowed for under the Local Government Act. Passed.
Cr Jeffery said they would have to be very careful to reduce the overdraft.
Cr Lott said the state of affairs was the aftermath of 2-3 years ago.
Mr & Mrs H.W. Mumme left Burra on Monday to live in Adelaide after a stay of c. 5 years.
Mr Mumme was a valued member of the Bowls & Rifle Clubs and of St Mary’s Church Choir.
Obituary. Mrs Waldemar G. Hawkes died at her residence in North Adelaide 13 August. She was Isabella, third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs R. James M. McBride and was born in Burra. After her marriage to W.G. Hawkes they lived for a long period at Koonoona and retired a few years ago to North Adelaide. She was a devout member of St Mary’s Church, Burra. Two sons survive: Messrs G.G. Hawkes of Koonoona & Rollo Hawkes of Clare. Surviving daughters are Mrs P.C. Head (Mt Lofty), Mrs I.B. Jose (Adelaide) and Mrs Gordon Law-Smith (Gawler). Mr W.G. Hawkes was unable to attend the funeral at Kooringa on Sunday due to ill health. [Born Isabella McBride 11 April 1964 at Kooringa.]
59, 33, 16 Aug. 1938, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday.
Kooringa 3.3 7.6 7.9 8.9 (57)
Booborowie 0.5 2.9 3.11 3.11 (29)
Hallett 14.13 defeated Spalding 8.9.
Burraites in SABFL: Seeley for Glenelg and Donovan for South both played well at Glenelg.
59, 34, 23 Aug. 1938, page 1
Burra rifle Club shot the 5th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy and best scores came from D.H. Field, A.B. Riggs & E.R. Pexton.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 20 August.
Lean’s Shaft. At 90ft level driving to 87ft showing a trace over 6” wide seam.
Rise from 90-80ft levels advanced to 10ft.
Sinking a winze from 90ft to 100ft level with nice-looking sulphide in the bottom. Will discontinue sinking and begin to drive from 100ft level to connect with winze.
Football. First Semi-Final of Burra football Assoc.
Booborowie 1.1 4.8 6.10 7.12 (54)
Spalding 1.6 3.7 5.15 6.18 (54)
Game to be replayed next Saturday.
Salvation Army Rose Fair at the Institute last Friday was very satisfactory and proceeds were £10 up on last year. The report extends for just over 1 column.
59, 34, 23 Aug. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 27 August
Bobby Breen & Henry Armetta in Let’s Sing Again
Hoot Gibson & Harry Carey in Powder Smoke Range
Advt. Hospital Ball at Burra Institute 24 August.
Advt. Fancy Dress Children’s Frolic in aid of the Hospital Appeal. Burra Institute 25 August.
Advt. Bigg’s Burra hotel. Under New Management.
Football. Winners of the Mail Medal:
1936 E. Jennings (Kooringa)
1937 R. Wheaton (Spalding)
1938 E. Jennings (Kooringa)
Mrs Klaffus will be 92 on 27 August.
Weather. Steady rain is falling to the east as we go to press and it is much needed.
59, 34, 23 Aug. 1938, page 3
Obituary. Samuel Baker died at his residence in Redruth at the age of 98 years 5 months on 22 August. He was born in Adelaide on 17 March 1840 near where Holy Trinity Church stands. He was the son of John & Hannah Baker who arrived by the Buffalo in 1836 and first lived on North Terrace Adelaide and later on East Terrace. His father had a butcher’s shop in Hindley St where Samuel worked for a while. Mr Baker had a long memory of a number of historic events in Adelaide. He recalled the opening of the first bank on North Terrace in 1845, the arrival of Sir Henry & Lady Young [Governor 1848-54] and the arrival of the first consignment of gold from Victoria under Captain H. Tolmer. He remembered the Aborigines gathering brandishing spears on the occasion of the opening of the bank. He recalled also playing on the banks of the Torrens with Harry Wilkins, the father of Sir Hubert Wilkins. He was baptised at Holy Trinity. In 1852 he left Adelaide and drove a team of sic bullocks with stores to Burra. He worked for a butcher named Lenthal whose shop was on the site of the National Bank. He also worked for the English & Australian Copper Co. and went from them to the Victorian gold diggings, sailing in the French ship Condor to Twofold Bay for the Snowy River Diggings. After 12 months he returned having been unsuccessful. He married Miss Ann Edwards at Burra in 1862. She had arrived with her parents on the Richardson in 1848. He then carted copper to Port Wakefield, returning with coal; taking over a fortnight for the trip. In 1860 he started shearing in the Goulburn at a station called Shepherdson, being paid 13-14/- per hundred. He was a shearer for many years. In 1887 he went into the pastoral business with his son-in-law the late J.V. Lord at The Pinnacles, Broken Hill, but retained his Redruth home in which he resided until his death for a period of over 76 years. He was one of the first members of the Burra Show Society and was a keen floriculturalist, and exhibited fine flowers, fruit and vegetables. He was also a breeder of poultry and game birds. He was a member of the Redruth Methodist Church for over 60 years. His mental ability never faded. His wife died 8 August 1935 at the age of 94 years 7 months. They had 13 children of whom 11 survive: Mrs J.V. Lord (Kingswood), Mrs A.T. Pearce (Sydney), Mrs L. Baker (Glenelg), Mrs J.C. Gleeson (Richmond), Mrs M. Cain (Glen Osmond), Mrs E.H. Oakes (Redruth), Miss Sarah Baker (Redruth), Miss Mabel Baker (Redruth), Tom Baker (Redruth), John Baker (Robertstown) & James Baker (Broken Hill). There are 18 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. At The time of his death Mr Baker was believed to be the oldest SA born person.
Notice. Burra Burra Hospital calls tenders for the erection of a building to be used as a Baby Welfare Clinic.
Leighton Golf Club. A team from Spalding visited on Saturday 20 August and were narrowly defeated: Leighton 4 matches, Spalding 3 matches and 1 all square.
59, 34, 23 Aug. 1938, page 4
Mrs R.A. Lynch and Mr Jack Lynch late of the Commercial Hotel Kooringa, left on Monday after 14 years in the town. Mr J. Kemp has acted as manager since the death of Mr R.A. (Con.) Lynch in 1936. Mrs Lynch has not been enjoying good health and so has decided to retire. The Mayor S. Kellaway and a representative gathering of townspeople gave a farewell and presentation at the hotel on Saturday evening. Mr S. Kellaway thanked the family for supporting town sport and other matters. Mr A. Lomman referred to Mr Jack Lynch’s sporting prowess as a member of the Cricket Club and at basketball. Other speakers were Mr C.R Lott, Mr Horace Hill & Mr C.J. Butler. Mr Kemp responded on behalf of Mrs Lynch and Mr Jack Lynch also responded appropriately.
Burra Town Council, 15 August.
The Commissioner of Public Works replies saying with respect to the swimming pool that a definite reply required soil tests and they should refer to a consulting engineer.
W.D. Thompson has been appointed Town Ranger.
59, 35, 30 Aug. 1938, page 1
Bert Lennon’s Review Co. will play at the Institute tomorrow night.
Burra Hospital Ball was held last week at the Institute to benefit the Burra Welfare Baby Clinic [sic] and the Fund for After Care & Treatment of Paralysis, Adelaide Children’s Hospital. The report extends for 2 columns.
Children’s Fancy Dress Frolic on Thursday night last at the Institute was one of the best ever held in Burra and was for the same cause as the Hospital Ball. The report extends for 12⁄3 columns.
59, 35, 30 Aug. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 3 September
Berton Churchill & Pauline Moore in Wild & Woolley
Claire Trevor & Douglas Fowley in One Mile from Heaven
Notice. Lindsay Hood of Kooringa apologises to William Malcolm Heath his late employer for endeavouring to get his customers to leave him unless he continued to employ him [Hood] as his driver. Hood also admitted he had received all the wages he was entitled to and undertook not to do anything to damage the business in the future. W.M. Heath adds that Hood was paid £3-16-10 per week and not the 30/- that Hood had stated.
Theft. Some despicable character has stolen a quantity of small roots stacked under the back verandah of Mrs Feltus at Redruth. Mrs Feltus is a pensioner over 80 and the loss means a lot to her.
Hospital Appeal Results. The Ball raised £53-12-0, the Frolic £10-11-0 and the Mannequin Parade £4 for a total of £68-3-0. Despite earlier more complex divisions being suggested, it says here that the sum was split equally between the Burra Hospital, The Baby Welfare Clinic and the After Care Treatment of Paralysis of the Children’s Hospital.
Weather. The falls generally to the east last week were between 50 and 75 points, but a few places did better: Canegrass 125 & Parcoola 135. There was more rain over the weekend locally and Burra recorded 85 points, but this time little went to the east.
Advt. Burra Institute Thursday Night. The Harold Raymond New All Star Variety Company
In aid of the Blind, Deaf & Dumb Children’s Home at Brighton.
Edward Morgan who has been at the Kooringa Post Office for over 9 years has been transferred to Peterborough.
Marriage. 20 July at Holy Trinity North Terrace, Adelaide
Ivy Enid Ford, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs Frank H. Ford, late of Burra, married
Benjamin Lock, youngest son of Mrs E. Lock and the late Mr Lock of Huddleston.
59, 35, 30 Aug. 1938, page 3
Stockowners’ Assoc. SA Burra Branch AGM. I.J. Warnes presided and was re-elected for the next year. His report on the past year occupies c. 1 column.
Mannequin Parade organised by Bence’s Ltd was held in the Institute on Friday. Details in 3⁄4 column. It raised £4 for the Burra Baby Welfare Clinic.
Mrs Klaffus’s 92nd birthday celebrations are reported in 1⁄2 column.
Tarring of Mid-Northern Main Roads. Earlier promising noises about this seem to have become more muted and the Minister’s reply to a question in Parliament speaks of increased cost of bitumen and the uncertainty of any work being done in the current five-year plan, except for work in the main street of Saddleworth and on the section leading into and out of Tarlee.
59, 35, 30 Aug. 1938, page 4
Football. Hallett on Saturday:
Spalding 4.6 5.8 7.16 8.16 (64)
Booborowie 2.1 4.6 4.6 8.13 (61)
Redruth Police Court, 23 August [sic: actually Burra Court by this date.]
W.J. Smith licensee of the Kooringa Hotel was fined £2 plus 10/- costs for having non-excepted persons on his premises on 1 July, after pleading guilty. [But see letter from M.W. Bednall in 59, 36, 6 Sep. 1938, page 1.]
The offence involved a number of people apparently going to one of the guests’ rooms after a dance and who were found with liquor there at 12.30 a.m. Fined for being non-excepted persons were:
Mr & Mrs M.A. Gebhardt
Mrs J.M. Gebhardt
Mr & Mrs A.L. Collins
Mrs A. Tennant
(All the above are from the Burra District)
Mr & Mrs W.H. Hope of Clare
Miss C. Gebhardt of Medindie
(Each was fined £2 plus 10/- costs) Mr A. Tennant was given a certificate of immunity.
59, 36, 6 Sep. 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 6th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy and the best results were from J.L. Holmes, N.J. Villis & R.J. Kellock.
Inter-High School Sports were held at Balaklava last Wednesday. From Burra it was a long trip over bad and difficult roads. Results:
Clare 902⁄3, Riverton 692⁄3, Burra 68, Balaklava 521⁄2 and Kapunda 491/6.
Results of events are printed.
M.W. Bednall writes to clarify and correct the court report of 30 August issue. For a start the defendant pleaded not guilty. He then clarifies certain other evidence and adds that the Magistrate decided the offence was caused inadvertently because the licensee dozed off and was unaware of the arrival of the group. He did the unusual thing of acceding to the request to grant a certificate that the offence was trifling and would impose the minimum penalty without endorsing the licence.
Solomon Williams of Glenelg writes some reminiscences of the Burra Institute.
He says he remembers the talk in the 1850s of getting an Institute when he was a boy. It was said a library and a free public reading room would be a great boon. A public hall was needed since at the time the only suitable place for public meetings was the Assembly Room at the Burra Hospital (now the Hospital), which was badly situated. A more central place was thought advisable. But after all Mr Williams says it was not very convenient and to some extent this has militated against its success. Those who worked at the mine were those at whom a Mechanics’ Institute was aimed, but in fact many were quite illiterate and a library and reading room had no attraction for them. Also their day was long and they felt little like going up the hill to the Institute in the evening. He remembers lectures by Rev. D.J. H. Ibbitson [sic: Ibbetson] and one on Astronomy illustrated by Magic Lantern powered by Colsa* oil. The slides were hand painted and some were mechanical to show the movement of planets etc. Another lawyer gave a lecture on William Shakespeare, but was delayed at Court in Redruth and the time was filled in by recitations and readings by Charlie Oldham the teller at the National Bank. Williams says he often visited the reading room to read the Illustrated London News, the Graphic and Punch, also The Wallet a weekly publication by Miss Catherine Helen Spence. He was also a subscriber for a short time before leaving Burra in 1867.
[*Also Colza-oil: lamp oil made from cole seeds (rape/canola).]
59, 36, 6 Sep. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 10 September
Gary Cooper & Jean Arthur in Mr Deeds Goes to Town
Supported by short features.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. for fortnight to 25 August.
260ft level. Main shaft crosscut east cleared out and rails laid for 18ft, driving south. Drive extended south 11ft in very broken country, hoping for more settled country.
Golden harp lease. No. 1 tunnel 100ft level drive advanced to 48ft with traces of gold in quartz veins.
No. 2 tunnel 60ft level advanced to 28ft in slate with traces of gold.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 3 September.
Lean’s Shaft. 90ft level drive advanced to 95ft on average 6” face in very broken country. Timbering is needed to advance further and work will cease here for now.
100ft level: pushing on to connect with winze. No more sulphide found. Winze sunk 5ft more to 12ft with average face 6”.
5 tons sent to battery.
Farrell’s Flat. A dance was held in the Institute last Wednesday to mark the installation of the new electric light.
Mrs Stasinowsky of Chapel St will be 80 on Friday.
William Knevitt of Broken Hill visited Burra for the first time in 25 years last week. With him was his sister Clarissa, Mrs Fred Kemble of Katanning WA who was visiting her home town for the first time in 22 years.
Kooringa Methodist Spring Fair was held at the Institute last Friday and was opened by Mrs I.J. Warnes MBE. The successful enterprise is reported in 2 columns.
Mrs Edward Morgan was given a farewell at the CWA Rest Room on 30 August and a presentation was made.
Golf. The Burra Club Championship was won by A.K. Johnson.
Leighton was visited on Saturday 3 September by a team from Hallett and the visitors were victorious.
59, 36, 6 Sep. 1938, page 3
Obituary. Dr William Delano Walker of the RAF, formerly House Surgeon at Adelaide General Hospital, was killed on 16 August when a RAF plane crashed in Yorkshire. He was a grand nephew of C.J. Pearce and his late mother nee Mary Delano was born in Burra and lived here with her grandparents the late Mr & Mrs William (tailor) Pearce until she married Dr Walker of Pt Pirie.
[Mary Delano was born in Wallaroo 27 August 1872 and her mother died in 1888, by which date her father was also dead. Dr Walker Sen. died in 1903 and Mary in 1905. Dr William Delano Walker was born at Pt Pirie 30 October 1897.]
Table Tennis.
Redruth ‘Snake Gully’ team went to Mt Bryan East to play the ‘Bongoolas’ on 1 September.
The visitors 19-34, 916 points defeated the home side 5-10 738 points.
59, 36, 6 Sep. 1938, page 4
Football. Second Semi-Final at Victoria Park on Saturday.
Hallett 2.3 4.6 9.8 11.10 (76)
Kooringa 5.2 7.3 9.5 11.6 (72)
Next week Spalding plays Kooringa at Spalding.
59, 37, 13 Sep. 1938, page 1
Burra Town Council, 5 September
Councillors debated the need to reduce the general account overdraft and eventually voted to reduce ward funding by £130. West Ward was in the best position to do with less, as most of its roads are low maintenance, bituminised streets. It starts the year in credit c. £14, whereas East Ward is c. £20 in deficit and North Ward has a deficit of £3-£4.
Last year East Ward got £210, West Ward £180 and North Ward £160.
Cr Dow & Cr Robinson felt each ward should contribute £50 to the General Account. Cr Lott said it was all right for West Ward Councillors to be so generous, but they had bitumen roads that were easy to keep in repair. He couldn’t see how East Ward could do with less than £180 with a bridge soon needing repair. East Ward could agree to a reduction of £30.
Cr Dow moved a reduction in ward allocation to £400 (from £550) to be divided pro rata.
Cr Lott moved an amendment that the allocation be £430.
Cr Dow said make that £410 as West Ward will give £50 anyway.
For: Dow, Robinson, McWaters & Jeffery. Against Lott & Samuel, the East Ward Councillors.
Cr Jeffery then moved the division be North £130, East £180 and West £130, because £110 too little for North Ward.
This amendment was carried with voting the same as for the motion.
[Since this adds up to £440 and ward funding in 1937 was £550, it looks to me a saving of £110 rather than the £130 stated in the headline.]
Burra Bowling Club AGM was held at the Commercial Hotel 6 September. During the year two very enthusiastic members died in Max Pearce and John Weston. Financially the year began in credit £37-18-4 and ended in credit £1-11-2 due to some non-recurrent costs. [Details are given.]
Membership has continued to decline and with it income: 1932-33 £95-11-0
1933-34 £89-5-0
1934-35 £81-5-0
1935-36 £80-9-0
1936-37 £83-15-0
1937-38 £75-11-6
There are now 29 members plus 2 night and 2 Sunday members, but prospects are good for 6 new members.
This season the club won the Burra-Kapunda Cup and the Burra-Clare Shield. It won five of the eight games played against other clubs.
Elected were Patron, Dr D.M. Steele; President, F.T. Sara; Vice-Presidents, G.E. Dane & S. Kellaway and Hon. Secretary & Treasurer, J.T. Pascoe.
59, 37, 13 Sep. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 September
W.C. Fields & Maureen O’Sullivan in David Copperfield
Laurel & Hardy in Tit for Tat, plus shorts.
Advt. Burra Races Spring Meeting 5 October. Special train from Adelaide.
Mr E. Morgan was farewelled by staff of Kooringa Post Office on Monday.
Ironmine Methodist Sunday School celebrated its 66th anniversary on 4 September and it was a pronounced success. Rev. J.A.H. Andrews preached.
59, 37, 13 Sep. 1938, page 3
Burra High School’s end of term social and second term exam results are reported.
Burra Town Council at its last meeting resolved to petition the Government to change ward boundaries. The change was to enlarge North Ward to include the subdivision of Graham both west and east of Burra Creek. The North Ward is to include the Mine Store and the old Smelts area and all of Graham to their north. Otherwise boundaries will be unchanged.
Kooringa Police Court, Monday
Andrew Hubert Gordon Hood and Reginald Walter Campbell were drivers of two trucks involved in a minor lead-on collision on the Black springs Road on 20 August. Little damage was done to either truck and both drivers were deemed to have been driving on the wrong side of the road.
Hood did not appear and was fined 15/- plus 10/- costs.
Campbell appeared and was fined 10/- plus 10/- costs.
59, 37, 13 Sep. 1938, page 4
Football. First Final at Spalding on Saturday.
Kooringa 2.3 8.5 11.6 16.11 (107)
Spalding 3.5 3.9 7.14 9.18 (72)
In the grand Final next week at Booborowie, Hallett plays Kooringa.
Burra Town Council, 5 September
As well as items reported elsewhere discussion covered some minor roadwork, lighting matters and removal of trees adjacent to the rectory along with other tree trimming and removal.
Cr Lott moved that tenders be called for the swimming pool.
The Mayor pointed out that the matter had been left in the hands of the Swimming Pool Committee.
59, 38, 20 Sep. 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. The best four shots in the 1st stage of the Club Championship were: P.W. Hogan, N.J. Villis, R.H. Barty & R. Jeffery,
Football. In the Grand Final at Booborowie last Saturday:
Kooringa 1.3 7.5 10.9 14.10 (94)
Hallett 4.6 4.9 8.16 12.19 (91)
Mrs Clem Pearce was presented with a handbag in recognition of her long service as secretary of the Kooringa Methodist Guild on 14 September.
59, 38, 20 Sep. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 24 September
Simone Simon & James Stewart in Seventh Heaven
Paul Kelly & Judith Allen in It Happened out West.
Notice. SAR. The coal dispute in NSW has caused alterations to timetables.
Burra Hotel has been renovated and modernised in its bar and lounge. Refrigeration has been installed.
Mr J. McWaters of World’s End lost a finger when involved in an accident with a circular saw on 12 September.
Sir Hubert Wilkins is to visit Burra and Mt Bryan District in the coming week. He is making a short visit to SA en route to South Africa where he will join Mr Lincoln Ellsworth’s Antarctic Expedition.
Mr J. Isaac, fitter-in-charge of Burra Waterworks for 20 years has been transferred to Crystal Brook.
Obituary. Joseph Lee died last Friday evening 16 September. He was born on 16 Sept 1850 in a tent in North Adelaide. He spent the early part of his life on northern stations and was a well-known blade shearer, working Bimbowrie Station for many years. On 24 March 1880 he married Miss Ellen Charles of Marrabel and they lived in that district till 1895 when he took a small block at World’s End while continuing to go shearing in the north each year. The family moved to Burra in 1921. His wife died about 10 years ago. Of ten children five survive. One son, Albert, was killed in action in the Great War. Surviving are: Mrs B. Mahew, Miss B. Lee, Mr L.A. Lee (all of Adelaide) and in Kooringa Messrs W.J. & W.R. Lee. [Registrations tell a slightly different story. Born 3 September 1852 District of Adelaide.]
59, 38, 20 Sep. 1938, page 3
Obituary. Sir John Melrose of Ulooloo Station died at Calvary Hospital Adelaide on 16 September aged 78. He was born at Rosebank 12 January 1860 and educated at Prince Alfred College. He spent a year in an Adelaide mercantile office to get business experience and then assisted in the management of Wangaraleedini Station, Franklin Harbour, till the end of 1883. He then went to manage his father’s Ulooloo Station which he purchased from the trustees of his father’s estate eight years later and lived there ever since. In 1887 with the late Henry Dutton of Anlaby near Kapunda he purchased North Booborowie Estate of 32,000 acres from the estate of Dr W.J. Browne with its flocks. In 1910 the property was sold to the Government for closer settlement. In about 1901 he lost his sight when aged 41, but that did nothing to deter him from directing his enterprises and he continued to be able to judge the type and conformation of stud sheep and the quality of wool with remarkable success. In 1924 he financed his nephew the late Jimmy Melrose to compete in the England-Melbourne Air Race, promising him £500 if he won. He gave away more than £20,000 to charities, agricultural research etc. In 1927 he gave £10,000 to the Waite Institute. He was knighted in 1928. In Burra his chief interests were the Burra Show and Burra Hospital, both of which he supported generously. He paid for the show pavilion to be shifted to the new showgrounds from the old. He gave a total of £75 towards the new Centenary Hall at the showgrounds.
He and Mrs William Pitt Barker between them built the Maternity Wing of the Burra Hospital which Mr J. Tennant furnished. He was until recently a Board member of the Hospital, holding that position for over 20 years. He was also a generous supporter of sporting bodies. In Hallett he donated £500 towards the new Institute and then offered to subsidise an effort to raise money for it of a £ for £ basis, which cost him a further £200. This and other timely donations brought his overall donations to aid the Institute to about £1,000. The Hallett Methodist Manse Fund was also generously assisted. He was a member of the Hallett DC for many years and a chairman for some of them. He gave generous donations to assist the unemployed and aided camp funds for boys sponsored by the News and the Mail. In 1895 he imported the first Dorset sheep and in 1913 the first Percheron stallions and mares from France and in 1928 the first Wensley sheep from New Zealand. He was the first founder of electric smelters in Australasia. He is survived by one son A.J. Melrose MP, President of the LCL and one daughter, Miss Lily Melrose of Ulooloo. He was buried at Rosebank Cemetery (Mt Pleasant.)
Burra Racing Club reports two successful meetings in October and April. Attendances were good. Financial members fell slightly and there should be at least twice as many. The next meeting will be 5 October for which the stake money will be £153-10-0. The track is in good condition.
Obituary. T.E. Richards of Hallett died at Burra Hospital. [Thomas Edward Richards born 2 April 1867 Kooringa: died 13 September 1938 Kooringa, residence Hallett. See extended obituary 59, 41, 11 Oct. 1938, page 4.]
59, 39, 27 Sep. 1938, page 1
Burra Town Council, 19 September
Cr Lott gave notice that he would move that in future Councillors be permitted to smoke at meetings.
Burra Institute Committee wrote asking Council to earmark the equivalent of 1d on the rates to enable reduction in Institute debt. To be left with the Finance Committee.
A list showed six families on rations and entitled to participate in the Unemployed Relief Scheme.
The Mayor thought the worst aspect was that those struggling to survive without rations were denied access to the scheme. Council agreed to participate in the scheme up to 25%.
The Mayor reported that the Burra-Adelaide Road Race would start from Burra on 1 October.
Cr Lott said the truck had used 103 gallons of petrol since 1 July. This represented 8 miles per gallon. Too much running must be in low gear.
Cr McWaters pointed out that much of the distance was in scavenging work.
The Overseer said that amounted to 30 miles per fortnight.
Football. Visit on Saturday last of the Exeter Amateur League Grade A1 team.
Exeter 4.4 6.7 10.12 13.13 (91)
Kooringa 1.2 4.4 4.4 7.5 (47)
Vandalism. Police are investigating the cutting of the ignition wires and other damage to Dr Steven’s car. Minor damage has been done before to the wiring of his car, but none this serious. It is serious enough for anyone, but more so in the case of a doctor who can be called out any time on life-saving missions.
59, 39, 27 Sep. 1938, pages 1 & 2
Football Visit. There are two brief references to unseemly behaviour on the weekend when the Exeter Football Team visited. The nature of the disturbance is not specified. The paper stresses in both places that it was followers of the team and not the members of it that were responsible, saying the problem was ‘caused by another party altogether who were merely out for a joy jaunt, and attached themselves to the team like barnacles to a ship.’ [Though it is not easy to decide whether these are the words of the reporter or of the Exeter Captain.]
59, 39, 27 Sep. 1938, page 2
Burra Talkies, 1 October
Peter Lorre & Virginia Field in Think Fast Mr Moto
Jed Prouty & Spring Byington in Borrowing Trouble
Burra-Adelaide Road Race on 1 October has attracted a record 83 entries.
The large gum tree near the Bowling Green was felled by Council workers on Monday. It took away 40ft of the club’s paling fence. It was probably the largest tree in town for girth and about 60ft high. The operation was covered by insurance.
Sir Hubert Wilkins visited the district last Tuesday and Wednesday. He was born at Mt Bryan East. He refused a civic reception. He camped the night at the old homestead, now roofless, at Mt Bryan East and visited in the morning his childhood haunts of yabby holes etc. He recalls when about 4 years old getting up and starting in for the Burra sales at 3.30 a.m. His father would stop at the Bon Accord for a glass of beer ‘to warm one up’ after the cold drive in and would give the 4-year-old one too. Sir Hubert stopped in at the Bon Accord on this visit for a glass of beer too. He visited Mt Bryan East School, but declined an invitation to Mongolata and had not the time for a Burra sheep sale either. On Wednesday morning he visited Burra landmarks and shops and met a number of townspeople.
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club held its AGM at the Institute on 22 September. Elected were Patron, W.H. Sandland, President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-Presidents, M.W. Bednall & J.R. Barker and Secretary & Treasurer, R.H.B. Kearns.
59, 39, 27 Sep. 1938, page 3
Marriage. Ironmine Methodist Church recently
Thelma J. Earle, only daughter of Mr J. & the late Mrs Earle of Ironmine, married
Colin J. Clements, eldest son of Mr & Mrs H.J. Clements of Noarlunga.
Kooringa Masonic Lodge installed Bro. John Kellock as WM last Wednesday. The ceremony was followed by a ball at the Institute.
59, 40, 4 Oct. 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. In the 7th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy the best four results were from G. Fowelstone, J.E. Pearce, A.C. Aughey & W. Woodman.
59, 40, 4 Oct. 1938, page 1 & 4
Hallett & District Schools Athletic & Exhibition Association: 10th annual event is reported at length with results.
59, 40, 4 Oct. 1938, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council. Nominations are called for the extraordinary vacancy in West Ward caused by the resignation of Cr G.H. Dow. Nominations will be received till 15 October.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 8 October
Charles Laughton & Clarke Gable in Mutiny on the Bounty (21⁄4 hours) plus shorts.
Advt. SAR invites written offers for the purchase, demolition and removal of the engine shed in the Burra Station Yard 105ft x 34ft, roof of galvanised iron and walls c. 200 cubic yards of masonry.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 1 October.
Lean’s Shaft: timbered 90ft level drove 7ft to a total of 102ft in broken ground. Vein poor.
100ft level: drive advanced to 47ft with no values.
Started man on adit.
Cr Dow tendered his resignation last night at the Council meeting after about 6 years service. It was accepted with regret.
Audrey Armstrong did very well in recent Music Examinations. She is taught by Miss E. Milligan.
Mr S. Burr manager of the Savings Bank in Kooringa for three years has been transferred to Rose Park and will be succeeded by J.F. McGrath from Clare.
Drew & Crewes ceased to exist in Burra on Saturday 1 October ending 91 years of operation in the town. It began at Drew & Young (or perhaps Young & Drew) – a partnership between Samuel Drew and Mr Young the father of Mrs W.P. Barker late of Baldina Station. It later became Samuel Drew & Co. when the firm comprised four brothers, Samuel, Charles, John & Thomas Drew. When Samuel died the other three carried on for some years. At the time the firm had a large trade consigning goods by teamster and rail to stations in the far north as far as Newcastle Waters and to NSW. Mr Charles Drew built ‘Heathmont’ now the home of W.H. Sandland. About 48 years ago the three brothers retired and John Drew, eldest son of the late Thomas Drew took over. He received his business training with Prest Bros. of Port Pirie. He formed a partnership with Ernest W. Crewes who had been an employee. This firm later became a limited company. Recently the business went into liquidation and last week Messrs Sara & Co. of Aberdeen purchased the stock. The premises are presently closed for stocktaking and will reopen on Monday next when stock will be sold at bargain rates.
Mr & Mrs John Morrison of Mt Pleasant and family leave Burra for the city on Thursday where they believe the three youngest girls will have more opportunities. The only son, Ron, is training in the Police Department in Adelaide and the three eldest girls are working; two nursing and one teaching.
Burra-Adelaide Road Race. The Mayor Mr Kellaway started the limit man after welcoming the competitors at the start of their 110 mile trip. E. Harvey won (off 18 minutes) in a riding time of 4hrs 56.39 minutes, which was also the fastest time.
Mrs M.A. Hunt of the Bon Accord Hotel writes an indignant letter in response to the comments about the disturbance when the Exeter Football Team visited. She considers the Exeter’s Captain was fortunate to have another team in town to blame. Mrs Hunt then appears to be referring to the other group when she goes on to say that apart from one young fellow who was arrested for bad language and was drunk when he arrived the rest of the team was well behaved. This can’t be a reference to the Exeter Team because she then says the police told her that two of the Exeter men were put in the lock-up. The other team [previously unnamed anywhere] were the Rosatta Team [perhaps Rosetta?] who Mrs Hunt said used no bad language and mostly behaved like gentlemen even though they were very crowded in her hotel because she had arranged to take 12, but ended up taking the other 10 or 12 when another publican let them down. They accidentally broke a jug and basin due to the crowding (since replaced). She says the remarks in the paper reflect badly on the type of house she runs and the class of people admitted. The Rosattas were not the rough team that some are trying to make out.
59, 40, 4 Oct. 1938, page 3
Advt. Half-page advertisement by Sara & Co. proclaiming the sale of £10,000 worth of the
Entire Stock of Drew & Crewes Ltd (in liquidation) on 10 October.
Burra Primary & High Schools
The official presentation of a wireless and amplifier was made on 1 October when Hon. S. Jeffries the Minister of Education and Mr W.J. Adey the Director of Education attended. Dr Steele spoke of the acquisition of the apparatus from Departmental, School Council and Seaside Committee funds. He also urged a speeding up of the recently approved remodelling of an assembly room, class rooms and woodwork centre. Mr S. Jeffries accepted the set for the Department. A.D. McDonald moved a vote of thanks and afternoon tea in the Domestic Arts room followed.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its anniversary last Sunday & Monday. Preachers were Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook & Rev. C.R. Dadds. The Monday evening saw a social in the Sunday School in which community singing was a feature.
59, 41, 11 Oct. 1938, page 1
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
‘A’ Grade Booborowie 10-92 defeated Aberdeen 8-80
Willalo 11-84 defeated Mt Bryan 7-74
Hallett forfeited to Ironmine
‘B’ Grade Booborowie forfeited to Aberdeen
Hallett 18 sets defeated Ironmine I Nil
Willalo 12-105 defeated Mt Bryan 3-49
Burra Races, 5 October. The track was good and attendance fair. It all went smoothly. There were six races with the main race being the Burra Handicap over 11⁄4 miles for prize money of £35 for first, £7 for second and £3 for third. It was won by Mrs L.M. Lewis’s ch. g. Centenary Star, 5 yr carrying 8 stone and ridden by M. Raven.
Burra Town Council
Cr Dow tendered his resignation, giving pressure of private business as a reason. The Mayor regretted that Cr Dow found the move necessary, as he had contributed much and had been instrumental in getting all the main roads in West Ward sealed, which had proved a good move.
A minute of appreciation was entered and the resignation accepted with regret. Other Councillors echoed the Mayor’s sentiments. Cr Dow thanked the others and said that after 5 or 6 years he found he could not continue without letting some of his private business slide and 5-6 years was long enough for anyone. [Served December 1932 to October 1938.]
59, 41, 11 Oct. 1938, page 2
Advt. Clare Show 22 October.
Advt. Burra Show 29 October.
Advt. Burra Talkies 15 October.
Warner Baxter & Elizabeth Allen in Slave Ship
Ricardo Cortez & Phyllis Brooks in City Girl
Notice. Burra Town Council. Czechoslovakia Relief Fund.
Donations for the fund set up by the Lord Mayor of Adelaide can be forwarded to S. Kellaway Mayor of Burra or to the Town Clerk in the next fortnight.
Weather. Though the weather has been good for personal activities, rain is sorely needed for farmers and pastoralists and on Friday we had one of the worst dust storms for some time. Crops, standing feed and gardens were hard hit. To the east it was worse with one of the old-time dust storms.
A Barn Dance at Walter Morgan’s at Shafton on Saturday was a great success.
The ALP Dance in the Institute on Wednesday with Ben Evans’ Orchestra from Jamestown was a real success.
George Bass is touring Tasmania with the East Torrens Football Team.
Mr James Isaac on the staff of the Burra waterworks for over 20 years has been transferred to Crystal Brook. He was farewelled by the Kooringa Masonic Lodge. He was a strong supporter of the Aberdeen Croquet Club and a generous supporter of sport generally and of the church.
Dudley Armstrong (13) son of H.V. Armstrong of the Kooringa Police Station has qualified in an entrance examination for the Royal Naval College in Melbourne.
Miss Enid Morrison was farewelled by the staff of Bence’s Ltd where she was working before the family’s removal to Adelaide.
59, 41, 11 Oct. 1938, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. Inter-Club Match at Hamley Bridge Saturday:
Off the Rifle Handicap Total
Wasleys 731 75 800 (Maximum)
Burra 733 65 798
Hamley Bridge 724 70 794
Other match scores available
Gawler 712 70 782
Tanunda 719 70 789
Williamstown 710 75 785
In the Union Match Shoots to date Burra has the lead in scores available:
Burra 1598 Wasleys 1584 Williamstown 1581
Hamley Bridge 1575 Tanunda 1569 Gawler 1567
Balaklava, Blyth, Owen, Auburn & Salisbury scores are yet to come in, but none can be more than 2 points ahead of Burra.
Sheep Show. Sheep from Burra & District have been getting top prices at the Perth Royal Show. Six Koonoona rams went for an average £77-10-6 and one got the top price of 116 guineas. [£121-16-0]
Good prices also went to sheep from Walter S. Murray & Son, Cappeedee; M.S. Hawker & Co., North Bungaree; John Collins & Sons, Collinsville; Brooks Bros. & Son, Boconnoc Park; R. Hawker Ltd, Bungaree and East Bungaree Ltd, East Bungaree.
Hanson Methodist Church. The Ladies’ Guild Butterfly Fair at the Sunday School Hall last Wednesday is reported in just under 11⁄2 columns.
Advt. A quarter-page advertisement advises the sale of the stock of Drew & Crewes Ltd (in liquidation). Across All Departments.
Ladies Wear etc. less 50%. Boots, Shoes, General Drapery, Men’s Wear, Furnishings, Hardware.
Glass & China at 25% off. Groceries at 15% off.
59, 41, 11 Oct. 1938, page 4
Burra-Redruth Methodist Circuit Quarterly Meeting. The circuit has 206 senior and 14 junior members. Rev. Andrews was invited to stay another year and accepted.
Burra Town Council, 3 October
The Unemployment Relief Council forwarded a list of persons eligible to benefit under the subsidy scheme in Burra with the amount of each entitlement.
The insurance company will forward £8-10-0 for damage to the Bowling Green fence.
Cr Lott says calculations show the truck is averaging 11 miles per gallon.
Marriage. St Edmund’s Church, Booborowie 1 October
Gwynneth May Shattock, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. Shattock of ‘Palace Creek’, Booborowie, married Charles Rupert Dinham, eldest son of Mr & Mrs R. Dinham of Hilltown.
Obituary. The late Mr T.E. Richards who died 13 September was born in 1867 and had resided in Hallett District all his life. In his youth he was an athlete of no mean order and took a keen interest in sports of all sorts. He was a Councillor for many years and Chairman of the Hallett DC for 20 years. He was a member of the Hallett Institute for 40 years and President for a number of years. He was appointed a JP in 1913 and for 28 years was a member of the Masonic lodge, first at Kooringa and then at Hallett Lodge SAC from foundation and was Treasurer until about two years ago. He did much to bring about the inauguration of the local recreation ground and to bring it to its present fine condition. He made many trips to Broken Hill with teams along with his father and claimed to be one of the first to carry loading machinery there. He married Amy Ellen Williams, daughter of Dr A.J. Williams of Hallett, who died 11 September 1928. He is survived by two sons and one daughter: Austil H. Richards, Thomas H. Richards of Hallett and Clarice and also a step-daughter Elsie Mrs W.J. Bald and [step-son] Arnold Lucas. [Thomas Edward Richards born 2 April 1867 Kooringa: died 13 September 1938 Kooringa, residence Hallett.]
59, 42, 18 Oct. 1938, page 1
St Mary’s Church & Sunday School Picnic was held at Gum Creek on 12 October. Lunch was followed by sports. The results are printed. Chloris Fillmore met with a slight accident while jumping, but is making excellent progress. [Page 2 reveals she had fractured her right wrist.]
Burra Rifle Club. Wednesday was a holiday and teams went to Peterborough for a triangular shoot with Pt Pirie and Peterborough and to Eudunda.
At Peterborough: Burra 932 defeated Pt Pirie 899 & Peterborough 840.
At Eudunda the home team 745 defeated Burra 738.
59, 42, 18 Oct. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 22 October
Wynne Gibson & Warren Hull in Michael O’Halloran
Roger Pryor & Charlotte Henry in The Return of Jimmy Valentine.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 15 October.
Lean’s Shaft. 90ft level. Drive extended to 110ft, but reef has cut out, so ceased work.
5 tons of ore broken for ore paddock. Estimated at 12dwt per ton.
Adit advanced to 28ft.
Burra Town Council. West Ward Extraordinary Election.
There being no nominations to fill the West Ward vacancy Council appointed W.G. Terry.
Mrs M.A.L. Feltus is 86 tomorrow. [Formerly Nurse Woollacott.]
Copperhouse School Picnic was held at Sod Hut on property of Mr Holmes. The sports results are printed.
59, 42, 18 Oct. 1938, page 3
Hallett Fair in aid of the Institute is reported in 3⁄4 column.
Girl Guides. The State Guides’ Trainer Miss Bateman visited last weekend and the Guides and Brownies had a busy time. Saturday was spent in out-doors training at Baldina Station. On Sunday there was a Guides & Brownies service at St Mary’s Hall and in the evening a Guides’ Conference in the home of Mrs McDonald the District Commissioner.
Burra Croquet Club AGM was held on 14 October. The club is in credit £7-0-3. Elected were President, Mrs O.G. Walker; Vice-President, Mrs W.H. Tiver; Secretary, Mrs S.H. Robinson and Captain, Mrs C. Pearce.
A.G. Barrett Lord Mayor of Adelaide writes urging support for the Lord Mayor of London’s appeal for aid for Czechoslovakian refugees.
Advt. Last Week of Drew & Crewe’s Liquidation Sale. Everything must go. Everything 25% off.
59, 42, 18 Oct. 1938, page 4
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 15-107 defeated Mt Bryan 3-52
Hallett 12-92 defeated Booborowie 6-73
Aberdeen 13-102 defeated Willalo 5-65
‘B’ Grade Ironmine I 13-182 defeated Mt Bryan 5-68
Ironmine II 9-84 defeated Booborowie 7-72
Willalo 11-86 defeated Aberdeen 7-73
59, 43, 25 Oct. 1938, page 1
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 10-91 defeated Mt Bryan 8-85
Booborowie forfeited to Ironmine
‘B’ Grade Ironmine II 9-97 defeated Ironmine I 9-87
Hallett 11-92 defeated Willalo 7-75
Aberdeen 17-112 defeated Mt Bryan 1-38
Burra Town Council, 17 October
The Finance Committee agreed to donate £60 towards debt reduction of the Institute and to donate 21/- to the Lord Mayor’s Czechoslovakian Fund.
With no nominations to fill the vacancy in West Ward created by Cr Dow’s resignation, W.G. Terry was appointed Councillor for West Ward.
Cr Samuel said he believed the Swimming Pool Committee was to hold a big meeting on the subject of erecting the pool in the week. He asked where the Council stood with regard to the £400 it would have to pay if the scheme went ahead.
The Mayor said if the Committee found the funds needed in excess of the £400 the Council would have to pay the £400.
Cr Lott said the Clerk’s estimate showed they would end £230 overdrawn.
If the scheme went ahead the overdraft would be £630.
The Clerk said he could not show an item of expenditure which might not eventuate.
Burra Rifle Club. A list of marksmen to score 100 or better of the possible 105 over the various ranges is printed. A complete list is printed of which the following are the top scores.
Ranges 200, 500, 600 top score is by A. Bevan on 6 June 1910 104
Ranges 200, 300, 700 top score is by A.C. Aughey on 17 August 1935 103
Ranges 600, 700, 700 top scores are by A.C. Aughey on 14 May 1938 100
And by H.H. Byles on 23 July 1938 100
Ranges 500, 600, 700 top score is by C.D. Pexton on 25 September 1937 104
Ranges 300, 500, 600 top scores are by A.C. Aughey on 27 May 1933 101
And by K. Dawson on 4 May 1935 101
L.W. Mumme on 19 February 1938 101
L.W. Mumme on 21 May 1938 101
The 500, 600, 600 range has not yet been conquered.
59, 43, 25 Oct. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 29 October
Ginger Rogers & Fred Astaire in Follow the Fleet
John Arledge & Louise Latimer in Two in Revolt
Weather. Last Friday rain in the far northeast heralded the beginning of one of the most welcome drenchings on record. In some areas it was deemed the best in 60 years. The falls extended for two days and a night. Rain in Burra started on Saturday about 9.30 a.m. From Midday Sunday reports of over 2 inches were coming in from the east. At 3.30 Ketchowla reported 329 points, than later Sturt Vale with 357, North Koomooloo 349, Lock Winnoch 403, Kia Ora 350, Collinsville 300, Mulga Hill 410, Manunda 340, Pitcairn 400. Further south falls were less, but still often over 2 inches: Baldina 237, Poonunda 275, Quondong 265, Woolgangi 160 and Burra 247 are representative.
Falls may in fact be higher, as some telephone lines have been cut since Monday.
59, 43, 25 Oct. 1938, page 3
CWA Junior Set Plain & Fancy Ball on 19 October on the Institute saw £20 taken at the door – the object was to raise money towards a transceiver for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the Far-North. [Details occupy just over 1 column.]
Booborowie Novelty Sports and Fair on 15 October was a very successful occasion and resulted in a nett £100 to aid the Booborowie Memorial Hall.
Burra Swimming Pool. The pool committee met on Thursday evening last and decided to call tenders and also called a meeting of sporting bodies and others to make a drive to raise funds for the project. To date they have donations and promises of £120 plus £400 from the Council, but considerably more will be needed.
Advt. A quarter-page advertisement. Auction of the Balance of Stock and Plant of Drew & Crewes Ltd. Friday 28 October.
59, 43, 25 Oct. 1938, page 4
Redruth Recreation Club: Annual Table Tennis Tournament
Gents’ Singles Championship B. Davey
Gents’ Doubles Championship B. Morton & R. Pickering
Ladies’ singles Championship Miss C. Fuller
Ladies’ Doubles Championship Misses J. Fairchild & C. Fuller
Gents’ Handicap Singles W. Tiver
Gents’ Handicap Doubles C. Fuller & T. Terry
Ladies’ Handicap Singles Miss C. Fuller
Ladies’ Handicap Doubles Miss M.G. Bentley & Miss M.V. Pearce
Mixed Handicap Doubles F. Baulderstone & Miss D. Irlam
Mixed Handicap Doubles Alternate Stroke T. Terry & Miss C. Fuller
Invitation Handicap Singles Final deferred to next season (perhaps)
Combined Schools Picnic at Gum Creek for scholars of Leighton, Ayers, Copperhouse, Hanson & Gum Creek Schools courtesy of H.F. Saunders, manager of Gum Creek Station. A great day was enjoyed and results of the sports are printed.
59, 44, 1 Nov. 1938, page 1
Tennis. Burra Assoc. 15 October
‘A’ Grade Hallett 9-98 defeated Willalo 9-86.
Obituary. C.A.S. Hawker MHR died when he was a passenger in Australia’s worst aviation disaster, the crashing of Australia National Airways Douglas Airliner Kyeema. He had resided for a number of years at ‘Dillowie’ Station on the Canowie side of Hallett. On entering Federal Parliament his rise was meteoric and he was fast becoming a statesman. He was born on Bungaree (near Clare) 44 years ago, the son of Mr & Mrs M. Hawker and was educated at Geelong Grammar where he shone as a sportsman and a scholar. In the Great War he enlisted in a British Infantry Regiment and in 1915 lost an eye and had a leg fractured and his life was despaired of. Despite this, on recovering he persuaded the authorities to return him to France where he was again wounded in the spine and unable to walk. While in this state he completed his degree and returned to SA to manage the Hawker wheat and wool properties. Then by surgery and tenacity he was eventually able to walk with sticks. He became an ardent supporter of the RSL, the Repatriation Department, War Pensions etc. and for soldier settlers. In 1932 he resigned from the Lyons Cabinet having given his word to electors he would vote for Parliamentary salaries to be reduced to £600. He voted against the Government and resigned. With the extra money he was forced to accept he financed certain young farming enthusiasts and maintained acclimatisation ploys at Sutherlands beyond Goyder’s Line [near Eudunda]. He was the ablest and best informed MP on rural affairs. In 1936 he flew to Japan to get first hand information on the trade dispute. In 1935 he investigated livestock and agricultural industries in Britain, Europe and Russia. He was also well informed on foreign affairs and defence. Many believe the Prime Minister acted foolishly in accepting his resignation in 1932 or at least in not subsequently restoring him to the front bench. He was unmarried.
[A notice to creditors in the paper of 6 December, page 2 gives his full name as Charles Allan Seymour Hawker and the date of death as 25 October 1938 near Dandenong Victoria and his address as late of ‘Dillowie’ Hallett. He was born 16 May 1894 at Bungaree.]
59, 44, 1 Nov. 1938, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will offer 13,000 sheep in their Annual Off-Shears Sale, 4 November.
Notice. H.T. Wandke has purchased the bakery business of Mr W.M. Heath.
Burra Show Luncheon. The President I.J. Warnes entertained quite a large number in the Centenary Hall for lunch on Show Day. The guests stood in silence in honour of the memory of Sir John Melrose and Mr C.A.S. Hawker MP, two of the society’s strongest supporters. Hon. G. Blesing Minister of Agriculture declared the show open and gave an address. Others to speak were Sir George Ritchie, Mr Warnes, Mr S. Kellaway, Mr A.B. Riggs and Mr A.D. McDonald.
59, 44, 1 Nov. 1938, page 3
Obituary. Mrs George Bailey of Gum Creek died 29 October aged 71 after a very short illness. She is survived by a grown-up family. [Born Agnes Boyd 16 July 1866 Copperhouse: died at Kooringa, residence Gum Creek.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Takati. W.K. Pexton reports that in October 37 tons 2cwt went to the battery and returned a total of 228oz 8dwt 8gr or an average 6oz 2dwt 17gr per ton.
The Curlew Syndicate is also reported to be doing all right.
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. with all their modern equipment is being closed down for three months and people are wondering why. No returns etc. is being given as the reason.
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 29 October.
Lean’s Shaft. 100ft level. Drove 11ft to 58ft when the reef cut out and work was stopped.
80ft level: will drive towards the adit. Adit advanced 20ft to 48ft.
5 tons of ore sent to the battery.
Czechoslovakian Relief Fund. Acknowledgement of donations to £28-1-6.
59, 44, 1 Nov. 1938, pages 3 & 4
Burra Show was held last Saturday. Attendance was high and quite as good as in 1937.
Sideshows did good business.
School entries were somewhat lower.
Art & photography were up.
Cooking entries were good and flowers were very pleasing.
There were only two entries in fresh fruit and none for dried.
Needlework was admirable.
Vegetables were affected by the long dry spell.
The lateness of the show reduced potential sheep numbers due to having to keep the sheep in wool so late. [But actual numbers of entries were up as explained in the paper of 8 November page 1.]
G.L. Kemp took grand champion ram for all sections and the standard of sheep entries was very high. Fleeces were also of great quality.
Messrs Aberg & Sons had a splendid display of meats, hams and smallgoods.
Pigs were good for slaughter, but hardly fat enough by country standards.
Cattle entries were good as were grain and fodder entries.
Poultry and pigeons were to the fore and improved on 1937.
Dogs were not numerous and were only a fair lot.
The prize list is printed.
[Personal interest: No Fuss name appears in prize list for flowers and R. Fuss is not mentioned among the officials either.]
59, 45, 8 Nov. 1938, page 1
Burra Show. Since the show on 28 October discussions seem to lean in favour of holding it on a Wednesday, probably the Wednesday following the Clare Show. The Saturday has to contend with various opposition events like the Tanunda Band Competitions and the Melbourne Racing Carnival and as it is the last of the Northern Shows it delays inter-show exhibitors. Saturday also interferes with the weekend routines of shop assistants etc.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 5th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy. Best shooters were W. Mumme, A.G. Heinrich, D. Field & C.D. Pexton.
CWA. The 1st birthday of the Black Springs branch was held on 20 October.
59, 45, 8 Nov. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 12 November
Ronald Colman & Elizabeth Allan in Tale of Two Cities
Laurel & Hardy in Thicker than Water
Obituary. Percy William Clark died 7 November at Kooringa aged 74. He was the husband of Emilie O. Clark. [Percy William Sydney Garnet Clark. There is a little more information on page 3 and an extended obituary 59, 46, 15 Nov. 1938, page 2.]
St Mary’s Church held special services and offerings last Tuesday, All Saints Day, instead of holding a fete. Holy Communion was held at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and both were well attended. Altar flowers by Miss Doris Fuss, which are always a feature at St Mary’s, were especially beautiful. There was a Children’s Service at 4.30 p.m. and Festal Evensong at 8 p.m. with Rev. C.W. Pegg of Riverton assisted by Rev. W.B. Kenworthy of Auburn and Rev. A.L. Bulbeck of Clare, Rev. W.K. Ray of Koolunga and Rev. M.C.W. Gooden of Balaklava. The offerings amounted to £150-2-8.
Rev. D.L. Redding has accepted an offer to take charge at Clare and will leave Burra on 1 January 1939 after five years here. He has been very popular and has built up attendance especially of the young and has similarly affected the other parish churches at Booborowie, Mt Bryan, Hallett and Black Springs. In financial matters fetes were successfully replaced with direct giving and a day of prayer. The financial position of the church has been placed in a sounder position. The popularity of young people’s socials each fortnight has not waned. His role with the RSL will be greatly missed, as will his interest in sport. He has also been a great supporter of the Church of England Day School and in early days at Mongolata went out every week for a short service and community sing at Carpenter’s Café. Also for a period he was secretary of the local High School.
‘His interest was keen and in his great love for the rising generation particularly the young lads and especially his choir boys, he was to them not only a spiritual adviser, but a ‘big brother’ with a great love for the little fellow, and many delightful picnics, so dear to the heart of boys, has he given them. This applies mainly to his choir boys and on these occasions lessons learnt from the ‘big brother’ will not soon be forgotten.’
59, 45, 8 Nov. 1938, page 3
Burra Bowls and Croquet Clubs opening of season was on 5 November. President F.T. Sara & Mrs Sara hosted the occasion.
Aberdeen Croquet Club opened its season on 2 November when President Mrs A.B. Riggs and Secretary Mrs W.H. Gare received guests.
Country Racing Clubs. There is an article extending for almost two columns on the needs of Country Racing Clubs in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Betting.
Obituary. Percy W. Clark died at 9 a.m. on Monday 7 November at his residence following some weeks of bronchitis leading to weakening of the heart. He was 74. [Extended obituary 59, 46, 15 Nov. 1938, page 2.]
CWA held a Paddy’s Market in the former drapery department of Drew & Crewes’ on Friday last.
Methodist Rainbow Fair at Hallett (Strawberry Fete) was held in the Hallett Institute on 5 November and realised £110.
59, 46, 15 Nov. 1938, page 1
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate
The last crushing of 5 tons 5cwt produced a pleasing 29oz 7dwt 13gr.
Hanson Strawberry Fete on 2 November by the Ladies Social Committee in aid of the hall raised £49-5-0 and improvements and additions will now be possible.
59, 46, 15 Nov. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 19 November
Bobby Green & May Robson in Rainbow on the River
Jocelyn Haworth & Vinton Haworth in China Passage
John G. Sara presented the Redruth Methodist Church with a communion table which was dedicated on Sunday to mark the 50th anniversary of his serving as a communion steward.
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club season opened last Saturday.
Obituary. John Roy Josephs aged 13, son of Mr & Mrs Francis J. Josephs of Mt Bryan, drowned on Sunday in a dam about half a mile from his home. His brother Maurice Angus Josephs (11) raised the alarm. Sgt J. Edington with M-Cs C.E. Boyce and H.V. Armstrong recovered the body with grappling irons. Dr Steele attended and an inquest was deemed unnecessary.
Obituary. Percy W. Clark who died on 7 November was born in Croydon England 19 December 1864 and came to SA with his parents in 1877 on the Forfarshire. After his education he spent time on sheep stations before joining the Police Force and was stationed in many places and finally at Kooringa. After two years here he resigned and with Mrs Clark took over the Commercial Hotel from Mrs Harry Vivian. The couple ran it successfully for 13 years till retiring in 1927 when they took up residence in the home of the late Hon. John Lewis. He married Miss Emily O. Schrader, a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Heinrich Schrader a late well-known musical family in Adelaide. They celebrated their golden wedding on 12 April. There was no family. Mr Clark supported sports keenly and was a member of the committee of the Burra racing Club since 1914, being Vice-President in 1926 and Chairman 1927-30 when the club went into recess until 1936. When it was reconstituted he became the first Chairman of the Company in 1937 until he retired in June 1938 in favour of M.W. Bednall. In his time on the committee the track was railed in 1919 for £81 and horse stalls worth £120 were erected the same year. Additions to the totalizator worth £120 were made in 1920. The biggest race meeting was in 1922 with stakes of £630 and 20 starters in the Burra Cup.
Armistice Day in Burra was observed on Friday. Returned men, the Mayor and Councillors, Town Clerk and other prominent citizens attended the memorial in Market Square. Red. D.L. Redding, Rev. J.A.H. Andrews and Captain M. Rust of the Salvation Army attended.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 9th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy when the best shots were D.H. Field, A.B. Riggs, H.R. Woodman & C. Hopkins.
Mt Bryan Garden Fair Fete on behalf of the Methodist Church was held last Saturday. Takings exceeded £70.
Burra-Redruth Methodist Sunday School held its 82nd anniversary on 6 & 7 November. Rev. J.A.H. Andrews preached.
Salvation Army. The Adelaide Congress Hall Band visited last Saturday & Sunday. They were welcomed with a ‘high tea’ at the Barracks and then by the Mayor and Envoy Aberg for the local corps and by Rev. Tilbrook. A splendid concert was then given and on Sunday morning they played in various parts of the town and at the Burra Hospital and in the afternoon gave a concert at Mt Bryan. In the evening they assisted at the Salvation Army Hall service and later gave a concert at the Burra Institute.
59, 46, 15 Nov. 1938, page 4
Tennis. Burra Association, 5 November
‘B’ Grade [sic, but probably ‘A’]
Ironmine 12-99 defeated Willalo 6-77
Mt Bryan forfeited to Booborowie
Hallett forfeited to Aberdeen
‘B’ Grade Ironmine I 9-87 defeated Booborowie 9-84
Ironmine II 11-84 defeated Willalo 7-83
59, 47, 22 Nov. 1938, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 10th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy. Best scores were from R. Kellock, H.H. Byles, J.E. Harris & R.G. Bernhardt.
59, 47, 22 Nov. 1938, pages 1 & 4
CWA observed International Day in the Rest room last Friday. Miss Isobel Ritchie, daughter of Sir George Ritchie, gave an address on Ceylon.
59, 47, 22 Nov. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 26 November
Ben Bernie & Alice Faye in Wake Up and Live
Roger Pryor & Leila Hyams in One Thousand Dollars a Minute
Fire broke out on the allotment between Dr Steven’s and L. Gordon’s residences on Saturday morning and burnt grass before being extinguished by the Fire Brigade.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 12 November.
Lean’s Shaft. 80ft level: driving in slate advanced 14ft to 104ft.
Adit advanced 13ft to 61ft requiring timbering.
Obituary. Mrs J. Doherty of Gum Creek died in Adelaide on Monday from heart trouble. She was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Cousins of Booborowie. [Born Ellen Cousins 16 Jun 1885 Booborowie: died 21 November 1938 Stepney, residence Green Creek; presumably an error for Gum Creek. See extended obituary 59, 48, 29 Nov. 1938, page 4.]
Obituary. Mrs S. Treloar, relict of Frank Treloar late of Kooringa, died at her daughter’s residence in Croydon on 22 November aged 86. [Born Sarah Esther Greenslade 9 May 1852 at Watervale.]
Obituary. Mr William Atkinson, father of Mrs Alick Kellock of Kooringa died at Overland Corner 21 November aged 85. [Possibly the William Atkinson born 9 March 1853 at Willunga.]
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club: the club tournament is to commence 3 December.
Mr & Mrs Dan. E. Williams of Bridge terrace celebrated their golden wedding today. Mr Williams id the son of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Williams, pioneer of Baldina and later of Broken Hill. Mrs Williams is the second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Morgan of Baldina. They were married at the residence of the bride’s parents by Primitive Methodist Minister Rev. Samuel Gray. Later Mr Williams took up land at Ironmine until he retired to Kooringa. Mr Williams has been active on the Burra Show Committee and in the Liberal & Country Party. They had four sons and one daughter. One son George was killed in action in France. And E. Sydney Williams and Jack Williams, now of Booborowie also saw service. The youngest son Fred lives at Henley Beach and the daughter Rose is Mrs L. Dixon.
59, 47, 22 Nov. 1938, page 3
The RSL Report says that the Armistice Day ceremony on 11 November was well attended and the branch is very much alive.
Lutheranism in Australia celebrates its centenary. There is an article of just over 2 columns.
59, 47, 22 Nov. 1938, page 4
Tennis. Burra assoc.
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 12-94 defeated Hallett 6-67
Mt Bryan 20-83 defeated Willalo 8-87
Aberdeen 13-102 defeated Booborowie 5-70
‘B’ Grade Willalo 10 sets defeated Ironmine I 8 sets
Ironmine II 9-80 defeated Hallett 9-72
Election: A reminder that voting in the forthcoming by-election for Wakefield on 12 December is compulsory.
59, 48, 29 Nov. 1938, page 1
Burra Town Council, 21 November
The Unemployment Council advises that a special cash grant for Christmas Cheer will be available as usual. Male participants are to work for the amount and are not to be paid before the week ending 23 December.
Jeffery & Byrne’s offer of £2-10-0 for the disused rotunda fence was accepted.
Riding of bicycles across the swing bridge has been banned. Notices will be erected.
Cr Lott wanted a light placed in front of Drew & Crewes’ store until it was occupied. Council decided it was unnecessary.
The Council’s drays, harnesses etc. are to be sold.
Cr Lott said he was assured the swimming pool committee had a fair sum in hand and work could soon start. He suggested £400 be set aside for it.
The Mayor said when enough money was raised by the committee the Council’s contribution would be forthcoming.
Cr Lott said he had heard the Mayor had said Council had insufficient funds at present.
The Mayor refused to answer further questions on the subject.
Christmas Cheer money is to be spent on cleaning up the cemetery.
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 14-100 defeated Mt Bryan 4-48
Aberdeen 10-84 defeated Willalo 8-80
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 11-84 defeated Ironmine I 7-74
Ironmine II 15-101 defeated Mt Bryan 3-61
59, 48, 29 Nov. 1938, pages 1 & 4
Wakefield By-Election
A meeting at the Institute was addressed by R.L. Butler (a former Premier), Senator P.A. McBride & Mr A.D. McDonald MP, with Mayor S. Kellaway in the chair.
Senator McBride spoke on defence – nations of the east were the main threat – the navy had to be built up – Germany had three pocket battleships which had to be countered. The voluntary militia was to be increased. He favoured Universal Training. Munitions works were being expanded. Planes had to be obtained from the USA and a factory established – he hoped for 200 planes by the end of 1939.
Mr Butler endorsed the words of the senator – Australia needed a staff of highly trained officers and 70,000 reservists. He favoured a new international agreement. The low price of primary products was depressing the economy and should be controlled by stabilising the price of wheat. He favoured setting a home consumption price. He was in favour of the flour tax.
[Page 4.]
Secondary industries were also needed and he looked forward to the water supply reaching Whyalla and subsequent steel works there. He was alarmed by the influx of southern European migrants ‘and they were not the best type either’.
A.D. McDonald said he admired Mr Butler and had been surprised when he had resigned as Premier to enter federal politics. He admired his courage and endorsed him as a fearless fighter for SA.
59, 48, 29 Nov. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 3 December
Jean Harlow & William Powell in Libelled Lady
Wallace Beery & Jackie Cooper in O’Shaughnessy’s Boy
Weather. Rain fell on Sunday: 28 points locally. Useful falls to the east ranged fro 25 to 46 points generally.
Marriage. St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Adelaide, 12 November
Mildred R. Mann, only child of Mr & Mrs H. Mann of Baldina, married
Thomas I. Williams, second son of Mr & Mrs T.M. Williams of Willila Station, Carrieton.
Bowls. At Eudunda on Saturday Burra defeated Eudunda by 3 points.
Croquet. At Eudunda on Saturday Eudunda defeated Burra 52-41.
59, 48, 29 Nov. 1938, page 3
Leighton Hall Strawberry Fete on 26 November in aid of hall funds. A dance followed.
Booborowie Methodist Fete was held in the Memorial Hall 19 November and took just over £78.
Ironmine Strawberry Fete was held on 12 November was a great success and grossed c. £25.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church held anniversary services on 20 November when Rev. C.R. Dadds preached.
59, 48, 29 Nov. 1938, page 4
Obituary. Mrs J. Doherty of Gum Creek died at the residence of her late sister Mrs John Frazer at St Peters on 21 November. Her sister had died suddenly and Mrs Doherty arrived in the city in response and almost immediately succumbed to shock and grief. She was 53 and the fifth daughter of the late Mr & Mrs P. Cousins pioneer farmers of Booborowie and married John Doherty of Gum Creek who survives with the following family: Tom Doherty, Misses Mary & Claureen Doherty & Master John Doherty who is 16. Mrs Frazer was buried on Wednesday morning at West Terrace Cemetery and Mrs Doherty at Kooringa in the afternoon. Mrs Doherty was one of a family of eight brothers and six sisters. Surviving brothers: W.J. Cousins (Booborowie), J.V. Cousins (Cambrai), P.J. Cousins (Brighton) and sisters: Mrs T.P. Madigan (Spalding), Mrs P. Beaumont (Bordertown) and Mrs E. Johnson (Mt Barker). Mrs J. Frazer & Mrs P. Shane are deceased as are Messrs A.J., Michael, Joseph & Dick Cousins. [Born Ellen Cousins 16 Jun 1885 Booborowie: died 21 November 1938 Stepney, residence Green Creek; presumably an error for Gum Creek.]
[Obituary. Mrs Michael Jon Frazer born Elizabeth Cousins 12 May 1881 at Booborowie died 21 November 1938 at St Peters.]
59, 48 (2), 6 Dec. 1938, page 1 [Second use of Number 48 in this volume.]
Burra Rifle Club. In the 11th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy the best scorers were Jock Pexton, R.J. Jeffery, P.W. Hogan & F.T. Marston. Half way through the season the position for the trophy is Darrel Field 19 points from A.B. Riggs 13 and Ron. Kellock 12. For the marksman’s trophy H.H. Byles 23 points leads Pat Aughey & W. Mumme each on 19 and F.T. Marston 18.
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 9-79 drew with Booborowie 7-73 on account of rain
Mt Bryan forfeited to Aberdeen
Hallett 13-89 defeated Willalo 5-73
‘B’ Grade Willalo 10-99 defeated Hallett 8-82
Ironmine II 12-94 defeated Mt Bryan 6-76
Accident. J.W. Mannion was working on their property at Clifden Carrieton when his horse fell and rolled on him, breaking his hip, tearing ligaments and fracturing his pelvis. In two hours he managed to crawl half a mile to a road, but no traffic passed. He then managed to get his dog to go home with a note. His brother and wife arrived about an hour later. He crawled into the car, as they were unable to lift him and was eventually driven 50 miles to Orroroo Hospital where he has spent six weeks.
59, 48 (2), 6 Dec. 1938, pages 1 & 4
Farrell’s Flat RSL Re-union Dinner is reported in c. 2 columns.
59, 48 (2), 6 Dec. 1938, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 8 December
Errol Flynn & Anita Louise in Green Light
Joe E. Brown & June Travis in Earthworm Trackers
The Mayor’s Christmas Fund has been opened with £5 from Reg. Warnes of Woolgangi.
Accident. Edward James Irlam of Kooringa was driving to ‘The Gums’ on Monday when his buckboard struck a guard post past Diprose’s Bridge and rolled over down the embankment, breaking the windscreen etc. Irlam sustained a broken collarbone and cut hand and his old age pensioner passenger hurt his ribs. Irlam was arrested for driving under the influence of liquor.
Mr C.J. Pearce (82) has been forced to resign his position as secretary of the local Rechabite Lodges, male and female, on account of failing health after 62 years of office in connection with the lodges.
Mr & Mrs C.F. Whittney have left Burra for Gumeracha. After some years in business in the town Mr Whittney has severed his association with Whittney and Tiver garage proprietors. He also had a connection with the Racing and Golf Clubs and was on the Burra School Committee. Mrs Whittney aided at social functions and was a member of the Golf Club and worked with the Brownies and Girl Guides as well as singing in St Mary’s Choir.
Dick Kearns of Kooringa, eldest son of Mrs J. Kellaway, leaves next week to join the office staff of one of the Broken Hill Mines. He has been secretary of the Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club.
59, 48 (2), 6 Dec. 1938, page 3
Redruth Strawberry Fete was held in the Methodist Memorial Hall last Saturday and was opened by Mrs Roy W. Humphrys of ‘Blink Bonnie’. Results were satisfactory.
[Personal interest: Ted Fuss was one of those in charge of cool drinks and Mrs R. Fuss was one of those on the sweets stall.]
Children’s Frolic at Hanson Memorial Hall on 3 December is reported with a list of children and their costumes.
Tanunda Swimming Pool details are provided as a guide for Burra, running for almost 1 column. The total cost of the pool with electric light, one spring board, two ladders and dressing rooms and lavatories and a surrounding fence was £705 without the cost of the land.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co.
Mr I.J. Warnes spoke at a meeting of shareholders on Wednesday. He considered the continued closure of the mine had serious implications for the whole field. The company presently owed £34 to creditors and £92 to the Government. The meeting was adjourned to 16 December due to the absence of the Chairman of Directors who was interstate and Mr Warnes urged a good attendance on that date. Lack of funds will prevent formal notification of the meeting to shareholders.
An article published on 17 May showed that 35 tons 10cwt of ore averaged 6oz 14dwt 1gr from 8 November 1937 to 13 May 1938. This was obtained under local management, but the management reverted to putting all through the battery, which was a method that had not worked according to the report. The results are now seen in the closure of the mine. The company seems to have worked on principles followed in other places where they own mines even though the geologists have said that at Mongolata there is no reef stuff, but gold has to be found by following seams – a process which on Byles’ could be carried out on a much larger scale than on other successful mines on the field. Shareholders should safeguard their interests at the meeting and ensure the mine is carried on using methods that have proved a success in the past.
59, 48 (2), 6 Dec. 1938, page 4
Marriage. Holy Angels Church Farrell’s Flat 26 November
Eileen M. Monaghan, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs H.P. Monaghan of Farrell’s Flat, married
Walter Francis (Frank) Phelps, third son of Mrs & the late Mr Phelps of Riverton.
Willalo Catholic Ball was held in Willalo Hall 24 November and proceeds will aid the Sisters of St Joseph at Kooringa by about £7.
E.W. Hawker of East Bungaree Brinkworth writes as a relative of the late Charles Hawker MP, whose death resulted in the Wakefield by-election, urging voters to support Mr Butler.
59, 50, 13 Dec. 1938, page 1 [Number 49 not used.]
Bowls. At Clare Wednesday 7 December
Burra defeated Clare by 20 points
At Kapunda on Saturday Kapunda defeated Burra by 2 points.
Burra Town Council, 5 December
Mr Bednall reported Mr Villis had been fined 5/- plus costs for permitting stock to stray on the road.
J.G. Carpenter was granted lease of the creek paddock from the Church of England to the mill for £6 p.a. provided trees were fenced to prevent damage.
The Mayor said he had launched a Christmas Fund for the poor.
Cr McWaters enquired about plans to widen the Mine Bridge – if they went ahead a light pole had to be moved.
The Clerk said no plans had yet come to hand.
Clarrie Whittney was given a farewell at the RSL rooms on Wednesday. He is leaving to carry on a business at Gumeracha. Mr K. Drew presided and other speakers were Messrs L.M. Gordon, Hill, Dollman, G. Tiver (partner of Mr Whittney for 9-10 years, P.L. Rosman, Mr Coverdale, R.C. Lott, R. Jeffery, Tamblyn, L. Quinn, Crang, C. Bruce & H. Armstrong. Mr Tiver said that while partners they had never had a cross word and he felt it was more like losing a brother than a partner. They had been through good and bad times together and he hoped Mt Whittney would do well at Gumeracha.
The Red Cross Circle has donated £20 for Christmas Cheer, sending £10 to Keswick Hospital, £7 to Angorichina and £3 to the Baby Clinic.
59, 50, 13 Dec. 1938, page 2
Advt. G.H. Dow is selling furniture etc. and allotments 51A and part 54 at the corner of Ware & Church Sts.
Advt. Citizens’ Defence League. A public meeting is called for the Council Chamber on 14 December to consider forming a branch.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 December
Shirley Temple & Victor McLaglen in Wee Willie Winkie
Claire Trevor & Donald Woods in Big Town Girl
The Mayor’s Christmas Fund stands at £8-16-0.
University Music Exam Results are printed for students of Misses E. & N. Milligan.
Mongolata goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 10 December
Adit driven to 101ft. Timbering not needed for the last 20ft.
The Brownies Christmas Tree Party is reported.
59, 50, 13 Dec. 1938, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. The pairs sweepstake match held on Saturday over 500 yards was won by N.J. Villis and C. Hopkins from H.H. Byles and W.K. Pexton.
Burra School. Local contractors have plans for improvements in hand.
Staff successes at University Examinations:
Miss M. Edington: Economics I
Mr L. Draysey: Accountancy II
Mr L. Braddock: Economics II (Credit)
Mrs C.F. Whittney was farewelled at the Parish Hall on Saturday evening. Representatives of the Church, Golf Associates & Girl Guides spoke and made presentations.
R.H.B. (Dick) Kearns was farewelled by the staff of Mr M.W. Bednall solicitor with whom he had been working and by other tenants of the building before leaving for Broken Hill last night. He was also wished well by Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook at the close of the Kooringa Methodist service last Sunday evening.
Obituary. Henry C. Webster died suddenly on 9 December. He had been in town in the afternoon, returned to his Springbank property, went out with a lad he employs to do the milking and dropped dead in the cow yard. Mrs Webster was in Adelaide and the lad contacted Mr Crawford Webster of Shafton, the deceased’s brother. The deceased was the second son of the late H. Webster of Shafton and was born 22 June 1891 [near Clare] and educated at Copperhouse School after which he took up grazing and farming with his father. When war broke out he enlisted in 32nd Battalion and saw service in France. On his return he resumed farming and when Springbank estate was cut up he acquired a block. In 1927 he married Miss Grace Lloyd, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Lloyd of Ironmine who survives with three young children. The cortege on Sunday afternoon was one of the longest for many years and many returned soldiers were present and were led by Mr Stanley Hawker the President of the RSL, they formed a guard of honour and six acted as bearers.
Obituary. Mrs Dow, mother of Graham H. Dow, died at Glenelg on 13 December aged 69. She was before her marriage Sister Dale, charge nurse at Burra Hospital. [Anna Mary Dow died 13 December 1938 at Adelaide, residence Glenelg.]
59, 51, 20 Dec. 1938, page 1
Redruth Christian Endeavour Society gave a Christmas Tree for the elderly of the community last week and entertained 40-50 guests.
Citizens’ Defence League. A branch of the league was formed in Burra at a meeting in the Council Chamber last Wednesday chaired by Mayor S. Kellaway. A committee of representatives from all sporting and public bodies was formed. A meeting is to be held in January when a Staff Officer from headquarters will be asked to address them. A letter from SA Defence League was read outlining the purposes – essentially the league was a non-political and non-sectarian organisation to promote militia forces and aid the Ministry of defence and act as a link between citizens and Government.
Burra High School held its Christmas Party last Tuesday.
SAR. Train Timetable for the summer period 5 December 1938 to 3 February 1939.
To Adelaide:
Monday Departs Burra 6.50 a.m. arrives Adelaide 10.15 a.m.
Departs Burra 1.33 p.m. arrives Adelaide 4.45 p.m.
Tuesday to Saturday Departs Burra 6.17 a.m. arrives Adelaide 9.35 a.m.
Departs Burra 1.33 p.m. arrives Adelaide 4.45 p.m.
To Burra:
Monday to Friday Departs Adelaide 7.45 a.m. arrives Burra 11.23 a.m.
Departs Adelaide 6.10 p.m. arrives Burra 9.35 p.m.
Saturday Departs Adelaide 7.45 a.m. arrives Burra 11.23 a.m.
Departs Adelaide 6.50 p.m. arrives Burra 10.25 p.m.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its Christmas party last weekend.
59, 51, 20 Dec. 1938, page 2
Burra Seaside Picnic Meeting is called for 22 December at the Institute.
The Mayor’s Christmas Fund has reached £12-16-4.
Redruth Methodist Church special service on Christmas morning will dedicate a Baptismal font, the gift of an anonymous donor.
St Mary’s. Rev. Christopher Gray from Tailem Bend has accepted the invitation to replace Rev. Donald Redding. He has previously served at St John’s Adelaide and at Pinnaroo. He will come in mid-February.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 24 December
Irene Dunne & Cary Grant in The Awful Truth
Charles Quigley & Rosalind Keith in Find the Witness
26 December
Carole Lombard & William Powell in My Man Godfrey
Smiley Burnette & Gene Autrey in Springtime in the Rockies
28 December
Jane Withers & Robert Kent in Angels Holiday
George Saunders & Delores Del Rio in International Settlement
Leighton Christmas Tree was held for the thirtieth time by Mrs I.J. Warnes for the children of Leighton & Ayers Schools. After the arrival of Father Christmas and the distribution of gifts there was dancing.
59, 51, 20 Dec. 1938, page 3
Burra Rifle Club. The best three results from the Christmas Shoot were by J.E. Harris, R.J. Kellock and C. Hopkins.
Burra Town Council, 19 December
A letter from the Institute asked permission to use £30 of the £60 from Council to be spent on renovations to the front of the building rather than on overdraft reduction. To lie on the table till next meeting.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 17 December.
Adit: driving continued to 116ft through two promising veins of ore, one about 3” wide and the other about 9” wide.
Work has now ceased till after the Christmas holidays.
Rainfall figures for Burra from 1880-1938 (except for December 1938) are printed.
Characteristics of the paper in 1938
In general the paper carried a good deal of local news supplemented with articles of a general interest and a good many reflecting the rising political tensions in Europe. These general articles acted as fillers and fluctuated considerably. They included a good many humorous items.
There are no editorial as such, though there are occasionally editorial comments or editorial point of view in major articles.
Page 1
A few large advertisements and considerable news.
Page 2
Smaller advertisements, sales, public notices, film advertising and sometimes smaller items of local news. News sometimes starts here and sometimes on page 3.
Page 3
Some advertising and a mixture of local and other news with a fluctuating amount of ‘fillers’ of a general nature.
Pages 2 or 3 usually had somewhere a column of ‘People We Know’: a column of local comings and goings. School notes for the activities of the district’s schools are a regular feature.
Page 4
Large advertisements and some overflow of news and fillers from page 3.
Numbering of Issues in 1938.
The year began with Volume 59, Number 1 on 4 January 1938.
And continued to Volume 59, Number 51 on 20 December 1938.
There was one anomaly: No. 48 was used for both 29 November & 6 December and No. 49 was not used.
60, 1, 3 Jan. 1939
Page 1 Advertisements
Walker & Sons Shoe Store
Fred M. Pearce Hardware, Paints, Builder & Contractor
Guy Dollman Burra Motor Co. Agent for Wolseley & Austin Cars & Reo Trucks, Caterpillar Tractors and Horwood & Bagshaw Farm Machinery, Oxy Welding
H.J.B. Jennison Tyre Service
C.J. Pearce & Son Furniture repairs, Upholstery, Mattresses
Whittney & Tiver Garage, Ford and Westinghouse Agents
W.G. Terry Tailor, Kooringa
Page 2 Advertisements
Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc.
Wilkinson’s Pharmacy, Kooringa
T.H. Thomason Agent for Malvern Star Bicycles
M.T. Fuller Agent for Shearer Farm Implements
C. Leslie Phillips Dentist
_____________ Burra Talkies
Biggs’ Burra Hotel
_____________ Excelsior Bakery
Page 3 Advertisements
Sara & Co. General Merchants
_____________ The Modern Meat Store Phone 177
Nelson Hann Agent for Singer Cars
Page 4 Advertisements
W.E.D. Young Authorised Morris Dealer
Graham Dow Distributor for Radiola Wirelesses
Lomman’s Painters: Car, House & Signs
Wally Smith Kooringa Hotel: cheap beer
Other regular advertisers not in this issue:
Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd Auctioneers etc.
Bence’s Ltd Drapers & Clothiers
60, 1, 3 Jan. 1939, pages 1 & 4
Burra High School. The Annual Concert & Prize Distribution.
The event was severely curtailed by the epidemic of gastric influenza which afflicted both staff and students. Nevertheless on 20 December a varied and enjoyable program was presented and the main item cut was the Chinese play, whose main cast members were afflicted. The concert is reviewed in a little over 1⁄2 column. Due to the heat Dr Steele was brief in his speech as Chairman of the High School Council. He thought that this would be the last such assembly at the Institute, as by this time next year the school would have its own assembly hall. He spoke of the opportunities offered by education. Referring to the departure from town of Mrs G.H. Dow and Rev. Redding he praised them both for their contributions to the High and Primary Schools.
Due to last year’s infantile paralysis [polio] epidemic certificates etc. had not been handed out and this was now done by the Mayor. Leaving Certificates gained in 1936 were given to:
Frank Pearce Nancy Pearce
Intermediate Certificates gained in 1936 were given to
Milton Rice Jack Hooper Robert Schuyler
Joe Klaebe Roy Walker (completed) Bill Murison
Melva Woollacott Ron Carpenter Ruth Sara
Intermediate Certificates gained in 1937 were given to:
Geoff Rosman Errol Burdon Tom Ford
Maurice Edington Keith Dyer Patty Aughey
Clair Penrose (completed) Maxwell Morton (completed)
1938 Dux of School Patty Aughey
Top of Intermediate June Armstrong
Top of 2nd Year Charlie Hopkins
Top of 1st year Valerie Phillips
Top of 1st Year Commercial Daisy Faggotter
[Page 4. Other prizes are then listed.]
The Head Master’s report was then read for 1937 and 1938 – due to the postponement of the 1937 break-up.
The three main events in 1937 had been:
The formation of the Parents & Friends Association.
Good exam results.
Winning the Mid-North High Schools Sports Shield.
In exam results the school recorded:
3 Leaving Honours passes.
5 Leaving Certificates.
8 Intermediate Certificates.
Much additional school equipment was also acquired and the Domestic Arts Centre was modernised.
1938 saw a record enrolment due to a large First Year class.
The staff changed almost completely.
Two junior teachers were appointed and the school had a staff of 5. The Parents & Friends and the new High School Council elected in April, together with similar Primary School bodies convinced the Department of the need for immediate alterations to the school. The new High School Library is expected to be in use by the start of 1939 and the Assembly Hall will give the school a more equal footing with others. Money raised by the Parents & Friends Assoc. should fund a stage in the Hall and a bicycle shed and £25 goes to the library, attracting a £ for £ subsidy. The new aids of cinema, wireless and amplifier have been used to advantage in 1938.
60, 1, 3 Jan. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 January
Sonja Henie & Tyrone Power in Thin Ice
Michael Whalen & Gloria Stuart in Island in the Sky
Weather. No rain fell in December. 1905 is the only other year when this occurred. The total for the year was 16.06”. Although domestic rain water is running very low, for many the dry weather has been excellent for harvesting.
New Year. 1939 was ushered in very quietly. Previous years’ firing of guns, fireworks, noise and vandalism were noticeably absent.
Fire on 22 December swept through 50 acres of grass and stubble on M. de N. Lucas’s Braefoot property.
Burra Public School. The headmaster for several years Mr John McConnon is moving on and was given a presentation at the usual Christmas party.
Mr Edmund D.V. Chapman of Kooringa has written the words for the song Harvest Time, which is currently frequently being heard on the wireless.
Stephen Green of Hanson, son of Mr & Mrs George Green, was within half a mark of being top boy at Unley High School last year, just as he had been in 1937.
Redruth Methodist Church dedicated its new baptismal font on Christmas morning.
Christmas Eve was busy in Burra. There were more cars in town then ever before and by 8 p.m. parking places were virtually unobtainable. The evening was hot and business was brisk. The holiday period passed very quietly with only the Kooringa Lawn Tennis Assoc. Tournament organised. The weather was hot and muggy.
Burra Police Court, 20 December 1938
Edward James Irlam was fined £20 plus £1-18-6 or 30 days for driving under the influence of liquor on 5 December.
Obituary. Alec Napier Ratcliffe died on 21 December. He was the proprietor of the Royal Exchange Hotel. He was born in Castle St Adelaide, the only son of Mr & Mrs R.R. Ratcliffe and was aged 37. Death came after a very short illness. He was of a bright and happy disposition and had previously been responsible for the recreation branch of the SA Gas Co. In Burra he was one of the founders of the Burra Coursing Club and a member of the Burra Racing Club, President of the Burra Basketball Assoc. and a generous supporter of football, rifle, tennis, cricket and athletic clubs and other sporting bodies. When in Adelaide he had been State Champion in skating and held an Australasian record for a time. He had been the proprietor of the Royal Exchange hotel for 13 years, was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Burra Buffalo Lodge; recently formed. He was buried in the West Terrace Cemetery Adelaide and is survived by a widow and son. [Birth does not appear to be registered.]
Rev. D.L. Redding preached his last sermon as Rector on 1 January. Large congregations came to both Sunday services despite the temperature of 105°F for the day. He endeared himself greatly to his parishioners during his stay on Burra. With the numbers and the heat the farewells and presentations were held outside. Speeches were made by the wardens G.H. Dow & M.W. Bednall and a cheque for over £20 was handed over. P.L. Rosman spoke for the choir which presented a handsome reading lamp.
Mrs G.H. Dow was farewelled by members of St Mary’s on 25 December. Rev. Redding thanked her for her life-long connection with the church and her selfless services to it. Mr Hilary Fuss spoke of her interest in the Sunday school and both were supported by G.H. Dollman. Mrs Dow was born Myrtle Sandland and is a granddaughter of Mr J.M. McBride. Mr & Mrs Dow and the children, Graham, Reg. & Diana left last week to live in Adelaide in the interests of the children. Mr Dow responded for his wife.
60, 1, 3 Jan. 1939, page 3
Copperhouse School held a Christmas Tree & Social on 21 December. Father Christmas came and gifts and prizes were distributed.
Dux of the upper grades was Shirley Wohling.
Dux of the lower grades was Lois Finch.
Qualifying Certificates were awarded to:
Ian Steven Margaret Rogers Maureen Cullen
Graham Bettcher
Leighton School prizes were distributed on 22 December.
Dux of the upper school was Veronica Lynch.
Dux of the lower school was Charmion Klaffer.
Best Qualifying Certificate marks were by Dudley Field and Jack Lloyd also gained a Qualifying Certificate.
Booborowie School held its Christmas tree on 22 December with a concert, distribution of gifts, prizes and certificates followed by a dance.
Qualifying Certificates went to:
Jenette Stockdale Frank Stockdale Lloyd Reynolds
Eileen Hogan Ross Collins Aileen Hogan
Norman Webb Eileen Williams Flora Gill
Ross Tohl June Phillips David Morris
Jean Baynes
St Joseph’s Convent School held its Christmas tree on 14 December with a concert, gifts from Father Christmas and the distribution of prizes and certificates.
Qualifying certificates to: John Ryan Natalie Quinn
Hallett School held its annual concert and prize giving on 21 December in the Institute.
9 of 10 who sat gained their Qualifying Certificates.
Ulooloo School held its Christmas tree etc. on 23 December.
Red Cross. The Burra branch is to hold a meeting on 24 January to form a Voluntary Aid Detachment. This would be under the Department of Defence in time of war and would augment the Medical Services of the Army and the Volunteer Service Detachments.
60, 2, 10 Jan. 1939, page 1
Burra-Redruth Methodist Circuit held its quarterly meeting on Saturday. 208 church members were present.
Mr J. McConnon the departing Burra Primary School headmaster was given a presentation on 22 December.
60, 2, 10 Jan. 1939, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will sell the furnishings etc. of A.J. Wright who is leaving the district.
Advt. Burra Talkies 14 January
Ann Sheridan & Pat O’Brien in The Great O’Malley
Harry Richman & Rochelle Hudson in The Music Goes Round and Round
Floods. Isolated thunderstorms to the east have caused local flooding on Braemar Station.
Mt Bryan Road. A good gravel road is being made from Flagstaff to Mt Bryan – the road is tarred as far as Flagstaff [turn-off].
Salvation Army. Captain M. Rust who has been in charge locally left last week to take up her new duties at Gawler. She was given a farewell before leaving for her promotion. She has been succeeded by Captains M. Gibbons & Rosser.
Obituary. Miss Priscilla [Cilla] Pearce, [2nd] daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Pearce, died at Leighton House Kooringa today, 10 January, and was buried this afternoon. [Born 27 June 1873 at Kooringa. See a longer obituary at 60, 3, 17 Jan. 1939, page 3.]
Weather. The Heatwave
There has been no rain for two months and it has been extremely hot for the last five weeks. Shade temperatures at Burra have been very high:
5 January 103°F
6 January 104-106°F
7 January 107°F
8 January 109-111°F
9 January 108-112°F
There has been no rain in the town, but out east isolated thunderstorms are reported with even higher temperatures. Mongolata has been recording 112-116°F and on 8 January Ketchowla reached 118°F.
The heat has been killing fowls and sparrows. Magpies and starlings are seeking whatever shade they can find. Mr Chambers of Aberdeen says a similar heatwave in 1889 was followed by 8 inches of rain in April.
Porter’s Lagoon is not proving very useful in the heat. The water is low and very salty. Last year it was a veritable ‘seaside’ resort.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 12th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy on Saturday and the best four scores were by: C. Edwards, E.R. Pexton, R.J. Kellock & P.W. Hogan.
Black Springs School. Qualifying Certificates were gained by:
Valda Mickel Marie Rodda Douglas Harding
John Heinrich Jean Hopgood Mary Howard
60, 3, 17 Jan. 1939, page 1
Burra Town Council, 14 January
Council spent a long time discussing the new system of assessing fees for patients at Burra Hospital. The new system is to be based on an assessment by the Board of the patient’s ability to pay – similar to Adelaide Hospital.
Cr Robinson said the ward fee per patient was now 10/- a day. Many patients did not pay this much and it was still to be the fee unless the assessment was that they were unable to pay. The hospital had lost 28/- a month on each patient admitted. The Hospital is to be asked to provide a monthly report to Council.
The Hospital wants the road in front of it widened, as it is presently so narrow it causes a bottleneck resulting in broken fences. Council will inspect the site.
World’s End Creek has stopped flowing for the first time in 45 years – though pools of water remain. The Baldina spring by the ford is still flowing.
60, 3, 17 Jan. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 21 January
Francis Lederer & Madeleine Carroll in It’s All Yours
Richard Dix & Joan Perry in The Devil is Driving
Burra School. The headmaster Mr J. McConnon has been transferred to Forest [near Lenswood] in the Adelaide Hills and Mr T. Rice has been appointed to Burra.
Weather. Rain fell on Sunday. About 20 points was recorded locally and it was cooler. Some patchy thunderstorm activity extended to the east.
School Transport. A meeting will be convened at the Booborowie School by A.D. McDonald MP on 23 January to try to arrange for transport for students from Booborowie to Burra High School.
Brian Riggs has passed his Leaving Honours Examination with distinction. He attends Prince Alfred College.
Stock Road. A new stock road is to be made between Aberdeen and Mt Bryan. At present stock uses the main road, which damages the sides of it.
Weather. The Heatwave
Burra recorded 15 consecutive centuries last Saturday. 100°F was generally reached about 8.30 a.m. and the temperature stayed above 100° till about 10 p.m. The maximum reached in Burra was 112°F, but it is reported that 122°F was reached at Mongolata and 118°F at Ketchowla.
Birds and wildlife suffered greatly. Many birds were reported not flying away if approached, especially if water was offered. A West Coast settler reported coming back to his hut to find it full of birds of all sorts, seeking shelter from the heat and even hawks roosting with their usual prey.
Bowls. On Thursday night Bowlers defeated Tennis Players.
A Bushfire Appeal has been opened by the Town Council to aid Adelaide Hills Bushfire Victims.
Burra High School Examination Results
Leaving Examination:
Patty Aughey 5 subjects (1 credit)
Milton Rice 3 subjects
Maurice Edington 2 subjects
Miss M. Edington 1 subject
Miss Byrne of World’s End School 1 subject
60, 3, 17 Jan. 1939, page 3
Obituary. Miss Priscilla (Cilla) Pearce, who died on 10 January, was the second daughter of John Pearce the well-known builder & contractor. She was born in Kooringa and after education remained in the home. She was a keen sportsperson being prominent in tennis and fond of cricket and football. She had a lifelong interest in the Kooringa Methodist Church. Her health began to fail last September. Of a family of seven brothers and seven sisters the only survivors are now: Miss Gertrude Pearce (Kooringa), Mrs A.S. Dearlove (Ketchowla) and Messrs Edgar & Clem (Burra) and Alfred Norman & Oswald (Adelaide). [Born 27 June 1873 at Kooringa.]
Obituary. Mrs Rose Margaret Grow, relict of Louis Grow, died last week aged 74. She was a consistent attendant of Kooringa Methodist Church, but after the death of her husband moved to the city to be near her son. A few weeks ago she fell and broke her thigh. There were four sons of whom three survive: Wilfred, Hilton (Inspector of Police) and M-C Philip Grow (Pt Pirie). [Died 11 January 1939 at Adelaide; residence Balhannah.]
60, 4, 24 Jan. 1939, page 1
Bowls. At Burra last Wednesday Burra 47 defeated Cadell 44.
At Burra last Saturday Eudunda 97 defeated Burra 88.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 13th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy and best scores were by P.W. Hogan, R. Bernhardt, E.C. Hopkins & F.T. Marston. P. Hogan scored a double possible at 700 yards.
Seaside Trip. A meeting on Thursday at the Fire Brigade Station resulted in a decision to go to Semaphore on 11 February.
Burra Town Council, 16 February
East and West Wards are to share the cost of bituminising ‘the road from Chapel St to the Methodist Church Bridge’. [This doesn’t make much sense. It could mean Chapel St from Commercial St to the bridge near the Methodist Church, but the report in 60, 7, 14 Feb. 1939, page 1 reveals there was a word misplaced in the above, which should have read ‘the road from Chapel St Bridge to the Methodist Church’.]
Cr Lott wanted the road to the cemetery bituminised, but other Councillors were not in favour.
Cr McWaters wanted the road from Thamm’s and under the [railway] bridge dressed.
The cemetery road will be inspected.
60, 4, 24 Jan. 1939, page 2
Seaside Trip. Fare from Burra will be 7/6 with children 4-14 half price.
Notice. The [Anglican] Bishop of Adelaide will perform the induction of the new rector Rev. Christopher Gray at St Mary’s on Wednesday 1 February.
Notice. Syd. McHugh the Member for Wakefield thanks all his supporters at the recent by-election.
Mr & Mrs John Rosewall of Kooringa celebrated their golden wedding on 23 January.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 28 January
Jed Prouty & Shirley Deane in Love on a Budget
Peter Lorre & Jayne Regan in Thank You Mr Moto
Mid-North Polo Club went to Broken Hill last Friday comprising Rex Warnes (Captain), James F. Warnes, H. Warnes & T.M. Warnes.
On Sunday 22 January Mid-North 7 defeated Broken Hill 3. The two concluding matches were played yesterday and today. [See results in the paper of 7 February.]
Adelaide Hills Bushfire Appeal reaches £12-13-0.
Obituary. Mrs Emily Ivey died 19 January at the residence of her son Mr Roy Byrne [sic: error for Baynes] at Westbourne Park aged 88. The deceased was a long time resident of Leighton and Burra. She first married Mr John Baynes of Leighton where her family was born. He died 11 April 1895 and she resided in Broken Hill after her second marriage. Surviving family members are: Mrs J. Byrne (‘Cappeedee’ Hallett), Mrs P. Cousins (Booborowie), Ern Baynes (Largs Bay), Arch. W. Baynes (Kapunda), Ambrose Baynes (Barmera) & Roy Baynes (Westbourne Park). P.J. & J.L. Byrne of Kooringa are grandsons and there are several other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
[Born Emily Bennett 18 June 1851 at Linkinhorne Cornwall.]
Obituary. Charles Frederick Kotz died at Broken Hill after a brief illness on 20 January aged 23. He went there recently to work in the mines and died after contracting pneumonia.
The Barrier Miner reports that he was admitted to hospital on 14 January suffering from heat collapse and died 20 January aged 22. He was born at Riverton and went to Broken Hill about six years ago and for the last 12 months worked at North Mine.
[Make what you will of the two versions. He was born Charles Friedrich Kotz 23 June 1894 at Riverton.]
Senator P.A. McBride has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Elder Smith & Co.
School Transport. The Government will be approached to subsidise the transport of students from Booborowie using the mail run.
Burra Croquet Club. Eudunda 47 defeated Burra 35.
60, 4, 24 Jan. 1939, page 3
Mr & Mrs H.A. Banks were farewelled at last Sunday evening’s service at Kooringa Methodist Church. They have been in Burra 21⁄2 years and will leave town on 26 January. Presentations were made.
Burra Institute held its AGM on 23 January.
On 1 January 1938 they held 5,124 books. In the year 473 new books were added and 500 old books withdrawn.
12 scholars were given free subscriptions. Membership increased slightly.
On 31 December 1937 there were 56 double and 145 single subscriptions for a total of 201.
On 31 December 1938 there were 63 double and 152 single subscriptions for a total of 215.
In the year the Institute proposed to the Town Council that they take over the Institute. Ratepayers voted against the proposal, but one consequence was a receipt from the Council of £60. The Institute committee wishes to use a portion of that for much needed repairs to the front of the Institute.
The Government grant was up some £20 to £70-5-1 and was expended on the purchase of books. Elected for 1939 were: President, M.W. Bednall, Vice-President, F.L. Worth; Treasurer, A.B. Riggs & Secretary, W.E. Richards.
60, 4, 24 Jan. 1939, page 4
A Victory Social for Syd. McHugh the new MP for Wakefield was held at Quorn on 27 December.
[The report extends for 11⁄3 columns.]
60, 5, 31 Jan. 1939, page 1
Voluntary Aid & Volunteer Service Detachments were formed in Burra at a meeting in the Lodge Room 24 January, when 70-80 people attended.
Mrs H.H. Dutton of Kapunda, Assistant Controller for Country Districts of Voluntary Aid Detachments and Supervisor of Volunteer Service Detachments, addressed the meeting. Mrs Sandland Vice-President of the local Red Cross has only just returned from overseas where she saw the preparedness in England at the time of the recent crisis. The Mayor Mr Kellaway introduced Mrs Dutton.
Members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment would be under military control. Members are not paid and had to pass a series of exams – First Aid, Home Nursing, Gas Mask Drill, Motor Driving, Cooking, etc.
Volunteer Service Detachment recruits would not be required to go outside their home town, though they might be required to do the same work.
Dr Steele also spoke of the need for organisation in case of emergency.
Mrs Andrew Tennant was the Commandant for the VAD in this district – other officers will be chosen later.
Mrs D.M. Steele was the officer in charge of the VSD.
Motions to form both the VAD & VSD were passed.
Marriage. Cootra Hall, 14 January. [Central Eyre Peninsula]
Reta Joan Wilsdon, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Roy Wilsdon of Cootra and late of Hallett, married
Charles Frederick Leopold, second son of Mr & Mrs Leopold of Quorn.
60, 5, 31 Jan. 1939, page 2
Notice. The Church of England Day School will commence first term on 7 February.
Advt. Burra Talkies 4 February.
Loretta Young & Richard Green in Four Men and a Prayer
Michael Whalen & Lynn Barry in Speed to Burn
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic scheduled for Foundation Day Holiday was postponed due to lack of water.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co. directors are in town today and hopes are expressed that something will evolve from their visit.
‘Aequo Animo’ writes deploring the state of the cemetery road and agreeing with Cr Lott that work is urgently needed and that all wards should pay. The writer says it carries heavy lorry traffic and at times as many as 150 vehicles to a funeral. Bitumen or tar dressing is the only solution for a lasting job.
Burra Rifle Club. Peterborough Club visited on 30 January.
Burra 867 defeated Peterborough 802.
At the prize meeting at Gawler last Monday conditions were bad. H.H. Byles finished third after a shoot-off over the 600yd range. In the teams match Wasleys was first and then Gawler beat Burra by one point for second place.
Adelaide Hills Bushfire Appeal reached £27-14-6.
VAD & VSD will meet 7 February to settle enrolment so lectures on First Aid may begin as soon as possible. [The rest of the article, c. 1⁄2 column, urges the importance of the work and outlines again what it involves.]
60, 5, 31 Jan. 1939, page 3
Bowls. At Port Pirie. The report says Burra won by 8 points, though the results printed would seem to indicate a victory by 26 points.
Obituary. Miss Ellen (Nell) Phillips died on Saturday at Wodonga aged 73. She was formerly of Ayers St, but for 18 years had lived with her sister in Wodonga. She is survived by her sister Miss Mary Phillips of Wodonga and a brother Joseph Phillips of Adelaide. Miss Mary Phillips is now an inmate of a private hospital in Wodonga. [Born 24 December 1865 at Wallaroo Bay: died 28 January 1939 at Wodonga, Victoria.]
60, 5, 31 Jan. 1939, page 4
S.E. Fuller writes from the Royal Institution for the Blind to acknowledge £28 from the Hallett Institute towards a fund to build a hostel for aged and infirm blind to be erected as a memorial to the late Sir John Melrose. Subscriptions total £4,000-19-7 and building is expected to start soon.
60, 6, 7 Feb. 1939, page 1
Burra High School. Intermediate Certificate Results
8 certificates were obtained:
Bob Goble 7 subjects Don White 7 subjects June Armstrong 6 subjects (2 credits)
Jean Banks 5 subjects Jessie Morrison 6 subjects Dorothy McConnon 4 subjects
Bethel Smith 6 subjects Glen Kakoschke 2 subjects
Roy Sachse qualified in English + 5 subjects, but they were not the right grouping for a certificate.
A number of other students gained from 1-3 subjects on which they can build.
Adelaide Hills Bushfire Fund has reached £45-18-0.
Mr Reg. Barty secretary of the Burra Rifle Club was farewelled by members on Friday evening. He is moving to Gawler. He had also recently been elected Secretary of the Defence League. Various people spoke and Mr Barty was presented with a cut glass water set.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 14th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy. H.H. Byles, A.C. Aughey, W. Woodman & P.W. Hogan were the best shots.
Hartley B. Longbottom of Braefoot Estate writes to say that cows on their property were not being denied water as reported by some ‘observant person’ to police lately. They were watered separately from other animals.
60, 6, 7 Feb. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 11 February
Wendy Barry & Ray Milland in Wings Over Honolulu
Lyle Talbot & Polly Rowles in West Bound Limited
Bushfire Appeal Dance on 28 January in the Aberdeen Lodge Hall raised £11-10-0.
Seaside Trip. The downward trip will use the Centenary Train with Buffet Car. On the return refreshment stops will be made at Gawler and Riverton adding about 15 minutes to the journey.
Polo. Mid-North visited Broken Hill recently. A report from the Barrier Miner says the opening match drew over 1,000 spectators and Mid-North won 7-3. In the final and main match Mid-North won 5-3. [The report on 24 January says three games were played.]
The Anglican Boys’ Camp at Frankston, Victoria was visited by 21 boys from SA and three went from Burra: Reg. Dow, Rod McDonald & Tom Pearse. Proceedings are reported in c. 11⁄4 columns.
Mr & Mrs frank Sangster of Yunta passed through Burra last week and Mr Sangster looked up a few old friends. He is the youngest son of the late Dr J.I. Sangster Sen.
Mr H.A. Brooks, late manager of Drew & Crewes Ltd (which lately went into liquidation) has been appointed general manager of Messrs J.O. Tiddy’s Ltd of Ardrossan, Maitland, Price, Edithburgh & Weetulta.
60, 6, 7 Feb. 1939, page 3
Tennis. Burra Association
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 9-84 defeated Ironmine 9-80
Mt Bryan forfeited to Hallett
Booborowie 9-85 defeated Willalo 9-84
‘B’ Grade Hallett 15-100 defeated Mt Bryan 3-54
Booborowie defeated Willalo
Aberdeen 10-86 defeated Ironmine II 8-78
60, 6, 7 Feb. 1939, page 4
Burra High School. The PMG Department has agreed to co-operate in the transporting of students to Burra from Booborowie and would not object to the mail run being made five days a week if parents make suitable arrangements with the contractor.
60, 7, 14 Feb. 1939, page 1
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 10-85 defeated Willalo 8-78
‘B’ Grade Ironmine II 13-97 defeated Willalo 5-72
Aberdeen 15-106 defeated Ironmine I 3-60
Burra Town Council, 6 February
After inspection it was decided the road from Chapel St Bridge to the Methodist Church was not fit for sealing and it would be prepared in winter for sealing next season.
Council agreed to widen the road by the hospital by 3-4ft and to remove 3 or 4 trees as well as moving the fence and a light pole.
Cr McWaters reported on ‘Eyre Street Road’ [sic]. He said it seemed in good order, but for 3-4 chains at the north end and near Grow’s Bridge.
Cr Lott disagreed. The Mayor said a good lorry load of gravel would fix the problem. Cr Lott said the bridge needed to be bituminised.
Cr Jeffery said other roads were worse.
Chapel St to the Methodist Church and Thames St to the bridge are to be scarified in preparation for bitumen.
The Mayor said the Mine Bridge, which would be renewed, might come in handy if it were taken away intact – it belonged to West Ward. Resolved it be moved to Neumann’s Crossing.
Railway Terrace is to be top dressed.
SAR is to be approached about the station road – Council offering to repair it at SAR expense.
The road opposite the Kooringa Hotel and on the turn ‘going out East’ is to be top dressed with tar.
16” concrete pipes are to be put in the St Just St Ford.
It was resolved that the unemployed needed to be registered at the Corporation Office to be considered for any Corporation work in order to ensure a fair distribution of work.
60, 7, 14 Feb. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 18 February
William Powell & Myrna Loy in After the Thin Man
Spanky McFarlane & Rosina Lawrence in General Spanky
Obituary. W.J. McBride aged 51 was killed by a fall of earth at British Mine, Broken Hill on 4 February. He was the brother of Margaret & Bert Villis of Kooringa. [Not traceable in SA records.]
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 11 February.
Adit advanced to 134ft. Will continue adit another fortnight and then drive south to connect with old workings.
W. Satchell of World’s End reports seeing a huge ball of fire pass through a bank of dark clouds and then burst into a brilliant white. Several Burra residents also saw this beautiful falling star.
VSD had 40 members enrolled at the first meeting on 7 February.
Obituary. Mary Mallon, world famous as ‘Typhoid Mary’ has died in New York aged 70.
Bowls. At Burra on Saturday: Clare defeated Burra.
Croquet. At Burra on Saturday: Clare 27 defeated Burra 26.
Adelaide Hills Bushfire Relied Fund reaches £48-2-1.
60, 7, 14 Feb. 1939, page 3
Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce and their daughter Miss Annie Pearce will be leaving Kooringa in about one month to live in Malvern. Mr Pearce was born at Springbank 2 March 1856. His father was then farming there. For many years he has been an undertaker and cabinetmaker in Kooringa. He has also been associated with the Rechabite Lodge for over 70 years and has long been its secretary. The Lodge will give him a farewell in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on 20 February. His parents arrived in Burra in February 1847, having come on the David Malcom [sic]. Mrs Pearce was born on 12 August 1859 and is a daughter of Mr A. Thomas a late prominent Government Assayer. She has for years been prominent in philanthropic work and especially with the Red Cross Circle which only recently sent away a parcel of clothes she had made herself for the Adelaide Hills Bushfire Victims.
Burra Swimming Pool
The committee has commissioned an engineer and architect to draw up plans for a pool 100ft x 30ft and intends to call tenders for its erection in the coming winter. It will be from 3ft to 8ft deep and will also have a 30ft x 8ft wading pool 2ft deep. At present they have £500 available and anticipate the remaining £250 needed will be forthcoming when the work begins.
Burra High School opened the year with about 65 students. It is hoped the Booborowie transport scheme will be in operation within the year. Parents are disappointed it is not operating now. The cost should not be much as the Government will offer 1/- per day subsidy and 1/6 to those who cannot afford any extra costs.
The Seaside Picnic was held on Saturday after a lapse of two years. The weather was excellent and the provision of the Centenary Train was greatly appreciated. The train was roomy and the usually cramped compartments were not missed. Most Burra folk were home be fore midnight.
60, 8, 21 Feb. 1939, page 1
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 10-86 defeated Aberdeen 8-88
Mt Bryan 11-90 defeated Booborowie 7-81
Hallett 15-105 defeated Willalo 3-66
‘B’ Grade Ironmine I 12-92 defeated Ironmine II 6-72
Aberdeen 12-94 defeated Willalo 6-75
Hallett forfeited to Booborowie
60, 8, 21 Feb. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 February
Sonja Henie & Don Ameche in Happy Landing
Lyle Talbot & June Lang in One Wild Night
Advt. Saturday 4 March Thorpe McConville’s Wild Australia Rodeo & Circus Sensations.
First Tour of SA. Prizes for local riders. See ‘Rocky Ned’ & ‘Swanee’ in action.
[Wild bucking bullocks.]
Advt. Burra Races 9 March. Gentlemen 4/-, Ladies 2/- (plus tax).
Free Transport to and from the course in Halls’ & Bevan’s Motor Buses.
Race Club Ball at the Institute in the evening will aid Bushfire Relief Fund.
Weather. After a brief respite from the heat with 15 points of rain in Thursday, the heat returned. Patchy thunderstorms to the east brought falls of between 4 and 20 points with heavier recordings at Balah (45), Collinsville (38), Old Koomooloo (35) and Redcliffe (34).
Mr C.J. Pearce was given a social at Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on 20 February when he resigned after 62 years continuous service as secretary.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its Harvest Thanksgiving services last Sunday. Rev. J.A.H. Andrews of Redruth preached in the morning and Mr Hedley Beer of Adelaide in the afternoon and evening. Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook assisted in the evening.
CWA. Mrs E. Jettner (Vice-President) presided at the first meeting for the year on 17 February. Mrs A. Tennant spoke on DSV activities. VSD is to be lent the CWA Rest Room free of charge.
‘A constant User’ writes agreeing with Cr Lott that the Cemetery Road is unsatisfactory for pedestrians, even if passable for ‘modern streamlined cars’.
Burra Town Council has considered putting the Market Square pump into service again due to the present shortage of water in many houses. It is estimated repairs would cost £9-10-0. The water in the well is crystal clear and suitable for drinking, but if left for any time develops a skin on top.
Mt Bryan. A VSD Detachment was formed on 14 February.
60, 8, 21 Feb. 1939, page 3
Marriage. Wednesday 15 February at Redruth Methodist Church
Freda Heinrich, second daughter of Mr & Mrs A.G. Heinrich of Flagstaff View near Burra, married
Arnold Heinrich, elder son of Mr & Mrs Charles Heinrich of Burra.
Pastor Hoff (Lutheran) officiated.
Burra Rifle Club. 15th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy saw best results from C.D. Pexton, C. Edwards, R. Bernhardt & J. Schwier. C.D. Pexton scored 102 off the rifle.
Obituary. Mrs M.A. Jones died at her residence in Booborowie on 9 February. She was born in Victoria in 1868, but spent most of her life in SA. Her husband the late W.A. (Billy) Jones died 41 years ago. Mrs Jones had a long connection with the hotel business in SA and had conducted hotels at Quorn, Wilmington, Peterborough and Price as well as the Bon Accord Hotel at Burra. More recently she has a farm at Booborowie. She was buried at Payneham Cemetery beside her late husband. She is survived by her family of: Mrs P.J. McIntyre (Booborowie), Mrs B.H. Woodgate, (Booborowie), Mr Arthur Jones (Belalie North) & Miss Ivy Jones (Pt Pirie). There are six grandchildren.) [Born Margaret Ann McCracken.]
Burra High School has an enrolment of 70: one below last year’s record. Mr Taylor of Adelaide has been appointed to the staff.
60, 9, 28 Feb. 1939, page 1
Tennis. Burra Assoc.
‘A’ Grade Ironmine 12-95 defeated Willalo 6-79
Aberdeen 15-103 defeated Mt Bryan 3-49
‘B’ Grade Willalo 10-91 defeated Ironmine I 8-78
Hallett 13-100 defeated Ironmine II 5-68
Aberdeen 13-101 defeated Mt Bryan 5-61
Burra Town Council decided to try to get the Whyalla pipeline to pass through Burra. Present choices seem to be between a Burra route or a route through The Gap and Hanson. Clare was working hard to get it to go through there.
60, 9, 28 Feb. 1939, pages 1 & 4
Mr Charles J. Pearce was given a social on Tuesday 21 February by members of the Male, Female and Juvenile Tents of the Rechabite Lodge. Mr Pearce was retiring after 621⁄2 years as secretary. He will be 83 on 2 March and only resigned at the end of 1938 due to failing health. He has been a member of the lodge for 72 years. He has since regained his health. As well as a large attendance of Rechabite Lodge members other Lodges were also represented:
Bro. R.W. Bowey District Secretary IOR, Adelaide
Bro. Ern Fuller PNG & Bro Alwin Pearce (Secretary) represented the IOOFMU
Bro. E.J. Davey represented the AOF
Bro. C.S. Preiss PP of the Buffalo Lodge
Bro. A.B. Riggs PCR occupied the chair and the Mayor & Mayoress attended.
Speeches are reported from A.B. Riggs, R.W. Bowey, Mr John Drew, Edlie Thomas, The Mayor, Rev. Tilbrook and Ern Fuller.
The chairman presented Mr Pearce with a handsome Westminster chiming clock.
Mr Pearce in responding said he had been elected secretary when 20 and meetings were held in the Baptist Church, now the Council Depot. At the time Mr White kept a school there and we paid him 5/- to hold out meetings. Officers were a strict lot in those days and members not conducting themselves in accordance with the rules were fined. After a few years meetings moved to the Institute, where they have been held ever since. When he became secretary he said the funds were between £50 and £100. A few years ago when the District Consolidated the Lodge handed over £5,000 to the District. He recalled working well with the surgeons of the tent: Doctors Dashwood, Cave, Sangster Sen. & Jnr, Nesbitt, Brummitt, Caw, Ashton, Steele & Steven. He also mentioned District Secretaries and District Meetings.
60, 9, 28 Feb. 1939, page 2
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. will sell furniture and property at 2.30 p.m. on 10 March under instruction from A.E. Pearce and Elder’s Trustee & Executor Co.
Lot 1. Pt Allotment 3 & Pt Allotment 24 with 180’3” frontage to Chapel St and 50ft to Church St, with an 8-roomed stone house, etc. Old System Title subject to rights of way. [Leighton House]
Lot 2. Allotment 72B Kooringa with frontage of 34’11” to Commercial St and depth 219’9”. Pearce’s Building divided into 10 offices.
Lot 3. Pt allotment J Kooringa with frontage of 68’7” to Chapel St and depth 155’8”
[Some portion of the block opposite Leighton House.]
Advt. Burra Talkies, 4 March
Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers in Swing Time
Robert Armstrong & Sally Eilers in Without Orders
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 25 February.
Adit extended to 140ft in hard quartzite. Discontinued.
Now driving south 8ft on a 9” face towards old workings.
Will have to sink a winze with intention of hauling through to the old workings for ventilation.
Also started drive north 7ft on 9” face. Will drive about 20ft and sink a winze to try for another slate bed.
RSL held its AGM on 18 February.
President G.S. Hawker reported a successful year. They had 85 members and the Queen Competition and Sports Day provided a sound financial position.
New arrangements: room and lockers outside leased for £8-8-0 p.a.
The Distress Fund Appeal: £137 was raised and forwarded by the sub-branch.
Sports Day & Queen Competition etc. raised £220-4-6. £100 was paid to the local relief fund.
Of the total profit £168-19-1 came from the Queen Competition. The profit of £25-17-0 on the sports makes it doubtful if the effort is justified.
Anzac Day & Armistice Day services were well attended.
Finances at present show £186-14-0 in the General Fund and £130-18-0 in the Local Relief Fund.
Elected: President, G.S. Hawker; Vice-Presidents, D. Keynes & S. Genders; Secretary, H.E. Fuss & Treasurer, M.T. Fuller.
It was decided to hold an Anzac Sports Day and a dinner and to contact the Waikerie Band concerning the Anzac Service.
60, 9, 28 Feb. 1939, page 3
Weather. Rain began falling on Friday and has continued till today. These are the best rains for February in 59 years with 251 points in Burra to the present. The 342 points in 1928 came in torrential downpours whereas this has been more useful steady soaking rain. The eastern mail due back in Burra Sunday night has not yet arrived and the mail from Hallett to Braemar is stuck somewhere en route. A long list of falls for the eastern area is printed ranging from 112 points at Aldina to 372 at Pualco, but falls from 200 to 250 points were general. Falls west of Burra were lighter. Gum Creek had 50 points and the Springbank area 60-70.
Burra Rifle Club was engaged at Pt Adelaide Range on Saturday for the Country teams’ Championship. Langhorne’s Creek won for the 13th time in 16 years. Burra came 4th:
Langhorne’s Creek 1443
Murray Bridge 1413
Gawler 1398
Burra 1393
The best of the Burra shooters were J.H. Schwier, R.J. Kellock, A.G. Heinrich & P.W. Hogan.
Obituary. William Norrell James died Thursday 23 February. He was born at Princes Town. This little place then lay between Kooringa and Mr F. Dew’s old homestead, near Springbank. The late Mr James was born in 1856, the son of the late Mr & Mrs Richard Poole James, early pioneers. After schooling he helped his father and then before marrying took up farming. He married Miss Emma Rebecca Richardson Whetstone, daughter of Mr & Mrs John Whetstone of Luton near Clare on 8 April 1878 at St Michael’s Church Bungaree near Clare. At that time he was helping his father farm at Armagh. Later he was employed for over 20 years by Mr Angus on Baldina Station. (‘Black Hills’ was then the name of Mr Barker’s station now known as Baldina.) He retired to Victoria St Aberdeen, originally the home of one of the officers of the Burra mine and directly opposite the home of the late J.D. Cave, first Town Clerk of Burra.* His widow and six of eight children survive: Richard Poole James (Booborowie), Norrell James (Mutooroo), W. Les. James (Kooringa), H.O. Bert James (Adelaide), Melvin C. James (Adelaide) & Mrs Paul Baynes (Pandama NSW). There are 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. [William Norrell James born 14 May 1858 Ardmore (Burra): died 23 February 1939 Kooringa, residence Aberdeen. ‘Ardmore’ is perhaps an incorrect transcription of Ashmore: a small subdivision further west than Princess Town and near Copperhouse. * He lived at Victoria Place not Victoria St and J.D. Cave was the fifth Town Clerk from October 1884 to January 1889. The Council Assessments suggest that the name Victoria Place was given to Mr James’ house as above and to the two houses on the opposite side of the road; also known as Snake Gully.]
Miss Kathleen Weckert appointed to Burra School a month ago has been transferred to Dudley School near Clare.
Mongolata Goldfield
Byles’ Mongolata GM Co.
Mr I.J. Warnes, formerly a director, has now been appointed permanent Chairman of the Board of Directors.
‘Now the mine has restarted there will be a big move one way or the other.’
Morgan-Whyalla Pipeline. The Public Works Standing Committee will inspect the proposed site for the pumping station at Morgan and one of the proposed routes in early March. They will later traverse the alternative route.
60, 9, 28 Feb. 1939, page 4
Redruth Methodist Church held its Harvest Festival last Sunday. Rev. J.A. Andrews preached for the three services.
Burra Town Council, 20 February
Effect has been given to the proclamation concerning Ward Boundary alterations.
The Burra Hospital Board has declined to furnish a report of its doings to Council, but says it is within the powers of the Council’s representative on the Board to furnish such.
The Town Clerk reported the removal of battens from the bottom half of the shed at the Kooringa Children’s Playground. The remaining battens will be removed and police asked to keep an eye on the place.
Tubercular Soldiers’ Aid Society makes its annual appeal. Locally this was left in the hands of the Mayoress Mrs S. Kellaway.
60, 10, 7 Mar. 1939, page 1
Burra Rifle Club. In the next stage of the Club Championship the best results were from E.C. Collins, A.C. Aughey, J.E. Harris & P.W. Hogan.
60, 10, 7 Mar. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 11 March
Clark Gable & Jean Harlow in Saratoga
Freddy Bartholomew & Jackie Cooper in The Devil is a Cissy
Obituary. Jim White, husband of Elsie White, died on 3 March at ‘Wildotta Farm’ near Burra. Father of Bob, Mavis, Don & Ross. [James Richard White]
He died after a short illness at his residence ‘Wildotta Farm’. Mrs White was in Burra at the time. He was born at Burra 21 November 1893; the second son of the late Mr & Mrs J.J. White of Porter’s Lagoon near Farrell’s Flat and was educated at Black Springs and Wheetelande Schools and since then has been farming. The Burra Show Society mourns the loss of a good worker. He took an active interest in sports, social activities and church. He was a valued officer of the Redruth Methodist Church and a member of the Ironmine Church. He married Elsie, eldest daughter of Mrs & the late Mr H. Motherall of Kooringa on 13 December 1916 at Hanson Methodist Church. A widow, three sons and one daughter survive: Mr Bob White, Miss Mavis White and Masters Don & Ross White. He leaves three brothers and two sisters: Messrs Arthur, Rub & Leslie White and Mesdames Degnan and Vale of Hyde Park. The funeral on Sunday was largely attended with 137 cars in the procession. Rev. J.A.H. Andrews (Redruth) and Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook (Kooringa) both returned from conference for the funeral. Bro. E.S. Blunt read the Oddfellows Service.
Weather. Late reports of recent falls extend the numbers reporting from around 2” to about 3”.
Mongolata Goldfield
Curlew Claim had a payable 6oz from 26 tons last week. Gold from this mine we believe is worth £9-4-0 an ounce. Walter Edwards is now manager. The work has been curtailed for some time due to sickness among the men, but a full team is expected to be operating shortly.
LCL Burra Women’s Branch. A letter was sent to T. Playford congratulating him on being appointed Premier of SA and a reply was received.
Notice. Holden Bros. Circus de Luxe will appear in Burra Saturday 18 March.
60, 10, 7 Mar. 1939, page 3
Burra Burra Show Inc. held its AGM on 6 March in the Eastern Telephone Building. The President paid tribute to the late James White as one of the best workers for the society – energetic, reliable and straight. In the past year the society also lost two prominent members with the deaths of Sir John Melrose and C.A.S. Hawker MHR. Sir John had paid to shift the sheds to the new showgrounds and had given £75 towards the building of Centenary Hall.
Elections saw the return of the same officers unopposed.
The Sheep Dog Trials on 22 & 23 April 1938 drew large entries. Mr A.G. Drew lent the sheep.
The trees planted are doing well, but must be watered in their first year.
The Annual Show on 29 October was a great success. Entries were well up to previous years. During the year we entertained the New Zealand agricultural tourists. We spent £61-8-0 on improvements – mostly on removing poultry coops and enlarging the shed over them and installing new pigeon coops.
The special railcar from Adelaide made a loss of £7-5-0 and maintenance costs were £13-7-2.
A large crowd made the trip to Sturt Vale last year and an invitation is extended this year for 3 April while Mr Codrington is there.
Various financial matters were discussed, especially concerning attempts to get relief from rates and taxes. Elected were Patron, C. Bartholomaeus; President, I.J. Warnes; Vice Presidents, A.B. Riggs & S.H. Robinson and Secretary, M.S. Edwards.
The next show will be on Wednesday 25 October 1939.
Sheep. There is a short humorous article of c. 1⁄4 column on the character of sheep and the difficulties of keeping them.
60, 11, 14 Mar. 1939, page 1
Burra Racing Club held a successful autumn meeting on 9 March. The course was in good order and the results are printed. The main race was the Burra Handicap (1st £35, 2nd £7 & 3rd £3.) run over 11⁄4 miles and won by A. Reed’s rn g Glenaides ridden by M. Raven.
Tennis. Burra Association.
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 11-90 defeated Booborowie 7-83
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 10-97 defeated Booborowie 8-78
Ironmine I forfeited to Mt Bryan.
60, 11, 14 Mar. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 18 March
Shirley Temple & Jean Hersholt in Heidi
Claire Trevor & Michael Whalen in Walking Down Broadway
Advt. Royal Blind Review Co. will appear at the Institute 28 March 1939.
Obituary. Thomas William Byrne aged 74 died 10 March at Burra. He was the husband of the late Catherine Anne Byrne and father of Alice Mrs Williams, Mary Mrs Pens, and the late Thomas John Byrne of Peterborough. He was grandfather of Alice and Lawrence Ward and great-grandfather of little John. [Born 4 July 1866 Portland Estate SA. See more on page 3 of this issue.]
Burra Town Council, 6 March
A letter from the Burra hospital Board says the Board did not desire to publish an official report, but the Council’s representative could report if he so wished.
Elder, Smith & Goldsbrough, Mort reply that they are not prepared to assist financially in repairing the road from the saleyards to the main road.
Cr Lott urged action perhaps in conjunction with the Peterborough Council to try to get the Morgan-Whyalla pipeline through Burra.
The Mayor wanted a public meeting first, as he did not want to see people paying for water passing through their properties if they did not want it, but as yet they had nothing to put to such a meeting.
The Town Clerk said the Commissioner’s party was out taking evidence and would soon be in Burra.
It was resolved that the Mayor and Town Clerk would interview the Engineer-in-Chief Mr H. Angwin and his party when they visit Burra.
Cr Lott again complained of the dusty state of the Cemetery Road.
Cr Terry said Thames St was in a far worse condition.
He also asked if the Council had any information on the swimming pool, as he was on the committee, but had never been notified of a meeting.
Cr Jeffery said he had heard nothing since specifications came.
The Mayor knew nothing in the last 12 months.
Cr Lott said a meeting would be held in a few days and from that something concrete would be placed before the Council.
60, 11, 14 Mar. 1939, page 3
Adelaide Hills Bushfire Relief Fund benefited by £15-0-0 from a dance in the Institute after the Burra Show.
Obituary. Thomas W. Byrne who died on 11 March was a well-known Burra identity. On leaving school he worked at the Burra Smelting Works, but afterwards spent most of his life in the outback. Before the railway reached Broken Hill he carted goods with bullock teams to Broken Hill and to White Cliffs opal field. He sank many dams on Canegrass and other stations in the north and was employed on the Bundaleer Waterworks. For many years he worked for I.J. Warnes & Sons. More recently he had great faith in Mongolata Goldfield and worked there for 41⁄2 years. In 1889 he married Miss Catherine A. Morrison and two of six children survive: Alice Mrs Fred Williams & Mary Mrs Norman Pens. There are 21 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Tennis. Sunday
Kooringa Tennis Club 10-108 defeated Burra Tennis Association 7-87.
Burra Tennis Association Premiership Points
‘A’ Grade ‘B’ Grade
Ironmine 24 Aberdeen 18
Aberdeen 22 Ironmine II 16
Hallett 21 Booborowie 14
Booborowie 11 Hallett 14
Willalo 6 Willalo 12
Mt Bryan 6 Ironmine I 6
Mt Bryan 4
Mr & Mrs C.J. Pearce & Miss Annie Pearce left Kooringa on Thursday 9 March for Malvern. Both Mr & Mrs Pearce were born in Burra, but in her early childhood Mrs Pearce’s parents, Mr & Mrs Andrew Thomas left the town. At 21 Miss A. Thomas returned to Burra as a milliner for Samuel Drew & Co. and later married Mr C.J. Pearce. Mr Pearce was born at Springbank near Burra 83 years ago. A proposed social by Methodist friends was cancelled on medical advice due to Mrs Pearce’s indisposition, but on Tuesday last a presentation was made at home of an Onkaparinga Rug and a handsome handbag for Mrs Pearce.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School picnic which had been postponed due to lack of rain was held at Gum Creek Station on Saturday last by kind permission of H.F. Saunders, manager. A good outing was had by all and use of the roomy shearers’ quarters with fires lit and water boiling by Mr Saunders was greatly appreciated.
Constable C.E. Boyce will leave Burra this week for Freeling after 5 years here. Both he and his wife will be missed in Redruth Methodist Church circles. M-C Martin from Adelaide will join Sgt J. Edington at Redruth.
60, 12, 21 Mar. 1939, page 1
Burra School Welfare Club held its 1st AGM on 7 March. Officers were re-elected except for the Vice-Presidents who are now Mrs F.T. Sara & Mrs W. Richards.
60, 12, 21 Mar. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 March
Anton Walbrook & Margot Grahame in Michael Strogoff
Guy Kibbee & Una Merkel in Don’t Tell the Wife
Holden Bros. Circus visited Burra last Saturday and gave a varied and thrilling program.
TB Soldiers’ Aid Appeal benefited by £7-10-0 from badge sales.
Redruth Methodist Church began a branch of the Order of Girl Comrades last week.
Croquet. At Clare last Saturday Burra 47 defeated Clare 38.
Tennis. At Clare on Sunday Clare 4 rubbers 11 sets defeated Burra Lawn Tennis Club 4 rubbers 9 sets.
Morgan-Whyalla Pipeline. The Commission enquiring into the best route was in Burra on Monday. The Town Clerk and several Town & District Councillors met the Commissioners. A.D. McDonald MP chaired the meeting. The Commissioners said Burra would be given a chance to present evidence and information concerning costs would be available. Two routes were under consideration, one of which included Burra.
Mt Bryan East Methodist Church celebrated its Harvest Thanksgiving services on 12 March when Rev. C.R. Dadds preached.
60, 12, 21 Mar. 1939, page 3
Booborowie St Patrick’s Day Cycle & Athletic Sports was held in aid of the local Catholic Church on 18 March. Entries were good and the results are printed.
The Methodist Autumn Fair organised by Kooringa Methodist Girl Comrades, the Ladies Guild and World’s End Ladies was held on 17 March in the Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall. Proceeds were over £12.
Hugh Angwin Engineer-in-Chief of Adelaide Water Supply who visited Burra with the Whyalla Water Scheme Commission is a son of the late Rev. T.B. Angwin who spent a term here with the Kooringa Methodist Church.
Obituary. Mrs Rice of Farrell’s Flat is in the Burra Hospital Maternity Wing, having suffered the bereavement of the death of her baby daughter. [Patricia Rice died 19 March 1939 aged 36 hours. Father was George Hilsdon Rice.]
Bowls. At Clare on Saturday Clare 101 defeated Burra 86.
Tennis. Burra Association Semi-Finals
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 10-90 defeated Booborowie 8-75
Hallett 11-94 defeated Ironmine 7-83
‘B’ Grade Hallett 12-102 defeated Ironmine II 6-72
Aberdeen 9-88 defeated Booborowie 9-81.
60, 13, 28 Mar. 1939, page 1
Marriage. Recently at St John’s Church, Newland, Hull, England
Walter James Isaac, eldest son of Mr James Isaac and the late Mrs Isaac of Aberdeen, married
Miss Edie (Bette) Hawkesly, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs T. Hawkesly of Hull.
Burra Rifle Club visited Pt Pirie on Saturday and fired matches against two local teams in difficult conditions of bad light and a thick & heavy mirage. The match was a double ten shots over 600 yards. Port Pirie No. 1 1079
Burra 1008
Pt Pirie No. 2 978
Road Accident. William Kakoschke, carrier of Aberdeen, was seriously injured in a motor accident 41⁄2 miles south of Gawler on 19 March and is still in hospital at Gawler. The truck was involved in a collision with a car driven by Duvall Parr, a hawker of Hilton. Clement Norman Kakoschke was driving his father’s truck and those injured were Mr Kakoschke and his son Glen. Mr Kakoschke sustained a broken shoulder and concussion. Glen has leg injuries and broken fingers. Mrs Kakoschke received minor injuries. Mr K. Murdoch, schoolteacher of Copperhouse, and other members of the Kakoschke family were returning from Seventh Day Adventist meetings in Adelaide. Mr Kakoschke was riding on the trailer which received the full impact of the collision.
[A note on page 2 of the same issue says Glen Kakoschke has returned home.]
Burra Town Council, 20 March
Burra Burra Show Inc. has written asking for a meeting to be called to consider the re-naming of the Kooringa Post Office. It was resolved that the matter would lie on the table.
VSD has 56 members and First Aid lectures are in progress. The Officer-in-Charge is Mrs Andrew Tennant with Mrs D.M. Steele as 2nd Officer and Miss Marjorie Davey is Quarter-Master.
60, 13, 28 Mar. 1939, page 2
Notice. A Soap-Box Derby is to be run on Saturday 15 April for ages 6-14.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 1 April
Joan Davis & Tony Martin in Sally, Irene & Mary
Warner Oland & Virginia Field in Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo.
Obituary. The father of Mrs George Ganley of Kooringa has died at Hawker. [Charles Rowe was apparently born 3 September 1882 at Wilson and died 21 March 1939 near Hawker. He was the father of Mrs George Ganley nee Gertrude Honora Rowe.]
Burra High School. The Parents & Friends’ Assoc. held its 2nd AGM and Elected were President, Mrs A.B. Riggs; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames J. Edington & A.L. Kellock; Secretary, Mrs M. Miels; Assistant Secretary, Mrs G. Dollman & Treasurer, Mrs F.T. Sara.
Burra Benevolent Society held its first meeting for the year. For President Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook it was his last meeting before his departure.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 25 March.
Adit. A chamber was cut for a windlass. A winze was started; sinking 10ft following slate down to connect with the 100ft level.
Leane’s Shaft. At 100ft level driving towards the adit advanced 13ft to a total 71ft.
60, 13, 28 Mar. 1939, page 3
Loyal Burra Burra Lodge No. 10 MUIOOF celebrates its 90th birthday on 23 March. A banquet followed the normal lodge meeting.
60, 13, 28 Mar. 1939, page 4
Morgan-Whyalla Pipeline. Following the establishment of BHP’s blast furnace it is estimated that 500,000,000 gallons will be needed annually and the provision of this by the SA Government was a condition of the blast furnace’s erection. Evidence to the recent Commission proposes in addition to provide 900,000,000 gallons for places en route with the total 1,400,000,000 gallons to be provided by pumping two shifts per day. The cost is estimated at £2,409,000 of which mains account for £1,725,960. Pumping costs for Whyalla’s needs are £134,000, but twice this volume would cost £146,000. The full 900,000 allocated for use elsewhere would not be needed for many years. Tests show river salinity compares favourably with metropolitan sources.
60, 14, 4 Apr. 1939, page 1
The Royal Blind Revue Concert Co. paid their annual visit to Burra on 28 March and once again attendance was anything but creditable to Burra. Total door takings were only £8 and with competitions the total was a little over £11. The concert was good.
N. Hiles Pearse writes about a recent report on snakes’ eggs being found near Burra and says they were undoubtedly carpet snakes’ eggs. He says that while not numerous, they are found at ‘The Gums’ where they favour timbered country in the Burra Creek overflow. [The first report had suggested they were black snakes’ eggs, but this was later discounted because black snakes bear live young.]
Sheep Stealing. On Friday at Burra Police Court Harold Frederick Saunders, late manager of Gum Creek Station and Johnson Garfield Carpenter were charged with stealing 50 lambs valued at £50 the property of Sir Walter Duncan. They were committed for trial at the Supreme Court in Adelaide.
Mr Battye of Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. noticed the lambs at the Abattoirs Market. They were sold through Oates & Co. and as all Gum Creek sales went through his company he thought it odd and contacted Sir Walter Duncan. When questioned, Saunders eventually admitted he was in desperate financial straits and admitted his guilt. Evidence was given by Harry Beaumont Battye.
Henry Herbert Brown, boundary rider for Gum Creek said Mr Saunders had instructed him to bring in a mob of 300 sheep off the lucerne and he and Mr Saunders had then drafted off 45-50 lambs and he was instructed to put them in the shed. They were gone in the morning. He did not at the time suspect the lambs were being stolen.
Detective Sgt William Gill of Adelaide said that when they interviewed Carpenter he had said he did a little dealing and prior to taking the 50 lambs to the market they had been at Woollacott’s. He had sold them through Oates & Co. and got £40-12-0 and something for them and had the cheque at home. He insisted he had not picked them up at Gum Creek Station. He was told they had been identified as belonging to Sir Walter Duncan and that Saunders had said Carpenter had picked them up at 7 p.m. on Tuesday last and loaded them on his truck. Carpenter then admitted he had done so and that Saunders had asked him to sell them in his own name. He added that Saunders had come to him c. 9.30 p.m. the previous night and said if questioned he was to say he got them from Woollacott’s. Saunders had refused to take the cheque then, saying he would pick it up later. He admitted taking three or four lots of sheep away for Saunders on previous occasions.
Gill said that Saunders had not told him whether or not Carpenter knew the lambs were stolen.
Detective Sgt Walters of Adelaide said Saunders told him he had been manager of Gum Creek for about 26 years. He had sent 50 lambs to market by a carrier named Carpenter; that he has mustered the sheep alone and no one had help draft them. He had not told Carpenter to use any particular agent. He said he did not have the cheque for the lambs. When later confronted Saunders admitted his wife had been ill and they had a lot of doctor’s bills and he needed money. He admitted that Carpenter had sold sheep for him previously on three or four occasions, but he could not give dates. Saunders did not say that Carpenter knew the sheep were stolen.
Mr Philcox for Carpenter said there was no admissible evidence that Carpenter knew the sheep were stolen. All that could be said was that he was in possession of stolen goods without evidence that he knew they were stolen. He had lied to police at the request of Saunders and he had thought Saunders had the authority to sell the sheep. The Bench decided there was a case to answer.
J.G. Carpenter reserved his defence and was bailed.
H.F. Saunders pleaded guilty and did not ask for bail.
[For the outcome see 60, 16, 18 Apr. 1939 page 2.]
60, 14, 4 Apr. 1939, page 2
Advt. Anzac Sports at the Racecourse 29 April 1939.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 April
Irene Dunne & Robert Young in Magnificent Obsession
Larry Blake & Beryl Wallace in Air Devils
8 April
Jean Harlow & Spencer Tracy in Riff-Raff
Virginia Bruce & Ted Lewis in Here Comes the Band
10 April
George Brent & Beverly Roberts in God’s Country & the Woman
Pat O’Brien & Humphrey Bogart in San Quentin
M-C H.V. Armstrong has been transferred to Nuriootpa after four years at Kooringa. M-C Dodrell from Marion will succeed him here.
Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook gave his farewell addresses at Kooringa Methodist Church on Sunday last before moving to Archer St Methodist Church in North Adelaide, but unforseen circumstances have meant he will be here next Sunday.
M.A. Radford of Canegrass writes supporting suggested moves to change the name of the Kooringa Post Office to Burra.
The Soap-Box Derby planned for 15 April has been postponed until Saturday 22 April because it clashed with the Sheep Dog Trials and Horse Events.
60, 14, 4 Apr. 1939, page 3
Obituary. Mr Edward (Ned) Fitzgerald died on 28 March. He was the third son of the late Edward & Johanna Fitzgerald and was aged 75. He lived in the old home in Vineyard Terrace Kooringa with his sister Mary Mrs Dawe who is c. 80. The deceased died in his sleep from heart trouble. Two brothers Tom & William attended the funeral and Mrs Dawe is at present an inmate of Burra Hospital.
[Born 27 December 1863 Kooringa: died 29 March 1939 Kooringa. He was single.]
The Salvation Army.
On Friday at the invitation of the lady officers Captains Gibbons & Prosser a goodly crowd assembled at the Salvation Army Hall for the opening of the new domestic quarters. The interior was set for the afternoon tea that was to follow. The opening was performed by Divisional Commander Lieut. Col. Ede from Adelaide. The Town Clerk E.J. Davey stood in for the Mayor who was out of town on holidays. Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook attended as did the contractor Mr L. Clode and Mrs Clode. Visitors were welcomed by Captain Prosser and Mr Davey then spoke. He recalled the early days of the Salvation Army in Burra when they met in the old Anglican Church on Limestone Hill and spoke of the resistance to them, even from within the Council. Rev. Tilbrook also spoke in support. Mr Clode handed the key to Lieut. Col. Ede who said he and Envoy Aberg were responsible for the scheme which had cost £308. They had raised £157-10-0 towards it. The Col. Then opened the quarters at the rear of the hall. A side entrance opens into a passage: on the right is a kitchen and new stove. The passage leads to a dining room with linen press, wardrobe and cupboards on one side. Off the sitting room on the western side are two bedrooms. The laundry and bathroom at the rear are equipped with all necessities. The furnishings at minimal cost have been chosen well. The afternoon’s takings aided the cause by £10.
Tennis. Burra Association
25 March ‘B’ Grade Final: Hallett 12-93 defeated Aberdeen 6-73
1 April ‘A’ Grade Final Hallett 10-90 defeated Ironmine 8-80
Girl Guides Executive met on 28 March. The resignation of Mrs Whittney as Brown Owl was accepted with regret. Miss Lott was appointed Brown Owl. A Guide Camp will be held in the September school holidays.
Burra Rifle Club shot the 17th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy with best scores from R.G. Bernhardt, E.C. Collins, N.J. Villis & W. Nankivell.
60, 15, 11 Apr. 1939, page 1
Burra Town Council, 4 April
Resolved on Cr Robinson’s motion that the wheel of the war gun near Dr Steven’s be repaired.
Aberdeen Ballast Quarry. Many thousands of yards of ballast have been taken from the quarry on Elisha Ford’s property and at times 50-60 men have been employed. Why it has been closed in favour of a quarry at Sleep’s Hill is not known – at the time the contractor said he could supply it as cheaply as Sleep’s Hill Quarry. Cr Lott said the Council should move to have the quarry re-opened. Cr Jeffery said he had argued at the time with the Commissioner who tried to convince him it was as cheap to carry ballast to Terowie from Sleep’s Hill as it was from Burra. A motion for a deputation to wait on the Commissioner on this matter was carried.
Burra Town Council decided last meeting to buy a watercolour of Kooringa depicting the Burra Mine in the days before the open cut. Mr H. Dingle of Adelaide has offered it to them for £3, though he had paid £5 for it.
Mr Davey the Town Clerk had written to P. Milner asking him to have a look at the picture. The latter had said it was a painting of the Mine in 1847 and should be of value to the town.
Cr Lott moved that it be purchased (he had seen it). Motion carried.
60, 15, 11 Apr. 1939, pages 1 & 4
Rev. & Mrs Tilbrook were accorded a farewell social on 3 April after a term of three years. Rev. Tilbrook now goes to Archer St Methodist church in North Adelaide. There was a very large attendance as Rev. Tilbrook had endeared himself to the circuit. Also following the death of Rev. A. Dyer he took over the Redruth Circuit for nine months and so was close to those at Redruth, Hanson and Ironmine as well as those in the Kooringa Circuit. So large was the gathering that it was held in the church rather than the Lecture Hall. Speakers are reported. They were: Mrs Clem Pearce for the Ladies Guild, Mr H. Jennison as Steward of Redruth Church, Mr W.H. Lloyd for Ironmine Church, Rev. Andrews for Redruth Circuit and Mr J. Drew for the congregation and Sunday school. Miss G. Pearce read Mr Edgar Pearce’s tribute as Treasurer of the Trust to both Rev. & Mrs Tilbrook and also conveyed the good wishes of the choir in the unavoidable absence of Mr G.E. Dane. Capt. Prosser spoke for the Salvation Army, Miss Connie Crewes for the Girls’ Club, Mr M.G. Culley for Hanson Church, Mr S. Kellaway as senior steward, Mr C. Pascoe & Mr J.G. Sara also spoke. Rev. Tilbrook responded giving thanks for the several presentations of the speakers and Mrs Tilbrook also responded. Mrs Tilbrook received a crystal salad bowl from the ladies of Farrell’s Flat Methodist Church and on Sunday last Rev. Tilbrook received a fountain pen from the congregation. He was also farewelled by Redruth Christian Endeavour Soc. on Thursday and Mrs Tilbrook was given a pottery vase by the Ladies’ Overseas Auxiliary on Wednesday.
60, 15, 11 Apr. 1939, page 2
Advt. T. Stephens & son will sell at the Wool Exchange in Brookman Buildings in Grenfell St Adelaide on 5 May 1939 on instructions from the 1st mortgagees:
Lot 1. Pt Allotment 78 Kooringa Frontage 85’3” to Commercial Street and 84’2” at the rear with a depth of 221’6” and with a private road on the west side. The improvements are four large shops connected by arches with counters and shelving therein and large sheds, motor shed and bulk store and cellar. [Formerly the premises of Drew & Crewes.]
Lot 2. Allotments 93 & 94 New Aberdeen with a frontage of 132ft and depth of 165ft with a very large stone building or bulk store with a substantially built wooden floor.
Note the cash railway system in Lot 1 is the property of Mr Sara and is excepted from the sale.
Lot 2 is subject to an existing tenancy.
Advt. Burra Burra Sheep Dog Trials at Aberdeen 14 & 15 April.
Advt. Series of Popular Dances in Oddfellows Hall Aberdeen beginning 15 April.
Admission 1/-. W. Woollacott’s Band. [A list of dates is printed.]
Advt. Mock wedding of Monsieur & Madame Après la Guerre at Burra Institute 19 April with dance to follow. Proceeds to aid the RSL.
Advt. Burra Talkies 15 April
Loretta Young & Virginia Bruce in Wife, Doctor & Nurse
Joe E. Brown & Marian Marsh in When’s Your Birthday?
60, 15, 11 Apr. 1939, page 3
Annual Trip to Sturt Vale Shearing, 3 April
12 cars conveyed 56 district residents to I.J. Warnes & Sons’ Sturt Vale Station on 3 April. Recent rain made the track less dusty than usual. The visitors were greeted by Mr Warnes and his three sons. Before lunch the visitors took a trip to North Koomooloo to inspect the lucerne growing in the watercourse. Some 2,000 acres are now under lucerne from 18” to 30” high and some 9,000 bales have been cut and stacked by the watercourse. Water was flowing in the main channel. Billy Carpenter, in charge of the food for the shearers, provided a sumptuous dinner for the visitors. Mr Codrington, Wool Instructor for the School of Mines, gave a 20-minute talk on wool, marketing and grading. Mr Stan Kellaway paid tribute to the work of Messrs Warnes and Sons and Mr Warnes and his son Rex responded. The shearing shed was then visited and many questions asked of the wool-classers. Afternoon tea followed and then a return to Burra, which was reached about 6.45 p.m.
Marriage. At Easter at Hallett Methodist Church
Marjory Blight, youngest daughter of Mr Arthur Blight of Hallett, married
Mr William Ashby, second son of Mr & Mrs W.B. Ashby of ‘Ashrose’, Hallett.
Marriage. Saturday 8 April at Booborowie Methodist Church
Frank H. Hancocks, younger son of Mr & Mrs Hancocks of Yacka, married
May Lomman, second daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Lomman of Booborowie.
Kooringa Football Club held its AGM and E. Fuller was elected President. The club ended last season in credit £16-10-0.
Leighton Golf Club will begin its season on 22 April.
60, 16, 18 Apr. 1939, page 1
Burra Rifle Club visited Auburn on Saturday
Burra 721 defeated Auburn 579
Tennis. Burra Easter Tournament
Men’s Championship Singles A.K. Johnson
Men’s Championship Doubles A.L. Collins & W. Quinn
Women’s Championship Singles Yet to be played
Mixed Championship Doubles I. Burden & Miss M.V. Pearce
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘A’ Grade I. Burden
Men’s Handicap Singles ‘B’ Grade L.H. Thomas
Men’s Handicap Doubles Thomas & Terry
Women’s Handicap Singles N. Murphy
Women’s Handicap Doubles K. Hogan & M. McEvoy
Mixed Handicap Doubles Scholz & Miss Hogan
60, 16, 18 Apr. 1939, page 2
Advt. Dalgety & Co. will sell the Assigned estate of A.E. White, Section 119 Hd Reynolds comprising 356 acres freehold on 28 April 1939.
Notice. Tenders are called for alterations and renovations to the garage of H.J.B. Jennison in Commercial St Kooringa.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 22 April
Freddie Bartholomew & Spencer Tracy in Captains Courageous
Franchot Tone & Madge Evans in Exclusive Story
25 April
Peter Lorre & Dolores de Rio in Lancer Spy
Jed Prouty & Shirley Dane in A Trip to Paris
Mr & Mrs Alexander Harris celebrate their golden wedding. Alexander Harris, the only son of the late Mr Alex Harris, married Janet Jessie Henderson, second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Henderson of Kooringa, on 17 April 1889 at Kooringa. Their present address is 21 Black St Vaucluse, Sydney NSW.
Norman Hiles Pearse of ‘The Gums’ is growing ponderosa [sic] tomatoes of wonderful size. One sent to us weighed 1lb 41⁄2oz. Other varieties were climbing potato leaf, white beauty and navel gem and each one weighed over 1lb.
Burra Light Horse won the tent pegging at the recent Regimental Sports at Gladstone against 25 other competitors.
A Series of Dances to aid St Joseph’s Church was started last Saturday in the Aberdeen Lodge Hall.
Sheep Stealing Charges. Following recent proceedings against H.F. Saunders & J.G. Carpenter they appeared in the Adelaide Supreme Court on Friday 14 April. H.F. Saunders was sentenced to three years in jail and J.G. Carpenter was acquitted.
Rev. V. Secombe & wife arrived in Kooringa on Friday to take over the Kooringa Methodist Circuit.
Burra-Redruth Methodist Circuit Quarterly Meeting was held 1 April. There were 207 members on the roll. Other matters discussed were routine.
60, 16, 18 Apr. 1939, page 3
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church, 7 April
Geoffrey Neale, eldest son of Mr & Mrs H.G. Neale of Teatree Gully, married
Phyllis Wahlert, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs W.H. Wahlert of Kooringa.
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 8 April
John Terry, second son of Mr & Mrs William Terry of Kooringa, married
Nell Kuchenmeister, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs G.C. Kuchenmeister of Kooringa.
Hallett Easter Sports were held on Easter Monday and drew a large crowd and competitors from across the state. The flag flew at half mast in memory of the late Hon. J.A. Lyons Prime Minister of Australia.
Sheep Dog Field Trials were held at the Aberdeen Showgrounds last Friday & Saturday in good weather. Attendance was better than for some years. Mr A.G. Drew lent the sheep. Winners:
Local Class R.E. Smith of Eudunda’s Tarzen
Maiden Stakes F.T. Clifford of Millicent’s Mack
Puppy Stakes J.B. Walsh’s Merillo
Open Class W. Carter’s Jack
Final Test W. Carter’s Jack
60, 17, 25 Apr. 1939, page 1
Marriage. Maughan Methodist Church Adelaide 14 April
Elvy Piggott, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs L.H. Piggott of Porter’s Lagoon, married
Kenneth G. Culley, only son of Mr & Mrs M.G. Culley of Farrell’s Flat.
M-C Armstrong of Kooringa Police Station was given a farewell at the RSL rooms on Monday evening before his departure for Nuriootpa. Speakers were S. Kellaway (Mayor), A.L. Bence, K.C. Sandland, L.M. Gordon, W. Smith, M.W. Bednall, T. Scovell, Mr Genders, H. Hill, R. Jeffrey, S.H. Robinson, C. Samuel & H. Wandke. A presentation of a chiming clock and a beautiful piece of pottery for Mrs Armstrong was made.
Mrs Armstrong was farewelled by friends on Tuesday evening 17 April at a bridge evening and also on the same evening by Methodist friends at the welcome for Rev. V. Secombe.
Rev. V. Secombe was welcomed at Kooringa Methodist Lecture Hall on 17 April and despite four other functions in the town that night there was a good attendance.
The Mock Wedding of Mme Après la Geurre [sic: for Guerre] to Mr N.O. Rum Issue jun. took place at the Burra Institute on 19 April. The couple drove through the streets first in well lit motor cars. Those taking part were:
The Mother of the Bride Mme Après la Geurre Mr L.G. Quinn
The Mother of the Groom Mrs N.O. Rum Issue Mr K. Tamblyn
Bridegroom’s Father Mr N.O. Rum Issue Mr F.L. Worth.
Bridegroom Sgt N.O. Rum Issue Mr A.L. Bence
Best Man Mr Crook Cheque Mr A.K. Johnson of the National Bank
Groomsmen Sgt Art. Hillary L.M. Gordon
Major Lovem Bert Davey
Col. Meggitt’s Nuts Dick Crang of Elder, Smith & Co.
Bride Marie Après la Guerre C.L. Phillips
Bride’s Father M. Après la Guerre Mr M.W. Bednall
Bridesmaids Miss U. Ramsbottom E.C. Collins
Miss Mona Lot F.R. Pontifex
Miss Feminine Gender S.C. Genders
Miss Ethyl Retread Mr H. Jennison
Minister Rev. Doolittle P.L. Rosman
The ceremony was followed by a dance.
[The report of the wedding is in considerable detail extending for almost two columns.]
Burra Town Council, 17 April
The Minister of Railways replies that the opening of the Ballast Quarry would receive attention in due course.
Messrs Aberg & Sons applied to have the property now occupied by Mrs Liebeknecht licensed as a slaughterhouse. Granted.
Cr Robinson said several dogs were digging up the lawn round the Rotunda. He wanted to know if the Act had been strengthened to allow action to be taken.
The Town Clerk said it was presently before Parliament.
60, 17, 25 Apr. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 29 April
Deanna Durbin & Adolphe Menjou in 100 Men and a Girl
Edward Everett-Horton & Eve Harden in Oh Doctor
The Soap Box Derby was run on Saturday last by Burra cycle & Athletic Club. It attracted five entrants and the winner was Douglas Robinson ahead of Max Garrard & Norman Marston. The route was from the end of Kingston St into Market Square. Other soap box derbies and one for tricycles are planned.
Marriage. St Joseph’s Church, Kooringa, Easter Saturday
Mary Ursula Furst, only daughter of Mr & Mrs J.M. Furst of Willalo, married
Eric Theodore Earle, youngest son of Mr & Mrs G. Earle of Willalo.
Burra Benevolent Society welcomed Rev. V. Secombe on 20 April. The society lacks sufficient funds to meet needs as it would wish and calls for warm clothing as winters nears.
Hanson Literary, Social & Improvement Society was formed on 15 April. President, A. Crimmins; Vice-President, D. McQueen and Secretary & Treasurer, J.E. Hogan. First meeting to be 5 May.
Burra Golf Club held its AGM 17 April and elected: President, Dr D.M. Steele, Vice-Presidents, J.R. Barker & S. Genders, Secretary C.L. Phillips & Treasurer, M.W. Bednall. Opening Day 6 May.
60, 17, 25 Apr. 1939, page 3
Obituary. John Richard Field aged 86 died 23 April. He is survived by a widow and two sons: Messrs Bert & Darrel Field. [Extended obituary 60, 18, 2 May 1935, page 3.]
Stop Signs. An article concerning the introduction of ‘STOP’ signs on roads. They were black letters on a yellow background.
60, 17, 25 Apr. 1939, page 4
Mrs H.V. Armstrong was given a farewell at Mrs Frank Spencer’s home on 18 April at a Monopoly & card evening. Presentations were made.
A.H. Strong writes in support of changing the name of the local post offices to Burra & North Burra.
60, 18, 2 May 1939, page 1
Marriage. Hanson Methodist Church 18 April
Audrey Laurel Neill, younger daughter of Mr George & the late Mrs Neill of Porter’s Lagoon, married Thomas Louis Cowan, eldest son of Mrs T. Cowan & the late Mr Cowan of Adelaide.
The 7th Annual Anzac Sports were held last Saturday at Burra Racecourse under the auspices of the RSL. The slight rain on Friday settled the dust and Saturday was fine. The gate of over £60 was £40 down on 1938. Falling attendance was probably due to the lack of motor cycle and midget car events this year. Though great attractions their cost exceeds the increased takings. Close finishes were common and times were fast. Three aeroplanes from Sa Aero Club put in an appearance. They carried passengers, gave aerobatic displays and dropped balloon ‘bombs’ on moving trucks (with no direct hits scored). There were children’s events, guessing competitions and sideshows, but the interest in the sports had the sideshows reporting poor business. As well as cycle and pedestrian races there were sheaf-tossing, high jump, tug-of-war and a series of military events. Results are printed.
60, 18, 2 May 1939, page 2
Advt. Talkies 6 May
Cary Grant & Arline McMahon in When You’re in Love
Charles Quigley & Rosalind Keith in Guardians of the Air
Notice. The District Council of Burra Burra advises the Public works Standing Committee on the Morgan-Whyalla Pipeline will take evidence from ratepayers in the Burra Institute on 9 May from 11.45 a.m. Names of those interested in giving evidence should be forwarded to George Powell, Clerk, by Saturday 6 May.
Wally Williams, son of Mr & Mrs Fred Williams of Aberdeen, was thrown from his motor cycle returning from the Anzac Sports. He was rendered unconscious and is still in Burra Hospital.
Scouts. On 20 April a meeting was held in the Scout Hall and General Secretary C.W. Potter & Country Commissioner Mr Kemp visited. 24 Scouts & Cubs attended. It is hoped the troop will soon be up to strength and Mr M. Morton Sen. decided to carry on in the hope that a younger man will soon be found to relieve him.
Bowls. On 22 April Burra 108 defeated Kapunda 75 and so retains the Steele-Riddell Cup, having won both matches this season.
J.E. Hogan writes of the sacred nature of Anzac Day and how over the years homage has been paid to the illustrious dead on the day – a feeling only increased by the passing of the years. How regrettable then that the District Council of Burra Burra should either force or allow its employees to work on Anzac Day. He calls for an apology to the local branch of the RSL, failing which a public meeting should call on the Council to resign.
60, 18, 2 May 1939, page 3
Anzac Commemoration Service, last Sunday at the Soldiers’ Memorial Kooringa
A large crowd assembled for the 24th anniversary. The commemoration has for some years been held in Burra on the Sunday after Anzac Day because many of the returned men in the district go to the march in Adelaide on Anzac Day. The returned men led by Stanley Hawker President and K.C. Sandland Vice-President of the local RSL sub-branch marched from the RSL rooms to the hospital preceded by the Waikerie Band under J.H. Murison. Next came the local troop of 9/23 Light Horse under Sgt Major R.G. Bernhardt and then the Girl Guides. The only resident returned nurse, Sister Doug. Keynes (nee Sister Armstrong) marched between the two leaders. The service was shared by Rev. C. Gray (Anglican) and Revs J.A. H. Andrews & V. Secombe (Methodists). Rev. Gray gave the address. Bugler W. Stanley late AIF of Waikerie played Last Post and Reveille.
Redruth Methodist Church Anzac Service was held last Sunday evening. Rev. Andrews greeted the Mayor, the President of the local sub-branch of the RSL and returned men.
Obituary. Mr John R. Field died at Burra Hospital 23 April. He was born in Cardiff, Wales on 9 January 1853 the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs Richard Field. He arrived in SA with his parents in 1856 and they came directly to Burra by bullock dray. Mr Field Sen. was employed at the mine and so was his son on first leaving school. Later with his father he went stone-walling at Booborowie until 1866 when Mr Field took over land, first at Princestown near Kooringa and later at Shafton where they made a permanent home, naming it ‘Monavea’ after their old home in Wales. His father made a success of grazing and farming. On his death John carried on and he now leaves two sons to keep up the reputation of ‘Monavea’ Mr Richard Field gave some £1,000 towards St Mary’s Building Fund. The deceased was fond of sport. Late in life [he was 53] he married Miss Lucy Tucker of Sandergrove near Strathalbyn who survives with two sons, Messrs John Robert (Bert) & Darrell. A brother Arthur Field lives at Clarence Park and a Sister Mrs Alice Wyatt lives at Henley Beach Road.
[John Richard Field]
60, 19, 9 May 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 13 May
Jane Withers & Stuart Erwin in Checkers
Peter Lorre & Rochelle Hudson in Mr Moto Takes a Chance
Notice. Burra Town Council. Officers retiring on 1st Saturday in July
Mayor Stanley Kellaway
North Ward Robert McWaters
East Ward Robert Clifton Lott
West Ward William George Terry
Nominations called by 10 June.
Copperhouse School Committee launched the first of a series of socials in the school on 6 May. It was a successful evening and socials will be held fortnightly to aid the school.
Bowls. Results of annual tournaments:
Championship S. Kellaway
Singles Handicap G. Terry
Consistency Dr. D.M. Steele
Pairs J.T. Pascoe & M.T. Fuller
LCL Burra Women’s Branch. At a meeting on 5 May a minute’s silence was observed for the late Prime Minister Rt Hon. J.A. Lyons. A message of congratulation was sent to the Hon. R.G. Menzies on becoming Prime Minister of Australia.
Albert Sampson, elder son of Mr & Mrs Clem Sampson of Kooringa, has been on the staff of the Burra Railway Station for more than three years, but has now been transferred to Mile End and left Burra on Monday.
Girl Guides are spending seven days in camp at Baldina with the kind permission of Mr & Mrs J.R. Barker, commencing on 12 May.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 6 May.
Leane’s Shaft. Timbered with bulkhead the 100ft level to the 90ft level to meet with adit. Advanced 14 ft to a total of 12ft [sic!]. Hoping to connect the 90ft drive with the adit in the next fortnight.
Adit. Sank winze 11ft to a total of 46ft. Put in runners and ladders in winze from bottom of adit. Very broken ground at 90ft level and leader in back about 9” wide.
60, 19, 9 May 1939, page 3
Mt Bryan East School held its annual picnic 25 April in the north paddock of C.W. Gare & Sons.
Burra Rifle Club shot the next stage of the Kookaburra Trophy last Saturday when the best four shots were: George Fowelstone, W. Woodman, N.J. Villis and Jock Pexton.
The position on aggregate at present is: Darrel Field 19, R. Kellock 16, G. Fowelstone 15 and A.B. Riggs & R.G. Bernhardt 14 each.
In the marksman’s trophy the aggregate to date is P. Hogan 29 points, P. Aughey 27 and F.T. Marston & E.C. Collins 24 each.
60, 20, 16 May 1939, pages 1 & 4
Morgan-Whyalla Pipeline
The Public Works Committee took evidence at Burra on Tuesday. Members of the District and Town Councils attended with other prominent residents. The committee displayed tentative plans. Engineers from the Department had suggested a route through Hanson etc. as the most economical. The other route via Burra was shown. In any case a spur line from Hanson could be built to serve Burra.
Mr Warnes said the members of his Council were divided on the routes, as representatives came from all around the district. His personal view favoured Burra, as it was the chief trade centre of the district and was a fully grown town and Hanson was not and should not get a pumping station. Burra could better serve men employed at a pumping station. Burra’s present water supply was of little use for gardens and poor for domestic needs like washing. With decent water Burra could go in for dairying etc. He would like to see the mains go on to Terowie and Jamestown.
Mr Jenkins interrupted to remind Mr Warnes that it was not a scheme intended for irrigation purposes.
Mr Warnes said that would come eventually.
A strong argument of Mr Warnes was the lack of water in the district for travelling stock. He felt extra rates should be put on Adelaide folk who had good water and if the water was intended for Pt Augusta and Whyalla why was the farmer levied?
Cr E. Finch also favoured a route on the dry side of Robertstown and so through Burra. He also spoke of the poor quality of Burra’s present supply, which would not lather and corroded machinery etc. He thought the scheme would pay for itself.
Cr M. de N. Lucas for Hanson Ward favoured the Hanson route, as it was the most economical and would bring business to the town. It would be a boon to householders. He said the district’s water table had dropped probably due to lucerne cultivation and as a result he did not have an ample supply for his sheep.
Rex. C. Warnes spoke in favour of the route through drier country. The Burra water supply was poor in quality and he favoured a route north of Burra along the railway and spoke of the lack of water for travelling stock. He spoke of the high cost of maintaining windmills in the dusty dry country.
Clem Bailey of Hanson spoke in support of Mr de Lucas and also spoke of the drop in the water table and for a Hanson route. Most people were afraid of the cost of a pipeline from the main, though large landowners might favour it.
The Mayor said many thought the scheme could benefit the town. Burra had a good system of pipes, but the water quality caused dissatisfaction. Murray water could well lead to the establishment of a freezing works. The town once had a large brewery and also a freezing and ice works, but one had been forced to close down owing to the poor quality of the water. He favoured a Burra route, but if the Hanson route were chosen Burra would welcome a supply through a spur line. The town depended on business done by the farmer and grazier and pastoralist. The closing of the ballast quarry, freezing works etc. had hit them hard. He was not prepared to commit the ratepayers to a higher rate, but would place the question to a poll. When questioned about the flowers on the very handsome Floral Float which took pride of place in the great Floral Day Procession in Adelaide in 1937 he said they were made of paper.
Cr S.H. Robinson supported the Mayor and believed ratepayers would pay for a decent water supply.
A.L. Walker, draper, speaking for himself thought a route through Clare and Laura and Jamestown would serve better. [He clearly feared higher rates as a consequence of the Burra route and said he paid £465 all told in rates on business premises and never had a tap on the place.]
A.L. Bence, draper, favoured the Burra route, saying it would stimulate closer settlement and bring trade. The line should not pass through the well-watered country.
Cr D. Keynes also favoured the Burra route. Id Booborowie had a permanent water supply it would encourage folk to take up more land.
T.H. Woollacott said in 15 years on Council he had never heard one complaint as to the local water supply. The new supply might be a boon, but what would become of the present expensive equipment? Would it all be scrapped? The town had been on the present water supply for 70 years and gardens were as good as ever. [In fact Burra had only had reticulated water from November 1884 – 55 years rather than 70, though a mere handful of Burra North residents had a supply from 1878.]
60, 20, 16 May 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 18 May & 20 May
Bert Bailey & Shirley Ann Richards in Dad & Dave Come to Town
Gene Autrey & Judith Allen in Boots & Saddles
Advt. Clare Talkies 20 & 22 May: The Drum
Notice. A meeting is called at the Council Chambers on Thursday 18 May to consider changing the name of the post office from Kooringa to Burra.
Notice. District Council of Burra Burra
Officers retiring on the first Saturday in July:
Baldina Ward John Kellock
Booborowie Ward Theodore Julius Wedding
Mt Bryan Ward Ambroze Allen Edwards
Hanson Ward Morgan de Neufville Lucas
Nominations called for by 10 June at the Council Office in Pearce’s Building.
Weather. Rain in useful amounts fell in the last two nights with 62 points in total up till this morning.
Anzac Day. At the commemoration service the Aero Club pilots paid tribute to the fallen by flying over the town in formation and dipping gracefully right over the monument.
A Parents & Friends’ Association for St Joseph’s Convent School was formed on 10 May. President, Mrs M.A. Hunt; Vice-President, Mrs J. McGrath; Secretary, Mrs T.E. Dodrell & Treasurer, Mrs Fitzgerald.
Obituary. Miss Mary Madigan of North Booborowie has died. (Details in the next paper.)
[Mary Agnes Madigan born 9 August 1891 Yanyarrie: died 9 May 1939 at North Adelaide, residence Booborowie. The details do not seem to have appeared.]
Bowls & Croquet season closed last Saturday. Most of the prize list was published on 9 May, but additional to that were:
Rink Tourney O.G. Walker & L. Kellaway
Croquet
Champion Croquet Player Miss Netta Bown
Ladies’ Handicap Singles Mrs Bert Finch
Handicap Doubles Mrs O.G. Walker & Miss Ida Harris
Farrell’s Flat Annual Diggers’ Ball was reported: held on 10 May.
Obituary. Mrs Rosewall, wife of John A. Rosewall, died on 12 May at the residence of her eldest daughter Nell Mrs Watkins, Highgate Adelaide. She leaves a family of three daughters and two sons: Nell, Jean & Dora, John & Tom. The deceased, born Margaret Taylor was 71. [Death registered as 11 May 1939. Birth not found on SA Births CD.]
Obituary. Mr J.H.A. Fuss of Prospect and late of Redruth [actually late of Aberdeen] was buried this afternoon at Kooringa. We hope to publish a biographical report in the next issue. [This was not done.] [Born Johan Heinrich August Fuss 30 August 1859 Llwchwr, Burra: died John Henry August Fuss 14 May 1939 Prospect.]
60, 20, 16 May 1939, page 3
Bert Davey who has been on the staff of Elder, Smith & co. at Burra has been transferred to Snowtown as a promotion. He leaves about 24 May.
Hanson Methodist Ladies Guild had over 70 attend their annual Guild Social in the Sunday School Hall last Wednesday. Mrs I.J. Warnes was the speaker. Proceeds go to the Church Renovation Fund.
Burra Town Council, 8 May
SAR advises that the ballast needs of the Riverton-Terowie line were two cars a week and the quarry at Aberdeen had no crusher so it was preferable to use the main quarry and hook the cars onto an ordinary freight train.
Cr Lott said a deputation to the railways seemed necessary.
The Town Clerk said it was not possible to get an engine to the quarry to handle the trucks.
The Mayor said the local MP assured him the matter had been fully considered.
Rev. C. Gray & Rev. J.A. Andrews were appointed to the High School Council to replace Rev. Redding & Mr G.H. Dow.
The Mayor & Cr Robinson were appointed to see the Commissioners re the Morgan-Whyalla Pipeline.
The Town Clerk was appointed to make a fresh assessment for £20.
The Government is to be approached for a special grant for road work in front of the hospital, as it would have to be done when the bitumen came through to Burra.
The cemetery wall is to be repaired.
60, 20, 16 May 1939, page 4
Football. The season opened at Spalding on Saturday. Kooringa lost badly and only five of the team were part of last year’s premiership side. Surely not all the others have retired or are on holidays.
Spalding 5.4 8.7 10.9 17.13 (115)
Kooringa 0.2 1.6 4.9 5.12 (42)
[Which the paper describes as a loss by 71 points.]
60, 21, 23 May 1939, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park, Saturday
Hallett 4.4 5.7 9.10 12.10 (82)
Kooringa 2.5 3.10 4.12 5.21 (51)
Renaming the Post Office
A meeting on Thursday in the Council Chamber considered the proposal to change the name of the post office from Kooringa to Burra.
A.B. Riggs spoke strongly for the change on the grounds there was:
A Corporation of Burra
A District Council of Burra Burra
A Burra Railway Station
A Burra Police Station
A Burra Institute
A Burra Hospital
A Burra Show
Until recently it was confusing that Burra was not mentioned in the telephone book at all. Burra was one of the most important towns in the north of South Australia and yet had no post office of that name to which people could write, telephone or telegraph.
I.J. Warnes favoured the name Burra Burra.
R. Humphrys thought that was too long.
M.S. Edwards wondered if that would make Aberdeen North Burra Burra.
Rev. J.A. Andrews spoke of the confusion he experienced with mail which if sent to Burra went to Kooringa and had to be redirected to Aberdeen. If addressed to Aberdeen it sometimes went to Aberdeen in NSW. Personally he favoured Burra and North Burra for the two post offices.
F.T. Sara said he had heard of virtually no opposition to the change.
The amendment to use Burra Burra was carried on the casting vote of the Chairman S. Kellaway.
Rev. Andrews then moved Aberdeen post office be North Burra Burra.
Mr Riggs moved an amendment to North Burra and after discussion this was carried.
R. Humphrys then said it would be less confusing to call Kooringa Burra in that case and on the meeting agreeing to reconsider the matter it was agreed to change Kooringa to Burra.
The Mayor said the Council would move to implement the change as soon as possible.
60, 21, 23 May 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 27 May
Alice Faye & Tyrone Power in Old Chicago
Smith Ballew & Evalyn Knapp in Rawhide
Obituary. [From a notice to creditors] Thomas Nugent died 2 April 1939 at Booborowie.
[Aged 77.]
Copperhouse School Social: the second in the series is reported.
VSD Home Nursing Lectures begin 23 May.
Farrell’s Flat Institute Committee has decided to install electric light in the main street of Farrell’s Flat.
The Anniversary Ball at Hanson on 15 May is reported a success.
Burra Benevolent Society reports a greater need for help than they can provide and are opening a shilling fund with the help of the paper. Members of the Society have started the fund with 10/-.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 20 May
Leane’s Shaft. Drove 10ft to a total of 134ft and started to rise for 6ft to meet winze in adit. Expect to haul through any day. Rise and winze are in poor slate.
Adit. Sank a distance of 10’6” to total 56’6”. Once through intend to prospect top levels in veins passed through in sinking adit.
60, 21, 23 May 1939, page 3
Burra Rifle Club fired the 16th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy with best scores from J.H. Schwier, A.C. Aughey, A.B. Riggs & D.H. Field.
60, 22, 30 May 1939, page 1
Burra Town Council, 22 May
The Swimming Pool Committee asks the Council to send two representatives to discuss plans and specifications now in hand.
The Mayor and Cr Robinson will try to see the Minister of Railways about the ballast quarry when they attend the opening of Parliament.
C.R. Bevan offers to repair the cemetery wall in payment of his rates. Offer accepted.
Cr Lott felt the town had been stigmatised by not greeting the Waterworks Commission at the station and conveying them to the town.
The other Councillors seemed to consider this unnecessary. The Mayor said they were paid for their work and Cr Terry said they might as well welcome the members of the Fire Brigade Board.
The Mayor reported the unanimous decision of the public meeting to change the names of the local post offices to Burra and North Burra.
Cr McWaters presented a petition of 130 signatures asking that Aberdeen Post Office be called North Burra.
Cr Robinson moved that steps be taken to so inform the Postmaster General.
Cr Lott wanted a poll of ratepayers on the issue on polling day, but found no seconder.
Cr Robinson’s motion was carried with only Cr Lott dissenting.
Council discussed and finally agreed to a request from the Institute Committee that part of the £60 granted by Council be used to remove the broken fence in front of the Institute and to plant more shrubs in the grounds and improve the front of the building.
Council discussed and decided to support the idea of state-wide legislation enforcing the closing of all SA shops on the same day under the Early Closing Act.
Thomas Henry Eustice of Hillmanville, Councillor for Waikerie DC was fined £20 plus £1-11-0 costs for failing to move stock the required distance of 5 miles per day on a TSR in the Hundred of King. The Clerk of Waikerie DC had written saying the stock would be travelling from 23-30 January and Eustice was a genuine traveller. On 1 March the Ranger interviewed Eustice just inside the Council boundary where he had been for about a week and he asked for an extension of time. The Ranger said he had no power to grant extensions and he would have to do his distance. He was later found at the same spot and again told to move on. He said the stock were too weak to do the 5miles a day. He stayed several more days. He complained about the law and blamed the drought conditions around Morgan. Mr Bednall for the Council said the defendant was doing just what he blamed others for: eating out the stock route to the disadvantage of local travellers.
[For a different perspective see the letter of N.H. Pearse 60, 24, 16 June 1939, page 1.]
Bert Davey was farewelled on 22 May before his departure for Snowtown. He was presented with a travelling rug.
Burra Court, 24 May
James Mann, a deaf and dumb gardener from Sydney, was committed for sentence at the Supreme Court after pleading guilty to breaking into the home of John William March of Hill River on 21 May and committing theft.
Redruth Christian Endeavour Rally on 20 & 21 May is reported.
60, 22, 30 May 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 3 June
Jeanette McDonald & Nelson Eddy in Maytime
Two hours of film plus short features.
Advt. Coleman’s Follies at Burra Institute 8 June. One Night Only: Comedie, Review, Vaudeville.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School postponed anniversary services last Sunday owing to the death and funeral of the late teacher and Superintendent Mr Clem Pearce.
St Joseph’s Dance. The third in the series drew a record attendance last Saturday evening.
Obituary. Clement William Pearce aged 53, husband of Winifred Pearce, died at Burra Hospital 27 May. He was the father of Harold, Dorothy, Frank, Roy & Mary. He had suffered from a strained back for three or four years which forced him to give up rifle shooting and other interests and more recently had stomach troubles and colitis set in some weeks ago. He was the 5th son of the late Mr & Mrs John Pearce and was born 17 August 1885 at Kooringa and educated at Burra Public School after which he joined his father in the building and contracting business. Of recent years he has worked with his eldest surviving brother, Edgar. As a younger man he was a prominent footballer for Ramblers and later Kooringa. He also played tennis, but rifle shooting was his preferred sport and he had filled all offices of the Burra Club except that of treasurer, which his brother Edgar has held for many years. He was closely associated with the Kooringa Methodist Church and Sunday School of which he was a teacher and Superintendent in conjunction with Mr John Drew. He was a trustee of the church and a circuit steward. He married in August 1913 Miss Winifred I. Jones, daughter of the late Mr & Mrs A. Jones of Unley and there was a family of five children. At the largely attended funeral twenty-two members of the Rifle Club formed a guard of honour at the house and six members acted as bearers. At the cemetery senior scholars of the Sunday school formed a guard of honour with their teachers. He is survived by four brothers: Edgar, Alfred, Norman and Os. There are also two surviving sisters: Miss Gertrude and Mrs A.S. Dearlove (Nell) of Ketchowla.
Burra Benevolent Society appeal acknowledges £1-3-0 and makes an urgent request for more.
Hanson Literary & Social Club had over 50 people at its last meeting.
60, 22, 30 May 1939, page 3
Empire Day was celebrated at Burra Schools last Friday. The day seemed to have greater meaning this year in view of the unrest existing in the world today. Speakers were Mr S. Kellaway Chairman of the School Committee and Revs. Gray & Secombe. The students then listened to a radio broadcast from the Norwood Oval with speeches from the retiring Director of Education Mr W. Adey, the Commissioner of Crown Lands Mr Rudal and Sir Henry Newland. At the High School Dr D.M. Steele Chairman of the High School Council and Mr M. Bednall gave the addresses.
Redruth Methodist Church celebrates its 88th anniversary.
Early records show that Rev. D.J. Draper opened the first Wesleyan Church in Kooringa in 1847 when there was no other place of worship within 70 miles and there were then only three Wesleyan and one or two Primitive Methodist ministers in the colony. The first Bible Christian ministers came three years later. Work was chiefly done by local preachers and about 60 members were reported.
Rev. John Harcourt came to reside in Burra in 1848 and had under his care also Princess Royal, Tothill Scrub, Kapunda & Angaston. Primitive Methodist and Bible Christian ministers also covered as much ground. At the first quarterly meeting on record John Boots was elected Circuit Steward, 191 people were in church fellowship and receipts of £56 included a Government grant of £28.
Redruth first appears on the quarterly minute book 24 June 1851, but no members are recorded and the income was 5/4. Three months later there were four members and the income was £1-6-6. In the preceding February Kooringa trustees began to build a church opposite the police court and £1-17-10 was collected at the laying of the foundation stone. Mr R. Reed wheeled the mortar for building the church which cost £228 and was opened free of debt.
Next Sunday & Monday Redruth Methodism will celebrate its 88th anniversary. The morning service will be taken by Rev. V. Secombe of Kooringa. There will be a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon service and Rev. J.A. Andrews will take the evening service. Monday will feature a social family gathering with a tea at 5.30 p.m. followed by a lantern show and a public meeting at 7.30.
Burra High School. Following recent renovations Tuesday was spent transforming the room allotted to the High School into a library and assembly room. The room is now equipped for its several purposes.
60, 22, 30 May 1939, page 4
Football. Saturday at Booborowie
Kooringa 4.5 6.8 8.10 10.12 (72)
Booborowie 2.2 3.7 8.9 10.10 (70)
Hallett 9.16 defeated Spalding 8.13
Burraites in SANFL: Tom Kellaway was best man on the ground for Glenelg, scoring 6 goals.
60, 23, 6 June 1939, page 1
Burra Institute.
H.J. Emslie, representative of the SA Institutes’ Association, visited Burra recently and praised the local Institutes. He made nice references to those at Farrell’s Flat, Hanson and Hallett, but said Burra’s reading room was probably the best equipped in the state. This has long been believed by many and 50 years ago Sir Frederick Holder was holding it up as an example to others.
Farrell’s Flat has brightened its premises and installed an electric light plant and now has 17 or 18 members. At Hanson an effort is being made to build a supper room and £80-90 is in hand. Building is not to start till all the money has been raised.
At Burra hundreds of books have been culled and the collection is the better for their passing. All committees should cull old, worn and useless books. With a large mortgage the committee approached the Town Council and £60 was forthcoming from the rates. Only when such mortgages are paid off can committees expect to make headway. The reading room is possibly the best equipped in SA. A handsome honour roll adorns the room. The local paper gives much support by publishing Institute news and listing books added and on loan.
Mt Bryan Institute has long been inactive and Mr Emslie was afraid it would have to go. It is a pity, but it seems quite useless to maintain a library for fewer than six readers. They would be better served by paying subscriptions to, say, Burra and having supplies sent along regularly.
Hallett has a magnificent hall and owes only about £800 of the original cost after 10 years. Its benefactor the late Sir John Melrose is greatly missed.
Mongolata Goldfield
Mr George Evans at Newikie Creek has found deposits on his claim of sulphur and one analysis reveals gold, silver, lead, zinc and antimony. So far only surface work has been done, but sulphur is said to be a sign of a possible lode.
60, 23, 6 June 1939, page 2
Notice. A public meeting in connection with tree planting will be held in Pearce’s Building on Wednesday 14 June at 3 p.m. when Mrs Lance Lewis will address the meeting.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 6 June
Bobby Breen & Marion Claire in Make a Wish
Chester Morris & Whitney Bourne in Flight from Glory
12 June
The Ritz Brothers & Marjorie Weaver in Kentucky Moonshine
Michael Whalen & Jean Rogers in While New York Sleeps
Copperhouse School Social is reported from last Saturday.
Marriage. World’s End Methodist Church 1 June
Constance McWaters, second daughter of Mr & Mrs W.H. McWaters of World’s End, married
Ronald Pexton, son of Mr W. Pexton & the late Mrs Pexton of Seacliff.
Marriage. St Mary’s Burra 27 May
Alan James Gebhardt, second son of Mr & Mrs Fred Gebhardt of Kooringa, married
May Collins, elder daughter of Mrs & the late Mr W.P. Collins of Gum Creek.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 3 June.
Adit. The winze has been sunk to 60ft. The drive north on a leader advanced to 14ft with traces of gold on a 6” face. Connected the adit with old workings. Two men are prospecting the bottom level with no results to date. Shifted to drive off winze in adit, erected staging and started to drive. Two or three fair specimens after 4ft.
Two tons of ore for paddock, value at about 5dwt.
Weather. It has been very cold with rain in the last week to farming and pastoral areas. In farming areas the range was from 80 points to over 100. To the east some falls exceeded 125 points, but most were between 70 & 125, but some stations got much less: King’s Well 30, Kia Ora 40, Braemar 30 & Faraway 60.
60, 23, 6 June 1939, page 3
Burra Rifle Club fired the 19th stage of the Kookaburra Trophy. Best four results were from F.T. Marston, H.H. Byles, J.E. Harris & C. Edwards.
Aggregate points to date: D.H. Field 21, A.B. Riggs 17, H.H. Byles 17, R. Kellock 16 & G. Fowelstone 15.
Aggregate for the marksman’s trophy: H. Byles 35, P.W. Hogan 32, A.C. Aughey 31 & F.T. Marston 29.
Kooringa Football Club held a dance in the Aberdeen Lodge Hall 3 June and all up £14-1-0 was raised.
Obituary. Mr Elisha Ford died at Phillip St Southwark. He was a pioneer of the pastoral industry east of Burra. He was a son of the late Joseph Ford of Kooringa and was born in Burra in 1863 and educated at White’s school and later at a school kept by the late Sit Frederick Holder. As a young man he managed Sturt Vale Station for his father and later owned it. He went to Coolgardie WA in the early days of the WA gold rush and also to the Teetalpa SA gold rush. He resided in Adelaide for some time and there married Miss Bertha Theeuff of Kooringa. He returned to Burra on the death of his father some 30 years ago and resided at Mallee-dale Station which he owned. He also owned the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry. He is survived by his widow, two sons and three daughters: R.F. Ford, L.G. Ford, Mrs J. De Freitas (Melbourne), Mrs N.C. Saunders (Black Forest) & Miss Annie Ford (Chapel St, Kooringa). [Born 18 June 1862 near Kooringa: died 31 May 1939 at Southwark.]
Obituary. Mary, Mrs George Hagger of Broken Hill, nee Mary Henderson died at Broken Hill on Sunday. She was the youngest sister of James Henderson of Kooringa and youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Henderson of Kooringa. She had just returned from visiting her sister Mrs Alex Harris in Sydney. She is survived by her husband and adult family. [Born Mary Margaret Henderson 20 November 1876 Kooringa: died 4 June 1939 Broken Hill.]
60, 23, 6 June 1939, page 4
Football. At Hallett on Saturday:
Hallett 4.3 5.6 7.12 10.19 (79)
Kooringa 0.0 2.2 3.3 3.7 (25)
Spalding 6.18 defeated Booborowie 3.7.
60, 24, 13 June 1939, page 1
N. Hiles Pearse writes about the recent case of T.H. Eustice and travelling stock. While having a wholesome regard for the by-laws generally he felt the pathetic features of this particular case deserved a more compassionate hearing. Having been driven from his normal pasturage by drought and monetary disabilities Eustice sought consideration from Councils on his route westward. Morgan DC granted freedom of the road, but the autocratic Burra DC replied to his request and predicament with a summons. Ironically there were still horses, said to be the ranger’s, running at large on the TSR as they were when Eustice was charged. Huge travelling flocks are a thing of the past. The TSR in question was almost cut up some time ago. Not one tenth of the number of even 20 years ago use the Burra-Morgan TSR and a three-chain road would feed the sheep presently using it. Mr Eustice was not part of the tribe of parasitically inclined loafers who used once to infest the roads. Had he obtained a drought relief exemption pass as he could and should have done he would not have faced either the fine or the loss of prestige.
Redruth Methodist Church held its 88th anniversary services and they are reported in a little over 1 column of detail following the outline mentioned in the paper of 30 May.
The Burra Catholic Ball was held at the Institute last Wednesday and drew scores of dancers. It was a great success and the report extends for c. 11⁄2 columns.
60, 24, 13 June 1939, page 2
Notice. Burra Town Council. Municipal Elections, nominations received:
Mayor: Thomas Henry Woollacott elected unopposed
North Ward Richard M. Reed elected unopposed
West Ward William George Terry elected unopposed
East Ward Robert Clifton Lott
Norman J. Villis
An election will be held in East Ward 1 July.
Notice. Burra Burra District Council Elections: nominations received:
Baldina Ward John Kellock elected unopposed
Booborowie Ward Theodor Julius Wedding
Walter Lomman
Hanson Ward Morgan de Neufville Lucas
Thomas Joseph Canny
Mt Bryan Ward John Macke Gebhardt elected unopposed
Elections will be held for Booborowie & Baldina Wards on 1 July [sic].
This was obviously an error and was corrected in the next issue of the paper to say that:
Elections will be held in Booborowie & Hanson Wards on 1 July.
Notice. St Mary’s Church: Next Sunday the Bishop of Adelaide Rt Rev. Dr A. Nutter Thomas will visit for a Confirmation Service.
St Mary’s 9 a.m. Sung Eucharist
7 p.m. Confirmation
Booborowie 11 a.m. Holy Communion
Hallett 3 p.m. Evensong
Advt. Arts & Crafts Exhibition in Hallett Institute, Saturday 12 August.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 17 June
Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers in Shall We Dance
Lee Tracy & Diana Gibson in Behind the Headlines
Burra Electric Supply Co. The new engine for the company has arrived and will be installed in the next fortnight or so.
In a public notice the company advises there will be an interruption to supply from 12.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Sunday 18 June and on Sunday 25 June.
Burra Rifle Club. The 2nd last Kookaburra Trophy shoot resulted in best scores from R.J. Jeffery, R.J. Kellock, J.E. Pearce & J.H. Schwier.
The Postmaster General advises that the renaming of the post offices in the town is being considered and an early reply can be expected.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 10 June
Clara L. Fuller, only surviving daughter of Mrs & the late Mr T. Fuller of Aberdeen, married
Thomas R. Terry, third & youngest son of Mr & Mrs W. Terry of Kooringa.
60, 24, 13 June 1939, page 3
Football. Saturday
Kooringa 1.0 7.3 9.6 11.10 (76)
Booborowie 3.3 4.4 6.7 8.8 (56)
Spalding 10-13 defeated Hallett 6-8.
Burra Town Council, 8 June
The Mayor reported there would be a public meeting about tree-planting to be held in Pearce’s Building 14 June to be addressed by Mrs L.A. Lewis.
Cr McWaters said C.R. Bevan was doing a good job of repairing the cemetery wall. 28ft of the eastern wall wanted pulling down and re-building. Mr Bevan offered to do it for £4 if the Council found the material. On the north wall between the two gates salt damp had appeared and the wall needed re-pointing with cement. Council accepted Mr Bevan’s offer and resolved that necessary work to the wall be done.
Burra Court, 7 June
John Patrick McCarthy, Kenneth Mervyn Moore & Sydney Clarence Willmott were charged with stealing 5 Muscovy ducks valued at 30/- the property of Ronald Clem Sampson. They pleaded guilty and Moore and Willmott were each fined £1-10-0 plus 12/6 costs and McCarthy £2 plus 12/6 costs. They were further charged with stealing vegetables worth 8/- from R.C. Sampson and McCarthy was fined £1 plus 10/- costs and the other two were each fined 10/- plus 10/- costs. Moore claimed his wife and children were starving. Each of the accused said they were under the influence of liquor at the time.
The Mayoralty. Mr T.H. Woollacott returns as Mayor, having served for approximately seven years to the end of his term in 1937 when he would not allow himself to be nominated.
A Man Hunt ‘Out East’
A NSW car thief is being chased through the eastern stations. The chase has extended from Ketchowla through to Mutooroo since last Tuesday. The thief has eluded capture so far by avoiding main tracks and cutting fences and also by cutting telephone lines to stop communications. A woman who was with him has parted company with him and we understand was found at Salt Bush Dam.
Mr I.J. Warnes has been indisposed for some time, but is up and about again.
60, 24, 13 June 1939, page 4
Norman Hiles Pearse writes of the presence of Water Hyacinth at Bryan’s Creek just above Morgan on the Renmark Road. (Burra Creek).
60, 25, 20 June 1939, page 1
Burra Police Court, 16 June
Wilbur Frank Cook was charged with the theft of a gold wristlet watch, a fur rug, kitbag and shaving outfit belonging to Edwin George Kellock at Woolamba Station on 10 June. The accused arrived at Woolamba Station with a woman in a V-8 coupe and asked for a loaf of bread. Kellock said they didn’t sell bread, but asked him in for breakfast. The accused asked the way to Mulga Hill. He asked Kellock if he had read any papers in the week or knew of the hold-up at Braemar. Kellock said no. A few minutes after the accused drove off Kellock and his brother Archie and an employee named Fuss left to go fencing. When they returned for lunch at 12.30 he found the articles mentioned above were missing, along with a 4-gallon tin of petrol. He motored into Burra to report the theft. Detective E.L. Francis of Adelaide confronted the accused at Sturt Vale on 15 June. The accused admitted having taken the items. He had returned after Kellock had gone fencing and found the back door open. He was remanded to Adelaide for sentencing.
Football. At Victoria Park Saturday:
Kooringa 4.0 6.1 9.3 11.8 (74)
Spalding 1.3 4.7 6.7 9.9 (63)
Burra Benevolent Society held its AGM 15 June. Elected were President, Rev. J.A. Andrews; Vice-Presidents, Rev. V. Secombe, The Mayor & Mrs A.B. Riggs; Secretary, Miss H. Wilkinson & Treasurer, Mr E.J. Davey.
The past year has seen a good deal of practical work. Cases of sickness are never refused and families have been helped where men were out of work. Gifts of clothing have been received with thanks. Christmas cheer of 5/- each went to 29 of the poorer folk – mainly pensioners with 5/- extra where children were involved.
60, 25, 20 June 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 24 June
Alice Faye & George Murphy in You’re a Sweetheart
William Gargan & Jean Rogers in Reported Missing
H.J.B. Jennison’s Burra Tyre Service has been modernised again. Partitions were removed to create more floor space. Huge tyre racks were installed. An electric motor replaces the diesel engine to drive the machinery.
A.B. Riggs responds to N.H. Pearse’s letter about TSRs. He says that the area from Overland Corner to Florieton is as dry as anywhere in the state and stockowners have an obligation not to allow their stock to get into such a weak condition and there is no excuse to break the law, especially if exemptions, if sought, could be granted. To put stock on a TSR for the sole purpose of feed may be a safe investment if they are fit to travel five miles a day, but because one Council allows the law to be broken is no reason to dub another autocratic for refusing to follow that mistake. The fact that the TSR in question is not required for its original purpose and should be cut up and leased to adjoining properties (in which I agree with Mr Pearse) does not alter the case. And neither does the fact of the ranger’s horses running thereon. That merely constitutes another felony if true and proceedings should be taken against the ranger. The fine was not the maximum as mentioned, but the minimum and should be considered reasonable agistment. Criticism of findings and penalties should be undertaken only after mature and careful consideration. They must reach their decisions only on the evidence before them and only then can they temper justice with mercy.
Tree Planting. Mrs Lance Lewis, a prominent member of the National Tree Planting Association, spoke at a public meeting last Wednesday. The Mayor S. Kellaway presided.
Her speech is reported at length.
Mr A.L. Walker suggested hard shelled almonds for Burra. Finally a committee was suggested to formulate a scheme. Dr Steele moved that the meeting was in favour of almond trees.
[This statement was corrected in the next issue of the paper: he moved that arrangements be in the hands of the committee and he said nothing about almond trees.]
Mr Fairchild said they grew quickly and withstood dry weather well.
Mrs Lewis said the family was prepared to plant almonds on either side of the approach to St Mary’s Church from both Kooringa and Aberdeen.
Cr E. Finch said the District Council had in 1938 provided 350 trees to the Hanson District and 350 in 1939. Booborowie got 50 in each year and Copperhouse 50 in 1939.
J.R. Barker promised further trees for the eastern approach to Burra.
The Hawkes family promised more for the Adelaide Road and the Mayor 20 in memory of his parents.
Aberdeen Croquet Club. At the prize presentation:
Open Trophy Mrs S.H. Robinson
Two Crystal Trophies Mrs M.T. Fuller & Mrs H. White [For what is not specified.]
‘B’ Grade Singles Mrs E. Finch
Burra Rifle Club fired the final stage of the Kookaburra Trophy in which the best results were by: E.C. Collins, R.J. Kellock, C. Hopkins & T.R. Pexton.
The Kookaburra Trophy went to Ron Kellock with Darrel Field second.
The Marksman’s Trophy went to P.W. Hogan with H. Byles runner-up.
Highest aggregate in second half of the year to Jim Schwier with C.D. Pexton second.
Highest aggregate for the year including handicap to P.W. Hogan with Jim Schwier as runner-up.
60, 25, 20 June 1939, page 3
Manhunt ‘Out East’
Wilbur Frank Cook, alias A. Williams etc. eluded capture for days by police and Jimmy James, Black-tracker. He was finally captured at Quondong 120 miles from Burra.
Cook is 45 years old 6’1” tall and on 5 June he stole a Ford V-8 coupe of Mrs A. Birbeck of Norwood and headed off with Alice Emma Dittmer, a domestic servant. He apparently headed across country to try to reach the NSW border. Petrol was the main problem and he bought, begged and stole it en route, but never got enough for one long run. The car was eventually abandoned, bogged in a rabbit burrow on I.J. Warnes’ Sturt Vale in a deplorable state. The woman was found nearby and taken to Redruth Police Station, charged with larceny and sent to Adelaide. Cook walked on, carrying a kangaroo-skin rug and by keeping to hard ground made it hard for the Black-tracker to follow him.
The first inkling of trouble out east was in the middle of the week ending 10 June when it was clear someone was playing havoc with telephone wires and fences. It was not then known that the car of this man and his female companion had been stolen, nor for certain that he was the person cutting phone lines and fences. Apparently he arrived at Ketchowla on Tuesday 6 June and bought petrol. He then went on to Bendigo, Loch Winnoch & Braemar, reaching the latter on 8 June. Mrs Lindley the housekeeper rang Kooringa Police to say a man and a woman in a blue car had demanded petrol. She refused to give petrol and they left on the Mulga Hill Road. She had to wait over 11⁄2 hours before phoning for Mr A.B. Ridings, the manager, to return and repair the telephone line.
Other police were notified and it was thought the pair was headed for Broken Hill. On Saturday 10 June George Kellock reported a couple asking for bread at Woolamba and that he had later found goods to the value of over £10 missing. Mr Kellock identified Cook from a photo. This was the first sign they had doubled back. At 2 p.m. Saturday information suggested the car would reach Burra at any time. Two hours later it was learned they were near Braemar. Braemar was phoned and asked to stop them, but soon after Braemar rang to say they had gone through Faraway Hill and were believed headed for Lilydale. Police from Mannahill, Yunta, Cockburn, Burra & Hallett converged on Sturt Vale and found tracks of the car. Though the tracks zigzagged and showed the car bogged twice, (he’d taken a tremendous drop over the weir at the top end of Sturt Vale and managed somehow to straddle the pipeline) it was still not seen.
On Monday 12 June a station hand found the woman walking and took her towards Faraway Hill and police found her in his charge. She said she had grown sick of Cook and left him on 11 June. She said Cook was headed towards Bendigo Station to steal Tom Penn’s new Morris 8/40. On Tuesday 12 June the car was found bogged in a rabbit hole at Salt Bush Dam on Sturt Vale.
With Cook on foot in dense scrub the police sent for Jimmy James and they arrived with him at Sturt Vale at 6.30 a.m. 13 June. With 11⁄2-day-old tracks it was hard to follow Cook. James tracked him six miles the first day and on Thursday at 2 p.m. Mrs Olive Earle of Quondong sent a phone message relayed by Mrs O’Brien of Sturt Vale that Cook was coming through Quondong Homestead gate. Police rushed to Quondong – the only station in the area they had not had a policeman at. When Cook arrived he talked with the sixteen shearers, had a wash, a good feed and a smoke and told the residents all about himself and his exploits. When police arrived he disappeared into the scrub and James’s services were called for. He was found in a washed-out gutter. He was brought to Burra and formally charged on Friday afternoon and remanded to Adelaide to face further charges.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held its anniversary services last Sunday after they were postponed due to Clem Pearce’s death. Attendances were good despite the intense cold.
Marriage. At St Joseph’s Church, Kooringa
Zita Johnson, second daughter of Mr & Mrs L. Johnson of Aberdeen, married
Len Monaghan, second son of Mrs & the late Mr J. Monaghan of Farrell’s Flat.
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club held its eighth road race for the year on 17 June over 12 miles. The course was six miles done twice from Thomson’s Garage to Aberdeen to Copperhouse Corner then left along the Clare Road to a windmill then left up Dew’s Hill to Adelaide Road and back to Thomson’s.
Arbor Day at Copperhouse School on 9 June saw Tuart and Blue Gums planted on the west side of the school ground.
Clyde Rutt on the Bank of Australasia staff for two years has been transferred to Wirrabara.
Doug. Cruickshanks of the National Bank has been moved to Quorn. As a prominent member of the Kooringa Football Club he will be missed.
Farrell’s Flat now has electric lights in the main street using power from the Institute.
60, 26, 27 June 1939, page 1
Burra Town Council, 19 June
Tribute was paid to the Mayor S. Kellaway for his services over the last two years in that role.
The Mayor thanked Councillors for their remarks and also thanked Council staff for ably carrying out their duties. He said he has been a Town & District Councillor for about 20 years, had always placed the interests of the people first and his wife had always been a tower of strength. When he came to the Mayoralty the finances were in chaos, but now £400 for the swimming pool had been redeemed and was ready when ever the committee raised enough money to proceed. The motor lorry had been paid off and finances should allow the incoming Council to reduce the rates.
The Mayor and other Councillors then paid tribute to Cr McWaters who is also retiring.
Council Finances
At the start of the financial year 1938-39 the debit was so high a special rate had to be struck. The clerk has announced an improvement in finances by £430 and the Council will end the year in debt by only £109 despite this year buying a motor lorry for £380, giving the Institute £60, paying £100 for the silent cop and rockery in Market Square, paying off the swimming pool loan of £90 and increased wages of £90.
Mrs T.H. Eustice of Boolgun writes a rather confused and confusing letter on the change in post office names, but essentially she considers the change unnecessary. If the postal authorities can’t correctly deliver letters addressed to Kooringa, Burra; Aberdeen, Burra and Redruth, Burra; then it is they who need changing and not the name. She also asserts that Kooringa and Burra are native names and should not be changed. She also says she remembers being told by several people that a man named Weston built ‘Johnny Green’ on Morphett’s Shaft, but that the figure was not called ‘Johnny Green’. The Editor notes that Burra Burra is an Indian name meaning ‘Big Big’.
RAO Buffaloes held a successful social evening in the Institute last Wednesday evening when c. 200 guests were entertained. Messrs W. Woollacott & Joff Hill provided the music for the dancing. [Since this is marked as held over from the last issue, the date of the event was probably 14 June.]
Copperhouse School social evening of 17 June is reported.
60, 26, 27 June 1939, page 2
Advt. Dalgety & Co. will sell the assigned estate of George Earle under instructions from the official receiver, 11 July. Details later.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 1 July
Loretta Young & Tyrone Power in Second Honeymoon
Joe E. Brown & Helen Mack in Fit for a King
Obituary. Annie Bown, second surviving daughter of the late John & Martha Bown of World’s End died at her residence in Aberdeen on 19 June aged 71. [Not traceable on Births CD: death registered as 20 June 1939 Aberdeen. See extended obituary next page of this issue.]
W.J. Bown writes about the recent Travelling Stock case. He says that since Mr Pearse was Chairman of the Burra District Council for so long he surely should not have admitted that in his time the TSRs were ‘infested with a tribe of parasitically inclined habitual loafers’. Nowadays we stop that kind of thing. He also seems to know little of stock travelling. Eustice did not break a by-law, but a law of the land and the fine imposed was a minimum not a maximum. As for having a go at me for having horses on the stock road at the same time, those that know me will realise I have an absolute answer, but now is not the time or place.
60, 26, 27 June 1939, page 3
Burra Golf Club Ball was held last Thursday at the Institute and is reported in just over 1 column.
The Frank William Cook Case
Further details are offered from the Adelaide Police Court.
At Clare he obtained petrol by pretending to be a doctor and beyond Burra by making a young man think he was armed. He was charged with the theft of a coupe worth £250 the property of Alberta Birbeck of Magill Rd Norwood on 5 June. He said he was making for the NT. He admitted cutting phone line three times at different stations. He also admitted cutting fences. The incident when he pretended to be armed was at Braemar. He said he didn’t know if his female companion knew the car was stolen, but thought she might have had suspicions. The article includes two photographs; one of Jimmy James the Black-tracker and the other of James with five of the police involved: M-C Dodrell (Kooringa), Det. Francis, M-C Cunningham (Hallett), Sgt Edington (Redruth) & M-C Martin (Redruth).
Football. Saturday: Kooringa 7-15 defeated Spalding 5-13.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon last Sunday to present prizes won during the year. A list is printed.
Obituary. Annie Bown who died rather suddenly at home on 20 June was well known at World’s End and Burra. She was the second surviving daughter of the late John & Martha Bown of World’s End and was born in September 1867 and her parents were some of the earliest pioneers of Burra, first residing at Springbank and later at World’s End where Mr Bown took up land which he held until he died. Miss Bown came to Aberdeen about 13 years ago. Death was caused by heart trouble. She leaves three sisters and one brother: W.J. Bown (Redruth), Mrs B. James (Prospect), Mrs F. Honeychurch (Anlaby) & Mrs Ada Giles (Angaston). [Not traceable on Births CD: death registered as 20 June 1939 Aberdeen.]
60, 26, 27 June 1939, page 4
Burra Town Council, 19 June
The Town Clerk reported the financial year would end with a debit of £109 showing a gain for the year of £430.
The Mayor in response to a question from Cr Lott said the Council representatives had not as yet heard anything about a date to meet the swimming pool committee.
The desirability of fitting the Council truck with twin rear wheels was discussed without resolution.
Other minor matters were dealt with.
60, 27, 4 July 1939, page 1
Manhunt ‘Out East’: the outcome
There is an extended report of the court case of the woman involved, which takes some 21⁄2 columns.
Alice Ella Dittmer was charged with larceny of certain articles from the home of Mrs F.M. Kellock of Woolamba Station. Most of the story has already been told. Additional material:
Dittmer contended she stayed outside when Cooke re-entered the house and stole the goods. There is a good deal of technical legal argument over the nature of her detention and the admissibility of statements etc.
Dittmer said Cooke was known to her as Alwyn Charles Williams and she had known him for two months and they were to be married on 24 June. When they left Adelaide she had believed the car belonged to him. He said they were test driving the car to Clare. Twenty miles from Clare Cooke got six gallons of petrol by saying he was a doctor going to a dangerous case at Clare. They then went to Collinsville near Mt Bryan. At 11 a.m. on the 6th they stopped at the house of Mr L. Collins and were asked to stay for lunch. She heard then on the wireless that the car Cooke had was stolen. She wanted to go back to Adelaide, but Cooke said she had no hope of ever going back to Adelaide now. They drove through scrub on the 7th; she didn’t know where. On the 8th they got bogged and Cooke walked 10 miles and returned with Mr Wilson who got them out of the bog. They then got to the property of Fred Collins. No one was home and Cooke stole c. 4 gallons of petrol, but was then interrupted when he thought a car was coming. On the same day he cut the phone wires. That night they drove to the weir and got bogged again and it took three hours the next day to dig it out. Cooke then got lost looking for the Lilydale Road. On the 10th Cooke got to Horace Collins’s place and stole about 2 gallons of petrol. They had breakfast at another property and got a map to Fred Collins’s property. After the men there left to do fencing Cook returned and stole the items while Dittmer waited outside. He then went to Braemar and cut the phone line again. Cooke then went towards Faraway Hill and stole some more petrol when no one was home. Then on the road back to Burra Dittmer said she tried to get away , but was pushed into the car and told she would never get away alive as she knew too much. Cooke was cutting fences – at least 30 of them and cut phone lines a number of times. On the 11th he heard a whistle and saw another car. He drove along a fence and over a big pipe and into a ditch. Dittmer hurt her back there. Cooke got the car out of the ditch and said he was going to Bendigo Station to change cars. While he was checking a tyre in a lucerne patch Dittmer got out and hid among the lucerne. Eventually he drove off. She spent the night unable to light a fire and in the morning followed a track to a fence then along a road and was picked up by a lorry and taken to Salt Bush Station and the police, who took her first to Braemar and then to Burra.
Heard before Justice Jennison JP on 29 June at Burra, who dismissed the case.
60, 27, 4 July 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 8 July
Deanna Durbin & Herbert Marshall in Mad About Music
Noah Beery Jnr & Barbara Reed in The Mighty Treve
Weather. It has been bitterly cold with no steady rain as needed, though some patchy useful falls to the east deposited from 12 to 50 points. Burra recorded only 188 points for June.
Mr & Mrs A. Turner of Chapel St celebrate their golden wedding on 6 July. Mr Turner is 83 and Mrs Turner is the second daughter (Annie) of the late Mr & Mrs P. Lally two of Burra’s pioneer citizens.
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church, 29 June
Thomas Keith Watkins, eldest son of Mr & Mrs A.M. Watkins of Hallett, married
Mavis G. Symons, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs William Symons of Copperhouse.
Mr W. Kakoschke has finally returned home after his motor accident near Gawler, though he has not yet fully recovered.
Burra Burra District Council Election Results
Hanson Ward M. de N. Lucas 35
Thomas J. Canny 18
Booborowie Ward Walter Lomman 26
T.J. Wedding 18
Sydney Ram Sales. Local breeders did very well, though prices were not as good as in previous years. District offerings were:
Collinsville 6 rams
North Bungaree 10
Bungaree 4
Koonoona 19
Barton Hill 10
Best Koonoona prices were 350, 225, 200, 110 & 100 guineas.
Best Collinsville was 235 guineas.
Redruth Methodist Circuit Meeting reported:
Redruth Girl Comrades had 21 members.
Redruth Young Worshippers’ League had 50 members.
Ironmine Young Peoples’ Society had an average attendance of 20.
Hanson Sunday School was working well and the Young Peoples’ Guild was successful.
Rev. Andrews reported enough young people to justify re-opening Westbury Sunday School.
The meeting gave a favourable response to a request from the Lutheran Church to hold services in Westbury Church.
[Westbury Church had closed in mid-1938.]
Leighton Apex Club has been formed to aid the social life of the district and will hold its first dance on 12 July.
Leighton Golf Club. The Spalding team visited 1 July and Leighton won 13 matches to Spalding 2.
Tom Eustice of Boolgun [south of Waikerie] writes about the Stock Route Case.
He explains that they usually sell lambs and surplus sheep at off-shears sales each year. This year they could not sell without loss and were left with 600 lambs and some young sheep and needed to feed them till the price rose at least to cover costs. He travelled them on the stock road from Boolgun to World’s End Creek and back via Robertstown. Feed was adequate and best in the Burra Burra District Council area, but water was a problem. Between Florieton and Baldina Creek there was only one Government watering place at the new King Dam. He tried to get a permit from the Lands Office in Adelaide for 800 sheep to travel to World’s End and back, but was advised to apply to the local Council for the area. Thus he sent a letter to the Waikerie Council. He asked the Chairman if he could obtain a permit from the Burra Burra District Council. He pointed out the long distances between water and the need for recovery time. The date cited in the Burra Record for the journey, 23rd-30th were not the dates for the journey, but the period of time within which he was to start the journey. The problem was that his letter had not been dealt with promptly and the letter from the Waikerie Council to the Burra Burra Council had not asked for a permit.
J. Brereton writes to correct statements in the report of the Burra Burra District Council.
Council apparently advised the Director of Lands that the northern portion of the Hanson Park Lands had been planted with trees and stock used the other portion when travelling to Burra Markets. Brereton says that in fact only two acres of the north portion are planted and not the lot as implied. As for the east portion, this as well as the north portion is let for grazing rights for sheep, giving the tenderer sole grazing rights and depriving travelling stock from using the land.
60, 27, 4 July 1939, page 3
Burra Rifle Club held its 32nd AGM last Saturday. Captain Hogan reported a very successful year with better shooting than in the past due to better rifles and ammunition. Larger mounds were built to accommodate more members. The death of one of the oldest members C.W. Pearce was regretted. Three members left the town during the year: R.H. Barty, L.W. Mumme & E.R. Pexton.
Kookaburra Trophy Ron Kellock
Championship Capt. P.W. Hogan
Handicap Champion Trophy J.E. Pearce
Marksman’s Trophy P.W. Hogan
Best 1st Seven Matches G. Fowelstone
Best 2nd Seven Matches Capt. P.W. Hogan
Best 3rd Seven Matches E.C. Collins
Aggregate Trophy Capt. P.W. Hogan
Best 1st Half Aggregate T. Heinrich
Best 2nd Half Aggregate J.H. Schwier
Highest Aggregate in Championship J. Harris
3rd Stage of Championship G. Fowelstone
Elected were Captain, P.W. Hogan; Vice-Captain, E.C. Collins; Secretary, H.H. Byles & Treasurer, J.E. Pearce.
Copperhouse School Social of 1 July is reported.
Burra Town Council Election Results
East Ward: Norman J. Villis beat R.C. Lott by 33 votes. [Actual voting figures are not printed.]
60, 27, 4 July 1939, page 4
Football. Saturday
Kooringa 7.3 9.5 11.8 15.13 (103)
Hallett 2.0 4.4 4.6 9.9 (63)
Booborowie 12.15 defeated Spalding 12.4.
60, 28, 11 July 1939, page 1
Burra Town Council, 3 July
The Mayor T.H. Woollacott welcomed the new members of Council: R. reed, G. Terry & N.J. Villis.
Committees for the year were established.
Mr Bown’s tender for £50 for widening the road in front of the hospital was approved by the Highways & Local Government Department.
Football. Saturday
Booborowie 4.6 9.8 11.10 14.15 (99)
Kooringa 3.0 4.2 7.2 8.5 (53)
Burra Cycling & Athletic Club held its 9th road race for the year on 1 July. From Thomson’s Garage the route went six miles down the Adelaide Road and back. G. Jungfer was first with A. Coleman second.
60, 28, 11 July 1939, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. under instructions from Emily Fairchild will offer for sale 21 July
Freehold land being: Hd Ayers Sections 766 & 771 191⁄2 acres
Hd Ayers Sections 772 & 777W 20 acres
Hd Ayers Block 16 & Pt Section 38 277 acres
Crown Lease Hd Ayers Section 885 suburban to Booborowie 20 acres
Hd Ayers Sections 751 $ 758 20 acres
Hd Ayers Sections 738, 749, 750, 759, 760, 768,
769 & 774 781⁄4 acres
Hd Ayers Section 761 10 acres
Hd Ayers Sections 762, 767, 770, 773, 775, 776,
777E & 778 to 787 1631⁄4 acres
Hd Ayers Sections 739, 740 20 acres
Plus a four-roomed stone and iron house, two rooms wood & iron etc.
Notice. Tenders are called for the construction of the Burra Swimming and Wading Pools, dressing rooms & conveniences etc. by 31 July. L.G. Golding, Architect.
Notice. Burra Swimming Pool. Tenders have been called and the committee desire to have it ready by summer. All interested are called to a meeting in the RSL rooms 18 July at 7.30 p.m.
H. Jennison, Chairman.
Advt. Burra Talkies 15 July
Robert Montgomery & Marion Davies in Ever Since Eve
Kay Francis & Errol Flynn in Another Dream
Weather. Rain has been falling gently since Sunday evening. This is good soaking rain which as yet amounts only to 52 points, but it is continuing. Falls of any consequence have not extended to the pastoral areas.
Burra Red Cross. The Shilling Appeal acknowledges the receipt of 184/- or £9-4-0.
Obituary. Mrs Charlotte E. (Lottie) Faggotter died at Hutt St Private Hospital on 25 June. She was the second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Wise, late of Hallett and Burra. She was 61 and was born at Hallett and lived there till marrying Charles Faggotter in 1897, after which the couple lived at Broken Hill for many years and then at Myponga until her death. In her youth she was an energetic worker for Hallett Methodist Church and Sunday School. She carried on similar work at Broken Hill and Myponga. She is survived by a husband, four sons and three daughters: Len (Manoora), Bert (Sydney), Allen (Adelaide), Alf (Myponga), Ivy Mrs Symonds (Myponga), Mabel Mrs Smith (Myponga) & Emily (Adelaide). On daughter Rita Mrs Howley died 11 January 1939. Mrs W.B. Gillett of ‘Manila Farm’ near Burra is a sister. [Born Charlotte Elizabeth Wise 12 February 1878 at Cartapo. Marriage not traceable on SA Marriages CD, perhaps married in Broken Hill?]
Mongolata Goldfield
After a long spell without significant finds two nice ingots were brought in last week representing battery returns: one from Byles’ Mongolata GM and one from the Curlew Claim. The first was from the first crushing under the new Board of Directors led by I.J. Warnes when 41⁄2 tons produced 11oz 10dwt with tailings to come. Curlew’s ingot of 15oz 18dwt 16gr came from 7 tons.
60, 28, 11 July 1939, page 3
Girl Guides held their Annual Meeting 5 July and elected: President, Mrs John Barker; Vice-Presidents, Mrs D.M. Steele & A.L. Collins; Secretary, Mrs R. Jeffery; Treasurer Mrs W. Richards.
The Secretary reported a successful second year. In the year though Mrs Carl Pearce found bringing up a small child and the work of Secretary was too much for her and we also lost Mrs C.F. Whittney as Brown Owl. Mrs G.H. Dow, one of the Vice-Presidents also went to Adelaide to live. Miss Lott took over as Brown Owl. Miss June Clifford took over as Guide Lieut. from Miss Margaret Pearce. Free use of the CWA Rest Room has been appreciated. Other activities are reported.
60, 29, 18 July 1939, page 1
Football. A medal awarded to Max Morton and engraved ‘B.F.A. Premiers 1912, M.J. Morton’ has recently been reported as found, according to Thursday’s Advertiser, by an unnamed man. The family is unable to account for how it came to be lost and subsequently found. [Details in 1⁄2 column.]
Saturday
Kooringa 2.1 3.3 5.7 9.10 (64)
Hallett 4.1 4.4 6.7 8.9 (57)
60, 29, 18 July 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 22 July
Jane Withers & Thomas Beck in 45 Fathers
Don Ameche & Arleen Whelan in Gateway
Influenza has broken out in Burra and is spreading rapidly. So far no serious cases have been reported.
Mrs Eliza Sampson of Aberdeen is 90 tomorrow.
Burra Swimming Pool. The proposed pool will cost over £1,000. Mr Golding, architect will supervise. The Government has supplied £400 and local donations and promises have increased this to £550 so far. Before we start we need at least £800. Next Friday we start a mile of pennies when the Mayor will start at Bence’s corner and lay 240 pennies donated by Clarkson’s Ltd.
Red Cross Shilling Appeal reaches £10-18-0.
Weather. Rain in the last few days has totalled 108 points locally and all were of a useful soaking nature. Pastoral areas reported very little.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 15 July.
Adit. 70ft level; continued the crosscut west to 18ft on average face width of 12” and two other veins of 9” & 12”. Will drive on the larger vein.
60, 29, 18 July 1939, page 3
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 15 July
Dorothy M. Pearce, elder daughter of Mrs & the late Clement W. Pearce of Kooringa, married
Kenneth S. Dawson, elder son of Mr & Mrs F.J. Dawson of Maylands.
Marriage. St Rose’s Church Kapunda 15 July
Edward Ambrose Byrne, youngest son of Mr & Mrs Joseph Byrne of ‘Cappeedee’ Hallett, married
Doreen Frances Butler, only daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Butler of Tarcowie.
Golf. Burra golfers visited Farrell’s Flat on Saturday and won handsomely. Burra 8 and one match all square.
Burra Rifle Club, Saturday. Best four results were from A.B. Riggs, E.C. Hopkins, J.E. Pearce & R. Ellis.
Obituary. Kenneth G. Culley husband of Elvy D. Culley of Farrell’s Flat died in Adelaide 13 July after a short illness. He was 25 and was only married on 14 April. He was the only child of Mr & Mrs M.G. Culley of Farrell’s Flat. Elvy Culley is the youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs L.H. Piggott of Porter’s Lagoon. [Kenneth Gordon Culley born 23 January 1914 Aldinga: died 13 July 1939 North Adelaide, residence Farrell’s Flat.]
Copperhouse School Social of 15 July is reported.
Burra Swimming Pool. The meeting of interested parties last night brought forth many ideas to raise the extra money and there is an enthusiastic group behind the move.
Obituary. A.B. Kemp the well-known sheep dog trainer of Heathcote Victoria died there 6 July aged 52. He was a highly esteemed exhibitor at SA sheep dog trials and until last year a fairly regular exhibitor at the Burra trials.
60, 30, 25 July 1939, page 1
Boy Scouts. The 1st Burra Scout Troop has been re-formed under Rev. Christopher Gray after some considerable time. The ten boys have been divided into two patrols. The support of parents and friends is sought.
New Zealand Farmers are currently visiting SA and were welcomed to Burra by the Mayor and given a civic reception at the Burra Hotel. The report of their activities extends for 21⁄3 columns.
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday:
Kooringa 2.0 3.4 4.7 9.9 (63)
Booborowie 2.3 4.7 7.7 7.8 (50)
Hallett 11.11 defeated Spalding 9.14
60, 30, 25 July 1939, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will sell on account of G.B. Morgan who has leased his ‘Curlew’ Mongolata property, his entire well-bred Merino flock.
Advt. SAR offers for sale from the Aberdeen Ballast Quarry:
1 bin 16’6” x 17’6” of steel rail and timber construction
1 elevator frame
Framework of one Acme Stone Breaker
1 galvanised iron shed 15’ x 12’ x 9’.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 29 July
Lloyd Hughes & Shirley Ann Richards in Lovers & Luggers
Danny Malone & Binkie Stuart in Rose of Tralee
Obituary. Rachel Short, relict of the late William I. Short, died at her residence in Aberdeen on 18 July aged 87. [Born Rachel James. See further details on page 3 of this issue.]
Accident. John Drew Jnr of Leighton broke his right collarbone and left wrist when the jack slipped on a car he was working beneath last Tuesday.
G.R. Finch has sold a Dorset Horn ram to the South African Government. It is believed to be the first of its breed to leave Burra for an overseas buyer.
Burra Improvement Society. A meeting is called for the RSL Rooms on Monday next with the aim of creating the above.
Mrs Eliza Sampson’s 90th birthday is reported.
Red Cross Shilling Fund has reached £12-3-0.
Marriage. St Patrick’s Grote St Adelaide 15 July
Bennett Valda Opie, only son of Mr & Mrs C.V. Opie of Two Wells & late of Burra, married
Irene May Preiss, youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs C. W. Preiss of Kooringa.
Burra Swimming Pool. The committee calls for cheques and donations, as they cannot go ahead on promises and they wish to sign up and get a start on the job as soon as tenders close on 31 July.
60, 30, 25 July 1939, page 3
Burra Swimming Pool. The line of pennies was laid down from Bence’s corner to Jennison’s Tyre Service. The Mayor spoke at the opening of the effort and placed the first pennies. He said that of the minimum £800 that was needed to make a start £600 was in sight. When the Mayor had laid 240 pennies on behalf of Clarkson’s Ltd Mr Lott had several pounds worth to follow on. By 5.15 it was said there were only three coppers left in the town unaccounted for. Youngsters were enrolled in the big pick-up and after the event 160lb weight of coppers and a few silver coins produced an amount of £35-2-0.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club. The 10th road race for the year on 22 July was over 10 miles. Competitors rode 5 miles down the Adelaide road and back. Only three entered with just two finishing. J. Franklin won from G. Harris.
Obituary. Mrs William I. Short who died on 18 July aged 87 was born in England and came to SA as a young woman. She married W. Short, the son of two of Burra’s pioneer residents Mr & Mrs Isaac Short. She had lived here about 60 years. Her husband died on 7 December 1932. There are no children. On sister Mrs Walters of Adelaide survives.
Obituary. Mrs Charles V. Ryan nee Sarah Clode was buried at Kooringa on Thursday last. She was the youngest daughter of the late Mrs Clode of Aberdeen and lived here till her marriage. The eldest surviving daughter of the Clode family is Mrs John Walker (Essie) of Aberdeen. [Born Sarah Elizabeth Clode 12 December 1875 Redruth SA: died 19 July 1939 St Peters.]
Allen Walker, youngest son of Mr & Mrs O.G. Walker of Kooringa, who has been on the staff of Kooringa Post Office, has been transferred to Hindmarsh.
60, 30, 25 July 1939, page 4
Obituary. Hon. G. Hawkins MLC died on 26 July 1939 and a writ will be issued for a by-election.
[Born Hartly Gladstone Hawkins 5 May 1877 District of Clare: died 9 July 1939 North Adelaide, residence St Peters. Given the date of death here the 26 July was probably the date for the issue of the by-election writ.]
60, 31, 1 Aug. 1939, page 1
Football. At Victoria Park, Saturday:
Kooringa 0.3 3.4 6.4 8.11 (59)
Spalding 2.6 4.9 6.11 7.11 (53)
Hallett 9.5 defeated Booborowie 6.10
Burra Golf Associates Annual Tournament was held last Saturday. Winners were:
Open Championship 27 Holes Miss J. Wien-Smith of Clare
9-Hole Handicap Mrs P.L. Rosman
9-Hole Eclectic Competition Mrs Rosman
18-Hole Handicap Mrs Rice
27-Hole Handicap Mrs Rice
18-Hole Stableford Mrs Rice
Teams Event Burra No. 2: Mrs G. Ganley, Mrs A. Coverdale, Miss Scovel & Mrs Roy Jeffrey
60, 31, 1 Aug. 1939, page 2
Advt. Dalgety & Co. will sell on 4 August the General Store, shop and dwelling at Mt Bryan under instructions from the Mortgagee. Frontage 82ft to Railway Parade and 165ft to Station St, being allotments 14 & part 13. Large General Store, two offices, galvanised store room, small shop and four-roomed dwelling attached. [Drew & Crewes?]
Notice. Booborowie Memorial Hall Subscribers’ Meeting is called for 14 August to discuss a proposal to alter the name to Booborowie & District Soldier’s Memorial Institute.
Advt. Burra Talkies 5 August
Peter Lorre & Lynn Barri in Mr Moto’s Gamble
Jed Prouty & Shirley Deane in Safety in Numbers
Red Cross Shilling Appeal has reached £13-15-0.
60, 31, 1 Aug. 1939, page 3
Burra Rifle Club fired the 2nd stage of the Burra Record Trophy and the best scores came from R. Ellis, C. Edwards, A.C. Aughey & C.D. Pexton.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club’s 11th road race for the year was twice around the 6-mile circuit. The winner was A. Coleman from B. Thomson.
Burra Primary School Concert was held at the Institute 26 July to a packed hall. Details are reported in 11⁄2 columns.
60, 32, 8 Aug. 1939, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 3rd stage of the Burra Record Trophy when the best four were D.H. Field, E.C. Collins, R. Bernhardt & A.C. Ford.
Burra Improvement Society. A meeting at the RSL Rooms on Tuesday night last formed this organisation. Members aim to help with any movement pertaining to the town’s welfare. The Mayor said he was in full sympathy with the aims of the society. Mr R.C. Lott said Burra needed more publicity in the daily press. Mr Jennison deplored the cliques that divided the town, but Dr Steele didn’t think them much different from any town, though Mr Jennison thought them much less evident in towns along the River Murray for example. Elected were Chairman, F.T. Sara; Secretary, R.T. Bowles & Committee comprising in addition Dr Steele with Messrs S.C. Genders, H. Jennison & A.L. Bence.
Burra Coursing Club. At the Burra Improvement Society meeting Mr Lott & Mr Scovell said there was a move to form a Coursing Club in Burra.
Buffalo Lodge Ball was held in the Institute on Wednesday 2 August and was an outstanding success. The report extends for 2 columns.
60, 32, 8 Aug. 1939, page 2
Advt. Legislative Council By-Election. W.W. Robinson the LCL Candidate will address electors at the Burra Institute 10 August accompanied by A.D. McDonald MP & J.G. Duncan Hughes.
Advt. Legislative Council By-Election. J.M. Beerworth Labor Candidate will address electors in the Burra Institute Lodge Room 21 August accompanied by Norman Makin MHR & Syd. McHugh MHR.
Notice. Evangelical Lutheran Church. A Mission Festival will be held at Westbury Church Copperhouse on 20 August.
Morning Service 10.30 a.m. Rev. Cl. Hoopman, President of the SA District
Afternoon Service 2 p.m. At Burra Institute: preacher Rev. E. Harms
Director of Koonibba Mission
Advt. Burra Talkies, 12 August
Jeanette McDonald & Allan Jones in The Firefly
Plus short features.
Weather. Burra has been experiencing a severe cold snap for several weeks. Last Thursday was particularly bad and burst water pipes have been a result. At ‘Wahroonga’ the temperature dropped to 24°F. On Saturday rain fell and by Monday 78 points had been recorded. Falls to the east were slight.
Burra’s Cheap Rents for some parts of the town have become well known and the Mayor reports people contacting him with the request for free transport to the town to take advantage of them. When he said this at a meeting two more businessmen reported similar requests.
Burra Swimming Pool. The Seaside Committee has donated £50.
Red Cross Shilling Fund has reached £14-15-0.
60, 32, 8 Aug. 1939, page 3
Burra Gold Tournament last weekend. Winners:
36-Hole Championship J. Hatter
36-Hole Handicap W. Phin
18-Hole Handicap (Morning) E.R. McWaters
18-Hole Handicap (Afternoon)
‘A’ Grade W. Phin
‘B’ Grade W. Barnett
36-Hole Eclectic W. Phin
Stableford W. Phin
Teams Handicap Burra No. 1: Johnson, Bednall, Pontifex & Phillips
Burra Swimming Pool
There has been a suggestion to build the pool in Market Square. At first thought it seems ridiculous, but is it? No dressing sheds, as people could change at home – a modern chain-wire fence to keep out those who did not want to pay. It would certainly attract people to the centre of town. In Germany the idea of a swimming pool in the centre of town is nothing new. It would certainly generate some publicity for the town. A well of unlimited water is on the spot and so is electric light. The committee asks for support for the Fancy Dress Football Match next Saturday and on 9 September for a dance at Copperhouse School, with many other functions to follow.
The Lutheran Church. The Mission Festival at Westbury Methodist Church on 20 August will be the first for the Lutheran Church at Copperhouse. They have now taken over the church from the Redruth Methodist Circuit and will hold regular services there. (See advertisement for details.) Pastor Hoopman founded the Lutheran congregation at Booborowie 25 years ago and when he was transferred Pastor Harms took his place and served for seven or eight years.
Obituary. Mrs W. Baynes died at Booborowie last week. She was born at World’s End on 9 March 1861, the second daughter Isabel of the late Mr & Mrs Simon Cornegia of Kooringa and prior to her marriage was a resident of Burra. She married Mr William Baynes at St Mary’s Burra 6 April 1881 and the couple lived at Baldina where Mr Baynes was a farmer and grazier. She and her husband were active in the old Baldina Methodist Church and in 1910 they moved to Booborowie where her husband carried on farming and dairying till his death 8 June 1921. Of a family of ten, six survive: Oliver Baynes (Booborowie), Elsie Mrs Gardner (Broken Hill), Florrie Mrs J.F. Hogan Jnr (Booborowie) and Messrs Harry, Hurtle & Arthur Baynes, all of Booborowie. There are 21 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
60, 32, 8 Aug. 1939, page 4
Football. Saturday at Spalding:
Spalding 4.8 6.8 8.16 9.19 (73)
Kooringa 1.0 3.1 3.1 5.2 (32)
60, 32, 8 Aug. 1939, Supplement
Prize List for Burra Burra Show to be held 25 October 1939.
60, 33, 15 Aug. 1939, page 1
W.W. Robinson LCL candidate for the Northern District in the Legislative Council spoke in the Institute on Thursday night. The Mayor presided. A.D. McDonald introduced the speaker supported by J.G. Duncan-Hughes. Mr Robinson had been Chairman of the Crystal Brook DC for a number of years. He spoke of the need for Federal Government support for the wheat industry and for the introduction of bulk handling and for a new marketing system. Pastures needed to be developed in wetter areas. Secondary industry needed to be fostered.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club held an 18-mile race on 12 August – three times round the six-mile circuit. This was the second of three races for the Healing Trophy. B. Thomson won from A. Coleman.
Football. Fancy Dress Football Match in aid of the Swimming Pool Fund.
Roosters 4.5 4.5 6.7 6.7 (43)
Cockerels 0.2 1.8 1.9 4.13 (37)
Burraites in SANFL: Dick Halliday scored 7 of Glenelg’s 17 goals against South on Saturday.
60, 33, 15 Aug. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 19 August
Peter Lorre & Mary Maguire in Mysterious Mr Moto
Don Ameche & Simone Simon in Josette
Burra Rifle Club. In clearing out Drew & Crewes’ old store a photo of the club members taken about 1910 was found. Those shown are listed in the article and the photo is said to be distinguished by the wide variety of headgear they all wore.
Copperhouse Dance at the school on 12 August is reported. The series had been organised by the Children’s Welfare Club. The School Committee will hold a dance on 8 September in aid of the Swimming Pool Fund.
Weather. The last week has produced useful rain – 36 points in the week and 187 in the month to date. Snow fell on Thursday, but was soon removed by rain. Friday morning was white with a heavy frost.
Obituary. William Quinn, brother of John Quinn of Kooringa and late AIF, died at Yacka last week. He was a son of the late Mr & Mrs M. Quinn lat of World’s End. [William James Quinn born 12 April 1880 Kooringa: died 7 Aug 1939 Blyth, residence Yacka.]
Mrs W.J. McBride leaves Burra this week after an almost life-long residence in the town. The large photo of the Burra Cheer-Up Girls who formed a mounted escort for Governor Sir Henry Galway on 13 October 1915 which hangs in the Burra Institute was a gift of Mrs McBride. She was a staunch supporter of the Redruth Methodist Church and the Aberdeen Croquet Club.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 12 August.
Farnden’s Hill: working the adit in two shifts and drove 35 ft to total of 45ft. Sunk trial prospecting shafts on west side of Hogan’s Shaft. Work there discontinued for the present.
Theft. Someone stole £14 in notes from the cash drawer of Bence’s Men’s Department. Mr Bence had stepped out momentarily to take a customer to the Cash & Carry shop in Commercial St.
60, 33, 15 Aug. 1939, page 3
Hallett Arts & Crafts Exhibition organised by Mrs G.S. Melrose annually since 1930 was held again in Hallett Institute Hall 12 August and was followed by a dance in the evening. The show is reported with prize winners in a report of 11⁄4 columns.
Burra Rifle Club. On Saturday the club held the 1st shoot for the Kellock Trophy. The best four results were from W. Nankivell, C. Edwards, P.W. Hogan & Len Allen.
Burra Town Council, 7 August
A deputation from the Burra Tree Planting Committee waited on Council. Mr R. Fairchild said the committee had been formed in June and intended financing the trees and guards and wanted to plant Council reserves near the Bon Accord Hotel, along the creek near the bridge and past the railway reserve. Also those near the Aberdeen Croquet green & Sara’s, that near the Mine Bridge and a little block near Mr Kellaway’s. Mrs E.F. Marston undertook to defray the cost of planting Lane Garden.
R.H. McWaters spoke in support. The Mayor supported the idea.
Mr Fairchild said the plan was first to plant gums along the creek. It was also intended to plant some willows 10-12ft high.
Cr Samuel asked about almond trees, but Mr Fairchild said some residents were opposed to almond trees.
It was resolved that Cr Villis & Cr Reed meet with the committee with power to grant permission to plant as long as the Council was not financially involved.
The Mayor drew attention to the hand-printed document by the late George Hann concerning Armistice Day, which was hanging on the wall. It had been sold by the Bugler System soon after the end of the Great War and bought by the late Mr W.I. Short for over £130. When Mr Short died recently Mrs Smith handed it over to the Council in memory of Mr & Mrs Short. It was certainly a valuable item in the history of Burra.
Cr Samuel moved a minute of appreciation be entered including the names of Mr & Mrs Short and of Mr George Hann.
The Mayor said that in response to a letter from the Premier’s Office he had appointed Mr M.W. Bednall to act to keep in touch with the Central Committee concerning Civil Defence in an emergency. Council endorsed this action.
Following a letter from North Ward ratepayers it was decided to relocate one of the two lights near Mr Bett’s bakehouse to Railway Terrace.
The general rate for the coming year 1939-40 was declared at 2/9.
Arrangements are to be made with the Bank of Australasia for an overdraft facility of £650.
Several minor works were approved.
‘Snake Gully’ Dance at Hanson in aid of a supper room for the hall. (The coppers for boiling water at this stage were outside in the rain.)
60, 34, 22 Aug. 1939, page 1
Improved Store for Bence’s Ltd.
£1,000 is being spent to modernise and reconstruct the old Drew & Crewes’ Store which has been taken over by Bence’s Ltd. There will be a large Men’s Department with a Men’s Cash & Carry & Sporting Section. The main Drapery Section will be laid out on a Cash & Carry basis with items priced and ticketed. The Grocery Section has been sub-let to Mr A.P. Rogers who will specialise in Grocery, Hardware, Crockery & Glassware. Changes are being supervised by Mr A.L. Bence. The new frontage will be in place this week.
Golf. The final of the aggregate competition on Saturday was won by Clem Davey.
Salvation Army. The Home Service Circle of the local corps under the supervision of Captain I. Russell & Captain M. Gibbons held their annual fair on 18 August at the Institute. It was opened by Mrs T.H. Woollacott. It took the form of an Orange & Lemon Fair. It was a financial success and there was a concert in the evening. Details are given in 13⁄4 columns.
60, 34, 22 Aug. 1939, pages 1 & 4
Stockowners’ Assoc. of SA, Burra Branch AGM. I.J. Warnes was elected President.
The details take 31⁄3 columns on pages 1 & 4 and deal with prevailing concerns of pastoralists concerning the new Pastoral Award, Bathurst Burr eradication, the competition for wool from synthetic fibres, wool prices, tariffs and other costs.
60, 34, 22 Aug. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 26 August
Joy Hodges & John King in The Merry-Go-Round
Victor McLaglen & Binnie Barnes in The Magnificent Brute
Obituary. John Hall late of Mongolata & Burra died in Adelaide 17 August aged 81.
[See extended obituary 60, 35, 29 Aug. 1939, page 1.]
Copperhouse Methodist Church. [Actually Westbury Methodist Church.]
Next Sunday at 11 a.m. the Sunday school will be re-opened with Mr & Mrs M.T. Pink as superintendent & assistant superintendent. It is hoped that church services will be re-established soon. The building has been renovated.
Mrs Klaffus will be 93 on Sunday.
Weather. Rain in the last week has totalled 189 points and Burra Creek and several of its tributaries are flowing well. To the east falls of 20-40 points have been reported up to yesterday, but telephone lines have since failed.
Burra Swimming Pool. The various activities to raise money have been going quite well with others planned: tomorrow’s Buffalo Lodge Ball being the next event.
Mrs W.J. McBride was given a farewell by the Redruth Methodist Church Ladies Auxiliary on 16 August. She was presented with a handbag. Her new home will be at Glenelg.
Burra Progress Assoc. was formed following a meeting on 1 August. A draft constitution will be presented to a meeting on 30 August. There are already nearly 40 financial members. The Association will work to advance the trade and prosperity of the town.
60, 34, 22 Aug. 1939, page 3
Annual Farrell’s Flat Catholic Ball was held at the local Institute on 15 August and was a great success despite bad weather and poor roads.
Burra Rifle Club had to postpone the 4th stage of the Burra Record Trophy on Saturday due to a strong right rear wind which made it impossible to work the targets at 500 yards.
Burra Electric Supply Co.
A ceremony to mark recent plant extensions at the Power Station took place on 14 August. E.F. Marston as Chairman of the Board of Directors started the new diesel unit. W.H. Sandland Senior Director closed the main switch to bring the new generator on line. A dinner followed at the Royal Exchange Hotel.
Mr F.D. Taylor on behalf of Messrs Petters Ltd proposed the Burra Electric Supply Co. Ltd. He said the first engines installed in 1924 were Vickers Petter Engines of 30 & 60 BHP respectively coupled to alternators of the Harland Engineering Co. Ltd. In 1934 it became necessary to expand the plant and they installed another Petter Engine, this time a 112 BHP. Again more power was needed and Petters Ltd through their agents the SAFU were given the order for a Petters Superscavenge Diesel Engine of 187.5 BHP. The latest extensions brought the plant into line with the most up-to-date in the state and the reserve power allowed for further expansion as required and should see the company through for some years to come.
E.F. Marston responded. After praising the Petter Engines he said the decision to install Automatic Voltage Regulators was done as they desired to improve the service to consumers.
Mr Taylor in his speech warned that the practice of supplying electricity at a high tariff for light and at a low (indeed uneconomic) tariff for power had an inherent danger. Originally the company had been intended principally to provide light, but the increasing use of electrical appliances was shifting the balance and the company would have to take care that the tail did not wag the dog or the company could end up requiring increased generating capacity to supply power at an uneconomic rate.
The company has paid modest dividends of less than 4% p.a. on average.
L.H. Pascoe the company engineer said that over sixteen years interruptions had been few and he believed Burra held the record in SA in that respect. Other people also addressed the gathering and some further technical details are printed in a report that extends for more than 31⁄2 columns.
Burra Town Council, 21 August
The Burra-Adelaide Road Race this year will be held on 23 September and about 100 visitors are expected for its start. The Premier the Hon. T. Playford will visit Burra 25 September and will visit the school function in the afternoon, inspect some historic spots and receive a Civic Reception in the evening.
60, 34, 22 Aug. 1939, page 4
Football. At Victoria Park on Saturday
Kooringa 1.1 4.5 6.6 6.10 (46)
Hallett 3.5 3.5 6.8 6.9 (45)
Spalding 10-13 defeated Booborowie 5.6.
60, 35, 29 Aug. 1939, page 1
Obituary. John McLaren of Robert St North Unley died 22 August. For many years he managed Bagot, Shakes & Lewis Ltd in Burra. He was 83. [See page 2 of this issue for more details and 60, 36, 5 Sep. 1939, page 4 for an extended obituary.]
Obituary. Mrs G.T. Platten of Mile End died 14 August. She was the sister (Maria) of Fred Dew of Aberdeen and a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Dew of Blue Bell Farm near Kooringa. She leaves a grown-up family of eight and a husband. [Maria Dew was born 16 June 1873 at Princes Town near Burra and died 14 August 1939 at Mile End.]
Obituary. Mr Dominie [sic] Pizzo died at Riverton last week. He was formerly a well-known Burra resident. Frank Pizzo of this district is a son. He leaves a widow and a large grown-up family.
[Dominic Pizzo was born in Naples and died 17 August 1939 at Riverton, residence Saddleworth. His age is then given as 79, but the age given at his marriage makes him about 70! The surviving family in 1939 seems to have been three sons and five daughters with one son and two daughters deceased.]
Obituary. John Dixon of Hanson died at Burra Hospital on 26 August aged 79. He was unmarried and lived for some time with his brother R.J. Dixon. William Dixon another brother lives in Kooringa. [Born 15 March 1859 World’s End: died 18 August 1939 Kooringa, residence Farrell’s Flat.]
Obituary. John Hall died in Adelaide 17 August. He was well known in Burra and district. He was born at Mt Gambier in 1857, the eldest son of the late Mr & Mrs James Hall pioneers of Mongolata. In his youth he assisted his father in carting ore for the Burra Mine. In the 1870s his father took land at Mongolata where the family resided for many years. John Hall carted goods to the Barrier as a sideline until the railway went through. He retired to Silverton and in 1937 came to Burra to live with his nephew J.H. Schwier until a few months ago. His son was killed in the Great War and his only daughter is Mrs Blore of Coally Station NSW. He was buried at Kooringa. [The birth does not seem to be registered in SA.]
Visit of the Premier Hon. T. Playford
The Premier visited Burra last Friday. He came as acting Minister of Education to open the recently renovated classrooms at Burra High School. The rooms were festively decorated and featured lavish flower arrangements and almond and wattle blossom.
Mr Playford was accompanied by W.T. Martin Superintendent of Primary Education, M. A.F. Pearce Secretary to the Premier and A.D. McDonald MP. They were greeted by Mr W. Richards Headmaster and Mr T.M. Rice Head Teacher of the Primary School. Though the buildings impressed the visitors the need for improvements to the grounds was apparent. The playgrounds have been rugged and rough for almost 70 years. The opening took place in the new assembly room.
Dr Steele representing the High School Council presided. His remarks were supported by S. Kellaway as Chairman of the Primary School Committee. Mr Playford’s speech is reported. He said the improvements had cost about £600. Mr Martin also spoke and is reported.
Afternoon tea followed and then the visitors went to see the old mine and at 5.30 p.m. went to the RSL Rooms.
At 6.30 a banquet was given by the Mayor for the visitors and about 70 gentlemen attended at the Royal Exchange Hotel. The toasts and speeches are reported (concluding on page 4.)
(In his speech Cr Jeffrey mentions that in this year the Burra Railway Station had received 11,000 bales of wool and 40,000 bags of wheat.
60, 35, 29 Aug. 1939, page 2
Advt. Harold Raymond’s All-Star Variety Show will be in Burra 14 September.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 31 August
Spencer Tracy & Luise Rainer in Big City
Robert Montgomery & Madge Evans in Piccadilly Jim
Obituary. Mary Rosewall died at Kooringa 26 August aged 41. She was the elder daughter of Mr & Mrs Josiah Rosewall and a sister to Walter, Bell, Tom, Harry & Alan. [See further details page 3 of this issue.]
Obituary. John McLaren died 20 August 1939 at a private hospital in Adelaide. He was husband of Mary Ellen McLaren of 17 Robert St North Unley and late of Burra. He was 83. He is survived by five daughters and two sons: Ailsa Mrs R. Galle, May Mrs O.G. Walker, Nellie Mrs T. Kidman, Jean Mrs Richards (England), Miss Marjorie McLaren, A.D. [Alister Dow] McLaren & C.R. [Colin Roy] McLaren. There are 18 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. [See an extended obituary at 60, 36, 5 Sep. 1939, page 4.]
The Buffalo Lodge Dance last Wednesday in aid of the Swimming Pool Fund was successful.
Polo. A match under lights will be played for the first time at the Royal Adelaide Show on 14 September. Teams will be Town versus Country and the Country team will comprise R.M. Keynes (Captain) of Mt Crawford, T. Warnes & Rex C. Warnes of Burra.
Burra Rifle Club.
Des Pexton & Ron Kellock did well at the no. 4 District Union Prize Meeting at Gawler last Friday & Saturday. On Saturday wind and rain flattened four targets and smashed the frames and the team shoot and ‘The Bell’ were shot in conjunction due to the delay. Burra came second in the team match by 3 points. Mansfield from Angaston won the aggregate.
Burra Town Council, 21 August
SA Farmers’ Union have renovated their offices and ask for a tree in front to be removed. Granted.
The road in front of the hospital has been widened.
Cr Jeffery said the decision to move one light from near Leunig’s Bakery to Railway Terrace was wrong because all lights at the spot were needed, as it was a rough place frequently used by old people.
The Mayor admitted a mistake, but nevertheless there were seven lights at that end of town and only two at the railway end and it was a matter of distribution.
A letter of sympathy was sent to Mrs McLaren.
Weather. Rain in August has been an all time record and today reached 516 points. The record was previously 464 in 1916. Unfortunately little of it has extended to the pastoral areas.
The Methodist Dramatic Club, newly formed, presented The Head Waiter and The Reborn Convict on Wednesday evening at the Kooringa Methodist Sunday School. They created a very good impression and drew a large attendance despite bad weather.
Mrs Klaffus was 93 on 27 August and was given a party. Her son Mr Oscar Frahm was home for the occasion.
60, 35, 29 Aug. 1939, page 3
LCL Rally, Social & Dance ended a busy day for the Premier on Friday. Mr Playford and Mr J.G. Duncan-Hughes were the speakers. The speeches are reported. Mr Duncan-Hughes spoke of the impending conflict and the Labor Party’s statement that no Australians should be sent overseas in the event of war. Such a policy could be disastrous and would leave Australia defenceless without allies if the Empire and her allied were defeated in Europe and Australia would have to fight on alone or grovel before the victors.
Obituary. Miss Mary Rosewall died on Saturday 26 August at the residence of her parents. She was the elder daughter of Mr & Mrs Josiah Rosewall and was born at Kooringa. After leaving school she was for a time a dressmaker and costumier. She had to give this up for health reasons and was then secretary for ‘The Central’ guest home at Victor Harbor. Some months ago she had to give up work and seek treatment in Adelaide before returning to the family home in Paxton Terrace. She leaves parents, one sister Belle and four brothers: Walter, Tom, Harry & Alan.
[Mary Riggs Rosewall born 3 January 1898 Kooringa.]
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club, held its 13th road race for the year on 26 August. It was four times around the six-mile course in showers and a strong northwest wind. The winner was B. Thomson from H. Coleman. This was the final for the Healing Trophy which was run over three races and won by Thomson with 10 points from Franklin with 9. The trophy was presented at a dance in the Aberdeen Lodge Hall as were two other trophies: The Elliott Cup for a 12-mile road race on 29 July won by H. Coleman and the Thomson Trophy for a 12-mile road race on 17 June won by G. Harris.
Burra Racing Club held its AGM on 23 August. M.W. Bednall presided. The financial position had improved. The death of Mr P.W. Clark, chairman of the committee since 1926 had been a severe loss and many of the course improvements had been achieved through his efforts. Membership is not what it should be and a drive for more is needed. Both the year’s meetings were successful. The track is in good condition for the next meeting on 4 October. It will be suggested to the Swimming Pool Committee that they hold a dance on Race Night and the Racing Committee will include advertising with their own and in the race books and through amplifiers on the day.
60, 35, 29 Aug. 1939, page 4
Mr Beerworth the Labor candidate for the Legislative Council by-election spoke in Burra on 21 August. He spoke of Labor’s plans to aid the wheat farmer by adopting a realistic valuation of assets based on capacity to produce rather than some fictitious monetary value. Also he spoke on credit from the Commonwealth Bank at cost and the establishment of a wheat marketing board. He also addressed the problem of farmer bankruptcies, which in SA accounts for more than half the bankruptcies each year.
Football. On Saturday at Booborowie the last game of the minor round was played.
Kooringa 4.2 7.5 8.8 10.9 (69)
Booborowie 3.4 5.5 6.6 8.11 (59)
60, 36, 5 Sep. 1939, page 1
World War II Breaks Out
On Sunday evening over 50 citizens braved the cold and rain in Market Square to hear Mr Menzies declare Australia was at war with Germany.
The Mayor Mr Woollacott declared the district’s loyalty to King & Country and their determination to do their duty. A telegram saying as much was sent to the Governor.
Dr Steele expressed the bitterness of their hearts that such a great crisis should have been possible and called for all to carry on with their duty to maintain the strength and integrity of the empire. H. Jennison expressed similar feelings: sorrow that nations had learnt so little from the last war, the shame of those who had allowed this war to come about and the assurance that the Empire would stand firm and united.
Football. Jimmy Murphy of Hallett has won the Mail Medal for this year with 36 votes ahead of J. Brooks of Booborowie with 25.
Burra High School Sports were held on 31 August. Results are printed.
Burra Improvement Society. Suggestions have been made that the town needs a home for the aged, sick and infirm. A committee will investigate needs and possibilities.
60, 36, 5 Sep. 1939, page 2
Advt. A.L. Bence will conduct an extraordinary auction sale at the Institute on Friday 8 September at 7 p.m. to clear the drapery stock of A.P. Rogers comprising drapery, oddments, men’s & women’s wear and remnants galore.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. & Dalgety & Co. on instructions from Mr R.B. Wiltshire, trustee in the estate of K. Chester Sandland, will offer for sale the whole stock of the well-known Koo-owie Merino Stud Flock: the property having been sold. At Koo-owie, 12 miles south of Burra on Tuesday 19 September. The stud has been in existence for 50 years. On Monday 25 September there will be a clearing sale of horses, cattle, plant, implements, etc.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 9 September
Tyrone Power & Alice Faye in Alexander’s Ragtime Band
Smith Ballew & Evelyn Daw in Panamint’s Bad Man
Advt. Mal Verco & Ginger assisted by local artists at the Burra Institute 15 September will present a Grand Concert in aid of the Swimming Pool.
27th Battalion (Scottish) was called up for a sixteen-day camp. Three Burra boys belong to this crack SA unit: Laurie Hann and two Penrose Brothers [Alan & Ian].
Burra Lutheran Church. After home services for a number of years, especially at that of Mr G.A. Heinrich, the Lutherans have now rented the Copperhouse [Westbury] Methodist Church and held their first service there on Sunday at 10.30. Rev. C. Hoff officiated and Pastor C. Hoopman of Mannum preached the sermon. The afternoon service was at the Burra Institute when Pastor Harms of Waterloo preached.
Aberdeen Croquet Club held its AGM 1 September and elected: President, Mrs Frank T. Sara; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames J.G. Sara & F.M. Pearce; Secretary, Mrs W.H. Gare; Treasurer, Miss L. Bartholomaeus; Captain, Mrs M.T. Fuller & Vice-Captain, Mr W.H. Gare.
60, 36, 5 Sep. 1939, page 3
Burra Improvement Society. Last week at the Institute the Mayor said one key to improving the town was the improvement of roads leading to it. R.T. Bowles read the proposed constitution. The objects of the society he said were to co-operate with the Town & District Councils for better roads, to publicise Burra, to move for universal Saturday afternoon closing and to run a carnival in aid of the swimming pool etc. F.T. Sara was appointed President with R.T. Bowles as Treasurer.
Marriage. St Edmund’s Booborowie 29 August
John Danielson of Peterborough married Edna Shattock, third daughter of Mr & Mrs W.J. Shattock of Booborowie.
Burra High School: the second term social is reported.
Booborowie Catholic Ball was held last Wednesday and was a resounding success despite heavy rain earlier in the day. Church funds will benefit by £20.
60, 36, 5 Sep. 1939, page 4
Football. Saturday at Hallett
Booborowie 7.4 9.4 11.10 12.11 (83)
Spalding 0.1 2.4 2.5 4.6 (30)
Obituary. John McLaren who died recently was a well-known resident of Burra for 30 years. He was born in Adelaide in 1855 soon after his parents had arrived from Comrie in Scotland. His father, Peter McLaren was a building contractor who started business in Kapunda. John McLaren spent his early life there. At the age of 29 in 1884 he began in the stock and auctioneering business with Sir Jenkin Coles and later was employed by Messrs Goodchild, Duff & Co. In 1885 he started business in Burra, but returned to Kapunda in 1887. In 1890 he took over the management of Bagot, Shakes & Lewis in Burra and continued there after their amalgamation with Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. until 1920 when he retired to Adelaide.* In Burra he took a keen interest in civic matters and occupied a seat on the Town Council for a number of years and was Mayor for a long period. [He was Councillor for East Ward from December 1897 to November 1901 and Mayor from December 1910 to November 1913.] He was secretary of the Burra Show Society for some years and in his youth was a cricketer. We understand he was a foundation member of the Burra Bowling Club. He was renowned as a man of strict integrity. [Born 13 October 1855 Adelaide: died 20 August 1939 Adelaide, residence North Unley.]
[*Note that the papers for 1920 say he was transferred to Adelaide rather than he retired to Adelaide, though he was 65 and may have retired then or soon afterwards. The amalgamation of Bagot, Shakes and Lewis took place some time after the death of John Lewis in 1923.]
60, 37, 12 Sep. 1939, page 1
Mid-North High School Sports were held at Riverton last Wednesday. Team results:
Clare 991⁄2
Riverton 77
Burra 66
Kapunda 451⁄2
Balaklava 42
Other results are also printed.
Patriotic Rally, Tuesday last
There was a good attendance despite the short notice. Members of the RSL occupied front seats.
Mrs H.J.B. Jennison began by singing Land of Hope & Glory.
The Mayor read a reply from the Governor to the town’s telegram. He led off with a patriotic speech outlining the need to contain Hitler.
P.L. Rosman than sang Pack Up Your Troubles.
Dr Steele then addressed the crowd outlining the history of events leading up to the outbreak of war.
Rev. J.A. Andrews followed and urged all to place their faith in God.
Guy Dollman then sang The Veteran’s Song.
Dr Tohl of St Joseph’s then spoke urging unity in support of England & the Empire.
Mrs Max Pearce sang Australia Will Be There.
H.J.B. Jennison spoke of the failure of efforts to appease Hitler and of the freedom for which they and England were now fighting. He urged calmness and hard work and preparedness and expressed the possibility of dangers which might soon come from a source ‘not far from Australia’s front door’.
Graham Dow sang Sons of the Sea.
Mr Stanley Hawker spoke, thanking previous speakers. Addressing those who would not go overseas to fight he said that the Liberty of Australia depended on the supremacy of England and her navy and it was better to fight on someone else’s soil than your own. He then thanked the singers and moved a vote of thanks.
60, 37, 12 Sep. 1939, page 2
Advt. (Full Page) Bence’s Ltd will open the reconstructed and modernised premises formerly occupied by Drew & Crewes on Friday 22 September.
60, 37, 12 Sep. 1939, page 3
Advt. Burra Talkies, 16 September
Kay Walsh & George Benson in Keep Fit
Frieda Inescourt & Walter Abel in The Trial of Portia Merriman
Advt. For Sale or Rent in Market Square Kooringa, three shops and dwelling now occupied by Bence’s Ltd.
Advt. RAOB Lodge will hold a Benefit Dance at the Burra Institute 21 September with proceeds to aid our sick Bro. Walter Williams.
Obituary. Mr E. [Edlie] Thomas died 9 September after an illness of several weeks.
[See extended obituary 60, 39, 26 Sep. 1939, page 1.]
Copperhouse School Dance on Saturday night raised £2-7-11 for the Swimming Pool Fund.
Burra Rifle Club. Inter-Club matches have been postponed indefinitely due to the international situation.
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club ran its 14th race for the year. It was once around the six-mile track. B. Thomson won from H. Coleman.
Red Cross Appeal for funds, launched in this time of war with a letter from Muriel V. Barclay-Harvey, President of the SA Division of the Australian Red Cross Society.
60, 37, 12 Sep. 1939, page 4
Football. Saturday at Victoria Park: the 2nd Semi-final.
Kooringa 2.3 4.7 6.10 10.15 (75)
Hallett 4.6 5.7 8.8 10.9 (69)
60, 37, 12 Sep. 1939, Supplement
Marriage. Redruth Methodist Church 6 September 1939
Annetta Pens, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs J.J. Pens of Bendigo Station via Hallett, married
Lindsay Martin, eldest son of Mrs C.N. & the late Mr L.H. Martin of Terowie.
Obituary. Thomas Gustav Tohl of Booborowie died at Burra Hospital on 6 September. He was born at Black Springs in 1868 and spent the early part of his life in that district. When Booborowie stock route was subdivided into workingmen’s blocks, he and his brother acquired several (about 50 years ago) and he became a pioneer farmer of the district. Mr Tohl was also a shearer on northern stations. In more recent years further land was acquired and with his brother and later his son Mr Tohl carried on farming successfully. In 1898 he married Mary, daughter of Mr & Mrs Michael Hogan of Leighton, who died in 1936. Two sons and one daughter survive: Michael Tohl & G.J. Tohl of Booborowie and Miss E. Tohl of Booborowie. There is also a brother Mr Gus. Tohl of Latina and a sister Mrs Valentine. [Born as Thomas Tohl 11 May 1869 Black Springs: died as Thomas Gustav Tohl 6 September 1939 at Kooringa, residence Booborowie. His sister Eliza married E.G.S. Ballantyne not Valentine.]
Burra Town Council, 4 September
The Mayor said after looking at the place he thought the light in Railway Terrace would have to be suspended.
The Mayor thanked all for their support in the Premier’s visit and was in return thanked for all he had done. Some minor works were approved.
60, 38, 19 Sep. 1939, page 1
The Minister of Supply & Development Mr Casey said that at present petrol supplies were ample and no rationing was in sight.
Football. Saturday at Spalding: the Preliminary Final
Booborowie 1.3 4.9 5.12 8.17 (65)
Hallett 1.6 2.8 3.9 5.10 (40)
Polo. On Thursday night at the Wayville Showgrounds the Country Team of R.M. Keynes, Rex Warnes & Tom Warnes defeated the City Team 6-3 before a crowd of 10,370.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 6th stage of the Burra Record Trophy with best results from A.G. Heinrich, R. Bernhardt, W. Crickett & J. Harris.
Rev. C. Gray writes objecting to a statement of 22 August in the paper, that the Salvation Army did the work other denominations left undone: reportedly said by Mrs I.J. Warnes. He then outlines the four Anglican homes for orphans, the Girls’ Hostel in Whitmore Square, The Girls’ Club, the GFS Lodge, the Hostel for Unemployed Men and Others in Wright St, the Missions to Seamen and the House of Mercy at Walkerville for fallen girls and other missions. Perhaps, he says, the trouble is that they do not advertise enough. Without belittling the work of the Army it is time to dispel the idea that it does all the social work of religion.
B.J. Harlem, Deputy Commissioner of the Repatriation Commission SA Branch, writes outlining the conditions and qualifications for a service pension. At the time it paid a maximum of 40/- per fortnight (with an income and assets test).
60, 38, 19 Sep. 1939, page 2
Advt. There is a half-page advertisement for the Spring Opening at Bence’s Ltd on 22 September in their New Premises.
Mal Verco (ventriloquist) and his doll ‘Ginger’ assisted by local performers gave matinee and evening performances last Friday and as a result £20 was raised towards the swimming pool.
Red Cross. The local branch will meet on 21 September to discuss the aid that can be given to the war effort. Mrs Woollacott, who has attended a meeting recently at Government House on the issue, will address the meeting.
Obituary. Dr W.G. Torr died at Way Cottage Brighton last week. He spent his early life in the Burra District. On his verandah at Brighton was a church seat from the old Bible Christian Church at Kooringa and a stool which was the pulpit chair from the Cartapoo Church, used when he conducted his first service. He had a long and distinguished scholastic career and a fine record teaching and preaching. After Way College closed he gave the rest of his life to the training of young men for the Christian ministry and local preaching etc. He constructed the Brighton Training College which afterwards became Wesley College and is now used for the welfare of young children. In later years he distributed literature to needy young men. He was 86 when he died last Wednesday 13 September. Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook late of the Kooringa Circuit and Rev. J.A. Andrews of Redruth participated in the last rites. [William George Torr born 29 March 1853 Tavistock, Devonshire: died 13 September 1939 Brighton SA.]
60, 38, 19 Sep. 1939, page 3
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Ltd will offer 15,700 sheep in their Annual Off-Shears Sale on 22 September.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 23 September
Daniel Darrieux & Douglas Fairbanks Jnr in The Rage of Paris
Ralph Bellamy & Josephine Hutchinson in The Crime of Dr Hallett
Ironmine Methodist Sunday School held its 67th anniversary on 3 & 4 September. Services were taken by Rev. V. Secombe of Kooringa.
‘Ratepayer’ writes complaining of the Council again spending money on repairs to Market Square: fixing a drain in front of Bence’s new shop, which seemed perfectly all right, while other areas of town are neglected.
Dave Killicoat now of WA is visiting the town for the first time in 20 years.
[Compare this with: 58, 20, 11 May 1937, page 2, David Killicoat is visiting Burra for the first time in 14 years from WA.]
Mr W. Anderson who once had a boot shop on the site of H.J.B. Jennison’s Tyre Service Station is visiting Burra for the first time in about 50 years. He is 84.
C.J. Pearce (84) is also visiting Burra.
60, 38, 19 Sep. 1939, page 4
Mongolata Goldfields
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 9 September.
Leane’s Adit. Driving and prospecting leaders. Drove Hayman’s leader north 13ft on a 2” face. Drove south on leader in winze in adit 6ft on a 3” face. Another drive on a leader going south from crosscut.
Latest crushing of 3 tons 12cwt produced 3oz 3dwt 18gr. Tailings not treated.
60, 39, 26 Sep. 1939, page 1
Football. Grand Final played at Booborowie on Saturday.
Booborowie 7.6 11.8 13.13 13.15 (93)
Kooringa 3.1 5.5 6.7 9.12 (66)
Obituary. Edlie Thomas died at ‘Hilldrop’ Mt Bryan on 9 September. He had been ill, but appeared to be recovering when he died. He was born in November 1883 on the same farm, a son of Mr & Mrs William Thomas who retired to Aberdeen in 1918. He then took over the management of the farm. He married Miss Crystal Nutt of Hallett 16 march 1918 who survives with one son Dave Thomas. There is also one sister Miss Mary Thomas of Aberdeen and two brothers Mr Will Thomas of Aberdeen and Mr Joe Thomas of Willalo. Mr Thomas will be missed in musical circles and was the conductor of the Mt Bryan Methodist Choir, a trustee of the Mt Bryan Methodist Church, Chairman of the School Committee and a member of the Order of Knights and Master of the Masonic Lodge* 1924-25 and a prominent member of the Burra Show Society Committee. He was for a number of years a Councillor for the Mt Bryan DC. [*Master of the Kooringa Masonic Lodge 1924.]
[Charles Edlie Thomas born 9 November 1883 at Mt Bryan Flat.]
Red Cross. President Mrs J. Tennant presided at a meeting on 21 September to discuss efforts to assist the needs of the war. Mrs Woollacott reported on the meeting at Government House on 12 September called by Lady Barclay-Harvey. It was necessary to create a stock of made articles for the auxiliary equipment of wartime hospitals. Clothing and garments will be collected. New branches of Red Cross will be needed where they have lapsed since World War I. Advisory committees will be needed to co-ordinate the work of the Red Cross, VSDs & JRC units. Clothing will be cut by professional cutters. A range of knitted items is needed and knitting instructions will be supplied. Old linen is to be collected, boiled, ironed and packed in readiness. Funds must be raised and proper accounts kept. Mrs E.F. Marston reported she had visited the Central Red Cross Office on 18 September and there procured materials for making pyjamas and shirts and wool for knitting cardigans and socks. Transport was free on railways and F.T. Sara offered free delivery from the station. Mrs L. Day promised to teach knitting to anyone. Several ladies offered to lend sewing machines. An advisory committee was formed and a social committee to raise funds.
60, 39, 26 Sep. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 30 September
Shirley Temple & Slim Summerville in Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
Smith Bellew & Evalyn Knapp in Hawaiian Buckeroo
Notice. A meeting is called at the Mt Bryan Institute on Thursday 28 September to form a Red Cross Sewing & Knitting Circle.
Copperhouse [Westbury] Methodist Sunday School has been making good progress since being reformed. Next Sunday Rev. J.A. Andrews will conduct a Church service after the Sunday school.
M.W. Bednall as Chairman of the Civil Defence Committee writes calling for volunteers for men to act as air raid wardens, stretcher bearers, fire fighters, transport officers etc. As younger men will be needed by the military, preference for the above will be given to those over 45. Women have enthusiastically been joining the VSD & Red Cross. Lads 13-17 can be used as messengers. Offers of transport are also needed.
Cricket. A meeting on 25 September decided to re-form the Burra Cricket Club and to enter the Mokota Cricket Association. Elected were Patron, Glen Hawkes; President, T.F. Rice; Secretary & Treasurer, F.M. Sims; Captain, A.K. Johnston & Vice-Captain, T.F. Rice.
First match 30 September at Victoria Park.
Koo-owie Merino Stud dispersal sale on 19 September was very successful. Buyers came from all over SA. Rams sold to 411⁄2 guineas. Stud ewes of 11⁄2 years sold to £3-4-0. Aged ewes to 25/- and 542 lambs at 16/3 with 431 wether lambs at 13/-. A total of 464 rams and 2,929 ewes were sold.
Morgan-Whyalla Pipeline
350 men will be working at pipe making plants at Morgan and probably also at Gulnare, Pt Pirie and Pt Augusta. 400 more will be needed carting and laying pipes and associated work. The favourable report on the tinplate industry will make jobs for 1,750 men for two years and permanent work for 2,000. Most work on the pipeline will be between Morgan and Burra where the heaviest concentration of pumping stations will be. Both skilled and unskilled labour will be needed.
Obituary. Mr Alan G. Drew of ‘Beringa’ Leighton died on 20 September as the result of a tragic accident. He was the second son of Mr & Mrs John Drew of Kooringa and was educated at Burra School and Prince Alfred College before taking up farming and grazing at Leighton. He took an active interest in the Burra Burra Show Inc. He married Miss Lottie Hiles only daughter of the late Mr George Hiles and Mrs W. Roach, who survives with one daughter Miss Dorothy and one son Mr Peter Drew. He leaves two brothers Messrs K.M. Drew of Kooringa and John T.P. Drew of Leighton and one sister Mrs R. Scott of Glossop. He was buried on Friday in North Road Cemetery North Adelaide, [i.e. at Nailsworth].
[Born 7 November 1894 Kooringa: died 20 September 1939 Adelaide, residence Leighton.]
Accident. Miss Dorothy Drew who was seriously injured in the accident which cost her father’s life is progressing as well as can be expected. John Gask of Leighton who was another occupant of the car suffered serious injuries as well and is also improving. [Note that this is the only reference in the paper to this accident.]
Obituary. Mr Jesse Byles died on Saturday 23 September at Burra Hospital. He had been living at Robertstown and was an unmarried man aged 72. Four brothers survive: Messrs William, Harry, George & Jack Byles and two sisters Mesdames Dixon & Mickel.
[Born 11 September 1867 Logan’s Gap.]
60, 39, 26 Sep. 1939, page 3
Burra Rifle Club fired the 4th stage of the Burra Record Trophy and the best results were from F. Baulderstone, W. Cricket, D.H. Field & W. Nankivell.
Burra Town Council, 18 September
The Mayor reported the appointment of M.W. Bednall as Chairman of the Civil Defence Committee and W. Smith as controlling officer of quartering. Plans of action have been drawn up and £5 set aside for Civil Defence Committee expenses.
There was some discussion about ward finances.
Universal Half-Holiday
A.D. McDonald MP has given notice to amend the Early Closing Act, which would see all establishments under the Act close at 5.30 p.m. weekdays except Friday and at 12.30 p.m. on Saturday s. It seems certain that other amendments would then make Saturday a universal half-holiday. At present there are only two towns observing the half holiday on another day: Clare and Renmark. Other towns object to this, and have threatened to push for the cancellation of all shopping districts with shop owners opening at will unless Clare and Renmark fall into line.
Burra as the Town Name
At Council a letter was received from the Director of Lands suggesting the post offices be called Burra & Burra North rather than Burra & North Burra.
The Mayor said it would still lead to confusion until the whole town was covered by a postal delivery service. [Only Kooringa was then being covered.]
The letter is to lie on the table until next meeting.
The Mayor said road signs were also confusing with some giving distance to Burra and others to Kooringa.
Burra-Adelaide Cycle Race. There was a good crowd on Saturday to send off the 106 riders on the 110-mile race. Four locals took part this year: Jungfer, Coleman, Thomson & Garrard. Thomson and Jungfer completed the distance with Thomson coming in 19th. A.E. Pearce as Patron of the League of SA Wheelmen asked the Mayor T.H. Woollacott to start the limit men. The winner was Edgar Emery of Kensington Park. The roads were bad for cycling and competitors had to contend with punctures and spills.
Burra Bowling Club held its AGM and elected: Patron, Dr D.M. Steele; President, F.T. Sara; Vice-Presidents, G.E. Dane & S. Kellaway and Secretary & Treasurer, J.T. Pascoe.
Financially the club’s position improved. The year began with a credit of £1-11-2 and ended in credit £16-13-10, due to increased membership, which was the highest since 1931 with 36 full members, 2 Sunday members and 4 night members. Inter-club results were not good. Though Burra retained the Burra-Kapunda Cup the shield was lost to Clare and Burra won only 3 of the 8 matches played. S. Kellaway was congratulated on winning the Club Championship.
60, 40, 3 Oct. 1939, page 1
Burra Rifle Club fired the 7th stage of the Burra Record Trophy at which the best results came from E.C. Hopkins, A.C. Ford, D.H. Field & J.E. Harris. The committee met on Saturday to decide whether matches should continue while members belonging to the Militia are in camp. It was decided to postpone the Championship to 1940, but to continue with trophy shoots with the Militia members being allowed to shoot over the ranges they miss whilst at camp, on dates to be fixed.
60, 40, 3 Oct. 1939, pages 1 & 4
12th Annual Hallett & District Schools Sports & Exhibition was held on 29 September and was most successful. The results are printed and the report extends for about 41⁄2 columns, concluding on page 4.
60, 40, 3 Oct. 1939, page 2
Advt. CWA Floral Fair & Paddy’s Market in Burra Institute 14 October in aid of Red Cross & Refugee Relief.
Advt. Burra Show 25 October. Special Rail Car from Adelaide.
Admission Adults 2/-, Horse & Rider 2/-, Vehicles & Motors 2/-, Children 6d.
Advt. Burra Races, Spring Meeting 4 October.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 7 October
Robert Taylor & Vivien Leigh in A Yank at Oxford
Lionel Barrymore & Cecilia Parker in A Family Affair
A Measles Epidemic has broken out in the town with several adults among quite a number of child victims. It is some years since a similar occurrence.
Charlie Hopkins, elder son of Mr & Mrs E.C. Hopkins of Kooringa has joined the Police Force.
Redruth Methodist Circuit quarterly meeting reported that the newly re-opened Sunday school at Westbury was working successfully under Mr & Mrs Pink with 17 enrolled. Rev. Andrews accepted the invitation to stay a further year as local minister.
Mr Claude Harfield of Victoria is visiting his brother Mr W. Harfield of Kooringa for the first time in 23 years, when he was here as a member of staff for Dalgety & Co. when Mr O’Brien was the local manager.
Mr Hansford Gilbert Hunt is visiting as a guest of Rev. Dr Toal. His father, Robert Hunt, was an early butcher of Burra until leaving for Broken Hill in 1885 when the visitor was only 9 months old. Mr Hunt comes from Sans Souci, Sydney.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its anniversary last Sunday. Three services were conducted by Rev. Secombe.
Arbor Day at Burra School was held last Friday. Emphasis this year was on the care of trees with no new trees being planted, but of the 28 planted last year 27 survive.
Mt Bryan Red Cross was formed on 28 September with President, Mrs S. Hawker; Vice-President, Mrs J.C. Murray and Secretary & treasurer, Mrs John Beaglehole. An appeal for donations has so far raised £27-14-6.
Obituary. Daniel E. Williams died at his residence on Friday 29 September. He was 76.
[Daniel Edward Williams born 14 March 1863 Kapunda: died 28 September 1939 Kooringa. See extended obituary 60, 40 (2), 10 Oct. 1939, page 3.]
Obituary. Mrs E.A. Dear, mother of Mrs Fuller Sen. of Aberdeen, died on 3 October aged 87, her birthday being last Sunday 1 October. [Probably born Emily Ann Hatchard c. 1852 and married Joseph Dear 14 April 1870 at Melrose Courthouse, but traces in Births, Marriages & Deaths CDs are confusing and the link with Mrs Fuller cannot be proved. Mrs Fuller’s maiden name sometimes appears as Dare & sometimes as Dear, but her marriage has not been found to make the link.]
60, 40, 3 Oct. 1939, page 3
‘An Old Smoker’ writes wishing that men attending the Copperhouse dances would smoke outside.
A Hallett Red Cross Branch has been formed in conjunction with the local VSD.
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday (1st half of a match)
Mt Bryan East 111 v. Burra 2 for 50.
Scouts & Girl Guides Committee held a successful Pet Show in aid of the Swimming Pool Fund last Saturday at the Aberdeen Children’s Playground. Receipts were c. £16.
60, 40, 3 Oct. 1939, page 4
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club held its 15th race for the year on 23 September: twice round the 6-mile course. R. Angel won from C. Bruce. There were six starters and all finished.
In the Burra-Adelaide Road Race B. Thomson finished 19th and G. Jungfer was 27th. Jungfer did well considering he broke his chain at the Burra Hospital and had to fix it before continuing.
Subterranean Clover. There is an article attributing its discovery to W.A. Howard of Blakiston SA in 1889. In 1900 after fostering it he harvested seed. It was then unknown as a commercial fodder crop in Europe or Australia. He sold 30lb of seed as Trifolium subterranean and died largely unrecognised in 1930.
60, 40 (2), 10 Oct. 1939, page 1 [Second use of No. 40 in this volume]
A.H. Strong writes about Subterranean Clover outlining its introduction and that of Wimmera Rye Grass.
Kooringa Methodist Church held its annual fair in aid of Trust & Circuit Funds last Friday at the Institute. It was a financial success and raised over £80.
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club held its AGM on 2 October. Elected were Patron, W.H. Sandland; President, Dr D.M. Steele; Vice-Presidents, Messrs M.W. Bednall & J.R. Barker; Secretary & Treasurer, L. Draysey; Assistant Secretary, Miss E.M. Davey and Captain, M.W. Bednall.
Burra Races on Wednesday 4 October were held in good weather and had a fair attendance. The track was good, but scratchings rather numerous. The main race was the Burra Handicap over 1 mile 2 furlongs and was won by Kingoonya owned by J. Kenworthy of Auburn and ridden by Bastion carrying 9 stone.
Red Cross met on Tuesday 3 October. A rally is to be held at the Institute on 17 October to raise funds and a Button Day on 20 October.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 5th stage (postponed) of the Burra Record Trophy. Best scores were by L.J.C. Newbold, Len Allen, R. Kellock & F. Baulderstone.
60, 40 (2), 10 Oct. 1939, page 2
Notice. Public Meeting in Burra Institute 18 October concerning Wheat Price & Marketing
‘Munition makers make fortunes – why should you grow wheat at a loss?’
Commonwealth Graingrowers Calling
Advt. Burra Talkies, 14 October
Sonja Henie & Richard Greene in My Lucky Star
Henry Arthur & Joan Valerie in Road Demons
60, 40 (2), 10 Oct. 1939, page 3
Burra Town Council, 2 October
The signage for the town was discussed and also the proposal to change the town’s name.
Cr Robinson was in favour of acting now to change the town’s names to Burra & North Burra as decided at a recent meeting with respect to the post offices.
Council decided to advise the Director of Lands that they sanctioned the change of names.
[To what is not clear, but presumably to Burra & Burra North as the Director had suggested.]
Crs Jeffery & Villis were granted 1 month’s leave to join the camp with other members of the Light Horse.
Sid. Biggs, licensee of the Burra Hotel, is leaving Burra for Sydney next week. Mrs Butler of Adelaide will take over the business.
Hanson Methodist Church held its Spring Fair on 4 October and it is reported as a financial success.
Obituary. Mrs Frances Catherine Carnetic Woollacott died at Burra Hospital 6 October aged 82. She was the eldest child of Mr & Mrs Thomas Young and was born on the ship Carnetic [Carnatic] off the east coast of Africa 29 March 1857. The family came directly to Burra by bullock dray. She was a leading member of Mrs A.H. Forder’s Tonic Solfa Choir and a soloist at the ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone for Burra School. Her mother was Matron of the hospital at ‘Bleak House’ and the deceased when young was associated with her mother in this hospital and acted as Matron twice when the former visited England. On 25 December 1878 she married Thomas Henry Woollacott the second son of Mr & Mrs W.J. Woollacott of Aberdeen. She was closely associated with the Redruth Methodist Church and its various organisations and was active for the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. There were 13 children of whom 8 survive: Messrs Will (Hanson), Tom (Aberdeen), Arthur, Harry & Joe (Adelaide), Rodney (Melbourne), Stan (Redruth) and Mrs A.P. Harris (Adelaide). One son Robert Woollacott DCM was killed in action in France in 1915. There are 23 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Two brothers: Messrs J. & A. Young of Victoria also survive. [Married as Catherine Frances Carnatic Young: died as Francis Carnetic Woollacott.]
Obituary. Daniel E. Williams died 29 September. He was the third son of pioneers the late Caroline & Thomas Williams who came from Cornwall. He was born at Adelaide 14 March 1863. His parents lived chiefly at Baldina. He was educated at Allendale near Kapunda and as a youth worked with his father carting goods by bullock team between Burra and Broken Hill – taking some of the first timber to the Broken Hill Mines. In 1888 he married Emily Morgan second daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Morgan of Baldina. They lived in Burra for six months before moving to Ironmine where they resided for 40 years. He firstly did a lot of contract work for the Booborowie & Hanson District Councils and later turned seriously to farming. He was a member of the Booborowie DC for eight years. From 1911-28 he was a member of Leighton Hall Committee and was a practical member of the Leighton Agricultural Bureau. He was also a member of the Burra Burra Show Committee since 1916. While not an active sportsman he gave support to sporting clubs. He also supported with his wife the Ironmine Methodist Church and Sunday school and with the late James Flower laid the foundation stones for the Memorial Sunday School. In 1928 he leased his farm at Ironmine and retired to Kooringa where he and his wife joined the Kooringa Methodist Church. He is survived by a widow and grown-up family: Rose Mrs L. Dixon (Henley Beach), E. Sydney, Fred, Jack, Ted. Four sons saw service in the Great War of whom George was killed in action. There are several grandchildren.
[Daniel Edward Williams born 14 March 1863 Kapunda: died 28 September 1939 Kooringa.]
Variety Sports & Fair at Booborowie last Saturday in aid of the District Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is reported in c. 21⁄4 columns. Gross takings exceeded £80.
60, 40 (2), 10 Oct. 1939, page 4
Cricket. At Victoria Park on Saturday. (Conclusion of game)
Mt Bryan 111 & 7 for 127
Burra 156
A victory to Burra on the first innings.
60, 41, 17 Oct. 1939, page 1
Tennis. Burra Association 7 October
‘A’ Grade Hallett 14-106 defeated Ironmine 4-60
Booborowie forfeited to Aberdeen
‘B’ Grade Mt Bryan 11-92 defeated Willalo 7-86
Booborowie forfeited to Aberdeen
Hallett 13-103 defeated Ironmine 5-55
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club ran its 16th road race for the year: twice round the 6-mile track on 7 October. There were eight starters and T. Ford won from R. Angel.
CWA Floral Fair & Paddy’s Market was held in the Institute last Friday to aid Red Cross & Refugee Relief Funds. It was opened by Mrs Lance Lewis.
Burra Rifle Club went to Peterborough on Wednesday for the annual triangular match with Peterborough & Pt Pirie. Burra 975, Pt Pirie 941 & Peterborough 940.
60, 41, 17 Oct. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 21 October
Lionel Barrymore & Jean Arthur in You Can’t Take it with You
Supported by short features.
Obituary. Louisa Gillett late of Burra, wife of the late William Gillett, died 13 October in Adelaide. Mother of Gilbert (deceased). She was the eldest surviving daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Fred Bourman and was educated in Burra after which she lived with her grandparents Mr & Mrs Clark of Thames St. Later she married W. Gillett and lived for a time in Burra. Her husband died about 25 years ago. There was one son who died at Kooringa 1 May 1938 aged 33. She is survived by three sisters and five brothers: Mesdames W.A. Gebhardt & T. Gregor of Kooringa and W. Prior of Adelaide and Messrs Jack Bourman (WA), Will Bourman (Sydney), Ben Bourman (Adelaide), Walter Bourman (Kooringa) and Alfred Bourman (Broken Hill). [Born 28 August 1870 Kooringa.]
W.H. Sandland reports he has ostriches on his Redcliffe Station. The previous owner T. McBride had several birds that went ‘bush’ and have apparently bred.
Burra Progress Assoc. committee met on 10 October. Some improvement was reported in the Farrell’s Flat road. Something was being done about the universal Saturday afternoon closing. It was proposed to ban hawkers within Corporation boundaries. It was proposed to try to get a Military Camp at Burra. Encouragement was given to businesses to renovate and paint their premises.
Red Cross subscriptions reached £25-14-61⁄2.
Aberdeen Croquet Club. Mr & Mrs Dare have transformed the old building into a fine hall where social events can be held. Mr Fairchild has been planting the new piece of ground to make two full-sized croquet courts.
Obituary. Mrs Charles Meadows of Peterborough died in Burra Hospital on 14 October. She was taken ill in the train on the way home and removed to Burra Hospital where she died the same night.
[Born Susanna Biancke Walker 9 September 1886 at Pt Pirie; married as Susan Bianca Walker and died as Susannah Biancki Meadows.]
60, 41, 17 Oct. 1939, page 3
Cricket. At Victoria Park Saturday; first half of a game.
South Booborowie 36 v. Burra 4 for 118
Mt Bryan East Red Cross Sewing & Knitting Circle was formed on 7 October at a meeting in the Methodist Church.
Hallett Garden Fete in aid of Institute Funds was held at Ulooloo Station on Saturday last and was followed in the evening by a successful dance in the Institute.
60, 41, 17 Oct. 1939, page 4
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight ending 7 October
Leane’s Shaft. Adit continued driving on No. 1 leader at 70ft level and advanced to 29ft with average width 6”. No values.
Will push on with No. 1 leader and connect with the winze in the adit making circulation for air and crosscutting other veins.
60, 42, 24 Oct. 1939, page 1
Mt Bryan Methodist Sports that had been postponed from 2 September due to rain were held on 14 October. They were a sporting and financial success. Results are printed.
Willalo Methodist Church held a very successful garden fete at the home of Mr & Mrs Joseph Thomas last Thursday.
CWA met on 20 October. Mrs I.J. Warnes took the chair. The Floral Fair of 13 October raised £38-3-9.
The Red Cross Concert on 17 October had a program arranged by Mr G.E. Dane and Mrs Marston the Hon. Secretary.
Burra High School is requesting information to complete its Honour Roll for Dux of School, Prefects and Special Awards. So far:
Dux of School Special Awards
[1913 Harry Collins]
[1914 Fred Scholz] 1917 John Cresswell Scholarship
1917 Jean McLaren Jean McLaren
1920 Grace Lloyd 1926 Intermediate Exhibition
1922 Alison Tiver W.L. Hann
[1923 Allen Dane] 1933 Intermediate Exhibition
1924 Dora Rosewall Bruff Gordon
1926 Lillian Peggott
1927 Ada Doreen Oborn
1928 Marjory Pearce
1929 Beryl Lawson
1932 George Hann The Prefects for 1935-38 are also listed.
[1933 Nathalie Neagle]
1934 L. Walker
1935 Joy Bentley
1936 Nancy Pearce
1937 Marjorie Edington
1938 Patricia Aughey
Marriage. Kooringa Methodist Church 16 October
Jean E. Allen, third & youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs John Allen Sen. of Kooringa, married
Edwin John (Ted) Motherall, second son of Mrs & the late Mr Henry Motherall of Kooringa.
Leighton Red Cross Circle was formed on 17 October. Elected were President, Mrs I.J. Warnes; Vice-Presidents, Mesdames M. Hogan, S. Pearce Sen. & R. Humphrys; Secretary, Miss Gwen Humphrys and Treasurer, Mrs E. Jettner.
60, 42, 24 Oct. 1939, page 2
Notice. In Church notices this is the last time that the Copperhouse Sunday School is mentioned, which might suggest that it then ceased operating, but a Christmas party attended by 25 scholars is reported in 60, 51, 19 Dec. 1939, page 3.
Advt. Butler’s Burra Hotel. Entirely under New Management. Refrigerating Plant Installed.
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will offer 14,200 sheep in their Off-Shears Sale 3 November.
Advt. Elder, Smith & Co. Land Sale at Burra Saleyards 17 November
In the estate of the late Elisha Ford.
‘Malleedale’ Freehold Sections 114 to 116 & 117NW in Hd of Baldina comprising 748 acres.
And Perpetual Lease Sections 86 to 92, 113, 117E, 118 to 120 Hd Baldina, Sections 110, 111N, 111S, 112 to 114 Hd King comprising 53741⁄2 acres.
Disposed in seven sheep-proof paddocks with two wells and three dams with a stone house, galvanised iron shearing shed and yards.
8 township allotments 110 to 117 inclusive, each with a frontage of 40ft to Genders St Kooringa and a depth of 122’6”.
[Genders St is actually in the subdivision of Millerton, not Kooringa.]
Advt. Tenders are called for the Quarry Paddock of 62 acres. [The Ballast Quarry]
Advt. Wireless Station 5KA Happiness Concert at Burra Institute 7 November. Proceeds will aid the Burra Red Cross and the Swimming Pool Fund.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 28 October
Lloyd Hughes & Diana Du-Cane in The Broken Melody
Frank Leighton & Shirley Ann Richards in Tall Timbers
Weather. Isolated thunderstorms to the east dropped 93 points at Loch Winnoch Station, 58 at Braemar, 23 at Bendigo and 17 at Pulpara.
The Burra Red Cross Appeal has reached £99.
Mr & Mrs James Bentley of Knoxville are visiting Mr Bentley’s sisters.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight ending 21 October
Leane’s Shaft. No. 1 leader driving south on No. 1 70ft level. Leader has advanced 13ft to 42ft over an average 3” face showing 2ft of fill. No values by pan test. Propose starting crosscut in winze to connect with the drive to give ventilation.
60, 42, 24 Oct. 1939, page 3
Tennis. Burra Assoc. 14 October
‘A’ Grade Hallett 14-103 defeated Booborowie 4-59
Mt Bryan 9-94 defeated Ironmine 9-85
Willalo forfeited to Aberdeen
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 13-103 defeated Willalo 5-57
Booborowie 10-93 defeated Ironmine II 8-81
Ironmine I forfeited to Mt Bryan
Red Cross Button Day raised £21-19-8.
Cricket. Saturday at Victoria Park at the conclusion of the match
Burra 190 defeated South Booborowie 36 & 42.
Burra Croquet Club AGM elected President, Mrs O.G. Walker; Vice-President, Miss N. Bown; Hon. Secretary, Mrs S.H. Robinson; Captain, Miss N. Bown and Vice-Captain Mrs C. Pearce.
Obituary. Mrs Broad, relict of Mr Thomas Broad of Kooringa, died at Burra Hospital on Sunday morning 22 October aged 75. She is survived by four daughters and five sons: Mrs J.A. Dixon (Hanson), Mrs Garrard (Gum Creek), Mrs L. Kuchenmeister & Miss Gladys Broad (Kooringa), Messrs Arthur Broad (Kooringa), Albert Broad (Manoora), Jack Broad (Police Force, Adelaide) and Will & Bert Broad (Kooringa). Mrs A. Boulton of Kooringa is a sister. There are several grandchildren. [Born Clara Amanda Puttmann 24 December 1863 Little Plains (Kapunda District).]
Obituary. Mrs Edward Wall of Booborowie died ay Burra Hospital 23 October aged 81.
[Born Mary Elizabeth Williams 3 August 1853 at Kapunda. See extended obituary 60, 43, 31 Oct. 1939, page 3.]
60, 43, 31 Oct. 1939, page 1
Burra Burra Show 1939
President I.J. Warnes gave a donation of 125 guineas to commemorate 25 years as President of the society. 100guineas of it will reduce the overdraft and 25 guineas will buy a permanent trophy.
The side-show operators were asked for more ground rent than for previous years and they refused to show under those conditions and threatened to declare the Burra Show black for all time. Negotiations failed and so the side-shows closed creating an uncanny silence at the grounds. After a while the Burra Progress Association through A.B. Riggs as Vice-President of the Show Society had discussions and with the Progress Association accepting responsibility for the increased fee the side-shows re-opened.
[Note. This explanation of the trouble is refuted in 60, 44, 7 Nov. 1939, page 1.]
Teachers of distant schools refused to participate under the present system so school work was virtually absent except for work from the Church of England Day School and ‘Tulkara’ private training at Mt Bryan.
Cattle numbers were low.
Except for the school problem other pavilion entries were very numerous and pleasing.
Sheep numbers were up and English breeds more numerous, though Merinos, of course, predominated. Ram entries were disappointing.
Poultry entries were numerous and local breeders did well. There were no canaries, but pigeons were a strong class.
Pigs were surprisingly well represented.
Dog numbers were very disappointing.
Draught animals were good, but few and there were only two blood stock entries.
Horses in action were up to usual.
The luncheon by the President was in Centenary Hall. Sid. McHugh MP officially opened the show and gave a speech that is reported in c. 1⁄2 column. A.B. Riggs as Vice-President responded. (Mr Warnes attended, but was not in good health and so handed over to Mr Riggs.)
The Prize List is printed on pages 1 & 4.
[Personal interest: R. Fuss is not listed as a steward for flowers, nor does he appear in the prize list.]
60, 43, 31 Oct. 1939, page 2
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. will offer 15,000 sheep in its Off-Shears sale on 3 November.
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. First mortgagee sale on 10 November of Stone Butcher’s Shop and dwelling of eight rooms and kitchen, detached store room, wood & iron engine room, two large cellars, stone & iron garage, stables, large stone drying shed, cart shed on land 1 rood 27 perches. Known as Austin’s.
Also near Burra Railway Station a slaughterhouse and land of 423⁄4 acres, Pt Sections 2278 & 7.
Advt. St Mary’s Diamond Jubilee Services, Wednesday 1 November & Sunday 5 November.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 4 November
Warner Baxter & Arleen Whelan in Kidnapped
Victor McLaglen & Louise Hovick in Battle of Broadway
A. Coverdale writes expressing gratitude for the action of the Progress Association over the side-shows at the show.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 8th stage of the Burra Record Trophy and the best scores were by F. Baulderstone, W. Crickett, L.J. Newbold & E.C. Collins.
Arthur Woollacott suffered concussion and lacerations when a motor cycle carrying him and another police cadet collided with a car when turning into Barrack’s Lane at Thebarton on Sunday morning.
Fire. 60 acres of valuable scrub country of Mr Eddie Finch at Bright was destroyed by fire last Friday. Police are investigating the origin which is considered suspicious.
60, 43, 31 Oct. 1939, page 3
Obituary. Rev. J.A. Andrews of Redruth Circuit died 31 October after an operation at the Burra Hospital last week. He was aged 50 and leaves a widow and only son.
[See extended obituary 60, 44, 7 Nov. 1939, page 3.]
Obituary. Mrs S. Smelt of Mt Bryan died at Burra Hospital 31 October aged 81.
[See extended obituary 60, 44, 7 Nov. 1939, page 1.]
Obituary. Mrs Elizabeth Wall of Booborowie died 23 October at Burra hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born 3 August 1858 and was aged 81. Her early life was spent around Kapunda and subsequently her parents the late Mr & Mrs Hannabel [sic: for Hannibal] Williams moved to the Ulooloo District. The deceased married Mr Edward Wall 6 October 1880. He died in 1914. The couple moved to Booborowie about 54 years ago where they conducted the Booborowie Eating House and Post Office for many years. Since her husband’s death Mrs Wall has lived with her daughter at the original homestead. She is survived by Mrs J.M. Murphy, Mrs R. Morris and Mrs H. Cousins all of Booborowie. There are 14 grandchildren & 12 great-grandchildren. Four brothers also survive: Charles Thomas Williams of Thebarton [sic*], William Williams of Leasingham and John Williams of Hampton. Her only sister Emily died some 12 months ago.
[*If four brothers survive, presumably this should read Charles & Thomas of Thebarton. Emily Jane probably died 13 November 1938 at New Mile End but like the deaths of most of the brothers it is hard to be sure since the ages given at death do not correspond to the years of the birth registrations.]
[Born Mary Elizabeth Williams 3 August 1853 at Kapunda.]
Marriage. St Dymphna’s Church Booborowie 18 October
Molly Kelly, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs W. Kelly of Booborowie, married
Colin Mutton, son of Mr & Mrs W.J. Mutton of North Adelaide.
Cricket. Start of match at Mt Bryan on Saturday:
Mt Bryan 92 versus Burra 2 for 113.
60, 43, 31 Oct. 1939, page 4
Tennis. Burra Assoc. 21 October
‘A’ Grade Booborowie 9-81 defeated Ironmine 9-75
Aberdeen 12-94 defeated Mt Bryan 6-80
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 16-110 defeated Mt Bryan 2-62
Ironmine II 13-100 defeated Ironmine I 5-77
Hallett 18-114 defeated Willalo 0-46
60, 44, 7 Nov. 1939, page 1
Tennis. Burra Assoc. 28 October
‘A’ Grade Hallett 15-103 defeated Mt Bryan 3-62
Aberdeen 14-105 defeated Ironmine 4-70
‘B’ Grade Aberdeen 13-100 defeated Ironmine II 5-72
Willalo 10-92 defeated Booborowie 8-76
Hallett 13-100 defeated Mt Bryan 5-63
LCL held a combined Men’s & Women’s Branches meeting on 3 November that was addressed by A.D. McDonald MP. The speech is reported in 3⁄4 column and is concerned with wheat production, prices, the Wheat Board and the Wheat Stabilisation Scheme.
Burra Burra Show Inc. reports that the committee did not raise the price of rent due from side-show operators. For ten years it has been 1/- per foot with a minimum charge of 2/6. The proprietors formed themselves into a guild and were prepared to pay 6d a foot only. They have tried it at other shows whose committees have capitulated.
Obituary. Mrs S. Smelt who died on 30 October at Burra Hospital was a resident of Mt Bryan & Wynarka [Murray Mallee]. She was born at Echunga in 1858 and there later married Leonard Henry Smelt. They later moved to Belalie North for many years and thence to Mt Bryan where they took up land. The family were strong supporters of the Methodist Church there. Mr Smelt died 20 years ago. Five years ago Mrs Smelt went to live with her daughter Mrs Wardle at Wynarka. She is survived by Mr Henry Smelt (Victoria), Mr John A. Smelt (Wynarka), Mrs Dorcas Wardle (Manoora) and Emily Mrs G.S. Nourse (Mt Bryan). There are several grandchildren.
[Born Susan Hardeman or Hardiman from marriage but registration of birth not found. The above information about who she lived with and where is contradictory. Death registration gives her place of residence as Wynarka.]
Obituary. Maxwell (Mick) Jeffery died at Burra Hospital 3 November after a severe illness, he was 21 and the son of Mrs Thomas H. Jeffery of Hallett. [Maxwell Thomas Jeffery born 27 August 1918 at Kooringa.]
2nd AIF
The second camp for militiamen will begin in November around the Commonwealth; for a month of intensive training. After Christmas a period of three months training will begin for all except exempted militiamen and the 2nd AIF which the PM has said may go abroad will also be getting into its stride. AIF Reserve Battalions and the 6th Division Second AIF have begun service as soldiers, which will not end till a year after the close of the war.
60, 44, 7 Nov. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Market. Elder, Smith & Co. 17 November will sell on instructions from W.J. McBride & Sons the property known as Mt Horrocks comprising 1,589 acres freehold adjacent to Burra disposed as 15 sheep-proof paddocks with 5 wells, 1 bore and springs in 3 paddocks, 2 dams and 50 acres of lucerne. Six-roomed stone house, etc. Adjacent to the town and saleyards.
Obituary. Emma Maria Fisher died 7 November at Euro Vale Station aged 60. She was the wife of Henry Fisher. [A little more detail is offered at 60, 45, 14 Nov. 1939, page 2. She was born Marie Emma Neindorf 16 August 1879 at Palmer, married in 1911 as Mary Emma Neindorf and died as Emma Maria Fisher.]
Frank McGuire local manager of Matthew’s Emporium has been transferred to the Gladstone branch as a promotion. He has been in Burra 7 or 8 years and was given a farewell at the Royal Exchange Hotel on Monday evening.
G.H. Dow has been promoted to Lieutenant in 9/23 Regiment of Light Horse.
Lieut. Hugh Warnes of 9/23 Regiment of Light Horse has been promoted to the Captaincy.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 4 November
Leane’s Adit. Crosscut of winze at 70ft level advanced 12ft and connected with the drive on No. 1 leader. Will now drive south again on the most promising of any leaders so far opened up.
M.A. Turner of Chapel St is 85 on 10 November.
Jack Pengilly of Goldsbrough, mort & Co. has been transferred to the firm’s Broken Hill office.
Red Cross Donations reach £105-3-3.
A.D. McDonald MP has amended the Early Closing Act being debated at present to extend its application from the city to the state. Shops would close at 5.30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, at 9 p.m. on Friday and 12.30 p.m. on Saturday. The Act is expected to pass.
Weather. It has been a wet week with heavy rain coming from thunderstorms. Totals have been patchy with Burra recording 197 points. In the pastoral areas Faraway recorded 46 points, but other places ranged up to an inch or more at Kia Ora, Lagoon and North Koomooloo. Ketchowla received 140 and S. Finch at World’s End recorded 11⁄2”.
60, 44, 7 Nov. 1939, page 3
St Mary’s Diamond Jubilee. The first Anglican service in Burra was held 92 years ago by Rev. J.C. Bagshaw, probably at the school. [Which school is not stated.] The first St Mary’s was built a few years later where Mr & Mrs N. Hann’s house now stands. On 3 July 1879 the foundation stone of the present church was laid. The building was opened for use in January 1880 and consecrated 25 March 1892. It has since seen the addition of many stained glass windows and a pipe organ. Diamond Jubilee services were held in the week beginning 1 November by Rev. Christopher Gray. The service on Sunday was a Parish Festival and was broadcast over wireless stations 5CL & 5CK; the first church service to be broadcast from Burra. There was a flower service in the afternoon. Rev. Donald Redding preached at Evensong. Congregations were large.
Post Offices. Syd. McHugh MHR advises that the Kooringa and Aberdeen Post Offices will become Burra and North Burra from 1 December 1939 as a result of representations from the Burra Town Council.
[In the next issue on page 1 the Kooringa postmaster Mr W.J. McDonald advised that Aberdeen would be known as Burra North and not North Burra.]
Obituary. Rev. James Albert Horace Andrews died at Burra Hospital on 31 October after a short sudden illness [aged 50]. He was born in West Wallsend NSW, the son of the late William Andrews. At an early age he went to Broken Hill with his parents and stayed there until entering the ministry in 1911. He went to the late Dr Torr’s Training Home and was ordained in March 1917 at Kent Town Methodist Church. He married Vivien Budge of Gladstone on 4 April 1917 and worked in the following Methodist Circuits:
SA – Morgan, Mt Gambier, Unley, Renmark, Terowie, Moonta Mines & Solomontown
WA – Katanning, Subiaco & Kalgoorlie
Returned to SA in 1935 and worked at Gawler before coming to the Burra-Redruth Circuit.
He became a Freemason in 1919. He was a dedicated worker in town affairs wherever he was posted and a lover of books, music, flowers and art. The children of the parish held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed golf, tennis and bowls. He leaves a widow and one son, Deane.
It is a remarkable coincidence that he took for the text for his last sermon Be ye also ready and that Rev. Alfred Dyer of Redruth who also died suddenly on 22 June 1937 took the same text for his final sermon of 19 June.
Obituary. Mrs Edward Oates died at her residence in Kooringa on 2 November. She was a daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Rogers of Baldina and was born in 1867 and married Mr Edward Oates, son of the late Mr & Mrs Philip Oates of Ironmine. They carried on a successful farming and grazing property there for many years before retiring to live in Kooringa. Mrs Oates was attached to the Methodist Church and a hard worker for the Kooringa Methodist Ladies Guild. She leaves a husband, two sons and one daughter: Rupert & Horace Oates of Oates & Co. and Eunice, Mrs Harvey Shearer, all of Adelaide.
[Born Margaret Rogers 19 June 1867 Gum Creek: died 3 November 1939 at Kooringa.]
Obituary. Otto H. [Hjalmar] Aberg died 31 October. He was born in Sweden in 1873 and migrated to Australia as a young man, beginning a butchering business in Scone NSW. He then travelled widely in Australia and came into contact with the Salvation Army in Northam WA and entered the Salvation Army Training Garrison in Melbourne. In 1900 he transferred to SA as assistant officer at Adelaide and Burra. He later commanded a number of Sa & Victorian Corps. While at Heywood in Victoria his health failed and he had to resign from the Salvation Army and take 12 months rest. After that he recommenced butchering at Hamilton in Victoria for 14 years. He came back to SA and to Burra in 1933. With aid of his sons he built up a successful business here. He had a high reputation as a businessman and a townsman and did much good work with the Salvation Army Corps here. He was of great assistance to the lady officers in charge here during the recent improvements to the hall. On 2 March 1904 he married Edith Phillips at the Burra Citadel. She is the third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs Joseph Phillips of Waterloo and there are four children: Frank, Hartley & Ruth Mrs Garrett, all of Burra and Captain Marion Aberg of McBride Hospital Adelaide who nursed her father through his final illness. There are five grandchildren.
60, 45, 14 Nov. 1939, page 1
Burra Town Council, 6 November
W.D. Thomas resigns as Ranger.
F.L. Worth Hon. Secretary of the Burra Institute Committee writes seeking to clarify the Council’s free use of the Institute.
The Mayor said the Council had always had three free nights per year and had used them either for patriotic meeting or for meetings for the welfare of the town. He suggested the matter be put in writing and an agreement defining the Council’s free nights be entered into. Carried.
The solicitors advise that the AWA award seems likely to be £3-15-0 a week for a 44-hour week. If employed for less than 8 weeks then at 15/8 a day or £4-6-2 for a 51⁄2 day week and casual labour at 1/11 per hour or £4-4-0 for a 44-hour week. The Mayor did not see how they could employ casual labour at such rates.
Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club season opened last Saturday.
St Mary’s. A letter from S. [Solomon] Williams of 10 Moseley St Glenelg who listened to the jubilee service broadcast from St Mary’s.
He says he left Burra 72 years ago, having spent the first twenty years of his life there. He attended the day school in the first St Mary’s on Limestone Hill run by Mr & Mrs Oakford. He lists some of the pupils as Dick Collins (later of Hallett), Bill Pearce (late of Bath & Pearce), Tommy Sampson & Billy Symons (both of whom lived near the old bridge opposite the Bible Christian Church), Charlie Dryer (who lived ‘up in the paddock’), Jack Billing (who lived with old ‘Maester’ Gordon near Dr Mayne’s in Commercial St) – that was in 1854. He was there when Rev. Pollett was Rector, but doesn’t remember seeing him. [Rev. Pollitt 1846-55.] He does remember Rev. D.J.H. Ibbitson. [Rev. Ibbetson Rector 1855-61.] He was influential in establishing the Institute. He wonders if there is anyone left in Burra who he knew or to whom he was known. If so he would like to correspond.
Burra Progress Association wants hawkers banned in the town. The Town Council will seek advice about what its powers over hawkers are.
[At the time the Council appeared to be able to charge £2 a day for hawkers who came into the town and hired premises or 5/- for the use of certain street sites, but could not charge those who travelled from house to house.]
Hanson Strawberry Fete on 1 November in aid of the Institute there is reported as being well patronised. It was followed by a dance.
SAR Timetable from 13 November 1939.
To Adelaide
Monday Departs Burra 6.50 a.m. Arrives Adelaide 10.15 a.m.
Departs Burra 1.33 p.m. Arrives Adelaide 4.50 p.m.
Tuesday to Saturday Departs Burra 5.47 a.m. Arrives Adelaide 9.00 a.m.
Departs Burra 1.33 p.m. Arrives Adelaide 4.50 p.m.
From Adelaide
Monday to Friday Departs Adelaide 7.45 a.m. Arrives Burra 11.23 a.m.
Departs Adelaide 6.50 p.m. Arrives Burra 10.08 p.m.
Saturday Departs Adelaide 7.45 a.m. Arrives Burra 10.32 p.m. [sic]
[The last line does not make sense.]
Robert Walker, son of Mr & Mrs A.L. Walker of Kooringa left on Friday to take a position with Lenroc Ltd Adelaide and was given a farewell at the residence of Mrs Frank Spencer.
60, 45, 14 Nov. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Institute Special Lantern Lecture: The Divine Purpose in World Affairs.
Mr L.J. Colquhoun deals with prophecy concerning Armageddon and the Future of Britain.
Advt. Burra Talkies, 18 November
Jane Withers & Robert Wilcox in Rascals
Clive Brook & Jane Baxter in The Ware Case
Poppy Day in aid of TB & Distressed Soldiers’ Fund was held on Friday.
Obituary. Mrs Fisher, wife of Harry Fisher, collapsed suddenly and died on 7 November at Euravale Station east of Burra. She was 60 and a former resident of Copperhouse. She was a long time member of the Rechabite Lodge. [She was born Marie Emma Neindorf 16 August 1879 at Palmer, married in 1911 as Mary Emma Neindorf and died as Emma Maria Fisher. The registration of death gives the place as Euro Vale.]
Mt Bryan Butterfly Fair in aid of Mt Bryan Methodist Church was held on Saturday last and the income was c. £58.
Redruth Sunday School held its anniversary on 12 & 13 November. Rev. Frank Hansen officiated. Details are given in 3⁄4 column.
60, 45, 14 Nov. 1939, page 3
Red Cross Appeal reaches £114-10-8.
Burra Bowling & Croquet Clubs opened the 1939-40 season.
Croquet opened with a match against Aberdeen in which Aberdeen 52 defeated Burra 25.
Armistice Day was observed on Saturday morning at the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial and was attended by a number of returned men and one nurse (Mrs D. Keynes nee Sister Armstrong), also by the Town Council and the local VSD led by Mrs A. Tennant.
[The reporter regrets that while all the scores of pedestrians were still for the 2 minutes’ silence, two or three cars drove past without stoping, though clearly aware of the ceremony.]
Burra Progress Assoc. continues to agitate for improvement to the Farrell’s Flat road and against hawkers in town and to try for Military Camps in the district. It supported the Bowls Tournament on 31 December. The matter of the side-shows at the Burra Show was discussed.
The side-show proprietors threatened to pack up and leave if their fee was not reduced from 1/- to 6d a foot. The Show Committee refused to act; saying it was obliged to confer with other societies.
The Progress Assoc. expressed the view it was unable to see how the Show Committee could adopt an attitude which would result in a breach of faith so far as the public was concerned. The actions of Messrs Bence and Scovell to guarantee the side-shows remained had to be applauded.
The Association did not suspect that the guarantors would be presented with the bill and in this were patently mistaken. It was a bill they felt should have been borne by the Show Society and a bill that seriously depleted the Association’s funds.
Obituary. Mr John Doyle of Hallett died suddenly in his office. He is survived by his widow.
[John Doyle died 31 October 1939 at Hallett. He was born 15 January 1876 at Mt Bryan and married Hilda Warren Rowe 4 June 1923 at Pirie St Methodist Church, Adelaide. See extended obituary 60, 47, 28 Nov. 1939, page 1.]
Obituary. Mr Mick Jeffery who died in Burra Hospital was the third son of Mrs Jeffery & the late T.H. Jeffery of Hallett. [Maxwell Thomas Jeffery born 27 August 1918 at Kooringa.]
Booborowie Annual Methodist Fete was held on 11 November and had gross receipts of c. £50. It is reported in c. 3⁄4 column.
World’s End Methodist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary last Sunday. The church was built in 1887in the ministry of the late Rev. H.T. Burgess and the foundation stone was laid by the late Mrs Thomas Drew then of Kooringa and mother of Mr John Drew Sen. of Kooringa. The building carries its age well. Rev. Secombe officiated. [The half-column report does not explain why 1939 is 50 years after 1887.]
Cricket. At Burra last Saturday; the first week of a game.
Hallett 102 versus Burra 4 for 67.
60, 46, 21 Nov. 1939, page 1
Tennis. Burra Assoc. 11 November
‘A’ Grade Hallett 16-112 defeated Ironmine 2-56
Booborowie forfeited to Aberdeen
Mt Bryan 11-92 defeated Willalo 7-76
‘B’ Grade Hallett 10-92 defeated Ironmine II 8-79
Ironmine I 12-96 defeated Willalo 6-69
Red Cross. The Director of Circles writes outlining how Red Cross funds are to be used and pointing out they must be used to aid the relief of sick and wounded soldiers and cannot be used for trench comforts.
Burra Rifle Club. The 9th stage of the Burra Record Trophy had to be abandoned due to rain after one round was fired over the 800 yard range. At that stage E.C. Collins, P.W. Hogan, R. Kellock & R. Jeffery were in the lead.
Burra Burra Show Inc. met on Wednesday last. R. Fairchild has offered to plant and care for any trees planted on the showgrounds. I.J. Warnes has offered to supply as many trees as required.
A.B. Riggs responded to the Burra Progress Association’s criticism of the side-show issue. He felt it would have been fairer to extend criticism to the side-show men and their Guild, who were the ones at fault. Mr Riggs was acting on behalf of both the Burra Burra Show Inc. and the Northern Country Shows Assoc. when he offered the compromise that they pay the 1/- fee and then ask for a refund of 6d, which would be dealt with at the February meeting of the Assoc. After all if, as they claimed, they had not paid more than 6d at a number of shows, they had every chance of a refund. Now the Burra Progress Assoc. had that chance of a refund. The Burra Show Committee had kept faith with patrons without allowing the side-showmen to run the show.
60, 46, 21 Nov. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 25 November
Clark Gable & Myrna Loy in Test Pilot
Supported by short features.
Birth. To Mr & Mrs K.M. Auhl of Mt Bryan at Burra Hospital 19 November, a son.
Burra Rifle Club. The Mail reports that the Defence Department has decided to grant 150 rounds per financial member for the current year to enable the clubs to carry on.
Weather. Electrical storms prevailed since the last paper. A particularly severe one was experienced on Wednesday last. A thunder clap about 2 p.m. caused telephone bells to ring and put wireless sets out of action, particularly in Thames St. Several residents reported seeing a huge fire ball. Burra got 30 points by Thursday morning and to the east falls varied from 2 to 85 points, since when more storms have caused erratic falls over the whole area.
Burglary. Over last night intruders got into the back of the Excelsior Bakery and stole foodstuffs, but were unable to get into the shop and café due to a well-barred door.
Cricket. Rain and heat on Saturday resulted in a decision to award the match on first innings only and conditions made getting even that far difficult. Burra 6 for 113 defeated Hallett 107.
Obituary. Mrs Ray L. Jones, nee Dorothy Pederson, died 12 November aged only 39. She was born in Kooringa and was the only daughter of Martin Pederson Sen. by a second marriage. She married Mr Ray Jones about 12 years ago and went to Snowtown to live. Mr Jones had previously worked for Messrs T.W. Wilkinson & Co. chemists. From Snowtown they moved to the city and later Mr Jones took a position in Sydney. Mrs Jones has been terminally ill for some time and expressed a desire to return to SA. This was done, but a fatal termination was not expected so soon. She died at the home of her sister Olive, Mrs W.H. Spier of Prospect. There was no family. She is survived by a husband, two brothers, one step-brother and three step-sisters. The interment was at Mitcham with Rev. J.P.H. Tilbrook officiating. [Born Dorothy Pederson 13 March 1900 at Kooringa. The relationships cited need clarification. Apart from the two brothers Percival (‘Pompey’) Pederson and John Pederson the others are all half-siblings not step-siblings. She shared a father with Martin Pederson Jnr, Annie Jeffcott nee Pederson and Elizabeth Willis nee Pederson and she shared a mother with Olive Spier nee Hopgood.]
60, 46, 21 Nov. 1939, page 3
Mt Bryan Camp Comforts Committee staged a tennis & garden party at Stud Park Mt Bryan last Saturday and the takings were well over £50. The report extends for 1 column.
Burra Benevolent Soc. met on 16 November. Rev. V. Secombe was appointed acting President following the death of Rev. Andrews.
Ironmine Methodist Ladies Guild held a Harvest Fair on 11 November in Leighton Hall. The report runs for just over 1⁄2 column.
Kuitpo Colony appeal in Burra raised over £20.
[The colony aimed to rehabilitate destitute unemployed men and boys in SA.]
Aberdeen Croquet Club opened its season on 18 November. Kooringa and Aberdeen played.
[And if I have allocated the names correctly to the clubs, Aberdeen 50 defeated Kooringa 30.]
9/23 Light Horse will apparently go into camp early in January for three months. Enlistments are taking place to bring the Burra Troop up to strength. Single men only. Pay for private soldiers is 5/- a day. The horse allowance has not been fixed yet. Persons enlisting must be able to provide their own horse. Cpl Fowelstone has been transferred to RAAF and Trooper Albert Sampson has also received his call, having applied for a transfer [to RAAF].
Burra Red Cross appeal has reached £116-10-8.
Recruiting Officers are visiting country centres.
60, 46, 21 Nov. 1939, page 4
Burra RSL held a garden party at ‘Belcunda’ the home of President Mr G.S. Hawker & Mrs Hawker. The weather was threatening, but the event went on, beginning at c. 3 p.m. By about 4 p.m. 220 were present. High tea followed at 5.15 p.m. with four sitting till 7.15 p.m.
60, 47, 28 Nov. 1939, page 1
Burra Town Council, 20 November
A letter from Senator McBride & Mr Sid. McHugh MHR said that from 1 December Kooringa & Aberdeen Post Offices would be named Burra & Burra North respectively.
It was resolved to write back requesting that Aberdeen be known as North Burra.
The Unemployment Relief Council wrote about Christmas Relief.
The AWU advised they would resume negotiations with Council and suggested 4 December.
A letter formalising arrangements for the free use of the Institute is to lie on the table till the next meeting.
W.J. Bown was appointed Ranger at 10/- a week.
North Ward Councillors & the Chairman of the Public Works Committee are to resolve a problem with a tree and access to and from Fore St from the Main Road.
Obituary. Mr John Doyle died suddenly at Hallett 31 October. He was born at Mt Bryan East 63 years ago as the youngest son of the late Mr John & Mrs Eliza Doyle, who were among the earliest settlers there. He was educated at Mt Bryan East School and came to live in Hallett about 46 years ago where his mother ran a general store in the premises known as Edges. After his mother’s death he took over the business and conducted it in the original premises until he purchased the premises of Drew & Crewes Ltd, opposite, a few years ago. He was on the Institute Committee for many years and in his early days was secretary of the old Athletic Club and a committeeman until it went into recess. He was a JP for many years. About 17 years ago he married Miss Hilda Warren Rowe who survives. Mrs E. McDonald of Glenelg is a sister. There is no family.
[John Doyle died 31 October 1939 at Hallett. He was born 15 January 1876 at Mt Bryan and married Hilda Warren Rowe 4 June 1923 at Pirie St Methodist Church, Adelaide.]
Leighton Hall AGM was held 24 November with President I.J. Warnes in the chair. The recent death of Mr Dan. E. Williams one of the oldest members was noted and lamented. During the year the overdraft was reduced from £185-16-4 to £164-5-4. £83-0-6 has been collected for an electric light plant leaving £22-1-0 to be found. Elected were President, I.J. Warnes; Vice President, A.T. McWaters; Treasurer, A.D. McDonald and Secretary, Mervyn Humphrys.
C.D. (Des.) Pexton was farewelled by the Burra Rifle Club on Saturday. He is getting married and moving to WA.
Burra Progress Assoc. wants grass along the creek burnt off and the cemetery tidied up.
The Mayor took exception to being told what to do and was backed by his Councillors.
Burra Rifle Club fired the 10th stage of the Burrs Record Trophy and the best scores were by F. Baulderstone, E.C. Collins, W.K. Pexton & L. Allen.
Cricket. Saturday at Booborowie: Burra played Booborowie North.
Booborowie North 8 for 258 declared.
Tennis. Burra Assoc. 18 November
‘A’ Grade Aberdeen 10-90 defeated Willalo 8-81
60, 47, 28 Nov. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 2 December
Raymond Massey & Valerie Hobson in The Drum
Warren Williams & Ida Lupino in The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt
Advt. Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Sale of Pastoral Property 15 December at Burra Institute.
‘Alexandrina’ and ‘Alderman’s’ Station Situated c. 60 miles northeast of Burra,
comprising 53,760 acres of Pastoral Leasehold: Pastoral Blocks 626 & 627.
Burra VSD. 13 members have received First Aid Certificates. Several have Home Nursing Certificates. The Transport Section has been started and 18 members have had driving tests. There is an appeal for clothes for refugees.
Obituary. Miss Emma Geake died 22 November aged 74. She was born at Kooringa in May 1865, the third daughter of the late Mr & Mrs William Geake, Burra pioneers. Except for a few years in Victoria she lived all her life in Kooringa and was active in the Methodist Church until the last two years of illness. Her father was the Sunday school superintendent for many years. In World War I she and her sisters knitted many socks. She is survived by one sister Miss Elizabeth Geake who lives in the old home in Queen St and a brother William Geake of Kooringa. She was a long-time member of the Rechabite Lodge. [Born 14 May 1865 Kooringa.]
Mt Bryan Red Cross has £52-19-6 in donations.
Burra Red Cross Appeal has reached £120-7-8.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 18 November.
Leane’s Adit. At 70ft level driving south on No. 1 lead advanced to 55ft with average width of face 2”: erratic and hard with no values. It has been decided to cease work here.
Stoped out back of main drive for 9ft, but no values.
60, 47, 28 Nov. 1939, page 3
Leighton Hall Fete was held last Saturday with dancing and a mock court in the evening. Details fill 11⁄2 columns.
Scouts. 1st Burra Wolf Cubs celebrated their 2nd anniversary on 17 November at World’s End Gorge.
60, 48, 5 Dec. 1939, page 1
Tennis. Burra Assoc. 25 November
‘A’ Grade Booborowie 10-93 defeated Ironmine 8-85
Mt Bryan 11-85 defeated Aberdeen 7-75
Hallett 11-96 defeated Willalo 7-85
‘B’ Grade Hallett 13-101 defeated Willalo 4-66
Booborowie 9-90 defeated Ironmine I 9-88
Ironmine II 13 sets defeated Mt Bryan 5 sets
1st/2nd AIF Volunteers.
Ron Swindon & Arthur Cox were the first of the 2nd AIF volunteers from Burra to be farewelled at the Burra Institute Lodge Room on Thursday last. Both are in the 6th Division C Company and come from Aberdeen. They go to NSW and the press says they will go overseas in January. They were wished well by the Mayor and Dr D.M. Steele whose remarks were supported by H.J.B. Jennison, F.T. Sara, A.L. Bence, M.W. Bednall & A.B. Riggs.
Bill Hann, late of Burra is now a sergeant in the 2nd AIF.
60, 48, 5 Dec. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies 2 December
Jane Withers & Jed Prouty in Miss Fix-it
Peter Lorre & Virginia Field in Mr Moto’s Last Warning
W.G. Hawkes is visiting his son Glen G. Hawkes at Koonoona.
Paxton Square Cottages will get verandahs following permission from Burra Town Council to the Chairman of the Lewis Trust, Mr S. Kellaway. Other improvements have recently been made.
Burra Petrol Retailers will refuse to sell Shell or Plume petrol from Monday next unless those companies cease the practice of selling small quantities at depot prices and agree to sell in minimum quantities of 44 gallons.
Obituary. Mrs George Earle of Willalo died at Burra Hospital on Thursday 30 November. She was born at Gawler River in 1866, a daughter, Frances Harriet, of the late Mr & Mrs Brumby. She married George Earle in 1885 and they went to live at Belton for 33 years. [North of Carrieton.] They then took land at Booborowie North (Willalo) in about 1918 and lived there until recently. She is survived by a husband, 11 sons and 2 daughters: Messrs George (Hallett), Roy* (Burra), Hurlet* (Gawler River), Oliver (Quondong Station), Perce (Unley), Leslie (Curnamana), Clive* (Kielpa), Frank (Spalding), Ernest (Victoria), Leonard (Streaky Bay), Eric (Canowie) and Mesdames George (Orroroo) & Ridings (Malvern). There are 27 grandchildren & 5 great-grandchildren. Five sons saw service in the Great War: Roy, Oliver, Perce, Leslie and Frank as well as a son-in-law Mr T. Surfield.
[Born Frances Harriet Brumby 16 November Red Banks, Grace Plains: died 29 November Burra, residence Willalo.]
[* Note: Hurlet would seem to be an error for Hurtle, but One son was Hurtle Roy, so the intended name here could be the otherwise missing Charles Herbert. Unless Clive is a nickname it is an error for Harold Clyde.]
Burra Institute Committee has asked the Burra Town Council to strike a permanent 1d special rate to support the Institute. This would bring in about £60. The opinions expressed in Council do not look as though the Council will give £60 this year and the rate has already been struck.
60, 48, 5 Dec. 1939, page 3
Marriage. St Mary’s Burra 30 November
Joyce E. Lee, second daughter of Mr & Mrs William J. Lee of Kooringa, married
Clive Desmond Pexton, late of Mongolata and youngest son of Mr William & the late Mrs Pexton of Seacliff.
Cricket. At Booborowie on Saturday
Burra 282 defeated Booborowie North 258.
At World’s End on Sunday, World’s End 94 defeated Burra 36.
Mr Menzies the PM has announced that the 2nd AIF will serve abroad early in the New Year. Menzies’ speech in the House of Representatives on 29 November is reported.
Hallett Methodist Church Strawberry Fete of 4 November is reported. Takings reached £95.
60, 50, 12 Dec. 1939, page 1 [No. 49 not used in this volume.]
Burra Red Cross Circle met on 5 December. They resolved to send £10-10-0 for Christmas Cheer with half to go to Keswick Hospital and half to Angorichina Hostel. The Circle decided to form a Trench Comforts Fund in which all officers of the Red Cross will hold equivalent positions. The two societies will keep separate accounts. Donations to the Red Cross so far have reached £126-14-8. The branch has 74 members with an average attendance of about 30, with many more working at home.
Burra Rifle Club has shot the 11th stage of the Burra Record Trophy with T.R. Pexton, H.H. Byles, J. Schwier & J.E. Harris returning the best scores.
Burra Town Council, 4 December
The Mayor addressed the letter from the Institute about the free use of the hall. He said he did not understand what they wanted. The solicitor had billed them 1 guinea for the letter, which he thought should be shared with the Institute Committee as they wanted the agreement. The Committee wanted three days’ notice in writing for a meeting, which would not always be appropriate or possible. They also wanted any money collected at such a meeting, which, if there were costs involved in calling a meeting would effectively mean the Council would be liable for Hall Hire. He proposed a meeting with the Institute to discuss the matter. Carried.
Discussion was also against a 1d special rate to support the Institute.
M.W. Bednall solicitor advised that Council could make what charge it liked for hawkers having stands in the street, but could not interfere with hawkers taking fruit and vegetables from door to door.
The Postmaster General is considering the request to have the name changed from Burra North to North Burra.
The Under Secretary writes concerning the sum of £400 advanced for a swimming pool and asking what progress had been made. A meeting with the committee is to be arranged.
Subsequently it was decided to write a reply asking for an extension of twelve months as extra money to build the pool was still being raised.
Cricket. At Burra on 9 December, Burra 175 defeated World’s End 86.
60, 50, 12 Dec. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 16 December
Dorothy Lamour & Ray Milland in The Jungle Princess
Lester Matthews & Frances Farmer in Too Many Parents
21 December
Annabella & Henry Fonda in Wings of the Morning
Flotsam & Jetsam and Larry Adler in Calling All Stars
The Mayor’s Annual Christmas Cheer Fund is opened for the needy of the town.
Rev. W.O. Harris preached at the two Methodist Churches in the town last weekend in aid of Home Missions. He is Superintendent of Methodist Home Missions.
Tennis. Kooringa Lawn Tennis Club. Last Tuesday the Kooringa Ladies defeated Clare Ladies 2 rubbers to 1.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for fortnight to 2 December.
Leane’s Adit. At 70ft level continued the main drive to 16ft, driving south on a 3” leader showing no values by pan test. Three days prospecting on Farnden’s Hill brought no results.
Will now begin working at the 90 & 100ft levels.
60, 50, 12 Dec. 1939, page 3
Burra Troop Light Horse is now at full strength. The next camp is fixed for 27 January 1940 for officers and NCOs with the main body to follow on 10 February. The horse allowance is set at 10/- per week.
60, 51, 19 Dec. 1939, page 1
Burra Rifle Club Special Christmas Shoot. The best four shooters were Len Allen, A.B. Riggs, R. Jeffery & P.W. Hogan.
Burra Trench Comforts Fund held a Christmas Party at Princess Royal on Saturday. Proceeds were very satisfactory. [Page 2 reports it took about £27.]
Burra High School Prefects’ Dance was held last Wednesday night and raised money for the upkeep of sports grounds and materials.
2nd AIF. Tom P. Halls of Burra went to Adelaide to farewell his 2nd son Robert Halls who has enlisted.
SA Parliamentary Nomenclature Committee has refused to change the name Aberdeen to North Burra, so it will be known as Burra North.
60, 51, 19 Dec. 1939, page 2
Advt. Burra Talkies, 21 December
Annabella & Henry Fonda in Wings of the Morning
Flotsam & Jetsam and Larry Adler in Calling All Stars
25 December
Deanna Durbin & Melvyn Douglas in That Certain Age
Robert Wilcox & Nan Grey in Reckless Living
26 December
Guy Kibbee & Virginia Bruce in Bad Man of Brimstone
Cecilia Parker & Lewis Stone in You’re Only Young Once
28 December
Charlie Ruggles & Ona Munson in His Exciting Night
Adolphe Menjou & Andrea Leeds in Letter of Introduction
30 December
The Jones Family in Down on the Farm
Warner Baxter & Marjorie Weaver in I’ll Give a Million
1 January 1940
The Hurricane
It’s a Grand Old World
Bowls. On Saturday Clare 85 defeated Burra 83.
The Mayor’s Christmas Fund stands at £6-5-6.
Burra Swimming Pool
The Committee told the Mayor they had £150 in hand and the international situation had prevented their adding much to it, consequently there was only about £550 in cash to build a £1,000 pool and they recommended a twelve month extension of time.
The Mayor said he could hardly do that when Cudlee Creek had opened a pool for £700 and so had Tanunda. He suggested that if he could get the unemployed to raise screenings etc. he would check out Tanunda over the holidays and see what could be done. The plans the committee had could not be built under £2,000 and if £700 was good enough for Tanunda it was good enough for Burra.
The Council resolved to hold the matter over till 15 January 1949.
Burra Town Council, 18 December
The conference with the AWU about wages for employees will be held 12 January.
The Town Clerk reported a sound financial position with the Council at present in credit £443-6-1 with outstanding rates of £563.
The next meeting will be held 15 January.
The conference of Council and Institute Committee resolved that notice for a meeting in the hall be by three days in writing, or in an emergency by permission from the President.
If a collection was taken up the committee is to be entitled to normal hire fees.
The Mayor thought this unreasonable as the patriotic meetings etc. would have to be advertised and it cost money.
The Town Clerk thought the Council would be patriotic enough to reimburse the Mayor for such expenses.
It was resolved the agreement would lie on the table till the next full meeting of Council.
Mongolata Goldfield
Baldina Mongolata GM Syndicate for the fortnight to 16 December.
Leane’s Adit. At 70ft level continued to drive south to 23ft over an average leader width of 3”. Stopped when the leader cut out. Since then have taken out fill at 90ft and 100ft levels and sampled same, but no values by pan test.
Military Notes.
More details are given about the forthcoming camp for the local Light Horse and there is a list of new recruits: Troopers B.H. Dunstan, R.A. Dare, L.G. Quinn, J.H. Lovegrove, G.S. Dow, M.V. Hale, I.K. Buttrose & R.T. Wilson.
60, 51, 19 Dec. 1939, page 3
Burra Cycle & Athletic Club held its AGM in RAOB Lodge Hall 11 December. The year had been successful financially. Elected were President, S. Kellaway; Vice-President, J. Kellaway; Secretary, C.S. Preiss; Assistant Secretary, F. Baulderstone & Treasurer, T.H. Thomson.
They decided on a tricycle race on 6 January for children 8 and under.
The club was formed at the Fire Station 15 May 1934 when the present President was elected President. At the end of 1934 there were c. 50 members. These have now dwindled to 23 of whom 6 or 7 can be counted on to ride. In 1939 there were 16 road races. 3, 2 & 1 points were awarded to place getters and at the end a sash was presented by Alex Bevan that went to B. Thomson with 21 points followed by Coleman with 17, Franklin 14 and Garrard 9. B. Thomson also won the trophy for fastest times. Four trophies for individual races were won by G. Harris, G. Jungfer, H. Coleman and Bruce Thomson.
Aberdeen Croquet Club had a visit from Hallett on 12 December when Aberdeen defeated Hallett by 11 points.
Mongolata Goldfield
Some good rich samples were seen last week from the Curlew Claim.
Kooringa Methodist Sunday School held a Christmas Tree & Party on 16 December that is reported in 1⁄2 column.
World’s End School Concert on 13 December is reported in 1⁄2 column.
Copperhouse Methodist Sunday School held a Christmas Party last Saturday which 25 scholars attended.
Burra High School held a banquet last Thursday which is reported.
Characteristics of the 1939 paper.
While there is quite a good coverage of local news, the paper also carried a lot of non-news items. Some, especially on page 4, were of general interest and many were concerned with the deteriorating political situation in both Europe and China, but there were also a good many jokes used as fillers.
Page 1
News and larger local advertisements and a couple of non-local ones too.
Page 2
Smaller advertisements, sales notices of widely varying size, advertisements for the talkies and public notices. Small classified type advertisements and one or two large advertisements. Sometimes some local news.
Page 3
Two or three larger advertisements, but mostly news which fluctuated considerable between local and other items of interest, but also sometimes fillers of general interest and jokes.
Page 4
A few advertisements, but largely items of more general interest with sometimes an overflow of local items.
The district rainfall figures since 1880 are printed quite often on either page 3 or 4.
Numbering of Issues in 1939.
The year began with Volume 60, Number 1 on 3 January 1939.
And continued to Volume 60, Number 51 on 19 December 1939.
There were several anomalies:
No. 40 was used for both 3 October & 10 October and No. 49 was not used at all. No. 48 appeared on 5 December and the issue of 12 December was numbered 50.